Sarasota Florida Real Estate

Sarasota Florida Real Estate –
Resort Living in Coastal Cities

If you are selling your Myrtle Beach real estate and heading a little closer to the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith and John Allen of Allen Real Estate Services, Inc. have provided some insight on this coastal city.

Sarasota, Florida is the cultural capital on Florida’s South West Coast. With the Sarasota Symphony Orchestra, the Ringling Museum of Art and the Van Wetzel Hall of Performing Arts, Sarasota’s residents experience outstanding performances and view galleries featuring extraordinary art collections.

John Ringling’s artistic influence spread to Sarasota’s famous St. Armands Circle where Ringing coordinated the development of Circle. A Park in the Center of the Circle provides the circus history of Sarasota as well as providing a stage for many outdoor concerts and events.

Sarasota’s Bayfront is as captivating as any painting in Ringling’s collection. Passing the Marina, visitors from around the world lose their breath as they pass moored sailboats that never seem to change locations. The Bayfront Park is home to multiple sculptures and the Dophin Fountain is featured at the tip of the Park across from the Marina.

The barrier islands of Sarasota provide some of the world’s whitest beaches. Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key are perfect for those visitors and residents who just require sand in their toes.

The Barrier Islands

Siesta Key just moved from last years 3rd place to runner-up in Dr. Beach’s list of 2009 Best Beach in the country announced May 22 by Stephen P. Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach. This world famous beach is famous for it sparking white sand which is cool to the touch. The sand is perfect for walking barefoot and building sandcastles. Many Siesta Key homes are on winding canals leading to the Intracoastl Waterway.

Casey Key to the south of Siesta Key is home to many celebrities and this 8 mile barrier island features luxurious mansions and estates. Many small beach cottages still exist on
Casey Key but are being bought for land value and raised. Homes on Casey Key start in the millions and the island is popular with celebrities due to its privacy.

Lido Key just west of St. Armands Circle is a European style beach. Many visitors to Lido Beach travel from France, England and Italy for extended holidays. St. Armands Circle’s shopping world-class restaurants are steps away.

Manicured Longboat Key is slightly north of St. Armands Circle. Visitors and residents enjoy private beaches, long walks and cool ocean breezes. Restaurants on Longboat Key are excellent. St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota restaurants, shopping and Palm Avenue galleries are a short drive from Longboat too.

Downtown Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota provides an urban lifestyle that residents are requesting. Walking to the library, bookstore, specialty shops, professional building, galleries or driving short distances is the new wave in most cities, and Sarasota is providing outstanding venues in the downtown area for its residents. A new roundabout is schedule to start construction in 2009. Downtown Sarasota condominiums are popular with each generation of Sarasotans.

Come visit Sarasota to enjoy not only our beaches but experience the culture and excitement of our vibrant city. Sarasota homes for sale are available on the mainland, the barrier island as well as downtown Sarasota.

Email Annette or John Allen for more information on the Sarasota area. Sarasota Florida real estate is experiencing a market comeback being one of South West Florida prime destinations.
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Visit my website for Florida Oceanfront Property for more info on other Florida resorts.

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Cats Musicial at Carolina Forest High School

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending one of the most outstanding live shows I've ever been lucky enough to hear about - The Carolina Forest High School's production of "Cats".

Cats is a musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats", by T. S. Eliot. It introduced the well known song, "Memory", recorded by Barbra Streisand. (her version unrelated to the actual show)

The story is about a tribe of cats that call themselves the Jellicle Cats, who meet in a junkyard once a year for the Jellicle Ball. The party each year ends as the head of the Jellicles, Old Deutoronomy, chooses one cat who can be reborn and find happiness.

Much of the musical is introducing various cats of notoriety, and suggestions of which cat is most worthy of the honor. A few of the characters were most noteworthy for me to mention:

The Rum Tum Tugger is a tom with leopard spots and a wild mane, who is arrogant and loves the women. Bustopher Jones is a huge fat cat with a fastidiious black coat, very rich and very proud and prissy. (and did I mention FAT)

The main character in the story is old Grizabella...a tired, worn out ex-glamour cat who is now old, tattered, and miserable. The other cats shun her, nobody will touch her, and she sings the very sad song, "Memory".

Memory, all alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was...
Let the memory live again

(the last verse)
Touch me - It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me
You'll understand what happiness is
Look - A new day has begun

Another old cat, Asparagus, or Gus The Theatre Cat, was once a famous actor but now is old and his paws shake with palsy. He too sings of his youth and the lives that he lived.

Then the evil cat of the tribe, MaCavity, kidnaps Old Deuteronomy and a battle ensues to get him back. The cats drive MaCavity away, but it takes Mistoffelees the Magic Cat to bring Deutoronomy back, just in time for the "choosing" to be made.



Just as I was fussing to myself why Old Deutoronomy allowed the poor Grizabella to be so badly treated, he chooses HER to be reborn and find her happiness. He leads her to a stairway to the stars, and though she is fearful, she crosses to find her destiny and be happy again.

I've seen the Broadway tour of Cats twice, and this high school production was every bit as professional and talented as the singers and dancers on the Broadway show. Everyone in the audience was positively amazed at the beautiful voices and fabulous dancing these kids put forth.

If you can imagine the dancers from the show "Fame", coupled with a live orchestra (the Carolina Forest Band) that didn't miss a note, you can begin to understand just what a fantastic show this was. The stage was perfect, the costumes elaborate and true to the Broadway show. It was just a magical experience, and especially enjoyable to someone like me who loves cats. I think I smiled the entire first hour of the show, as one after another of the characters sashayed around the stage with tails held high. (well maybe not high...but very apparent!)

In the second set, they even had a group of "kittens" playing, as the mothers washed and pushed them around the stage. It was unbelievably cute.

If Myrtle Beach can produce high school talent like this, there's at least one school in South Carolina that goes beyond excellence. Carolina Forest is also one of five district schools that surpassed the national SAT average, with a score of 1024. We can stand with the best in the country claiming this wonderful school as our own.

The students and faculty of Carolina Forest High School must be proud enough to burst. For sure the sold out audience was thrilled and proud that Myrtle Beach has been blessed with these amazing and talented young people. What an awesome production!

(Photos courtesy of the Carolina Forest High School Website)

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Looking for Myrtle Beach Kids Attractions? Amusement Parks, Mini Golf, Entertainment for kids.

Find the most comprehensive Myrtle Beach real estate information and Myrtle Beach Vacations with Condolux of North Myrtle Beach.

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Vacations and Golf in Myrtle Beach are NOT Off in 2009

Myrtle Beach Golf Industry Still in the Green

Condolux of North Myrtle Beach is having one of the best years in a long time with golf packages and vacation rentals up around 10% from last year.  I've spoken with Martin Brown several times a month since the beginning of January, and he's been happy with business since the last part of December.  I'm at a loss to understand why the newspapers are still full of doom and gloom about our tourism industry.

At any rate, here's our latest press release about Myrtle Beach Golf, and some new pictures to go with it.  Myrtle Beach real estate sales are also REALLY doing well now, and at least in our little corner of the world, things are looking up.  Spring and sun and warm weather are on the way, too, so Myrtle Beach is coming back to the paradise we all enjoy so much!

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Myrtle Beach Real Estate Mortgage Rates

March 20, 2009 (Bankrate.com)

I found a gadget on Bankrate.com that gives you "real-time" rates for your area on mortgages and other credit extensions. As of March the 20th, 2009, this is what it said...

10 Year Fixed

Average rates on 10-year fixed mortgages in South Carolina fell 4 basis points to 4.51 on Friday, according to Bankrate.com's daily Your Best Interest report. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percent. The mortgages in the survey had an average of 0.68 discount and origination points.

A 10-year fixed mortgage is a loan that has an interest rate that stays the same for the 10-year term of the loan. The principal amount is reduced, slowly at first, and then at an accelerating pace, over the life of the loan. Someone taking out a $165,000.00 10-year fixed mortgage at the current average would pay $1,710.83 a month for the life of the loan.

The highest rate in South Carolina on a 10-year fixed mortgage was found at one institution that charged 5.625 percent. The lowest rate was found at one institution that charged 4.000 percent. Six months ago, the average rate in South Carolina was 5.53 percent.

20 Year Fixed
Average rates on 20-year fixed mortgages in South Carolina fell 9 basis points to 4.82 on Friday, according to Bankrate.com's daily Your Best Interest report. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percent. The mortgages in the survey had an average of 0.55 discount and origination points.

A 20-year fixed mortgage is a loan that has an interest rate that stays the same for the 20-year term of the loan. The principal amount is reduced, slowly at first, and then at an accelerating pace, over the life of the loan. Someone taking out a $165,000.00 20-year fixed mortgage at the current average would pay $1,072.59 a month for the life of the loan.

The highest rate in South Carolina on a 20-year fixed mortgage was found at one institution that charged 6.000 percent. The lowest rate was found at one institution that charged 4.250 percent. Six months ago, the average rate in South Carolina was 5.91 percent.

30 Year Fixed
Average rates on 30-year fixed mortgages in South Carolina fell 10 basis points to 5.06 on Friday, according to Bankrate.com's daily Your Best Interest report. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percent. The mortgages in the survey had an average of 0.59 discount and origination points.

A 30-year fixed mortgage is a loan that has an interest rate that stays the same for the 30-year term of the loan. Someone taking out a $165,000.00 30-year fixed mortgage at the current average would pay $891.82 a month for the life of the loan.

The highest rate in South Carolina on a 30-year fixed mortgage was found at one institution that charged 10.000 percent. The lowest rate was found at three institutions that charged 4.250 percent. Six months ago, the average rate in South Carolina was 5.83 percent.

To see all of the results of Bankrate.com's surveys, go to www.bankrate.com.
The Your Best Interest report is a daily service of Bankrate.com, a financial news and information service based in North Palm Beach, Fla. Bankrate surveys more than 300 financial products from more than 4,800 institutions in all 50 states.

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Another Reason to Love Google and Its Founders

Google co-founders Larry Page (left) and Sergey Brin (right) field
questions from an audience in front of a backdrop patterned with their company
logo. Photo: Associated Press / Noah Berger

It's just been announced that Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is donating some of his marvelous profits from the world famous search engine to create a new study on Parkinson's Disease.

Sergey's wife, Ann Wojcicki, (the news media reported the name as Ann Wojcocki) co-owns a company for genome study called 23andMe. Her company, Sergey, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Parkinson's Institute of California will fund a DNA type test for Parkinson's sufferers to mail in. Referred to as a "spit kit", the genetic test usually costs around $400. Sergey will pay the difference and offer it to the members of these charities for $25, in hopes that more information can be used with the internet to speed up the treatment or cure for the disease.

This is one more reason that I have to love Google and the two boys who created it. My mother suffered from the disease and finally died from it after about 15 years. It is a horrible, crippling, and humiliating way to end your life...in some ways worse than Alzheimers. The medication taken for Parkinson's causes schizophrenic symptoms eventually, and creates a phenomenon called the on-off syndrome, in which you are either wired and jerking from the medication being so high, or frozen like stone as it has worn off. Tolerance to the medication "Sinemet" builds up until the dosage is too high for the body to handle. The worst part is that for most of the years the patient is fully aware of everything, yet cannot control his body - or even his senses - as hallucinations, uncontrollable movements, and freezing come and go.

Some progress was made with injecting embryonic stem cells directly into the brain, but was cut short with Bush's refusal to allow the usage of them. Michael J. Fox is probably hoping with all his heart that Obama's reversal of that foolish and wasteful law will allow him to find a cure before it is too late. Parkinson's Disease is particularly devastating to younger victims... progressing faster and more completely than with older ones. Part of the needed research may find out why this is so.

Sergey's mother suffers from Parkinson's Disease and he himself carries a gene variant that increases his odds of getting it.

Those who participate in the study will also complete surveys online that document their symptoms, history with the disease, types of medications they are on, and how their disease progresses.

I would not be the least bit surprised if Google's empire and its creators lead the world into a "Star Trek Universe" of conquered disease, the end to world hunger, and eventually going "where no man has gone before". I am ever hopeful, and so proud of those two and Google itself.

Source: UPI.com/Health

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The Housing Crisis - A Great Book to Read!

I had the pleasure of reading one of the most enjoyable, easy to read, and informative books the other day.

Similar to the "for Dummies" line of books, but much more engaging, Jim Randel is the author of a series of books under "The Skinny On™" line, and illustrated with "Stick People™" which are absolutely a hoot. I've always enjoyed simplistic , tongue in cheek comics, (South Park is my favorite!) and Jim has managed to use his excellent little "people" to capture your attention and make learning about a sometimes boring subject FUN.

Let me preface this with the fact that I have NOT been paid or compensated in any way for this review. They sent me a free copy of the book and I read it in a couple of hours. I have another one to read as well and may also blog about it.




This book is Stick People Books™, The Skinny On: The Housing Crisis. For anyone who has asked the questions WHY and HOW we ended up with this real estate and mortgage mess, you will know the answers after you follow the little stick people Billy and Beth...as they decide to explore the American dream of buying a home back about 2005.

Jim's little couple will make you chuckle and grin as you learn how NOT to buy a house. He explains the little known problems with independent mortgage brokers who depend on the real estate agent for business. Likewise, Billy and Beth naively trust in using an inspector who also depends on the agent for his bread and butter, and the agent herself...whose livlihood depends on that commission, and proves that there's an almost invisible line between being a good salesman and taking advantage. As an agent back during that time, "Charlotte" merely goes with the flow, and allows the young couple to buy a house they can't afford, with a mortgage that should never have been invented, and a house that wasn't worth what they paid.

The book taught ME a few things, and I thought I was pretty savvy about real estate now.

With as few words as possible to explain things, and an adorable comic to illustrate and occasionally poke fun at the system, this book is a must-read for a first time home buyer, and would be a very good checklist reminder for the average person who may not understand the pitfalls of making a home purchase the lazy way.

Randel's website tells about the book, and explains it further like this:

The Skinny On™ The Housing Crisis takes the reader through Billy and Beth’s experiences dealing with real estate agents, house inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers, lenders and attorneys. Each of these encounters is a lesson for any person considering the purchase or sale of a home, investing in real estate or, just taking out a mortgage. After Billy and Beth close on their home, The Skinny On™ The Housing Crisis follows the story of their mortgage from lender to investment bank to investor in Europe. We learn how mortgage sales and securitizations became a trillion dollar
business, disconnecting the American borrower from the lender and de-humanizing the process.

The Skinny On™ The Housing Crisis can be purchased on his website, or through Amazon.com for $12.95 for a paperback or $9.95 for an E-Book. If you are the parents of a young couple just starting out, this would be a wonderful gift to give. But everyone will learn something from it, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

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If you want to learn more about Myrtle Beach real estate, visit any of our websites listed on the right!

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Calling Myrtle Beach Home

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in Myrtle Beach? According to the Chamber of Commerce figures in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, there are 25,000 permanent residents in the former, and 12,000 in the latter. Most of us came from somewhere else. Many are retirees. What is life like for those of us who have made our home in Myrtle Beach? I think most of us stay...I know I did, and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Here is what some of my friends and acquaintences have to say about life in the Grand Strand...

Richard Brooks - Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agent with Condolux
I have lived in the North Myrtle Beach area off and on for over thirty years. Each time I have moved away, it hasn’t taken long to realize that North Myrtle Beach is my home and I come running back. I love the weather here! It never gets too cold for too long and the Spring/Summer/Fall season brings us warm days, cool nights and tons of activity.

From golfing, swimming, boating, to beaching, there is something for every taste! The choices here are limitless. You can have a great meal at Joe’s Bar & Grill dining on the freshest seafood while you watch the raccoon walk overlooking the majestic White Swash. Or you can watch the gentle surf with a cold beer at Molly Darcy’s on their oceanfront deck. Living here is “being Southern at its best”…so come on down, run barefoot on the sand, and fix yourself a glass of sweet iced tea. It’s time to relax…

Mit Tressler - Works at Home for a Travel Agency

I love the winters in Myrtle Beach. One of my favorite things to do is take my dog for a walk on the beach and have a cup of coffee. It gets cold here, but if you layer a bit, it's just perfect. The beach is almost deserted and I like listening to ocean. When I get home, I always feel relaxed and like I had a good workout from walking in the sand.

Right now, I would love to have a 2nd floor condo in Market Common. Having everything within walking distance would suit me to a T, and the park across the street is amazing. I love the boardwalk in Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach is planning
one, but it doesn't look like it will cater to people on bikes and inline skates. A boardwalk should promote all types of healthy lifestyles. I recommend Myrtle Beach to people all the time. I wish my entire family would move here.

Scott Todd - Todd Insurance Agency (Allstate)
Except for college, I have lived in the Myrtle Beach area my entire life. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to travel to almost every state and several foreign countries. I've been able to enjoy many beaches from the west coast of California and white sands of Maui to the rocky shores of Ireland and beautiful coast of Portugal.

