Hilton Head feels different when the RBC Heritage arrives. Streets fill with visitors, restaurants buzz, and the island’s energy rises right as the spring selling season picks up. If you are planning to sell, shop for a second home, or optimize a rental, this week can be a smart lever. Here is how the tournament shapes demand and how you can use it to your advantage. Let’s dive in.
RBC Heritage at a glance
The RBC Heritage is a PGA Tour signature event played at Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines each April, with recent dates running mid-month. Organizers report crowds around 120,000 and about 1,700 volunteers, with national TV coverage and broad visibility for the island. You can learn more about the event’s history and scale on the tournament’s official page at RBC Heritage — About, and see a recent date reference from local coverage of the 2025 week on WJCL.
A Clemson University impact study estimated the 2024 tournament generated about $134.9 million in total economic output, supported roughly 1,161 jobs, and produced about $8 million in state and local tax revenue. Attendees reported a median stay of about five nights, with 85% staying on the island and 73% visiting primarily for the event. Notably, 70% of respondents reported household income of at least $100,000, and 86% said they were likely to return to Hilton Head. Review the executive summary here: Clemson RBC Heritage Economic Impact Study.
Why it matters to real estate
A concentrated influx of high-income visitors staying several nights creates more in-person exposure for neighborhoods and listings. That same demand tends to lift short-term rental occupancy and rates during tournament week, and local operators often promote spring packages tied to the Heritage, indicating strong seasonal interest (Hilton Head spring golf packages). Televised coverage and national press also keep Hilton Head top of mind, and the Clemson study found a high likelihood of return visits, which can fuel future buyer interest.
What sellers can do now
Time your listing
Listing just before or during RBC week can put your home in front of more qualified visitors. The event brings longer-stay, higher-income guests, which often translates to more showings and stronger open-house traffic. Pair timing with correct pricing and professional presentation to stand out if inventory is higher than in prior years. The visitor profile in the Clemson study supports this strategy.
Elevate presentation
Spring weather showcases outdoor living. Freshen landscaping, stage porches and patios, and highlight easy access to beaches, marinas, and golf amenities where applicable. Quality exterior photography and a short virtual tour can engage remote viewers who tune in during the televised week; see practical presentation tips in this industry guide on selling the story effectively.
Decide: rent or sell this week
If you operate your home as a short-term rental, compare projected tournament-week revenue against the benefits of listing during peak buyer traffic. The Clemson report shows significant lodging and dining spend, plus median stays around five nights, which help estimate rental upside. Weigh that against potential sales momentum you could capture while interest is highest.
Buyer strategies during Heritage
Plan your schedule
If you are in town for the tournament, build a showing plan around tee times and traffic. Experienced local agents can coordinate private tours and open-house stops between rounds. Well-priced properties may see faster activity during the week, so plan enough time to revisit favorites.
Be offer-ready
Event week can increase buyer traffic, but it does not guarantee bidding wars on every home. Have a current pre-approval and be prepared to move quickly on a well-matched property. Clear priorities and a firm budget help you act decisively without pressure.
Evaluate STR potential carefully
Investor buyers often eye tournament-week demand as a signal for short-term rental potential. Confirm current local rules, HOA policies, registration needs, and tax obligations before modeling income. Strong occupancy during the Heritage does not replace year-round due diligence.
Spring market context on Hilton Head
RBC Heritage week lands in an already active spring season. Recent local snapshots in 2025 noted higher inventory in several segments with modest increases in days on market. In this environment, the tournament works as an accelerant rather than a price guarantee. The influx of qualified visitors can improve your odds if your pricing and presentation are on point, but fundamentals still win.
Hosting showings during RBC week
Use a simple checklist to make the most of the moment:
- Coordinate showing windows around tee times and traffic patterns.
- Provide clear directions, gate access details where needed, and parking guidance.
- Highlight outdoor living with tidy landscaping and staged patios or porches.
- Prepare a take-home packet with maps, amenity info, and monthly cost estimates.
- Share a short video tour that spotlights proximity to Harbour Town and nearby amenities.
The bottom line
The RBC Heritage does more than energize the island. It concentrates high-intent visitors, fills rentals, and increases in-person exposure for listings at the exact time spring demand peaks. If you align timing, pricing, and presentation, you can turn tournament week into real momentum.
Ready to build a tailored plan for your home or your search? Connect with John Campbell for local guidance that blends native insight with luxury marketing.
FAQs
How does the RBC Heritage affect Hilton Head home sales?
- The tournament brings a surge of multi-night, higher-income visitors, which can increase showings and open-house traffic, creating better opportunities for well-presented, well-priced homes to attract offers, as reflected in the Clemson impact study.
Is it better to list before or during Heritage week?
- Listing just before or during the event positions your home for maximum visibility when qualified visitors are on-island; combine timing with competitive pricing and strong presentation to stand out.
Are short-term rentals typically busier during the tournament?
- Yes. Heritage week routinely drives higher occupancy and rates across hotels and vacation rentals, supported by spring travel demand and promotional packages tied to the event (spring golf packages).
I am visiting for the tournament. Can I tour homes?
- Absolutely. Plan showings around tee times and traffic, and work with a local agent to schedule private tours and shortlist properties before you arrive for an efficient experience.
Does Heritage week raise prices on its own?
- The event is an accelerant, not a guarantee. It can help a compelling listing sell faster, but pricing, condition, inventory, and negotiation strategy still determine outcomes, even during a high-traffic week.
