Hilton Head Real Estate

Patwa is Performing at Hilton Head Beer Festival

Ken Oliver — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:42:23 +0000

The hottest Reggae band in the Lowcountry, PATWA, is performing at the Hilton Head Beer Festival this weekend, along with The Blue Dots, a 3-piece Rockabilly and Surf Rock band from Hilton Head! The music isn’t the only reason to head on over to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Saturday; beer, food, dancing, and an afternoon of kicking back and enjoying time with friends awaits.

The Hilton Head Taste of Summer Craft Beer Festival is one of the most popular annual events on the Island, drawing both locals and visitors to sample a variety of about 60 different beers from 20 Craft Breweries including: Pilsners, Hefe-Weizens, American-style wheats, Pale Ales, Fruit Beers, Summer Ales, Ciders and more.

It all starts at 2:00pm Saturday, May 19 at Shelter Cove with The Blue Dots, our very own local band. Here’s a peak at their style:

PATWA starts at 4:00pm and will keep every age group dancing and having fun! Influenced by Marley, Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, Ken Booth, Shabba, Inner Circle, and many more, PATWA ranks right up there with the main reasons to head to this event — sampling the beer and the food from the local restaurants including San Miguel’s, Bistro 17, Ela’s, New York City Pizza, Kickin Chicken, The Big Chill, and The Lodge Beer & Growler Bar.

Admission to this highly anticipated event is free, but you will need to purchase a festival ticket in order to sample the beer. You can get them in advance for $25 or at the gate for $30. Included in your ticket purchase are 15 beer samples and for the first 800 people, a souvenir sampling glass!

This event isn’t JUST about sampling beer and summertime favorite foods…a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hilton Head Rotary Club as well as the Palmetto Animal League. So leave your cares behind this Saturday and join the fun for a good cause at Shelter Cove for the Hilton Head Beer Fest!

Doesn’t this sound like a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon?

Contact Ken Oliver for any and all of your Hilton Head Island Real Estate or vacation needs and questions. I work with you and for you, that’s the Ken Oliver Way! You can also connect with me on my Facebook Page for happenings in the Hilton Head Island area, as well as home ownership tips, real estate market updates, and much more!

Take a look at a few of the breathtaking homes for sale in Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island Florist Locations for Mother’s Day

Ken Oliver — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:13:13 +0000

It’s almost Mother’s Day and since the most popular gift for mom is flowers, I thought I’d provide you with a few places in Hilton Head Island to get them. From your ever popular roses to the most unique flowers you can imagine, there’s a place in Hilton Head to find them.

Every mother deserves to be recognized for everything she does for her children as well as the rest of the family. In addition to giving mom special treatment this Mother’s Day, load up on the flowers, as you’d be hard pressed to find a woman who doesn’t like them!

Flowers by Sue
Your gift to mom from Flowers by Sue will arrive beautifully presented and personalized with your message. They’ll help you choose the perfect flowers and will customize to suit any style or taste. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and strive to create long term relationships with their clients. You’ll find over 25 different kinds of flowers from the ever popular Rose to the more unique Bird of Paradise. They are located at 72 Arrow Rd in Hilton Head and you can either order online or call 843-842-8778.

Mums the Word
Mums the Word is family owned and operated is committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, which is what the special mom in your life deserves. They have a wide range of prices to suit any budget and their professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. With an extensive inventory of fresh flowers as well as tropicals, plants, dish gardens and much more, you can’t go wrong! They are located at 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite J 7 B in Hilton Head. You can also order online or call 843-785-7899.

Johnson’s Florist & Greenhouse
With Johnson’s Florist & Greenhouse you can make a lasting impression on Mother’s Day. They are one of the leading flower locations in Hilton Head and offer a wide assortment of fresh flowers as well as plants and gift baskets! When you order flowers from Johnson’s Florist & Greenhouse, you can be confident that mom will be receiving a professionally arranged, hand delivered gift. As one of the most trusted florists in Hilton Head, Johnson’s staff works hard to make sure every arrangement that goes out the door is the best it can be. They are located at 287 Wild Horse Rd. and can be reached at 843-681-5107.

