The Reed Real Estate Group

Hilton Head Zipline Eco-Tour

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:06:48 +0000

Want a bird’s eye view of Hilton Head and the surrounding area? Experience the Lowcountry from up high with Zipline Hilton Head! Hilton Head has joined the ranks of eco tourist companies everywhere, and is proud to offer the latest recreation craze!

Part of Broad Creek Marina Adventures, Zipline Hilton Head provides a great experience the whole family can enjoy! Complete with 8 ziplines, visitors can soar heights up to 75 feet during a 2 ½ hour canopy tour. Scale one of three suspended sky bridges, speed down a 900-foot dual cable racing line or climb up an aerial staircase. The guided eco-tour takes you up over the canopy of the island, and allows you a perfect view of the island’s natural beauty.

Reservations are recommended. Zipline Hilton Head accepts reservations up to 24 hours in advance online, or by calling the company (843) 682-6000. All tours accommodate approximately 8 persons in one group and include a guide. Come soar with Zipline Hilton Head and enjoy an adventure you and your family won’t soon forget!

Call the Reed Real Estate Group at 888.675.REED (7333), or email us, we have been placing buyers and sellers of Hilton Head Island SC real estate for almost three decades. We strive for top-notch customer service – from Hilton Head gated communities, villas and plantation homes to Hilton Head golf communities and ocean-front property – the Reed Real Estate Group is your Hilton Head Island real estate agency.

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Signs of Growth in the Housing Market

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:35:08 +0000

While the housing crisis is by no means over, there are signs in the real estate market that point toward recovery. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there will likely be a 7-10% increase in sales of existing homes in 2012, which would be the highest level in five years. While January to February sales have fallen as they normally do, the trend is heading in the right direction compared to 2011 figures. Pending home sales were up 9.2 percent over the same time period last year, and existing-home sales were up 8.8 percent. While these figures do not indicate a complete recovery of the housing market, the trend is definitely encouraging.

One of the key factors that has been preventing the housing market from taking off again is that it has been difficult to get mortgage loans in recent years. Fortunately, banks have begun to loosen their credit requirements. While they haven’t been lowered to the dangerously loose standards that caused the housing market to collapse, the analytics firm Capital Economics is predicting that the current requirements should lead to the end of the housing crisis before the end of the year. As of this writing, the average credit score needed for a mortgage loan is 700, much the same as it was a year ago. In addition, banks are now willing to lend more money to those meeting the credit requirements, up to 3.5 times the borrower’s earnings, up from 3.2 times the borrower’s earnings during the worst part of the housing crisis.

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

The RBC Heritage Classic

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:11:56 +0000

It was Thanksgiving weekend, 1969, when Sea Pines innovator and developer Charles Fraser named the first tournament ever to be played on the newly built Harbour Town Golf Links. He chose “The Heritage Classic” to give the tournament a traditional name. The hope was that such a name might promote interest and incite intrigue for the golf world. Back then there were many unknowns. Among the greatest was: who would want to come to little known Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina to play on a new and unfamiliar course? Nonetheless, people grabbed their maps…people came…and they have continued to return for over four decades (some of those visitors and their families now call Hilton Head Island home).

That first tournament hosted some of the best players in golf history – Jack Nicklaus (who had helped design Harbour Town with Pete Dye) and Arnold Palmer were among them. It was Palmer who went on to become the Heritage Classic’s inaugural champion – his first win in over a year. The media firestorm that ensued helped to put Harbour Town – and Hilton Head Island – more firmly on the map. Sports enthusiasts and news outlets continuously raved about Arnold’s win, the island, and the beautifully designed Harbour Town Golf Links.

Today, the Heritage is held in April during the week following the Masters. The purse has grown from $100,000 in 1969 (only $20,000 of which was won by Palmer) to $5.7 million this year. In addition to Palmer, names inscribed upon the event’s Champion’s trophy include Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Davis Love III and the late Payne Stewart. More than 135,000 fans are expected to attend the tournament this year. Full coverage will be provided live on CBS and The Golf Channel, while being broadcast internationally via XM Radio. Continuous exposure to the world makes the Heritage one of the biggest economic boosters in the state. A recent Clemson Economic Impact Study reports that the Heritage pumps more than $81 million into South Carolina’s economy each year.

The Heritage Classic remains a truly exciting and unique experience for all who attend – players and fans alike. If you plan to be among those enjoying the tournament this year and need a good place to rest or grab a cold beverage, let one of us here at the Reed Real Estate Group know. As in years past, our company – Charter One Realty – will have a hospitality villa near the first green. We’ll make sure your name is on the invitation list. Hope to see you there!

Contact the Reed Real Estate Group, we have been placing buyers and sellers of Hilton Head Island SC real estate for almost three decades. We strive for top-notch customer service – from Hilton Head gated communities, villas and plantation homes to Hilton Head golf communities and ocean-front property – the Reed Real Estate Group is your Hilton Head Island real estate agency.

