Myrtle Beach, SC single family and condo/townhome sales are strong! Single family homes and condo sales are up 30% and 33% versus 2009 and up 14% and 14% versus 2008. Lower prices are the key to all the activity in the real estate market in Myrtle Beach. The year to date median sales price for single family homes is $180K and for condos, the median sales price is $121K.

Myrtle Beach foreclosure inventory decreased from May which is also attributed to the lower prices. The percent of distressed/foreclosure or short sales remains steady at 30%.

Myrtle Beach Active Real Estate Inventory:

Single Family Residential 4,495

Condo/Townhomes          5,238

Closed Sales- Single Family Residential: 281 in June 2009(avg. price $264,165) VERSUS 413 in June 2010(avg. price $247,474)

Closed Sales- Condos:282 in June 2009(avg. price $166,811) VERSUS 298 in June 2010(avg. price $145,624)

The market is strong and with lower prices, buyers are taking advantage and purchasing primary homes,2nd homes, and investment properties. Myrtle Beach’s low taxes and low prices are very attractive for retirees from the North looking to escape harsh winters and taxes and even half backs from Florida looking to escape higher taxes and hurricanes. Myrtle Beach market is hot, hot, hot!!! View foreclosure properties at www.myrtlebeachrealestatetoday.com/ to find the perfect home for you!

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Luxury Oceanfront Condos - Myrtle Beach, SC

Luxury oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach, SC are selling.  One of Myrtle Beach’s most desirable buildings, Island Vista, located in the Golden Mile and among residential homes in the millions Currently there are 26 units listed for sale at Island Vista:
-4 One Bedroom Oceanfront Units
-9 Two Bedroom Oceanfront Units
-7 Three Bedroom Oceanfront Units
-6 Four Bedroom Oceanfront Units
Over the past month, one 3 bedroom unit has sold. Currently, a three bedroom unit is Under Contract.
Island Vista is a great buy for investors because the building is newer and the 3 bedroom unit averages approximately $50,000 a year gross rental income. Island Vista hasn’t had any foreclosures in the building… that is strong! Buyers love this building for it’s great rental history and if you are buying now, you can get a 3 bedroom that would have previously cost over $800,000 in the $400,000’s. Great time to make your dreams come true and own at Island Vista - one of Myrtle Beach’s premiere luxury resorts. To view more oceanfront condos for sale, visit  Myrtle Beach Condos online.

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Myrtle Beach Real Estate- JUST LISTED

Myrtle Beach’s MOST Luxurious PENTHOUSE end unit located in the prestigious Golden Mile -the finest in Myrtle Beach real estate. Interior features tray ceilings; tile kitchen,baths, & foyer, granite countertops in kitchen & bath. Master suite with door to large balcony also has a separate jacuzzi tub & shower & double vanity to pamper yourself. Large kitchen open to dining & living areas with spectacular ocean views. Oversized balcony is hard to find like this! Each bedroom has it’s own private bath & tv. Full size washer &dryer. Everything you need to enjoy the beautiful ocean- exquisite onsite restaurant, full-size veranda; 3 indoor & outdoor pools & jacuzzis; tiki deck & bar;tanning lawn; fitness center; & a beautiful inviting lobby area. Enjoy the finest- location; amenities; decor; & view… FABULOUS BUILDING YOU WILL LOVE!!!!

Myrtle Beach’s Island Vista has the best rentals, and families keep coming year after year to enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools; tiki bar; & luxurious rooms.  The average rental income for a 3 bedroom oceanfront in Myrtle Beach’s Island Vista is $50,000 a year…. aside from the beauty, this is another reason to put your feet in the sand at Island Vista in Myrtle Beach, SC. Search for thousands of properties in Myrtle Beach, SC -where the beach  & golf can be a lifestyle!!!!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate-Island Vista

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Grande Dunes Marina Inn locted in Myrtle Beach, SC overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway has been named one of the top 5 hotels on tripadvisor.com in the area. Marina Inn has many fine amenities nearby such as an onsite restaurant, bar, large banquet facilities, a marina, Anchor Inn- cafe on the waterway where you can dock your boat and grab some lunch or dinner. This is one of my favorite stops during the summer when out on the boat.

