five steps buyers should take before buying a home

The rates are perfect....Whats next? Please follow these steps for a perfect home buying process.

Step 1. Find a Local Lender You Can Talk To in Person

Local lenders understand your market and know of loan programs that might be beneficial to you. Check with your lender on any local programs that might help with closing costs or in other ways. Even though the media have pronounced the 100-percent-financing option dead, this is not always the case. Check it out for yourself and then get preapproved for a loan so you know how much house you're able to buy.

Step 2. Be Specific in the Area You Want To Live

Educate yourself. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods you're interested in, the taxes and school districts. This not only helps you narrow down your search when you need to move fast, but also helps you figure out potential mortgage payments. Search for homes in your desired neighborhoods.

Step 3. Find an Agent Specializing in the Area You Want to Live

This will save you time and effort. Once you've identified an agent, trust him or her to do the job. Agents who are thriving in this challenging market have proven their worth. They have the resources and skills to help you find your next home.

Step 4. Don't Shy Away From Houses That Need Some Work

Just because a house needs some paint or cosmetic fixes doesn't mean it's not a good buy. Most real estate agents have an address book full of trusted businesses they work with to help you fix up your new home. There’s a HUD program known as 203(k) that enables you to fold repair money into a primary mortgage; ask a RE/MAX agent in your market about the program. Read more about the 203(k) program.

Step 5. Be Prepared To Act

Sometimes the first home you see is the right one for you. Don't discount it. Remember, good deals still go fast. Take advantage of the electronic tools your real estate agent has to offer. In many instances, real estate agents have access to better information than what you can find in a standard Internet search.

From remax.net

Mortgage rates at lowest point since at least 1971

Thinking about buying a home? Now is the perfect time! I just saw this article on Yahoo the mortgage rates are a all time low!

The average rate for 30-year fixed loans sank to 4.69 percent, from 4.75 percent last week, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday.

That's the lowest point since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in April 1971. The previous record of 4.71 percent was set in December. Rates for 15-year and five-year mortgages also hit lows.

If you or anyone you know has been looking for that perfect home please call one of out highly trained motivated agents today at 843-663-5663.

RE/MAX at The Coast's Mission Statement

To provide the most up to date and professional real estate service to our associates, visitors and residents of the Grand Strand.

Sun Fun Festival Myrtle Beach SC

Pictures from the 2010 Sun Fun Festival!

Little River Condo's for sale

If you are looking for a 2nd home at the beach look no futher! Close to North Myrtle Beach. This condo is priced at $26,900. Please call RE/MAX at the Coast at 843-663-5663 for more information.

Sales agent for May

May sales agent Peggy Weaver

Sales agent for May

O'Neal Bourne listing agent for the month of May.

May Listing agent

Scott Ellis Listing agent for May

2010 Real Trends 500

RE/MAX leads the competition by all measures; number of brockerages, transactions side, agent productivity and sales volume.

Based on transaction sides, RE/MAX brokerages hold 24% of all positions or 122 of the top 500 brokerages.

May Listing and Sales agent of the Month

The Listing agent for the month of May was Scott Ellis and the sales agent for the month of May is a tie between Peggy Weaver & O'Neal Bourne. Congratulations to these agents for a great month!

RE/MAX Makes Cameo in 'Sex and the City 2

All the fashion stars return for "Sex and the City 2," including Manolo and Dior. And RE/MAX becomes the latest brand to be featured in the smash-hit TV and movie franchise.

The RE/MAX Balloon appears in a TV commercial as characters Carrie Bradshaw and John "Mr. Big" Preston channel surf before bedtime.

The highly anticipated film opened Thursday in 30 countries, and is expected to keep pace with ticket sales of the first "Sex and the City" movie, which earned more than $415 million worldwide, according to Reuters.

HERO Entertainment Marketing offers RE/MAX opportunities for valuable exposure by providing branded props and accessories to movie and TV crews for use in television and film productions. RE/MAX signs, magnets, coffee mugs and notepads have appeared in movies such as the indie film "Ping Pong Playa," "Lakeview Terrace" and "The Tooth Fairy."

from www.remax.net