The Grand Strand is growing; in fact Horry County SC is one of the top 100 fastest growing counties in the nation.  Between 2000 and 2009, Horry County grew 34.2 percent. The city of Myrtle Beach itself grew 40.5 percent. Now more than ever is a great time to join the crowd and move to the beach. Why such growth in these areas in what is called a bad economy? Well, South Carolina offers a lot of incentives for retirees they have some of the best programs for retirees buying real estate and also low taxes. Plus, let’s not forget where else would you want to retire but in a warm climate with a golden mile of wonderful ocean.

                Now is the time to join the crowd. In the first half of 2010 home sales rose 32 percent and condo sales rose 38 percent.  This is in part due to low home and condo prices brought on by their being a number of foreclosures and short sales on the market. Now is definitely the time to come down and explore the market and find a deal on your dream home, second home, retirement home,  or investment property.

                Myrtle Beach will always be a wonderful place to live and vacation. Now more than ever is the time to have your place at the beach.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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/

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Wendy Hodges RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY (843) 997-6664 wendy@wendyhodges.com http://myrtlebeachrealestatetoday.com

See more Myrtle Beach, SC real estate for sale

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

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
:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::