Thinking of Buying in North Myrtle Beach? Here are some great stats that may be useful.....
Population 14,783
Median Household Income $48,048
Average household Income $60,041
Average January High Temperature 55.60ºF
Average January Low Temperature 32.90ºF
Average July High Temperature 89.50ºF
Average July Low Temperature 69.40ºF
Average Home Sale Price $244,624
For more information on North Myrtle Beach please call 843-663-5663, for a RE/MAX at The Coast Agent~
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
What is my house worth?
If you're selling your house, one of the first steps you'll take is setting an asking price, a maneuver that requires the ability to find the perfect balance between attracting solid offers and ultimately receiving top dollar.
If you're working with a Realtor or other industry professional, you'll probably hear talk of fair market value, which typically means the highest value an educated buyer will pay. Fair market value is usually not the asking price.
Many agents will begin by conducting a competitive market analysis of your house and give you an estimate of the fair market value of your home, which is a range that will fluctuate depending on the housing market in your area and how much similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for.
While overpricing to some degree can be beneficial, you'll still want to be careful and avoid pricing your home too high, which almost always is nonproductive.
As you work with your agent and set your price, you'll want to recognize the factors that may prompt you to raise your asking price too much when it isn't warranted. Some of those factors include:
Upgrades have been added. While many home improvements will help you recoup a good chunk of your investment, it won't give you 100 percent of what you paid. Also, the more personal the improvement—a swimming pool, a sunroom, purple floors—the less likely it will be viewed favorably by potential buyers.
The need for money.
You're moving to a higher-priced area.
The original purchase price was too high.
The seller lacks factual comparable sales to prove what the market value is.
The seller wants bargaining room (listing more than 1-3 percent above market value actually reduces bargaining power).
An unnecessary move, so you're not motivated.
On the other hand, if you're in a neutral or buyer's market, like in Minneapolis, you'll really need to be cautious in setting your price.
"While a few select neighborhoods are experiencing good activity, the market generally is favoring buyers," said Mary Jo Oren, a Realtor in Minneapolis, Minn. "Price reductions are becoming more common and sellers are having a tough time adjusting to fewer offers, fewer multiple offers and increased market time to sell. Buyers are less emotional and not afraid to offer significantly less than list price plus ask for additional seller participation."
Generally, the asking price—the price advertised when it goes on the market—is set slightly higher than market value, usually 1 to 3 percent above market value.
You should assume that negotiation will be necessary to reach an agreement with the buyer. If you price your home too much above market value, you'll get fewer showings and offers in which the potential buyer is fishing to determine how low you'll go.
You'll want to establish your priority list: Are you more concerned with selling quickly or getting the most money possible? You'll also want to contemplate whether you think the agent's suggested price is reasonable and whether you'd pay that amount if you were a buyer.
Your agent, as well as friends, relatives, and neighbors, will help you point out your house's advantages and disadvantages that you may not have thought about because you're too close to the house and not as objective as others.
A third party will help you think of your house as a commodity—something with positive and negative selling points. At that point you can decide on a price that you deem competitive and in line what other houses in your area have sold for.
Copyright © by Realty Times
If you're working with a Realtor or other industry professional, you'll probably hear talk of fair market value, which typically means the highest value an educated buyer will pay. Fair market value is usually not the asking price.
Many agents will begin by conducting a competitive market analysis of your house and give you an estimate of the fair market value of your home, which is a range that will fluctuate depending on the housing market in your area and how much similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for.
While overpricing to some degree can be beneficial, you'll still want to be careful and avoid pricing your home too high, which almost always is nonproductive.
As you work with your agent and set your price, you'll want to recognize the factors that may prompt you to raise your asking price too much when it isn't warranted. Some of those factors include:
Upgrades have been added. While many home improvements will help you recoup a good chunk of your investment, it won't give you 100 percent of what you paid. Also, the more personal the improvement—a swimming pool, a sunroom, purple floors—the less likely it will be viewed favorably by potential buyers.
The need for money.
You're moving to a higher-priced area.
The original purchase price was too high.
The seller lacks factual comparable sales to prove what the market value is.
The seller wants bargaining room (listing more than 1-3 percent above market value actually reduces bargaining power).
An unnecessary move, so you're not motivated.
On the other hand, if you're in a neutral or buyer's market, like in Minneapolis, you'll really need to be cautious in setting your price.
"While a few select neighborhoods are experiencing good activity, the market generally is favoring buyers," said Mary Jo Oren, a Realtor in Minneapolis, Minn. "Price reductions are becoming more common and sellers are having a tough time adjusting to fewer offers, fewer multiple offers and increased market time to sell. Buyers are less emotional and not afraid to offer significantly less than list price plus ask for additional seller participation."
Generally, the asking price—the price advertised when it goes on the market—is set slightly higher than market value, usually 1 to 3 percent above market value.
