Jeanne Arlow

Sadly a fire destroyed the River Clubhouse at Kiawah Island last week but thankfully no one was hurt in the blaze. I have always loved visiting Kiawah and I am glad to hear that they are not going to let any time go wasted in rebuilding the clubhouse.

Anyhow, to our lowcountry friends at Kiawah Island we are glad that you are all ok and we look forward to seeing your new clubhouse very soon, maybe we can come to the grand opening party!

The DeVaul Henderson Recreation Park is a great investment in the future of Richmond Hill, GA.

With so much budget cutting and expense control we can really be proud of our community Richmond Hill for sticking with the plan and getting this valuable resource in place for the future growth of our community. The DeVaul Henderson Park is now open for its second season of sport, and just as well as the 20,000 residents of this small town like being outdoors, like exercise and like their sport.

This state of the art sport and recreation facility currently boasts:
- 2 Full size, floodlit football/soccer fields
- 2 Full size, grass turf soccer fields
- 6 baseball diamonds
- a beautiful walking tail around a lake that is perfect for family fishing.

In the future as we grow into this new facility there are plans to further develop this prime piece of land to continue servicing the needs of this wonderful growing town:
- 10 Tennis courts with a clubhouse and pro shop
- Skateboard park
- Roller hockey arena (including 3 indoor basketball courts)
- Community center with gym
- Additional soccer fields
- A disk and dog park
- 2 Outdoor basket ball courts
- Fishing dock with kayak and canoe storage

We already have one of the best school districts in the state of Georgia (independently verifiable) and with this sort of investment in infrastructure and future growth going on we seem to be setting a course on controlled, sustainable and responsible growth and more and more families with children are going to continue choosing Richmond Hill as the perfect coastal town to raise their families.

Well done Richmond Hill I am proud to live, work and play here!

This is an excerpt quoted from the March 9, 2010 edition of a Barron's article by Steven M. Sears: "At long last, the market for luxury real estate is coming back to life.

In Greenwich, Conn., realty brokers say, the final months of 2009 were almost record-setters for sales volume, as two years of pent-up demand was unleashed. Even the megadeal is back. In Beverly Hills, film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg just plunked down $35 million for an 8,700-square-foot home on six acres.

There's nothing like a stabilized economy and a huge rebound in stocks to send folks looking for the perfect manse. The return of hefty Wall Street bonuses hasn't hurt, either.

Prices are way down-40% off the peak in some locations. Seemingly at or near bottom, they are starting to attract the first wave of bargain hunters-and not just families in need of R&R. Hard-nosed investors also are on the prowl, says Jan Reuter, head of residential real estate at U.S. Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management: "We've seen an uptick in buying in just the last couple of months... ".

The Ford Plantation is no exception and we are experiencing an increase in the number of people visiting the plantation and wanting to share this incredible coastal lifestyle, which is limited to only 400 families. There have already been several closings in January and February and all indications are that we are going to experience strong spring sales. Many of our peers have already reported record breaking January and February closings!

The time is right. Prices are low, jumbo loans are available again and interest rates are at record low levels ... how much longer will this be true? Don't miss this opportunity, visit our website now or call for an opportunity to visit and stay at The Main House!

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Realtors, broker referrals and buyers agents are welcome!

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122 Lost Cypress Way - Walk to the clubhouse, golf, pool or fitness center - unbeatable location and unbeatable value! Only $595,000

446 Ogeechee Drive - Waterfront on the Ogeechee River. Only $875,000

70 Little Lulu Lane - The Family Compound - Southern Style. $3,100,000

652 Silk Hope Drive - Marina living at its best. $2,795,000

221 Hidden Cove Drive - Lowcountry Southern Plantation Estate. $2,799,000

680 Myrtle Grove Lane - Home on Lake Dye. $2,450,000

1165 Dublin Drive - Empty-nester's Equestrian Delight. $2,195,000

261 Spanish Moss Lane - Custom Louisiana Country Home. $1,975,000

400 Ford Way - Tom Sawyer Pond Estate. $1,850,000

543 McAllister Landing - The Charleston Battery. $1,625,000

469 Dublin Drive - Immaculate Restored Tobacco Barn Home. $1,295,000

601 Myrtle Grove Lane - The Lake Dye Carriage House. $1,250,000

49 Eagles Cove - Perfect! Second Home / Weekend Getaway. $850,000

46 Cherry Laurel Way - Delightful Cherry Hill Cottage. $695,000

Visit our website for more information www.OgeecheeGroup.com

I am not exactly sure what to expect when I attend my first Keller Williams Family Reunion (annual Keller Williams Conference) in New Orleans, LA this weekend, starting Saturday 20th February. I have heard so much about it and the speakers as well as the break out session planned look great. I must admit there are so many session planned I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, not sure exactly how to pick the right ones, and I would hate to miss something good, but I am sure I will figure it out.

Talking to colleges who have attended before, I have learned that this is a great time to make many, many contacts from all over the country, which is good for business as I sell homes and land at The Ford Plantation which attracts buyers from all over the country. I am taking a signup sheet with me for agents that deal in the luxury second home market, and I will launching my 50% referral, "Preferred Marketing Partner" program for interested agents from target market cities across the USA. If you want to know more about this program let me know?

I am enjoying the chance to step away from my normal routine for a few days and spend time with quality business family members. A chance to compare notes with some of the best agents from around the country, hear their successes, how they are dealing with challenges, how their markets have shifted and what they are doing to make 2010 a great year!

I was amazed when I heard that the conference was sold out over two weeks ago! What a great vote of confidence for the event, that so many agents are making the commitment of time and money to be there. See you in New Orleans!

Any tips for a first time attendee?

Set amidst the centuries old Live Oaks, in the Silk Hope neighborhood of The Ford Plantation is a wonderful organic garden...but it is more than that.

Executive Chef, Juan Carlos points out it is about an attitude, a commitment and a lifestyle that is inherent in the DNA of The Ford Plantation, its staff and its members. Juan explains that the organic farm is just one (and happens to be the most visible) of many ways in which The Ford Plantation supports the environment, and healthy living. Chef Juan explains that they try not to use chemicals or highly processed foods so they grow their own organic vegetables when seasonable possible. They also raise a few dozen "Silver Lay" chickens which produce about enough eggs to make all the homemade pastas served in the dining venues, as well as make all the deserts with fresh organic eggs. And very importantly they only use soy based organic detergents to clean up in the kitchen. This is not only environmentally responsible but ensures that none of the dishes used to serve food have "chemical residues" thereby ensuring top quality and flavor.

I was then pleasantly surprised to learn that this attitude extends to the other departments. The golf and marina outfits are also trialing and fine tuning the use of soy based cleaning products to ensure minimal impact to the environment when they clean equipment.

Good job The Ford Plantation Club. With this attitude no wonder it is the premier private gated community on the East Coast!