My laptop died about 2 months ago after a drink spilled on it, so why would it take over 2 months to take on the task of finding another??? Which one is the best? Which one gives you the most for the price? Where should I get it? Everyone has an opinion and none seem to be the same. This is the same with real estate… where should I buy… where will I get the most appreciation…who is the best builder… where can I find a a knowledgeable home inspector and so on….???

Well, after searching the Dell site and debating, I decided this is it… let’s put this to bed. I’ll go into Best Buy in Myrtle Beach… which is the one store I don’t find to be a fun shopping trip. The sales guys are in the back talking among themselves, look at me, and continue to talk. Okay…. yes, obviously they don’t work on commission as they so proudly explain. I don’t know why but they bash Dell… does anyone know… they explain they are now built in another country.. poor service, blah, blah, blah!!! Okay, so I had a Sony which worked great for over 5 years believe it or not. Nothing since has come close to this life span. I also have a Sony camera which is awesome. It was my very first purchase in real estate over six years ago AND still works wonderfully!!! I’m getting a Sony I exclaim to myself. Okay, now I really love the white ones… they are different and add a little fun to the everyday tasks I must do (the small things that make us smile)!

I ask the sales guy for help… he asks which one I want. I tell him a Sony… a white one… I’ve picked a model. He doesn’t have it. He goes to another computer to look online… still, he doesn’t have it as it moves at turtle pace. Okay again, I’ll just take the black Sony. I ask him about the warranty and how much each is (he doesn’t even bother to bring it up). I buy the basic installation package, pay, and an hour and a half and a HUGE headache later, I’m out the door. NO more shopping today… terrible experience. I hope I don’t have to have another purchase anytime soon that involves electronics.

It’s over.. I think but when I go to pick up my laptop the next day on the front counter sits a white Sony laptop like the one I asked the guy for yesterday. I ask the sales lady if that’s an old model or if they have the white Sony. “Oh,yes, we have these.” I pick up my laptop after the installation and go to the back and there’s the white  Sony. Another sales guy tells me they have had them, but then I approach Jason who failed yesterday to tell me about this. Maybe we didn’t have it yesterday (oh, yes  a new shipment Saturday night); sometimes we can’t put them out until certain dates. OKAY!!! Now I know why clients call me, other agents, and even more agents to check out buildings; neighborhoods; and availability. They really don’t trust us… just like I didn’t trust the guys at Best Buy. Is it really that rare that clients have a positive experience with their real estate professional (who ranks in with a used car salesman)? My Broker exclaims that the job takes passion, so if your realtor doesn’t have passion for the job, go elsewhere! By the way, passion can’t be bought, traded, or taught… you will know it when you find it!!!     AND if you find someone with passion at Best Buy, please give me his/her name so I can ask for him/her when I do this again.

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In the month if November sales of existing homes rose to the highest levels since February 2007. However the median sales price fell 4.3 %. What this means is that buyers more than ever need the assistance of a qualified agent to help them sift through the good buys to find the great buys. It also means that buyers need to be prepared to buy and buy now, because those great deals don’t last long. With lower interest rates and the expansion of the first time home buyer credit, now more than ever is the time to buy. What it means for sellers is that, you want an agent who will be upfront and honest with you about true market conditions. You might like the agent that will list the home for the highest price, but this agent might be just wanting another listing to advertise their services, and it might just sit on the market costing you money. Whereas an honest upfront agent will tell you the true value. It might not be pleasant news at first but when your homes sells fast it will be well worth it.
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The local paper reported over the weekend that building permits have risen over the past two months in Horry County. This is a great sign for the Myrtle Beach area market. Yes there are a lot of great deals on the market, but if builders can afford to build new homes, it will not only help the real estate
market, but the local economy because people will be needed in every phase of construction. The more people in steady work, also means the more people looking to by first homes or looking to upsize. We as realtors must keep track of every new development so that we can honestly and truly represent the market to our clients. The more we know about the neighborhoods and the economy the better we can sell the areas in which we work and live. Knowing neighborhoods is key to helping our clients find the perfect home BUT also the perfect neighborhood and area. Being native and knowing all areas from Aynor to Murrells Inlet to Little River, we can help you find your dream place whether it’s a 200 acre ranch or an oceanfront condo.

