Monday, December 21, 2009


Foreclosure at DeBordieu?
Yes, it’s rare, but some lucky person is going to get a GREAT BUY on a foreclosure near the beach at DeBordieu. It’s not every day you can save over $1Mill on a real estate purchase. This gorgeous home was formerly listed at $2,795,000, but today, is listed as a foreclosure at $1,725,000. With 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, it’s perfect for a large family and has a good rental history. It’s located on the north side of DeBordieu, in the Ocean Park neighborhood. Ocean Park was originally planned for small, seaside Victorian cottages with cute white picket fences surrounding the common area croquet lawns. In fact, I can remember the big Ocean Park Grand Opening Croquet Tournament. I was the marketing director back then and wore, what I remember as, a very unflattering white Victorian get-up. It was too funny….but effective. We didn’t stick with the plan, however. Instead of cute little Victorian cottages, huge, palatial beach homes were built, some on the oceanfront, some with views of the beautiful lake behind the neighborhood, some adjacent to Arcadia Plantation, all within easy walking distance of DeBordieu’s Beach Club.
For more pictures, email or call me!
There’s no place like home…..and there’s no place like DeBordieu.
Merry Christmas!!!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

“Debi-who?”
Back in 1977, my Kappa Delta "big sister," Paula Workman, took a bunch of us new sorority pledges from the University of South Carolina, down to her family’s oceanfront beach house at DeBordieu. I can remember wondering where the heck we were going and thinking, “Debi-who?”
That memory came back to me today when I re-visited the Workman House. It was a whole lot of fun back then, and it still is today. With 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, it’s a great rental, and at $2,100,000, a great value!
In addition to the Workman House, I took the opportunity this morning, to view some of the DeBordieu listings I hadn’t seen yet. I saw one other on the oceanfront, one on the creek, one near the beach, one near the tennis center, and one on DeBordieu’s private Pete Dye golf course. It was a great cross section of properties, so I thought I would tell you a little about each!

Oceanfront: the Hunter House is definitely one of the most unique beach homes you’ll ever see. From the oyster shell tabby exterior to its unique floor plan, there’s not another one like it! Great views and direct oceanfront! $2,495,000.




Creekhouse: the 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath Howerton House offers the best of two worlds because it is located on the DeBordieu Channel, and within walking distance from the beach. It's a great house, and a must see at $1,575,000.




Near the beach: loaded with decks and porches that offer spectacular views, the McInerney House at Ocean Oaks is stunning. With 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and plenty of living areas, this home would be a good second home or primary residence! And just a short walk to the beach! $1,795,000.

Near the tennis center: The Low Country Edwards House in the new Colony Club section of DeBordieu is as charming as it is functional! 3 big bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 half baths, beautiful hardwood & tile flooring, open living & kitchen area, large 1st floor master suit and large rear screen porch overlooking nature preserve at Hobcaw Barony. There’s nothing like having a wildlife refuge in your back yard! $999,000.


On the Golf Course: they say that the quintessential golf view is one looking first at water, then golf. Well, the Hurka House has just that. It’s a gorgeous home with an inverted floor plan, open kitchen, 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. $1,575,000.




To get a complete look at all of homes, villas and lots offered by DeBordieu Colony Real Estate, visit the website, or stop in and visit me!
There’s no place like home…..and there’s no place like DeBordieu.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Madrigal Feast was Fun and Festive!

Ushering in the Christmas Season, the Indigo Choral Society hosted a Madrigal Feast last Monday and Tuesday nights in Pawleys Island. After dinner, the first song of the concert was the highlight of MY evening, because it was composed and conducted by (drum roll, please) MY SON, Joey Kaz. What a tremendous opportunity it was for him to show-case his God-given talent to the local community. Jeff and I are so very proud of him.

People: Some of the talented members of the Indigo Choral Society are DeBordieu property owners! Pictured here from top to bottom are Lee Piepenbring, Karen English, Peggy Clary, Luke McCain and Bill Clary. We sure do have a lot of local talent in this community! And what a great event!

