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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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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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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A home is a long term investment. It is also a place where you lay your head at night, and raise your family. Many times in a market like we are currently experiencing this can be a problem when it comes to selling your home. There are two types of trouble, the seller who has pride and love into his home and who has put years and dollars into upgrading and renovating every little detail. You walk into the home and you get that wow factor, buyers love everything that has been done. While buyers might love all the upgrades, they will also look at the price. In this market too many times the seller will want compensation for their time, love and money spent into that renovations they will add up every little difference between their house and other comps in the neighborhood.

In this market, however, price is truly everything and while the upgrades are a bonus, they are not a motivating factor for a buyer unless the sellers’ price is on par with the market. The other seller is the one who has not always appreciated his home to the fullest. They want top dollar for their home, and they just see the big picture, they see that they have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms like the home down the street, what they don’t see are the details, the fact that doors will need to be replaced, carpet will need to be replaced. This not only will turn a buyer away, it will not help for agents to show it multiple times. As realtors our job is to be upfront and honest with our sellers, and to let them know the hurdles they will face, whether it be not getting the exact compensation they want for every single upgrade, or that their house needs some TLC so that it will show well. The more honest we are upfront, the smoother the ride will be to getting the golden contract.
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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. :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::