Garden City Beach Real Estate

Offering a more relaxed pace of life than Myrtle Beach to the north, Garden City has developed its own unique aura over the past few decades, with extensive renovations and rebuilding after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It may have some of the most unique homes to be found on the Grand Strand.

Still unincorporated, the community and its exceptional beach are located between Murrells Inlet and Surfside Beach. On the southern tip, it just “becomes” Murrells Inlet as you drive along. Beach houses and condos are the typical homes found here, from multi-million dollar oceanfront spreads to relatively inexpensive older and smaller homes several block back that survived the hurricane.

In addition to single-family homes, there’s also a good inventory of multi-unit properties that have excellent rental histories. The condominiums found here are quite upscale, but not the towering condo hotels like those found in Myrtle Beach. Instead, most of these are in smaller complexes and many of them ultra-luxurious.

Close to the many attractions of Myrtle Beach, the great restaurants of Murrells Inlet and some of the region’s top golf courses, the community also offers a great pier and arcade that’s a focal point for socializing and fun. Nearby Murrells Inlet provides a great area for water sports including kayaking and fishing.

Golf courses within six miles of Garden City include Indigo Creek, Azalea Sands, Blackmoor, Wachesaw Plantation, TPC of Myrtle Beach, Island Green, Wicked Stick, Heron Point and Prestwick Golf and Tennis.

If you would love to have the quintessential “beach house” without the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach itself, Garden City is yet another option. Visit our pages on the website for Garden City Beach Homes and see what’s available. We’ll be happy to show you around this pretty beach!

Pawleys Island Real Estate

Marking the southern end of the Grand Strand, Pawley’s Island is perhaps the most laid-back community on the Grand Strand, as its longtime slogan “Arrogantly Shabby” indicates.

Connected to the mainland by two bridges, the island itself is set apart in residents’ determination to maintain its special flavor. Not really on an island, the community actually sits on a skinny peninsula between the Atlantic and the Waccamaw River. One of the older seaside resorts on the east coast, it served as a cool getaway for wealthy plantation owners during Colonial days.

Now the island’s historic buildings are protected and growth on the end of it is restricted to 600 homes, with no additional shops or restaurants allowed. While the natural law of supply and demand puts a premium on homes on the island portion of Pawleys, prices are more affordable and more housing options are offered in the mainland portion of the community.

The main island does have a good deal of newer development, with multimillion-dollar oceanfront homes replacing original structures swept away by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. More than a few of the many original homes on the island are historic landmarks.

Some of the area’s top master-planned communities and golf courses are located west of U.S. 17 on the mainland. Willowbrook Plantation is typical of these, with exclusive homes in gated neighborhoods. The community is also home to a relatively good inventory of condominiums, most of them ultra-luxurious units, many of which are $1 million plus in price.

If you’re looking for a place at the beach but don’t like the commercialism of Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island is the place to look. Whether it’s a beach house, condo, or fine estate home that’s in a gated golf course community, you will find something you like there. And you’re just a short ride to the Seafood Capital of the south, Murrells Inlet, where some of the finest food this side of the Mason-Dixon Line can be found.

Call us to take a tour of the communities in here and we’ll be glad to show you around. Visit our website pages for Pawleys Island homes and find some that you like first!

Surfside Beach Real Estate

Just minutes away from the many attractions of Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach offers a less hectic alternative to its more commercial neighbor. Still close enough to enjoy those attractions, however, residents can also take advantage of the many recreational attractions to the south.

Those include the great restaurants and golf courses around Murrell’s Inlet as well as Pawleys Island. Just two miles long, the community has seen rapid growth over the past decade with the addition of restaurants, grocery stores and healthcare services along the U.S. 17 corridor. The serene residential essence of its beaches and residential area, however, has remained largely unchanged.

Surfside Beach real estate offers a wide range of homes and prices. There are a number of master planned communities around area golf courses, such as John Daly’s Wicked Stick course.

The Prestwick Country Club community enjoys a top-rated golf course and a first-class tennis facility as well, with 11 courts. The island also has a share of old-style beach homes.

Also offered is a good selection of condominiums, from golf course condos to oceanfront units. With no high rises here to dominate the skyline, oceanfront condos are in smaller, more intimate and enjoyable condo properties. The Inlet Square Mall is a nearby shopping center and the Surfside Pier is a favorite of area fishermen.

Find out what Surfside and many of its neighborhoods are like on the Surfside Beach Homes pages on our website. Call or contact us for more information. 

Summerville SC Real Estate

Just minutes up Interstate 26 from downtown Charleston, Summerville has long been regarded as the region’s garden city, a healthy place to live and a great place to raise a family. Settled after the Revolutionary War and named Pineland, the community was an inland getaway for wealthy merchants and plantation owners fleeing Charleston’s oppressive heat, humidity and mosquitoes.