Honestly, I have yet to find a more beautiful stretch of beach than right here in Myrtle Beach, SC. When you think of it, Myrtle Beach has a lot to
offer. It is big enough to have many of the conveniences of a much larger city but small enough to have a "hometown feel". I also find it really nice to live in an area that is still actually growing and moving forward. I wouldn't live anywhere else.

Jeremy Lenkowski - Myrtle Beach Web Designer- Web Hosting Provider
Myrtle Beach is a beautiful place. Millions of people visit here yearly. Thousands decide to stay. I am a transplant from New Jersey, right across the river from Philadelphia. I am in the IT field, and never had any issues landing a high paying position. I figured, like so many others, that I could move here, land a decent paying position, and enjoy the beach and temperate climate. It was in 2001 I decided to finally move here. I was fortunate; my sister had transplanted here with a local 3 years before, and allowed me to stay with them until I found a job.

Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas are vacation destinations. As a result, most of the businesses operating in this area are geared toward the tourism / service industry. Much to my dismay, there is winter here. When I moved here in January, it wasn't what I expected. Myrtle Beach shut down! Anyone who has lived in a resort town can tell you, the winters are long. After the vacationers leave, and before the snowbirds arrive, there is a three to four month period where time slows down, and a transformation takes place. Myrtle Beach belongs to the locals again.

The number of people who actually reside here year round is relatively small. Some grew up here, and some like me are transplants. Like any small town, most of us know each other, or at least know of one another. If we don't directly, a call to a friend can fill in any information you need. After living here for two years, performing odd jobs, etc, in 2003 I received a call from a large local company offering me a position. A position I never applied for, and not listed in any paper. They had heard of me, and based on a recommendation offered me the position on my reputation alone. Finally, this was my breakthrough.

Five years later and I am still here. I decided to start providing small business websites in Myrtle Beach, and hosting for them at a great rate. I have many clients whom have been with me for years and others who hear about me by word of mouth. I don't advertise here; treating people right and providing an honest service is advertising enough.

In short, Myrtle Beach is a beautiful place. The people are great. There are lots of opportunities here, even now. My advice to anyone looking to move here: Treat people right, it will come back to you!

For myself, I love being able to go to the grocery store or a restauarant at midnight. I love having live theatre, gambling boats, cruises, the beach, and other entertainment you could only find in a big city, WITHOUT that big city. I could never be happy living in Atlanta or even Charlotte. I hate snow and ice, so further north is not an option. You can live well in Myrtle Beach on an average salary, too, unlike Florida and other areas. I found my niche with the web industry in Myrtle Beach real estate and Myrtle Beach vacation rentals. I moved here nearly 20 years ago, and have loved every minute of it. I often stop and reflect on just how lucky I really am to live in paradise!

I don't see many people leave once they've come here. One of my friends is a 60-something year old lady from New Jersey whose husband died several years ago. She left her kids and grandkids up there and moved down here all by herself. Her family didn't want her to do it, but she wanted to spend her remaining years in the place she loved best. And so she bought a condo, which she couldn't have done in New Jersey on her modest income. She lives where I do in Little River, for the most part safely and in a crime-free neighborhood... close to the beach and in the middle of everything. You couldn't pay her to move back. Myrtle Beach may not be for everyone, but there aren't many who would not be happy in our beautiful town!

See the Home Buyers Top 10 Trends

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Real Estate Market Improving From Coast to Coast

Several of my Realtor friends across the country wanted to get together and do a press release about how everyone's real estate market was gaining ground this year, and we came up with a coast to coast review of real estate in 2009.

Annette Smith in Sarasota says her home prices have come down enough to bring in buyers from Europe and Canada as well as the usual areas this year. She reports that Sarasota was number 11 on RealtyTrac's list of the top 100 cities with foreclosures. I have also seen an increase in leads from those interested in Florida oceanfront property.

Lee Cunningham in Greenville, SC reports an increase in sales in January, and is proud to say that home prices there have not taken the tumble they have in other areas of the nation. Their unemployment rates are lower than most, and had over 1300 new jobs created in 2008.

Fran Vernon, one half of the Los Angeles Realtor team of Fran and Rowena, says buyer interest in her area has returned, and is proud to say that the "California lifestyle" continues to be an American dream.

Myrtle Beach SC real estate has definately taken off since the beginning of 2009. We've seen the internet interest nearly double, and one of my friends, Richard Brooks, says he's getting leads and buyer inquiries enough to have high hopes for this year.

Martin Brown, who owns the condo rental company CondoLux, has gotten so many rental reservations that he's positively bragging about the vacation market being good this year.

As an aside, the local MB Sun Blog has a blog and picked up our press release to use as an indicator of a good year to come as well!

We probably can't help for instant recovery, but all the signs are pointing to 2009 as the beginning of the end of this real estate crisis!

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Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market Update

As the entire country tries to deal with our flattened economy, resorts everywhere are doing what they can to keep the vacationers coming and the buyers buying. The Grand Strand is no exception, and the state of South Carolina is reported to have the highest unemployment rates since 1983. Out of all the cities in the state, however...and probably North Carolina as well, Myrtle Beach is managing to hold its own the best. We haven't seen a lack of vacation rentals, and during this season, winter rentals and Myrtle Beach golf packages have always kept the bills paid.

For many reasons, our strongest property management companies such as CondoLux fare better when it comes to Myrtle Beach real estate, and that extends to golf course condos, homes and property close to the beach. More recently, the Waterway condominium resorts such as Barefoot Resort and Grande Dunes have gotten popular. With only a couple of strong condo rental companies in the area that have proven track records and longtime customer loyalty, CondoLux in particular is better able to market the properties to a built-in customer base and have access to the best condos to sell. Because of this, many of the stand-alone real estate agencies are in trouble, while Myrtle Beach condo rentals keep the beach's economy going.

The owners of Condolux are now expanding to Myrtle Beach, opening a new sales and rental office, and putting a lot of money into websites and marketing. By doing so even when the other agencies can't, it will actually increase even its own productivity and income.

The internet has become the most important of all marketing methods in real estate and vacation rentals. The ones that invested in an excellent website and search engine marketing early on have the advantage now. Again, Condolux has exceeded them all in the number of powerful websites promoting real estate sales, vacation rentals, luxury condo specialties, golf packages, beach houses, and even restaurants and attractions. They are joining forces with some of Myrtle Beach's other website empires as they go, and becoming giants in the field. This will benefit their property management customers and real estate sales more than anyone can imagine.

Look for more expansion and greater things to come from Condolux. There are no question that they have become the Grand Strand's leading real estate experts.

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Cosmopolitan Condo Hotel Project Continues Forward

Cosmopolitan Condo Hotel Project Continues Forward

by Diann Tonnesen

Many proposed high rise condo projects around the country have had the plug pulled in the past two years due to cost overruns and tightening credit. Since Deutsche Bank announced they were beginning foreclosure proceedings on the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan condo hotel project at the beginning of 2008 on their $760 million dollar loan, over 1800 contract owners were holding their breath, wondering if the development would be completed. Or if they would get their money back in full if the development was canceled.

There were many "interested parties" making bids to purchase the project, but Deutsche Bank finally took over full ownership of the Cosmopolitan under an affiliate, Nevada Property I. Deutsche Bank was the high bidder, paying $1 billion at a recent foreclosure sale to acquire ownership of the project. Those still hoping to own a piece of the Las Vegas real estate market on the Strip breathed a bit easier.

And Deutsche Bank didn't let any grass grow under its feet to make sure the project went forward. It had already inked contracts with Related Companies to take over as the resort's new developer. In addition Perini Corp. signed a new contract to complete construction work on the project. Perini had been working on the project from the beginning, and was being paid under an interim agreement since March 2008 when Deutsche Bank began foreclosing after the original developer, Bruce Eichner, failed to complete a deal to secure more financing. Increased construction costs helped drive the Cosmopolitan's construction budget from its original $2 billion price in early 2006 to its current $3.9 billion price, and Eichner was unable to find a new partner with enough capital to infuse into the project.

A letter was drafted to contract owners by the resort's new developer, Related Companies, letting them know of the management changes and informing them of progress to date. This went out to almost 1825 contract holders, assuring them of the project's completion. To date over 50% of the Cosmopolitan's exterior construction has been completed, and it is anticipated that by December of 2008 owners will be celebrating the "topping off" of both towers, including the penthouse units. The new proposed completion date for the entire project is estimated for the second quarter of 2010.

Along with a rebounding resale housing market, this is great news for the local Las Vegas real estate market. For four months straight (July, August, September and October) statistics have shown a significant rise in Las Vegas homes sales, with multiple offers on lower end properties, especially in the segment of Las Vegas foreclosures.

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About the Author
Diann Tonnesen has been selling real estate in the Las Vegas valley for more than 25 years and is considered one the city's foremost high rise specialists.

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Advance Auto is a Savior for Women

This is going to be a little off-topic, but I know there are a lot of single women Realtors, and probably plenty of mechanically "challenged" males as well. I wanted to tell you all about a national company that everyone has heard of, but many people don't realize what a godsend they can be - Advance Auto Parts Store.

Most people think of Advance Auto as a vague place to go buy a headlight or a carburator if you want to save a bit of money and not shop at the car dealer. But this store and these people are SO MUCH MORE.

I've been using AAP since I first moved to Myrtle Beach about 17 years ago. For several years I was living on practically minimum wage, driving a 10 year old Pontiac Fiero, and eating bologna sandwiches more often than I like to think about.

North Myrtle Beach in many ways is like the usual small town. Back in those days, more so than now, if you lived here, you eventually met the business owners, the police, the restaurant waittresses and others that seemed to help each other as much as the residents of Mayberry. One of the earliest things I learned from men that I met along the way (men LOVE to advise single women about car stuff) was that AAP was the place to buy things like windshield wipers, antennas (antennae?) and lights for the car.

There is a local garage in Cherry Grove that was so kind to me as to let me buy parts from AAP and bring them up there to install and repair my car. Now this is not something most garages will do, but in "North Mayberry Beach", so many people go out of their way to help people who work at hotels and restaurants. Most grew up here and worked at these jobs as teenagers, so they know what it's like to get by on $5.00 an hour.

Anyway, I've always known you could save money by shopping at AAP. And I quickly learned that when you buy windshield wipers from them, THEY will come out of the store and put them on for you - FREE! Now it's customary to tip the boy who does this. He's probably living on $8-9 an hour himself. But if any of you women have ever tried to put wipers on yourself, you know that it's worth every bit of $3-5 to let somebody else get their hands black.

I suppose many women have boyfriends or husbands that do this for you. But for those of us who don't, little things like this mean so much. Is your car running funny? Before you go drop it off to the GM dealership and spend a fortune, run it by AAP and let them hook you up to their diagnostic machine that might just save you a bundle. Buy a new battery there for about as much as you'd pay at Walmart...and these guys will install it for you, right in the parking lot. Got a headlight out? In most cases they will put it in for you at no charge and with no wait. Where else in the world can you expect service like that? Granted, they probably do more for a woman than they'd be inclined to do for a man, but I don't really know this for a fact either. They may well do it for every customer that walks in the door.

But today, this company amazed me beyond anything that's happened since I moved here.

Last night I must have left something on in the car from the day before. I still haven't figured it out, but when I went to go grab a burger for dinner, my car was as dead as a doornail. No horn, no lights, remote doesn't work...just dead. And I'm thinking, CRAP. It's Saturday night. Tomorrow is Sunday. Will I have to call a tow-truck or maybe I can find a neighbor to jump me off....which I hate to ask. People are funny about giving you a jump with today's new cars. I'm thinking on Sunday everything will be closed...what if I have to buy a battery? I went to bed just beside myself worrying about it. I can't stand to be without transportation.

This morning about 8am I decide to call AAP and ask if (A) they are open, which I doubt...and (B) will they loan me one of those battery chargers if I can find a ride up there.

First amazement, they answered the phone. The LADY manager (that's pretty amazing too) explains to me that they don't open until 9am, but yes, they are open. And yes, if I want to leave them a charge card or something as a deposit, they will give me a battery jumper.

BUT...she says, why not just let me send my guy to your house to help you and jump the car? I ask her how much that will cost and she tells me NOTHING. "It's our customer service", she says.

Can you imagine in this day and time (and gas prices) that any company would do this? I might add that this is a new Advance Auto that just recently opened about 3 miles from me in Little River. I've always dealt with the one in North Myrtle Beach before. These people did not know me, nor did she ask my name.

She goes on to say that since it's Sunday, they won't be busy, so as soon as they open, she'll send one of the boys to help me. And if I want to tip him something, that's up to me, but there is no charge for the service.

About an hour later, a very nice older man rides up in a yellow truck, jumps me off, and then because I'm smart, I follow him back to the store to have the diagnostic done. It shows my alternator is fine, and the battery is just low but good, and advises to recharge. This has taken about 6 miles of driving, maybe an hour of their time, and they don't charge me a dime or sell me a thing. AND ARE HAPPY TO DO IT!

Yes, I tipped the man...and well. I saved a tow-truck fee, possibly being sold a battery I didn't need, and received the kind of service most people just dream of. So girls, (and guys too!) the next time you have a car problem, remember there is a company out there that wrote the book on customer service. Advance Auto Parts is the BOMB. I can't brag on them enough.

And to the home office AAP, I hope you give the manager and all the employees at 1661 Highway 17, Little River, SC a RAISE. They do more to brand your store as a winner than all the advertising in the world.
****

This is a re-blog from Active Rain.com. I wanted this to be in Digg, and they have seen fit to banish a social site with 100,000 plus real estate agents for "spamming".

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8 Tips to Selling Your Home Now

Jim Remley, writer for "Realty Times" and author of Sell Your Home in Any Market, recently wrote a synopsis article for Bottom Line Secrets, with quick tips on the selling your home in this slow market we are experiencing. Here's a summary of his tips and advice...

1. Don't start with a higher price. Negotiating back and forth over price does not work in this market. Mr. Remley advises that you should price your home towards the lower end of the comparable homes for sale in the neighborhood. Real estate agents that may show your home will pay the most attention to a new listing. Once the home has been listed for a while, you miss this initial attention, and they probably will not even bother to show an overpriced house at all. He also advises you to recheck comparable asking prices every several weeks if the house does not sell. If you do have to lower the price, make it a LARGE reduction so that it will attract notice and even be a "best buy" in the category. **Note: Do not even THINK about what homes in the neighborhood sold for a year or so back. The market was entirely different and prices were also. If your home is listed and isn't being shown, the problem is more than likely the price.



2. Repair and fix up the home before you offer it for sale. In this market, fixer-uppers are most often ignored. Do all important repairs before listing.



3. Beautify your home's face. Remley advises to spend the money for landscaping, flowers, exterior repainting, outdoor lighting, the sidewalk, and even new doorknobs. Buying a home is an emotional purchase, and these small things will make a buyer "fall in love".



4. Refresh the inside, and especially when it comes to any odors. New paint, carpet, tiles, or hardwood floors can help, but if a smoker or pet owner lived there, it may be necessary to hire a "building restoration company" to do whatever it takes to remove all the smells that linger behind.



5. Think of any special amenities that your home can boast, and include it in the MLS listing, SPELLED OUT. Remley suggests rather than saying "inground pool" your agent should write it up as "inground pool with waterfall and hot tub".




6. Offer incentives to buyers. There are many home sales made by "bribing" the buyers with cash, cars, tv's or a plethora of other offers. Of the most effective, Remley says that helping with closing costs, or paying to buy down the interest rate (purchasing points with the mortgage) work the best. Be sure these are listed on the MLS as well as any advertising that you do for the potential sale. *In florida, helping with home or condo insurance would be a good incentive!



7. Offer incentives to brokers and sales agents. Mention the bonus in the MLS listing (not the original commissions) and be sure to disclose it on the sales contract. A lender could possibly claim fraud in the sales price if anything is hidden in cash negotiations.



8. Don't play the negotiation game this time. If the buyer offers a reasonable price, consider accepting it without making a counter-offer. Better to take an offer you can live with then to take a chance of the buyer making an offer elsewhere. If you are getting lots of offers, this may not be in issue, but losing a sale over a few thousand dollars is not worth the chance.

These tips are particularly important with resort areas like Florida, and real estate in Myrtle Beach SC. Areas such as Greenville SC real estate markets, and small town areas like real estate in Flower Mound Texas may not have the glut of foreclosure homes that trendier areas suffer from. All oceanfront property will benefit from attention to the tips that Remley suggested, and if you are trying to sell this type of real estate, his book could prove invaluable.

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Maggie Mileski, Teacher and Mentor

Having been on the internet now for over eight years, you would think that I would stop being surprised at the unusual people I meet, the friendships I find, and how much I still learn. I am very lucky to have a career that allows me to spend so much time on the computer, and I'm doubly blessed to be able to write well enough to convey my thoughts and feelings at the same time I'm doing my job. In fact, the skills I learned in high school in spelling, grammar, and communication are what enabled me to work at something I enjoy so much and find so rewarding every day.

