HILTON HEAD BEACHES NAMED #1 BY FOX NEWS. As a longtime islander, this really isn’t at all surprising. They are uncrowded and clean, the people are friendly and, according to Fox, “full of white sand beaches, bike trails and the cutest town…Hilton Head is great for a family vacation.”

Hilton Head beaches, in addition to their already prized pristine and natural beauty, also ranked among THE CLEANEAST IN THE UNITES STATES, according to a report conducted by the National Resources Defense Council. Our waters never exceeded national standards for bacteria and the county was commended for stormwater drainage systems and contaminants control. Charlie Clark, spokeswoman for the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce commented, “It’s definitely part of our commitment to the environment as a destination. It’s part of who we are.”

Whether you are interested in real estate in Forest Beach, Sea Pines, Folly Field or Palmetto Dunes, expect the best that we have to offer. You are right on the beach and this is the right time to purchase.

Hilton Head Island is often referred to as the second largest barrier island on the East Coast. Hilton Head, however, is technically only half-barrier, since the north end of the island is a sea island. The south end of the island is a barrier island, and the two halves are separated by a land-locked tidal marsh known as Broad Creek. With a rich history starting with seasonal occupation by Native Americans thousands of years ago, the island has been home to exploring Europeans and was an important base of operations during the Civil War.

Approximately 70% of the island is within gated communities known as plantations. These plantations vary in size and are replete with amenities such as marinas, golf courses, tennis facilities, magnificent homes and condos, bike trails, beachfront entertaining facilities and nature preserves. Sea Pines Resort, Shipyard, Palmetto Dunes, Wexford and Hilton Head Plantation are just a few of the plantations on the island. A popular off-plantation oceanfront area of the island is Forest Beach, which contains many large homes available for short-term vacation rental.

Hilton Head Island is often referred to as the second largest barrier island on the East Coast. Hilton Head, however, is technically only half-barrier, since the north end of the island is a sea island. The south end of the island is a barrier island, and the two halves are separated by a land-locked tidal marsh known as Broad Creek. With a rich history starting with seasonal occupation by Native Americans thousands of years ago, the island has been home to exploring Europeans and was an important base of operations during the Civil War.

Approximately 70% of the island is within gated communities known as plantations. These plantations vary in size and are replete with amenities such as marinas, golf courses, tennis facilities, magnificent homes and condos, bike trails, beachfront entertaining facilities and nature preserves. Sea Pines Resort, Shipyard, Palmetto Dunes, Wexford and Hilton Head Plantation are just a few of the plantations on the island. A popular off-plantation oceanfront area of the island is Forest Beach, which contains many large homes available for short-term vacation rental.

Hilton Head Island is experiencing a surge in vacation rentals as a result of the Gulf oil spill. Travelers are cancelling their trips to the Gulf shores and Florida coast, and are looking elsewhere to spend their vacations. This is exposing Hilton Head real estate to visitors who have never been to our market. Sea Pines, Forest Beach and Palmetto Dunes rentals are surging as the market advances into full season, and rental availability through the end of 2010—and into next year-- is booking well-in advance of normal. 

With this swell of bookings already into mid-2011, we are expecting an upward trend in both sales activity and rental bookings. Newcomers to our market are impressed with our clean, wide, white sand beaches, our world-famous golf, fabulous dining, endless shopping, and its family-oriented activities and amenities.  As a result, this increased visitor traffic has resulted in a boost of showing activity for properties, both homes and condos, that are for sale. 

The current market environment, similar to others I have seen during my 25 years as a Realtor on Hilton Head, has created a new buyer. This buyer is much more conscious of location, the uniqueness of the property, the performance of a rental. Today’s buyer is making the bold move to capitalize on tomorrow’s dream of living on Hilton Head, and knows that the market will come back.

Today’s buyer is in the superior position of looking ahead and knowing that one can capitalize in certain and uncertain times. Hilton Head real estate has been and will continue to be the optimal balance between opportunity and risk.  I know that to be true, for over the years, my wife and I have purchased, sold (and continue to own) multiple properties in Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach and  Folly Field. Putting the present period into perspective is different for all buyers and sellers, but one thing remains constant:  Purchasing a property on Hilton Head has never been more attractive.

