Port Royal Plantation

• It has a great neighborhoods.  Port Royal offers two very distinct neighborhoods.  One is completely private and limited to permanent residents and long term rentals.  This community offers 900 single family residences.  The other neighborhood offers second homes, resort villas and the Westin Hotel.
• It has a great beach. Port Royal stretches over 3 miles of shore line with Atlantic Ocean beach and winds around to the sand covered walking beach of Port Royal Sound.
• It has a great master-plan.  The unique Port Royal Plantation has over 1250 acres and 2100 homes with oversized lots.
• It has great security.  Completely Private Security Gate with access for owners and their guests(no short term rentals) and a 24-Hour Full Area Coverage by Port Royal Security.
• It has a great waterfront club.  Private Port Royal Beach Club offers an olympic sized swimming pool and kids pool overlooking the Port Royal Sound.  This recreational facility also offers members club house(for private functions), playground, basketball and beach access. 
• It has great history.  Once 60,000 union troops lived here and this was also the landing for Captain William Hilton’s discovery.  As well, the steam gun and Fort Sherman are remnants left by soldiers during the civil and Spanish American wars.
• It has great tennis.  Port Royal Racquet Club offers 16 courts with Clay, Grass and Hard Court Surfaces.  No matter where you choose to live, as a tennis player you may want to look at the membership programs offered here.  Inside the gates are Four tennis courts, two of which are lit for members and guests.
• It has great golf. Port Royal offers 54 holes of legendary golf nestled within one of Hilton Head Island’s most pristine plantations along the Atlantic coastline. Designed by some of the best golf architects – George Cobb, Pete Dye and William Byrd with the Barony, Planter’s Row, and Robber’s Row.
• It has great Hotel.  The Westion Resort, the only 4 star hotel on the Island, provides a health club that locals can join(or day visit), an excellent seafood buffet and fantastic dining choices. 
• It has great neighbors.  Events include women’s Friday morning coffee, men’s friday lunch group, numerous social clubs, speakers and special holiday events are just a few things that make this community great

Long Cove

1. It has a great master plan.  In 1981 when Long Cove Club was unveiled it lured to the island a bevy of selective golfers seeking world-class golf with a Pete Dye masterpiece as its crowning jewel. Featuring 660 acres that meander through majestic oaks, the golf course and neighborhoods have a lagoon system that is interconnected for drainage and provides beautiful water views from the course and homes. 
2. It has a great location.  Long Cove Club is in the middle of the Broad Creek and the William Hilton Parkway(HWY 278).  Just outside the community gate are world-class restaurants, fantastic shopping, unbelievable beaches, grocery stores and all things that make this Island a wonderful place to live.    
3. It has a great pools. The Junior-Olympic-sized pool and pool house are in the center of the club and all it offers. This natural and comfortable outdoor living area is the site for parties and cookouts or just an afternnoons with a good book from the complimentary book exchange.
4. It has a great club.  The Clubhouse features two dining rooms, bar/lounge, men and ladies locker room, full service golf pro shop, cart and bag storage. The staff serves members and guests with great care. The food & beverage operation is open six days/week, with evening dining three nights a week. 
5. It has great security.  Long Cove has friendly security people that will remember you at the gate and provide 24 hour gated security with only one entrance in and out. 
6. It has a great marina.  This marina is located on Broad Creek leading to Calibogue Sound and thence to the sea.  It offers 45 kayak slips,and 85 boat slips(brand new docks).  The docks are a perfect place for parent and child fishing and crabbing.
7. It has great tennis. Ten Har-Tru courts (four lighted), a viewing terrace for the matches and a pro shop round out a premier facility.
8. It has great golf. Golf historian Charles Price: “. . . nobody could intelligently pick the noblest courses without having played Long Cove.   It’s beautiful just for golf’s sake. It fits the land that’s there.” This course offers more than 7,000 yards and is a par 71.
9. It has great property.  With 570 properties and over 400 homes built, this community offers a range of sizes and prices for the big family to just a holiday home. 
10. It has great neighbors.  All property owners are members to the same club and this is the catalyst in getting to meet some of your best friends you haven’t met yet.  Whether it is lunch at the Club, followed by bridge in the afternoon or sunsets in the boat, you will find this communtity offers something for everyone.

