Mark those Hilton Head Calendars!

As we look forward to the exciting year ahead on Hilton Head Island, we have noted some of the Island festivals and happenings including the annual Springfest, The Heritage Golf Tournament, and many others.  As a coastal Island, our festivals begin with the first azalea bloom as early as February and last well into fall as the monarch butterflies make their migration south in late October.  Here are some great events to enjoy when you visit Hilton Head Island.

Festivals and Happenings on Hilton Head Island in 2010:

• January 23, 2010 ~ Hilton Head Snow Day  Hilton Head Island Recreation Association.  For more information, please call 843-681-7273.
• January 24, 2010: The Low Country Soup Challenge, benefiting the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, Noon to 3:00 PM at the Mall at Shelter cove. 843-689-6612.
• February 6, 2010 ~ The 8th Annual Hilton Head Island half marathon,  Saturday 8:00am Half Marathon 10K/5K and Health Walk Jarvis Creek Park – Hilton Head. 
• February 1 – 28  ~ The 14th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration(at various locations). Art exhibits, food festivals, crafts, storytelling, gospel concerts, movie screenings, horse races and much more celebrating the unique West African cultural heritage of the sea islands.  The 2010 schedule of events will include De Arts Ob We People XII Art Show & Sale, an Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast, National Freedom Day, A Gullah Film Fest Series, A Taste of Gullah – Food & Entertainment,  The Arts, Crafts & Food Expo on Presidents Day Weekend, and The Youth Musical. 
• March 1 – 15, 2010 ~  Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival More details to come on the 25th Anniversary of this great events that culminates at Wine Fest on Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival A host of opportunities have been scheduled to recognize our milestone 25th anniversary. Events planned include Wine Centered Women, Uncork the Festival, International Wine Judging and Competition, Great Chefs of the South and more…
• March 8 – 15 2010 ~ Hilton Head International Piano Competition The Hilton Head International Piano Competition (HHIPC), presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, is an annual, eight–day event, which has been held on the island since 1996. Featuring incredibly skilled pianists from around the globe, it is considered a leading international piano competition for competitors ages 18 – 30…
• March 20, 2010 ~ Hargray Wingfest 11am-6pm Come out to Shelter Cove Park for wings, wings and more wings! Food, live entertainment, activities and fun.
• April 12 – 18, 2010 ~ Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament.  It’s a legacy and tradition — a storied PGA TOUR golf tournament that’s been hosted by Harbour Town Golf Links for more than 36 years. In that time, legends such as Nicklaus, Palmer, Norman, and Love III have competed for the champion’s tartan jacket.   With more than three decades of rich history, this event’s champions have combined for 375 PGA Tour victories –including 66 major championships — and the purse has increased from $100,000 in 1969 to $5.7 million in 2010. Scheduled for April 12-18, 2010, this landmark PGA TOUR tournament promises to draw many of the biggest names on tour…
• April 24, 2010 ~ Hilton Head Seafood Festival ~ Shelter Cove Park Area restaurants will be featuring their best seafood dishes.  Live entertainment, an Iron Chef competition, silent auction and a Kid’s Zone  
•  2010 Summertime Events
  Summer Jams – June 15-Aug 10
  Shelter Cove Park – Tuesdays from 7pm-10pm
  Music and Family Entertainment followed by Fireworks!
• July 4th. 2010 – Firecracker 500– Saturday – 8:00AM SC 5K Sanctioned Run & Health Walk Mall at Shelter Cove – Hilton Head
• September 3-5, 2010 ~ Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament.  Matches amateur golfers and celebrities for a Labor Day Weekend filled with great camaraderie and fun for the sole purpose of raising funds for our local childrens charities with the greatest of needs.  
• September 13-18, 2010 ~ Hilton Head Island Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival.  Raise a stein and celebrate the world of craft brews for the week-long Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival (SJB), September 13-18, 2010. Key events include beer tastings, beer and food pairings, and jazz performances. Don’t miss the Men Drinking Beer (MDB) Grand Tasting or the Public Beer Tasting , September 18th at Shelter Cove Marina’s “Brews on the Harbour”.
• Saturday October 16, 2010 ~ Coastal Cajun Festival 11am-5pm Shelter Cove Park Sponsored by Hilton Head Area Home Builders benefiting the Island Rec Center.  Authentic Cajun Food, music, entertainment, kids fun activities and more.
• October 17 – 24, 2010 ~ The 6th annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival will be held in the charming and eclectic historic district of Bluffton, well known for its quirky art community and natural river beauty. The festival is an eight-day event offering a myriad of activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, delicious Low Country cuisine, rich history, great art and Southern hospitality found only in the south.
• November 13-14, 2010 ~ SCB&T Oyster Festival 12pm-5pm Shelter Cove Park Enjoy the oyster/beer/wine festival, musical entertainment, childrens games, craft show, silent auction and much more! If you don’t like oysters there will be lots of other food available.
• December 1 – 30 Dove Street Festival of Lights The Dove Street Festival of Lights benefits the Deep Well Project. It began 19 years ago and has been a source for inspiration as well as charitable donations.