You should assume that negotiation will be necessary to reach an agreement with the buyer. If you price your home too much above market value, you'll get fewer showings and offers in which the potential buyer is fishing to determine how low you'll go.
You'll want to establish your priority list: Are you more concerned with selling quickly or getting the most money possible? You'll also want to contemplate whether you think the agent's suggested price is reasonable and whether you'd pay that amount if you were a buyer.
Your agent, as well as friends, relatives, and neighbors, will help you point out your house's advantages and disadvantages that you may not have thought about because you're too close to the house and not as objective as others.
A third party will help you think of your house as a commodity—something with positive and negative selling points. At that point you can decide on a price that you deem competitive and in line what other houses in your area have sold for.
Copyright © by Realty Times
Monday, July 26, 2010
Long Drive in North Myrtle Beach SC!
Since 1995, RE/MAX International has been the title sponsor for the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship – golf's premier power event and a major international competition. And each year, the eight-month-long global event results in millions of impressions.
The goal of RE/MAX International's participation in Long Drive is to generate exposure for the RE/MAX network and brand through a unique sporting event. The program provides golfers the opportunity to take their best shot at becoming the RE/MAX World Long Drive champion and sharing in the $550,000 purse. In 2008, more than 40 million consumers viewed the RE/MAX name and Hot Air Balloon logo. More than 10 million fans watched the December finals on ESPN and its international affiliates.
On the local level, RE/MAX brokerages and Associates often host qualifying events at little or no cost to themselves, also resulting in spectacular public exposure. It makes a big impression on customers and prospects, and each event is an excellent showcase for the RE/MAX Balloon and other marketing items that enhance an office's professional image.
Join us this weekend at Barefoot Landing for the Long Drive Championship.
Get The House Ready!
Are you debating selling your house, do not feel as if you can get your home ready to be put on the market? It seems like a ton of work to do, the cleaning, the short notices. I will be posting some ideas with a little help from REALTOR.com to help you come over the fence to get your home ready for the perfect buyer!
A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained.
From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:
how much should you spend exterior and curb appeal preparing the interior How much should you spend in preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:
Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
Clean and align gutters.
Inspect and clean the chimney.
Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.
Re-seal an asphalt driveway.
Keep your garage door closed.
Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
Maximizing interior appeal
Giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork. Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems.
Repairing dripping faucets and showerheads. Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.
Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.
A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained.
From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:
how much should you spend exterior and curb appeal preparing the interior How much should you spend in preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:
Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
Clean and align gutters.
Inspect and clean the chimney.
Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.
Re-seal an asphalt driveway.
Keep your garage door closed.
Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
Maximizing interior appeal
Giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork. Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems.
Repairing dripping faucets and showerheads. Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.
Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.
Now is the time to buy!
The deals in North Myrtle Beach are hard to pass by especially if you are looking for a small condo for your second home or even for your permanent home. Who would not want a nice condo on or near the beach? Here are some great deals here on the beach.
*1br 1ba 501-550 square feet for $33,500, this condo is located in the Crescent Beach area of North Myrtle Beach. On site pool and golf cart parking available. Condo comes with all appliances.
*Efficiency in North Myrtle Beach. Great Investment! This is not a foreclosure! $40,000 for a efficiency 1 bath 401-450 square foot. Close to all North Myrtle Beach has to offer, and located at North Myrtle Beach Golf & Tennis Community.
Please call RATC for more information of these great deals, or other deals out there! Now is the time to buy!
*1br 1ba 501-550 square feet for $33,500, this condo is located in the Crescent Beach area of North Myrtle Beach. On site pool and golf cart parking available. Condo comes with all appliances.
*Efficiency in North Myrtle Beach. Great Investment! This is not a foreclosure! $40,000 for a efficiency 1 bath 401-450 square foot. Close to all North Myrtle Beach has to offer, and located at North Myrtle Beach Golf & Tennis Community.
Please call RATC for more information of these great deals, or other deals out there! Now is the time to buy!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Report: June Home Sales Up 7.2%
The RE/MAX Monthly Housing Report shows that U.S. home sales rose 7.2 percent in June over May. The U.S. Homebuyer Tax Credit brought a lot of buyers out last fall and again this spring, which stimulated sales during that time period.
While that heightened volume cannot be sustained, home sales and prices still remain higher than last year due to historically low interest rates and the lowest home prices seen in years. The monthly survey of 54 metropolitan areas also reveals that closed transactions in June were 5.6 percent higher and that prices rose 3.5 percent when compared to June 2009.
“There’s no question, the tax credit has had a significant impact on this market,” says RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. “No one can predict the future, and we may still see a slight pull back, but for right now it appears that housing is holding its own, hopefully on the road to a sustainable recovery.”