From this seasonal migration to their summer homes or summer “villas,” the community got its name when incorporated in 1847. The city’s reputation as a healthy place to live was solidified in 1899 when an international congress of physicians named it one of the world’s top two places for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Factors contributing to that designation included the area’s many pine trees, a sandy environment and dry climate. In the late 1800s, town officials approved one of the first tree protection ordinances in the country to protect those trees with a fine of $25 for felling one. Also worth noting is the Town Seal inscribed with "Sacra Pinus Esto”, translated as “The Pine is Sacred.”

Summerville is also known as “Flowertown USA”, and since 1941 has held an annual Flowertown Festival attended by over 100,000 each year. The area’s loamy, rich soil is ideal for blossoming plants and the city is known for the incredible beauty of its camellias, magnolias, dogwoods and azaleas.

With many of its homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including a substantial portion of downtown, the city has more than its share of Southern charm. The city offers homes of virtually any type, including golf course homes, waterfront homes, historic homes, condo communities, starter homes, and mansions.

City services are highly rated and the town offers residents a network of great parks. Recreational opportunities abound on nearby Lake Moultrie and the Edisto and Ashley rivers. A good selection of golf courses is available and the town is home to a vibrant arts scene.

Our Century 21 Charleston office is located in Summerville, and we are the local experts on this city’s real estate. Call or visit our website for more information.

North Charleston Real Estate and Homes for Sale

South Carolina’s third largest city, North Charleston has been the state’s leading retail center for more than 20 years straight and is one of the leading employment centers as well. Once an area of large plantations that included Windsor Hill, Archdale Hall and Camp Plantation, North Charleston’s plantation-based lifestyle collapsed following the Civil War, replaced by phosphates taken from strip mines in the area.

Used as fertilizers, the new industry was the first of many the growing city would see and included lumbering, a rubber company and naval shipyard. The city’s residential growth began in earnest in 1912 when a group of Charleston businessmen formed a development company and began to lay out Park Circle, a community designed and developed with space for commercial, industrial and residential use. The area remains to this day with some streets still bearing names of original developers.

During World War II, the area’s industrial and economic base boomed with the addition of military bases and related industries. By the late 1960s, it was apparent to the area’s residents that North Charleston was and needed to be a separate city from that of Charleston, and in 1972 it was officially incorporated. With the annexation of the Naval Base, Air Force Base and Charleston International Airport in the mid-70s, the city grew to a size rivaling that of Charleston.

While the eventual closing of the Naval Base was a major economic blow in the mid-1990s, the city has more than bounced back with major employers such as Boeing Aircrafts production facility. That facility made North Charleston one of the world’s major aircraft centers with thousands of good paying jobs.

Today, the city is proud of its accomplishments such as the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, which plays host to national theatre productions, Broadway shows and more. Trident Medical Center is one of the area’s major healthcare facilities and one of many healthcare facilities in the North Charleston area. The city is the home of Trident Technical College and Charleston Southern University.

The Lowcountry Graduate Center near the airport offers access to courses from the University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Clemson and other colleges. The city offers a top-rate parks and recreation system and is home to Wannamaker County Park, home to 1,000 acres of forest and wetlands crisscrossed by a network of hiking and biking trails. The park also offers an expansive dog park, education programs, a snack bar and more. During the warm months, the Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker is a family favorite with 15 acres of water adventures, including a 27,000-square-foot wave pool.

We have recently opened a new Century 21 office in Summerville SC which services all the Charleston and North Charleston area real estate needs. See our website for more about the area, and search for available homes for sale.

Homes for Sale in Belle Hall Plantation Mount Pleasant, SC

Belle Hall Plantation Homes - Mount Pleasant, SC

With a convenient location close to shopping, schools and recreation, Belle Hall offers a variety of great homes in a variety of styles and price points. A few building lots are available as well. The community includes more than 1,000 homes in seven distinct communities and range from the $200s to more than $1.5 million.

Amenities include an exceptional clubhouse with tennis courts, two swimming pools, basketball court, volleyball court and a network of trails throughout the community. The Town of Mount Pleasant’s Jones Recreation Center is adjacent to the community and offers a pool, basketball court, playground and a youth activities program.

The Belle Hall Shopping Center has more than 60 shops, restaurants and professional offices and the community is just a short drive away from one of the area’s most popular shopping and entertainment destinations, Towne Centre. Convenient access to Interstate 526 also means that the state’s top retail center for more than 20 years running, North Charleston, is just a short drive away.