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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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With the real estate market around the U.S at an all-time low, everyone is selling their home, even the homes of the rich and famous. How would you like to own a home of someone Rich and Famous, or how would you like to live next to a superstar?
Right now the market is hotter than ever if you want to own a home formerly owned by a celebrity. Hulk Hogan the wrestling superstars Florida home is currently on the market for 13.5 million. This is almost half price of the original 25 million dollar asking price. You can live in this wonderful home that was not only owned and lived in by the star but the home was also featured on the VH1 show “Hogan Knows Best”
If that doesn’t suit your fancy, maybe living next to a celebrity is your thing. It doesn’t get any bigger than the president of the United States. 5040 S. Greenwood Ave is for sale. This home is charming and you could even ask the President for a cup of sugar. You can ask, but make sure before walking over you are on the approved list by the secret service. They have their own little guest house. Safety will never be an issue here. Even potential buyers must be approved before a showing can be set up. The house was bought in 1973 for only $35,000. Now there is no price set, they are asking that potential buyers be willing and able to at least spend 1.5 million.

So do you still want to live in a celebrity’s former home, or live next to a celebrity? Maybe Madonna will have you changing that tune with her latest news. You might think you have bad neighbors or that the noise will eventually drive you crazy, well Madonna’s neighbor is so fed up with the noise she is suing the Material Girl. It is even so bad that her neighbor who lives above Madonna leaves the building when Madonna is dancing and rehearsing because the noise is “unbearable”
You might think to yourself, that this has nothing to do with the Myrtle Beach real estate market, well our market is right now full of great deals and investment property so you never know who might find a deal to good to resist. Myrtle Beach is also the home of several celebrities. Dustin Johnson who is in the top 50 golfers in the world has a home in Myrtle Beach, as well as Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tyler Thigpen, and of course Vanna White. We have lots of other rich and famous here but you will love Myrtle Beach- rich or famous or NOT!

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The First Time Home Buyer Credit is set to expire on November 30th 2010. The Credit grants a tax credit to first time home buyers of $8,000. Many first time home buyers are seeing this $8,000 as a cushion to help them get through the first year of home ownership, or they are using it to decorate and make their house truly a home. As all Real Estate and Finance professionals know home ownership is one of the main keys to building long term wealth.
In Myrtle Beach in recent months we have seen a rise in home sales in terms of sure number of homes sold and in terms of the prices they sold for. Will the expiration Credit affect Myrtle Beach negatively or should the First Time Home Buyer Credit be extended?
In a recent article from the Washington Post concerning the extension of prices in MA, “If the first-time homebuyer tax credit expires as scheduled on Nov. 30, many analysts expect a drop in home sales and prices, though they disagree on how big the drops will be. The situation looks even more dire once swelling unemployment numbers and related delinquencies and foreclosures are factored in.”
However, Myrtle Beach won’t be affected as much as many people may think. There are a few reasons for this. We are a resort town; yes, we have benefited from the first time home buyer credit, but we have also benefited from having sellers become more aware of the reality of the market. This has lowered prices and brought investors and people looking for vacations homes from all over the country- many who are buying second homes. These buyers in no way shape or form benefit from the first time home buyer credit.
In the end we should all want the First Time Home Buyer Credit to be extended and even expanded to include ALL buyers because we all know that one sale is better than no sales, but the sky will not fall if it is not extended and we will all continue to work hard and drive through the storm and come out on top.

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Promising News

Home values rising for the first time since 2005. All over the country the housing market is seeing improvements. Now more than ever is the time to jump on a great deal while you still have the chance.
“ Home values in 20 U.S. cities climbed in July by the most in almost four years, helping stem the record plunge in household wealth that’s depressed spending.
The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index rose 1.2 percent in July from the prior month, the biggest gain since October 2005, the group said today in New York. Home values are rebounding as low borrowing costs and government tax credits lift home sales
Combined sales of new and existing homes have risen for four out of the last five months, signaling the worst of the housing crisis is over. The Obama administration’s $8,000 tax credit for first- time buyers, which is due to expire at the end of November, combined with lower prices as foreclosures soared, have helped lift sales this year. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders have lobbied to extend the credit on concern demand will wane after it lapses. “ Bloomberg News

While these fact and figures might not reflect the exact state of the Myrtle Beach market, they do show trends all across the country, and that trend is the market is improving. Soon the train of a Buyer’s market will turn back into a seller’s market, do not miss the train, and get on board while you still can. Talk to a mortgage professional today about how home ownership can help you build long term wealth.

It is also the time to call a professional real estate agent who can guide you not only to the home of your dreams, but who will also negotiate on your behalf, and to help you not only in the days building up to your closing but that will be there to answer your real estate questions and concerns for Life.

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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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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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