One of the most common questions about Hilton Head Island is the year round weather. This short video covers the three seasons of weather for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. With all the seasons, but shorter winters, Hilton Head Island is subtropical and averages over 200 days of sunshine.  We invite you to visit Hilton Head this fall or winter and experience it for yourself.  You may never leave and therefore we suggest you looking at these awesome properties!

For a six-month period starting on June 1, hurricane season is now upon us.  In a recent statement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Jane Lubchenco said, “NOAA’s outlook predicts a less-active season compared to recent years. But regardless of the outlook, it’s vital for anyone living or vacationing in hurricane-prone locations to be prepared.”  For hurricane updates visit the NOAA Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov  and below we have a short video below.  

One of the top questions we get asreal estate agents on Hilton Head Island is what about the Hurricanes? The short video above addresses the unique location of Hilton Head. Of course, we suggest being safe and plan ahead first and foremost. In this video Robbie Bunting and Jane Hyers cover what typically happens to the storms that travel along the east coast and how Hilton Head’s unique location has been a blessing. Knocking on the wood of a 300+ year old oak that we are sitting under helps support this theory!

Last weekend was a lovely on Hilton Head Island.  If you were wondering,  Hilton Head Island experienced sunshine and normal summer weather this past weekend in the wake of Irene.   Hilton Head offers a unique location that sits back in the cove of the coastal United States and is 80-90 miles from the gulf stream which fuels these Hurricanes and often turns them north.

We hope and pray for the 2.4 million people that were evacuated from their homes and the more than 4 million home owners that lost power up north last week.

Hilton Head Island, SC (July 2011) The newest and most exciting new restaurant to open this summer has arrived at Shelter Cove Marina …ELA’S Blu Water Grille.

 The announcement was made by Earl Nightingale, President/CEO of H2R2 Solutions owner and operator of the new restaurant. The location formerly known at Harbormaster’s and most recently Ocean Grille is at the dramatic entrance to the Shelter Cove Marina.

 A total remodeling program has been completed under the direction of Erin Wasem designer at Rowe & Harlow of Chicago. ELA’S spectacular views of the Shelter Cove Marina provide the perfect setting for a dining ambiance that is casual yet intimate.

A trendy color palette accented with dramatic fabrics give the new interior a classic new look and provide a perfect setting for the paintings of local artist Peter Karis.

All three levels of the restaurant were remodeled including a private penthouse dining room that can accommodate 20 people. In total ELA’S can seat 160 people on the various levels and is the perfect setting for private parties, special events or rehearsal dinners. In addition the outdoor balcony seating provides the best water views on the island and is a great way to enjoy the many boats passing as they enter the beautiful marina.

Greenwood executive John Bett’s commends Nightingale’s aggressive plan and is pleased to have another experienced restaurateur at Shelter Cove Marina. An active summer program is planned at the marina with many activities for families with kids of all ages including fireworks scheduled each Tuesday night through August 18, 2011.

ELA’S has it all, great food, a great view and the atmosphere for a memorable dining experience! Dinner is served nightly and reservations are suggested/ 843-785-3030.

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Nightingale; a 40 year veteran of the hospitality industry, previously managed the Hilton Oceanfront Resort where he redeveloped the entire food & beverage experience. Under his leadership the hotel created the award winning venues of HH Prime and XO Lounge. Nightingale has also served in various management capacities with Hyatt Hotels for over 28 years. “I was anxious to develop another new restaurant concept and bring a new creative dining experience to Hilton Head Island. Fortunately we were able to partner with Greenwood Development here in Shelter Cove Marina and creating a sensational dining experience is our goal” said Nightingale.

For more information visit WWW.ELASGRILLE.COM.

Beaufort, South Carolina offers small town southern charm and is only a 45 minute drive from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  Nearby is the home to the Paris Island Marine Corps Base.  If you have a chance to visit you will find great bed and breakfast spots, a wonderful Waterfront Park, fun restaurants, carriage rides through historic neighborhoods, festivals throughout the year, and a wonderful place to visit.

I believe short sales are misunderstood and under-marketed.  For some reason the majority of buyers walk in or call us about foreclosures and never ask about short sales.  Seems to me the benefits of the short sale out-weight the faster closing foreclosure in many ways for all involved.  While short sales in the past got a bad rap, when we put a negotiator into place we are now 90% successful on closing our short sales.

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The other day drove we drove to Savannah in the late afternoon, shopped, had dinner and were back on the Island at 8 pm.  While we were there my wife introduced us to an incredible “Bee Store” and we sampled the Tupelo Honey which as the story goes comes from blossoms that only are out for a few weeks in a specific region.   If you have a chance to visit Savannah check out the Carriage Tours, Paula Deens Restaurant~ The Lady and Sons, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, The Crystal Beer Parlor, Historic River Street, Forsyth Park, and Bonaventure Cemetery.

An agent called the other day and presented an offer 70% off the adjusted asking price.  We understood the buyer(agent) was trying to negotiate with the seller….but it seemed to me the agent really set their buyer up for disappointment.  The first thing that popped into mind was “Do they really want to buy this home?”  and “Who really came up with this price?”  Typically when a buyer makes an offer this low, it usually means they do not understand the present real estate market and it is our job as professionals to move them closer to reality.  Usually buyers need more information and will proceed if we better manage their expectations.  Our recent market trends reports helps our sellers and buyers better understand the Hilton Head Real Estate market and sets them up for success.  In this case, similar properties were selling for 11% on average off the listing price. So how did this buyer determine offering 70% less?

We met with Steve Wilmot, the Tournament Director for The RBC Heritage locally sponsored by Boeing. Steve shares with us how this PGA Tournament provides benefits to the local community from its worldwide coverage. I think this is the very best real estate marketing program we have. The tournament fuels our local and state businesses to the tune of around $80 million dollars in economic impact.  We all benefit from the RBC Heritage in some way whether you are a seller, buyer, business person, visitor or local.   On a Realtor level a simple link to one of our websites can help with ticket sales and introduce new and returning visitors to the Island, a great time of year and great golf.  If you would like to explore ways you can get involved, please visit Heritage Foundations Website.

We are always looking for great photos to help market and promote Hilton Head  and our properties.  Therefore we would like to start a free Hilton Head Photo Library.  These photos can include the beach, sunset, a restaurant, a sunset, a time of day, a marina, a school, the airport, a front gate, trees, dolphin or anything that is appropriate for promoting the Hilton Head Area.  If you have a great photo of Hilton Head Island that you own and would like to donate to our library, please email us the photo to islandrealtor@hargray.com.  These photos will be shared with other Realtors, our clients and our friends.  It is our hope that this library helps us sell the Hilton Head Island Lifestyle and agents will use these photos to promote their properties.  Thank You.