The Sunday Driver

Whenever you are looking for a new car, you always dream of finding that classic car, that Is kept in some nice old lady’s garage that she only drove to church on Sunday and that she will sell to you for a steal. Well this is it! This is the Sunday Driver of real estate. This home is a second home and it shows just like a model would and has all the bells and whistles. Immaculate stainless steel appliances, a spacious master bath with garden tub and shower, and of course the location, minutes within all Myrtle Beach has to offer with a great lake view from your sun porch. This home has it all along with a great price to match. Stop looking for that dream home, or that great deal. This is it; this is the Sunday driver of Real Estate.

MLS # 1016329

6300 DAWN COURT
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

$299,900

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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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Myrtle Beach, SC Real Estate market offers a variety of options from oceanfront condos to single family homes on acreage. When it comes to foreclosures in Myrtle Beach, new construction in Myrtle Beachhas to be priced competitively. In the past 3 months, 45% of the new homes to sell have been priced from the $130,000’s to $180,000’s in price.

Home Buyers need guidance when it comes to neighborhoods; floor plans/upgrades ; resale value, but how does quality get lost in the process? When buying a home, don’t you look at reliability, engineering, and construction or do these essential components somehow get lost as you decide among the floor plans and upgrades available? When building and not using a custom builder, are you comparing apples to apples? Many times this is hard to tell when you walk into a new home with upgrades in every direction- typically totaling over $100,000 minimum in upgrades. Of course, the 42 inch raised panel cabinets with dental molding and crown look beautiful; will the kitchen be the kitchen you are expecting if you don’t upgrade and settle for the 36 inch flat cabinets OR will they get lost in the 12 foot vaulted ceilings?

Aside from construction, tonight I went to compare Builder A with Builder B ( Both national companies). Here’s what I found after walking into homes under construction:

Builder A features                                            Builder B features
16 on Center Studs (Interior Walls)                           24 on center studs (Interior Walls)
Solid Window & Door Headers                                 Crippled Down Headers
Higher Quality Windows                                           Lower Quality Windows
12″ Overhangs                                                         6″ Overhangs

Somewhere along the way in the last section Of Neighborhood B, Builder B figured the savings of reducing the roof overhang by 6 inches… despite the disadvantages and water issues the additional overhang might prevent in the future. On the base price, Builder A and B are comparable. However, Builder A uses Hardi Plank siding and Builder B used vinyl siding. Hardi Plank is less expensive than brick BUT more expensive than vinyl and also provides a higher R (insulation) factor, so the homeowner will have lower energy costs. Builder A’s home was closed and protected from the rains while Builder B’s home had standing water from the rain occuring. The grading and dirt on Builder A’s home was also superior.

These are just a few notes of differences on homes that can look the same on the surface when new.  When looking for a home and building- even if it’s not custom, look for the differences or have a qualified professional to assist you with the home buying process. Afterall, this is your home. Don’t let the county zoning codes determine the standard when for the same price, you can get a well-built home that is above the minimum  standards for the same price AND maybe less if you have an experienced Realtor working for you?

New Construction sites have representation by the on-site agents. Having an experienced agent to represent you is FREE to you. This is paid by the buyer, so it is so important that you have someone protecting your decisions and providing you with options as  you make one of the most important investments in your life. In this case, having a Realtor who has the CSP designation indicates training in new construction. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are represented when walking into a new construction site. This is where you need a professional on your side! Visit www.myrtlebeachrealestatetoday.com/ for more details on different areas and to search for homes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the surrounding areas.

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Arrowhead- Myrtle Beach, SC Fabulous New Listing Shows like a Model

