Hilton Head Island Real Estate ~ Internet Shopping

INTERNET SHOPPING-- It seems to be common place today to do most of our shopping on the Internet. No need to go to the stores anymore--you can get most of what you need just sitting at your desk during lunch surfing the web. Studies show that 87-90 % of Real Estate Buyers start their search online. This can be a real time saver --or so we think. It is easy to spend hours pouring over homes that "look" like the perfect home-only to find out that the "homey" kitchen was the size of a closet or that you have a major highway running thru your back yard( where was that in the pictures) It is very important to establish a good relationship with an actual agent--one that can do most of the leg work for you. When you give them your 'Wish List" they can rule out alot of properties that will not work --many of which looked perfect on the Internet saving you valuable time to enjoy the things that you like to do. Remember the internet is a good tool but should not be used in place of finding a good strong REALTOR who will ultimately save you time and money.
Blog Written By Lonnie Goulet
lonniegoulet@aol.com
Cell: (843)338-0094

Hilton Head ~ Home Prices Are On The Up!

"HOUSE PRICES ARE CURRENTLY GOING UP" !!!... This according to analysis done by Morningstar, Inc., and independent investment research company founded in 1984. On May 23, 2011 they detailed...... "long story short, the news flow regarding residential prices is set to take a turn for the better in the coming months" and "the data is showing solid gains: 2011 is likely already ahead of 2009's seasonal bounce" whose results benefited generously from government stimulus. Back in February of this year, The Wall Street Journal advised us that "housing prices will probably bottom in 2011" and that investors with cash are buying up houses and condos; investors are betting on a rebound. Locally, The Island Packet, earlier this hear headlined "Across Beaufort County Vacation Homes Sales Are on the Rise." Sellers, take heart; the future seems bright. Buyers, get out there and invest in your future!!!

Blog written by Marguerite Carver GRI, CRS
margcarver@yahoo.com
Cell: 215-680-5650

Featured Property ~ Price Reduced $50,000

This custom built Sea Pines home has been reduced by $50,000. This lovely home is located in Carolina Place within the gates of Sea Pines. Carolina Place offers a community pool and tennis courts and is walking distance to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Ride your bike to the beach, Lawton Stables, South Beach, or Harbour Town. Sea Pines has something for everyone. This low maintenance home features 3BR/3BA, crown molding throughout, designer fixtures and high end finishes. Beautiful tile flooring on main floor. Large kitchen with cabinets galore! Plenty of storage & closets. Wood burning fireplace, 10 ft ceilings on the main floor + 9 ft ceilings on the second floor, and much more. Bring us an offer!

Short Sale Vs Foreclosure

In today’s market, we see many of the homes on the market as “short sales” or “foreclosures”. What does this really mean for you, the buyer? Both usually give you a home that will end up being purchased at less than the current market value but the process is very different. Just ask someone who just spent months waiting on an answer on a short sale only to find it going into a foreclosure auction. Here are a few pros and cons of both the short sale and foreclosure.

Foreclosure:

This is usually a bank owned property. The bank will usually make current the back taxes and utilities. In some cases, these properties have been left in a hurry and sometimes left in a mess and with furnishings removed such as appliances, fixtures, bathroom mirrors, and anything else the owner thought was of value.

Once you are ready to submit your offer, your realtor will help you determine a reasonable price to offer. This is usually close to the asking price and in some cases, if a bidding war starts, it will sell for more than asking price. There is not much negotiation here.  The bank will even continue to accept offers during this time. In some cases, you may have to be prequalified by the selling bank in order to even submit the offer. Once the offer has been accepted, this sale usually closes within 30-60 days. You may choose to perform an inspection and a CL100 but the banks typically will not make and repairs or concessions, the property is sold as is.

So your positives are that the process will be quicker than a short sale and you will end up purchasing a home below current market value.

Short Sale:

A short sale home is still belongs to the homeowner. The homeowner has communicated with their bank that they will be selling their home “short” or less than what they currently owe on the property. The homeowner is usually still living in the home and the home is in good condition. 

Once you are ready to submit the offer, your realtor will help you determine the price to offer. In this case, there is more negotiating power. The seller will sign off on the offer and submit it to the bank. Even though the seller signed off and “accepted” the offer, the bank will have the final say. They may come back with a counter offer. This process is usually longer than a foreclosure, lasting anywhere from 30-90 days. I’ve even seen it longer than that. Once the offer has been accepted, the closing takes place 30-45 days later. You may choose to perform an inspection and a CL100 and in some instances, the seller may choose to make the repairs but usually the home is sold “as is”.

The positives to a short sale are that you typically have more room to negotiate, are receiving a home in fine condition, and are purchasing a home below market value.

Not Your Typical Sunday!

