Within Palmetto Dunes Resort is a private residential community developed by Greenwood Development in 1988 known as Leamington. This community is gated separately and spans more than 450 acres. The area was designed for permanent residences and second homes creating a year round community within the resort for about 365 home owners and 500 villa owners.

Uniquely, this is the only community within Palmetto Dunes where residents can use their personal golf carts to play golf and as transportation to the beach and other activities. This adds to the friendly atmosphere as neighbors stop along their way to greet each other, pass the time of day, and arrange social gatherings.

The neighborhood was designed to wander through the highly acclaimed Arthur Hills Golf Course and much of the 11 mile lagoon system for which Palmetto Dunes is well-known. As a result, many of the homes have outstanding golf and water views.

The historic cast iron tower built on Leamington Plantation in 1891 referred to as the “Old Hilton Head Rear Range Light” is located on the golf course. Restored in 1986, the 90’ tower has 112 steps leading to the top. Permission to gain access can be arranged with Greenwood Development Company.

The natural beauty of the Lowcountry is reflected in Leamington with its towering Live Oaks and pines, all part of the beautiful tree canopy throughout the area. With the close proximity to the beach and lots of waterways within the community, a variety of wildlife abounds in every direction.

In addition to the Arthur Hills Golf Course, other amenities include a private beach house, canoe and kayak storage, lagoon ramp access, and a recreation center with heated community pool, kitchen and barbecue facilities, and a children’s playground. The well-known Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is nearby rounding out the activities.

Walk the beautiful beach, bicycle around the plantation on the many bike paths, fish in the lagoons, kayak, or just sit back and enjoy the natural beauty. The convenient location provides great access to numerous restaurants, theaters, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra performances, shopping, and lots of other sporting activities.

Home prices range from about $500,000 to more than $3,000,000 for the upscale Townhomes at South Shore. The annual fees for Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association are $2,005 for homes. Golf programs are available separately. There are no short term rentals permitted making it a strong consideration for full or part-time residents who want a neighborhood atmosphere and prefer the island lifestyle.

Many of you have been investors in the stock market for a number of years. Even in the heyday of the market, one of the first things most of us learned was that it was impossible to time the market. There are always as many buyers as there are sellers at any given price, indicating that people have different thoughts on where values are going.

Similarly, it is impossible to time the Hilton Head real estate market. Economic conditions may provide indicators that we should proceed or wait but it would take a fortune teller – and a very good one – to find the bottom. So, let me share some things with you that we do know. The number of sales this year has increased substantially over last year. Pricing increases lag behind an increase in sales volume. That means that there is still time to make a good purchase.

While prices may continue to fall slightly more, astute buyers also recognize the value in buying the best property they can. Keep in mind that when things turn around, the best will always sell first. We are definitely in the time frame when you should purchase if you find something that is right for you instead of searching for the last few percent decline. In the long run, this decision will likely work well for you.

To substantiate this further, villa sales have led the market back historically and villa sales are definitely on the rise. Buyers find the prices too tempting to pass up as they are able to purchase villas they could not afford in prior years. They are not buying them to flip but to enjoy with their families when they can and rent them when they are not using them.

Looking for a distressed property can have merit especially if you like to improve and decorate them. If not, use them as a basis for value, but look for properties with prices that have been adjusted to market and have been lovingly maintained by their owners. This will allow you to make improvements over time and begin to enjoy your new lifestyle as soon as you close.