Oceanfront rental homes on Hilton Head Island may have small signs posted saying “Lights Out at Night, May 1-Oct. 31”.  This is because Hilton Head Island's 12 miles of beaches are home to Endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Lights shining on the beach can disorient the female turtles when they emerge from the ocean, dig holes in the sand, and deposit as many as 120 eggs on the upper part of the beach.  A light shining on the beach can also cause hatchlings leaving the nests to become confused, making them unable to find their way to sea. Hilton Head Island’s first sea turtle nest of 2010 hatched July 13!

Fox News ranked Hilton Head Island as the Number 1 Beach in the USA!!!  White sandy beaches, championship Tennis & Golf, Shops, Dining, miles of bike trails, did I mention the white sandy beaches?!!!  Hilton Head Island has been a favorite vacation destination for years.  If you are interested in learning more about Real Estate on Hilton Head Island, please contact me.  I can help answer questions on Hilton Head foreclosures and short sales.  If you want to purchase Hilton Head villas and condos, let me help you determine what areas best meet your needs.  Not all Hilton Head Real Estate is the same- the old saying location, location, location still applies.  I am proud to call Hilton Head Island home and I know first hand that the #1 Beach is the USA ranking is well deserved. 

Search the Hilton Head MLS or Contact Me for additional Info

Trying to determine the best place to watch the fireworks while on Hilton Head Island?  There are three Hilton Head Island locations for fireworks.  Plan to arrive early as all the locations will be heavily populated.  Bring a blanket and/or some chairs.  Fireworks begin around 9:15PM and you can watch the fireworks at the following locations:

Harbour Town in Sea Pines while also enjoying some live entertainment under the Liberty Oak Tree.

Shelter Cove Community Park near the Palmetto Dunes entrance or right inside the Shelter Cove Marina with live entertainment.

Skull Creek Marina outside the Hilton Head Plantation Cypress (back) Gate near the Boathouse II and Chart House Restaurant (previously known as Charley's Crab).

I wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!!  Please contact me if you would like to view any Hilton Head Island real estate while here on vacation.  View all properties in the Hilton Head MLS HERE.

If you have not booked your summer vacation rental on Hilton Head Island yet, you need to act quickly! The best rental properties on Hilton Head Island usually book long before summer even starts.  Cancellations are rare and the busy season goes through the end of August.  There are so many great summer activities on Hilton Head Island, it's the perfect place to spend your summer vacation!  Some favorites include Summer Jams at Shelter Cove Park.  This runs from June 22- Aug 10, admission is free and the show starts at 7PM.  There are also performances by Shannon Tanner at Shelter Cove and Gregg Russell at the Liberty Oak in Sea Pines, Fireworks on Tuesday nights at Shelter Cove (come early and bring a blanket/chairs), and animal exhibits with the Coastal Discovery Museum.  These of course are in addition to great golf, tennis and beaches! Email Randy@RandysRealEstate.com if you need additional information on summer activities or Hilton Head Island Real Estate or Hilton Head Vacation Rentals.

The Hilton Head Island Tanger Outlet Center I renovation project is now underway.  Driving by, you would not even recognize it.  The buildings have been completely demolished and now the site is filled with bulldozers, dumptrucks, and cranes.  The Tanger Outlet Center II is still open and some of the shops from Center I have temporarily relocated to The Mall at Shelter Cove.  Shopping on Hilton Head Island has always been a favorite activity for locals and tourists alike.  Coligny Plaza near North Forest Beach has a collection of specialty shops including The Shell Shop, Boomerang Toys, and Carolina Nature Shop.  Swing by Sea Pines Plantation and visit the stores near Harbour Town like the Cinnamon Bear or the Harbourtown Lighthouse shop.  If you are interested in shopping Hilton Head Island Real Estate, contact Randy Smith.  In addition to over 30 years of Real Estate experience on Hilton Head Island, he also has passion.  He will help you sort through the available properties for sale to help you find what's best for you.  