 This past weekend was fun filled and educational in our office. Not only did we have the Open House on Sunday, but we also had an amazing Trish McEvoy Make-Up Event. Two National Trish Make-Up Artists were here to provide some one-on-one time and education featuring those summer must haves for that sun-kissed look. The nearest Trish McEvoy counter is in Charleston so we were very lucky to have the girls in our office. It was a much needed visit. Can't wait for them to come back. If you would like to be notified of the next event, please e-mail us. We would love to see you. 

BRAVO Arts and Cultural Festival ~ Hilton Head and Bluffton

BRAVO Arts & Cultural Festival Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry celebrate our area's vibrant arts community and diverse cultural heritage through visual and performing arts events, cultural activities and programs during the month of May each year. 2011 Bravo Events April 27-May 29, 2011 HAIRSPRAY “‘Hairspray’ succeeds in recreating the pleasures of the old-fashioned musical comedy without seeming old-fashioned." – The New York Times Teenager Tracy Turnblad wants just one thing: to dance on The Corny Collins Show, the coolest teen TV show of all of Baltimore! Aided by her best friend Penny, and against the wishes of her mom, Edna, Tracy becomes a local star and sets out to challenge the teen dance world. Winner of eight Tonys, including Best Musical, Hairspray is a modern classic and a worldwide hit (the London production was nominated for a record-setting seven Laurence Olivier Awards). Tickets: 843-842-ARTS; www.artshhi.com April 30 5:30-7:00 ‘Meet the Artists’ reception at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn - $25 per person, reservations requested. Meet the artists participating in the 2011 Art Market at Historic Honey Horn. Hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants and wine will be served. May 1-15 PICTURE THIS GALLERY: RECYCLED ART JURIED EXHIBIT A.R.T. Art Recycled from Trash: A juried exhibit with work from established, emerging student artists. All original work is at least 75% recycle, re-used and repurposed. Categories include two-demensional art, three-dimensional art, clothing , jewelry, and utilitarian items. Exhibit hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; and Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm. May 1 – 30 BRAVO in Old Town Bluffton Bravo visitors are invited to celebrate springtime in Old Town. The Art Galleries of Old Town, each with a unique personality and within a short stroll of each other, will be open for special events featuring over 200 artists. Artwork represented includes original paintings, fine prints, jewelry, fiber, pottery, photographers, wood, and basketry. See Old Town Bluffton.com for full calendar of events. May 1-31 Heyward House Historic Center offers Tours and Tea during the month of May Half hour tours of the house and grounds for $5 per person Monday-Friday 10-3 One hour group walking tours of Bluffton’s Historic District (including house tour) for $10 per person. Offered by appointment Monday-Friday starting at 9 am. Please call 843.757.6293 for more information. May 1- 31 The Pink House Gallery will be presenting an exhibition of the original dimensional wooden pieces of Gail and Roger Johnson. They are a husband and wife team who create charming mixed-medium structures. Their work is fun and colorful and captures various building of this area as well as many whimsical pieces from their imaginations.May 2 HHSO Concert: The Planets: A Celestial Journey Season Finale We conclude our season with three symphonic classics from three centuries: The Bach Double, Verdi’s great operatic march; and Holst’s famous seven-movement score, which evokes the astrological characteristic of each planet. Time: 8 pm Lcoation: First Presbyterian Church, Wm. Hilton Parkway Tickets may be purchased online at www.hhso.org or by calling the box office at 843-842-2055 May 3 Heritage Library Foundation: Presents Hilton Head History: Unique Aspects Louise Cohen: Gullah Heritage. 1:30pm. No cost to attend, contributions welcome. Located: 1:30pm -2nd Floor, Savannah Bank Building, 852 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. For more information, call 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. May 3-8 South Carolina Repertory Company presents Cheer from Chawton: A Jane Austin Theatrical With delightful speech, period movement, costume and music, this show reveals the wit, humor, affection, character and depth of Jane Austin, who wrote some of the greatest novels ever produced. 2pm and 8pm performances. ticket information call 843-342-2057 www.hiltonheadtheatre.com May 4 Island Writers’ Network presents: Readings from Hilton Head Island: Unpacked and Staying, and Hilton Headings by Bobbi Hahn – “Good Dog” Shanti North –“Sea Pines Wildlife Preserve” Norma Can Amberg- “Living with Alligators” A talented and diverse group of local writers will read from and discuss their published works in a series of sessions. Followed by discussions and refreshments. 1pm-3pm- hosted by the Friends of the Library – location: Hilton Head Island public library. May 5, 12, 19, 26 ( Thursdays) The Sandbox Imagination Hour – 10:30-11:30am Join us every Thursday for a weekly story time followed by a related arts and crafts project. Each week will have a unique theme and will enstill a life long passion for reading and creative thinking. No cost to attend. Sponsored by Hargray Caring Coins and the Sandbox. 