Relax & come home to all the upgrades & enjoyment of a fabulous golf course & lake lot view overlooking Arrowhead Golf Course. Located in Starpoint section of Arrowhead, this home has a large, extensively landscaped lawn w/irrigation system, landscape lighting, & enclosed screened-in porch with floor to ceiling windows to open & close at your leisure. Upgrades in every corner & well maintained- this is a rare find! Warm & inviting the great room,kitchen,breakfast nook, & formal dining all feature gorgeous golf course views along with the warmth of genuine hardwood flooring & a gas fireplace with detailed trimfrom top to bottom. 12 foot tray ceilings; upgraded lighting;elegant columns in kitchen & living areas are certain to set your home apart from all others.Kitchen features vaulted ceilings, custom tile backsplash, upgraded cabinetry & trim, roll out shelving, smooth top range, breakfast bar & breakfast nook. Split bedroom place; French doors leading to office/bedroom area; & large master suite, bathroom, & walk-in closet. Spacious master suite has custom tile, gardentub, double vanity, custom shower w/ clear glass upgrade, raised vanity cabinetry, & a water closet. Enjoy late nights overlooking the stars on the lake - doorleading from the master suite to the porch. Oversized 3 car garage with workshop area & 3rd bay along with garage privacy screen make this a great work area or entertaining area. Immaculate & better than new because all the work & upgrades that set this home apart from others is in place & waiting for you to move in! Spectular upgrades & breathtaking golf & lake views will provide many years of relaxation & enjoyment in your home! Community pool, play area, & tennis courts with low HOA dues… what a wonderful place to call Home. One Year Home Warranty also included.

For more properties in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, visit http://myrtlebeachrealestatetoday.com/

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The Lakes in Myrtle Beach,SC

Having a home in Myrtle Beach  with very mature landscaping helped me to realize how important it is to see the front door and front of the home.   When putting your home on the market, it is so important that the homeowner creates curb appeal that enhances the beauty of one’s home….that it doesn’t distract but it enhances.  Make sure that the front door is visible and draws buyers in.  Just today I took my landscaper over to my new listing at 525 Saluda River Rd located in The Lakes in Myrtle Beach, SC to remove overgrown trees.  The homeowner had spent major bucks when the home was built on a cut glass door frame and side panels.   However, when a perspective buyer rode by the home, it could not be seen from the low hanging limbs from the Dogwood and River Berch Trees.  Now the home has much more curb appeal!  Telling a homeowner that they should remove things from their homes or yards is not an easy task, but once it has been done will enhance its ability to sell.  One note to homeowners who are considering putting their homes on the market: The way you sell a home is not the way you live in a home.  Tips and hints for saling your property can be viewed at Getting Ready to Sell My Home.

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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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Of the 154 Sold condos, 30 were oceanfront. August 2009 was also the beginning month for closing on the fabulous North Beach Towers where owners are now enjoying the finest living in Myrtle Beach. Properties are back to 2002 prices AND investors, first-time buyers, & those seeking a second home are taking advantage of these great, low prices!
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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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The single family housing market has blasted through the rough and tough offensive line and scored a touchdown with the latest numbers. For the first time in over two years the number of single family homes sold has gone up. The numbers have also gone up 4% from the same time last year. This can only spell good things to come. While there are a lot of foreclosure deals, and the foreclosure numbers rise about 1.5 million households recieved at least one foreclosure-related notice this year.  This means that there people are needing to sell and sell now. These people however are not on your forclosure list. So deals are out there to be found. For the sellers out there the buyers are out there looking, are you prepared to accept the offer and make the next month even better?

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There are cash buyers in the marketplace today- where foreclosures and short sales are the buzz words we’ve all become accustomed to hearing in real estate on a daily basis. What happened to quality and upgrades that make a house a safe and warm home… a place you love to come home to every day… a place you can not only be proud of but know is made of the highest quality materials to keep your family healthy?

Can you truely put a price on that? When did buying a Timex become the same as a Rolex… it did not and NEVER will- just as getting a great deal or steal on a house that is a foreclosure can’t compete with a buying a quality home that leaves you able to peacefully sleep at night. No worries about the roof, insulation- or lack of, the subcontractors who didn’t do a job properly, or even falling through tile in the middle of the night as your bed suddenly drops - a result of tile not properly installed in a million dollar home in a million dollar neighborhood (obviously lacking  quality and precision).

In one of the most desirable waterway communities in Myrtle Beach, there is going to be a proud owner of a Quality home that is second to none. Within 40 days, 4090  Matanzas Drive went under contract to a cash buyer. Looking at the sales and the homes in the listings available, this certainly must have been an extrodinary home.

    With only 8% of homes in Myrtle Beach in this price range selling since January, there  is reason to believe quality still makes an impression on some. I am frequently amazed at the number of requests for foreclosures (bankrupt builders who have left the area) over the request for quality but this assures me there are  buyers looking for a quality home in a great neighborhood and not just the dollar but the emtion and love a home should bring.