Nothing compares to the happiness of receiving fresh flowers, whether it’s a dozen long stem red roses or a simple heartfelt arrangement. Happy Mother’s Day!

Take a look at a few of the breathtaking homes for sale in Hilton Head Island.

Protect Outdoor Furniture From the Hilton Head Sun

Ken Oliver — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:20:26 +0000

Mother nature can be cruel to outdoor furniture, especially during the warm summer months when the Hilton Head Island sun is at its best. Not only does the sun age and fade any wood, wicker and the cushions, but the wind and rain have damaging and lasting effects. Since you’ll want to enjoy your outdoor furniture for as long as possible, here is a guide to protecting it from the elements.

Protect from Summer Elements

Before you can properly prevent the heat and sun from damaging your outdoor furniture, you’ll want to make sure it’s clean. Just about all types can be cleaned with mild soap, water, and a sponge. Maintaining its appearance is the first step in preventative care.

· Remove all of the cushions from the frame

· Using the sponge, wipe down the frame with soapy water

· If wood furniture, you may want to use a scrub brush instead of a sponge

· Rinse frame with water (a hose will be fastest)

· Allow the frame to dry completely before putting the cushions or upholstery back on

· Apply a furniture protector (can be purchased in a home improvement store)

While the furniture protector is drying, start cleaning the upholstery and cushions. They can also be cleaned with a sponge and mild soapy water, and then rinse them with clean water. Make sure to let the cushions and upholstery air dry completely before using or storing them in order to prevent mildew. To prevent the cushions from fading or discoloring from being exposed to the sun, apply a fabric protector at the beginning of the season.

Another way to protect and prolong the life of your outdoor furniture is to use waterproof covers when not in use.

Additional Preventative Care and Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Wood Furniture

· Try to avoid using natural oils as this will lead to mildew fungi which speeds up the deterioration process

· If possible, avoid placing wood furniture directly on the grass because the moisture from the ground may promote early decay of the wood over time.

· Avoid using water repellents because particles in the air tend to stick to the surface, causing the need to be cleaned more often.

Once you’ve taken the time to choose the perfect outdoor furniture for your porch, patio, or deck, you want to be able to keep it looking its best and lasting for many years. Protecting it from the effects of mother nature is the best way to ensure that!

Have other suggestions to protect outdoor furniture from the heat and sun’s rays?

Take a look at a few of the breathtaking homes for sale in Hilton Head Island.

2 Days of Seafood and Live Music: Seafood Fest on Hilton Head Island

Ken Oliver — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:24:39 +0000

This year marks the 5th annual Seafood Fest on Hilton Head Island and will feature more than a dozen area restaurants serving up their seafood specialties and other awesome dishes, as well as an “Iron Chef”-style competition, local artists showcasing their talents, live entertainment, a kids zone, and the ever popular silent auction which is expected to be even bigger and better than ever! Now a 2-day event, the Seafood Fest is from 5-8pm, Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, from 11am-5pm at Shelter Cove Community Park (behind Shelter Cove Mall).

The Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest is a family friendly event that helps raise money for the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation, which benefits the American Cancer Society, MD Anderson Cancer Research Center & Island Recreation Scholarship Fund. The Foundation was established by the Carmines family, owners of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks restaurant, in memory of their son, and the seafood festival is the organization’s main fundraiser.

Kicking off the event on Friday at 5pm is entertainment by Cranford & Sons, a local Hilton Head Island band famous for their Lowcountry stomp! The Headliners, one of the most requested bands in the Southeast, will perform big band, classic ’50s and ’60s rock-‘n’-roll, beach music, Motown, disco hits from the ’70s and hits from the ’90s on Saturday.

Now let’s get to the food part! The Seafood Fest is an event that falls into the category of food you don’t want to miss on Hilton Head Island, with seafood and other tasty dishes from restaurants including Black Marlin, The Chart House, Red Fish, and Wreck of the Salty Dog, just to name a few.

The “Iron Chef” competition works like this: up to six Hilton Head Island chefs will be given a basket with a variety of ingredients and an hour to put together their own creation of an appetizer and an entree. Judges will decide the winner based on creativity, composition, taste and presentation, and the winner will be awarded with prizes and trophies. This part of the Seafood Fest is one of the most fun, as you never know how it will turn out!