Places: I am delighted to inform you that I have listed my first oceanfront property at DeBordieu. The Martin house, appropriately referred to on the rental program as “Paradise Found” is located on the north end of DeBordieu’s beach and offers 6 bedrooms and 5 and half baths! The new buyer will need to honor all rentals scheduled for this summer, but there a few weeks still available if you know someone looking to accommodate a large family. We don’t have it up on the real estate website yet, but the link will allow you to take a look at it on the rental site. Give me a shout if you would like for me to send you the virtual tour once it is complete.

Things: Office Update…..my walls are now painted and the light cover back on so it isn’t so blindingly bright. It’s actually quite nice! I hope you will stop by and visit soon!

There’s no place like home…………and there’s no place like DeBordieu.

Monday, November 23, 2009

No Dampened Spirits at DeBordieu!
While having lunch in the Grill Room at the DeBordieu clubhouse last week, I heard the sound of joyous merrymaking coming from the formal dining room. Upon investigation, I discovered that the DeBordieu Club Ladies Fall Member Guest had been rained out after just nine holes, but they sure didn't let that dampen their spirits! What a fun group!

People: The Winners! Congratulations to the Low Net Winners: Mary Witt and Peggy Dellesaga, both from DeBordieu Club, and Ginny Sutton and Polly McCormack, from Pawleys Plantation!
Places: The Adderholt House! I showed some very interesting beach property last weekend, including the Adderholt House. Even though it is currently undergoing some major remodeling, we could tell that this contemporary oceanfront home with a pool is being transformed into a real stunner! And at just $2,590,000, it's a real value! Great rental history too!
Things: My Office! Scheduled to be painted tomorrow, my office is the brightest place in the building. Noooo, it's not because I'm so brilliant….they've replaced my light, and can't put the cover back on until they paint. So for the past few days, I've had four florescent bulbs shining their little hearts out. It's starting to look pretty nuclear, and I think I'm actually getting a tan! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I get my light cover on, my office painted, PLUS…I get to meet with a old client AND a new client! Tomorrow will be a very good day!
There truly is no place like home…..and there's no place like DeBordieu.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Thank You Law Enforcement Folks!
Every year the members of the DeBordieu Community and Club express their appreciation to Pawleys Island and Georgetown Law Enforcement Officers and Fire-Fighters by hosting a golf tournament and dinner afterwards. The tournament was held on Monday, November 9, which was, appropriately, the week of Veterans Day! Congratulations to this year's winners: Freddie Powell, Pat O'Hara, Jason Dore, and Johnny Bartell!


People: DeBordieu Club Head Golf Professional, Shawn Roper, is as nice and friendly as he his talented. Shawn and his wife, Leigh live in Pawleys Island with their children Brandon (4) and Ragan (3 months!). Shawn has been Head Golf Professional at DeBordieu for 5 years and has experienced much success with the golf programs he's implemented as well as doing a great job of merchandising in the pro shop. Just in time for Christmas, Shawn and his fabulous staff of Matt Williams and Amie Philo-Whittaker, have a terrific selection of DeBordieu logo-wear and golf equipment for just about everyone on your list! For more information, give them a call at 843-527-6000, email them at sroper@pga.com, or visit the website at http://www.debordieuclub.com/. Oh….and make plans now to shop early the day after Thanksgiving for special discounts….the doors open at 6:00a.m.!

Places: Patewood North is one of the first neighborhoods you encounter as you enter DeBordieu. This week I've been blessed with quite a few occasions to show property in Patewood North. One of the finest homes, (and at $795,000, one of the best values) is the KINGSWOOD home on Lantana Drive. A brand new "spec home," it boasts over 3900 heated square feet, 4 spacious bedrooms, and a wonderfully serene lake view. Visit the Kingswood home on the website, or call me and we'll take a look in person!