Folly Field & Singleton Beach Areas on Hilton Head Island

1. It has great history!  In 1953 The first vacation cottages were developed on Folly Field Road.   Olin McIntosh of the Hilton Head Company built the island’s first beach cottages at Folly Field to generate more ferry traffic from the mainland in hopes that the South Carolina government would then build a bridge to accommodate all the new residents and visitors.
2. It has a great location!   Located between Palmetto Dunes and Port Royal in the center of the beach is Folly Field.  This community is accessed throught Folly Field Road or Port Royal Resort and is the Islands Oldest beach community.
3. It has great sports fields!  Chaplain park is 70 acres and offers islanders and visitors free well-lit tennis courts, Children’s Playground, Basketball Courts, Softball Fields, Soccer Fields, Bathrooms, and Free Parking.
4. It has great beach parks!  Folly Field Beach Park, off Folly Field Road, provides public beach access where parking is available for residents and guests. Here you will find restrooms, outdoor showers, handicap beach matting, seasonal lifeguards and seasonal beach rentals. It also has the surfers beach which is uncrowded and filled with locals and their dogs(during the posted hours) located at the end of Burkes Beach Road.
5. It has the great Islanders Beach Park!  Near Folly Field Beach and the Islander’s Beach Park, which allows permit parking, this neighborhood contains playgrounds, picnic areas, and a boardwalk to the beach. Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort is also located here.
6. It has great fun for families! This family fun center has been here for as long as most islanders can remember. Instead of the world-class golfing greens of the gated plantation communities, Folly Field offers playful miniature golf, along with arcade games inside the Adventure Cove building.
7. It has a great blend of property. Neighborhoods with streets named after flowers and villa communities make this a great beach community to live, vacation or rent in.  Some of these communities include Sandcastles by the Sea, Singleton Beach, Island Club, Hilton Head Beach and Tennis, Fiddlers Cove, Admirals Row, cozy beach bungalows and brand new homes oceanfront and throughout.
8. It has great Villa Resorts.  The Marriot Surf Watch, Island Club and the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis are all located in Folly Field.  These resorts offer a host of amenities with dining and activities for their owners and guests.
9. It has a great dog park!   Located in Chaplin Park is Hilton Head’s only Dog Park. There are two areas fenced off for sizes of dogs. Both areas have working water fountains for you and your pet.  Park benches are placed all throughout the area.
10. It has great Tennis! Hilton Head is a tennis players dream come true. There are hundreds of courts all over the island.  Six are at the Chaplin Park with four lighted.  These courts are intended for use by islanders.

***Extra bonus. It has Harolds!  Located on the corner of Singleton Beach Road is Harolds.  Known for great breakfasts, huge burgers and a cook that may bust your chops if you order wrong.  This is a fun place to grab lunch with a friend.

Wexford

1. It has a great location.  Close to the center of the Island, Wexford offers convenience to shops, banks, post office, and the Cross Island Expressway.
2. It has a great masterplan.  Wexford is 500 acres with 37 acres of waterfront winding through the residential neighborhoods.  Originally 525 home-sites were planned but some lots have been combined and site plans altered so that only 460 remain today. By design, every home has a view of marsh, lagoon, golf course or harbour.
3. It has a great amenities.   In addition to golf and boating, there are six Har Tru tennis courts, a swimming pool, playground, bathhouse, patio area, a croquet, bocce ball court, biking and walking trails
4. It has great water.   Wexford’s 37.5 acre 138 slip harbour offers direct access to the intercostal waterway and Broad Creek.  You can  get a slip or park your boat in the backyard.  There are only two other communities on the east coast with lock-controlled harbors.  
5. It has a great clubhouse.  The British style clubhouse with marble foyer and Tiffany glass skylight offers pro shop, locker rooms, private lounge, and a first class restaurant.  On Thursdays, Happy Hour from 6:00 – to 7:30 pm provides the perfect way to make friends with your neighbors.
6. It has great architecture.  Homes are designed with a British West Indies design with colonial and Caribbean architectural elements embracing the land that it sits on.  The private, championship golf course passes amongst Wexford’s beautiful homes.
7. It has great security.  Wexford Plantation is tucked behind 24 hour gated security.  Security monitors the community round the clock
8. It has great history.  Alexander Trench sailed from Wexford, Ireland in 1690 to Port Royal Sound.  The name Wexford is derived from their sister community in Norse, Weissfjord.
9. It has great golf.  The 18 hole championship golf course was designed by Willard Byrd with five sets of tees which extend a short 4,000 yards to a long 7,000 yard course.
10. It has a great blend of neighbors.  Attractive to young and old, this community offers leisure trails, a heated swimming pool and safe cul-de-sacs.  Members are spotted out riding in golf carts, in their boats, bicycling, jogging, dog-walking, and pushing babies in strollers and enjoying their community and this Island paradise.

