We are happy to announce the publication of our first quarterly real estate market report of 2008!!

The report, which is mailed at no cost to all property owners in prestigious Sea Pines Plantation, contains extensive statistics on currently listed properties, recent transactions, expert opinion, property showcases and much more.

"We go beyond the numbers in reporting the reality of the real estate market, the latest trends, driving forces, etc.,” says owner and Broker-in-Charge Chip Collins. “In short, we find that this format serves as a reader-friendly translation of today's market conditions."

For those who can't wait for their copy to arrive in the mail, or for anyone with an interest in Sea Pines, an exclusive sneak-peek of this highly informative piece is available to be viewed online in the Sea Pines section of www.CollinsGroupRealty.com.

Good Afternoon!

Here's hoping you had a great weekend!

As you'll see below, activity was down across the board last week. On a positive note, we have noticed a nice uptick in showings for homes and villas alike and web traffic has remained steady.

In mortgage news: 30 year fixed rates today improved to 6% with no points or origination fees.

Last week we saw rates as high as 6.125% after a government report reflected a drop in initial claims for unemployment which shows the economy is strengthening. Rates will probably remain around 6% and slowing inch higher as the economy continues to strengthen, which is the intended purpose of the Federal Reserve rate cuts.(Courtesy of Matt Webster at Wachovia)
Enjoy these latest numbers and have a great week!

Below is the MLS report for all listings on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton for the week of April 26, 2008. Please review the following and let us know if you have any questions on the statistics.
Active (New listings): 188 (Down 7% from last week)

Homes: 124
Villa: 29
Lots: 35

Pending (Accepted contracts, but not yet closed): 53 (Down 17% from last week)
Homes: 27
Villa: 16
Lots: 10

Sold (Closed contracts):42 (Down 19% from last week)
Homes: 28
Villa: 8
Lots: 6

Price Reductions: 203 (Down 20% from last week)
Homes: 117
Villa: 51
Lots: 35

Be sure to grab your family pooch and head to Coligny Plaza this Saturday, April 26th for the always popular Dog Walk on the Beach benefiting the Hilton Head Humane Association! The event runs from 10 am to 1pm and is a great chance to enjoy beautiful Coligny Beach while you mingle with other animal lovers. Don’t have a dog to walk? Stop by anyway and walk one of the adorable pups available for adoption. For more information on this fantastic event, please call the Hilton Head Humane Association at 843-681-8686.

Collins Group Realty is pleased to announce the addition of two REALTORS® to our team of dedicated professionals.

Bill Weis joins the group as a Bluffton Specialist after a lengthy and highly successful career in developer-based real estate sales. Weis, a longtime Bluffton resident, will focus his energies on the selling and purchasing needs of clients based in this rapidly expanding off-Island community.

The most recent addition to the team, Andrea Albright joins Collins Group Realty after a career in retail management. A 30-year Low County resident, Albright will dedicate her efforts to buyer-clients with a specific interest in Hilton Head Island properties.

“Bill’s positive attitude is not only inspiring, but it is seemingly unmatched,” says Collins Group Realty owner and broker-in-charge Chip Collins. “His energy, enthusiasm and outstanding work ethic make him a rock-solid member of our Group while the depth of Andrea’s experience in sales, business and in working with people puts her at the head of the pack in terms of her eagerness to serve and her drive for client success.”

Good Morning!
Here's hoping you had a great weekend and enjoyed Heritage!!

Thanks to Matt Webster at Wachovia for this great update on the mortgage side:
30 year fixed rates have been in a range of 5.625% up to 6.125% over the past few months. Wachovia was offering 5.625% on Monday 4/14, but rates increased rapidly last week due to inflation fears and stock market gains. Most of the banks are reporting large first quarter losses, but the stock market has focused on the profits of IBM and Google which has resulted in a sell off in the bond market and a run up in stock market. When investors sell bonds the rates increase. Currently, Wachovia is offering 6.125% for 30 year fixed rates with no points or origination fees for loans up to $417,000.

A major change at Fannie Mae this year is the introduction of risk based pricing. This means if you have a low credit score your loan is considered more risky and your rate will be higher. The previously mentioned rate of 6.125% assumes 720 credit. A 680 credit score would increase the rate to 6.25%. Jumbo 30 year rates, which are for loan amounts over $417,000 are 7.375%. Wachovia is offering a 5 year adjustable at 6.625% for jumbo loans or 6.25% for non jumbo loans.
Enjoy these latest numbers and have a great week!

Below is the MLS report for all listings on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton for the week of April 19, 2008. Please review the following and let us know if you have any questions on the statistics.

Active (New listings): 203 (Up 3% from last week)
Homes: 114
Villa: 51
Lots: 38

Pending (Accepted contracts, but not yet closed): 64 (Down 9% from last week)
Homes: 46
Villa: 9
Lots: 9

Sold (Closed contracts):52 (Up 9% from last week)
Homes: 36
Villa: 12
Lots: 4

Price Reductions: 254 (Up 7% from last week)
Homes: 138
Villa: 62
Lots: 54

For anyone who has ever attended a PGA tournament, you know just how unique a spectator experience it really is. As with any sport, there is a wide array of enthusiasm, spirit and focus exhibited by the spectators, and golf is certainly no exception.