Admission to the Seafood Fest is only $5 for adults and children under 12 are free! For more information, please call 843-681-2772, ext. 137.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is always something fun happening in Hilton Head, making the area one of the best places to live or vacation!

Take a look at a few of the breathtaking homes for sale in Hilton Head Island.

Brand New Attraction in Hilton Head Island ~ ZipLine

Ken Oliver — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:49:51 +0000

A brand new, amazing outdoor adventure has just opened in Hilton Head Island, becoming the latest and greatest way to get your adrenaline pumping and experience the views that Hilton Head has to offer. Introducing ZipLine Hilton Head, the highlight at Broad Creek Marina Adventures where you literally soar through the trees!

Fly on one of the 8 ziplines with heights up to 75 ft. including zooming down the 900 ft. dual cable racing zipline, crossing 3 suspended sky bridges, and climb the aerial staircase. Sound like an exciting way to spend a day with family or friends? It is!

This fun, approximately 2½ hour canopy tour is a journey through Hilton Head’s beautiful massive live oaks and commanding pines, looking out on glistening Broad Creek with its array of boats, fantastic birds, dolphins, and the island’s natural beauty. Here’s a sneak peak -

This brand new attraction is for ages 10 and older and includes guides that are as entertaining and informative as they are professionally trained and tested. Due to the popularity and crowds this attraction is sure to bring, reservations are absolutely recommended. They accept reservations up to 24 hours in advance online. If you are reserving within 24 hours, please call 843-682-6000.

The ZipLine isn’t the only exhilarating activity that awaits you at Broad Creek Marina Adventures. They offer a variety of land and water activities including:

Ropes course (40 ft rectangular adventure – you’re harnessed on)

Rock climbing wall

Bungee trampoline (you’re harnessed on)

Kayaking

Parasailing

Speed boat charters

Fishing charters

Dolphin nature tours

ZipLine Hilton Head is something I would love to see your pictures and videos of, so please feel free to share them on my Facebook Page!

Is this your next outdoor adventure in Hilton Head Island?

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Save Money on Curb Appeal With These 6 Tips

Ken Oliver — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:12:29 +0000

Keeping the exterior of your home in excellent shape isn’t as expensive as you might think. There are things you can do that will help you keep some of your hard earned money in your pocket while enhancing your home’s outdoor spaces.

The exterior of your home is the very first thing someone see’s when not only visiting, but just passing by. Having curb appeal, as we Realtors call it, will help to welcome anyone into your home, and if you are selling, will give buyers their first impression.

Spring presents the perfect time to re-think your landscaping choices and give your outdoor spaces, both front and back, an updated look — but how do you keep costs to a minimum? Here are a few tips!

1. Plan your design before you head to the store. Anyone who likes to change the look of a space knows how you can get a little crazy if you just head to the store without a plan…you come home with a ton of great stuff, but in the end it ends up costing you much more!

2. Share costs with a neighbor. If you are going to have rock or mulch delivered, plan ahead of time with a neighbor. Get a larger load and split the cost. You can also plan for your neighbor to buy one thing and you buy another and take turns using them instead of both of you buying the same item.

3. Purchase for one section at a time. While it may seem appealing to buy in bulk for your entire landscape project, it is better to do one phase at a time. Doing smaller sections at a time may help you eliminate the use of a credit card and save the interest and finance charges!

4. Seek advice from someone with experience. Even if a pro charges you a few bucks for a consultation, that little bit of money spent could save you from making costly mistakes during your project.

5. Shop online. The choices you have are not only expanded when you shop online, but you can typically find cheaper items, especially if you are looking for garden decor. Catalogs are also a great way to increase your options and save a little money (just don’t look in the designer ones)!

6. Purchase perennials. Using perennial plants in your landscape design makes sense because you only have to buy them once. That way you can make minimal purchases every year after that just to add to the design.

If you are selling your home, the landscaping should be neat and lush, weed free, and colorful. Depending on the season you are putting your home on the market, it will change the way you address the issue of curb appeal. For example, in the Spring and Summer months, the landscaping should be tended to daily, as weeds have a way of creeping up quickly. Don’t forget about the front door when it comes to curb appeal. The front door should be just as welcoming as the landscaping and the interior of the home.