Ready to Plan a trip to Hilton Head Island?

Have you made your spring or summer travel plans yet?  Hilton Head golf condos and Hilton Head Island vacation homes welcome you year round and provide the perfect summer vacation and a great getaway any time of year.  Hilton Head is ranked as one of the “Top 10 Family Beaches” and offers sub-tropical temperatures and wonderful places to relax.  If you are looking for a great place to rent, many of our clients and property owners rent their properties direct on VRBO, saving you money.  In addition to these properties, we also have access to special resort discounts at the Oceanfront Hilton, Marriott or Westin.  Simply e-mail us at islandrealtor@hargray.com and let us know what you are looking for. 

In the meantime, we have enclosed our free summertime maps and guides to plan your days ahead.  Please be sure to review the exceptional properties we offer for sale prior to your visit!  Hope to see you enjoying the Island in 2010!

We wish you a Happy New Year!

As we ring in the New Year there are many things we did right in 2009 which we would like to grow upon in 2010.  As well there are many things that we see in the year ahead that we could do better.  Our top ten list includes all the things we are resolved to do better as we serve you in 2010.  It is our hope that you will give us a chance to prove them to you.

1.  We will give you Fanatical Service on Hilton Head Island

We are committed to providing you with Fanatical Service in 2010.  This is the highest level of individual service you will ever experience when you buy or sell real estate on Hilton Head Island.  

2.  We want you to be a “Raving Fan”

Our goal is for you to have a great experience with us as a buyer, a seller or as an agent that sells one of our properties.  We have created a “raving fans worksheet“ for our sellers and are currently developing a similar worksheet for our buyers and fellow agents.

3.  We want to save you money on Hilton Head Island

We can save you money by updating an existing survey, shopping insurance policies, locating the best mortgage rate, updating existing title insurance policies and negotiating the sales price.  We appreciate your business and want you to call on us whenever you need to.

4.  We will sell the benefits of living on Hilton Head Island

We will sell the lifestyle of Hilton Head Island.  Our Island offers our future residents and visitors a long list of great amenities that add value to our properties!  We will sell these benefits to every buyer we meet.

5.  We will share our local knowledge on Hilton Head Island

Daily we help our clients research to maintain or repair  their yards, their homes or their furnishings. Through our daily involvement we are constantly updating our list of vendors and services on the Island.  As this list continues to develop, we would be happy to share our local knowledge with you anytime. 

6.  We will blow your mind with communications in 2010

Nothing is more important than feedback to a seller, therefore it is our goal to flood our sellers with feedback on their property in 2010.  For the buyer, finding the best location at the best price requires being connected, it is our goal to keep our buyers connected in 2010.  For our fellow agents, it is our pledge to provide timely information on our listings with excellent resources and information that you need to help you make a sale.

7.  We will provide the best marketing programs on Hilton Head.

In the year ahead we will be testing and measuring new marketing medias.  Already we are seeing increased activity on our new websites including Activerain, Trillia, BlogHiltonHead, and Posterous.  Stay tuned…we will be adding some great new marketing in 2010.

8.  We will provide great market research on Hilton Head.

We study the real estate market and forcast trends that help our clients.  Through our market research we can provide valuable timing insights for our buyers and sellers that helps them with determining value and help in negotiation. 

