More and more in today’s world we get jaded with the world around us. In the world of real estate, we hear about prices, commissions and sold signs, but it is rare when we truly get a moment to enjoy and appreciate what is the American Dream. This Dream was alive and well many years ago, the dream of home ownership, to have your own part of the greatest country on Earth. We recently helped to make that dream happen.

Pat Higgins was a lady who decided to retire by the beach and in the warm sun of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She like a lot of people, only had the dream of home ownership but never really thought it was a possibility. Her quote in a recent Sun News article sums it up perfectly. “I came down here with the intention of renting because I rented my whole life,” she said. “I thought it would never be possible for me to own a house and here I am. … I was able to buy for about the same price I could rent for and I thought why not.” It was so nice, being a part of a wonderful experience. So many times, we get caught up in our work, and daily routine it is nice when we get to sit back and truly enjoy our profession of making the American Dream come true. Visit our Web site at www.myrtlebeachrealestatetoday.com/ to see all the advantages of buying in Myrtle Beach including low taxes, golf, sunny weather, and what else but the beach.

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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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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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As we know sellers are needing to sell more than ever right now and are coming down on their asking prices everyday. This is making it a perfect time to find a great deal and stop throwing away money renting an apartment and start putting money into the stable long term investment of a home.

Right now is also the time to buy because interest rates are low low low

Horry County State Bank is now offering some great rates on loan amounts up to $417,000

Conventional-Loan
30 Year Fixed 5.125%
15 Year Fixed 4.625

FHA/VA Fixed 5.250%

Rural Housing 5.250%

Not only will you stop throwing away money by paying someone else’s mortgage but you will also get some money from the government. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is offering first time homebuyers a credit amount up to $8,000 if the home is purchased before December, 1st 2009. This credit is available on single-family detached homes, townhomes and condominiums. The credit applies to new construction as well as pre existing homes.

Now is the time to buy for so many reasons. Not only will you start putting your hard earned money into a long term investment, but you can get a great interest rate saving you lots of money over time. If that doesn’t excite you, just think about that tax credit, and the mortgage payments $8,000 can pay, or that nice new flat screen for your new cozy living room, or that nice new bedroom set to make your house a home.
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