Welcome to RBC Heritage Golf Tournament

Hilton Head Island is home to one of golf's greatest traditions and the tradition continues! South Carolina's only PGA TOUR event is back to its traditional spot - the week after the Masters - April 9-15, 2012 and tickets are still available for sale. This 43 year old tradition is now the RBC Heritage. Royal Bank of Canada, along with Boeing, "stepped up to the tee box" to invest in what has become one of golf's most notable tournaments.

Hilton Head Island is a world-class golf destination and the tournament has played host to some of the greatest names in golf. Golf legends like Nicklaus, Palmer, Tiger, and Greg Norman, as well as today's top golfers from around the globe, have all been challenged by the fairways of the Harbour Town Golf Links.

The brainchild of the late Charles Fraser, developer of Sea Pines, the first Heritage Classic golf tournament was held in 1969 as a means of establishing Hilton Head Island as a household name. The tournament took place at the Harbour Town Golf Links, which was newly designed by course architect Pete Dye with assistance from legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Another golf icon, Arnold Palmer, clinched the title and $20,000 of the inaugural competition's $100,000 purse, and Hilton Head Island was well on its way to becoming one of the world's ultimate resort destinations. Over the past 40 years, the Heritage has grown from an innovative marketing strategy to one of the most beloved, most respected and most charitable stops on the PGA TOUR. -- Check Out: theheritage.com.

Who will be the next Sir John Templeton?

A client remembered an article I posted back in 2009. He suggested I repost it in order to remind people of the extraordinary opportunity that is before us. Prices being as they are give more people the opportunity to take advantage of the market...

Not sure who Sir John Templeton was? He was one of the greatest pioneers in investing we have ever seen. Sir John grew up in Tennessee and graduated from Yale in 1930. At the age of 27, he started his own investment firm (which he later sold to Franklin at a value of nearly ¾ of a BILLION dollars) and ultimately made BILLIONS more. I thought I would share his philosophy with you.

Sir John possessed two qualities that we all need in order to be successful - he had Focus and Discipline. Sir John was well known for his ability to watch the market and to buy low and sell high. Whether it was a stock or a piece of property, if it was hot he sold and took profits at the height of the market when everyone else was buying like crazy. Sir John understood that by following the herd you would suffer the same pitfalls as the herd. Like lemmings to the sea, when one person lost money, they all lost. If there was blood in the street, Sir John was there to clean it up. He knew that when one person loses money that someone else will make that money. It is important to remember Money does not disappear - it merely travels from one place to the next. I believe that Sir John was a master at understanding what I refer to as the “velocity of money”.

Money, like cars, must always travel at a certain safe speed to be at peak performance over the long haul. Money cannot travel too slow or too fast from one hand to another. When money travels too slow, economic channels become clogged and it becomes a financial strangulation of everyone in line, too fast and false values take over and basic business principles are abandoned. Both will have the same effect: a loss of confidence by the herd, causing uncertainty.

In 2005, the real estate market did just that, it boomed. We saw price increases of nearly 80% in Hilton Head. People were building and buying faster than homes could be produced so the existing homes sky rocketed up in price. There was a frenzy of buying that became unsustainable. We simply could not continue at that pace and, as predicted, we simply ran out of steam. People collectively stood up and said "no more." Buying slowed, credit got tighter, Hurrican Katrina hit, there was a Mortgage meltdown and the market turned.

I have to think that if Sir John was still with us in 2005 he would have sat patiently on the sidelines and waited. While the herd was enjoying buying at the higher prices and riding the crest of the wave (but every wave hits a beach somewhere), Sir John would have been selling and taking whatever profits there were.

Now here we are in 2012 with one of the best opportunities the investment community has ever seen. There are few people that will realize this - they are the people that will give the herd back their buying frenzy over the long haul. They will reap profits of the herd at a staggering rate. In any successful economy there must be a herd and a shephard to guide them and give them what they want.

Here is Sir John in his own words:

Now the U.S. has this extraordinary thing - I think in some places we see 50% to 100% gains on the housing market. Other places across the country might be up 25% to 30% in just a matter of three to four years. Incredible gains

When you invest in stocks, you get the same value all over. The same stock sells at the same value, no matter what nation you're in. But that's impossible in real estate. Real estate value depends on locality. If you're going to be a real estate investor, focus on location, location, location.

So when you're trying to invest in real estate, you have to do a lot of serious research on whether this location is likely to be popular in the long run. That's why I wound up believing beachfront property is a good investment. I don't think there's ever going to be any more beachfront than there is now. Now people are getting bigger and the amount of money is getting bigger. So beachfront is pretty sure to go up in value. Owning a home on the ocean is better than owning one that's not on the water. But there are large tracts of oceanfront property still available in South and Central America in countries where there is a rule of law. You used to be able to buy land at very low prices. But still there are some good deals.

According to Sir John’s philosophy, it is really quite simple - choose your location wisely; buy low and sell high. It is time to get back to basics. Hilton Head has always had some of the least expensive oceanfront property on the east coast. And now it is priced even better. I am not sure who will be the next Sir John Templeton, but there will be someone who steps into those shoes and leads the way. Is it YOU?

