Hilton Head Island, SC, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island, SC, is experiencing an unprecedented boom in real estate, highlighted by the sale of a custom-built oceanfront home for $12.5 million. Robert “Moose” Rini, the owner of REMAX Island Realty, has been a pivotal figure in this success, expanding his agency significantly and staying active in community initiatives. Ongoing discussions on growth management and proposed regulations regarding short-term rentals reflect the community’s concerns as the market continues to flourish.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is witnessing a remarkable surge in real estate success, characterized by record home sales and ongoing discussions about growth management. Robert “Moose” Rini, an experienced real estate broker and owner of REMAX Island Realty, has played a significant role in this growth, emphasizing relationship-building and community engagement in the process.
Rini, who has 33 years of experience in real estate, began his career at REMAX as an agent in 1994. After 25 years, he bought the franchise and has since expanded the firm from 28 agents in 2016 to 74 full-time professionals across three offices. Under his leadership, REMAX Island Realty has thrived amidst a competitive landscape, showcasing an increase in productivity and enhanced services through innovative technology.
The recent real estate boom on Hilton Head Island is underscored by a record-breaking sale of a custom-built oceanfront home at 15 Bald Eagle Road, which fetched an impressive $12.5 million. This sale surpassed the previous high of $10.75 million recorded in 2022, marking a significant milestone for the luxury market in the area. The six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home features a heated infinity pool and was designed to capture stunning ocean views, despite being affected by pandemic-related construction delays.
In addition to his real estate successes, Rini has become an active community member, volunteering with organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Clubs, Children’s Miracle Network, Little League, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Toys for Tots, and a local Cancer Society chapter. His community involvement is paralleled by his recent appointment to the board of REsides, Inc., a tech-driven multiple listing service (MLS) model that aims to empower brokers and agents with innovative tools and features to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
As the real estate market flourishes, Hilton Head Island faces critical discussions regarding short-term rentals and growth management. Local leaders and residents have voiced concerns about a proposed moratorium on short-term rental applications, which aims to control overdevelopment and maintain the island’s character. This debate sparked passionate discussions during a recent town council meeting, highlighting the tension between long-term residents advocating for preservation and real estate agents concerned about the economic implications of such regulations.
Hilton Head’s town leadership is actively revising the land management ordinance that governs development regulations. As they consider a temporary pause on new short-term rental applications, the intention is to evaluate the impacts on the community thoroughly. By 2025, leaders plan to implement new rules for short-term rentals that balance community concerns with the interests of investors.
As Hilton Head Island continues to experience a real estate boom, Rini remains committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance, enjoying boating, tennis, and golfing when not engaged in negotiations. He believes in the importance of being responsive to the needs of his agents, promoting transparency, and encouraging feedback to address challenges proactively.
Key Highlights:
- Record home sale: Oceanfront home sold for $12.5 million.
- Growth of REMAX Island Realty: Expanded from 28 agents in 2016 to 74 full-time agents.
- Community involvement: Active volunteer in multiple charity organizations.
- Ongoing growth management discussions: Proposed moratorium on short-term rentals and developments.
- Future developments: New rules for short-term rentals expected by 2025.
FAQ Section
What recent milestone did Hilton Head Island’s luxury real estate market reach?
A custom-built oceanfront home on Hilton Head set a record sale at $12.5 million, reflecting the thriving luxury real estate market in the area.
What is the current state of REMAX Island Realty?
The firm has grown from 28 agents in 2016 to 74 full-time real estate professionals across three offices.
What community initiatives is Robert “Moose” Rini involved with?
Rini actively volunteers with organizations like the local Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Clubs, Children’s Miracle Network, Little League, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Toys for Tots, and Cancer Society chapter.
What discussions are ongoing in the Hilton Head community?
New discussions on short-term rentals and growth management are ongoing in the Hilton Head community among local leaders and residents.
When do Hilton Head leaders expect to finalize new short-term rental rules?
As of 2025, Hilton Head leaders move toward new rules for short-term rentals to address community concerns while balancing investment interests.
Market Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent Record Sale | $12.5 million for a custom-built oceanfront home. |
| REMAX Island Realty Growth | Expanded from 28 agents in 2016 to 74 agents. |
| Community Involvement | Active in various local charity organizations. |
| Growth Management Discussions | Proposed moratorium on new short-term rentals. |
| Future Regulations | New short-term rental rules anticipated by 2025. |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Real Estate News
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Post and Courier: Record Home Sale
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island real estate
- Island Packet: Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Island Packet: South Carolina News
- Google News: Hilton Head Island real estate market
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
