YES we think it's FRIGID on Hilton Head Island when it gets to 32! We admit it, we're not hardy. What's more, we like not being hardy. That's why we all moved here. We love our oyster roasts and love standing around the roaring fire, but that's only to forget that it really is cold. Yesterday afternoon when Atlanta got snow and ice, and became a giant parking lot, we were worried about storm "Leon" coming our way. When Jacksonville got snow this afternoon, we were horrified. Savannah too, just a little to our south, was like a skating rink on the pretty squares and the fountains were actually dripping ice! When our "northern city" Charleston got a dusting of snow, we became even more worried. Yes, businesses are closed but of course in real estate everything continues since we're 'in th... 01/29/2014

SHORT on Short Sales on Hilton Head SC January Market Report We are definitely in a SHORTAGE of SHORT SALES on Hilton Head. Of the 617 properties for sale at this moment SIXTEEN (16) are short sales. The ship has pretty much sailed. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, made several statements during the Annual Meeting in November in Orlando. ""Real estate will be a hedge against inflation, with values rising 15 percent cumulatively over the next three years, also meaning there will be fewer upside-down home owners," Yun said. "Today is a perfect opportunity for moderate-income renters to become successful home owners, but stringent mortgage credit conditions are holding them back." This speaks directly to homeowners who have previously been unable to s... 01/28/2014

FAQ - WHAT IS WINTER LIKE ON HILTON HEAD, SC Do you get snow on Hilton Head Island? The short answer is, we have had one dusting ( I moved here last from MN). In the 17 years I have lived here, I have seen snow remain on the ground only once. It happened at 10:00PM and outside I heard the neighborhood children screaming with joy and giggling and laughing. I turned on the outside lights and saw snow coming down and blanketing the grass, the driveway, my patio table and the birdfeeder. The children were making snow angels in what tiny  bit of snow was there - with the grass sticking out.  They ran over to borrow a hat and asked me for a carrot for the snowman's nose. Their little snowman probably stood at 18 inches high but they were ecstatic - that was five years ago.  What is the avera... 01/23/2014

22nd ANNUAL SOUP CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT VIM HILTON HEAD SC 2014 Just in time for the cold weather! The 20th anniversary Lowcountry Soup Challenge is on the horizon! WHEN:    SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2014               Noon to 3PM WHERE:   WESTIN RESORT & SPA                2 Grasslawn Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC HOW:       Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door WHO:       Volunteers in Medicine This highly anticipated event started out as basically a 'walk-about' along the sidewalks of the Tanger Outlet shopping center, moved to Hilton Head at the Shelter Cove Mall, and has been at other hotels on the island as well. This year, to celebrate 20 years of Volunteers in Medicine's service to Hilton Head, it moves to the newly renovated Westin Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island close t... 01/18/2014

Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Villa Market Report, last 90 days 2013-2014 Palmetto Dunes Resort is one of the most highly regarded areas on Hilton Head Island for beautiful homes, an 11-mile navigable lagoon system, easy beach access and three championship golf courses – an Arthur Hills course, Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront course, and George Fazio course. Located mid-island on Hilton Head Island, it is also home to Shelter Cove and the Shelter Cove marina. Highway 278 runs through the middle of Palmetto Dunes so that one side is oriented to the Atlantic Ocean and the other side is on Broad Creek. The market report that follows will address the villas that are located on the golf course as well as in the Shelter Cove area. As with the rest of Hilton Head Island, inventory in the Palme... 01/16/2014

TOUR DAY on Hilton Head - Spotlight Sea Pines Resort Our local MLS divides Hilton Head Island into different areas and every Wednesday, one of these areas is highlighted and Realtors(R) have their new listings available for tour. This is a terrific opportunity for sellers to present their property to the largest number of agents in a short time. To that end, all of us are always 'shopping' for a customer or client and for me this week was no different. Another terrific benefit is to 'place' homes and compare within price ranges. Every week, I choose at least one 'best buy' on the island and one 'best buy' on the mainland in Bluffton and this week was no different. After previewing 12 properties in 2-1/2 hours (including a stop for lunch at one of the listings) - yes, it can be done - I'... 01/16/2014

Captains Quarters, Shelter Cove/Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head, SC Captains Quarters completes the whole Shelter Cove area. Tucked past Anchorage and right up close to the marina store, Captains Quarters stand as a sentry to the entrance to Broad Creek from Shelter Cove Harbour. They have pretty marsh views as well as deep water. What kind of features are in the villas? There are 64 total units in Captains Quarters and they are fairly evenly divided between one and two bedrooms. The one bedroom villas are approximately 883 square feet and the monthly management fees are $393.31. Two bedroom villas are 1390 square feet and the monthly fees are about $484. There has been the need for an additional insurance assessment annually and it averages in the mid $600 range. Monthly fees include wate... 01/13/2014