Marina Inn has a beautiful entrance and a large sitting area near the fireplace overlooking the waterway.  With the low prices, foreclosures, and interest rate between 5 and 5.5%, now is the perfect time to own your own little slice of this pie in Myrtle Beach!!! Prices are now 5o cents on the dollar compared when they were built- being ranked #1 will surely help increase the rental income BUT also provide a beautiful, spacious condo in a golfer and boater’s paradise. You can view all foreclosures at the Grande Dunes and Marina Inn by visiting Myrtle Beach Foreclosures for Sale.

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So you have worked all your life 9-5 and are ready to enjoy retirement. You want a place where you can be fulfilled mentally and physically all the while not breaking the bank. South Carolina has a ton of options for seniors to help them truly enjoy life and expand their bodies, mind, and offering great tax benefits to expand your wallet.

Entertainment: Expand Your Body

South Carolina has a lot to offer. From 1,000s of golf courses, wonderful museums, shopping, historic parks and of course marvelous beaches. For seniors it is even better according to the South Carolina government webpage seniors are given discounts to help them enjoy this wonderful state to the fullest. From discounted hunting and fishing licenses, discounts admission to state parks, and also the choice to serve or not to serve on city, county or state jury. So not only do you have a ton of options to enjoy the palmetto state but seniors have a ton of discounts to enjoy more and more of what South Carolina has to offer.

Education: Expand Your Mind

So you are tired sitting around the house all day, South Carolina offers great educational programs for senior citizens so why not take a class or two and expand your mind. At the age of 60 residents are eligible for free tuition at all state supported educational institutions that include state universities, colleges, and technical

Taxes: Expand Your Wallet

South Carolina is also very tax friendly. In a report by taxfoundation.org it states that taxes are “Estimated at 8.8% of income, South Carolina’s state/local tax burden percentage ranks 37th highest nationally, below the national average of 9.7%. South Carolina taxpayers pay $3,127 per capita in state and local taxes. “ South Carolina also ranks low for property taxes South Carolina is one of the 37 states that collect property taxes at both the state and local levels. As in most states, local governments collect far more. South Carolina’s localities collected $920.25 per capita in property taxes in fiscal year 2006, which is the latest year the Census Bureau published state-by-state property tax collections. At the state level, South Carolina collected $2.28 per capita during FY 2006, making its combined state/local property taxes $922.54, which ranks 34th highest nationally. Not only are property taxes low but South Carolina also over the Homestead Tax Exemption – first $50,000 of the fair market value of a house or mobile home owned by a state resident of at least one year is exempt from municipal, county, school, and special assessment real property taxes. Exemptions provided to surviving spouses who are 50 or older and anyone who is legally blind or has a permanent disability, regardless of age.

South Carolina: Its on your mind if not it should be. From the green golf courses, the sandy beaches and mild climate. South Carolina should be on your mind when you look to retire. Not only is it beautiful but it is very senior friendly.
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On Tuesday, September 8th a record number of foreclosed properties went under the auction block at the Horry county courthouse. Over 420 proprieties were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Of these properties a record 257 were sold. Buyers now more than ever are looking for a great buy and are becoming more and more aware of different options such as foreclosure auctions and short sales. With a ton of competition on the market, pricing your home right is now more important than ever. :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Fall a great time for Myrtle Beach. Whether you are coming down for a round or two of golf, to walk on the beach and collect seashells, or to just get away from the chaos that is everyday life. Myrtle Beach in the fall is a wonderful getaway.
The Weather
The Fall though is the ideal time to come to the beach for many people who want to escape the crowds in the summer. The weather is cool and perfect for playing golf or just relaxing with a good book on the beach. According to myrtlebeachweather.com the average air temperature in June was 88 degrees. In September, the average air temperature is 85 degrees. The average water temperature in June is 78 degrees and in September the average water temperature is 77 degrees. So the weather in September is great beach and fun weather.
Why come to the beach in the fall?
Besides the great weather, there are 100’s of golf courses in driving distance of Myrtle Beach. You can find a course for the beginner to the seasoned pro. Myrtle Beach is also home to a number of different shows and attractions -something for all ages such as The Carolina Opry or Medieval Times. Let’s also not forget about the shopping with South Carolinas’ largest mall, and the new Market Commons with pedestrian friendly living; dog parks; movie theaters; & unique restaurants.
Now IS the time to invest.
Now is the time to come and look at a great 2nd home or a cash flow condo. No longer will you have to worry about the price of a vacation. In fact, your investment property could pay for you to have more vacations throughout the year-remember 2 trips to check on an investment property are tax deductible. No longer will you have to worry about where to stay, or the condition of your room- you can even lock personal belongings in your owner’s closet . According to the Sun News, home sales were up 9% last month - this means people are buying and deals are out there to be had a reliable, reputable Realtor can help you with finding the best building for your personal goals whether it is investment or just personal use . Come down and take a look for yourself. You could be coming to Myrtle Beach with the family year round, while putting cash in your pocket, and investing in the future
For example, our team sold a 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom ocean view condo with 2 balconies in Grande Shores for a sales price of $78,900- this previously sold for $249,000. This condo had gross yearly rentals of over $20,000. This was not just a once in a lifetime deal although our buyer was successful in getting a good offer in quickly without competition from other buyers to drive the price up. It was a foreclosure and timing is key- timing for your offer; timing to close; and of course any contingencies should be removed with the exception of financing if applicable. There are several deals out there, you just have to look closely and have the right agent to help you sort through the good deals to find a great deal.
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The following information was obtained from a letter dated 8-20-2009 to the Forest Dunes Condominium Property Owners Association signed by Ken with no other information as to who Ken is.