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Easter Weekend Fun in Hilton Head Island

Ken Oliver — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:24:00 +0000

Hilton Head Island has long been a family-oriented destination both for new residents as well as vacationers looking to get away from their everyday lives and enjoy themselves for a few days, taking in the beautiful surroundings and taking advantage of the beautiful weather South Carolina has to offer. It only makes sense that Hilton Head Island would have several family-oriented activities planned on one of the most family-centered holidays of the year, Easter.

This year will be no exception with a fun variety of events happening all Easter weekend long, April 7-8, 2012.

The Salty Dog Cafe will be hosting their 18th annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 10am – 12:30pm at South Beach Marina Village outside the Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop. Find Easter eggs filled with candy, prizes and certificates redeemable for Salty Dog T-shirts and more. Special appearances and photos with the Easter Bunny & Jake the Salty Dog! The hunt begins at 10 AM, so don’t be late.

The Shelter Cove Easter Eggstravaganza will be on Saturday, April 7 from 10:30am – 1:30pm with the Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 11:00am. There will also be Blowup Rides, Music, Face Painting and more! There is a $10 admission that includes the activities, and food is sold separately. Parents and grandparents may attend for free! All proceeds benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Children’s Scholarship Fund.

The Sea Pines Resort will have a few things happening over Easter weekend, starting on Friday, April 6. Surprise your child(ren) with a bright, colorful Easter basket delivered to your home or villa by the Easter Bunny himself. A photo with the Bunny is included. The cost is $30 for the first basket, $20 for each additional basket delivered to the same address. Reservations are required by contacting the Recreation Department at 843-842-1979.

Also on April 6th and 7th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm and again from 4:45pm – 5:45pm, take your family for an Easter Bunny Wagon Ride. Enjoy the spring exploration of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and the Easter Bunny will join in for refreshments before the ride. Reservations required by contacting the Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. The cost is $15/adults and $10/children 12 and under.

On Sunday, April 8, at 11am, head to the Harbour Town Playground for the Sea Pines Resort Easter Egg Hunt, an annual tradition! The Easter Bunny will be a part of the festivities and is provided by The Sea Pines Resort, Community Services Associates and the Harbour Town Merchants. For additional information please contact the Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. This event is free.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to be for Easter, all you have to bring is your baskets, your camera, your appetite, and your penchant for a great time that the whole family can enjoy!

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What Hilton Head Home Buyers are Looking for in Today’s Market

Ken Oliver — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:45:44 +0000

If you are a home seller in Hilton Head Island, or are planning to sell at some point, there are a few things that buyers are looking for when viewing potential houses. If the right upgrades and changes are made, you can give your home an advantage over the competition. Having a home that appeals to the largest number of buyers will give you the best return on your investment and help it to sell quicker.

Kitchen
The largest return on your investment will come from upgrading and modernizing the kitchen. Homes priced above $300,00 are recommended to have granite counter tops, or a comparable option, but be sure to find out what the competition’s kitchen’s look like, so as not to overspend on upgrades. Over-upgrading can be a costly mistake, so make sure your Real Estate agent is knowledgeable about the competition. Refreshing your kitchen will be one of the best ways to prepare your home for sale.

Views
Make sure to take advantage of each and every view from your Hilton Head home, especially if your home overlooks any kind of water or is in a position to see amazing sunsets or sunrises. Since we are one of the most beautiful locations for vacation homes, most buyers will appreciate the spectacular views that can be seen from different areas of the home.

Move-Right-In
The largest number of buyers represent the group that prefers to “move right in”, meaning that if your walls are still covered in the wallpaper your grandmother picked out, it can be a huge turn off. Most buyers will not give much thought to purchasing a home if they have to change every room. A good recommendation to appeal to more buyers is to have the wallpaper removed and a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Painting is a relatively inexpensive way to completely transform the look of a room, and is a perfect way to attract interest. When choosing paint colors, remain neutral to match any one’s taste and decor.