In 1972, the innocent part of the Age of Aquarius was fading. The sweet bubble-gum music of the early Beatles and the Monkees had changed into hard, drug-promoting, disillusioned songs like "Taxi" and "A Horse With No Name". The Beatles had broken up, Nixon was elected as President, the war in Vietnam was still raging, and it seemed like half the young people were either dead, bombed out their minds, or disgusted with everything society had to offer.

I was only 16 years old, but I considered myself an adult and a "hippie". I revelled in the same anger that the older kids who had been so affected by the war were feeling. I never fit in with the popular group - the cheerleaders, athletes and rich kids that seemed to be immune to the world outside of Ragsdale High School and the society that we hippies loved to hate.

The "Socs" actually produced at least one progidy - Pat McCrory. Anyone remember the movie called The Outsiders and Ponyboy? Even in the south, much of that movie was truly the way it was in those days! Anyway, the present Mayor of Charlotte, NC and soon to be Governor of North Carolina (bless his heart) was one of the untarnished ones. Pat and a few of his friends were squeaky clean, unfailingly sweet and optimistic, and went through their high school years seemingly oblivious to the drugs, protest marching, and anarchy that the Woodstock generation was going through.

Anyway, a huge influence in my life entered the scene that year. Mrs. Maggie Mileski, teacher of English, Grammar, and Literature. She was about 5 ft tall, had a bit of an accent, brooked no nonsense, but had a sparkle in her eyes and loved her chosen profession. She may have even loved those rebellious teenagers that sulked into her class with huge bell-bottoms, fringed vests, bells tinkling, and often glazed-over eyes. She didn't seem to distinguish between the rich ones with the Izod labels and the misfits, either. She was determined we were going to learn how to spell and write, and she was going to teach us.

And I think I can honestly say that even the worst kids that came through her class did learn. I would bet that any kid who spent a year or so with Mrs. Mileski has better English skills to this day than half the population.

I was good at all things language anyway. My mother did huge crossword puzzles everyday for fun, and my father was a math whiz. Unfortunately I inherited NONE of his skills, but I did get hers. So having the best English teacher in the US was exciting and inspiring for me. She was as tough as nails and even the meanest overgrown young hulks came to respect her very quickly. She was also extremely smart, and you knew it and felt it. And her non-discriminating interest in her students presented us with an adult authority figure that we couldn't complain about or dislike!

An entire generation of kids that attended Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, North Carolina learned how to spell, how to speak less like a typical southerner, how to diagram sentences, and how to write better during the years that this tiny little ball of fire taught English in high school. I give her credit for most of the skills that gave me a better life, and calmed my rebellious spirit with self-respect and a sense of accomplishment.

I recently had an email correspondence with a rather famous lady.
Jane Straus is the "Miss Manners" of grammar and punctuation in America. A life coach as well as an English teacher, Jane wrote the "Blue Book of Grammar", one of the best reference books a writer can have. She's been interviewed on many television shows and also puts out a great free newsletter with tips and rules about punctuation, word usage, and common spelling errors. I would recommend anyone who blogs or works with a professional website to sign up for that newsletter. In several back and forth emails with Jane, I mentioned Mrs. Mileski. This prompted me to Google her and perhaps find a way to show her this article I am now writing.

Much to my sorrow and disappointment, the first thing I found was her Eulogy, written by a Catholic Priest that was also one of her students in the 80's, and came to love her as I did. His tribute to Maggie Mileski made me cry, but also made me see how truly fortunate I was to have been one of the privileged ones who knew this amazing lady.

There's no telling how many lives she touched, and she may well have been part of the reason that Pat McCrory found his success in politics. I wouldn't be surprised to find him running for President one day, while Mrs. Mileski looks down on him with those sparkling brown eyes in pride for having done her job well and making a difference in so many lives.

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Investing in Foreclosures

By Michael Perl, from the Bottom Line Newsletter
Equity Res-Q

Rising interest rates and the proliferation of high-risk variable-rate mortgages have pushed foreclosures to record levels.

Opportunity: Agile investors can buy foreclosed homes for as little as 80% or even 70% of fair market value (the price the home might normally sell for) from home owners seeking to avoid a public auction... from lenders wanting to get foreclosed properties off their books fast... or at a public auction.

A careful study of the foreclosure process can lead to great bargains, whether you are seeking a home to live in... to rent out... or to sell quickly for a profit.

Danger: Foreclosed homes are not always a good deal. A buyer who moves too fast can end up with a money pit.

Among the questions to consider...

*How much will it cost to fix up and maintain the home, including insurance and taxes?
*How long will it take to find a new buyer if you view the home as a short-term investment?

If you still want to buy a foreclosure property once you have considered the challenges, here's how to get the best deal...

UNDERSTAND THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS
It is important to know the steps leading to foreclosure...
The home owner “defaults” on mortgage payments, typically after falling 90 days behind.
The lender serves the home owner with a summons, and the property enters “preforeclosure.” Attorneys for the lender detail the debt owed in court.
A “final judgment” hearing is held, and an auction date is set.

The owner can sell the property at any point before it is sold at auction. Or the lender could take ownership, either through an agreement with the owner during preforeclosure or by winning the auction. The property is then known as an REO property (real estate owned by the lender).

GETTING STARTED
Consult with your bank or a mortgage broker to determine how much of a loan you could comfortably handle, and look for properties in that price range. If the home is an investment that you intend to sell, the most profitable neighborhoods often are up-and-coming areas, where about 80% of residents are renters.

Check foreclosure filings. Ask for the most recent foreclosure filings at the county courthouse. In many counties, there will be dozens or even hundreds of listings every week or two. You also could use a foreclosure tracking service, such as First American CoreLogic (800-345-7334. Typical cost: $100 to $150 per month per county.

After spotting a potential bargain, check recent sale prices of homes in the same neighborhood, making sure that the houses are comparable based on such factors as size and condition. The free Website is a useful resource.

Contact us for Myrtle Beach Foreclosures.

BEST TIME IS BEFORE AUCTION
Some of the best foreclosure bargains are found before the auction removes the sales decision from the home owner. Contact home owners of prospective properties as soon as a notice of foreclosure appears. You might send a letter to introduce yourself and express interest, but don't expect the average home owner in foreclosure to respond to your letter until about a month before a public auction would take place. By then, the owner may welcome an offer to buy the property quickly for a price that allows him/her to pay off the mortgage and perhaps end up with a little extra cash. That might mean 75% of the property’s fair market value.

If the home owner doesn't agree to sell until less than a month remains before the auction, you might not have time to arrange a mortgage. In that case, both you and the home owner should file a motion with the court for an emergency hearing (possible court fee: about $50) and a delay of the auction so you can secure financing.

Even if you can't work out a deal with the home owner, approaching him prior to the auction might give you an opportunity to inspect the house -- which may no longer be possible once a lender takes possession.

If you decide to take this route...
Be ultrasensitive to the home owner's situation. Don’t use the word “foreclosure.” Say you're interested in buying if the owner “decides” to sell.

Ask if the owner has looked into “forbearance” from the mortgage lender. Home owners sometimes can bring their loans up-to-date by making a relatively small forbearance payment to the lender. You will lose out on the house if the home owner does get forbearance, but your helpful suggestion should build some goodwill and raise your chances of a purchase if forbearance is not granted, as is usually the case.

Many home owners in foreclosure these days owe lenders more money on properties than the properties would be worth if sold. To get a great deal, you could arrange something called a “short sale” -- the bank agrees to take less for the property than is owed. In the current real estate market, banks often are willing to accept as little as 60% to 75% of the amount owed, particularly in states such as Florida, where home values have fallen substantially.

AUCTIONS ARE TRICKY
It is not easy for a buyer to get a great deal at a foreclosure auction. There are experienced real estate investors at most auctions, ready to snap up any bargains. At most auctions, the lender will bid the amount owed on the property to keep the sale price from going too low. If no one bids more, the lender -- which does not yet own the property -- will end up buying it at auction.

Auction winners generally must pay with cash or by certified check before the close of the business day -- leaving no time to arrange financing. There may not be much time before an auction to research the title and arrange a professional inspection, and auctioned homes are sold “as is,” so once you buy the property, you get it in whatever condition it is in. It's a good idea to attend a few auctions, just as an observer. I would not recommend auction bidding for the novice foreclosure buyer.

BUYING FROM THE BANK
If the bank ends up owning the home, it will try to sell it as quickly as possible, especially in today's depressed real estate market. A bank won’t give you a great deal, but it might give you a very good deal, perhaps as little as 80% to 85% of fair market value. The bank typically will make sure the title is clear of liens (which use the property as collateral) and other barriers to transfer and do some basic repairs to make the property more appealing to prospective buyers.

To find REO properties in your area, call real estate agencies and ask if any of their agents specialize in REO homes. The bank will pay the agent's commission if you eventually buy a property through him. Or call area banks and say you're interested in seeing their lists of foreclosed properties.

GREATEST DANGERS

Liens. The buyer of a foreclosed home may not know that it carries one or more liens. Some liens, such as those filed by tradespeople, are wiped away by the foreclosure process, but when it's a government agency, such as the IRS, or a home owner’s association that is owed money, the debt typically passes to the new owner. A title search performed after the foreclosure or an attorney with experience in this field can tell you what liens remain.

Cost: A title company might charge $100 to $150 to search a title for liens... a real estate attorney costs a bit more.

Condition. The property you buy might be in worse shape than you realized. Example: The previous occupants trashed the inside of the home to get back at the bank for the eviction. Try to inspect before you buy.
###

Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Michael Perl, owner of Equity Res-Q, West Palm Beach, Florida. The company has bought and sold more than 400 foreclosures and preforeclosures over a six-year period.

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Celebrities Tell You-Register to Vote!

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Before You Chain Your Dog - Dogs on Chains, Why It's Not a Good Idea

This is from a newsletter that I received from my favorite animal charity, http://www.itsmeowornever.org/ . I feel deeply about this subject and thought it was worthy of spreading the article. If you want to donate to a wonderful animal (especially CATS) sanctuary, this is one of the best!

Dogs who are chained run a much higher risk of biting and are more likely to be the dogs that run off and don't come back when called.

Why? Chaining a dog goes against its natural instincts. Dogs were not meant to be chained. Most become protective of the area around them and in some cases, down right mean, even to their owners. They feel confined, trapped and it drives them crazy. They are harder to train and some appear to be literally un-trainable when really they are just going stir crazy. Most chained dogs will take off on you any chance they can get off the chain.

And why not? Coming back means they have to go back on the chain and they want to enjoy the freedom if even for a little while. Not all dogs will be biters and runners if chained, but all dogs would be happier, with a better temperament, if they were not chained.

Not to mention it’s cruel and how can anyone say they love their dog if it’s chained.

One example of this is the story my neighbor told me about a Keeshond she had as a child. Her parents did not have much time for the dog and the kids were getting older and did not have very much interest in it. As a result the Keeshond ended up on a clothes-line run, chained up in the backyard. It got to the point were you could not go near the dog without it growling at you and trying to bite. After a while the parents decided it was not worth the liability. They feared the dog was going to eventually really hurt someone. They found the dog a new home and hoped for the best.

A few months later they received a phone call from the new owners. Fear shot though the mother as she answered the phone expecting to hear the dog had bitten someone. Instead they heard how nice and sweet the dog was. Friendly as can be, loves everyone. The new owners were calling to say just how happy they were and that they loved their new Keeshond.

Turned out the new owners did not chain the dog. They were in a situation were the dog could be free to walk around the yard. For those who know the breed, you know that Keeshonden are not the type of dog to be mean or to bite. They love everyone and everything. It was THE CHAIN that drove the dog to this point. The good thing was it was reversible, the chain was taken away and the dog no longer felt the need to defend and protect, no longer felt trapped and confined.

Another case is an acquaintance that owned an English Bulldog. He had the dog tied up in the back yard. One day the dog got off of the chain. One of the neighbor kids tried to bring him home. When the boy grabbed his collar the dog bit the boy in the face. Why? The dog was confused. He was suddenly free and he did not know how to handle it. Going home meant back on the chain.

The owner of the Bulldog had told the neighbor kids not to go near the dog if he ever got free and to come and get him instead. Once again, the English Bulldog is excellent with children and loves people, but even a Bulldog will go crazy tied up on a chain all day. In fact, English Bulldogs are one of the worst breeds to chain. They have a strong desire to be by your side. Chaining them all the time drives them Crazy. Confined, restricted and trapped, it is not in a dogs nature to be tied up.

I am not talking about the occasional time when you need to tie your dog up in the park for a little while. We once went to a picnic with our dogs and our English Bulldog wanted to "kill" the Rottweiler that was there. We had to tie our Bulldog to a tree. There will be times where you will need to tie your dog. I am talking about the Back Yard Dogs. The ones with the dog house and a chain. The ones that spend the majority of their time and life chained, sitting and waiting, with nothing else to do but wait and protect.
###

It's Meow Or Never Animal Sanctuary

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Outstanding Photography by Ed Carreon

I have a good friend, Los Angeles photographer Ed Carreon, who has just revamped one of his websites and I wanted to bring it to public attention.

With the advent of digital cameras, we are all taking photos right and left, and you can find a myriad of images on the internet. But there is still a difference between a camera buff and a true PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. Ed is the latter, and an artist.

Ed has worked for newspapers, freelanced for major magazines, and covered issues from the Los Angeles riots to stories about Mexican immigrants. If I'm not mistaken, he's worked for the Discovery Channel before.

Look through his "collections" and be prepared to be moved and amazed at some of them.
www.EdCarreon.com


Some other sites to visit: (shameless plugs)
Flower Mound Texas Real Estate
Frisco Texas Real Estate
Greenville SC Homes for Sale
Myrtle Beach Real Estate

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Relocating To Myrtle Beach? Do Your Research on Home Insurance

Located along the edge of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, the city of Myrtle Beach is a lovely place to call home. Also a tourist destination, Myrtle Beach is known for its white sand beaches and great shopping, entertainment, and dining. After just one visit, many people never want to leave. If you plan on relocating to Myrtle Beach however, it is extremely important to do your homework when it comes to real estate, especially as it pertains to home insurance.

Flood Protection
According to the official website for the City of Myrtle Beach, the average home insurance policy just for flood protection is $348.00 per year. Though not every home owner needs flood protection home insurance, many do. Therefore, it is important to research this with any Myrtle Beach real estate property that you are interested in buying.

Standard Home Insurance in Myrtle Beach
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. After you have found the perfect home for sale in Myrtle Beach, you will want to obtain home insurance quotes and do some research to find a policy that is right for you. Take the time to really shop around and ask a lot of questions to find out what type of home insurance coverage you can expect in the event that you need to make a claim. You can get home insurance quotes online and through local home insurance agents, or you can even check South Carolina’s state insurance department for a recommendation.

What You Can Do
Once you have purchased your home in Myrtle Beach and have obtained home insurance for your new property, do your part to ensure your policy will cover your losses. Most home insurance companies recommend taking an inventory of your home and its belongings in the event that something happens such as a fire or other disaster.

Having a list of inventory already prepared, along with pictures to document your belongings, can speed up the process of getting your home insurance claim paid in a timely manner. Trying to remember everything you own after the things are gone can be difficult in a stressful time.

It helps to find a level of trust and comfort with your home insurance company because in the event that a storm passes through Myrtle Beach and damages your home, a good home insurance policy can make a big difference. Many homeowners who faced this problem with a poor home insurance policy ended up facing financial disasters when the policy would not cover the damage.

As they say, “hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. When it comes to home insurance policies for your new Myrtle Beach home, this is an important rule to live by.

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Myrtle Beach Holiday To Be Given Back Families?

Licentious (adjective)

Synonyms: amoral, carnal, depraved, dissolute, free, immoral, lascivious, lewd, libertine, libidinous, loose, lustful, obscene, profligate, promiscuous, satyric, uncontrolled, unprincipled, unrestrained, unruly, wanton, and motorcycle rallies.

In an extraordinary and unexpected (at least by me) move Tuesday, the Myrtle Beach City Council voted to end the two plague-ridden motorcycle rallies and get the month of May back to what hasn't been "normal" for many years now.

Like teachers in grade school or Gomer Pyle's Sgt Carter in the 60's tv show, the one bad event has put an end to both, and the whole platoon may pay the price...not a minute too soon for most residents.

While Harley week was little more than a nuisance, Memorial Day weekend has been nearly unbearable to locals and businesses on the north end. The police and even the state itself have done everything humanly possible to control it and keep the beach "G-rated" during black biker week. Attempts to harness Atlantic Beach's ever-growing crowds brought the NAACP in to punish the city's efforts. Residents in the two-block township took advantage and have threatened to sue the county taxpayers for the lack of it.

