Hilton Head Island has hosted the Verizon Heritage in Sea Pines since its first tournament in 1969. That year, Arnold Palmer won and Sea Pines was introduced to the world. This PGA tournament continues to be a highlight of the year for both Sea Pines and Hilton Head and brings our little piece of paradise to the forefront of the international stage. More than $84 million is pumped into the South Carolina economy annually and the tournament has provided almost $20 million to those in need, as well as scholarship money to college-bound students and support to area non-profits. 

I am my name. I am True to my family, friends, clients and business community. So, when a prospective client asks me what the market will do, I answer with a truthful reply. While I study Hilton Head real estate listings, sales, and trends, read the business newspaper, follow the business channel and stay constantly connected, I cannot forecast the future-- though I am very optimistic. Hilton Head Island is an awesome place to live, work and play. So often, my wife and I find ourselves replying, 'Where else but Hilton Head' to various queries. Choosing a vacation spot each year is even challenging, because we have become so spoiled by the island's beauty, people, activities and accommodations. This morning as I was driving my son to school, we exited Sea Pines and passed the landscaped entrances to Wexford, Shipyard, Long Cove and Palmetto Dunes. It was a lovely winter's morning--the sun was shining, giving warmth to the newly planted flowers with their buds and blossoms. The fields of daffodils are soon to be abloom, Spring is just around the corner, Sea Pines (the whole island, really) is gearing up for the I am my name. I am True to my family, friends, clients and business community. So, when a prospective client asks me what the market will do, Verizon Heritage. Where else but Hilton Head! What will the market do? Truly, whether it's a question, an exclamation or a statement--- the truthful reply is simple: "Where else but Hilton Head." Where else would you rather be living, laughing and enjoying family and friends.

Mark your calendar:  April 12, - 18, 2010

Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines/Hilton Head Island, one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations, is host for the 41st PGA Verizon Heritage Classic Golf Tournament.  This tournament brings people from all over the world, both golfers and non-golfers alike, to enjoy all that Hilton Head has to offer.  Though we are one of the top golf destinations in the world, we also offer unlimited opportunities for outdoor and indoor recreational activities for the entire family.  Whether you are into to golfing, biking, fishing, tennis, shopping, fine dining, horseback riding or just plain relaxing, it is here for you to enjoy.  Accommodations range from oceanfront homes, golf course homes, and oceanfront  villas/condos in Sea Pines, Forest Beach, Shipyard and Palmetto Dunes.

With Hilton Head housing inventories shrinking and mortgage rates blissfully low, it simply won't last forever. In some areas, there are indications that home prices are near a bottom and may actually be rising a bit. As in most areas of the country, Hilton Head foreclosures and short sales have been mixed into the inventory. This has driven potential buyers in Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach and other areas, both on and off plantation, to the distress properties--leaving other very desirable homes to languish on the market because of their pricing approach. Many of these sellers wanted to sell, but they were not in a financially compromising position and they were not willing to "sell out" to compete with a foreclosure. Consequently, they took their home off the market. Shrinking inventories almost always lead to rising prices. There are great bargains still to be had on Hilton Head--don't wait until it's too late.

I have been on Hilton Head for 25 years (just out of grad school).  My wife and I met here and have been married 22 of those years.  Early on, we began purchasing, selling, sub-dividing and developing land tracts.  We have purchased and sold oceanfront villas, built many homes and lived on and off-plantation. Some of these transactions were investment, some were primary. Over the years, "home" was in North Forest Beach, Palmetto Dunes, Point Comfort, Folly Field and Sea Pines.  My life has been my business and my business has been my life. The economy has gone up, down, up, and back down during those years, but we had a plan and we have stuck to our vision.  Our investment properties are on the short-term vacation rental market and they will see us into retirement.  Do you have a plan?

According to the 2009 Sea Pines owner survey, of which 5,200 were mailed out and 1,000 returned, Sea Pines natural beauty was the most compelling reason to purchase within the plantation. A close second was location and the fact that it was a gated community.  An enthusiastic 73% (wow!) fell in love with Sea Pines while vacationing.  It was revealed that the leisure path system was used by 94% of respondents and he most mentioned active pastime was biking.  An overwhelming number (92%) agreed about the meaningful enforcement of architectural standards and covenants and 81% felt that navigable waterways were important to all of the residents of Sea Pines. 

The Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors has awarded Bill True the Silver Service Award for his 25+ years as an Island Realtor.  True is co-owner of Lancaster Real Estate Sales and specializes in home, villa and lot sales in Sea Pines, Forest Beach and Palmetto Dunes.  True graduated from the University of Texas and earned an MBA from Texas State.  He has been an island resident since 1985.

Hilton Head Island on the first day of February.  It is a beautiful sunny, brisk day.  Whether you are a resident islander or a vacationer (or just in the planning stages of either), don't let "the experience" pass you by.  "The experience" is really taking in the island's great natural beauty--have you walked through Sea Pines forest preserve lately?  Have you strolled the world-class beach that stretches from Hilton Head Plantation to the southern tip at Harbour Town? Have you taken a nature tour down our pristine waterways? Maybe you would like to take some carrots for the baby animals at Lawton Stables and tour the almost-completed (completely amazing) equestrian center.

If you love to shop, we have that, too.  Oh, and we have world-renowned restaurants. Whether you are in Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach, Sea Pines or Hilton Head Plantation (or anywhere in between), there is something close by for you to experience--for the first time.

Sea Pines Plantation is bordered by Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean and provides a five thousand acre beachfront retreat offering world class accommodations for villas and homes.  It's designed around miles of preserves and lagoons.  It also is home to Harbour Town Marina and South Beach.  These gated grounds offer paved leisure trails, unlimited water activities, delicious dining, shopping, and much more!  Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Sea Pines Plantation Hilton Head real estate while the prices are low.

Sea Pines Plantation Hilton Head real estate offers residents an unique lifestyle second to none.  They offer gorgeous beaches, unlimited activities, and breath taking natural beauty.  It's an exclusive community of villas, condos, cottages, single family homes, and new homes.  This is the perfect place whether you're looking for a new luxurious home or an elegant vacation home.  Come enjoy a life of peace and serenity at Sea Pines Plantation while the market is favorable as these prices won't last forever.