Responding to demand, home prices appear to be stabilizing and slowly inching higher. The weighted average of all median sales prices for June was $211,530.
story from www.remax.net
While that heightened volume cannot be sustained, home sales and prices still remain higher than last year due to historically low interest rates and the lowest home prices seen in years. The monthly survey of 54 metropolitan areas also reveals that closed transactions in June were 5.6 percent higher and that prices rose 3.5 percent when compared to June 2009.
“There’s no question, the tax credit has had a significant impact on this market,” says RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. “No one can predict the future, and we may still see a slight pull back, but for right now it appears that housing is holding its own, hopefully on the road to a sustainable recovery.”
Responding to demand, home prices appear to be stabilizing and slowly inching higher. The weighted average of all median sales prices for June was $211,530.
story from www.remax.net
Friday, July 2, 2010
Close by Sept. 30 to Receive Homebuyer Tax Credit
Close by Sept. 30 to Receive Homebuyer Tax Credit
U.S. homebuyers who are eligible for a Homebuyer Tax Credit have until Sept. 30 to close the transaction and receive the credit.
Congress has extended the closing deadline, which had been June 30, by three months. The action affects an estimated 180,000 homebuyers who, because of circumstances beyond their control, had been unable to close on their purchase by the original deadline.
One factor in the backlog is that many of these transactions are Short Sales that often require extended time to complete.
RE/MAX has more than 15,000 agents specially trained in working with Short Sales and in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Buyers who secured a purchase contract by April 30 are eligible to receive the credit. This is money that never has to be repaid, provided you live in the home for three years.
Qualified first-time buyers can receive a credit of 10 percent of the home price up to $8,000. You are considered a first-time buyer if neither you nor your spouse has owned a principal residence in the U.S. in the last three years. Homebuyers who owned and lived in their principal residence for five consecutive years of the last eight are eligible for a credit of up to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $6,500.
The National Association of Realtors estimates that 4.4 million people have received the credit since it was made nonrefundable in 2009. That includes 2.9 million first-time buyers and 1.5 million repeat buyers.
Other facts about the Homebuyer Tax Credit:
The upper income limit to receive the full credit is $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.
If the purchase price is more than $800,000, you are not eligible for the credit.
You can apply the credit to the 2009 or 2010 tax years. There is no minimum income for claiming the credit. You qualify for the full credit even if you won’t owe any taxes for 2009 or 2010.
information from: WWW.RE/MAX.com
Thinking of joining a RE/MAX please go to: www.joinremax.com
U.S. homebuyers who are eligible for a Homebuyer Tax Credit have until Sept. 30 to close the transaction and receive the credit.
Congress has extended the closing deadline, which had been June 30, by three months. The action affects an estimated 180,000 homebuyers who, because of circumstances beyond their control, had been unable to close on their purchase by the original deadline.
One factor in the backlog is that many of these transactions are Short Sales that often require extended time to complete.
RE/MAX has more than 15,000 agents specially trained in working with Short Sales and in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Buyers who secured a purchase contract by April 30 are eligible to receive the credit. This is money that never has to be repaid, provided you live in the home for three years.
Qualified first-time buyers can receive a credit of 10 percent of the home price up to $8,000. You are considered a first-time buyer if neither you nor your spouse has owned a principal residence in the U.S. in the last three years. Homebuyers who owned and lived in their principal residence for five consecutive years of the last eight are eligible for a credit of up to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $6,500.
The National Association of Realtors estimates that 4.4 million people have received the credit since it was made nonrefundable in 2009. That includes 2.9 million first-time buyers and 1.5 million repeat buyers.
Other facts about the Homebuyer Tax Credit:
The upper income limit to receive the full credit is $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.
If the purchase price is more than $800,000, you are not eligible for the credit.
You can apply the credit to the 2009 or 2010 tax years. There is no minimum income for claiming the credit. You qualify for the full credit even if you won’t owe any taxes for 2009 or 2010.
information from: WWW.RE/MAX.com
Thinking of joining a RE/MAX please go to: www.joinremax.com
Home for the Cure
HOME FOR THE CURE
Local RE/MAX Agent Sells Homes to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Local RE/MAX agent Eileen Henriksen of RE/MAX at the Coast is taking part in the Home for the Cure program, a RE/MAX initiative, and pledges to make regular donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure after helping customers sell a home or find their perfect place. “The Home for the Cure program includes the opportunity to market a property as a Home for the Cure. Home sellers can choose to add a Home for the Cure sign rider to the RE/MAX sign in their yard, which signals to potential buyers that Susan G. Komen for the Cure will receive a donation from the agent when the home sale is complete.
RE/MAX is a proud national sponsor of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and has supported the fight against breast cancer since 2002. To contact Eileen Henriksen and find out more about her services, call 843-424-8559 or email at eileen.henriksen@remax.net.
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