Real estate briefs

Carson Realty has added Debbie Beck as a Realtor. She has lived in the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area for 18 years. Previously, Beck worked at Turkey Hill, an 18,000-acre private plantation. She has a bachelor's from Kennesaw State University. Carson Realty has five locations in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area. Beck will work from the company's new office in the Carolina Center near the entrance to Sea Pines. (full story)

Local Realtors offer their perspective on what makes the Lowcountry a great place to live

It takes a village to make a great place to live, and in the Lowcountry, both private and public investment projects are improving the quality of life and enhancing property values. An informal survey by The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette of local Realtors -- including some who serve on political action committees -- turned up suggestions for the future and kudos for projects that focus on the environment, recreation and business. On two wheels Many of the Realtors' comments had to do with biking and recreation, and prospective buyers' desires to lead an active, outdoor lifestyle: "The Rail Trail program is the most significant capital improvement in northern Beaufort County. The conversion of the unused railway system to a walking, running and biking trail will create a community amenity that will benefit everyone. We have water and history - this is going to fill in something we have been missing. It's a work in progress; tracks from the old railway have already been removed. Learn more at http://railtrailbeaufort.wordpress.com" Edward Dukes, Lowcountry Real Estate "As a biking enthusiast, I would like some of the more heavily-used paths on Hilton Head Island to have solar lights installed. For riders out after dark, this would provide a measure of safety we don't have now. This type of lighting is "green" and doesn't light up the sky. Randy Smith, Lancaster Real Estate Sales "More bike paths in Northern Beaufort County. With rising fuel costs, environmental concerns, and the need for an overall healthier population, this is worth addressing." Cherimie Crane, Ballenger Realty "High priorities on Hilton Head Island are building an aquatic center, the Rec. Center expansion (phase one) and the South Island Marina dredging project. All would contribute to our quality of life in the Lowcountry." Rick Saba, The Carolina Realty Group "The beach renourishment taking place on the north end of Hilton Head Island benefits property owners in Port Royal Plantation and the whole area by improving one of our main assets--our access to the ocean." Gloria LaCoe, Alliance Realty Group "Coligny Plaza is another beautiful example of the town improving our public areas approaching the beach. Visitors love the fountain, the changing rooms, beach access for people in wheelchairs, and the view deck with porch swings. This project was a home run by the Town of Hilton Head." Karen Ryan, Weichert Realtors-Coastal Properties Keep 'em moving Roadways are on Realtors' minds. Some want U.S. 278 widened to Interstate 95 and hope the countywide local option 1-cent sales tax for infrastructure continues. Others lauded the new traffic circle at the intersection of S.C. 46 and Bluffton Parkway. And some are thinking about the high season: "The widening project to make U.S. 278 six lanes from Simmonsville Road to S.C. 170 gives hope that the log-jam of inbound traffic to Hilton Head Island on Saturday afternoons in the summertime may be minimized. This weekly repeat of extended traffic jams not only frustrates locals but also annoys visitors who have already spent significant hours driving to their vacation destination. Work also is under way to extend Bluffton Parkway from Burnt Church Road to near the bridges to Hilton Head, which should help our traffic situation too." Chip Collins, Collins Group Realty Protecting the environment Most people who move to the Lowcountry cite our natural environment as a draw. Realtors are concerned about protecting it: "Wal-Mart, Kroger, Publix, and the developers of the Tanger Outlet Mall and planned Shoppes at Willow Run are expanding in our area. The ancillary growth of businesses surrounding these major companies can be expected and our challenge is to manage the growth and protect our May River watershed." Randy Fix, Gateway Realty "Protect the waterways and rivers--even if it means buying the lands adjacent. Dredging of waterways and marinas should be a public and private partnership. Invest in infrastructure for enlarging the Technical College of the Lowcountry and University of South Carolina-Beaufort to allow them to offer more degrees in hospitality, golf course construction and management, and environmental careers." Andy Twisdale, Charter 1 Realty North Economic development and re-development Many Realtors want economic development and redevelopment of existing areas by private industry and public-private partnerships. The majority of respondents from the southern part of the county mentioned the redevelopment of The Mall at Shelter Cove and plans to redevelop Coligny Plaza as steps in the right direction. Some also thought the Town of Hilton Head Island should provide low interest loans for redevelopment of older condo complexes. Development is also heating up in the northern part of the county: "The 50-acre port of Port Royal property sale is going to have the biggest impact on property values north of the Broad River. The property was originally slated to sell in 2006, and property values in Port Royal skyrocketed only to plummet with the economic downturn and the sale falling through. Now is again an exciting time in Port Royal with the final reading about the development and approval for the sale. The property is now expected to close in about a month. One part of the project is a promenade boardwalk allowing public access that has been desired for decades to the beautiful vistas of Port Royal Sound and Battery Creek. Learn more at http://portroyal.org/index.html." Carl Joye, Weichert Realtors-Apex Realty Thinking big This response spans the county and hits many high points: "Hilton Head Plantation is renovating the Spring Lake Pavilion, and Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes have announced major renovations. In Bluffton, sidewalks, parking, and new signs have enhanced the charm of Old Town. The multi-million-dollar sponsorship by RBC Bank and Boeing is a success for the Heritage, and the F-35 coming to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort ensures a bright future for Beaufort County." John Robinson, Dunes Marketing Group, president of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors (full story)