Nobody could win.

Control of the participants proved impossible. Sex, drugs, and Rap 'n' Roll refused to be restrained, and in return, will have to find a more tolerant vacation spot from now on. (In theory, anyway)

With the death of a young man resulting from the tension this year, Myrtle Beach officials finally drew a line in the sand and not only passed a property tax hike for planning both rallies' demise, but actually started the process to enact ordinances aimed at preventing vendors from promoting it. Usage of the Convention Center or other facilities during the month of May will be prohibited, and If there are no events to attend or crowd control to be given, will that put a stop to the Memorial Day mess?

It remains to be seen. After all, Memorial Day never was Myrtle Beach's problem. North Myrtle Beach is the one that suffers from Atlantic Beach's profitable and uncontrollable black biker week. Myrtle Beach has little or no input on it. They gather in the two block township of Atlantic Beach that even North Myrtle has no jurisdiction over, although it's dead in the middle of the city itself. The fact that North Myrtle Beach never dared to annex this strip of expensive oceanfront area is amazing in itself.

But maybe it will start the ball rolling on the north end, preventing discrimination lawsuits and paving the way to making Memorial Day into a family holiday again. The south's "bible belt" may win one battle against the country's so-called moral decay.

The Grand Strand is fighting to lose its nickname of "Redneck Riviera" and become South Carolina's version of Boca Raton.

This is necessary to maintain the pricey Myrtle Beach real estate market and new luxury resorts resulting from the building boom of several years ago. Cheap oceanfront property and accommodations will soon become a thing of the past.

Even most of us liberals will be backing out of this fight with relieved smiles. It takes a lot of energy to fight for global warming intervention, gay marriages, and pro-choice. Time to conserve energy for the important arguments...:-)

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Baby Boomers Like Single Life

AARP put out a bulletin recently that offered some surprising statistics about Baby Boomers and our living arrangements.

Only about one in four baby boomers are still married, living together, and have adult children out on their own. The numbers show that our of 17,000 baby boomers surveyed, 37 percent still had children under 18, and another 5 million had grown children who moved BACK home in the last year. Better them than me!

Others have taken in their parents to help, and a whopping 23 million baby boomers are single.
8 million of the mentioned singles never married, 4 million live with a partner outside of marriage, and the rest are divorced or widowed.

With numbers of singles like that, the condo market can do nothing if not grow and thrive. It would have been interesting to see where the survey respondants lived. I would think probably the metro areas would be the choice of the majority, at least until they retire. Condos for sale should soar everywhere, eventually.

It may be a good thing that the midwest and west coast aren't all that aware of life in Myrtle Beach, or we'd be swamped with retired boomers and prices would jump twice as high as they already have.

I can't imagine living in some place like Chicago when you can have the beach, the warm weather, and still enjoy all the amenities that are found in big cities.

For those who would like to explore our wonderful (and affordable) lifestyle, visit our Myrtle Beach real estate sites, and, in particular, check out the Myrtle Beach condos we have for sale. Baby Boomers should be exploring the 1031 Exchange option, too!

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Condo Living-Pets or Problems

I ran across a blog posting in a Chicago Metro Area real estate blog today about some condos that had rules about having a dog (or more than one) and it brought to mind an issue that I recently brought up with my own condo HOA.

We have a girl living here in what I understand is a one bedroom condo, which is what I have as well. She has 3 pekinese type dogs and a cat which terrorizes the neighborhood everytime it gets out to wander. There had been complaints about her dogs barking and that prompted the board to make a new rule limiting the number of pets to 2 per condo.

Then it went a step further and they made a rule that the only pets allowed were dogs, cats, and fish, I think. One of my neighbors had mentioned that one, and was concerned because she used to raise parrots. She found it objectionable, and I sort of do myself. I used to love having pet mice, and have even had an iguana. I would hate to think someone on the board would try and prevent me from having a cage with a gerbil or mouse running around endlessly in one of those little wheels.

Then again, would I be comfortable with a neighbor who had a pet tarantula or maybe a snake that could possibly get loose? No, I wouldn't. So I can see the point in some of the rules that might sound ridiculous at first.

Condo living can present some obstacle sometimes, and it's a good idea to investigate the rules before you go look at a condo for sale and get your heart set on it.

I know many of the resort oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach don't allow pets at all. It could really present a problem if you buy something without checking the by-laws and find you've moved into a pet free complex when you have a couple of cats or dogs that are family members and could end up at the local animal shelter because of it.

I myself would go to jail before I'd abandon a pet...but the shelters are full of unfortunate bodies whose owners don't care enough to fight and keep them.

I think pet ownership is a private thing, yet when you live on top and right beside of other people, there are issues with everything. I love condo living, but it sure pays to dig deeply into the way things are managed before you buy a condominium or townhouse.

If you're interested in condos in Myrtle Beach, a 1031 exchange, Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, or relocation information, visit our websites or contact us! Also see my blog on Active Rain!

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Myrtle Beach Retirement Communities

-------------Litchfield Lakes Retirement Community

My family is largely comprised of baby-boomers. Myself, my brother and his second wife, my oldest sister, and even my nieces and nephews are all between the ages of 45-70.

The oldest members of the family have all invested in senior citizen communities which provide luxury living from good health all the way to nursing facilities to the end of life.

I have an aunt and uncle, another aunt, and my brother all living in these types of communities. I myself, would prefer to live in a gated area without small children and be surrounded by quiet and BORING retirees! I've got a ways to go yet, in age as well as being financially able to afford such a neighborhood, but I hope to find myself there one day.

I have read that seniors 65 and over will comprise 36 percent of the population in the Grand Strand by 2025. Although we don't have a large number of retirement and assisted living neighborhoods at this time, I would bet we will see a big increase in them in the next 10 years or so.

In Myrtle Beach, we have several retirement communities to choose from...

In Carolina Forest, a new senior development called Brightwater has popped up off International Drive and River Oaks Dr. Brightwater will have 110 single family homes for independent retirees, 48 assisted living homes, 24 available beds in a nursing home provided, and another 24 units assigned to the unfortunate Alzheimer's patients.

Ranging from around $275K to $475K, the houses are affordable and offer every amenity. Apartments or condos will be priced at just over $100K to $325K. A clubhouse is included, providing meals, activities, housekeeping and a 24/7 emergency service. The services are bundled with the cost of the homes and apartments, and helps to take the worry out of growing older gracefully and securely.

Eagle Crest is located on Robert Grissom Highway in Myrtle Beach, between 17 business and 17 Bypass. Pet friendly, smoker friendly, and with the average resident age of 80, Eagle Crest seems geared to the more traditional type of retirement community. With accommodations ranging from studios to 2 bedroom suites, this is an apartment/condo type setting, as versus the single family home look of Brighwater.They boast an excutive chef, paid utilities, around the clock resident manager, housekeeping, meals to include special diet requirments, and the regular amenities of any hotel. They are a part of a chain of retirement facilities under the name of Holiday Retirement. The website doesn't list pricing, unfortunately. They advertise giving you a tour and a free lunch to visit and learn more.

Located amongst the elegant settings of Pawleys Island real estate, the Lakes at Litchfield is the luxury version of Brighwater. Private luxury homes, 2 bedroom exclusive apartments and a luxurious clubhouse make this the place to retire. Again, they have independent living, 57 beds in assisted living, skilled nursing, and Alzheimer's care.

They list their mission statement as being dedicated professionals providing peace of mind, fun, safety, honor, dignity and integrity. Their purpose is listed as being a light in the world, making a difference in the quality of others' lives, and to treat the residents like their own parents.

That's a pretty impressive resume.

Again, there seems to be no way to find pricing on the web. Perhaps someone from the community will read this and provide this information?

Folks in our generation that can afford it seem to have more to look forward to than our parents and grandparents. As more boomers reach the age of needing these services, hopefully more Myrtle Beach retirement communities will be built.

For more information about Myrtle Beach condos, Myrtle Beach Foreclosures, 1031 Exchange or just to ask about our wonderful city, visit www.myrtlebeachcondostore.com.
Coming soon, a new website about Cheap Oceanfront Property everywhere!
See the new Myrtle Beach Real Estate for Canadians blog!

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New Website for Oceanfront Real Estate

I just put up a brand new website to showcase Cheap Oceanfront Property.

Hopefully I'll find some sellers that are interested in listing their property and buyers who'd like to be on our mailing list as we find them. Do check it out and if you have an interest, be sure and contact me from the form provided!

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Left behind - Pets and Foreclosure

April 16, 2008 : 6:04 PM ET

No one will forget the lost looks on the faces of pets abandoned after Hurricane Katrina. Best Friends Animal Society came to the rescue of thousands of them. Today, Best Friends is helping victims of another disaster – an economic disaster. For many people and their pets, the current mortgage crisis is every bit as devastating as a natural disaster.

Across the country, animals are being found abandoned in foreclosed homes. Other pet owners who’ve fallen victim to the subprime mortgage mess, finding themselves just days or even hours from being homeless, are desperately trying to find someone to take in the furry and feathered members of their families.

Some have tearfully left their pets at shelters, not knowing what would become of them, but believing they could at least give them some chance of being adopted.

“We’re seeing more and more cases of people leaving their homes and dropping the dog off at the shelter and the cat in the local park,” says Michael Mountain, president of Best Friends Animal Society. “Sometimes they even just tie the dog up outside and drive off.”

It is never OK to leave the family pet to fend for himself. Many people have been calling Best Friends’ Animal Help department for advice on how to keep their pets as they weather the economic storm. Department manager Liz Finch says she’s seeing an increase in calls and e-mails from people facing foreclosure.

“If there is a short time-frame, we coach them on ways to find temporary care for their animals through kenneling, boarding at a vet's office, fostering with a friend – anything to give them more time to look for the right home for their pet,” Liz says. “They may have the ability to keep their animal if they can find this temporary care, to tide them over until they find a pet-friendly home for themselves.”

Best Friends Animal Help specialists also provide resources to help people re-home their pets, giving them valuable information on how to network in their communities and how to contact rescue organizations.

“If the animal has special needs, we give them more specialized advice and resources,” Liz says. “We want to offer them as many options as possible. The more people who are aware of an animal in need of a home, the more likely you'll be able to find that home.”

A crisis has a way of bringing out the best in human beings, and Best Friends has also been receiving calls from people wanting to help. Mindy Mason, a real estate agent with Prudential Utah in Salt Lake City and a member of that city’s Board of Realtors, wanted to take action after hearing her colleagues talk about animals they’d found abandoned in foreclosed homes. She’s looking into how she and her fellow real-estate agents can donate proceeds from an annual fundraiser to Best Friends. “I just love what Best Friends does,” she says.

Mindy has some advice for people facing foreclosure – they should get in touch with their lenders. She says many lenders are willing to lower interest rates to help people stay in their homes.

“Lenders are being flexible,” Mindy says. “They will definitely work with you.” She says real-estate agents can help if people don’t know how to contact their lenders.

Meanwhile, Best Friends’ Animal Help specialists will continue to help however they can. The ultimate goal is to find some way to help people keep their pets. The next best thing is to help people place their pets in new forever homes.

“It's a very sad reality that people are being put in this position, where they essentially have to give up a member of their family,” Liz says. “We do whatever we can to give them hope for their animals’ future.” ~Written by Sandy Miller

Note from editor: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is one of the most worthwhile animal charities in existance today. I encourage you to visit their website, volunteer at the sancutary, and donate to the cause. Many who have gone to the compound and spent a week with the animals have come home with wonderful memories, and continue to spend their vacations there helping out. This is a wonderful organization.

For information about Myrtle Beach foreclosures, Pawleys Island Real Estate, or Myrtle Beach condos, please visit our website, The Myrtle Beach Condo Store.

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The Carolina coast | High-rise heaven?

Condo towers won’t get tougher rules despite perils, costs
By SAMMY FRETWELL - sfretwell@thestate.com

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH — State regulators Tuesday decided against toughening rules that allow high-rise condominiums on one of the most flood-prone beaches in South Carolina.

The decision at Cherry Grove — where condominium towers dominate a 20-block area once reserved for beach cottages — solidifies a state policy of letting less-restrictive oceanfront building codes stand even after taxpayers pay to renourish beaches.

The government has spent more than $100 million in the past two decades to widen South Carolina’s eroding seashore, the foundation of the state’s tourism economy. It spent some $20 million replenishing the shore at North Myrtle Beach in the 1990s and is preparing another multimillion dollar renourishment project this July. The $30 million project also includes other Grand Strand beaches.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control’s proposal for North Myrtle Beach is the first in a series of building regulation reviews during the next two years that will look at most South Carolina beaches to determine whether building restrictions should be changed.

Since the state first eased building restrictions in the heart of Cherry Grove eight years ago, two high-rise condominium projects containing thousands of rooms have been launched along the oceanfront.

A third, smaller condominium building also was built as a result of the state-approved changes at Cherry Grove. Before the rules changed in 2000, people wanting to develop from 20th to 40th avenues north were largely restricted to construction of new beach houses.

Bill Eiser, a DHEC oceanographer, said his agency saw no reason to reverse a decision it made eight years ago to loosen oceanfront construction regulations after the 1990s renourishment. State law allows building rules to be tightened if beaches erode, but to be eased if the seashore builds up, whether through natural or artificial renourishment.

Even though waves cover the dry-sand beach in many areas of Cherry Grove at high tide, Eiser said North Myrtle Beach hasn’t suffered major erosion since the 2000 decision. Erosion there is less than one foot per year, a low rate when compared to rates of 8 to 15 feet at some beaches in Beaufort County, he said.

“Our survey data shows not much less sand than when we last did this,” Eiser said. He added that the state could have eased building restrictions further on other parts of the beach where the shore is stable, but chose not to.

While the state’s policy is cause for rejoicing among developers and seaside landowners at North Myrtle Beach, some scientists and beachgoers said DHEC’s decision reflects an ominous trend in the face of more intense hurricanes and rising sea levels. Renourished beaches eventually will wash away, leaving buildings vulnerable, critics say.

Dave Huster, a Michigan truck driver vacationing in Cherry Grove, said South Carolinians should worry about footing the bill in the event of a storm.

“Who is going to pay to fix that building when the ocean goes over the berm?” Huster asked. “Who knows where the ocean will go?”

Tim Hall and Paul Conrads, federal officials who serve on a state shoreline advisory panel, are among those who question the wisdom of DHEC’s policy at Cherry Grove and other beaches.
Later this year, the state-appointed committee is to recommend changes in South Carolina’s beach management act, which many say is not working as intended. The law, adopted first in 1988, calls for a gradual “retreat” from the seashore of new development.

“It’s hard to look at barrier islands that need to be renourished and think this is a wise policy,” said Conrads, a U.S. Geological Survey official in Columbia. “It doesn’t seem like the prudent thing to do.”

That’s of particular concern in North Myrtle Beach, which has led the state’s coastal cities in the number of repeat flood insurance losses under the federally backed program. The city’s Cherry Grove section — an easily flooded narrow sand spit between a marsh and the Atlantic Ocean — typically takes the worst pounding during storms.

Paul Blust, zoning administrator for North Myrtle Beach, said some seaside landowners were concerned that DHEC might tighten the rules on oceanfront building. After viewing a series of maps at DHEC’s office in Myrtle Beach, Blust said many property owners will be relieved. If the economy improves, Blust expects more high-rise condo towers in Cherry Grove.
“I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” he said.

At issue are building restrictions known as “setback lines.” These are imaginary lines that prevent development close to the beach. In 2000, DHEC moved setback lines 25 to 100 feet seaward along a 20-block stretch of oceanfront in Cherry Grove.

DHEC released a series of satellite maps Tuesday showing the lines’ location. Most stayed where they were set in 2000, although the agency did move them seaward in a few spots. One place is near a 20-story condo tower under construction south of Sea Mountain Highway. Developers of the project, Towers on the Grove, have said they’re simply going by state rules.

The building boom started after 2000 with a 17-story Prince Resort condo tower at the Cherry Grove Pier, where setback lines were moved seaward about 50 feet. The lines were extended seaward about another 25 feet in 2006 so the project could have swimming pools along the oceanfront.

Reach Fretwell at (803) 771-8537.

See the many North Myrtle Beach condos at www.myrtlebeachcondos.net

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Democrats to the Rescue (Hopefully)

According to an article on CNN Money today, Democratic Senators are going to try and force a vote on legislation designed to help with the foreclosure crisis.

They have come up with a plan called the Foreclosure Prevention Act, which will help families avoid foreclosure and hopefully aid some of the communities that are already hurting from the backlash of the problem.

As usual, Republicans are trying to block the attempt, hoping to pull off the miracle themselves and get the credit for it...never mind the families that are hurt because of whatever delay that causes.

Senator Christopher Dodd, Connecticutt Democrat is quoted as saying,

"This is a pivotal week. Failure is not an option. The problem is growing more serious by the hour and any delay is putting more homeowners in jeopardy."