What Is Happening?
The exterior walls along the north and west sides will have the outer walls removed from the floor up to a distance of about 12 inches. This is affectionately being referred to as “The Ripper” and will extend from somewhere in the alcove beside the elevators to past the corner of the 01 units on the west side.

When Is This Happening?
Work is expected to being on or about the first week of October 2009 and take about 20 weeks, ending roughly by March 2010. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, with Saturdays added as needed to maintain the schedule. Local laws and daylight dictate the times that construction can be carried out. In our case we have been advised that the crews can work from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The contractor will try to push the noisy portions of the construction until after 9am. But, lets not kid ourselves, the resort will resonate with the noise of grinders and jackhammers?
The work will be phased in blocks of four floors of work at a time, to prevent closing the entire building. Each block of floors will be closed for approximately four to six weeks, depending on how much work is needed on that block of floors
This means floors 15 through 18 will be closed for the first period, then floors 10 to 14 (remember there is no 13th floor.) then 6 through 9, and finally 2 through 5. No extensive work is planned on the first floor, but it will be “painted”. I am guessing only a week or so for down time there.

What Does This Mean For Homeowners?
Due to code and liability considerations, no one will be allowed on the floors while they are under construction.

What Does This Mean For Homeowners Who Live in Their Units Full Time?
The board is talking with the insurance carrier, city code officials, engineer and project manager to see if occupancy exceptions can be made for our fellow homeowners who are also full-time residents. No guarantees, but we are investigating the alternatives available to us. In other words if you are a full time resident keep your bags packed and don’t get comfortable.
In conclusion, this just gets better and better …… Homeowners will also have to do work before and after construction is done at their own expense. This includes things like removing all window treatments and wall hangings, and disconnecting from cable outlets. Owners who can’t come to Forest Dunes to do this work should arrange to have it done (at their expense)

For More Information Please Contact Danny Baxley or Wendy Hodges at 843-429-6114 or 843-455-5600 reach us on the web at www.myrtlebeachrealestatetoday.com or www.gold-crown.com
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A short sale allows the homeowner to sell their home for less than the total amount due when a hardship is proven. It will show up on the owners credit report as paid in full for lower than the amount owed, a home can go into a short sales also if the owner, owes more than the current worth of the home. It is the last step before the house goes into foreclosure. Today’s market is filled with great deals and people looking to get out of bad situations. Short sales currently make up 15% of the housing market. This Is not a number to be ignored by sellers or buyers. These properties sell for 15-20% less than non distressed properties. Buyers should not be afraid to look at a property under a short sale, investors are not the only ones jumping on short sales in fact 45% of short sales are made by first time home buyers. However if you do get involved in a short sale, you may get a great deal and the home of your dreams but be prepared to play the waiting game it can take 2-3 months to for an offer to receive an answer.

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