Hilton Head Lakes promises to be first-class living

If the owners of Hilton Head Lakes ever design a flag for their new development in Hardeeville, it should include a pontoon boat. (full story)

Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors names new board, selects Realtor of the Year and honors President's Award winner

The bright star of this year's awards luncheon held by the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors wasn't acting when her face lit up with surprise as her name was called. (full story)

Oldfield offers environmentally friendly luxury living with golf, fishing, outdoor sports and more

Authenticity, environmental responsibility and diverse resident activities make Oldfield appealing to those seeking a new home near Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort. (full story)

New houses on Hilton Head Island and plenty of design ideas are on display at Jarvis Creek Club

Even those not in the market for a new house can benefit from a trip to see the furnished model at Jarvis Creek Club on Hilton Head Island. (full story)

Life of luxury on the bluff

New real estate offerings mean the beauty of Palmetto Bluff now is accessible to more buyers, because the 20,000-acre community in Bluffton has responded to changes in the luxury home market. (full story)

Habersham to kick off annual holiday home tour

For a peek at some of the best-decorated homes in the Lowcountry, join the the annual holiday home tour in Beaufort's Habersham neighborhood. (full story)

Historic Beaufort 2011 Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens

Wear your walking shoes to stroll through history this week. (full story)

The magazine focuses on the Palmetto Bluff residence's modern dogtrot design

One fun thing about living in a beautiful place: the Lowcountry is often featured in the national media. (full story)

Bringing design to life

Joni Vanderslice first knew she wanted to be an interior designer when she was a fourth-grader growing up in High Point, N.C., but she never dreamed how far success in the design business would take her. (full story)

Realtors spend the day assisting Lowcountry residents with home repairs

They should have called it "Realtors doing really hard work." (full story)

Real estate notes, Sept. 11

Today's college students want comforts of home

LOS ANGELES -- At apartment complexes near college campuses across the country, gym-tan-laundry is just the beginning. (full story)

Reed to manage Hampton Lake sales

Pratt Reed has been promoted to sales manager at Hampton Lake, where he will oversee residential real estate sales at the 900-acre master planned community. (full story)

Real estate briefs, Sept. 7

Gloria and Allan LaCoe have joined The Alliance Group Realty in the Fresh Market Shoppes on Hilton Head Island. The LaCoes are well-known in the local real estate community for their sales success and involvement in charitable organizations during the past decade. (full story)

Sale of historic Orange Grove Place to benefit two Lowcountry nonprofit groups

Two Lowcountry nonprofit organizations will benefit from the sale of a historic home in Walterboro, representatives from the Historic Beaufort Foundation and the Colleton County Arts Council announced this week. (full story)

Real estate notes, Sept. 7

Tech-savvy real estate agents throughout the Lowcountry find potential customers, sell homes using social media

Will posting Facebook photos of Lowcountry sunsets and tweeting local events and real estate tips make people more likely to do business with you -- and purchase a house? (full story)