Senator Dodd is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. The article says "Republicans agree that the legislation is in play." I don't have any idea what that statement means. If anyone does, I would like to be enlightened.

A member of the banking panel is a Republican Senator named Wayne Allard, R-Colo. and an aid states that he has always worked well with the Chair...I assume meaning that perhaps he will help to pass this Democratic initiative.

The Senate majority leader Harry Reid states that the White House is unresponsive, and persists in calling for the lenders to take on the task instead of the government. Well, folks, it seems to be pretty clear that this is not going to happen.

I was in a deep argument recently with a friend who is a Republican about the differences in our philosophies. She, like most, feels like the government should stand back and let the chips fall where they may. If people don't work, let them starve. If their kids starve too, then that's the way it is. If folks were stupid enough or greedy enough to be sucked into the sub-prime loans, then they deserve what they get, and it's not up to her tax money to bail them out.

My counter was, fine...we can be like China. If someone is born with no arms or paralyzed, let them sit on a blanket in the street and beg for pennies. It's THEIR problem.

My point is that our country is the greatest in the world BECAUSE our government steps in and forces EVERYONE to take care of those who can't or won't take care of themselves.

Our argument escalated when I voiced my puzzled opinion as to why those who have the most money (often or usually Republicans) are the ones who most begrudge helping others.

It hurts someone in the bare middle class more to take more taxes than it does a multi-millionaire. Yet, I, and most Democrats, feel the need is warranted and welcome the government control to aid in problems like this foreclosure mess. And someone with more money than they can possibly ever spend thinks we should leave these people to be put on the street.

I just don't understand the reasoning. What makes it worse is that a good many of these Republicans who feel this way are in the real estate industry. They PROFITTED from the very loans that are now going into foreclosure.

Whatever happened to "He ain't heavy - He's my brother"?

Oh, wait...that was a song written and sung by us liberals even way back then. Just like the 60's all over again, we've got the "hippies" (liberals) that care and the "establishment" (Republicans and Conservatives) that don't seem to.

This is the worst rant I've ever made, I think...but every day I get more incensed towards our horrible president, the war, and how it seems we have no say-so against a tyrant in the White House.

Senator Dodd's proposal calls for forcing the mortgage companies to lower balances down to what the homes are worth, and taking a loss. As Dodd is quoted as saying,

"In essence, the plan gives lenders the chance to take a quick hit, versus the slow bleed that could end in foreclosure."

I hope the Republicans will see how important this issue is, and let go of their reticence against government long enough to try and save the economy.

Thanks to Richard Brooks D-SC - for passing this article along to me.
He has recently joined Remax and specializes in Myrtle Beach real estate. :-)

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More Atlantic Beach Problems

Once again, the other cities and taxpayers are expected to pay this town's expenses and pick up the tab for "history"...

AB's mayor, salaries out
Charges at top sink in as town left in limbo
Posted on Sat, Mar. 22, 2008
By Kurt Knapek and Lorena Anderson -
kknapek@thesunnews.com
landerson@thesunnews.com

Gov. Mark Sanford issued the order after Thursday's indictment of Irene Armstrong on bribery and misconduct charges. The town manager, Marcia Conner, was indicted on misconduct charges. Neither woman was available for comment Friday.

City workers - including the five-member police force - did not receive paychecks as scheduled Friday, and the acting police chief said he will look to Horry County law enforcement to protect Atlantic Beach, at least for this weekend.

"I'm not even sure I'm going to work," said Capt. Randy Rizzo. "I, too, have bills, and we cannot have employees working for free. They missed payroll, and the funds are not there."

Mixed responses
Reaction to the indictments ranged from sad resignation to a commitment to move past the current problems.

"No, I'm not surprised," said oceanfront property owner David O'Connell.
"I think it's a shame, but change will be the best thing in the world for Atlantic Beach."

Sanford's executive order read

"I hereby suspend Irene Evans Armstrong from the office of Mayor of Atlantic Beach until such a time that she shall formally be acquitted or convicted."

"We're letting the legal system take its course, but it's not something we're proud of right now," said Councilman Donnell Thompson. "We're trying to move the town forward. We're in a crisis right now."

The four remaining council members couldn't resolve their dispute Friday on how to pay the police force. Retha Pierce and Thompson said they were in favor of paying the force, Mayor Pro Tem Charlene Taylor and Councilman Jake Evans refused to approve the spending.

"We need to make sure we have police protection," Pierce said. "We want the town to move forward and keep doors open and not shut things down."

Taylor and Evans would not comment.
"I need to hear from my lawyer," Taylor said. (HAHA!)

The whole situation is up in the air now, and Rizzo said he has no idea what might happen.
"It's going to be interesting," he said.

Resident Paul Curry said he wasn't surprised. Curry is suing the town, alleging officials have refused to notify him of public meetings - which state law requires - despite his requests.

"These are merely allegations, and I hope she is treated fairly in court," Curry said of Armstrong, "but that said, I think there is truth to these charges."

Disputed election
Armstrong lost the mayoral election in November by one vote to Pierce, but appealed the election, which allowed her to hold her seat until the matter is settled. A circuit court judge is expected to decide next week whether Atlantic Beach should hold its mayoral election again.

Pierce said Friday she's unsure how Armstrong's indictment will affect Judge J. Michael Baxley's ruling on the election.

"We're awaiting some information at this point," she said.

Pierce has her own legal issues to tend to after being charged with resisting arrest on Christmas night after a traffic stop. She told the officer she needed to use the bathroom, got out of her car and started to walk toward a nearby hotel.

"I'm not worried about that," Pierce said. "I'm not guilty of resisting arrest. I just wanted to use the restroom. I want us to get through this. I want us to keep a positive outlook and try to work together to move forward."

Conner, 50, faces two counts of misconduct in office and one count of violating an employer's obligations to police retirement funds.

Conner previously served as the city manager in Durham, N.C., where she resigned after council members there became increasingly dissatisfied about her tenure, which included two failed searches for a police chief and problems with project oversight and spending delays in the city housing department.

What's next
Armstrong and Conner have until Monday to turn themselves in to authorities at J. Reuben Long Detention Center or the State Law Enforcement Division will issue arrest warrants.

The women police say accepted the bribes from Armstrong will not be charged, 15th Judicial Court Solicitor Greg Hembree said.

"They came forward and fully cooperated," Hembree said. "Had they not, we would not have been charging the others. The offering of the bribe is the more serious offense. I wouldn't want to punish those who are doing the right thing."

Councilman Thompson said he "feels comfortable" the annual Memorial Day Bike Fest, a source of revenue for the city, will go on as planned May 23-26.

"I think things will be worked out by then," Thompson said.

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So What's the Latest Atlantic Beach Scourge?

Well, the dirty soap opera that is Atlantic Beach and its mayor continues. Here's the latest on her recent arrest. It appears she stirred up alot more than her penchant for thinking she can tell the police what to do.

I would be happier if the Sun News would be very explicit to let people know that Atlantic Beach is NOT A PART OF NORTH MYRTLE BEACH!!

NMB has an outstanding government and its officials and police department are the best in the state as far as I'm concerned. It sickens me to think this can taint the reputation of such a beautiful beach town. We have NOTHING to do with what goes on in this town.

Please see the Atlantic Beach Website so you can better understand the dynamics here!
See the Original Posting of the Mayor being arrested.

Governor suspends indicted Atlantic Beach mayor
Thursday, Mar 20, 2008 - 08:11 PM Updated: 04:14 PM

Thursday afternoon, the 15th Circuit solicitor's office released an Horry County Grand Jury's verdict charging the Atlantic Beach mayor, Irene Armstrong, and town manager, Marcia Conner, with a list of crimes.

Friday morning, Governor Mark Sanford signed an executive order suspending the three-term mayor from office, according to the governor's press secretary, Joel Sawyer.

The indictments are a result of an investigation into the town's finances, according to the solicitor's office release.

Armstrong faces three counts of bribery of elections and two counts of misconduct in office.
Town manager Conner faces two counts of misconduct in office and one count of violation of Employer's Obligation to the Police Retirement Fund.

The indictment claims Armstrong bribed three voters in the town's November elections by paying the three for votes.

Agents charge that on election day, Armstrong paid Monique E. Pointer of Atlantic Beach $20 for her vote in the mayoral election, and another $20 for Pointer's vote for councilman, Jake Evans, Armstrong's brother.

The indictment also claims Armstrong bought another vote for herself from Rose Marie Lambert for $10 in the mayoral election.

Armstrong lost the November mayoral election by one vote to councilwoman Retha Pierce, but appealed for a new election.

A circuit court judge heard arguments Monday from Pierce and Armstrong, but did not make a decision in the case as to whether or not to uphold the town's election commission's decision to hold a new election.

Armstrong faces two counts of misconduct in office stemming from illegally transferring town money from the town's pending drug seizure account into the town's general fund account, which the indictment states is a violation of state law.

The second count against Armstrong deals with the illegal transfer of the town's municipal court account into the town's general fund.

Two of the three charges against town manager Conner include illegal transfer of money between the same accounts charged against Armstrong; the third charge agents claim Conner collected retirement fund money from the town's police officers, transferred that money into the town's general fund, then used that money to pay for other services.

The indictment alleges the crimes of misconduct happened between April 9, 2006 and May 2, 2007.

State Law Enforcement Division agents took several financial documents from Atlantic Beach town hall back in July of 2007, but SLED would not release any details about what agents took, or why agents are investigating.

News13 checked with SLED Thursday and agents said the July 2007 investigation remained open and active.

If convicted, mayor Armstrong faces up to 35 years in prison, and Conner faces up to 30 years behind bars if a jury finds her guilty.

Town council members Retha Pierce and Donnell Thompson changed the locks on town hall this afternoon to keep Armstrong and Conner from entering the building.

Governor Mark Sanford issued a statement Thursday evening through his press office,

"We have not reviewed the indictment in detail, but based upon what we understand about the charges, we have every reason to believe we would suspend the mayor once our office reviews the indictment."

SLED agents allowed the pair to surrender themselves to authorities sometime early next week.
##

***This story is so dirty that I won't even put links in it to our websites.

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1031 Exchange Makes the News in Myrtle Beach

The below article in the Sun News was taken from an articale originally done by myself as a press release about 1031 Exchanges on PRWeb. It was done as an adjunct to our 1031 Tax Exchange website called 1031Commercial.com. I noted most of the exact information in my press release as to owners wanting to use their investment condos and real estate for personal vacations and how the IRS was now specifically going to allow it.

Today, the article below appeared in the Sun News, and to add insult to injury, the auther actually telephoned David O'Connell, whose number and reference was in my original press release, and spent a good bit of his time answering her questions about 1031's and the IRS regulations, as well as the differences in using Myrtle Beach real estate to save capital gains taxes.

Not only was no credit given to the original article, which was taken from a similar but generic mention in Forbes Magazine, but the author of the Sun News article didn't give any mention to her conversations with David, his insight and knowledge about 1031's or even a link to his website.

I feel rather offended by this, and wanted it to be known.

Here is the Sun News Article that I feel was offensively done without giving just due to the both of us.

Posted on Wed, Mar. 12, 2008
Tax break available for some investors
JESSICA FOSTER

Real estate investors looking for ways to dodge taxes on capital gains have clearer guidelines as to whether they qualify for a popular tax break.

Many Myrtle Beach investors buy condos and houses in hopes of spending some vacation time in the property - a move that might have disqualified them from a tax-free 1031 exchange before this week.

Now, they still qualify if they vacation there for up to 14 days or no more than 10 percent of the number of days the unit is rented out, according to an Internal Revenue Service bulletin.

That could be a plus for the investor-heavy coast, said Tom Maeser, market analyst for the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors. The exchange, made possible through Section 1031 of the tax code, lets people swap their property for a new one without being taxed on the gains as long as the property is used for investment or business. The personal use rules mean real estate buyers don't have to wonder whether they're eligible for the exchange if they vacation in their investment property for a few days.

"You never knew whether you were going to be in trouble or not because they never spelled it out very clearly," Maeser said. "So many of our investors now are going from the old flippers to the baby boomers that are buying second homes now and will put them in a rental program. This just gives them a lot more assurance that they're not going to be challenged by the IRS."

The change comes after a recent U.S. Tax Court case, Moore v. Commissioner, in which taxpayers tried to do an exchange on two properties they used solely for personal purposes.
They said the properties should qualify as investments because the values were expected to appreciate.
The court ruled that the "mere hope or expectation that property may be sold at a gain cannot establish an investment intent if the taxpayer uses the property as a residence."

Other than being an investment property, there are additional requirements for the exchange: the investor has 45 days to identify potential replacement properties and the exchange must be done within 180 days. A qualified intermediary also has to be used.

Buyers should also keep in mind that the exchange only defers paying the taxes until the property is sold. "Unless you're lucky enough to die before you sell it, you're not saving the tax, you're deferring the tax," said Myrtle Beach attorney and CPA Tone Trask.

That could mean that investors pay more in taxes if the federal tax rate rises from its current 15 percent on capital gains.

Though some Realtors say 1031 exchanges are relatively common among local investors, Trask said he hasn't done many in recent years because of the market downturn.
###

See the original article also posted in our 1031 Exchange Blog . For further information on saving capital gains taxes or incorporating this practice in purchasing property in Myrtle Beach, Little River condos, or Pawleys Island real estate, contact David O'Connell at 843-455-5500 or visit his websites. David has been an expert in Grand Strand real estate and condo sales for over 8 years, and was involved in many of the grand new resorts presently being enjoyed by owners and vacationers in our area.

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$100K More to live at the North Pole instead of Myrtle Beach

CNN Money had an article that showed Coldwell Banker's annual Home Price Comparison Index, which compared selling prices of similar homes in similar neighborhoods of different states and markets.

It was an interesting comparison to see, and very surprising to find some areas (such as Alaska - ACK!) that were incredibly expensive, while considered almost undesirable. Here's a sampling of the areas and prices they gave. I was also rather surprised to find that Myrtle Beach real estate was definately in the low to middle range of pricing, and in fact, quite a bit lower than Charleston.

We are way lower than most of Florida, and I think condos for sale in Myrtle Beach as versus Miami would bear that out. But ALASKA????????? Come on!

Other surprises include Fairfield, CT, Boston, and Maryland. Wow. It really costs alot to freeze to death! Makes me very happy to be right where I am.

The criteria was a 2200 sq ft house with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a family room, and 2-car garage. The neighborhood is described as "typical for corporate middle-management transferees".

City-----------------Avg Price of home
Huntsville, AL................$194,466

Juneau, AK ................$443,000

Little Rock, AR..... ........$181,395

Tucson, AZ ...................$250,833
Phoenix, AZ ..................$295,334
Scottsdale, AZ ..............$478,833

San Diego, CA .............$627,938
San Fransisco, CA ..$1,300,000
Beverly Hills, CA ......$1,656,500

Colorado Springs, CO ..$211,667
Denver, CO ....................$336,433

Torrington, CT ..............$233,331
Fairfield, CT ...................$737,738

Washington, DC .............$727,250

Pensacola, FL ...............$222,258
Orlando, FL .....................$312,000
Daytona Beach, FL ........$349,650
Sarasota, FL ...................$387,375
Boca Raton, FL ...............$521,412
Key West, FL .................$949,375

Macon, GA .......................$167,850
Atlanta, GA .......................$303,000

Honolulu, HI .......................$737,625

Des Moines, IA .................$247,000

Boise, ID ...........................$213,808

Springfield, IL .................$205,950
Naperville, IL .....................$346,250
Chicago, IL ......................$815,000

South Bend, IN ..................$173,600
Munster, IN .........................$329,300

Wichita, KS ........................$151,275
Lawrence, KS ....................$237,237

Louisville, KY .....................$243,634

Shreveport, LA ..................$210,250

Springfield, MA .................$389,283
Boston, MA ....................$1,260,000

Hagerstown, MD ............$283,175
Baltimore, MD ..................$513,425
Bethesda, MD .................$829,750

Bangor, ME .......................$253,750

Grayling, MI ........................$149,600
Ann Arbor, MI .....................$346,250

Rochester, MN ...................$217,675
Minneapolis, ................MN $397,133

St Louis, MO .......................$254,700
Tupelo, MS ..........................$163,485

Helena, MT ..........................$177,950

Greensboro, NC ...............$181,166
Charlotte, NC ....................$204,336
Wilmington, NC ................$286,650

Bismarck, ND .....................$171,438

Norfolk, NE .........................$176,450

Turnersville, NJ ...............$257,385
Clinton, NJ ..........................$527,700
Madison, NJ .......................$677,250
Ridgewood, NJ ...............$829,500

Albuquerque, NM ...........$243,034
Santa Fe, NM ...................$511,026

Las Vegas, NV .................$359,500

Binghamton, NY .............$152,875
Rochester, NY ...................$256,333
Long Island, NY .................$584,497
Queens, NY .......................$701,000
Rye, NY .............................$869,125

Cincinnati, OH ...................$244,250

Oklahoma City, OK ...........$185,000

Eugene, OR ......................$327,000

Erie, PA ............................$193,975
Harrisburg, PA .................$276,566
Philadelphia, PA ............$574,567

Columbia, SC .................$190,058
Myrtle Beach, SC ..........$191,584
Charleston, SC ..............$307,400

Sioux Falls, SD ................$171,470

Nashville, TN .....................$209,300

Arlington, TX .....................$139,510
Dallas, TX .........................$261,325

Salt Lake City, UT ............$262,117

Roanoke, VA ...................$220,942
Virginia Beach, VA ..........$334,425
Alexandria City, VA .......$776,399

Burlington, VT ..................$338,750

Spokane, WA .................$238,418
Seattle, WA ......................$386,600
Bellevue, WA ..................$566,330

Eau Claire, WI ..................$164,225
Milwaukee, WI ..................$331,000

Charleston, WV ................$179,050

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Facing Default, Some Walk Out on New Homes

By JOHN LELAND
Published: February 29, 2008

When Raymond Zulueta went into default on his mortgage last year, he did what a lot of people do. He worried.