Dear Friends, Clients and Fellow Associates~

Don’t be a Dinosaur.  The real estate market is changing quickly and as a buyer, seller, or agent there are some great opportunities that come with this change.  These changes will take place and there is nothing we can do to stop them.  While other conditions are simply beyond our control we believe that OUR TOP TEN LIST FOR REAL ESTATE SURVIVAL IN 2009 can help you buy a home, sell a home or earn a commission.  If you are ready to make a move here are some suggestions for this changing market:

The Top Ten List for Real Estate Survival in 2009

1. Communicate – Information now travels at the speed of light and because of this we are expected to respond  faster.  Let’s all communicate faster right now!
2. Embrace – Technology will continue to change the way we do business.  In fact, today 90% of all buyers research real estate on the net…this in unbelievable.  Let’s embrace technology right now!
3. Network – Do not take for granted your old networks will be as reliable as they were for you in the past.  Business and the people in it are changing.  Look for new networks right now!
4. Research –  Do you really know what market or situation you are in? Reliable information is now readily and easy to gather.  There is no excuse for not finding the information you need to move.  Call your agent or go to the net to find some answers right now!
5. Build up –  Sell the sizzle, not the steak!  In other words build the value and not try to sell the price.  Just one idea but sellers and agents should team up and provide a list of  buyer benefits their real estate offers.  Benefit lists should include all the improvements and special features of the property and the community.  These lists should be shared with other agents and their clients in a checklist format via email or by flyer.  Some  more ideas include CLICK HERE TO READ MORE+++.  Let’s all sell the sizzle and build up the value of our properties right now!
6. Phone – Pick up the phone and turn off the computer.   With the advent of the internet we have stopped calling and settled for email to correspond important thoughts and messages.   Use the net for backup communication only. Let’s all call someone on the phone right now!
7. Encourage – Buyers, agents and sellers  need encouragement from each other.  It is amazing how a sincere rah-rah can move a deal into closing.   A pat on the back or a “from the heart” encouraging word goes a long way.  Tell someone “good job, good job” right now!
8. Perseverance – Never, never give up.  If you are a buyer keep calling your agent.  If you are a seller keep calling your agent.  If you are an agent keep calling your sellers, buyers and other agents.  Agents, buyers and sellers are throwing in the towel too early.  In this market we all must keep pushing each other harder.  It may take more time and effort right now, but WE CAN DO IT right now!
9. Ask –  I am a subscriber to “the green eggs and ham” closing technique.  Just keep on asking!  Never settle for indecision.  Go ask someone right now!
10. Move – The market is busy and it requires all of us to move.  If you are a buyer or seller, it is time to move and there are agents ready to help.  Let’s all move right now!

We have the resources, networks and communication that can help you get to where you are going.  In fact, our latest Market Trend Report can show you how to take advantage of this market today. 

If you are ready to make your move… give us a call.  We will do all of the above and then some!

Working in Paradise~

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

Three Course Early Dining – $15

Add a Glass of House Wine – 3.25

Early bird specials, everyday 4:30-5:30.

