It’s back-to-school time, which tends to distract somewhat from our local market as buyers are focused on their children, new schedules, etc.. Regardless, our market continues to be very strong overall, with good activity in nearly every price-point and area. Happy reading…and be sure to let us know if there is any way we can be of assistance to you today!

92 Club Course Drive
$795,000
Better than new, this gorgeous home is in absolutely immaculate condition and reflects the care and attention that every home of this stature deserves. Conveniently located in the popular Club Course neighborhood of Sea Pines Plantation, this corner lot home was built by quality builder Greg Riehle and designed by notable architects Hermann & Gordon. With its lowcountry-style charm and single-level floorplan, this beautiful property enjoys picturesque views on the #4 hole of the Sea Pines Country Club Course and offers 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths and a total of over 2,300 heated square feet.
As a means of exposing you to different areas of Hilton Head Island / Bluffton, we present this interesting and entertaining section of our email newsletter. Below, you will see photographs taken of a very specific location in our area...and all you have to do is guess where it is! Well, actually, we tell you at THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE NEWSLETTER, so don't get too frustrated if you can't figure it out. Have fun with it...and good guessing!)

Is There a Bubble?
There is a lot of talk these days about a real estate bubble, and our thoughts are that different areas are subject to different factors that affect real estate sales. In the Hilton Head/Bluffton market, they key factors are retirement trends, interest rates, business development and tourism. We feel very confident in the future of our market as supported by a growing number of retirees seeking coastal property. Moreover, given the diverse and extensive offerings of our area, Hilton Head/Bluffton seems to support a very attractive lifestyle while offering the conveniences that many coastal islands/areas will never have.
Additionally, tourism in our area continues to be strong, especially in light of major storms affecting the Florida and Gulf markets. And, lastly, interest rates may not be as much of a factor in a large segment of the market moving forward with retirees focused on reducing their overall debt. Yet, while we don’t anticipate a popping bubble, given the unreal price increases (25%+) we have seen in the market over the past year or so, it may be reasonable to predict that appreciation may normalize over the next year or so.

Sea Pines Market Report
Click on the following link (http://www.mayercollins.com/images/mct_2005_quarter.pdf) to access our latest Sea Pines Market Report, complete with detailed information on sales prices for homes, villas and lots plus other great insights into the Sea Pines Market. (Note: Due to the detailed graphics on this report, please be patient with your PDF as it loads.)

We hope that you find the following tip on home maintenance, etc. to be helpful. If so, feel free to pass it along to a friend.

This Month's Tip:
When renovating or building, videotaping or photographing the progress of the construction may help you keep track of things like the placement of water pipes, vacuum cleaning ducts, electrical wires, etc. for future reference when you might do more work.

Across the Country
In order to help put our local market into perspective, we have provided some nationwide real estate news that we hope you will find interesting. Just click on the USA map to the right to access this section of our newsletter...and be sure to let us know if you have any questions or comments.
Collins Misses Coconut Monkey by 1 in Triathlon
Chip Collins placed 15th overall for individual contestants in the Beach Bum Triathlon held 2 weeks ago on Hilton Head Island; however, at age 36 he was outed by 10 other under-40 contestants who placed ahead of him to earn the coveted Coconut Monkey prize. One of Chip’s training partners, 42, was awarded a Coconut Monkey for his 7th place finish in the over-40 group.

Prekop Holes an Eagle
Ever-improving his golf game on weekends, the Team’s Office Manager Jeff Prekop posted his first-ever Eagle! The par-four, 2nd hole of the Player Course at Hilton Head National conceded to Jeff’s golfing prowess as his fairway approach shot struck the flagstick and dropped in the hole. Though only accompanied by 1 playing partner, Jeff is fairly certain that players on neighboring holes heard his celebration!

StarPower Conference/San Francisco
As a Star-member in one of the nation’s most proactive and productive referral-networks,StarPower, Collins Group Realty participates each year in the 3.5 day annual conference of idea-sharing and networking. Chip Collins taught sessions on “Branding in Real Estate” while also taking some time with his wife Carrie to enjoy the sites of beautiful San Francisco, CA a week and a half ago. Next year’s conference will be held in New York City, when several additional Team members will attend.

Broad Creek Public Boat Landing Now Open
A new Broad Creek public boat landing, located at the southeastern end of Hilton Head Island's Cross Island Parkway bridge, is now open, giving the town its second paved boat landing. The 2.5 acre-project cost $1.3 million and gives access to open water. The ramp was paid for -- and built by -- Beaufort County on land provided by the town.

Summer Concert Series Ends
This Thursday’s concert by Crosby, Stills & Nash marks the end of the Hargray Summer Concert Series, which included shows by Hootie & the Blowfish, Foreigner and Charlie Daniels Band. More news to follow about upcoming shows for the Fall.

Congratulations are in order for our July E-mail
Newsletter Drawing Winner

Blake and Mary Mahlberg of Edina, MN

As a recipient of this e-mail newsletter, you are automatically entered into our drawing for next month's giveaway. Good Luck...and don't forget to pass this along to a friend so they can sign up to be a recipient of the newsletter and an entry in our drawing! Thanks! Simply click here to enter.

The new dramatic arts center at the Hilton Head High School.