In a declining housing market, he owed more than the house was worth, and his mortgage payments, even on an interest-only loan, had shot up to $2,600, more than he could afford. “I was terrified,” said Mr. Zulueta, who services automated teller machines for an armored car company in the San Francisco area.

Then in January he learned about a new company in San Diego called You Walk Away that does just what its name says. For $995, it helps people walk away from their homes, ceding them to the banks in foreclosure.

Last week he moved into a three-bedroom rental home for $1,200 a month, less than half the cost of his mortgage. The old house is now the lender’s problem. “They took the negativity out of my life,” Mr. Zulueta said of You Walk Away. “I was stressing over nothing.”

You Walk Away is a small sign of broad changes in the way many Americans look at housing. In an era in which new types of loans allowed many home buyers to move in with little or no down payment, and to cash out any equity by refinancing, the meaning of homeownership and foreclosure have changed, economists and housing experts say.

Last year the median down payment on home purchases was 9 percent, down from 20 percent in 1989, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. Twenty-nine percent of buyers put no money down. For first-time home buyers, the median was 2 percent. And many borrowed more than the price of the home in order to cover closing costs.

“I think I could make a case that some borrowers were ‘renting’ (with risk), rather than owning,” Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, said in an e-mail message.

For some people, then, foreclosure becomes something akin to eviction — a traumatic event, and a blow to one’s credit record, but not one that involves loss of life savings or of years spent scrimping to buy the home.

“There certainly appears to be more willingness on the part of borrowers to walk away from mortgages,” said John Mechem, spokesman for the Mortgage Bankers Association, who noted that in the past, many would try to save their homes.

In recent months top executives from Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wachovia have all described a new willingness by borrowers to walk away from mortgages.

Carrie Newhouse, a real estate agent who also works as a loss mitigation consultant for mortgage lenders in Minneapolis-St. Paul, said she saw many homeowners who looked at foreclosure as a first option, preferable to dealing with their lender. “I’ve had people say to me, ‘My house isn’t worth what I owe, why should I continue to make payments on it?’ ” Mrs. Newhouse said.

“You bought an adjustable rate mortgage and you’re mad the bank is adjusting the rate,” she said. “And sometimes the bank people who call these consumers aren’t really nice. Not that the bank has the responsibility to be your friend, but a lot are just so uncooperative.”

The same sorts of loans that drove the real estate boom now change the nature of foreclosure, giving borrowers incentives to walk away, said Todd Sinai, an associate professor of real estate at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

“There’s a whole lot of people who would’ve been stuck as renters without these exotic loan products,” Professor Sinai said. “Now it’s like they can do their renting from the bank, and if house values go up, they become the owner. If they go down, you have the choice to give the house back to the bank. You aren’t any worse off than renting, and you got a chance to do extremely well. If it’s heads I win, tails the bank loses, it’s worth the gamble.”

In the boom market, homeowners took their winnings, withdrawing $800 billion in equity from their homes in 2005 alone, according to RGE Monitor, an online financial research firm.

Since the Depression, American government policy has encouraged homeownership as an absolute good. It protects people from increases in rent and allows them to build equity as they pay off their mortgages. And it creates stability in communities, because owners are invested in their neighbors.

But new types of loans like interest-only mortgages and cash-out refinance loans mean buyers do not pay down their mortgages. And adjustable rate mortgages, which accounted for 39 percent of mortgages written in 2006, expose owners to rent-like rises in their housing costs.

The value of homeownership, then, has increasingly shifted to the home’s likelihood to rise in value, like any other investment. And when investments go bad, people tend to walk away.

“When people don’t have skin in the game, they behave like they don’t have skin in the game,” said Karl E. Case, a professor of economics at Wellesley College, who conducts regular surveys of borrowers as a founding partner of Fiserv Case Shiller Weiss, a real estate research firm.

Though many states give banks recourse to sue borrowers for their losses, Mr. Case said, in practice it’s not often done “It’s tough to do recourse,” he said. “It’s costly, and the amount of people’s nonhousing wealth tends to be pretty slim.”

Christian Menegatti, lead analyst at RGE Monitor, said the firm predicted more homeowners would walk away from their homes if prices continued to drop, regardless of their financial circumstances. If home prices drop an additional 10 percent, Mr. Menegatti said, 20 million households will owe more than the value of their homes.

“Will everyone walk out?” he said. “No. But there’s been a cultural shift. Buying a house used to be like entering a marriage, a commitment for life. Now, if you see something better, you go back into the dating market.”

When homeowners see houses identical to their own selling for much less than they owe, Mr. Menegatti said, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see five or six million homeowners walk away.”

For Raymond Zulueta, the decision to go into foreclosure, and to hire You Walk Away, brought him peace of mind. The company assured him that in California he was not liable for his debt, and provided sessions with a lawyer and an accountant, as well as enrollment with a credit repair agency. He stopped paying his mortgage and used the money to pay down other debts.

Consumer advocates and others question the value of You Walk Away’s service.

“We are more interested in servicers and borrowers coming to mutual resolutions through loan remediation,” said Kevin Stein, associate director of the nonprofit California Reinvestment Coalition. “Even though we are not seeing good outcomes, we’re not willing to throw up our hands and say people should walk away from their homes based on the advice of a company that stands to profit from foreclosure.”

Jon Maddux, a founder of You Walk Away, said the company’s services were not for everybody and were meant as a last resort. The company opened for business in January and says it has just over 200 clients in six states.

“It’s not a moral decision,” Mr. Maddux said of foreclosure. “The moral decision is, ‘I need to pay my kids’ health insurance or my car payment so I can get to work.’ They made a bad decision, but they shouldn’t make more bad ones just because they have this loan.”

Mr. Zulueta said he felt he had let down the lender, himself, and his family.

“But you got to move on,” he said. “I know in a few years my credit’s going to be fine. If I want to get another house, it’s going to be there. I’m not the only one who went through this. I know I’m working the system, but you got to do what you got to do. There’s always loopholes.”
###

For more information on foreclosures and other Myrtle Beach, Little River, Surfside, and Pawleys Island Real Estate, visit the website for Myrtle Beach Condos . The Myrtle Beach Condo Store and staff can advise you about relocating to Myrtle Beach, oceanfront real estate, and Myrtle Beach commercial property.

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Knowing When to Hold and When to Fold with Real Estate

As 2008 begins, the mortgage problems grow worse, beach foreclosures are predicted to escalate, and now the interest rates on mortgages is rising. Many realtors say it's going to get better later in the year or at least by 2009, and just as many of the doom-sayers are saying we're on the verge of a recession and it's going to get alot worse before it gets better.

Through the end of the year I've had many investors and buyers talking about WAITING, and so sure the prices of homes are going to continue to drop. I don't agree with this in most cases, at least as it pertains to Myrtle Beach real estate. Our listings in the heart of Myrtle to the outskirts of Little River and Pawleys Island condos and homes are just about at rock bottom. They can't be sold for less than what's owed on them, and in many cases, it's to that point.

And now mortgage interest rates are rising.

In order to save a few thousand dollars, buyers are apt to cost themselves alot more when the interest rate on a 30 year mortgage jumps several percent points, and it's very likely to do just that.

Bond markets have gone down while yields have risen. With mortgage rates tied to the sale of the mortgage bonds and securities that are backed by them, they go up with the yields.

Economy gurus have reported that mortgage applications went down over 22%, purchases sank to almost 12%, and there was a drop of nearly 28% in refinancing in the last week or so. All this results in a considerable increase in the amount of your monthly payment as well as what you will eventually have to pay in full.

When the preconstruction condo market was so hot, the ones who got into it early on made HUGE profits. Another large group waited and waited, and by the time they finally did buy, it was too late, and many ended up stuck with the property they hoped to "flip". Between having to close on mortgages they were given when they really couldn't afford the payments, and the mis-use of ARM loans, thereare many, many people in a pile of trouble right now.

Why? Because they waited too long to buy. Trying to "time the market" is just like playing the roulette wheel. Not only does it not usually work, but when you lose, you lose in a big way.

This is the time. In our area especially, real estate and condos sales are very seasonal. With the spring, vacation home sales increase, and so do prices if you get the best properties. Tourists that are here on vacation fall in love with a condo and are primed to buy, and tax refunds help sales along, too. This time between winter and Easter should be best negotiation time, and may well be the lowest mortgage rates for the year.

Don't be standing on the beach wishing you had kept the pair instead of tossing them in for the flush that didn't show.

Pawleys Island Real Estate - MLS #800953 Beautiful Home!

Visit our friend and colleague on the west coast. Orange County Real Estate, Debbie Ferrari.

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Time to buy that vacation home in Myrtle Beach

What may not be good for the investors who bought condos intending to "flip" over the past couple of years, has turned into good news for buyers and investors who waited.

Condominium and home prices in Myrtle Beach have dropped considerably during 2007, although it's still higher than it was before the condo boom of 2005. Prices of real estate along Myrtle Beach's sandy coastline nearly doubled at that time, and condo sales reminded me of our twice a year run of "spots", a local small fish that migrates through and permeates our waters in October and March.

When the spots run, you can throw in an un-baited hook and pull up a fish as fast as you can take it off and throw it back again. Such was the way condo buyers hit the beaches and resorts during the 2005 craze. If you had a preconstruction condo project, and you announced it publicly, you had sales... or at least deposits for them.

Many people made a lot of money in the very early days of the rush. Building was slow and the first developments that sold out were built and skyrocketed in price. The problems began after things continued to boom. Construction companies and builders were unable to handle the business load, and began to double the building costs to get a piece of the action. Eventually their prices made it nearly impossible to finish the projects that sold originally for lower prices.

The doom-sayers started predicting bubbles long before there were any, and after a while the investors grew scared so sales began to slow. Developers who could have afforded the padded building costs became unable to sell the last few units required to obtain the bank funding. Although North and South Carolina never did have a "bubble", per se, the condo rush slowed to a trickle, and many of the projects never materialized.

Over the past 6 or 7 months, prices have dropped somewhat on Myrtle Beach condos. A 2 bedroom that was originally $70,000, and had jumped to $130-$150,000, have now leveled off to $110-$120 instead. Many of the oceanfront condos that had climbed over a half-million are back into the 400's now.

But for buyers right now, this is a great time to pick up that perfect vacation home for a solid savings...as coastal real estate will start to increase in price when summer kicks in. Most folks say in about 17 months the crunch will be over, myrtle beach real estate sales will be hot, and prices will start to climb once again.

There won't be a better time to buy than right now. Just be prepared to hold on and enjoy it for a couple of years, and you'll have an investment to take pride in.

Contact the Myrtle Beach Condo Store for your vacation condo needs. We specialize in condos and resorts from Little River to the south Strand, including Pawleys Island real estate.

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Awesome Video for Clinton and Obama Dream Team

ONLY IF IT'S CLINTON/OBAMA!!!

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Celebrity Real Estate Losers

From Forbes

Dorothy Pomerantz 02.06.08, 6:00 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - Even Hollywood's rich and famous can't avoid the housing downturn that's sweeping the nation. In Los Angeles, only 4,430 homes were sold in December, down 48% from the previous year. And prices fell 11% to an average $470,000.

Of course, celebrity homes cost much more than that. An entry-level house for an up-and-coming star costs at least $1.4 million in L.A., say experts. Realtor Barry Sloane of Sotheby's International Realty says it's the owners trying to sell homes in the $3 million to $6 million range that are having the most trouble.

"A lot of those people are involved, in one way or another, with the strike," says Sloane. "They're upgrading from lesser houses that they're having trouble selling because of the market, so it's like a domino effect."

Young rocker Avril Lavigne has had to reduce the price on her five-bedroom, six-bath house in Beverly Hills from $6.9 million to $5.8 million. The property is currently in escrow. The Hollywood Hills home is in a gated community just off Mulholland Drive, and includes a tennis court and pool. Since she put the house on the market in February 2007, two offers have fallen through. In the public listing, her agent calls the house "One of the best values on the market today."

When it comes to real estate, stars generally aren't treated any differently than other rich people.

Mark David, who runs the celebrity real estate site The Real Estalker says homes generally don't demand a premium just because a celebrity was living there. At the same time, famous buyers are unlikely to get any kind of a bargain, since sellers often push famous folks to pay full price.
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash (also known as Saul Hudson) feels he overpaid for his Spanish-style Hollywood Hills home, which has a pool, a separate gym and stunning views. He bought the house in January 2006 for $6.2 million. He sold it last December for $5.7 million.

Slash is suing his former real estate agent, claiming the house was neither as big nor as private as the agent claimed. The case is ongoing in California Superior Court.

Television star Wilmer Valderrama had to accept $200,000 less for his five-bedroom home in the relatively unfashionable Valley neighborhood of Tarzana. He sold the house in January for $1.75 million.

Johnny Carson sidekick Ed McMahon is also having real estate troubles. He put his 7,000-square-foot Beverly Hills home on the market In July 2006 for $7.7 million. He has since reduced the price three times, and the house is now selling for $5.7 million.

At the $20 million-plus end, it's not unusual for houses to stay on the market for months at a time, because there are so few potential buyers. Sloane was originally trying to privately sell a historic Neutra home on Mulholland Drive, owned by Vidal Sassoon, for $25 million. When an offer fell through, he lowered the listing to $20 million. That was a year ago.

"There's usually a waiting list for homes over $20 million," says Sloane. "Now, it's slowing down a tiny bit--for the first time in years."



Avril Lavigne
Asked For: $6.9 million Selling For: $5.8 million
The 23-year-old rocker may have finally sold her five-bedroom house in Beverly Hills. She listed the property almost a year ago for $6.9 million. After reducing the price by $1.1 million, the 6,900-square-foot home is now in escrow.
In Pictures: Homes of Celebrity Real Estate Losers
###

Myrtle Beach real estate came to a near complete halt in December. It must be a normal thing. The 2nd day of January, it's like a flood gate opens, and lasts for about 2 weeks. Then it slows a little and goes back to normal.

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Bill Clinton in Myrtle Beach, SC

Great Crowd, Great President

New Photos online at Picassa- Bill Clinton in Myrtle Beach!

Former President Bill Clinton came to the Myrtle Beach High School last night and faced a packed crowd of attentive fans. Campaigning for Hillary Clinton, he urged everyone to vote in the primary here Saturday, and outlined in great detail exactly what Hillary plans to do in office AND, unlike the others that I have listened to, he told us HOW she intends to do it.

One thing that he mentioned several times was how very serious and dangerous the economic situation is right now, and how the results of the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the real estate slowdown is going to affect every aspect of it. He spoke of "predatory lending" such as "Payday Loans" and the mortgage companies who over-charge the less affluent, who often have credit problems and other things that cause them to have to go to other sources beyond the bank mortgages at the best rates. Included in that group of sharks were the companies that over-charge on student loans and make it nearly impossible for a college student to repay their tuition loans. He said that Hillary will have a fund to help EVERY American who wants an education to be able to have one, and the payback will be based on the income from the training, instead of high interest rates. For instance, he said the payback for a teacher would be much less than for a doctor, because of the salaries earned afterwards. And he said that in some cases if the student performed in some type of public service job afterwards, the loan could even be forgiven, or condsidered paid by the service to the community. Hillary will be enacting some strict guidelines on the Payday and mortgage loan industries to monitor the abuse in those areas, he promised.

Likewise, Hillary plans to place a (5 year?) moratoriam on foreclosures, preventing the loan companies from further injuring homeowners who got tricked into using ARMs and other bad mortgages to buy their homes. Specifically, he said that "EVERY home foreclosure costs the country a quarter of a million dollars in the final damages done." This is amazingly terrible if you think about it. He said that if all the foreclosures that are impending take place, the damages be in the trillions of dollars and the economy will suffer drastic results from it.