Things: Speaking of good values….check out the lunch special at DeBordieu Club!!!! What a deal! Did you know that for a limited time, you can enjoy a delicious half sandwich and your choice of soup or salad for just $5.00! All that AND a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful places in the world!
There truly is no place like home…..and there's no place like DeBordieu.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Busted!!!!! .....and impressed!
Under the category of "things that have changed at DeBordieu" would be the SPEED LIMIT! I got pulled over the other day and with the blue light flashing, was issued a written warning. In an effort to make it an even safer environment, the DeBordieu Colony Community Association reduced the speed limit from Lantana Drive to Wallace Pate Drive from 45 to 35. The good news: I didn't have a client with me. The bad news: I DID have my 13-year-old daughter with me, so I'll NEVER be able to live it down. (We were on the way to say Hi to her dad, who works at the DeBordieu Clubhouse, before going to her orthodontist appointment in Georgetown.) Anyway…..this lead-footed speed-demon will be slowing it down!
People: Officer Rudy Griffith, who gave me my big speeding ticket, is actually one of my favorite DeBordieu Security Guards. If you've ever been down Kings River Road in Pawleys Island at Christmas time, you've seen Rudy's festive Christmas display in his yard. This year, he's put it up early, because a very good friend of his is terminally ill and might not make it 'till Christmas. She was delighted that Rudy and his wife, Kathy, put it up early, just for her. Is that great or what? Personally, I would celebrate Christmas all year long if we could, so I LOVE that it's up early! Give me a holler if you want to know exactly where it is and I'll be happy to give you directions.
Places: I was very impressed with a home the DeBordieu sales team visited after our meeting this week. The SWORD house, located on Cotillion Court is spectacular and features a view of golf and water that is second to none. The entrance is stunning, the floor plan is great, and the construction is solid and beautiful. Couldn't wait to get back to call a client, for whom the home would be perfect. Her husband is traveling, but she's coming to see it later this week! While the team was in the neighborhood, we also passed one of the Lots I will have the privilege of representing….Lot 218, on the corner of Cotillion Court and Summerwood. We all concurred that because of its abundance of Oak trees and gorgeous view of golf and water, it is definitely one of the most beautiful lots on the market at DeBordieu. I particularly like it because it's in the X-Zone, so you can build as close to the ground as you want, and still have a great view! Give me a call if you would like the site-plan and dimensions.
Things: The vegetation at DeBordieu is absolutely amazing. Since the beginning of development, starting with Wallace Pate back in the 1970s, preservation of trees has been a priority. From the tall canopy of pines, to the moss-draped live oaks, it just doesn't get much greener than this…..particularly between Lantana Drive and Wallace Pate Drive…..isn't it great they reduced the speed limit there so we can all enjoy the trees even more???
There truly is no place like home…..and there's no place like DeBordieu.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Niche, Nature and Nice Neighbors
In the past week, I’ve had two terrific meetings with realtors from Pawleys Island who wisely chose to bring their clients to DeBordieu. It also became pretty clear that I think one of the roles I will play in my new/old position at DeBordieu is one of “outside-realtor liaison.” In fact….having formed some wonderful relationships with realtors in Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet over the past few years, it might just be my little niche. It was a lot of fun connecting with my realtor buddies and meeting their very qualified clients!

People: The first client was an extremely nice lady looking for a large home with a minimum of 4000 hsf. She needed it to be as nice and new as possible, with an elevator and good view. She and her realtor were pretty worn out after looking all over Pawleys Island so I treated them to a wonderfully, relaxing lunch at the DeBordieu Clubhouse. Afterward, the three of us visited just one house that fit her requirements and price parameters. She loved it, and she LOVED DeBordieu. Because this was her first visit to DeBordieu, she wants to come back when she can bring her hubby and spend more time.

The second client was an absolutely delightful retired businessman. His love of nature and wide open spaces made him a perfect fit for DeBordieu. There were two homes that fit his price parameters and could possibly reach the rental potential he was looking for. An avid photographer, he could particularly appreciate the way DeBordieu looked in the late afternoon light….absolutely gorgeous. Here’s some info about the homes we saw, click on the name to get to the link:
Places: Located in the Ocean Green area of DeBordieu, the 7 bedroom BRASELTON house is perfect for a big family. The huge kitchen opens to the Dining and Living Rooms, and the porches run the entire width of both levels….offering fabulous views!
The STUCKY house was also beautiful, and at just $1.7, one of the best oceanfront deals in the county! Located on a “back-flag” lot, this home has been updated, but thank goodness they didn’t touch the gorgeous woodwork inside.

