Jane and I were driving through Hickory, North Carolina the other day and we stopped at Maitland-Smith - they were having a half off sale which we had never seen before.

We were talking to the lady who works there and she that the biggest discount they had ever done was 20%, but they have two full trailers of furniture ready for their store and they needed to do something to move some of the merchandise on the floor.

People were getting some phenomenal deals!

When the economy slows, you have to adjust your pricing in order to make a sale – this is just as true in furniture as it is in real estate.

I think the other thing it shows is that people are looking for deals.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not suggesting we reduce our listings by 50% in order to sell, but we might have to adjust our thinking in today’s market.

I received a phone call from a great client of mine who sold his Hilton Head home 10 years ago and moved to Florida.  He called to say that he and his wife missed Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry so much and they had their home listed for sale in Florida so that they could move back.

I think of it as the “boomerang effect” - a lot of people leave Hilton Head and realize what a great place it is to live and they can’t wait to get back.

There are numerous reasons people feel this way, but I think one of the most common reasons is the true beauty of the island.

What’s your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?

Today’s real estate deal of the day is a great oceanside property in Sea Pines Plantation that has just been reduced to $1,995,000.

1 Surf Scoter is a beautiful 6th row home in Sea Pines Plantation and just a short walk to the beach.  This home features 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths and has beautiful finishes throughout.  You can enjoy all the amenities of Atlantic Pointe including private tennis courts and swimming pool.

Learn more about 1 Surf Scoter.

I grew up in Laurel, Mississippi.  There was a shoe store that would have a sale once a year – buy one, get the 2nd pair for a penny.  I always thought this was a great sale.

I recently saw a cartoon joking around about the real estate market in a “buy one, get one” scenario – I sure didn’t think it was funny, but it is true, you can almost buy one and get one free – or at least at a huge discount.

In fact, there are some properties that are being sold for pennies on the dollar; and when I say pennies on the dollar I mean it.  I was in our local MLS the other day and there was a lot listed for $1.  That’s right - not a typo – one dollar!  It is absolutely hard to believe.

The condo market on Hilton Head Island is down about 50% from the top of the market in 2004 and 2005; so in theory, it’s almost like a half off sale.

The question I am continuosly asked is if we are at the bottom of the market.  Unfortunately, my crystal ball broke last week, but I really think we must be getting pretty close.

If you or anyone you know is interested in picking up a great deal, NOW is the time to buy – prices are low, interest rates are low and the rentals on Hilton Head are HOT.  Despite the market, the past two seasons have been the busiest for Hilton Head Rental companies which can only help with the cash flow of condos.

So get out there and take advantage of these deals while they last; that way when the market makes a rebound you’ll come out on top.

As many of you know, I have a farm in Estill and my garden has grown into a miniature farmer’s market of sorts; I love harvesting all kinds of fruits and vegetables and sharing them with friends and family.

As a huge fan of homegrown food, I was excited when a new farmer’s market has been brought to Hilton Head Island at The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Friday mornings.

Read more about the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market here!

Farmers markets offer best of South’s bounty | islandpacket.com.

So you are ready to list your home; what should be one of your first steps?

Well, if your room looks like one of these you might want to consider doing a little home “decluttering”.

Why?  Well, as much as you might like your collection of artwork that covers every inch of the walls or your 500-piece cat figurine collection, it can often be a distraction to buyers.

One of my top rules when attempting to “declutter” is to take at least 20% of your “stuff” and remove it from the house – box it up and put it in the attic, move it to storage, donate it, sell it – just remove it from the home.

It’s human nature for us to collect things over time.  My mother is 86 years old – I love her dearly, but she has a lot of stuff.  All of it means something to her, but to a buyer, they only see clutter and it makes it hard for them to see themselves living in that home.

Let me know if you want more information concerned decluttering your home before you put it on the Hilton Head Real Estate market or if you would like the name of a great home stage expert who can help you get your home looking its best.

Don’t forget that the Beaufort Water Festival continues all week.  If you missed some of the activities this weekend I’ve enclosed an article from The Island Packet with information and photos.  It looks like a good time was had by all!

Don’t miss out on the rest of the week!

Water Festival fun continues with ski show, concert | islandpacket.com.

Today I’m bringing you another great property that is a phenomenal value – I can’t believe we haven’t sold this property!

39 Regent Avenue is a remodeled townhome within Westbury Park in Bluffton, South Carolina.  This home features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, new distressed maple hardwood floors, 42″ maple cabinets, corian countertops, new light fixtures, 1-year new air handler, 2″ wood blinds throughout, smooth ceilings, crown molding, wainscoting and more.

I can guaruntee that you won’t find another home out there with these type finishes for the money.  So what are you waiting for?  Learn more about 39 Regent Avenue!

Are you looking for something to do in the next week on Hilton Head Island?

If you have never been, you might want to check out the Beaufort Water Festival in Beaufort, South Carolina starting tomorrow, Friday July 15th with the Opening Ceremony. 

There are lots of activities all week including music, crafts, food and more.  Click here for a full list of activities. 

Have you been to the Beaufort Water Festival before?  What’s your favorite event?