The Sea Crest Villas are located on Forest Beach in Hilton Head Island.  This Oceanfront complex is a great place to spend your Hilton Head Island vacation.  Unlike some of the other oceanfront villa rentals on Hilton Head Island, The Sea Crest Villas features a health and fitness facility,  2 outdoor swimming pools, an indoor swimming pool, baby pool, and outdoor jacuzzi.  In addition to all the amenities located on property, it  also has a prime location.  Located at Coligny Circle, you can easily walk to the new Coligny Beach Park with interactive water fountains, Coligny Plaza shops & dining.  1206 The Sea Crest Villa is currently available for rental or for sale.  It is a nicely decorated 3 bedrooms, 3 baths end unit villa with awesome views.  If you would like additional information on Hilton Head Island vacation rentals or rental investments, please feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to assist you.  I am very familiar with Hilton Head vacation rentals.  Randy@RandysRealEstate.com

I had the pleasure of spending the evening at South Beach Marina,Hilton Head Island SC the other night. It was great! I had my son and 2 other boys with me and we truly enjoyed the live music from the world famous Salty Dog Cafe. We danced in the web-cams and then enjoyed some ice-cream. The shops along South Beach Marina were busy as was the Land's End Tavern restaurant.

There were visitors and locals enjoying the great weather and water views. After our ice-cream, we headed over to the children's playground. My son pointed towards South Beach Club Villas and said "Mom, they are so lucky they can walk here every night". He was right. Even though we live on Hilton Head Island, SC being at South Beach Marina was a fun little getaway. There are several villa complexes that have a convenient South Beach Hilton Head Island location: Bluff Villas, South Beach Club Villas, Sound Villas, Beachside Tennis Villas, and Land's End (which are freestanding townhomes). There are also streets within walking distance and include Oceanfront Homes Hilton Head Island on Black Duck and Brown Pelican.     

Calling all golfers & boaters!   Harbour Town Knock-out! Hang your golf clubs in this newly remodeled and nicely furnished end unit townhome located across from Harbour Town Golf Links. Relax outside in the large, private patio or spend the afternoon dining & shopping at the Harbour Town marina. For all the boaters, Harbour Town marina is just steps away from the private patio!  Unlike some other Ketch Court villas, there is no waiting for an elevator- enjoy the convenience of parking and walking right in. Great rentals, great location. View More Sea Pines Real Estate or search the entire Hilton Head Area MLS  824 Ketch Court Offered at $579,000 Email me for rental information or to schedule a showing.

  JUST LISTED! Harbour Town, Sea Pines Plantation

1112 Harbour South Club: Exquisite 4 bedroom, 4 full bath luxurious townhome w/garage in the heart of Harbour Town. A one of a kind residence with nearly 2,800 sf of beautifully remodeled & finely appointed living space.  Entry level features a welcoming foyer, sitting area, second master, full bath and morning bar. Explore the attention to detail throughout as you ascend the wainscoted staircase to the main level to discover the open living, dining and kitchen (w/walk-in pantry) areas leading to a covered veranda overlooking the pool – as well as a laundry room (w/drying closet), full bath, guest bedroom (or office). Located on the top level is the spacious master suite with sitting area leading to a covered balcony overlooking the pool,  two large walk-in closets with built-ins, and a bath with separate vanities, shower and whirlpool tub. Also on this level is a morning bar, guest bedroom & bath. Lancaster Real Estate Sales is proud to offered this townhome at $1,049,000.  For additional information, please contact Randy Smith at Randy@RandysRealEstate.com

I am often asked about Hilton Head Island SC foreclosures.  Hilton Head Island real estate buyers sometimes associate the word "foreclosure" to equal "good deal".  This is not always the case.  There are some foreclosures on Hilton Head Island that I would not consider a "good deal"- maybe its the floor plan, the distance to Hilton Head Island beaches, or even as simple as the price still being too high.  I often ask the potential buyer additional questions to find out more about what their goals are.  If it's a Hilton Head Island rental investment, then location and rental history are very important.  If its to be a second home or long term rental, then different Hilton Head Island homes and villas may be better suited.  

Does this mean all Hilton Head Island foreclosures are not a good deal?  No, absolutely not.  The ones that are, howver, usually go quickly and do not stay on the market long.  Sometimes there are multiple offers for Hilton Head Island foreclosures and the buyer may pay over list (asking) price.

If you are considering purchasing a foreclosure, Hilton Head Island rental property, or even looking for a retirement home on Hilton Head Island, then you need a real estate agent that can help you sort through the available homes and villas to find what works best for YOU.

RandysRealEstate.com has quick search features to start you on your search.  I am always available to answer questions and provide additional information.  Please feel free to email me at Randy@RandysRealEstate.com or toll free 866-785-9501.

This just in!! The Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament that takes place in Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island SC just announced earlier today there will be 3 international additions to the play list.

