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?

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.

Real estate on Hilton Head is a great investment (yes, still!) and we are witnessing the perfect real estate investment storm.  With plenty of inventory, attractive pricing and appealing finance options, this may very well be the opportune time for you to purchase Hilton Head real estate.  Our little island has what you want and need, whether you are looking to join us now or place your property with a rental management company and move here later.  Either way, it is a stalwart investment in your future.  Your home or villa, when partnered properly with the vacation rental market, create a win-win opportunity.

Unlike many resort destinations, Hilton Head Island did not undergo the villa/condo construction explosion between 2003 and 2006 wherby 20-story buildings with "vanilla villas" sprouted up and down the coast.  Because we are an Island, development is limited (we have very strict density restrictions) and the preservation and enhancement of greenspace is strictly adhered to in covenants, restrictions and by-laws.  We love our centuries-old live oaks, lush palmettos and natural ground cover.  Finally, no buildings may be taller than the treeline.  What a concept--five stories maximum--so that we can enjoy our pristine beaches. We are serious about preserving our views and maintaining the natural beauty of the Island.

Recent foreclosed real estate beach properties on Hilton Head have proven to be exceptional purchase opportunities for qualified buyers who were ready to act as soon as these properties were released by the lenders and made available to sell.  There were several second row homes in Forest Beach, Sea Pines, and Palmetto Dunes that were attractively priced by the banks and, as a result, generated multiple offers on the first day on the market.

In order to be the successful bidder, however, thorough planning PRIOR to the property being place on the market is a necessity.  My clients have been the successful bidder on properties in Sea Pines, Forest Beach, and Bluffton.  In all cases, these clients were ready to make an offer and the necessary paperwork (preapproval letters or evidence of funds for cash buyers) was completed in advance of the properties being put on the market.  As a result, when I notified them, they wre ready to act and an Offer to Purchase was immediately presented.  When banks receive multiple offers, patience on the part of the potential purchaser is essential; however, preparation wins the game.

The real estate market is tightening and opportunities like this are dwindling, though there are some still left in the pipeline.  All foreclosures are not the same.  Just because the price is great doesn't mean it's a great investment.  Call me to discuss real estate investment strategies.  You'll be glad you did.

So what will happen if you wait?  As you might expect, for the first time in many, many years there is excess inventory for luxury properties on Hilton Head, whether they be primary homes, investment villas or undeveloped property.  The prudent purchaser knows all too well that as the economy strengthens, prices will go up and interest rates soon follow the upward trend. With the inevitable market tightening, many properties will not be re-listed (why sell if values are increasing) or the sales price is adjusted to a more aggressive figure. You get the picture.

Simply put, the one who muses and lingers over the “what if” will be priced out of the market. ‘Priced out of the market’ sounds so harsh and final—and it is--I have seen it happen many times.  Confident that a better deal was just around the corner, the purchaser-to-be squirreled around until there was nothing on the market for which they could qualify. Their dream home on Hilton Head passed them by, all because they were so sure it wasn't going anywhere fast.  Don’t be the squirrel. The prudent decision to purchase Hilton Head real estate today will greatly impact your bottom line in the years to come, and it may very well be the “big nut” in your portfolio. Today’s purchaser is the wise investor.