Things: Hobcaw Barony – located right next door, to the south of DeBordieu, this 17,500 acre wildlife preserve was once home to Wall Street millionaire and presidential advisor, Bernard Baruch, and subsequently, his daughter, Belle. At Belle’s death, the property was placed in a foundation and preserved for teaching and research purposes. Today, Clemson University conducts research in the forest, and the University of South Carolina performs marine biology research in North Inlet. What great neighbors to have, eh?

There truly is no place like home…..and there’s no place like DeBordieu.

Thursday, October 22, 2009



My First “DeBidue” Sales Meeting

I attended my first sales meeting since my return to DeBordieu Colony Real Estate! Attorney Tripp Hutto was a special guest. He brought us up to speed about a few subjects including closing issues with lenders and timelines. Thanks Tripp!

PEOPLE: DeBordieu property owner, Mary Witt, is the facilitator of my small group in the Women in the Word Bible Study, in which I’m participating at All Saints Church in Pawleys Island. Last time we met, a bunch of us enjoyed lunch afterward at Bistro 217, where Mary shared with me that she is the daughter of Caroline Clapp, one of DeBordieu’s first property owners, and one of my all time favorites. Caroline is no longer with us, but her lively spirit, sense of humor, and love of God certainly lives on in Mary.

PLACES: After the sales meeting we toured a couple of new listings at DeBordieu. The Randolph house, oceanfront, with the bright red roof offered something I’ve never seen before…..the elevator goes all the way to the top of the roof deck! From there, the view was absolutely spectacular. Having assisted the sellers with the purchase of that oceanfront homesite many moons ago, I was delighted to witness the stunning home they built and are now offering for sale. We’ll have the pictures and virtual tour processed soon…give me a shout if you would like for me to send you the link.

THINGS: “Debidue” – that’s the Southern pronunciation that comes from the local Gullah dialect, but where did the “DeBordieu” name come from? Well, legend has it that when the Marquis de Lafayette, landed his ship here in 1777 to help us out with the revolution, he exclaimed “this land is so beautiful, it must be the borderland of God! In French, D’aborde Dieu. The name stuck, and the land is just as beautiful today.

There truly is no place like home…..and there’s no place like DeBordieu.

Monday, October 19, 2009

It’s a BEAUTIFUL day in the neighborhood!

For the next few weeks I’ll be getting familiar with DeBordieu’s inventory. Today I visited some absolutely gorgeous homes in a variety of settings. A few on the Golf Course, a few near the ocean, and some really awesome values in the forest at Patewood North.

PEOPLE: I stopped to chat with Rock Hinson today as he was preparing to put some finishing touches on the facelift he’s given his house on Collins Meadow. Rock and Lib have owned a place at DeBordieu for-just-about-ever. It was good to see him! And his house, with the new metal roof, sure looked great!

PLACES: One of the finest homes I saw today was on the Golf Course, on Collins Meadow Drive. It’s brand spankin’ new, never been lived in, and has a killer view. Take a look at the details of the house referred to as MOMO.


THINGS: DeBordieu Boulevard – Owners at DeBordieu have told me for years that the stress, hustle and bustle of whatever metropolitan area they come from seems to melt away as they travel from the entrance of DeBordieu just a mile or so to the residential neighborhoods. With nature preserves on both sides of the road, it’s about as GREEN as you can get. It looked magical today as the sunlight was filtering through the oaks lining each side of the road.