If you would like more info on this or any of your real estate needs just let me know This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me 843-422-5933. I am looking forward to hearing from you. See you at the TOP!!!!

Pickball Growing by leaps and Bounds on HHI!!!!!!

Pickleball is now being played five times a week at the Island Recreation Center at 20 Wilborn Road. We are chalking pickleball lines on the basketball courts located outside of the gymnasium and use 3 portable nets. We play five days a week with Monday and Wednesday designated as novice and intermediate, Tuesday and Thursday designated as intermediate and advanced and Friday open to everybody. Note to visitors: We do not maintain a "pickleball police" unit so you are actually welcome to play anytime. Play begins at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 11 or 12. We have an average of 10-15 people showing up every day. Frank Soule, Executive Director of the facility, has promised that we will get pickleball lines painted on the courts when they resurface the courts in 2013! There are rest rooms available in the gym, and cool drinking water.

The tennis courts at Hilton Head Park will be kept chalked for anyone that might want to use them for pickleball. The county insists that we cannot "schedule" our playing time there because they have been designated as "first come first served" courts.

A new group of "picklers" has started on the tennis courts at Palmetto Hall. They have laid down painters' tape on the tennis courts and adjust the nets to 34". Play is currently scheduled there on Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. with the very first session being held on Wednesday, March 14. They had about 15 people show up for their first session!! Palmetto Hall is a private gated community and the courts are open only to residents. However, this is evidence of increased interest in pickleball.

What started out as a pickleball club in Hilton Head Plantation, expanded to include residents of other plantations. Because HHP does not have anywhere to play pickleball, the group gladly welcomed others to join in the games on the public courts. Using the Hilton Head Plantation newsletter for scheduling pickleball playing times, and other news, was technically in violation of rules for HHP clubs when others are part of the club. They did not use any facilities on the plantation for the pickleball festivities, but rather than risk upsetting the apple cart they voluntarily decided not to use the newsletter for club notifications. Diane Dunning, resident of HHP, has volunteered to continue the club as an HHP residents only unit and will continue to present articles in the newsletter. She has some new ideas that will keep the club going and there may even be somewhere to play in HHP in the future. How long is anybody's guess, but stay tuned!! Diane will be scheduling a pickleball 101 course in the near future. I look forward to hearing from you!!!

Note: National Pickleball Week is April 16 through April 21, 2012.

Special thanks to Don Wheeler for all his work in promoting the sport here on the island. He is the reason for the remarkable interest we are having!!

Jeff Hunt
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Hilton Head Pickleball players struggle to get court approval

We have been trying to get Beafort County to designate a few rarely used tennis courts as Pickleball courts, allowing us to put down permanent paint marking an official Pickleball court. Don Wheeler (our Official Pickle ball ambassador) has been working on this for some time. The county has rejected our request thus far. Below is a copy of the update Don gave us:

Some time ago I sent late breaking news that we had permission to paint pickleball lines on tennis courts here in Hilton Head Island. The very next day I went to Lowes and asked them to spec some paint that would be compatible with the tennis court surface. They immediately refused and advised me to go to the county to get the paint specs. I went to the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center who works closely with Beaufort County and graciously gave me a five gallon bucket of paint that they use for striping various courts on the island. I no sooner put the bucket of paint in my garage when I received a phone call from the Hilton Head Island Recreation's director, Frank Soule, that I should hold off on painting the lines because he needed to re-confirm with the county that it was OK to paint the lines on the tennis courts. This of course was a very time consuming process with the ultimate decision being negative. We appealed the decision to Joe Penale of Beaufort County Parks and Leisure and asked him to meet with us at the courts. He agreed and made an appointment for a Monday at 9:00 am. That appointment was subsequently canceled and rescheduled for the following Wednesday. He never showed up. Later, he sent an e-mail saying he was called out of town and couldn't make the meeting. He went on to say that the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Board had determined that they did not want pickleball lines painted on the tennis courts, but were free to paint lines on the basketball court and suggested that we could get two pickleball courts on the basketball court. The basketball court is an elementary school size court and will only allow one pickleball court size-wise. Additionally, the court is in poor condition with deep cracks and a 4 inch drop off at the edges. Further, there is no fence to hinder errant balls from rolling into the brush and players must shimmy over a 4 X 4 barrier to get the balls. Though we use this court in conjunction with the other two tennis courts with chalked lines on all three courts and a portable USAPA net on the basketball court, this situation is less than acceptable. So we continue to appeal the decision to the Beaufort County Board and we are working on other avenues to get pickleball accepted in the community. We plan to send an e-mail to the Island Packet Newspaper to see if they will do a brief introductory article on pickleball and make it known that we have over 100 e-mail addresses for our pickleball roster and approximately 15-22 people showing up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 a.m. to play pickleball. We are not going away!"

This number of people showing up 3 days a week proves there is an interest. I would love to hear your thoughts - drop me a note at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The more people we can get behind us the better!!! I look forward to seeing you on the court!!!!