9.  We will be green in 2010 on Hilton Head Island

Our company will suggest alternatives that are green in 2010.  We will will look for new ways to use less paper, less consumables and less energy in our day to day business.  As well, we will suggest green alternatives for our homes and villas.

10.  We will change with the market on Hilton Head

In 2009, the market changed.  In the past, we never dealt with short sales or foreclosures and now they represent a large percentage of our Island’s business.  As the market changes, we will update you with these changes. 

Our goal is to help our clients, friends and fellow associates succeed. 

In the year ahead, it is our continued goal to provide valuable information and the best properties in 2010. We want this information to be local and helpful.  We appreciate you passing this information on to others on our behalf and if at anytime you have a specific request, please do not hesitate to email us at robbie@robbiebunting.com .

On behalf of Jane and I, we wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year!

Are you satisfied with your rental income on Hilton Head?

Rental companies typically rent a property on Hilton Head 12 weeks in the summer, 6 weeks in the spring and 6 weeks in the fall.  The typical owner than occupies their rental property an additional 4 weeks.  Under this scenario, you can double your rental income with a minimal amount of work.

Increase your rentals on Hilton Head with your rental company!

Some rental companies allow the owner to rent direct and collect the income, others will let owners rent, but will only reduce the commission.  The best scenario is to find a rental company (or negotiate with your current rental company) to allow you to rent your property direct filling in those empty weeks.   The perfect rental company will allow you to rent your own property and they will handle the keys, the passes for your rental, any emergencies and will charge you a reasonable fee for the checkin and cleanup.

Market your Hilton Head Rental Property on the Web!

To get started all you need are some photos of your property, a photo blog and an internet rental company.  You can either do this yourself or call on us  or your realtor!

Steps to take to increase your rentals on Hilton Head Island:

1. Set up a “free” posterous blog for your property.  Use this as your main page for your rental property.  Posterous is a free blog that allows you to post photos and information about your rental property.  Just pick a great name and go.  It also uploads to your Facebook, Linkin and your website very easily. 
2. Set up a VRBO rental website.  The website will walk you through the process for setup.  The fee for this setup is $249 per year and will pay for itself with the first rental.  Be sure to set up your rental calendar with a link through your posterous blog.
3. There are also free rental websites that can add additional income to your bottom line including www.craigslist.com, www.base.google.com, and www.free-rentals.com

A system that works for your Hilton Head Rental Property.

Once you have the rental websites in place and you have updated your rental calendar by checking in with your rental company, it is time to get ready for business.  The initial contacts will send you an email and reply time is crucial.  Assign this task to someone that is on their computer throughout the day. 

How an inquiry will rent your property on Hilton Head:

1. The first email will inquire about availability, location to the beach, pool location and other specific requirements the rental guest may have.  Prior to recieving this email, set up a draft e-mail that includes a few additional photos of your property, beach and pool information.   Simply check availability before responding.
2. The second email will ask you how much you charge and will you take less?  Set your rental at the same rate as the rental company as it makes it far less confusing.  We suggest paying for cleaning and taxes from the total, giving the renter approximately a 10% savings which you can  explain in your email as most renters pay these in addition to the rental fee. 
3. The third and final email, ask for the order!  Your final email let’s them know that if they are interested you would put it on hold and send out the rental agreement.  (Ask for 50% with the reservation and the remaining 50% approximately 30 days prior to their arrival.)Once you have a rental guest that has made the commitment, simply call your rental company and block that time(be sure to change your rental calendar to reflect this.)  Send out the rental agreement with two postage paid envelopes for the deposit, the 30 day final payment and the agreement.  This is a good time to include directions maps.google.com to the rental company and your property. 

Renting your Hilton Head Island property is that easy!

As you rent your property we have found that their are some excellent websites that can help you or your rental guests including: Trip Cancellation Insurance, pet traveling ideas, a great place to find linens and towels, and a good traveling with kids website.  Some other ideas include calling or emailing your rental guests after their visit asking if they had any suggestions.  As well, pet friendly properties are gaining appeal and you can even charge pet fees! 

We are at your service on Hilton Head Island! 

As you work through the steps above, we are here to help.  We offer a service that is available to help you set these up for a nominal fee if you are interested!   E-mail us at islandrealtor@hargray.com or call us at 800-932-3652 as we will help you get these programs up and running before the rental season of 2010. 