843-842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org. May 6-29 ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD presents its 22nd National Juried Show at Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Artists from across the country compete to exhibit in seven categories for over $7000 in cash awards. All art is for sale. Admission is free. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and one hour before show times. 843-681-5060 – www.artleaguehhi.org May 7 Mother’s Day Family Fun! Wire beading- Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Create a beautiful work of art with wire, beads and plain bottles or jars. All materials and tools are provided. Make one as a gift for Mother’s Day or to keep for yourself! 12:00-2:00 $18 Ages 10-adult. To register call 843-686-3945, ext. 233. May 7 Introduction to Calligraphy- Art Center of Coastal Carolina Learn beautiful lettering for everyday uses: address envelopes, wedding invitations, scrapbook journaling, art to frame and embellish cards for any occasion. Students receive a study guide and double-nib calligraphy pen to keep. No artistic ability necessary. 9-11am,$18 Ages: 17 and up To register call 843-686-3945, ext. 233. May 7 Island Writers’ Network presents: Young Adult Session ( Ages 9-14) Jane Hill – Clarendon Island and Only a True Ghost of a Chance A talented and diverse group of local writers will read from and discuss their published works in a series of sessions. Followed by discussions and refreshments. 11AM- 12 Noon. Hosted by the Friends of the Library – location: Hilton Head Island public library. May 7 Island Writers’ Network presents: Readings by: James Edward Alexander – Half Way Home from Kinderlou Tom Crawford – Foibles Norm Levy – Rhymes for our Times A talented and diverse group of local writers will read from and discuss their published works in a series of sessions. Followed by discussions and refreshments. 1pm-3pm- hosted by the Friends of the Library – location: Hilton Head Island public library. May 7 & May 21 Saturdays at The Sandbox Get Fired Up With Pottery – 9:30am-10:30am Paint a plate or mug with your own unique design! It will be fired and ready for pick up the following Wednesday. Reservations Recommended - No cost to attend. Sponsored by Hargray Caring Coins and the Sandbox. 843-842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org. May 10 - Heritage Library Foundation Presents: Events Leading up to the Civil War presented by Robert Smith. No cost to attend, contributions welcome. Located: 2nd Floor, Savannah Bank Building, 852 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. For more information, call 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. May 10 – 13 (Tuesday through Friday) The Sandbox Chalk Art Show – 10:30am-4:30pm Stop by The Sandbox and help decorate the outside ofour museum with chalk. With your help, The Sandbox will be turned into a work of art for everyone to see. All artists and budding artists are encouraged to participate No cost to attend. Sponsored by Hargray Caring Coins and the Sandbox. 843-842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org. May 13, 2011-June 2011 - Art Beyond Tradition"  - The Art Beyond Tradition group of artists will be exhibiting an exciting collection of unique abstract artwork. The new works produced for this venue can best be described as bold, colorful and outstanding. The collection includes paintings in a variety of media and collages. Each piece is distinctively original. Together, the visual impact is definitely beyond the ordinary. The artists include: Deanna Bowdish, Cindy Chiappetta, Art Cornell, Marilyn Dizikes, Jo Dye, Anne Hakala, Vickie Jourdan, Mary Jane Martin, Joan Templer, Arla Crumlick Wible, Caroll Williams and Irene K. Williamson. All work is available for purchase. Opening reception 5/11/11 – 5-7 Coffee, gallery walk – 5/12/11 – 10 AM www.coastaldiscovery.org Mon-Sat 9-4:30, Sun 11-3 843-689-6767 May 13-28 The May River Theatre Co. Inc. opens in its tenth season with the great broadway musical ---- CHICAGO ---- performances will be at 8:00 p.m. on May 13,14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. Sunday matinees will be at 3:00 p.m. on May 15, 22, and 29. For general information call 843-837-7798 and to purchase tickets call 843-815-5581. May 14 HHSO Presents “Picnic & Pops” Concert at Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton JB Scott’s Swingin’ Allstars Dixieland Band Gate opens 5:30 Concert 7 pm Tickets: $20 Children under 12 Free Bring your own picnic or purchase food and beverages on site. Purchase tickets on site the evening of the performance, order online at www.hhso.org or call Hilton Head Symphony Box Office at 843-842-2055 May 14 –( Saturday) The Sandbox Garden Art – 10:30-11:30am Make unique works of art with plants from The Sandbox’s garden - No cost to attend. Sponsored by Hargray Caring Coins and the Sandbox. 843-842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org. May 14 1st Annual Express Yourself Chalk Festival Noon til 4pm at the Promenade in Old Town Bluffton. Sponsored by the St. Gregory the Great Catholic School Art Club and benefiting the Livi Center. Enjoy live music, bouncy houses/slides, games, food and sidewalk chalk drawings by local artists and school Art clubs...or do your own drawings! May 14 Island Writers’ Network presents: Children’s Session ( Ages 5 -10) Marilyn Lorenz – Gert Marilyn will read from and discuss this published work. Followed by discussions and refreshments. 