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Lots of Options for Day Trips from Hilton Head

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:47:57 +0000

Few could argue that Hilton Head has it all: great shopping, great food, and great beaches! However, when residents and visitors choose to wander from the grandeur of the island, there are many popular destinations within two hours of Hilton Head. It takes little effort to see that opportunities abound for day-trips and excursions!

Charleston, South Carolina is a great day trip idea. A visit to the historic district will net you the opportunity to enjoy a walk along the battery, world class shopping, or a tour of the infamous city market that now functions as a central hub in the historic district. Take a tour of any of Charleston’s many museums, plantations, or historic landmarks. When there you must take in a meal at any of the city’s famed eateries. One we highly recommend that has gained national renown is Husk. There is a lot to see and do in Charleston, the culture capital of the Lowcountry.

Just South of Hilton Head, Savannah, Georgia offers a quaint mixture of southern hospitality and modern conventions. Here you’ll find a rich history resonating through historic squares lined with haunted cemeteries and old style architecture, coupled with more modern trappings. Enjoy the fantastic nightlife, fabulous food, and amazing sights. And be sure to check out the recently renovated City Market site down by the river!

Slightly North of Hilton Head over the Broad River is the city of Beaufort. Recently celebrating its TriCentennial in 2011, Beaufort is steeped in American History with buildings that date back to pre-Revolutionary War times. Like its sister Southern cities of Savannah and Charleston, Beaufort immerses visitors in ample opportunities to enjoy boutique clothing stores, quaint eateries, and numerous art galleries along Bay Street. In fact, the charm of this old town served as the setting for The Big Chill.

As entertaining as these excursions are…the best part of experiencing these wonderful places is the convenience of returning to our own little piece of paradise here on Hilton Head…

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Marsh Tacky Races on Hilton Head Island

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:01:52 +0000

As a matter of Gullah Tradition, Marsh Tacky horses were once raced along the shores of Hilton Head each February after the winter’s harvests had been collected. While the month of this great event has changed this year, the races featuring these gorgeous creatures has returned to the Lowcountry. This year’s Marsh Tacky Races will be held March 18, 2012 along the shores of Coligny Beach – and you’re invited!

Racing the horses became part of a Gullah tradition that nearly vanished when the illustrious Marsh Tacky Horse breed became endangered in years past. The breed was introduced by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. Their narrow chests short legs and long manes made them beauties to behold. However, as work horses, they were well suited to the heat and humidity of the south, and could labor for long hours in the colonial fields. Racing the horses at low tide began as a sport, one that has become a yearly part of the the Island’s month-long Gullah celebration. Mother Nature had other plans this year, however; thus the date of the race had to be postponed to work with the daytime tides.

This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Hugh Weathers, the state’s Agricultural Commissioner. The race starts at 1 pm and is free, but donations are accepted. To register, or to get more information, log on at http://www.marshtacky.org/News–and–Events.php.

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Photo source: HorseBreedsInfo.com

Wining and Dining on Hilton Head Island

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:14:03 +0000

For 27 years now, the Annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival has been the island’s biggest food and wine event of the year. This year’s festival will be six days of spirits, wine, and culinary delights from March 5 through March 10, 2012. The unique combination of the very best food the Lowcountry has to offer with a wide sampling of both international and domestic wines makes this a can’t-miss event for all lovers of wine and gourmet food.

Among the most important events at the festival are the Silent Auctions, the proceeds of which are used to benefit the John T. and Valerie Curry scholarship fund. This scholarship fund is used to benefit students enrolled in the Hospitality programs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry as well as the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Throughout the week there will be Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinners at various restaurants on the island. On Friday, March 9 there will be a Grand Tasting & Silent Auction at the Harbour Town Conference Center at Sea Pines Resort. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample many gourmet foods and wines, complete with wine representatives who can answer questions. On Saturday, March 10, there will be a public wine tasting and silent auction at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Other events during the week include a Bartender’s Challenge & Waiter’s Race, cooking demonstrations, a Culinary Court, a Health & Wellness Stage, and more.

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Hilton Head – Bike Friendly Community

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:15:16 +0000

Hilton Head is just one of three Silver Level Bike Friendly Communities on the Atlantic coast as recognized by the League of American Bicyclists and only one of five in the Southeastern United States. The island may only be 60 square miles large, but Disney’s Family Fun magazine rates it one of the Top 5 Family Biking Getaways in the nation, stating that even “the surf is biking turf on Hilton Head Island.”

Check out these stats:

• 6 miles of bike lanes,

• 117 miles of shared-use pathways,

• 108 miles of paved shared-use paths,

• 14 miles of planned pathways,

• 1 mile of single track; and

• 24% of arterial streets have bike lanes or paved shoulders.

The next time the cycling bug hits you, hit the 12 miles of hard-packed sandy beaches or glide under the meandering trails of green-canopied trees. The bicycle paths crisscross and wind about allowing you unprecedented access to the best Hilton Head offers from one side of the island to the other.