Anchorage Villas at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head, SC Find similar condos for sale to the Anchorage Villas at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head, SC The Anchorage is located within Shelter Cove. It's about being around the water either by Shelter Cove Harbour or the pretty splashing fountains that are scattered throughout the property. Which one should you choose? The Anchorage makes it fairly easy since they all have views of the fountains or the pool by the harbour. There are 88 two bedroom two bath units within this community. There are different floor plans depending on whether you are on the 'first' or the second floor. Because there are garages underneath, the actual 'first' floor is up one story and there are no elevators so if that's a consideration, perhaps one of the other lovely communit... 01/12/2014

Yacht Club Villas, Shelter Cove, Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head, SC You might be excused for beginning to integrate some sailing/boating terms if you spend enough time or buy a condo at Yacht Club Villas in Shelter Cove. With all of the beautiful boats going by, and as you stroll along the promenade, surely you'll start to refer to port and starboard directions - or make some friends so that you can begin to enjoy the waterways. What are the Villas like? There are 43 two and three bedroom units in Yacht Club Villas. The two bedrooms are approximately 1240 - 1378 square feet and the three bedrooms are 1372-1467 sqare feet. Most have views of the harbour from balconies. Yacht Club Villas were built in 1983. Many of the villas have been updated with tile flooring, granite countertops and stai... 01/12/2014

  Tradewinds Villas, Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head, SC Find similar condos for sale to the Tradewinds Condos in Shelter Cove. If you like being close to the water but still having the amenities of a home, Tradewinds may be just the place. Gated with garages underneath, these pretty townhomes are just across the street from the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina as well as the Shelter Cove Marina and all the shops and restaurants. Tradewinds Villa Specifics There are only 28 total units in this pretty enclave. They are all three bedrooms and some of the individual villas have their own elevator since they are townhome style. The floor plans are open with high ceilings, open kitchen and plenty of room for entertaining with balconies on two of the floors. Built in 2006 they are so... 01/01/2014

How to Evaluate a Villa Purchase on Hilton Head Island, SC Because real estate is definitely local, I thought it might be helpful to give some tips about villa (as we say here rather than condo) buying on Hilton Head Island, SC.  1. Location is obviously the first decision but the fine points are, what does 'not too far from the beach mean'? Will you have children or grandchildren that you'll need to be pushing, carrying, holding hands with? Is across the street too far for you? Is 2/10s of a mile too far? Here on the island, we have gated communities. Is it important for you to have a security guard Is it important that there are community pools, tennis, golf? 2. Interior features; will it be OK if you not only have to go up steps to get to your villa but that there are stairs within t... 01/01/2014

Main Sail Condos, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC Find similar condos for sale to the Main Sail Condos, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC Behind the imposing 10 foot high gates, you get a glimpse of the large pool for Main Sail and the wide angle view of the best part of Shelter Cove Marina as it opens out to Broad Creek on its way to the Intracoastal Waterway. Main Sail Condo Specifics There are 56 individual condos divided between two buildings in Main Sail. There is an open courtyard with pergola and a large pool as well as a playground. With pretty tiled roofs, there are also large balconies for every unit. All units enjoy stunning water views. There are 7 floor plans within the complex and they range in size from 1705 to 2500 square feet with configurations of either 3 bed... 12/22/2013

Harbourside I and II Condos, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC Find similar condos for sale to the Harbourside I and II Condos, Hilton Head Island, SC Living on an island is all about living on or near the water. In Harbourside I and II, you can do both! With direct views to the Shelter Cove Marina, the sparkling water will remind you how perfect a location this really is. Because the Shelter Cove area is a part of the larger gated community of Palmetto Dunes, you enjoy all of those privileges as well. Harbourside I and II Specifics There are 30 villas in Harbourside I and 42 in Harbourside II. They range in size from 887 square feet for a 1 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath flat, to 1647 square feet for a 3 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath penthouse. Some of the 1 bedroom villas have spiral stairs to the mas... 12/22/2013

2013 Holiday Light Viewing on Hilton Head Island, SC This is a great time to get out and about and hop in the car after dinner to enjoy all the decorative lights on Hilton Head Island. TOWN OF HILTON HEAD OFFICIAL TREE: Tonight, November 30, 2013, will mark the official beginning of the season with the lighting of the Town of Hilton Head Tree at 5:30PM by Mayor Drew Laughlin. Festivities begin at 3:30 and culminate with the throwing of the switch. The tree is located on the grounds of the Coastal Carolina Art Center and with a visit by Rudolph and Santa - before they begin their work in earnest preparing for Christmas - it also kicks off the season for the island. Donations for Deep Well food bank are welcome. TOWN OF HILTON HEAD FIRE STATION 3, 534 William Hilton Parkway: Every year th... 11/30/2013

