My laptop died about 2 months ago after a drink spilled on it, so why would it take over 2 months to take on the task of finding another??? Which one is the best? Which one gives you the most for the price? Where should I get it? Everyone has an opinion and none seem to be the same. This is the same with real estate… where should I buy… where will I get the most appreciation…who is the best builder… where can I find a a knowledgeable home inspector and so on….???

Well, after searching the Dell site and debating, I decided this is it… let’s put this to bed. I’ll go into Best Buy in Myrtle Beach… which is the one store I don’t find to be a fun shopping trip. The sales guys are in the back talking among themselves, look at me, and continue to talk. Okay…. yes, obviously they don’t work on commission as they so proudly explain. I don’t know why but they bash Dell… does anyone know… they explain they are now built in another country.. poor service, blah, blah, blah!!! Okay, so I had a Sony which worked great for over 5 years believe it or not. Nothing since has come close to this life span. I also have a Sony camera which is awesome. It was my very first purchase in real estate over six years ago AND still works wonderfully!!! I’m getting a Sony I exclaim to myself. Okay, now I really love the white ones… they are different and add a little fun to the everyday tasks I must do (the small things that make us smile)!

I ask the sales guy for help… he asks which one I want. I tell him a Sony… a white one… I’ve picked a model. He doesn’t have it. He goes to another computer to look online… still, he doesn’t have it as it moves at turtle pace. Okay again, I’ll just take the black Sony. I ask him about the warranty and how much each is (he doesn’t even bother to bring it up). I buy the basic installation package, pay, and an hour and a half and a HUGE headache later, I’m out the door. NO more shopping today… terrible experience. I hope I don’t have to have another purchase anytime soon that involves electronics.

It’s over.. I think but when I go to pick up my laptop the next day on the front counter sits a white Sony laptop like the one I asked the guy for yesterday. I ask the sales lady if that’s an old model or if they have the white Sony. “Oh,yes, we have these.” I pick up my laptop after the installation and go to the back and there’s the white  Sony. Another sales guy tells me they have had them, but then I approach Jason who failed yesterday to tell me about this. Maybe we didn’t have it yesterday (oh, yes  a new shipment Saturday night); sometimes we can’t put them out until certain dates. OKAY!!! Now I know why clients call me, other agents, and even more agents to check out buildings; neighborhoods; and availability. They really don’t trust us… just like I didn’t trust the guys at Best Buy. Is it really that rare that clients have a positive experience with their real estate professional (who ranks in with a used car salesman)? My Broker exclaims that the job takes passion, so if your realtor doesn’t have passion for the job, go elsewhere! By the way, passion can’t be bought, traded, or taught… you will know it when you find it!!!     AND if you find someone with passion at Best Buy, please give me his/her name so I can ask for him/her when I do this again.

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Myrtle Beach is getting a famous show to come to our area once again… everyone wants to be here. The show is filming in Horry County for the 2nd time. On Tuesday, the producers and the lead builders got together for a community rally at Coastal Carolina University. The lead builder is Sterling Homes. As of Tuesday they said they had about 90% of volunteers and of materials they needed. So there is still more time to make a difference and to join in what promises to be an exciting event. We look forward to getting my hands dirty and helping a deserving family in the area, and who knows you might even see my face on a TV near you very soon.
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10 Things to know about Real Estate in 2010
Some information from yahoo.com

1. Prices to bottom. We all know the market has been rocky. We have seen home prices drop and markets drop. This might be the year where we find bottom and start to work our way back up.

2. Mortgage Delinquencies. 1 in 7 Americans were behind on their mortgage and 1 in 4 Americans owed more on their mortgages than their home was currently valued at. Look for these numbers to continue to rise.

3. Foreclosure sales will increase. We have seen a ton of foreclosed properties in the Myrtle Beach are. Look for the number to increase in the next few months. Buyers and Sellers both needs to be aware of this and price their home and make offers according.

4. Mortgage rates will rise. We have enjoyed some reasonable rates in the fall and winter of 2009. Rates could go up in part to the expiration of a program where the federal government took over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

5. Buyers market Remains. Now is the time to buy. There are so many reasons to buy, from great prices, to building long term wealth, and of course finding your dream home.

6. 6. Modification plan could be modified :This plan set around 700,000 people into temporary mortgages and has only found permanent solutions for around 31,000. This program also does not take into account factors such as negative equity. Look for this program to be restricted during 2010.

7. FHA loan standards could get stricter. This would effect first time home buyers. Currently buyers that qualify only have to pay 3.5% down.

8. The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended. Buyers need to take advantage of this while it last. You get an $8,000 tax credit for your first home purchase. Great for new furniture, mortgage payments, or savings.

9. Markets will vary a great deal by region. This is nothing new markets will always vary. That’s why now more than ever it is important to find a professional agent to help navigate the market where you are looking to purchase your next property.

10. Technology is more important than ever in your search for property. It is important that agents and clients a like stay on top of the latest trends and learn to use them to the best of their ability.