He talked at length about Hillary's plan to take the tax cuts away from the oil companies, unless they use the money to find and implement the alternative fuel sources. To semi-quote, "If they want to produce oil along WITH solar power, wind power, and our other choices, she has no problem with it. But we MUST reduce our use of oil, and rely instead on the type of energy that we can make at home, and which is less damaging to the planet."

He said there were electric/gas cars available now that were good, but not practical because the battery could not hold up for any time period. There are batteries being developed that will be able to last longer, and we need to step up the production of them, as well as solar panels, and methods to utilize wind. And that the oil companies can use the money they get in the tax cuts to help, or we will take it from them and give them to companies and individuals who will.

He spoke the first hour in general about the things that Hillary is planning to do, and then had about an hour of question and answers from the audience. At one point, a school teacher asked about a Republican sponsored program called "No child is left behind" and what a nightmare it is to schools, teachers, and students. I'm not very familiar with this program, but I understood them to say that it spends too much time on testing, uses tests that are unproven, and is doing more damage than good to the under-performing students. He spoke at length about Hillary's reform of this program, that she was very much against it, and has spent many hours diagramming a different plan to assure that all students had the opportunity for an equal education, whether they have learning disabilities or are star pupils. As he said, Hillary's experience with the armed forces programs had taught her that achievement comes through excellence of a single company...and that right now the schools were hundreds of MINI companies, and all going their own way, instead of pooling resources for a final goal.

I wish I knew more about the education problems to better understand that, as I think it's a very important issue to Senator Clinton, but not having children, I am not up on schools and student issues. However, when he said that Hillary would banish that program, there was much applause and cheering from much of the audience.

A retired man, who was perhaps a Vietnam Vet, asked Bill what Hillary's policy would be for the many injured and problem-ridden veterans that are returning from Afghanistan and Iraq war. He spoke of the disgraceful way the Vietnam vets were treated, many with mental problems and ending up homeless on the streets. Bill became very animated on this subject, and told us this:

He said the good news with Bush's war is that many more of the soldiers lived through the fighting, and there were many less deaths than in any other war. But he said the method of fighting using car-side bombs and such had created a large number of brain-damaged veterans, and the doctors and government did not know how to treat them. He said a friend of Chelsea's came back and had been a top student at West Point, and even though he felt well after his tour, and an injury, his memory was damaged. His wife had to make notes for him to run errands, and even the directions to cross town and return. Bill then mentioned a friend of his own that had had a mental breakdown in one of the older wars after taking care of so many bodies that had been blown up and killed. He said the man afterwards had the mental capacity of a child, and that war (BUSH's WAR) caused damage and problems that we may never think about until we see it face to face. Hillary's plan is to withdraw our troops immediately, even while trying to provide protection for the civilians and Iraqi's that have aided us. He said he never understood why previous governments had not allowed the foreigners who aided us to come to our country afterwards and be afforded protection from their own countrymen who would hurt them when we left. The injured soldiers in any capacity are going to be given money and help of every kind to get them well and supplement any lack of capacity to live and earn resulting from their service.

A young student asked Bill what "guarantees Hillary could offer the young people" if she is elected. After a thoughtful moment, Bill replied that IF our government spends the time to produce a more "green" energy source, stops the pollution and global warming issues, and makes our country independent from the oil producing countries, he will guarantee that this upcoming generation and their children will live in wonderful times. He said he would love to be 40 years younger and be growing up in their time, as he felt like it was to be the most exciting and prosperous times in history. (Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek have imprinted us so well!)

Then he said, but IF things were not done, and we continued as we are now, dependent on oil and abusing the planet, that he could almost guarantee their children's lives would be bleak and dismal. A very thought-provoking answer, for sure.

He didn't do too much Bush-bashing, other than to mention several times what a serious and dangerous place that Bush had taken the country to, and how important it is to get the Democratic party in to undo the damage. One senior asked him about social security, and if Bush was using it to fund the war. Bill explained in detail that all offices have used some or all of the backup funds in social security for various things, himself included....and effectively placed IOU's in the fund to be replenished when needed. He said the generation AFTER the baby boomers was much bigger than the boomers themselves, and the funds needed for THEM to retire would be considerable. The backup funds had been sufficient and were large before the war, but now almost all government funds were spent. So, he said, the answer to your question is YES, those funds have been used for this war, and if we don't find a way to balance the deficit and replace them, we will really be in trouble.

Thankfully, nobody mentioned anything embarrassing about Bill's past problems, but he did tell a few jokes on himself, once saying, "When I was in office, the Republicans were soooo mean to me...." It was a priceless moment and he won our hearts with his cuteness.

I can't express what a dynamic, expressive, and brilliant speaker Mr. Clinton is. He doesn't read anything. He doesn't talk in rhetorical circles like Obama, and he doesn't rely on his looks and bat his eyelashes like Edwards. Hillary has the same style. Honesty, incredible intelligence and such a grasp on the country's needs and problems, and the ability to speak so that even the youngest audience member is kept interested and can understand...these are the earmarks of our Camelot Couple. I am so proud of them both, and so inspired to be in the generation that produced Hillary and Bill Clinton. Last night was a momentous part of my life, to meet this great man and shake his hand.

I have some excellent photos from Bill's appearance. As soon as I have determined where to upload them, I'll update this posting to include a link.

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Taxes on Forgiven Mortgage Deficiency Balances??

Found this in today's news and had to read it about 3 times. I'm still not sure I'm understanding it. It appears that if you are forced to let a mortgage company take your home from you...and they sell it at the notoriously low prices that they always do...and then charge off the difference instead of suing you for it, you are obligated to pay taxes on that amount as if it's income? WHAT????

According to the way I'm reading this, it is. And our (sarcasm) wonderful (/sarcasm) president is making the grand gesture of WAIVING the taxes these poor people might have had to pay. Good lord.....

Bush signs legislation to aid homeowners facing foreclosure or bankruptcy

Associated Press
Last update: December 20, 2007 - 4:18 PM

President Bush on Thursday signed a measure to provide financial relief for financially strapped homeowners facing foreclosure or in bankruptcy.

The bill gives a tax break to homeowners who have mortgage debt forgiven as part of a foreclosure or renegotiation of a loan. No taxes would be owed on the value of any debt forgiven or written off. Currently such debt forgiveness is taxable income.

"When you're worried about making your payments, higher taxes are the last thing you need to worry about," Bush said in a bill-signing ceremony. He stood along side members of his Cabinet and lawmakers who pushed the measure.

While the measure is anticipated to reduce taxes of some strapped homeowners by $650 million, the cost to the government would be offset in part by limiting a tax break available on the sale of second homes.

The bill was in response to a mortgage crisis touched off this spring by a blowup in high-priced home loans for risky borrowers, throwing a pall over the economy. Foreclosures are at record highs and late payments are spiking. Lenders have been forced out of business and investors have taken huge financial hits.

"This is going to make a happy holiday for many homeowners," Bush said of the bill moments before signing it into law.

An estimated 2 million to 2.5 million adjustable-rate mortgages _ worth some $600 billion _ will jump from low initial "teaser" rates to higher rates this year and next. Steep prepayment penalties have made it difficult for some to get out of their mortgages, and some overstretched homeowners can't afford to refinance or sell their homes.
###

We might be able to help if you are facing foreclosure on a Myrtle Beach condo or home.
Contact us before it becomes too late for alternatives.

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More Politics

Paul’s grassroots support drives campaign
By John TompkinsThe Facts

Published January 17, 2008
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Wobbling 800 feet over the beaches, hotels and homes of Myrtle Beach is the Ron Paul blimp.



Carried by 235,000 cubic feet of helium and operated by a 21-member crew, the blimp arrives to advertise the presidential hopes of the Lake Jackson congressman.

The blimp was the brainchild of Elijah Lynn, who until a couple of months ago owned an online locksmith business in Littleton, Colo. Lynn found out about Paul’s presidential campaign, left his business to a partner and joined what supporters are calling the Ron Paul Revolution.

Paul is seeking the Republican nomination for president, and his strict constitutionalist positions, including limiting governmental spending as well as eliminating federal agencies such as the IRS and the CIA, resonate with supporters.

He is the only Republican candidate who wants to pull American troops from Iraq.

Paul’s supporters run the gamut of the political and social spectrums, including military veterans, young couples, college students and retirees. Though Paul has a conservative base of support, he also has support from more liberal-minded voters because of his views on the Iraq war. Much more on this article HERE...
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I am a staunch Hillary supporter. But sadly, if she loses, and Edwards doesn't get the nomination, I'll be forced to pick a Republican. With my liberal views, it will be tough. But I do want to see the war end, and maybe this guy is the lesser of the evils.
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ResortQuest Opens in Myrtle Beach, Offering Both Lavish Lodging and Luxury Living

January 14, 2008 03:01 AM Eastern Time

Leading Vacation Rental Company, ResortQuest, to Manage a New Urban Village with Luxury Condominiums for both Vacationers and Long-term Residents; The Development Features Upscale Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ResortQuest International, Inc., a leading Vacation Rental Management and Real Estate Company, has opened operations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

ResortQuest will manage Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, residential living and Real Estate at The Market Common, a new, amenity-rich development catering to both vacationers and long-term renters who enjoy the variety and luxuries of urban living near the beach.

Developer, McCaffery Interests, designed this 114-acre multi-use site to feature the finest restaurants, retail space, entertainment establishments, and residential properties complemented by beautifully landscaped parks, lakes and a public square.

"The Market Common offers an uncommon vacation and living experience, but one that meets the high standards of our customers," says Park Brady, CEO of ResortQuest. "We've had our eye on Myrtle Beach for some time but wanted to wait for an opportunity that truly suited our brand. The Market Common is that opportunity because it offers far more than living and vacation accommodations; it offers the kind of sophisticated lifestyle experiences customers can expect at all our ResortQuest locations."

Vacationers and long-term renters have the choice of studios as well as one- and two-bedroom condominiums of up to 1500 square feet, many with separate dens. "Our stylish floor plans make it almost as much fun to stay in as to go out," says David Washburn, General Manager of ResortQuest-Myrtle Beach. "

And that's a pretty strong statement considering The Market Common is surrounded by over 100 golf courses and has world-class beaches and fishing nearby. In addition to the terrific entertainment options we'll have right here at The Market Common, we're also looking forward to having The Hard Rock theme park opening just two and a half miles away."

Vacationers and apartment seekers alike are invited to explore all the opportunities at The Market Common by getting in touch with David and his staff at 877-869-5962 or dwashburn@resortquest.com. They can also visit the ResortQuest Myrtle Beach office at 3410-A Phillis Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

About ResortQuest

ResortQuest, one of the nation's leading vacation rentals and resort real estate companies, provides a one-stop resource in North America's premier resort destinations, ResortQuest.com. ResortQuest is the largest marketer and management company of vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S. ResortQuest Real Estate is one of the nation's leading real estate companies focusing exclusively on resort properties, offering superior brokerage services in the country's premier beach, ski and golf destinations. For more information, visit ResortQuestMyrtleBeach.com or inquire with us at the Myrtle Beach Condo Store.

About McCaffery Interests
Established in 1991, McCaffery Interests is a privately held real estate asset development company specializing in the acquisition, development, leasing, and management of commercial and residential real estate properties nationwide. McCaffery Interests acquires and improves underutilized real estate assets and transforms them into developments that inspire the surrounding community, create opportunities and foster the ideals of smart urban growth and economic development. For more information, visit MccafferyInterests.com.

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Sales information should be available on the Myrtle Beach MLS at any time. Visit our Myrtle Beach Condos site and use our Personal Condo Locator to receive automated emails when new projects are listed.

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North Myrtle Beach Hillary Campaign Get Together

News > Politics Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008

Results fuel S.C. contests

By Robert Morris - The Sun News
Two comeback victories in the New Hampshire primaries Tuesday injected uncertainty into the national nominating contests that will now fuel the ever-increasing competition in South Carolina.
"A perfect political storm is brewing," said Katon Dawson, chairman of the state Republican Party. "Here it comes."

The energy that so many campaigns feel in the race to secure their party's nomination was on display Tuesday at two small primary-watching parties in Horry County.

About two dozen Hillary Clinton supporters gathered amid balloons and signs at Wild Wing Cafe in North Myrtle Beach. (That would be my local campaign group and me! :-)

When the first news report showed Clinton two points above rival Barack Obama with only 9 percent of New Hampshire precincts reporting, a cheer went up. As Clinton's lead grew with each update, the cheers grew louder.

"I would have been satisfied with second after what happened in Iowa," said Horry for Hillary organizer Cynthia McNeil, referring to Clinton's second-place finish last week

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Myrtle Beach Real Estate Sales Statistics

Taken from the NAR 3rd quarter results, November 2007.

According to the SC Board of Realtors, here are the latest figures from sales of Myrtle Beach real estate, including the area of Little River to Georgetown, SC.

The first quarter of 2006 produced 2785 sales of homes and oceanfront condos. The same in 2007 was 1904. Sales were down 31.63%.

The second quarter of 2006 had sales of homes in Myrtle Beach at 3319. The same this year was 2737. Sales were down 28.50%.

Third quarter home sales in the beach area resulted in 2611 sales. 2007 had 1912. Sales were down 26.77%.

In actual numbers of sales of Myrtle Beach area real estate, October 06 produced 814 sales, as compared to October 07 and 649 sales. Down 20.27%.

The same in November resulted in 758 in 2006 to 546 in 2007, down 27.97%.

For the year, numbers of homes and condo sales in Myrtle Beach were at 10287 in 2006 to 7384 in 2007. Total reduction of 28.22%.

Prices for the two year comparison dropped 5.67%.

What you have to consider is that in 2005, SALES skyrocketed and prices went up as much as 200%. When you add that into the equation, the sales and the price reductions in Myrtle Beach property are of very little consequence.

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Atlantic Beach "Leader" Makes the News

This is so ridiculous. It would be funnier if it didn't reflect on North Myrtle Beach because of the proximity. Everyone I showed it to was floored at her resemblance to James Brown...:-)

Arrested town councilwoman: I just needed a bathroom
By SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. --
A town councilwoman on Friday accused a police officer who arrested her of using excessive force, and said she desperately needed a bathroom when she was instead charged with resisting arrest during a traffic stop.

Retha Pierce Sturdivant, 58, was pulled over Christmas night for swerving on U.S. Highway 17 near Myrtle Beach, causing other cars to do the same to avoid collisions, according to a police report. When stopped, the Atlantic Beach mayor-elect jumped out of her van, locked the doors and told the officer she needed to go to the bathroom.

She was charged with resisting arrest, reckless driving and failing to give a signal, police said.

The officer, Robert Dale, said in a police report that Sturdivant tried to flee and ignored his commands to stop. Dale said he grabbed and arrested her.

Sturdivant disputes swerving and that she was trying to run. She said she quickly got out of her van to try to make it to a nearby hotel bathroom.

"He hollered something really harshly. I said, 'I'm about to wet my clothes.' The next thing I knew, he slinged me across the car real hard," she told The Associated Press in a phone interview.

Sturdivant, who was elected mayor by one vote last month, said she has a bladder problem.

"He actually hurt me when he pushed me up against the car. He jerked my arm behind me and put handcuffs on me too tight," she said. "It was turmoil and agony and confusion."

Horry County police have started an internal investigation, said Deputy Chief David Beaty. "She made some strong allegations against the officer," he said.

The officer remains on duty, Beaty said.

Sturdivant said she eventually wet her clothes and they had to be washed at the jail. At her request, she was taken to a hospital before being released the following day.

She said she still suffers from back and neck strain and swollen wrists.

Sturdivant said that when she told the officer she was a public official, he didn't care.

"It's not that I wanted preferential treatment or anything, but I thought that might help the situation if I let him know who I was," she said. "I said to him, 'I'm the mayor-elect of Atlantic Beach, I wouldn't do anything wrong.' He said, 'I don't care who you are.'"

Sturdivant was elected to town council last year. Her mayoral victory was challenged by the incumbent and town officials ordered a new election. Sturdivant is contesting that decision.

She would not say whether she would fight the criminal charges. She has scheduled a news conference Saturday at town hall.

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Christmas then and Christmas now...

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AFFORDABLE Myrtle Beach Condos

Cooled Seller's Market
Means a Super Deal for Buyers!

Donald Trump, the undisputed "King Of Real Estate" was being interviewed on the Larry King Live show on CNN on October 15th. Larry asked him what he thought about the real estate market at present.


Take a second to hear
his not-so-surprising answer.

Everyone was jumping to buy real estate when the heat was on and the prices had climbed. The funny thing is that now, when it's cooled down and prices are as low as they may ever be again, it's mostly the savvy professional investors who understand that THIS IS THE TIME TO BUY.

This month we want to tell you about a couple of deals that are being offered directly from the owners. These are one-of-a-kind, unusual projects that are excellent for vacation rentals, vacation homes, annual rentals, or even a nice permanent home!

