Randy's Hilton Head Real Estate Blog - Hilton Head real estate

Handy Hilton Head Telephone Numbers

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:56:00 -0400

If you have already performed your Hilton Head Real Estate Search and found the property of your dreams, it is time to make contact with the utility companies. These Handy Hilton Head Telephone Numbers can be found at Randy’s Hilton Head Real Estate under blogs.

· Electricity – Palmetto Electric 843-208-5551

· Telephone and Internet - Hargray 843-341-1501 or Time Warner 800-208-6030

· Water- HHPSD 843-681-5525 SIPSD 843-785-6624 and BCPSD 843-785-7582

· Cable - Hargray 843-341-1501 or Time Warner 800-208-6030

· Sherriff – 843-255-3300 or 911

· Fire – 911

· Coast Guard – 912-652-4646

· Wildlife Law Enforcement – 800-922-5431

If you are still doing your Hilton Head Real Estate Search you will find Randy’s Hilton Head Real Estate easy to navigate with quick search buttons and a saved search. If you have found your piece of paradise, check my blog for telephones numbers and handy Hilton Head Information.

Are there any Oceanfront Foreclosures on Hilton Head Island?

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:25:00 -0400

Are there any Oceanfront foreclosures on Hilton Head Island? Hilton Head Island has many attractive foreclosure properties on the market right now, including oceanfront homes and villas (condos are known as villas on Hilton Head Island). Foreclosures can even be found in exclusive communities including Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard. Real estate owned properties (REO) is a real estate industry terms for homes, lots and villas that are owned by a bank. Some, but not all, REO and foreclosure properties are bargains.

One advantage of buying a foreclosure versus a short sale property is the lender will have to pay off any homeowners association dues and any liens, including tax liens. As a purchaser of an REO property, you will receive a title insurance policy.

Foreclosure properties are usually sold "as is", so a home inspection is very important. Usually banks will respond to an offer to purchase a foreclosure more quickly than with a short sale. Also, remember that banks want get the best price possible and will usually present a counter offer; I will help you negotiate the best purchase price possible. Please contact me at 843-785-9500 or by email at Randy@RandysRealEstate.com

Quick Search Hilton Head Island Foreclosures & Short Sales

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:43:00 -0400

If you're at home or even here now on vacation and dreaming of buying Hilton Head Island real estate, browsing through listings on RandysRealEstate.com is a stress-free way to view everything that's currently for sale. My list of Hilton Head homes and villas, including Hilton Head foreclosures and short sales, is updated every morning. This information comes to me directly from the Hilton Head area Multiple Listing Service, and includes all real estate for sale on Hilton Head Island.

To search for Oceanfront homes or condos for sale on Hilton Head Island, it helps to have a few neighborhoods in mind that interest you. For example, say you're interested in Sea Pines oceanfront villas or Palmetto Dunes homes for sale, I have conveniently placed Quick Search buttons on RandysRealEstate.com homepage. Click on a community tab like Forest Beach or Shipyard and you'll see a short description of that community, and the homes and villas for sale with information about each property including photos.

If you're specifically interested in Hilton Head short sales and Hilton Head foreclosures, go to the Quick Search Foreclosure/Short Sale button to see some of the best bargains on our gorgeous Island.

RandysRealEstate.com is Hilton Head Island's Best Real Estate Website.

To Rent or Not to Rent- Hilton Head Island Vacation Property

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:23:00 -0400

Not surprisingly, many who vacation on Hilton Head Island eventually decide to buy a home or villa on Hilton Head Island, as a second home to enjoy with family and friends or as a future retirement home. Real estate industry studies show that less than half of those who own beach houses or oceanfront condos purchased their properties with an intent to rent to vacationers. Yet more than 50% of these who do rent their homes are covering at least half their mortgage by renting, according to a 2009 study. If you think you might rent out your Hilton Head Island home, location is very important. Beach houses and condos in Sea Pines (especially those close to Harbourtown), Palmetto Dunes, North and South Forest Beach and Shipyard are very attractive to vacationers. Families who vacation on Hilton Head want to rent homes and condos that are close to the beach, have a pool and are tip top condition. If you're thinking about purchasing property on Hilton Head Island, I can help you assess its potential as a Hilton Head Island vacation rental. Email or call Randy Smith 843-785-9500 (Toll Free 866-785-9501).

Hilton Head Island Summer Vacation

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:03:00 -0400

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.

What's the Latest with the Tanger Outlet Renovations?

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:23:00 -0400

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 Hilton Head Island Vacation Rental

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:38:00 -0400

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

South Beach, Hilton Head Island

Tue, 04 May 2010 16:39:00 -0400

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.

Search Sea Pines Real Estate Here or Email Randy Smith for South Beach Homes & Villas. Visit www.RandysRealEstate.com to search real estate on Hilton Head Island.

Great New Listing In Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:33:00 -0400

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.

Harbour Town Hilton Head Real Estate- New Listing!

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:03:00 -0400

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

Hilton Head Island Foreclosures- Are they all "Good Deals"?

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:46:00 -0400

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.

Harbour Town | Sea Pines | Hilton Head Island SC

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:56:00 -0400

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

Easter 2010 on Hilton Head Island

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:37:00 -0400

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.

Hilton Head Island Short Sales

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:08:00 -0400

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.

Ocean Wood Villas? Tell me more!

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:12:00 -0400

After the Marsh Tacky horse races a few weeks ago, I headed over to an open house at 108 Ocean Wood Villa. Randy Smith was hosting the open house and I was able to see first hand what a neat Oceanfront Community this was. Ocean Wood Villas are located at the private end of North Forest Beach. There are 13 freestanding villas, all fee simple. The neighborhood has a beautiful oceanfront pool, baby pool and gazebo. The lot size average around .3/acre. The shops and restaurants of Coligny Plaza are easy bike ride away. What's nice about Ocean Wood is that they have the privacy of a home and the amenities of a villa. 108 Ocean Wood Villa is currently listed for sale for $679,000. Search Forest Beach Homes & Villas.