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In the month if November sales of existing homes rose to the highest levels since February 2007. However the median sales price fell 4.3 %. What this means is that buyers more than ever need the assistance of a qualified agent to help them sift through the good buys to find the great buys. It also means that buyers need to be prepared to buy and buy now, because those great deals don’t last long. With lower interest rates and the expansion of the first time home buyer credit, now more than ever is the time to buy. What it means for sellers is that, you want an agent who will be upfront and honest with you about true market conditions. You might like the agent that will list the home for the highest price, but this agent might be just wanting another listing to advertise their services, and it might just sit on the market costing you money. Whereas an honest upfront agent will tell you the true value. It might not be pleasant news at first but when your homes sells fast it will be well worth it.
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Growing up and celebrating Christmas in the south involves many long-held and sometimes made up “traditions” which might be unfamiliar to those individuals who don’t use ya’ll in at least every other sentence. Many southern men will go hunting prior to Christmas and around this time ,such meals as Duck and rice or venison (cooked in a variety of ways and often disguised to see if recognized by deer lovers who just can’t bear the thought of eating Bambie). I must say I too have been guilty of this a time or two when non-venison eaters enjoyed Swiss burgers with peppers, onions, mushrooms, spices and ground venison meat.

Southern Christmas dinner might involve turkey and dressing- made from cornbread or even giblets- always varying from family to family as each claims their mother to have the best recipe of all times. Side dishes might include sweet potato casserole; macaroni and cheese; or collard greens cooked in fatback (fat and salt used to season… not to be found on the Weight Watchers diet).
Like everyone else, my memories of Christmas Southern style involves church services on Christmas Eve at the local Baptist church where no one is a stranger; helping my grandmother cut a cedar Christmas tree from the woods behind the house; and the smell of great food coming from my Grandmother’s kitchen. One of her favorites and yet easiest things to cook were roasted pecans. This simply meant taking the pecans we had picked up from the trees in the backyard which I helped her and my Grandfather pick out and putting the halves on a cookie sheet in the oven along with butter and salt and baking for about 10 minutes -all while stirring the butter and testing for doneness- this was the fun part! They made great gifts. We would pack them into canisters and even ship them along with fruitcakes to friends and family.

It’s amazing the things we might remember about Christmas whether it’s our favorite toy be it a dollhouse or a truck; large family gatherings with cousins or a simple and quiet Christmas at home but one thing is for sure, most fond memories take us to a warm and cozy place we like to call home whether it’s in the south or the northern part of the country where snow or sledding might even be a part of your family tradition. This time more than ever we recognize the importance of home wherever it might be. If you are looking for the perfect home in or around Myrtle Beach, call an expert to the area to help you develop your memories and traditions. Merry Christmas to all… may you have a safe and wonderful holiday and make many traditions you and your family will cherish!

Wendy Hodges and Danny Baxley
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There are so many important steps involved with purchasing a home… especially today with loan changes; foreclosures and short sales; and many other variables. Buyers need to speak with a financial expert to see what rates are; what they qualify for; and the payment which can vary based on different plans. Prequalification is KEY- many properties want you to be prequalified before walking in the door. After all, would you want to prepare for hours and open up your private personal home to strangers… who may not even be able to purchase or may not know. Today requirements are so strict…. You can a lot of money but your debt or the number of properties you already own may impact your ability to buy.

Get prequalified to help yourself get the best bargain. It offers:

Negotiation power. If your buyer is pre qualified this will give you power when you negotiate with sellers for a faster smoother closing. It also will give the seller confidence
It will help your buyers know what they can truly afford. It is not a great feeling when a buyer falls in love with a home they cannot afford. On the other side your buyer may be surprise to find out they can afford more than they thought.

Buyers won’t miss out on a hot deal. In today’s market there are deals galore and the better the deal the faster it will sell. Most require a letter when viewing or submitting an offer.

Time is money. Buyers should not spend time viewing properties beyond their price range. It sets unrealistic expectations.

Knowledge …the more a buyer knows the better. It will also give them a better understanding of monies needed such as closing cost etc. These expenses may need to be paid for by the seller or included in the purchase price, so before you write an offer, you need to know what all costs are and see how much money you have to bring to the table.

It is not always easy to discuss money with individuals since you don’t know them well. However in your and your client’s best interest, take the jump and see what you are qualified for.

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Myrtle Beach is not only known for the grand strand along the Atlantic Ocean and for Ocean Blvd, it is also known for its entertainment attractions and the holiday time. It is the time to catch a show at the beach. There is lots of family holiday fun to be had by everyone -young and old.