Luke Donald originally from England, Stephen Ames orginally from Trinidad and Trevor Immelman originally from South Africa will all compete in the 42nd annual Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament April  12-18th, 2010.  Learn more about the Verizon Heritage and see tournament schedules at www.VerizonHeritage.com

Hilton Head Island, SC is getting ready for the Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament.  Click on any photo above to view some of the highlights in Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island.  Need Hilton Head Island Real Estate Advice or looking to search the Hilton Head Island MLS?  Contact Randy Smith or visit RandysRealEstate.com

One of the best places to celebrate Easter is definitely Hilton Head Island, SC.  Besides the climate (the weather forecast for Easter Sunday on Hilton Head Island is in the mid 70's), there are many fun activities including the traditional Easter Egg Hunts.

The Island Rec Center hosts an Easter Extravaganza at Shelter Cove Community Park on Saturday, April 3rd from 10:30AM until 2PM.  The Easter Egg Hunt starts promptly at 11AM.  The cost is $10 per child, adults are free.  In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt, there will also be games and bounce houses.

My personal favorite is the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation, Hilton Head Island.  This hunt is on Sunday, April 4 at 10AM.  Registration 24 hours in advance is required (843-681-4000) and there is no fee and all participants take home a prize.  What makes this hunt unique is each child is given a number and they search for 10 eggs with their number on it.  Eggs are hidden outside in the courtyard and they even hide bonus eggs where kids win prizes.

Easter Sunrise Services on Hilton Head Island are also very special.  There is one at 7AM at Coligny Beach located in front of the Holiday Inn Oceanfront.  There is a 6:30AM service in front of the Marriott Hotel in Palmetto Dunes.  Both services usually attract many visitors and locals so come early and remember to dress warm!!

Many of the restaurants feature a special Easter menu and reservations at any establishment are highly recommended.  If you plan on having Easter dinner in a Hilton Head Island rental home or villa, many of the grocery stores will be open on Easter Sunday (Harris Teeter & Piggly Wiggly), however, Publix will be closed.

Enjoy your holiday and if you'd like to look at Hilton Head Island Real Estate, please call Randy Smith or send him an email.  He has been selling Hilton Head Island Real Estate for over 30 years and also has been involved with Hilton Head Island rentals.

When searching , you may come across the term "Short Sale" and wonder what exactly does that mean.  A short sale does not have to do with the time it takes to close (purchase a home).  A short sale is the when the asking or "list price" is lower than what is owed to the lender.  For example, there may be a home on Hilton Head Island that is listed for $400,000.  The seller may have purchased the home for $550,000 and now owes $440,000.  There is now a difference, or shortage, of $40,000 from what the home is listed at and what is owed to the bank ($440,000 owed less the list price of $400,000 = $40,000). 

With the $40,000 shortage, the seller can either pay the difference OR, like in most cases, asks for the difference to be forgiven or waived (this could become a deficiancy judgment against the seller).  This requires approval from the bank/lender.  When an offer comes in on a Hilton Head Island SC home or villa noted as a short sale, the seller first negoitates the offer.  After there is a contract signed by the seller and purchaser, the contract is then given to the bank/lender to approve the shortage.

Depending on who the lender is, waiting on their decision could take several weeks and even months.  The waiting time is usually the biggest drawback with purchasing short sales on Hilton Head Island.  Randy Smith is a Certified Short Sales specialist and can offer both experience and guidance throughout the Hilton Head Island short sale process. 

The beach at Port Royal Plantation, Hilton Head Island SC had an unusual visitor this past week.  A cute little Harbor seal stopped by to take a rest on the beach near the Westin Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, SC.  

Normally you wouldn't find information on Harbour Seals at RandysRealEstate.com but how could we not share this cute photograph?!

One of the many great things about Hilton Head Island, SC is the abundance of wildlife.  While we don't normally see seals resting on the beaches of Hilton Head Island, we do see many species of birds, dolphins and even manatees and sting rays.

If you are looking for rental property on Hilton Head Island or a second home, RandysRealEstate.com has made searching Hitlon Head Island real estate very easy.  RandysRealEstate.com has a quick search feature, allowing you to browse by planation (Sea Pines, Palmetto  Dunes, Forest Beach, and Shipyard) or you can even search Hilton Head Island SC foreclosures.

You never know what great photo you will take while vacationing on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina!