Saturday, October 30, 2010

What Does It Take to Sell a Myrtle Beach Home?


I get this question everyday from property owners who are thinking of selling or from owners who have attempted to sell a home and failed. Selling a home in Myrtle Beach is not as difficult as most people think. Follow these few steps and you are on your way to a successful transaction.
  1. Hire an agent with a proven track record. You have to take the experience of the agent seriously. This transaction is too important to do friends a favor, or just hire a random agent that you meet at a grocery store.
  2. Property Condition is more important today than ever before. There is a lot of competition in the market today, so think of your property as being in a beauty pageant. You don't have to refurb a property but at least put it in the best condition possible.
  3. Price is going to be critical. You don't need to give it away, yet you have to make sure that you are competitive in today's market. Look at the research and balance your goal of price with your goals of time.
  4. You must have an agent that has an agressive Marketing Strategy. This is not a market where the agent can list it and forget it. Successful real estate transactions are the result of an active marketing plan. Make sure the agent you choose has a plan before you get started.
Now you know what it takes to get a property sold. At Century 21 The Harrelson Group, we know what it takes to get it sold and we have the marketing strategy to pull it off.  We are your source for Myrtle Beach Real Estate.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Myrtle Beach Short Sales on the Rise

The recent halt in foreclosures in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand area has drawn a lot of attention to short sales. In the past, realtors and investors would avoid working on a short sale because the transaction was difficult and unpredictable.

Today, selling and buying short sales is on the rise due to a few simple factors:
  1. Banks are cooperating. There are advantages for the bank to approve short sales versus taking properties back via foreclosure. It saves the bank money.
  2. Short Sales are a faster approach to getting bad assets off  Bank's books.
  3. The temporary halt of foreclosures pushes buyers and realtors to these listings.
  4. Banks are getting their processes down. What was once a very confusing transaction is now much more predictable. The process is getting easier.
As you can see, there are many advantages for a bank to approve a short sale, making this a much better option then foreclosure for owners who are in distress. If it makes financial sense for the bank to negotiate then that is what they will do. The Bank is interesting in doing what is best for them and approving the short sale is likely the right decision.

In addition, real estate agents are more educated and informed of the short sale process making it a smoother transaction for the buyers and sellers.

If you are an investor looking to buy quality properties at a discount then you must consider Myrtle Beach short sales. Good foreclosure deals are drying up fast.

If you are a property owner that is having a hard time making your payments. Now is the time to process a short sale. The banks are starting to deal.

At Century 21 The Harrelson Group, we are trained, certified, and have years of experience in handling distressed transactions. We can advise you on how to navigate through these transactions.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Property Tax Re-Assessments

A Note From Greg Harrelson
As most of you are aware, Horry County has just completed the property tax re-assessment for all investment and permanent properties. Most of you have received the letter that says in bold..."This is not a Tax Bill". If you have not seen this notice then it is likely sitting in your mailbox right now. It is important that you review this notice so you will know exactly where you stand. I have been getting calls all week from owners like you that are unhappy with the results of the new tax value.

To continue C21 The Harrelson Group's commitment of providing valuable real estate information to owners of Myrtle Beach Real Estate, I will address the main concern that I have heard this week. You may have the same concern and this will give you clarity.  Or you may have different concerns that I may be able to answer through a direct email.

Recent concern..."My property's value has decreased yet my tax value has increased, how does this happen?"

First of all, tax re-assessment is not an easy task to complete by the county, due to the amount of properties that they deal with.   Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible for the assessor to physically look inside every property nor are they likely to do a single evaluation of your property. This doesn't mean that they are failing at their job...it means that for the most accurate information to be considered, you have to be responsible for doing your own research and ask them to reconsider the value.

The Assessors Office understands that there will be many owners disputing their new value. In many cases, the dispute will result in a reduction of tax value, saving you money on your tax bill. Of course, there will be times when they deny the dispute and no change is granted.

Instead of trying to make sense out of something that is so often misunderstood, I suggest you immediately do the following:
  1. Review the recent sales and market value of your property.
  2. Compare it to the re-assessment value.
  3. If you see a substantial discrepancy, consider filing an appeal.
Here's how I can help you:
  • I can provide the sales activity for the past 12 months. (This will help determine if you are likely to win a dispute)
  • I can email you the official Appeal paperwork that is required.

Besides being a Realtor in Myrtle Beach,  I am also a property owner who has to deal with the same issues as you. As always, I am committed to being your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Resource, and I hope that you find this information helpful.

I am always happy to speak with a property owner or prospective buyer, and I invite you to email or call me with any questions you have concerning a home or condo on the Grand Strand.

Some other pages on our website that you might find helpful:

Have a happy and prosperous year!
Greg Harrelson
(843) 457-7816