Happy renting!

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

800-932-3652

Our real estate market is changing on Hilton Head Island!

Contrary to popular belief, properties are selling everyday on Hilton Head Island in this changing real estate market.  Do not assume the real estate market on Hilton Head Island is not active!  We are selling on average 3 Island properties per day!

Read the rest of this entry

Dear Clients, Friends & Fellow Associates ~

To become a local, you must survive a winter on Hilton Head Island!

The slower pace, the lights, the festivals, the people, the uncrowded restaurants and the weather are just a few blessings we must enjoy to become a local.  December’s moderate winter temperatures on the Island are perfect for a beach walk, a round of golf, tennis, a run or a long bike ride.   

We are not seeing the Hilton Head real estate market cooling off ! 

Given the lower interest rates, many purchasers seeking “warm and wet” are taking advantage of the great pricing and properties offered.  Already since December 1, 2009 we have sold 54 properties through our Multiple Lisiting Service.  Smart money is shopping real estate right now!  In fact, this is the best time to shop as the pace is slower and the access to properties is easier. 

Hilton Head Island Happenings !

If you live here or plan on visiting, below are some suggestions for you to enjoy with family and friends this coming Holiday:

• Drive Down Dove Street – North Forest Beach Light Show is scheduled December 1-31 Dove Street Festival of Lights  Donations will be accepted for the Deep Well Project which provides a  broad range of vital social services for the working poor, disabled and infirm within the greater Hilton Head area. (843)785-2849
• Take a trip to Harbourtown – Gregg Russell’s Holiday Concert Under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, December 23 5:30-7 p.m. Complimentary. (843) 842-1979  “Christmas Celebrations in Sea Pines“
• Enjoy “Breakfast with Santa”  – This is hosted by the Island Rec. Center at the S.H.A.R.E. Center, 9:00-11:30 12/12/09(843) 681-7273.  Santa
• Take a walk or a run!  Hilton Head Regional Jingle Shell Run December 19, 2009 – (843)757-8520  Hilton Head Regional Medical Center Jingle Bell 5K Road Race & Health Walk
• New Year’s Eve Celebration – The Wreck of the Salty Dog in South Beach Marina Village. Live entertainment, a champagne toast, specials and more. (843) 671-7327.  Salty Dog Holidays
• 9th Annual Polar Bear Jump – Harbour Town Pool in The Sea Pines Resort, 10 a.m. Warm up with hot chocolate and refreshments. Complimentary. (843) 842-1979.
• Take a real estate tour!  Email us or contact your Realtor.  We are currently offering some incredible locations!    

If you have a question about the events above or need any information on the properties offered, please feel free to contact us anytime.  We love the calls and there really is nothing we like to do more than to help you. 

From a magical Island,

We respectfully are~

 
Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers
843-842-0805  ~ islandrealtor@hargray.com

P.S.  We have some very special Holiday Resort Rates at the Oceanfront Hilton in Palmetto Dunes.  Let us know if you can break away or need a room for overflow during the Holidays.

Dear Palmetto Hall Property Owners, Friends and Clients~
 
Linked below, is the Palmetto Hall Market Update .  This report shows the active listings, the current pendings and the sold properties.  Please note the average price per square foot for the actives, pendings  and solds.  This can help in determining a quick valuation by mulitplying this number times your heated square footage.  Simply click on the link below to open this report:

Dear Leamington Property Owners, Friends and Clients~
 
Linked below, is the Leamington Market Update .  This report shows the active listings, the current pendings and the sold properties.  Please note the average price per square foot for the actives, pendings  and solds.  This can help in determining a quick valuation by mulitplying this number times your heated square footage.  Simply click on the link below to open this report:

November 2009 Update and Market Trends Report

Buyers will rush in to get the lower rates and better properties this winter on Hilton Head Island.  Values are available in all areas of our real estate with the market now building from the bottom up.   If you are a buyer or seller we would be happy to share with you how this relates to you and your timing.  

Hilton Head Market Trend Report for November 2009

We appreciate the opportunity and trust!  It is our goal to provide exceptional service, create raving fans and help our clients and friends succeed!  Please feel free to e-mail us today or call us any time at 800-932-3652.  Thank you.