Mingo at Willbrook Boulevard

Mingo at Willbrook Blvd, Litchfield Beach

Our first is a single luxury condo for sale, located in the exclusive Litchfield Beach area, in the Mingo at Willbrook Boulevard subdivision. This beautiful condo is part of a lovely village with natural lake settings, and is across Willbrook Blvd from Coastal Carolina University Extension, adjacent to the future site of a 45 acre park and recreational facility. At 1750 sq.ft., this 3 bedroom, 3 bath condominium is spacious and has every upgraded amenity you can think of...even a fireplace! Mingo has sculptured landscaping with a boardwalk, arched wooden bridges to meandor across, and of course, a beautiful pool and clubhouse.

Visit our Mingo Webpage for more information, a floorplan, and let this condo win your heart! Mingo at Willbrook Blvd is one of the finest community homesites in the entire eastern coast.

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Windsor Gardens

Windsor Gardens is a cozy condominium development located a block and a half from the beach on 76th Ave North, often called "The Golden Mile". This most northernly part of Myrtle Beach has long been a coveted location, with finer homes and resorts in more residential surroundings.

The remaining five of eight total condominiums are being offered by the owners, with appraisals on hand of $190,000. Actual prices start at $159,900, unfurnished and "as-is". This is ubelievable for anything a block from the beach!
• Brick Exterior
• 1-1/2 Blocks From Ocean
• Best Neighborhood in MB
• New Tile Floors
• All New Cabinets/Vanities
• New Appliances
• New Air System
• Completely Refurbished
• Landscaped Grounds

2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths-1100 sq.ft.
Only blocks to cafeteria, grocery and drug stores,
excellent restaurants.



These great condominiums are perfect for long term rentals or even a permanent home.

Check out the Windsor Gardens Webpage for details.
Only 5 units available! Don't wait on this one!

Visit us at The Myrtle Beach Condostore Website, and check back often.
We'll keep you up to date on the best deals to be had in Myrtle Beach.

If you haven't done so, take a few minutes to sign up for our mailing list , so you won't miss out on any exciting new Myrtle Beach real estate news.

For Information on these two properties, call:

James Cole at 843-455-6533 or
Tim Fortson at 843-602-0870
Owners/Agents

Email: James@MyrtleBeachHomeStore.com

The Myrtle Beach Condo Store
The Myrtle Beach Home Store
5307-A North Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

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Shame and Disgust on Horry County and Grand Strand

For once, I have run across something that makes me absolutely ASHAMED to live in Horry County, and even in Myrtle Beach because we are IN Horry County. There is not only no excuse for this, but it is so disgusting that the government ought to take it over immediately.

Republicans can complain all they want about Democrats wanting the feds to control everything...but this is a typical example of WHY the federal government (or Humane Society) should be controlling this type of thing.

I will say that in North Myrtle Beach, our animal shelter is wonderful. I am not sure about Myrtle Beach. But this makes me want to call in PETA and stage a release on the county shelter.
I am SO ANGRY!

Horry County shelter loses Director

Friday, Dec 07, 2007 - 05:39 PM

By Michelle Carolla
E-mail Biography
The Horry County Humane Society lost its Executive Director. The Board of Directors fired Cindy Ott, but declined to tell say why.

Humane Society President George Redman told News 13 they hope the transition won't interrupt operations.

The Carolina Forest Chronicle reported the shelter is operating at a 90-percent euthanasia rate. News 13 asked The Humane Society of the United States in DC how we compare to the rest of the country. They said rates average 75 percent or lower and that 90 percent is high.

Laura Bevan, Director of the Southeast Region of The Humane Society of the United States said, “We have received complaints about the Horry County animal shelter in the past. However, since the State of South Carolina does not regulate its animal shelters, any change to the shelter must come from within the county.

Redman said future plans for the shelter include increasing low-cost spaying and neutering, increasing adoptions and transporting animals to events to increase awareness of the shelter.

They also hope to open an adoption center on the south end of the strand and find ways to reduce euthanasia.

90 PERCENT KILL RATE??????????????????

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Smokers Get the Boot Again - In Real Estate Now

Trust California to start something like this...I'd be that much more challenged to smoke one way or the other...:-) When condos in Myrtle Beach start this, I'll be on the war-path. Thank god most beach condos have balconies.

Prometheus Real Estate Group Leads Trend Towards Non-smoking Apartments
Posted: 11/27/2007 12:00 AM

SAN MATEO, CA --
Award-winning Owner and Developer of Residential Property Takes Stand to Eliminate Fire and Health Dangers Caused by Smoking /PRNewswire/ --

Prometheus Real Estate Group has implemented a non-smoking policy for all its new multi-family development communities. The company is among the first leading apartment owners to implement the policy in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"100% of Prometheus' new development communities will be non-smoking in the future," said Rod Standard, Senior Vice President of Property Management Services. "We certainly hope that this trend will catch on and we will see widespread adoption of non-smoking policies."

In the San Francisco Bay Area, Prometheus Real Estate Group has implemented smoke-free communities at 550 Moreland, a new 430-unit multi-family project in Santa Clara and the Icon at Doyle and Icon at Park, 81 units in Emeryville. Also smoke-free is the new 123-unit luxury community 128 on State in Kirkland, Washington.

Opening smoke-free in late December is the new Portland, Oregon luxury apartment community, The Wyatt, owned by Sobrato development Co. and managed by Prometheus Real Estate Group. The Wyatt is a 245-unit building located in Portland's Pearl District.

The policy bans smoking inside apartment units and common areas, including balconies and patios, and within 25 feet of the building. Prospective residents must sign a no-smoking agreement upon leasing a unit and will be responsible for enforcing the policy within their apartments.

According to a recent U.S. Surgeon's Report, there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoke-free apartments also greatly lower the risk of fire and help minimize cleaning and maintenance costs with savings available to be passed on to residents. Smoke-free apartments also create a healthier environment for adults and children with chronic illnesses such as asthma or lung disease.

"The policy has been received very well by our residents," says Nancy Whelan, Director of Property Management Services for Prometheus in Northern California, "It is something people want and view as a positive for their community and the larger environment as a whole."

For existing multi-family communities, the policy will be implemented building by building with consideration for residents who have already signed a lease without the non-smoking provision. Non-smoking policies will eventually affect new leases for existing properties with the timeline for phase-in determined by each owner and local market demand.

According to the The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing, a California Department of Health Services project of the American Lung Association of California:

-- 40% of California's housing stock is composed of multi-unit residences according to the 2000 Census.
-- 70% of apartment residents support non-smoking sections in apartment buildings.

About Prometheus Estate Group
Prometheus is the largest private owner of multi-family communities in the San Francisco Bay Area with more than 18,000 housing units planned or underway in California and the Pacific Northwest. Prometheus Real Estate Group specializes in the acquisition, development and management of high quality residential and commercial properties.

For more information visit http://www.prometheusreg.com/ and http://www.californialung.org/.
CONTACT: Rod Standard, Senior Vice President of Prometheus Real Estate Group,
+1-650-931-3436,
rstandard@prometheusreg.com

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New Myrtle Beach Resorts

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Real Estate Values from Forbes?

Undervalued Markets?? Wow! Come to Myrtle Beach!

Forbes magazine has identified five cities where the economy is roaring but home prices are still moderate. MODERATE? By whose standards, I wonder?

You can buy one of the finest 2-3 bedroom Myrtle Beach oceanfront condos around for under a half million...WELL under, in many cases. I would say the average brand new North Myrtle Beach home about 3 blocks from the ocean will run less than $400K. Granted you aren't going to get a huge lot for that price...but who cares when you can walk to the beach?

Anyway, here is what Forbes considers a great bargain...

Charlotte, N.C.-
Forbes says this is one of the cheapest markets in the country on a per-square-foot basis. It is a career hub, and the market is still strong there...but it's not a "pretty" place to live. Not unless you can afford to be on Lake Norman. And that is probably a good bit more than what Forbes says a typical four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home on a quarter of an acre is selling for - about $550,000. Not my idea of living in paradise.

San Francisco-
The technology and biotech sectors of the economy in the Bay Area continue to grow and there is no build up of housing inventory here. A typical four- bedroom, two-bath home sells for about $800,000. Now they have beauty...but all those HILLS! And if you are morally objectional to alternate sexual lifestyles, this won't be your favorite place...:-)

Seattle-
Seattle missed the condo boom because multi-family residential construction was slow in Seattle in 2002 and 2003. Now, Seattle condo real estate values are climbing at the fastest pace of any condo market in the country, according to Radar Logic, a real estate research firm. An attractive two-bedroom, two-bath, downtown condo property with panoramic views of city and Elliott Bay is selling for about $1 million. Now...let's take into consideration that you will spend over half the year enjoying rainy weather. And the winters are brutal. And I swear, I read somewhere many years ago that something like 80% of all the serial killers that are known are from Seattle!

Boston-
The housing market in the trendy Back Bay has slowed, while Boston’s downtown and waterfront areas are attracting buyers interested in living near its booming tech businesses.

A one-bedroom, one-bath condo with a view of Boston Harbor sells for less than $650,000.

One bedroom for $600K???? Yikes! And I'm not sure about this, but it seems like I remember hearing the crime rate in Boston is nothing to twirl a switchblade at. And those cold winters??

New York City-

We have a video of Donald Trump that I recorded off the Larry King Live show...and Trump elaborates on how Manhattan is in a world of its own as far as the real estate market is concerned. He says it's hotter than a firecracker right now. Forbes says a condo in a pre-World War I building with two bedrooms and one bath in the Financial District is selling for about $750,000. OUCH. But I guess if you enjoy a place like New York, and you have to work there, that's pretty good news. I guess...

Now, how about the closest thing to Paradise if you don't count Florida and some of the Caribbean Islands? Myrtle Beach is the place, compared to what I've read above. Our market is slow right now...all the better for a smart buyer! But you can have a luxury oceanfront penthouse in the fanciest Myrtle Beach resort for about the same price as that 2 bedroom yucky building that overlooks a dirty sidewalk in New York.

You can wake every morning to the salt air and the seagulls calling, too. Granted we don't have the nearby techo-jobs that pay in the 6 figure ballpark. But our cost of living is less. And there are plenty of jobs if you've a mind to look.

And if you can't afford a half million dollars, find a nice 3 bedroom home 3 or 4 rows off the boulevard and move in for around $300,000. Move out a mile from the beach and get a beautiful golf course condo from $100K to $250K. Look hard and you can find a one bedroom around for under a hundred thousand.

Our winters are mild. Our summers are HOT. Our springs and falls are heavenly. I think we've got attractions that rival anywhere except maybe downtown Manhattan.

Maybe the Forbes people need to pay us a visit!

Source of figures: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (11/13/2007), and Realtor.org (11/26/2007).
Opinion by Myrtle Beach Web Design

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Myrtle Beach Golf Season Thrives With Condo Rentals and Entertainment

With golf being one of its biggest attractions, vacationers are enjoying an endless supply of new and renovated condominiums and resorts that offer Myrtle Beach golf packages. Condolux Vacations of North Myrtle Beach takes the season in stride, with the best choice of vacation condo rentals ever offered along the Strand.

Myrtle Beach, SC (PRWEB) November 17, 2007 -- In spite of cooler weather, Myrtle Beach, and for golfers, North Myrtle Beach, continues to draw thousands of vacationers daily. The two towns are definitely taking strides to encourage and accommodate the more discriminating tourism market that has developed from the recent condo boom. The higher priced restaurants are popping up everywhere, and the days of "all-you-can-eat", all-fried, seafood and cheap country buffets are finding their biggest competitors are the smaller portion gourmet restaurants such as Bonefish Grill and Carrabbas.

Likewise, the resorts are first class, offering fine amenities that rival anything Miami or Tampa, Florida might present. North Myrtle Beach has some of the most luxurious accommodations in the area, from the grand new Prince Resort in Cherry Grove to its traditional upscale condominiums such as Bay Watch Resort, The Ashworth, Avista Resort, and even the new Barefoot Resort ... which is built around its legendary Greg Norman golf courses. Intracoastal Waterway resorts such as Barefoot are in the horizon to become as popular as oceanfront condos as well.

Condolux of North Myrtle Beach, in conjunction with NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com has become the premiere source of Myrtle Beach golf packages destinations, offering the biggest choice of luxury condos and golf courses anywhere. With over 90 courses available, and reduced prices on golf packages for 2008, golfers can enjoy some of the biggest savings ever offered in vacation and golfing combinations.



Aside from the extravagant Barefoot and Prince Resorts, Condolux golf packages now offer new resorts that include:Malibu Pointe in Crescent Beach, NMB -- a beautiful ocean view mid-rise, with spacious 3 and 4 bedroom villas that are perfect for golfing groups that want to share costs.

Bayview Resort in Myrtle Beach -- one of the most popular new oceanfront resorts for 2007. Bayview's central location at 5th Ave and Ocean Boulevard make it convenient to all of Myrtle Beach's restaurants and shopping ... from Broadway at the Beach to the Carolina Opry.

The Caribbean Resort in Myrtle Beach -- Already one of the biggest and best in Myrtle, the Caribbean has undergone an eight million dollar renovation, and has to be one of the finest resorts around, with unmatched water amenities and its next-door location to the Sea Captain's House, historically one of the absolute favorite seafood restaurants in the entire Grand Strand.

To compliment the finest accommodations anywhere, Condolux has special custom golf packages at the lowest rates to be found -- with golf, room, and maid service starting at $299 per golfer. There are even no surcharges on many of the courses with lower PM rounds.

While most resorts include indoor heated pools, lazy rivers, jacuzzis and fitness rooms, those who like a more private setting can enjoy one of Condolux's large luxury Myrtle Beach beach houses. Larger groups in particular can find tremendous savings and all the convenience of home in any of the beautiful oceanfront and ocean view houses that include golfing packages.

Visit the Condolux website to see photos and view the accommodations, and the all-new North Myrtle Beach Golf.com for package specials and golf course details.
Leave the snow and ice behind and take a Myrtle Beach vacation for your retreat this winter or spring!

Condolux Beach and Golf Vacations of North Myrtle Beach
1610 Hwy 17 North
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Toll Free 1-800-624-6418

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Whistler Accommodations Website Review

Here is another Review-Me Review of a really good website!

Aloha Whistler Accommodations

Having never been to Canada, I am not familiar with British Columbia, or the Whistler Village at Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. I found exploring this website to be quite interesting, and if I were looking for a new place to go for a ski vacation, the site is certainly a great place to go.

The Aloha Whistler describes itself as follows, on the very informative About Us page...

Celebrating 27 years managing signature Whistler homes and providing memorable
vacations, we are a family owned and operated full-service property management
company. At Aloha Whistler, we are happy with nothing less than the best vacation experience for our guests, and worry-free management for our homeowners.

That would inspire me to feel as though they were a very legitimate accommodations provider, and took pride in their services and customer satisfaction. From here, I would further explore the website to see what types of properties they offer and how they look.

Accommodations
Aloha offers luxury homes, condos, and townhouses at the ski resort, and has an excellent search and browse feature that is perfect for scanning to find the type of place you are looking for.



In the top navigation of each page, you can choose by type of accommodation, Condos, Houses, etc, or on this main page above, you can glance over photos and choose by the location and name of the place you'd like to stay. When you follow the link in each thumbnail, you get a detailed page on the resort, with listed amenities, great photos of exterior and interior rooms, a map, and even a virtual tour. Definately all you could ask for can be found in the great descriptions this website offers of its luxury properties.

There are actual HOMES that are as splendid as any chateau found in the best ski resorts anywhere. They include fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, fabulous scenic vistas to enjoy with huge windows, and bedrooms from 3 to 7 or 8.



Is this impressive, or what?

Equally so, are the luxury condos and townhouses with the same excellent amenities, but providing more of a vacation or hotel ambiance.



Area Information
Aside from the detailed accommodations listings, the Aloha website offers a great informational page on the Whistler area, listing news and events, travel information such as directions and maps, conference facility information, recreational activities, and services such as catering, child care, and the like. In short, the website will teach you just about all you need to know about planning a vacation in the Whisler Village.

The website itself is easy on the eyes, easy to navigate, and very pleasing to travel on from page to page. Fabulous photos and videos await the potential vacationer, and it's just plain FUN to visit and learn all about the location and the accommodations! As much as I prefer the warm beaches and have never been snow ski-ing, it actually makes me consider taking a winter vacation trip!

In summary, this is a great website to use in planning a ski trip, and I consider it a valuable tool for anyone who might like to visit this beautiful part of Canada. As hotels become less and less popular, and vacationers choose to stay in a beautiful home or condo instead, these types of accommodations are the preferred choice. It is VERY necessary to choose your location carefully, and websites such as this are the best way to research.

Again, the site is located at http://www.alohawhistler.com/
A great vacation site to visit!

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