For some, the Verizon Heritage marks a highlight of the year as die-hard golf fans welcome the opportunity to admire the incredible skills and ability of the pro golfers. For others, who are, let’s say, less golf enthusiasts, the Heritage marks a different kind of highlight. The social scene at the Heritage is robust and ever-flowing as attendees meander the course, making their way from one hospitality house/tent to another – essentially a series of parties that can start early and end late. But no matter whether you camp out in the stands and watch intently or wander about barely cognizant of the golf play around you, the shared experience of soaking in the atmosphere, energy and sunshine is one that keeps thousands and thousands of people flocking to the Harbourtown Golf Links each and every year.

It is a terrific time for all, and one well worth attending if/when you get the chance…

Good Morning!

Here's hoping you had a great weekend!

Heritage week is finally upon us and we have seen a marked increase in tourist activity over the past few days. As you'll see below, we also saw a nice increase in properties going under contract last week. We're hopeful that this great trend will continue through the golf tournament and into the main tourist season!

Enjoy these latest numbers, have a great week, and enjoy Heritage!

Below is the MLS report for all listings on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton for the week of April 12-, 2008. Please review the following and let us know if you have any questions on the statistics.

Active (New listings): 197 (Down 14% from last week)
Homes: 107
Villa: 54
Lots: 36

Pending (Accepted contracts, but not yet closed): 71 (Up 33% from last week)
Homes: 47
Villa: 16
Lots: 8

Sold (Closed contracts): 47 (Down 30% from last week)
Homes: 34
Villa: 9
Lots: 4

Price Reductions: 236 (Up .04% from last week)
Homes: 145
Villa: 58
Lots: 33

It’s that time of year again when the PGA descends on Hilton Head Island for the famed Verizon Heritage tournament! With a great crop of golfers headed our way, this year’s tournament proves to be the biggest and best yet. If you’re planning to attend the tourney, here’s a schedule to help you keep track:

Monday, April 14th
All Day Pro Practice Round
12:00 pm Opening Ceremonies
12:00 pm Harbour Town Cup Pro-Am
Tuesday, April 15th
All Day Pro Practice Round
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Kids Day Putting Contest
Wednesday, April 16th
All Day Verizon Heritage Pro Am
Thursday, April 17th
All Day First Round
Friday, April 18th
All Day Second Round
Saturday, April 19th
All Day Third Round
Sunday, April 20th
7:30 am Church Service on the 18th Green
All Day Final Round

As of 4/11/08. For up to the minute updates, please visit www.verizonheritage.com

With a seemingly endless supply of negative reports relating to the increasing number of foreclosures consuming the web and 24-hour news networks it’s hard to believe that there could possibly be any good news out there! Turns out, for property owners in Beaufort County, there is an abundance of positive news. A recently released report detailing a breakdown of national, South Carolina and Beaufort County foreclosure rates shows an almost non-existent foreclosure presence in Beaufort County. In fact, during the month of January there was only one new suit filed on behalf of a lender to legally initiate the foreclosure process. This, of course, is fantastic news for the Lowcountry and is further proof that our local real estate market has not been as deeply affected by this downturn as some other areas.

Good Morning!

Here's hoping you had a great weekend!

Below you will find the market pulse reflecting last week's activity. As you'll see below, we saw a huge spike (62%!) in sold properties last week. We also experienced a nearly 25% increase in price reductions making the existing inventory even more attractive for the coming influx of Heritage-related visitors.

Enjoy these latest numbers and have a great week!

Below is the MLS report for all listings on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton for the week of April 5, 2008. Please review the following and let us know if you have any questions on the statistics.
Active (New listings): 225 (Up 5% from last week)
Homes: 124
Villa: 48
Lots: 53

Pending (Accepted contracts, but not yet closed): 53 (Down 14% from last week)
Homes: 39
Villa: 9
Lots: 5

Sold (Closed contracts): 68 (Up 62% from last week)
Homes: 46
Villa: 19
Lots: 3

Price Reductions: 235 (Up 23% from last week)
Homes: 131
Villa: 68
Lots: 36

The long and cold winter is finally coming to an end and it’s nearly time to start planting your spring bulbs, flowers, and shrubbery! When you head to the nursery, be sure to avoid the following popular, yet toxic, plants if you happen to have a furry, four-legged companion.

Sago Palms – Beautiful and majestic, these palms are incredibly popular in the Lowcountry. Unfortunately, all parts of this plant are poisonous to both cats and dogs and the ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in extremely serious side effects.

Lilies – For unknown reasons, plants in the lily family are considered to be highly toxic to cats and ingestion of even a very small portion of a lily plant can result in serious illness.

Tulip & Narcissus Bulbs – A perennial garden favorite, be sure to keep Rover from digging up and eating both tulip and narcissus bulbs as they contain toxins that can cause serious gastrointestinal and cardiac problems.

Azalea & Rhododendron Bushes – A staple in many gardens, these shrubs contain substances known as grayantoxins which are extraordinarily toxic to both dogs and cats.

Oleander – All parts of this popular plant are considered to be toxic and have the potential to cause serious side effect if ingested.

America Online recently presented its top ten list of best U.S. Resort towns and Hilton Head made the cut! Citing our pristine beaches, fantastic golf courses and the annual Verizon Heritage, Hilton Head Island was ranked 7th and beat out Sandpoint, Idaho; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and Newport Beach, Virginia!