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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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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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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Up north the leaves are changing and people are pulling out their jackets and sweaters. In Myrtle Beach however it is time for fall festivals and concerts galore. Fall brings so much entertainment from cookouts, concerts to art exhibits, and few people know about these hidden gems that really make fall one of the best times to come to the Grand Strand. I hope to see your there are remember with any of your real estate questions or needs I am your Realtor for life.

Festivals

September:

Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival

When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-27
Where: Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet
What: Daily festival admission fee is $6 for each adult. A multi-day pass is available for $10 per adult. Visitors 15 years old and under are admitted free. Park admission is also free. Featuring more than 100 of the finest artisans, the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival provides aesthetic beauty against a background of natural beauty. Enjoy fine art, quality crafts and Lowcountry food, along with the musical offerings of several of the area’s finest musicians. For more information call SC PRT at 803-734-0450 or Huntington Beach State Park 843-237-4440.

St. John’s Greek Festival

When: Thursday September 24th Thru Sunday September 27th
Where: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
What: Come on out and enjoy mouth-watering Greek foods such as Gyros, Roasted Lamb, Greek Salad, Spanikopita and Mousaka – as well as a wide assortment of Greek pastries and breads. Soft drinks, beer and Greek wines will also be available. Try a Baklava Ice Cream Sundae. You can dine in, or get it to go. It is all wonderful and a great experience.

Sara’s Beach Walk

When: Sunday September 20th 2009
Where: Start is at Huntington Beach State park
What: Sara’s Beach Walk is an annual event dedicated to the memory of Sara Goodwin. The walk will span 1, 5 and 15 miles of the beautiful beach and will take place in the latter part of each year. Sara’s Annual Beach Walk was designed to accommodate just about anyone with a desire to participate, from the serious Hard Walker to our younger generation, the Punk Walkers, and also finally to our Strollers.

October:

2nd Annual Oktoberfest at the Market Common

When: Saturday, Oct 3 3:00p
Where: The Market Common, Myrtle Beach, SC
What: OOMPAH!! Oktoberfest Festival features the Reingold Band, a selection of over 25 beers, German wine, German food from The Market Common restaurants, and children’s activities! Children’s Activities Include: Facepainter, Living Statue, Pumpkin Painting, Balloon Artist, Bounce House

Shrimp and Jazz Festival Little River

When: October 10 & 11
Where: On the Waterfront in Little River.
What: Hours are 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM Sunday. Admission is $4.00 at the gates. Children under 12 are free

Loris Bog Off

When: October 17, 2009, 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Where:
What: This annual festival features a parade, a chicken bog cooking contest, crafts, arts, games, bands, local entertainment and gospel singing. Held every third Saturday in October, the festival includes a chicken bog cooking contest, 200 vendors (food, arts & crafts, retail and non-profit) a large kid’s pavillion, fireworks and a concert.

Concerts:

There is something for everyone when it comes to music in Myrtle Beach, here is just a very small sampling of the diversity and the acts coming to Myrtle beach this fall.

09/26/09 Jason Michael Carroll with The Carter Twins
House of Blues Myrtle Beach

10/03/09 B.B. King
House of Blues Myrtle Beach N. Myrtle Beach SC

10/04/09 The Black Crowes with Truth & Savage Co.
House of Blues Myrtle Beach N. Myrtle Beach SC

10/06/09 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS with Meat Puppets
House of Blues Myrtle Beach N. Myrtle Beach SC

10/15/09 David Cook
House of Blues Myrtle Beach N. Myrtle Beach SC

10/16/09 Blues Traveler with special guest : Elmwood
House of Blues Myrtle Beach N. Myrtle Beach SC

10/17/09 Bonnie Raitt with Randell Bramblett
House of Blues Myrtle Beach N. Myrtle Beach SC

Art:

Myrtle Beach is also home to a wonderful art museum witch this fall is having a few great exhibitions they are truly don’t miss. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is located at 3100 South Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577.

September 5th 2009 thru January 3rd 2010

Faces and Stories: A Portrait of Southern Writers
Bibliophiles and art lovers alike will appreciate moving black-and-white photographs by internationally acclaimed photographer Curt Richter, who was initially commissioned by Louis D. Rubin, Jr., a South Carolina native.

September 5th 2009 thru January 3rd 2010

25 Years of Jonathan Green
25 Years of Jonathan Green , which is a part of the Barbara Burgess-John Dinkelspiel Collection of Southern Art highlights 25 years of artwork done by Jonathan Green.
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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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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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