Minor Repairs and Exterior
Upgrading the kitchen and enhancing the home with fresh paint are two places to start when thinking of putting your home on the market. Completing minor repairs and small projects that many people can do themselves will also help to give you a leg up on the competition, like replacing or repainting the front door. The exterior is the first impression potential buyers will have of your home. In addition to sprucing up the front door, get a matching mailbox, and make sure to weed and maybe add flowers to the stoop.

Upgrades and Staging
Making upgrades to your home will help you sell your home quicker and make the transition to the next phase of your life. In addition to modernizing certain areas of your home, having it professionally staged will give your home the full advantage over all of the competition. Home Staging is visually preparing the home for sale, to make sure it appeals to the largest number of buyers. A staged home typically sells for more money than a home that is not professionally staged.

If you’ve sold a home here on Hilton Head Island, do you have any suggestions to add?

If you are a home buyer, what else are you looking for in your next home?

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Hilton Head’s Wingfest 2012 Better Than Ever

Ken Oliver — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:17:15 +0000

What’s better than a whole day of the best southern cooked wings? One and a half days of the best southern cooked wings!! That’s right, 2012 Wingfest is better than ever with an additional night added to the highly anticipated annual event here in Hilton Head Island. Featuring the areas best wings from local restaurants, live music, a kid’s zone, a rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, and a big screen tv showing March Madness basketball games makes this annual event one of the most memorable for residents and vacationers of Hilton Head Island. No matter your age, there is something you will enjoy at this tasty event!

This family friendly, community event kicks off on Friday, March 23 from 5-8pm at Shelter Cove Community Park with the new PreWingfest Party featuring live music by ODC Band and wings by SERG Group. On Saturday, March 24, the main event is from 11am-6pm where the local restaurants will be competing for bragging rights for having the best wings! Be sure to cast your vote for the “Peoples Choice Award” and may the best wing win!

Admission to Wingfest is only $5.00 and children 12 and under attend for free. Tickets must be purchased to sample the wings. As always, all of the proceeds of this event benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association’s Children’s Scholarship Fund. Take a look at the 2011 Wingfest Pictures!

Winners of the 2011 Wingfest:

Brew Pub
One Hot Mama’s
The Wetsin

2011 People’s Choice Winner:

One Hot Mama’s

Come out this weekend to feast on the local restaurants best wings, enjoy live music, and so much more! What keeps you coming back to Wingfest each year?

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Endless Things to Do in Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Yacht Basin

Ken Oliver — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:31:20 +0000

Hilton Head Island is full of things to do everywhere you turn. From awesome beach activities and dining options to nightlife and recreational past times, the entire area has something for each and every interest. A popular destination on Hilton Head is the Island’s best known and best loved landmark; the Harbour Town Lighthouse, located in the Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

The Lighthouse is just one of the things that has been attracting visitors for more than 40 years to the Harbour Town Yacht Basin, located in the heart of The Sea Pines Resort, and ideally situated on Hilton Head Island’s captivating Calibogue Sound. The Harbour Town Yacht Basin is recognized as a premier yachting destination on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, but features much more than just a resting place for yachts!

Harbour Town is one of the most scenic places in the world and offers fabulous shopping, dining, watersports, and entertainment to name just a few. Here’s a closer look at what awaits you in the Harbour Town Yacht Basin:

Watersports and Fishing

Boat Tours
Kayaking
Parasailing
Power Boat Rentals
Sailing
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Water Skiing
Waverunner Rentals
Fishing Charters

Recreations and Activities

Top of the Lighthouse Museum and Shop
Bike Riding
Harbour Town Playground
Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Pool
Tennis

Dining and Entertainment

8 Restaurants
Legendary Hilton Head Singer and Entertainer Gregg Russell
Harbour Town Kid Zone
Daily Live Entertainment

Shopping

21 Harbour Town Shops at the Sea Pines Resort including boutique-clothing shops, gift and craft galleries, jewelry stores, independent art galleries, and beach-and tourist-oriented T-shirt and specialty gift shops.

Weddings

Considered one of the most enchanting places to get married in Hilton Head Island.

The Harbour Town Yacht Basin is something you must experience when in Hilton Head Island. There are so many things to do you’ll need more than just a few days to experience it all.