All the best,

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

P.S.  Be sure to mention our FLY & BUY OFFER if you will be buying property from us this fall.  Thank you.

Dear Clients, Friends and Fellow Associates~

Listed below are the current foreclosures on Hilton Head Island.

• Homes in Foreclosures on Hilton Head Island +++CLICK HERE+++
• Villas in Foreclosures on Hilton Head Island +++CLICK HERE+++           
• Lots in Foreclosure on Hilton Head Island +++CLICK HERE+++

Listed below are the current Short Sales offered on Hilton Head

• Short Sale homes on Hilton Head Island+++CLICK HERE+++
• Short Sale Villas on Hilton Head Island+++CLICK HERE+++
• Short Sale lots on Hilton Head Island+++CLICK HERE+++

As we head into the winter months on Hilton Head Island, these final clearance items will sell.  We encourage you to look over the above lists and let us know what sale items capture your attention.  If you would like more information or have a question, simply email us at islandrealtor@hargray.com  Thank you.

From an Island offering final clearance prices,

We are,

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

robbie@robbiebunting.com

P.S.  Our sellers understand the market and have priced their properties to sell! +++Click Here for great properties+++ We are proud to offer some of the best locations on the Island!!!

Everyone loves new on Hilton Head Island!

New areas on Hilton Head Island worthy of your consideration. 

As the Island offers a limited and finite resource of land, new developments that pop up now and than offer creative and attractive ideas that may be different than what we have for sale on the Island.  We will list these new developments and add new ones as we hear about them on this page.  If you would like us to consider adding one, please email us at islandrealtor@hargray.com . Thank you.

Abbey Glen ~ Courtyard Homes on Hilton Head Island

This brand new development is located on Hilton Head Island off Spanish Wells Road.  Abbey Glenn is going to be wildly successful as Islanders that have out lived their homes look for newer Island locations that offers services and less maitenance.  These spacious courtyard homes will offer fabulous floorplans and complete outdoor maintenance of the grounds.  Please email us at islandrealtor@hargray.com for a full brochure.

Summer House ~ Great Newer Villas on Hilton Head Island

Another community on the Island is located just off the Cross Island Parkway and offers 2 and 3 bedroom condos that feel like new.  This community is a condo conversion with developer villas starting below $150,000 for a great villa that offers fantastic grounds, security, excellent floor plans, a wonderful clubhouse, big pool, cabanas and garages.  If you want a permanent home or 2nd home on the island with a great location and space for a low price email us at robbie@robbiebunting.com .  This project is very successful and is in the last phases of developer sales. 

Broad Creek Marina Village on Hilton Head Island

Located in the very heart of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is Broad Creek Marina Village. This charming village will provide it’s residents a secure neighborhood with a smaller and more intimate neighborhood that many plantations can’t provide because of size. It’s 37 home sites will be surrounded by lush live oaks, sidewalks and a soothing, peaceful waterfront community.  The adjacent Marina offers a village atmosphere with its docks, dry storage, water sports, nature activities and the UP THE CREEK PUB & GRILL which offers casual waterfront dining.  Please e-mail robbie@robbiebunting.com for a brochure, pricing and finacing information!

Palmetto Commons offers villas on Hilton Head from $79,900!

Palmetto Commons is tucked away on five acres housed under a canopy of mature oaks and pines. This island location is convenient to everything Hilton Head offers; miles of sandy beaches, championship golf & tennis, world-class boating, and fine dinning.  These two bedroom villas at Palmetto Commons offer comfortable floorplans and a great getaway location on Hilton Head with a price that is unbelievable.  Email us at islandrealtor@hargray.com for a current list of pricing and availability. 

Are you wanting to become a developer too? 

We currently have a development opportunity off the Island that is approved for 42 single family homes.  All of the necessary permits are in place and the owner is either looking to sell or partner.  As a partner a $300,000 investment with $100,000 down  gets 50% ownership of project with 42 lots fully approved and shovel ready on this beautiful property.  Contact us for more information on the partnership and the program at robbie@robbiebunting.com

These new developments are unique to Hilton Head Island.  If you have any questions regarding any area on the Island, please email us.  Thank you,

From an Island that is 97% developed,

We are,

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

800-932-3652

www.robbiebunting.com

robbie@robbiebunting.com