 

 

Hilton Head Island is the prototype of the modern resort community and offers distinctive and exceptional properties, each within the first eco-planned destination in the United States. The pristine natural environment, along with 14 miles of white sand beach, championship golf courses, family-oriented activities and a relaxing, hospitable setting make Hilton Head one of the most desirable places to live in the country.  

Hilton Head is comprised of plantations, not unlike large subdivisions in metro hubs. Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Wexford, Hilton Head Plantation and Long Cove represent several of the island’s private communities. Each plantation is unique and offers 24-hour security, manned gates and architectural review boards which protect the quality and character of the neighborhoods. Meticulously maintained grounds and bicycle trails, marinas, boutiques, restaurants and ocean views are some of the amenities offered, depending on the plantation, each of which offers diverse and exclusive amenities. Search BillTrue.com for more information on Hilton Head real estate sales.

Hilton Head Island is indisputably one of the WORLD’S most desirable resorts. Acclaimed for its beautiful beaches, laid-back lifestyle, luxury real estate, golf, tennis, yachting, deep-sea fishing and leisure activities, Hilton Head is attracting more year-round residents than ever before. With our small-town setting, against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the island is being re-discovered for its family character and multigenerational environment. 

Discover fine real estate on Hilton Head Island at very affordable prices. With remarkably attractive mortgage rates, now is the time to purchase that property you have been pondering over. There are incredible investment opportunities for vacation homes, should you wish to purchase for later use and take advantage of the current booming rental market. There are short-sales, foreclosures and homes for sale in Sea Pines, Wexford and Palmetto Dunes with some of the most prestigious addresses on the island at prices not seen in over a decade. Contact me for more information—I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hilton Head Island has always been known for its unmatched natural beauty and exclusivity.  Luxury homes for sale are interspersed along the white sand beaches from Sea Pines, Forest Beach, Shipyard, Palmetto Dunes, Folly Field, Port Royal Plantation and Hilton Head Plantation. These homes vary in size from 2,000 – 10,000 square feet and the architectural design features lend themselves to various decorating forms.  Gated tropical courtyards, gourmet kitchens with upscale stainless appliances, granite countertops, stone floors, large master bedrooms with spacious bathrooms, lots of windows and doors to let in the natural light, porches, pools, outdoor fireplaces and exterior decks for entertaining are but a few of the enticements for owning Hilton Head real estate.   Mortgage rates are at the lowest in over 40 years, inventories are ample and sellers are keen to presentable offers. It is an ideal time to purchase. Have the home you have always wanted on the island you have always dreamed about. Call or click—I am ready to assist you.

Hilton Head beaches are stunning – sun-drenched, clean, soft white sand shores, wide enough as the tide changes for endless recreational opportunities such as riding bikes, playing volleyball, sunbathing, strolling, building sand castles or watching the little beach bums knock about in the surf with their swimmies. Hilton Head Island, with its moss-laden centuries-old live oaks and its casual lifestyle, has 14 miles of beach! Of course, the beach is just part of the magic of Hilton Head, though. Hilton Head real estate is returning to its role as an investment option, and with incredibly attractive home prices—prices we haven’t seen in decades—owning property on Hilton Head has never been more desirable.  Benefit NOW from this unexpected opportunity of a lifetime. Whether your preference is in Sea Pines, Shipyard, Long Cove, Wexford, Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach—or anywhere within the Hilton Head MLS— contact me. I will be happy to help you find just the right property.

I have several unexpected opportunities for prime, luxury real estate on Hilton Head. One such home is in Folly Field, and it is the ultimate, timeless beach retreat.

This house was redesigned and wholly renovated in 2006 and embraces upscale renovations such as beautiful cabinetry, multiple prep areas, two bar countertops, stainless appliances, granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, oversized master bath, and separate pool bath. Just steps from the beach, this fourth row cottage comprises next-gen architectural features with generous spaces for family living, both indoors and out. The kitchen and family room are the heart of the house and both look through the double French doors to the sun-drenched, custom pool with fountain, trellis, outdoor fireplace and gas grill. The back yard is a private enclave with custom wooden fencing for total privacy.

This three-bedroom/3 bath/2 car garage home has been meticulously maintained and has barefoot friendly floors in the main areas of beautiful Italian tile. The décor lends a seamless transition between indoors and out with sandy neutrals, natural textures, plantation blinds and an airy relaxed feeling true to its beachy surroundings.