1513 Main Street • 843.842.8866
Open Daily 5pm • Friday 4pm

Happy Hour 5 – 7 • Friday 4 – 7
$10 of bottles of wine
$1 tokens on all drinks

First Course – Choose One

House Made Pimento Cheese Dip

 Tillamook Cheddar – Smoked Gouda – Fire Roasted Sweet Peppers – Mediterranean Olives – Panzanella Crackers

Roasted Eggplant Dip

Fire Roasted Sweet Peppers – Feta Crumbles – Seasoned Pita Chips

Smoked Salmon Spread

House Hickory Smoked Salmon – Panzanella Crackers – Caper Relish

Yukon Gold Potato Chips

Fresh Chives – Gorgonzola Cheese

Second Course – Choose One

Dinner Salad

 House Greens – Crisp Garden Vegetables – Choice of: Cranberry Balsamic, Creamy Avocado Caesar, or Sweet and Sour Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

“Not so Traditional” Caesar

 Crisp Romaine Lettuce – Creamy Avocado Caesar Dressing – Manchego Cheese – Crispy Polenta Croutons

Soup Du Jour

Fresh Soups Made with Love Daily 

Third Course – Choose One

BBQ Skewers

Pork Tenderloin and Vegetable Skewer – Sweet and Smoky Barbeque Glaze – Smoked Gouda Grits – Cole Slaw

Grilled Lamb Chops

Savory Herb and Garlic Marinade – Mashed Potatoes – Grilled Asparagus

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

Sweet Bourbon Soy Glaze – Mashed Potatoes – Grilled Asparagus

Hawaiian Flank Steak

Teriyaki Glaze – Mashed Potatoes – Cole Slaw

Shrimp or Chicken Pasta

Angel Hair Pasta – Choice of Alfredo Sauce, Tomato Basil, or Tomato Cream Sauce

Cripsy Fish Tacos

Fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi – Roasted Corn Salsa – Cilantro Lime Crème Fraiche – Grits

Fried Seafood and Chips

Fried Shrimp – Scallops – Mahi Mahi – Cole Slaw – Homemade Potato Chips

Margherita Pizzetta

Tomato Basil Sauce – Fresh Mozzarella – House Made Basil Pesto

Dear Friends, Clients and Fellow Associates~

I love the old qoute from President Kennedy…”ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”.  You and I must do our part.  Face it, real estate is bigger than the auto industry, bigger than banking and we can turn it around by working together.  If you are a client, seller, buyer or fellow agent there are a few things we can do for our Country and Hilton Head Island!

For my clients on Hilton Head(and everywhere):  

You hold one of the keys to recovery.  You can help turn this economy around simply by cutting and pasting the next two paragraphs and e-mailing them to 100 names in your contact list.  By adding more buyers into our market, things will move faster.  We need for you to push this along and send them this message. 

Act now….Buy Hilton Head Real Estate!

“This is the very best of times to buy real estate in Hilton Head. There is literally NO REASON to hold off anymore. Neither the pricing or the rates are going to improve. The thing that will improve is attitudes, and when they do, the pricing will be gone! The rates(and inventory) are good for another 6 months or so, and then they will be gone too when inflation starts to hit. So if you are hesitant……let me tell you firmly  that it doesn’t get any better!!     You need to move now and contact my finance and real estate guy on Hilton Head Island.”  said David Crowell of Mortgage Network(a guru of financial strategy)

To get started send Robbie Bunting(My Realtor) an email at robbie@robbiebunting.com .  He will send you a package on all the wonderful real estate opportunities offered on Hilton Head Island.   Simply fill out the Pre Strategy Session worksheet(which can save you thousands in negotiation and fax it back to 1-866-680-1137.)  

For my sellers on Hilton Head Island: 

Stand your ground.  You either want to sell or you want to stay…you cannot do both.  Right now there are buyers that are actively seeking properties, but they will not buy an overpriced listing.  If you are not serious in selling, take your property off the market. 

If you are serious in selling.  My suggestions to sellers includes:

• Adjust the value(you may need to adjust 5-10% before you see showings or an offer)  BUYERS INTEREST IN AVAILABLE LISTINGS
• Offer a $5,000 closing allowance for the next 30 days.
• Spend $5,000 in improvements(call your agent and have them do a walk through with you.  Only “sharp properties are selling”

Doing something is better than taking no action at all.  Do something, better yet do all three!

For my buyers on Hilton Head Island: 

Don’t miss the bottom.  The last 4 recessions were officially announced an average of 522 days (17 months) after they were over.  How are you going to get the best property at the best price?  By making an offer today.