There truly is no place like home…..and there’s no place like DeBordieu.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Scarlet and Rhett Would Have LOVED it!
I can just picture Scarlet in her hoop-skirt, descending the grand staircase in the foyer of the DeBordieu Clubhouse. Wow! What a gorgeous place! I had a fun lunch with Jeff Kaz (my hubby), Kelly Jones, (Director of Catering), Chris Constable, (Assistant Controller) and Lamont Teeples, (General Manager). It was great catching up
PEOPLE: Helga Morrison - With her thick German accent, vivacious personality, and desire to deliver the best service in the world, Helga has been a fixture at the DeBordieu Grill Room since it opened! Respected by DeBordieu Club Members as well as the staff, Helga has the uncanny ability to remember what you like on your sandwich, your favorite libation, and the names of your children! It was great to reconnect with Helga!


PLACES: The Daly House - Listed by my good buddy Tom Nichols, I had the opportunity to show the Daly house! Stately and elegant, this beautiful home has a spectacular view of DeBordieu's 17th hole. I was very impressed with the recent renovations done to the home, not only in the house, but under the house. What a value! Click here to see it! Daly House Details


THINGS: The DeBordieu Clubhouse - This masterpiece of architecture is the crowning jewel of the Pete Dye golf course at DeBordieu. Beautifully updated last summer, the Colony Room is now light, airy, and offers spectacular views of the course and surrounding marshlands. Numerous memories of Christmas parties and wedding receptions flooded my little brain as I walked through.
There truly is no place like home…..and there's no place like DeBordieu.
Confirmation….it's a good thing.There's nothing like confirmation that I made the right decision to return to DeBordieu Colony Real Estate.
On my second day here I was given the opportunity to show property to a former client, who sold his DeBordieu property a few years ago, and now has the desire to come back. There are some very nice communities in the Pawleys Island area, but once most people get a taste of DeBordieu, they realize that there is really no other place on earth like it. Nothing even comes close!
PEOPLE: Geoff Groat - hysterically funny in a "Dr. House" kind of way, Geoff started selling property at DeBordieu Colony Real Estate back in 1986 just before I came on board. He was supportive of my move from marketing to real estate sales back in the '90s, and he's been just as supportive in my return to DeBordieu. His vast knowledge of the community, and the properties within is staggering. He's been a big help to me already, just as I knew he would be.
PLACES: The DCCA office - One of the reasons people choose to make their home in DeBordieu is that the community association here is SERIOUS about SECURITY. I visited the DeBordieu Colony Community Association office where I had to fill out a detailed information sheet before I could get a decal and bar code for my car, allowing me access to the community. SECURTIY….it's a good thing.
THINGS: The Creek - that property I showed earlier today provided a stunning, panoramic view of North Inlet, one of the most pristine estuaries in North America. DeBordieu provides its owners boat landing access to this fertile fishing ground. I can't WAIT to get out there in a boat!
There's no place like home……there's no place like DeBordieu.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

And so it Begins….Again!
My adventures at DeBordieu began in 1986, when I started working in this beautiful community just south of Pawleys Island, as the Membership Coordinator and Marketing Director, and eventually moved into Real Estate Sales. It was here that I met my husband, Jeff Kaz, who is the Controller at DeBordieu Club. I left about 9 years ago to pay a bit more attention to my children and was very fortunate to have the opportunity to sell real estate in the Pawleys Island area. My teenagers are very independent now, so when given the invitation to return to DeBordieu, it didn’t take me long to make the decision to come “home.”

PEOPLE: The Peace Brothers – Because Hampton and Perry basically grew up at DeBordieu, their hearts and souls play a huge role in protecting the integrity of the community. As owners of DeBordieu Colony Real Estate, they are doing a terrific job of doing just that. Hampton and Perry, along with their entire staff, have truly gone the extra mile in welcoming me back to DeBordieu, and I’m so very grateful.

PLACES: The real estate office – while it still has that cozy, casual, “mom and pop” feel to it, DeBordieu Colony Real Estate, in an effort to keep up with its computer-savvy clientele, has gone high-tech, and is run like a well-oiled machine!

THINGS: The Beach – on my first day, I went down to the beach at DeBordieu with Marketing Director Ginny Horton so she could take my picture for this blog. I don’t think there is a more beautiful, private stretch of oceanfront land anywhere.

There truly is no place like home…..and there’s no place like DeBordieu.