Living in Queens Grant on Hilton Head Island SC A scant distance from the best beaches on Hilton Head are the Queens Grant villas. With mixes of either 2 or 3 bedrooms and 1, 2, or 3 baths, they have been popular either as weekend retreats for nearby neighbors, second homes, or vacation rental property. Located on Queens Folly Road, Queens Grant is within Palmetto Dunes without being through the gated portion of the community. Easy walking distance to the general store, this community has 3 pools on site, lovely decks, and most are one story. Lagoons are located throughout providing for wildlife viewing as well. Queens Grant allows pets for both owners and guests which also makes it a popular place. The beach is just a short walk or bike ride away as well as the 2 beach houses. If you'r... 10/06/2013

My MeetUp with Susan Jacobsen in Hilton Head South Carolina A meet up doesn't have to wait for ActiveRain to deem it time. I find that AR's chosen schedules are not always the same as mine. This year I did not get to the last two local meetups. They are fun but sometimes impossible to make happen. Maybe next year I'll host one of my own?? We don't have too many local members in my immediate area.  Sand Castles are one way to own a Hilton Head home, Let Susan show you more!! On a recent trip to Hilton Head South Carolina I was able to meet up with Susan Jacobsen. Susan is local Beaufort County Realtor and ActiveRain member. I contacted her quite a while ago to see if she would give me info about her area as I was planning to visit. I had never met Susan before, but she was quite receptiv... 10/05/2013

Hilton Head SC is a beautiful place to be This is usually a blog about living in the Hudson Valley, so why talk about Hilton Head? Many people from the Hudson Valley purchase a second home, or look to retire in South Carolina.   Moving south for the winter is a great treat with warm weather, beaches and lots of golf.  For some, this can be a great investment to have now, and later for their retirement.   Many people think about looking for a place but don't know where to begin. How to go about buying a home and not knowing the neighborhood can be a challenge. The question of where to begin, is at the beginning.  If you have not started the process it can be overwhelming. Let me make it simple to help get you on your way. On a recent trip south I spent some time with a local Realtor, Sus... 10/03/2013

Furry Friends Fundraiser Hilton Head Island October 12, 2013 Hilton Head is no stranger to making everyone feel at home - including beloved pets of residents and visitors alike. It's not unusual to see bowls of water and be handed treats at storefronts from Harbourtown to South Beach in Sea Pines, to Main Street and places in between. We are also home to committed and gentle souls who run Maranatha Farms, the Hilton Head Humane Association, Noah's Ark, Beaufort County Shelter, and the Palmetto Animal League. WHAT:   GELATO FOR PAWS WHEN:   SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013,  2-5PM WHERE:  VILLAGE OF WEXFORD - PINO GELATO COST:     FREE! (but donations are very much appreciated) WHO:     ANYONE AND EVERYONE There will be food, contests (I see an ugly dog contest or owner/dog look-a-like contest... 10/01/2013

Hilton Head Island Celebration 350/30 In honor of the 350th anniversary of the sighting of our little barrier island by Captain William Hilton (NO he didn't initially land here, and NO relation to Paris Hilton as far as I know), and in honor of the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Hilton Head, this week brings celebrations every day through Saturday, October 5th. WHEN: ALL WEEK 9/30/13 - 10/5/13 WHERE:  ALL over Hilton Head Island WHAT:   SEE THE SCHEDULE For those who are history buffs, we are fortunate to have both the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Heritage Library. Both of these places are fun to visit and compile loads of information both about Hilton Head and about the families who live here. They have both provided lots of history for this event! It's a grea... 10/01/2013

Locals choice for fresh seafood on Hilton Head Island, SC I don't mean to offend any of the other fine eating establishments on Hilton Head since there are a myriad; and my disclaimer is that this is only my humble opinion, but when people ask me where to go I always say SEA SHACK! WHERE IS IT? Tucked away on 6 Executive Park Road, across from a short term rental company, next door to a bar on one side and a construction company on the other - and on the back side of a more upscale eatery, The Sea Shack takes a little bit of work to find. WHAT IS THE MENU? Fresh everything; from the difficult to find trigger fish, to mahi mahi, to shrimp, soft shell crab, tilapia, red snapper - you name it they have it IF it is in season. Your choices are fried, grilled, blackened and platters come with... 08/29/2013