Folly Field is rapidly being rediscovered as an area one can find a cottage home at a price not seen for many years, and ts coveted mid-island location has the most beautiful, wide white sand beaches on the island. 

Email or call me for more details.

Hilton Head Island real estate is than just a place to call your own. It’s about a lifestyle. Each plantation and off-plantation area has its own grace and panache, and each offers its residents a way of life—whether it be golfing, sailing, yachting, bringing up a young family, easing into retirement and discovering new talents, volunteering, gardening, watersports or countless other leisure activities.  Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, Forest Beach, Long Cove and Wexford are some communities with south-end and mid-island locations which offer these and many other opportunities. With the Atlantic Ocean lapping on one side and Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound rounding the tip of the island, these areas are choice settings, with fine dining, world-class shopping, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin, South Beach, Shelter Cove Marina, grocery stores, movie theaters, Hilton Head Hospital and doctor’s complex, the Beaufort County Library and public and private schools within a short driving distance. If you thought about purchasing on Hilton Head, think again. This island is for you!

Hilton Head Island beaches are as wide and white as ever, so whether you are looking to purchase luxury waterfront real estate, oceanfront homes and condos, or vacation property, BillTrue.com is the only source you need. Hilton Head’s properties are as varied as its array of pristine beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, nighttime entertainment for the kids, leisure activities, watersports, bike paths, panoramic dining venues and shopping excursions. There is something for everyone and all four seasons offer a diverse expression of what Hilton Head has to offer, whether you wish to be a permanent resident or choose to own a vacation/investment property and derive income until you are ready to make the move.

My inventory of Sea Pines, Shipyard, Palmetto Dunes and Forest Beach properties are priced well. There are still foreclosure/short sale properties available.  Call me for more details. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you.

Clients often ask, “What are the differences between the Hilton Head Island real estate communities?” The majority of Hilton Head’s residential areas are large tracts of land called “plantations”. There are other areas, referred to as “off plantation”, which are more like small- to mid-sized neighborhoods.  We Islanders further define Hilton Head’s areas by South Island, Mid-Island and North Island.

Hilton Head Island’s plantations and off-plantation communities vary greatly—from the number of homes, style of architecture, density, demographics, amenities, natural landscape, and lot sizes. While each community shares the essence of the Island’s unique character, each has distinctive features.  It would be fair to say that each of the Island’s communities is more unlike than alike and the covenants and restrictions enforced by each, therefore, maintains the character within that community.

My next blog will go into more detail on Hilton Head’s plantations and off-plantation communities. 

Whether you are looking for Hilton Head foreclosures, short sales or bank-owned properties, I have over 25 years’ expertise in the Hilton Head real estate market and I can find what you want. As your Realtor, I am your lifeline to finding the property best suited for your needs and desires, and negotiating the best price on your behalf. I will work with you through the entire process to ensure that your real estate needs are fulfilled.

Hilton Head Island real estate is unique—more so than other resort destinations. Yes, while all real estate is local, Hilton Head’s plantations, communities and neighborhoods can vary drastically in price and amenities.  Each plantation offers a different flavor of the island, whether it be the beach, golf, family living, condo living, investment properties, or non-rental/second home.  During these trying times, distress sales can be very tempting, however, location, location, location has never been more important! Work with a name you know and trust. Contact me, Bill True, via email at BillTrue.com, or call my office at 843-785-9500. I look forward to working with you soon.

Oceanfront condo short sales and foreclosures on Hilton Head are still generating robust activity.  Recently, a short sale in Forest Beach under $3m was only on the market for a matter of days before going under contract. A 5^th floor Hampton Place condo in Palmetto Dunes/Hilton Head, an oceanfront complex and one of the most desired locations on the entire Island, was on the market for just a week.  

There are other very desirable Hilton Head condo and home short sales/foreclosures.  Many of these transactions will materialize into closed sales, but only for those who are proactive. The market simply will not afford time to those who wait. Serious buyers are paying cash or have completed the necessary paperwork and documentation required by lenders to participate in a short sale or foreclosure.  While tenacity, purpose and desire on the part of the purchaser is certainly a substantial segment of the equation, working with an experienced Realtor who knows the market is crucial.