“The first Time Homebuyer Tax Credit” will benefit some Palmetto Dunes Properties.   Eligible purchasers that have not owned a home for 3 years with incomes that do not exceed $75,000 per year ($150,000 on joint returns), will be illegible for an $8000.00 tax credit with no repayment requirement.  Even though this may not apply to you, the “real estate food chain” will start moving again which will in turn produce more real estate activity and sales in our communities including Palmetto Dunes, Leamington and Shelter Cove.   

Real estate IS selling on Hilton Head Island despite the economy and media.  In Hilton Head, South Carolina MLS there are 310 pending listings this month that means that in the next 30-45 days there will be 310 more homes SOLD!!! If you take an average price of $616,743 that means the people who have come to Hilton Head and loved all that they saw and experienced, have spent $191,190,330 in one month on these 310 homes, villas and lots!  Now, that’s what we call stimulus!  

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at Shelter Cove Did you know that an art director from Sesame Street designs one set a year for us?  His name is Bob Phillips and he’s known for detail.  He even takes the time to design areas of the stage that are only seen by part of the audience.  There are 5 shows each year and the view is great from every seat in the house.  They are all wonderful!  Aren’t we lucky to have “Broadway” right in our own community?  See you there!  

How healthy is your Palmetto Dunes, Leamington or Shelter Cove regime?  Villas / condos have a monthly “regime fee” which may include landscaping, pool, , pest control, exterior maintenance,  insurance, etc.  If you are looking at a condo or villa it is a good idea to check the “health” of the regime to make sure there are no pending assessments and that there is plenty of working capital.  Your experienced full time REALTORS at Dunes Marketing know the ins and outs when it comes to villas on the Island.  

Make plans now  to watch or attend the 2009 Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament.  The Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament is South Carolina’s only PGA event and will be played at the Harbourtown Golf Links in Sea Pines April 13-19, 2009.  For more information and tickets visit to www.verizonheritage.com .  For accommodation packages and information on our incredible real estate contact your Dunes Marketing Group agent.  Hope to see you there!  

Back In The Saddle Again.  Stocky Low Country Marsh Tackies made a triumphant return in Hilton Head Island’s first marsh tacky races in 40 years.  Fifteen marsh tacky horses raced on the brown, wet sand of low tide at Mitchellville Beach as part of the island’s Gullah Celebration.  It has been more than 40 years since the short, stocky breed has galloped beside Port Royal Sound.  It was the revival of a longtime Gullah and native islander tradition.  The race was attended by more than 3,000 spectators.   

Dunes Marketing Group is an upside down sales company.  In an economy like this one, other real estate companies call on Dunes to bring a buyer to their listings.  While we promise to do our best, our first priority is to see if we can find buyers for our own listings.  After all, that’s why our sellers listed with Dunes Marketing Group. We are an upside down real estate company because we have more buyers than listings which is different than most other companies around the island.  In fact…we need more listings to sell!                                         

The Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association will host the popular Wine Fest. The big event will be held on Saturday – March 14th at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. In addition to the public wine and food tasting the Junior League of Savannah is hosting a Pie Baking Contest, Hilton Head Kitchen & Bath will sponsor the Tailgate Gourmet Challenge, and there will be much more.  This is a festival that you won’t soon forget. For tickets and details visit www.hiltonheadhospitality.org  and click on Wine Fest.   

 Palmetto Dunes Outfitters…  just had their annual Oyster Roast Fund Raiser January 28^th for restocking redfish in our lagoon.  Approximately 1,500 – 2000 redfish will be released in April.  “Black drum fishing has been the best I’ve ever seen in January & February with catches from 5-20 lb” according to Captain Trent Malphrus.   

Dunes Marketing Group would like to sell your property  We have the buyers (over 400 percent more than our closest competitor), we talk with guests and walk-ins that are staying in Palmetto Dunes daily and want to know what is on the market.  As a real estate group, Dunes Marketing Group Tours tours their listed properties weekly.  Call us today for a free analysis of your home or villa.  

            I’m proud of our numbers and I just want you to know!   In 2008, Dunes Marketing Group participated in 39.8% of all transaction in Palmetto Dunes with our next closest competitor only 11.9%.  That’s 75% more transactions than our closest competitor!  More than ever it’s important to look at results. Numbers speak louder than words! 

Palmetto Dunes gets a new Oceanfront Restaurant.  The Dunes House (Inside Mariners Gate) is going to be open for dining in April 2009.  Now visitors and owners will have a convenient access to lunch or dinner oceanfront within Palmetto Dunes.  Overlooking the Atlantic, this location will offer outside decks and inside dining.  We will be publishing hours and menus in our next publication.    

“When Property Is “Priced to Sell”, It Sells!”  Right now there are many homes, villas and lots on the market that ARE NOT, as we say in the real estate business, “PRICED TO SELL”! Owners who list their property for sale should remember that their competition includes foreclosed properties and comparable properties that have been pre-approved by the owner’s lender to sell for LESS THAN WHAT IS OWED ON THE MORTGAGE!  Can you compete with these owners on price and do you really need to sell?  If the answer to both questions is a resounding “NO”, then NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY.  

 Palmetto Dunes Resort has it ALL!  When it comes to Hilton Head Island events, Palmetto Dunes offers a wide range of conference and event venues and multiple meeting facility options for corporate events, weddings, family reunions, social gatherings, luncheons and dinner parties. In-home chef services and catering are available for guests who would like to enjoy a custom meal prepared by a personal chef or a romantic dinner at a private villa. From social events to special events, Palmetto Dunes has every detail covered.