11AM- 12noon. Hosted by the Friends of the Library – location: Hilton Head Island public library. May 17 Heritage Library Foundation: Presents Hilton Head History: Unique Aspects Hunting Lodge era: Presented by Natalie Hefter. No cost to attend, contributions welcome. Located: 1:30pm - 2nd Floor, Savannah Bank Building, 852 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. For more information, call 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org May 18 Island Writers’ Network presents: Readings by:Anne Grace – Grace on Grace Lorie Getz – Flannery O’Connor, Literary Theologian Dee Merian – American Mosaic: Short Series, “Mohammed Ali” A talented and diverse group of local writers will read from and discuss their published works in a series of sessions. Followed by discussions and refreshments. 1pm-3pm- hosted by the Friends of the Library – location: Hilton Head Island public library May 20-29 Main Street Youth Theatre – Shakespeare in the Park - The theatre’s annual Shakespeare in the Park event held at Shelter Cove Community Park will feature Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Performances run May 20th – 22nd and May 27th – 29th. Gates open at 6:00pm for picnics on the lawn. Bring your own dinner or purchase it on site. The show begins at 7:00pm. For ticket information call (843) 689-6246 or visit www.msyt.org. May 21 Intermediate Calligraphy- Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Moving on to the next level after Introduction to Calligraphy, this workshop delves into more ornate lettering styles including flourishes. All materials included. 9-11, $18 Ages: 17 and up. To register call 843-686-3945, ext. 233 May 21 Mosaics- Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Express your creativity with beach glass, beads, porcelain pieces, buttons, rocks, sea shells and other embellishments over a clay pot. All materials provided.12:00-2:00 $18Ages: 17 and up To register call 843-686-3945,ext. 233. May 21 Island Writers’ Network presents: Writers Roundtable: Readings by: Tom Crawford – Creative Writing Norma Van Amberg – Journalism Lorie Getz – Research and Publishing A talented and diverse group of local writers will read from and discuss their published works in a series of sessions. Followed by discussions and refreshments. 1pm-3pm- hosted by the Friends of the Library – location: Hilton Head Island public library May 24- Heritage Library Foundation: Presents: Early History of the Island Presented by Bill Altstaetter. No cost to attend, contributions welcome. Located: 1:30pm -2nd Floor, Savannah Bank Building, 852 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. For more information, call 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. May 26 (2:00 pm and 6:30 pm)– Hilton Head Island Elementary School for the Creative Arts - BRAVO Celebrate the Arts with an Arts and Sciences Exposition, spring chorus concert, student projects on display, “Artist in Residence” projects, creative writing, arts integration curriculum activities. Contact: Karen Cauller at 843-342-4157 or Karen.cauller@beaufort.k12.sc.us May 28 3rd Annual Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour, presented by Howard Allen Events, www.artfestival.com. Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday May 28, 10:00am – 6:00pm and Sunday May 29, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Over 100 of the country’s most talented artists will display over 15 million dollars of original and handmade artwork with mediums including jewelry, sculpture, pottery, photography, paintings and much more. May 29-30 Hilton Head Choral Society – America Sings! – Choral Concert – A festive tribute to our Armed Forces and our country. Featuring classic American folk songs, beloved patriotic anthems and a special tribute to our military – May 29, 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on HHI – May 30, 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church on HHI – 843-341-3818 – www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org View Hilton Head Island's Arts & Cultural Offerings.

Featured Listing ~ Waterfront in Windmill Harbour

Beautiful home with spectacular creek to sound views. New hardwood floors and new paver patio with built-in gas bbq and gas firepit. This open floor plan features 4BR or 3 large BRs plus a huge bonus room, 4 full baths and 1 half bath. It also includes a flex room (workshop, studio or exercise room) cozy loft and carolina room with water views. Beautiful granite counter tops in the kitchen, stainless appliances and wet bar. Great room seperation with the master wing on the main floor. Energy efficient windown & Culligan water system. This is truly a lovely setting in windmill Harbour. For more infomation call Joe Lucchesi @ 843-384-6183.

Daily Featured Listing ~ Equestrian Estate in Rose Hill

Estate home for sale in Rose Hill. Set on 2.88 acres, some of this home's feature include heart pine flooring, DCS appliances, screened heated pool, outdoor kitchen with 1/2 bath, country wrap around porch, in-law suite with kitchenette and private entrance,stunning dining room, & fabulous master suite. Check out the tour. Call us today for more information on this home (843) 681-5600. 

Windmill Harbour Community Video

Here's a short video, taken by one of our real estate agents, of Windmill Harbour. Enjoy.
Windmill Harbour ~ Hilton Head Island