The Carolina Opry Christmas Show
The Carolina Opry Christmas show starts in November and plays throughout December. They have nightly shows at 7pm and shows on certain days at a 1pm matinee. This has widely been called the best holiday show on the beach. For ticket and show information go to www.carolinaopry.com or call 1-800-843-6779

The Alabama Theater Christmas Show

The Alabama Theatre presents The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, which opens November 4th and plays throughout the holiday season with a finale January 2, 2010. This year’s Christmas production brings an incredible combination of talent and special effects for a spectacular holiday musical experience sure to put you in the spirit. This year’s Christmas Show promises to impress and surpass all expectations. As theatre President Bob Wood states, “We are confident you will leave the theatre with a great sense of family and the true meaning of Christmas. The show will combine traditional classics with contemporary holiday favorites. Its appeal touches everyone.” The South’s Grandest Christmas Show is a southern family tradition during the holidays.” The Christmas Show will continue nightly and offer select matinees. Box office officials advise calling early for seats (800) 342-2262 or (843) 2721111

The Palace Theater

A New Tradition Begins in Myrtle Beach in 2009 as the Palace Theatre presents the ultimate in Holiday entertainment. Direct from their sold out World Tour, The Twelve Irish Tenors return to Myrtle Beach. Hear the lilting melodies of your Christmas favorites sung by as South Carolina’s ultimate Children’s Choir. The reason for the season will be honored with a glorious live Nativity scene including camels, donkeys and sheep. And, of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without the man himself, Santa Claus! This joyous new Christmas spectacular will not only entertain you beyond your expectations but will fill you with the true spirit of Christmas! Make sure you and your family and friends join us this year as the “New Tradition Begins”! The Palace Theatre Holiday show will run from November 2 through January 2, 2010.

Winter Wonderland

If you want something other than a show, and something for the whole family. December 11th – December 24th in Socastee you can play in tons of real fake snow, take pictures with Santa, Pony rides, and more. The attraction is open daily at sunset till Christmas Eve. Winter Wonderland is located off of Hwy 707 about a mile from Socastee High School. There is a $10 admission fee.

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So you have always dreamed of packing up and leaving it all behind to retire at the beach. You have dreamed of having your morning coffee as you listen to the waves crashing against the sand and taking sunset walks on the beach with the ones you love. Now is the time. Myrtle Beach has even been featured in an upcoming issue of “Where to Retire Magazine.” One of the main reasons the magazine is feature the Grand Strand is the availability of great buys in the housing market-40-50% off in many areas. The main areas hit are Carolina Forest and Forest brook and the Grande Dunes. There has never been a better time to by property along the beach. Whether you want a oceanfront condo, a golf course villa or a southern mansion. You can find it and get a great deal right now in Myrtle Beach. Not only can you find a great deal on real estate, South Carolina also offers retirees a number of great benefits from tax breaks to discounts on a number of goods and services. Come on… let’s go play golf; go to one of the fabulous Christmas shows; or hit the beach. You won’t need the snow shovel any longer!!! See you in the sunshine!
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WOW… that is what I thought yesterday when I opened the appraisal for my personal home. I love all of the upgrades that I have such as my Kitchen Aid appliances; pecan hardwood floors; tile showers (double shower head); stone patio and so on BUT in a recent appraisal my custom home was compared with 2 homes built by Centex about 5 miles down the road. MY house dropped 62% in 3 years (almost $150,000)… wow! I know the market but when it applies to you personally, you feel it strong! This was the sales comparison. To construct the home again would require $60,000 more than what my sales comparison appraisal was. After all, an appraisal is based on SALES… not what you r neighbor has a house listed for and  thinks it’s worth.

An appraisal is important and necessary but luckily I’m staying in my home and the things I overpaid for –for today’s market- are worth it for me. If I ever sell, I’m sure it will take time like most homes on the market but if you are wanting to sell to move or need to sell to downsize, no doubt don’t overprice the home. Not only will this result in fewer showings, thus fewer buyers, you’ll also end up with the home longer which costs you in the long run. Don’t price behind the curve… get ahead to meet your selling goals.  

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We have all experienced and heard others express how real estate agents can be cut throat and down right dirty….  REALLY… I DON’T believe it!!!  Is it all about the sale and that commission?  I always try and do what is right … help people… the money is great but helping others is most important. I once had my neighbor as “How is being a Realtor helping people?” WOW!!! This is the most or one of the most important decisions people make in their lives. Having good leadership and someone you can trust is most important for a buyer. My job is just as helpful as being a teacher or a counselor.

 As humans we are competitive creatures and we want to not only stay on top of the food chain but to extend our own personal wealth and growth. I want to be the best agent I can be. I want to sell the most homes I can sell and make people happy when they find the perfect property. Their happiness and referrals are MOST IMPORTANT!!!

 Agents love  competition. They want to  be the best.  In the office today , we have an office decorating competition. It was great; everyone was going around and looking at each others décor and laughing and offering suggestions and all in all having a good time.  We even had agents from other offices coming in and commenting. Real estate is much like a decorating contest… we all want to win… AND it’s fun… I don’t know how my workshop of Elves is going to compete with the trailer park that is down stairs. We’ll leave it to the judges!!!

Afterall,,win some and lose some. Happy Holidays!!!

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