You can rent bikes everywhere—from an “Ally Cat” adult bike with child in tow, tandem bikes, and “Kiddie Karts.” Try to reserve bikes at least 72 hours ahead of time to get your pick since bikes rentals are hotter than Carolina summertimes—and don’t forget your helmet!

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:11:13 +0000

February in Hilton Head is a great time to learn about the Native Island Gullah people and the history surrounding their traditions and culture that have influenced this area of the lowcountry and Sea Islands. The 16th annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, a month-long celebration that showcases the arts, crafts, foods and history of Gullah culture, kicks off February 1 with an opening reception and art exhibit featuring displays from Gullah artists from the Lowcountry. Come spend the weekend, February 11 and 12 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, for original island gumbo, geechee conch stew, and a taste-bud awakening of classic Gullah food.

The last half of the month includes a total immersion Gullah experience at the Coastal Discovery Museum with food, crafts, music and children’s activities, and the 19th Annual I.W. Wilborn Golf Classic. The month winds down with a 5K Fitness Walk/Run on Saturday, February 25 and the celebration sneaks into March with the Marsh Tacky Run & Exhibition horse race on the 18th. A local favorite event, with over 5,000 people showing up to see who gets best horse bragging rights for the year!

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Sprucing Up To Sell

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:18:41 +0000

We are happy to report some cautiously optimistic news – last year saw buyers wandering back into the Hilton Head Island market to take advantage of incredible opportunities that have not been seen in over a decade. So far, 2012 is seeing much of the same activity. Prices will likely remain low for the foreseeable future as it will take time to whittle through the inventory that accumulated over the past few years. Thus, if you have been considering buying – this is a great time to do so! But what about selling? There are essentially two types of sellers that we work with in this market - One, unfortunately, has little choice in the matter due to the economic realities that have befallen many throughout the country. Fortunately for them, the market has picked up. The other type of seller we are seeing more and more, is taking advantage of this buyer’s market by moving up! They recognize that whatever they might lose in selling their current property will be more than recovered by the same percentage decline impacting the value of their purchase. Regardless of the reasons behind one’s choice to sell in today’s market, all should be thinking about, “How can I make MY home BETTER or the BEST?” There are several things you can do to help increase your home’s appeal.

• Dress up the exterior. One of the best things you can invest in when preparing to sell your home is a fresh coat of paint. Consider painting or powerwashing your home prior to listing it for sale. Clean up the yard – a lawn and landscape that are well-maintained draws in the potential buyer. Consider staging the backyard with patio furniture depicting a specific vignette – afternoon tea or brunch, or perhaps a family barbecue are all good choices!

• De-clutter and pre-pack. Depersonalize your home and reduce the clutter to help the potential buyer see your house as THEIR new space. Remove family pictures, knick-knacks, and other personal items and go ahead and pack them away. Stage the house as you would for a showing. What were the features that made you fall in love with your home? Play them up by creating clean lines and a modern look with a warm, homey feel.

• Change the light bulbs! Switch out the lighting in your home in favor of softer bulbs. Bright lights tend to wash out complexions and environments, making things look dull or pasty… opt for soft light, especially around mirrors and in common living spaces, to provide a sense of healthy vibrancy and warmth in the room.

Making your home attractive to buyers doesn’t have to cost you a mint… although placing a few in a candy dish or two isn’t a bad idea. A few changes here or there can make your home more memorable – and memorable sells a lot faster than the unremarkable!

Search Hilton Head Real Estate

Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town Golf Links Ranked #2 by PGA Tour Pros

admin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:30:07 +0000

The Hilton Head Island area is one of the nation’s foremost golf destinations and few could argue that there’s nothing quite like Hilton Head Island’s world-class golf courses. Recently, Golf World surveyed more than 80 PGA Tour players to find which courses they enjoyed playing the most on the PGA Tour and Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town Golf Links ranked second on the list of 52 courses. Comments about the course from the anonymous survey included “My favorite Pete Dye course” … “the best course we play.” … “don’t need length for a great golf course” … “It’s a 10 because of great greens.” … “you have to shape the ball on almost every hole.”

Located in the Sea Pines Plantation and home of the RBC Heritage, Harbour Town Golf Links is a par 71 from all three sets of tees. From the back tees the course measures 6,973 yards with a slope of 146, and although the course may be considered short by today’s standards of golf, it requires a great deal of accuracy and provides a solid test for any golfer looking for a challenge. The signature eighteenth hole on the golf course, one of the most feared in all of golf particularly when the wind is blowing off Calibogue Sound, is a challenging 478 yard par 4.

The top five courses making the Golf World list were:
1. Augusta National GC, Augusta, Ga.
2. Harbour Town GL, Hilton Head Island, S.C.
3. Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Calif.
4. Pebble Beach GL ,Pebble Beach, Calif.
5. Colonial CC, Fort Worth, Tex.

Search Hilton Head Real Estate