An Investment in Happiness

I have had several clients in the past couple of years that have come to our wonderful island to look for property​ and for a great place to retire and start making memories. Many of these clients, two or more years ago, would say to me that they thought prices would drop a little more and that maybe they should wait to buy their dream home, as there might be better INVESTMENTS. I thought about this recently when some clients, who had been looking for a while, mentioned that there might be better investments for their money. However, they decided to make an offer on a home. As negotiations got closer and closer and tension was high they decided to make the ultimate investment- the investment that could pay the highest dividends for them.

You see, prior to all of this, they had faced some pretty scary health issues and were very fortunate that they'd made good investments over the years and were able to pay all the medical bills without too much financial strain. It was then that they realized that - yes - their wise investment had paid off but now they were at a point in life where they needed a much greater return. They invested in their happiness. That is right, they invested in what they had dreamed about for years. They invested in all the late night conversations they had about coming to Hilton Head and all of the memories they were going to make with their family. They realized they were not going to let a few dollars here or there stop them from achieving such a great return. They were no longer going to wait until that "perfect time."

They wanted to start making those memories and enjoying the fruits of their labor. So often we go through life knowing the COST of everything and the VALUE of nothing. They recognized that they should have done this a long time ago and that the cost relative to the VALUE turned out to be very minimal. I guess we can all learn from this. Life is short . Do something to invest in YOUR happiness!!

Let me know your thoughts or share your own story with me.

Jeff

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 843-422-5933.

Harbour Town Golf Voted #2 by PGA Pros!

In a recent Golf World Magazine Article, Harbour Town Golf Links was voted the #2 rated venue of a survey of 82 PGA Tour Golf Professionals!

The #1 rated venue was Augusta National, the home of the Masters Tournament each spring. This ranking, by the best players in the world, validates the fact that the Hilton Head Area is truly a Mecca for great golf. In addition to Harbour Town in Sea Pines, we have some of the best Private Golf Communities in the country. Just recently, Wexford had Arnold Palmer completely renovate its course and practice facilities. Long Cove is always at the top of the annual rankings as one of the top courses in the country.

And just a short drive over the bridge in Bluffton you will find Colleton River with both its spectacular Jack Nicklaus course and its Pete Dye course - each with stunning views of the Colleton River and Port Royal Sound. Down the road is Belfair, with two magnificent Tom Fazio courses overlooking the Colleton River and its world class Golf Learning Center. Belfair’s East Course just reopened this fall with new Mini Verde Greens. And last, but not least, Berkeley Hall with 36 holes of Tom Fazio golf and a thirty acre Golf Learning Center. There has never been a better time to consider one of these world class communities. All are strong financially and the prices for homes and homesites has never been better. If golf is your passion, let us give you a personal tour of the Hilton Head Private Golf Communities.

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Hilton Head Island ushers out January with grace...

January was both mild and absolutely lovely this year! The average high throughout the month was about 70 and lows were favorable. I've taken some I'm hoping February follows suit. I spent some time capturing the bridge to Hilton Head Island while the sun was setting on the last day of January, 2012. Folks drive right by Pinckney Island Landing on their way to and from the island. A public boat ramp is available and the sunsets are amazing.

To view the full gallery of images visit: Pictures of Hilton Head.

Casino Project near Hilton Head Island

The project, which would be owned by Cherokee Indians, would include a 400-room luxury hotel, dining, an events center and access to a golf course.

Read more: Casino Project near Hilton Head Island

Who is Buying Real Estate Now?

I had a client ask me this today and I thought I would look in to it and see. In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina there are 194 pending listings this month. 98 Homes (Average price $678,955) , 84 Villas (Average price $276.341) and 12 lots (Average price $175,858). That means that in the next 30-45 days there will be 194 more homes, villas and homesites SOLD!!! If you take an average price of each of these types of properties, that means the people who have come to Hilton Head and loved all that they saw and experienced, have spent $91,860,530! just this month!! These new buyers are savvy, smart and confident.

They know the rule to "Buy low and sell High" and they USE IT. Some people know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. These new buyers know both cost and VALUE. They know that Hilton Head already had some of the lowest priced Ocean Front Real Estate on the East Coast. They know that the town has protected over 1100 acres from development and they know that it cost nearly $150,000,000. This new buyer knows when to take advantage of a great deal while selection is still good.

These buyers might be your neighbors, co-worker, clients, and even family. They may be a couple preparing to retire, a young couple or family looking to build wealth for their future and their families future, while creating memories that will last a lifetime. They are the people at the cocktail party that talk about what they are doing and have done in life, their experiences and travels. These new buyers would rather listen to a story about Spanish moss and moon beams rather than a story about the stock certificate that you have in a safety deposit box. They are embracing life.

I guess a better question is, "Are you one of these people?" If I can help just let me know. There has never been a better time to be a buyer. I look forward to hearing from you soon!! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 843-422-5933. Thanks!!!

Welcome to Wharf Street - Historic Bluffton, SC

​Looking for fresh local seafood, a place to launch your boat or kayak into the May River or a quiet place to take in a sunset? Make sure you visit Wharf Street in downtown Bluffton. Take a look at this sunset photograph...

Read more: Welcome to Wharf Street - Historic Bluffton, SC