Myrtle Beach Real Estate » Myrtle Beach Condos

Flood Insurance Rates Drop

Larry Willis — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:12:56 +0000

With only 5 percent of the hurricane season complete, experts are predicting an active Hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. An updated forecast released Thursday predicts 14 to 20 tropical storms to develop, including eight to twelve potentially reaching hurricane strength. With this, area residents should make plans now as to how they will deal with the tropical system threatening the coast. The peak of hurricane season, which ends November 30, is typically through late August to October. Major storms such as 1954’s Hurricane Hazel, 1989’s Hurricane Hugo, and 1999’s Hurricane Hugo all formed and impacted the Grand Strand in September and October. Other climate factors pointing to an active hurricane season are warmer-than-average water in the Atlantic and Caribbean, according to weather experts. With this, Horry County residence should take advantage of the 5 percent drop in flood insurance, going into effect October 1, 2010 when the community rating system program sets into effect. The program is an insurance rating system that recognizes communities where activities exceed the minimum Nation Flood Insurance Program’s requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk. About 14,000 residents who live in unincorporated areas, can expect to see a 424 discount if they are currently living in a flood zone and a $14 return for those residents who do not. If the forecast holds true, officials predict it will be the busiest season since 2005.

The Arbor Unit 102 – Myrtle Beach, SC

Mary Zaik — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:56:16 +0000

North Beach Plantation

Sandy Keller — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:55:08 +0000

North Beach Plantation spreads from Hwy 17 to the ocean beside 48th Ave. S in the Windy Hill section of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A private beach with no street to cross as you walk or use your golf cart type vehicle through the Plantation on your way to the ocean.

Condos are available in the Towers and single family homes are clustered in their own neighborhoods within the North Beach Plantation.

The Cinzia Spa, a Fitness Center, a Lounge / Restaurant and more make North Beach Plantation a place to consider as home.

GRANDE DUNES PLANNING TO EXPAND

Larry Willis — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:12:12 +0000

According to the Sun Times, the local community Grande Dunes is planning to make some expansions. Recently a developer has projected two ideas that would make the Grande Dunes an even more idyllic and picturesque community than it is now!

One of the projects will consist of a 187 unit single family home subdivision with an oceanfront condo tower. The other project will consist of a 16 story 125 unit condo tower.

This expansion to Grande Dunes will be the first expansion in that area in three years. City spokesman, Mark Kruea, stated how this is a sign of the good times to come. It helps to express how the economy is improving, especially in the Myrtle Beach area. If permitted by the City, the projects may perhaps be underway as early as September.

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certification

Linda Willis — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:27:47 +0000

Today’s real estate has a number of foreclosures and short sales and just few years ago, we hardly heard of Short Sales. Today, whether Realtors like it or not, they have to deal with them.

While the name “short sale” is completely misleading, as short sales on average take up to six months to complete if they even close at all, banks are now making efforts to increase the amount of short sale approvals as well as improve on shortening the processing time. These properties, where lenders allow homeowners to sell their homes or other properties for less than they owe accounted for 17% of all residential real estate sales in February according to a survey by Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance and we expect them to increase in 2010 over 2009. “Banks are hiring a lot of the people who once worked in the mortgage-lending industry and moved them over to short sales” –Duane Legate of House Buyer Network. One of the reasons is that banks are realizing they actually loose less on a Short Sale than a Foreclosure.
This is great news for buyers who have the opportunity to be picky with this entire new inventory to choose from. However for the sellers out there these times can be a bit uneasy and confusing.

At SC Beach Real Estate we have taken the steps necessary to be sure we have a great understanding of Short Sales. Our Agents and Broker have taken courses so that they can better understand Foreclosures and Short Sales so we can help our clients with the process. Whether you are a buyer looking for a great deal or a seller looking for help, give us a call!

A personal note from Larry Willis (Broker-in-Charge, SC Beach Real Estate):

In light of what is going on in our economy and in the local housing market with so many people facing foreclosure or finding themselves upside down in their mortgages I have taken special training on helping homeowners in distress. According to statistics, one of the biggest problems is that most people do not know their options if they are facing a financial difficulty. One of the issues I’ve been trained in is explaining those strategies to the homeowners so they can make the best decision for their future.

If you or anyone you know are in financial distress and need help understanding the options you have please give me a call. I assure you I can answer any questions and concerns you may have.

Appeal Your Tax Bill

Larry Willis — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:21:26 +0000

Do not pay real estate taxes on overvalued property!

Recent changes in South Carolina law have created an opportunity for taxpayers to appeal their tax bills and to pay taxes on the current market value of their property as opposed to a possibly overvalued assessment used by the assessor to compute their property tax. However, this law may be in danger of being changed. Therefore it is necessary to file your appeal immediately to exercise your rights under the current law. According to the National Taxpayers Union, as many as 60% of properties may be overvalued.

Can you sell your property today for the assessed value?

The process to appeal your tax bill is a simple process that begins with a current market appraisal of your property. If you are interested in learning more about how an appeal may save you money please visit the Appeal Tax Bill website or contact Attorney Ken Corbett by phone or e-mail.
www.kencorbettlaw.com
843-449-7779

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Sales Continue to Rise

Larry Willis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:24:40 +0000

Myrtle Beach home and condo sales have continued to grow recently with increases in October. Residential home sales were up 8% and condos up 31% compared to October of 2008. Although the prices of homes and condos are going down we hope that sales will continue to rise.

Accredited Home-Staging Specialist Certified

Linda Willis — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:51:45 +0000

We are proud to announce that Larry Willis, SC Beach Real Estate’s Broker-in-Charge, is now an Accredited Home-Staging Specialist. Larry is trained in the formalities of staging private residences to appeal to a higher number of buyers. This can create an even faster sale and also selling at a higher price. Home staging can improve a home or condo’s appeal by creating an appearance that can appeal to everyone. With his help we will be able to keep the focus of the buyers to the key features of the home.