“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton

ANOTHER FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION FROM DIANE BELL, HILTON HEAD REALTOR

IF YOU'RE VISITING HILTON HEAD FOR THE HOLIDAYS, make sure you take some time from your busy schedule to visit the French Bakery, located in Pineland Station, just around the corenr from the Stein Mart. I always think this is one of the best kept secrets on the island-----baked goods and food are beyond delicious and the gracious owners will make you feel very welcome the minute you step through their door.

On a warm winter day, you'll enjoy sitting outside in the courtyard surrounded by a lavish floral holiday display. Enjoy a hot steaming cup of coffee, some of their homemade soups or sandwiches and finish the event with a delicious French Pastry.

Last year, I purchased loaves of freshly baked bread that made fabulous holiday gifts for my neighbors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (843) 342-5420---OPEN EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAY.


'TIS THE SEASON TO DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE HILTON HEAD OR BLUFFTON CHARITY

If ever there was a year that we need to give serious consideration to area charities, this is definitely it!

With the economy in the doldrums and jobs vanishing, wouldn't you hate to think that a needy family might miss out on the joys of Christmas?

In the Lowcountry, we have many exemplary local charities but if you're thinking about some lesser well-known charities, here are some sites where you can check out other less familiar non-profits.

CHARITY NAVIGATOR, ranks over 5300 charities on their financial health.

THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU WISE GIVING ALLIANCE, gathers facts that help you to make an informed decision.

GUIDESTAR complies financial information about charities and makes this information available online.

So, what will you do this year? Let your conscience be your guide but PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

HILTON HEAD PLANTATION NOVEMBER 2008 REAL ESTATE MARKET ACTIVITY UPDATE

Looks like November won't go down in history as being a stellar month for the real estate markets, both locally and natinally. Taking a look at Hilton Head Plantation, one can see that our local activity pretty much mirrored the dismal national news.

The good news on the horizon is that homes in Hilton Head Plantation that are aggresively priced continue to go under contract. Nice homes in the Plantation are always in demand due to the lifestyle and ameneties offered residents. Even better news for buyers is the plentiful supply of homes and realistic sellers. Plus interest rates have drastically moderated this month. Great news if you're a buyer!

For the month of November, there were 23 new homes that came on the market with 12 pending and 3 closed.

The Average listing price was $678,769 with the Average closed price coming in at $433,166. What does this mean? Simply that more homes in the lower price points were sold.

The total sales volume for the month of November was $1,299,500 and average days on the market was 217. This represents a huge jump from previous statistics but was due to the November slowdown.

The average Closed Price/List Price ratio held steady at 95.34%.

Information derived from the Hilton Head MLS, deemed to be correct but not guaranteed.

INTERESTED IN HILTON HEAD PLANTATION? I'M ALWAYS EAGER TO INTRODUCE MY COMMUNITY TO YOU. PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON. I VALUE YOUR REFERRALS, QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES.

A GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING PARTY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH , DEC. 13

Wow, I keep finding fabulous Christmas events for the family this year on Hilton Head Island. The folks who thought this one up really had a great idea. Imagine how much fun it will be to take the family to the First Presbyterian Church for a Gingerbread House Decorating Party. The event will take place on December 13 in Fellowship Hall and best of all, the cost is only $10. I don' think you could even buy one of those kits at Walmart for that price! Wonder if you can get home without the kids eating the decorations and icing!

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 681-3696 OR VISIT THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WEBSITE.

DOVE STREET CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA--DON'T MISS THE 80,000 LIGHT DISPLAY

The Christmas Celebration at Dove Street (right off Forest Beach) is the best holiday event of the season as far as I am concerned. Our family NEVER misses an evening ride to see the creativity of the residents , who incidentally, take great pride in their holiday decorations. The celebration encompasses over 80,000 lights and maybe this year, that record will be broken. So, grab the kids one evening when they are a wee bit restless and head on over to the south end of the island to Dove Street. Santa will be there too!

You can visit Dove Street until January 4th but if you go, don't forget to stop by Rita's Ice at Coligny Plaza to drop off a gift , money or food for the needy. This is the year to dig a little deeper and support families who may not be as fortunate.