Have you called your realtor recently?  If not, pick up the phone and encourge your REALTOR.  Hearing from you will motivate them and start the process that will help turn this economy around. 

For my Fellow Agents on Hilton Head Island: 

Our country needs you to sell.  Don’t let the economy bring you down.  We need you right now to work harder than you ever have.  You can help turn this economy around.  Your job right now is very important.  So let’s all start encouraging buyers, sellers and fellow agents to take action.  Don’t forget to build the value of  Hilton Head with your buyers…and call your sellers and tell them they are in denial if they have no showings or offers at this time of year.  As salespeople we need to take charge, encourage, use good news, communicate and push harder.

In summary:

Our country and Hilton Head Island need you to get off the fence.  Nothing else can turn this economy around.  You can do it!  We will help.  Thank you.

Live life fully on an Island!

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

 P.S. The last 4 recessions were officially announced an average of 522 days (17 months) after they were over.

Dear Friends, Clients and Fellow Associates~

I asked my good friend and financial strategist, David Crowell to put together some rates and thoughts of the market for your review.  This guy is really the Guru of Finance and Strategy. 

If you are even thinking of buying, refinancing or are simply researching real estate, fill out the Free Strategy Session Questionnaire and we will set up a free financial strategy meeting with David Crowell.  His office will schedule a phone or in office appointment with you.  You can fax this easy questionnaire back to 1-866-680-1137.  If you plan on owning someday or own right now, you have everything to gain.  (Be sure to ask him about his free refinance for life program for his clients when you meet!)

Enjoy this great fall weather…

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

A note from David Crowell:

Dear Robbie,

I am taking a minute to give you my assessment of the real estate market. Obviously, as the largest lender in the area, we see lots of people, and we see lots of transactions. So this gives us a different perspective.

First,  Market Values. Because a number of properties on the market are selling as a result of foreclosure and “short sale”, apparent values can seem extremely low. For example if someone in a $600,000 neighborhood is foreclosed, and the bank sells at $250,000, this causes enormous heart-burn. It does not however mean that everyone else’s home is now worth $250,000! It means that there is downward price pressure, but not a call to 911. Conclusion: A sensible buyer needs to be happy for the current bargain prices, but not be seduced into thinking that everything is a “steal”.

Second,  Interest Rates. This is simple and often over-looked in this market. Rates are at ALL TIME LOWS . the government’s effort to push them down HAS WORKED. Property is roughly 25% less expensive to own due to rates alone than it was 3 years ago. Add that to pricing discounts of 20% across the board…..and you have a discount to the cost of ownership of 45%. This is truly amazing and not sufficiently emphasized.

Third,   Availability of Financing. We have money coming out of our ears! We have jumbo loans up to $3 million! We have FHA financing for 1^sttime homebuyers up to 96.5%, which coupled with the $8000 rebate is 100% financing.

There simply is NOT an availability issue. What is different? Pretty much the sole significant difference is that down payments for most homes (not first homebuyers)  now need to be 20%. We find that there is virtually no borrower who cannot find the necessary down payment somehow or other.

Last, Over-all Assessment. We are busy as can be. Much of our time is spent helping folks who are heavily invested and need to lighten the load. But for anyone who is in the position to be a Buyer…..this is the very best of times. There is literally NO REASON for a potential Buyer to hold off at this time. Neither the pricing or the rates are going to improve. The thing that will improve is attitudes, and when they do, the pricing will be gone! The rates are good for another 6 months or so, and then they will be gone too when inflation starts to hit. So if you have anyone who is hesitant……let me tell them firmly  that it doesn’t get any better!!

Anyway, hope this sums up my state of mind on a Monday morning! Best to all, David.

David Crowell

Senior Loan Officer

Mortgage Network, Inc.

1000 William Hilton Parkway

Suite 205

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Office: 843-842-4004

P.S.  ~ We have attached a FREE FINANCIAL strategy session with the guru of financial strategy.  Simply print it out by clicking a Free Strategy Session Questionnaire, please fill it out and fax it back to 1-866-680-1137.  David’s office will call and schedule your session either in person or in office.  Thank you.