Beaches at the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are also within a short drive’s distance. Downtown Charleston is less than 10 miles away across the picturesque Ravenel Bridge. The Battery, City Market, Waterfront Park and the Battery are some of the many world-renowned attractions there.

Daniel Island, home of Charleston’s professional Battery soccer team is just six miles away.  Other nearby attractions include Palmetto Island County Park, which features the Splash Island Waterpark and hundreds of acres of native forest and wetlands to explore. See our website for available Belle Hall Plantation homes or to search the Charleston MLS.

What is happening in the Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market-2014

What is happening in the Myrtle Beach real estate market?
This is the one question that most people want to know, yet so few will give the answer. I spend a lot of time researching market statistics, interviewing bankers and other real estate professionals, in order to get a grip on where the market is heading. Of course, we never know until we get there but I have found that doing your research gives you a better understanding of where we are likely to be in the near future.

Before we talk about where we are heading, let’s look at where we have been:

It was roughly 8 years ago when the market started to decline and then eventually lead to a complete crash. The numbers indicated in 2006 that the market was heading downhill, even though the real crash is said to be in 2007.

It was in 2008, 2009, and 2010 where those who purchased during the high market were sitting back thinking the market would return and they would eventually be able to sell and get their money back.

It was 2010 where those that were holding on finally had to give up, and that caused a surge in short sales and foreclosures.

In 2011, there were still property owners holding on hoping the market would turn around. It was about this time that the conversation started to change and property owners realized that the market would not likely recover at the pace necessary to wipe away their losses. We saw a lot of sellers giving up and selling for whatever price they could get at the time.

We experienced a fairly flat market in 2012. There were certain property types that did okay as some property types declined slightly.

Things changed towards the end of 2012 and all of 2013. The market became surprisingly active again. We were seeing the days on market decrease, prices increased and multiple offers became very common. It took the real estate community by surprise. As a matter of fact, it turned around so quick that we started to fear that this was another boom that would eventually lead to another bust.

Here we are in 2014 and we are starting to see another shift. Again, the market is shifting downward for a number of sales categories in our marketplace. Not only are re-sales on the decline but new construction is also seeing a cooling off from the last 18 months.

What a roller coaster!
From low to high to low to lower to picking up steam to cooling off again.

What is happening?

After a lot of research, we don’t think the market is crashing. We do admit that there is a decline in sales, yet this decline may have more to do with the fact that a lot of buyers rushed to purchase real estate over the last 18 months.

Remember, there have been a lot of investors sitting on the sidelines for the past 8 years. They pulled money out of real estate and were waiting for the right time to purchase again. Over the last 18 months, we feel that a lot of sideline money has entered back into the real estate market.

We also know that large corporations have become real estate investors. There are corporations that own thousands of homes and condos across the country. Whenever you have corporations and investors entering the real estate market at the same time; that is going to eat into supply and push the prices upward.

We cannot deny a surge in prices and sales during 2013.

So, are we really cooling off or was 2013 just a fantastic year in real estate that the market could not sustain? I will leave it up to you to answer this one.

I think we are now staring at the NEW NORMAL!

What is a ‘New Normal’?

The ‘New Normal’ is where we have a more balanced market. The ‘new normal’ doesn't have drastic ups and downs. Some call the New Normal a stabilized market. Supply and demand are not equal, yet they are not so far apart where we turn around. And seemingly overnight we have lost our equity or made significant financial gains on our property holdings.

This may not be the best news for someone who is hoping that the market is going to skyrocket and they can recover all of their past losses, yet it should be comforting to know that the market is much more predictable than it has been for the last 8-9 years.

Of course, anything can happen with the economy or the interest rates that may influence the market but until that happens, it appears we may experience a flat market for the next year or two.

If you have questions, we have answers.  Call us!

~Greg Harrelson
Century 21 The Harrelson Group
Follow me on Google+

Myrtle Beach Real Estate – Numbers have Slightly Shifted

Myrtle Beach Home Sales See A Slight Slowdown While
Sale Prices Remain Steady (March 2014)

Most people know that the real estate market along the Grand Strand experienced some recovery in 2012 and 2013. The rebound in those two years was very impressive. After seven years of a down market, we felt that we are on our way back to the top.

We study numbers closely and I was working with a local "market analysis" firm who share some interesting numbers on our market. I think you will find this report very helpful in forming your own opinion on how the market is trending.

Based on a recent report from SiteTech, Single Family home sales are lagging behind 2013. February’s 2014 sales volume alone was off 4.6% compared to February2013 levels.Keep in mind, we are comparing same time different year. This takes into account the season.

2013 started off with 10 straight monthsof double-digit growth. The sales volume in November and December were flat and the 2014 Year to Date sales are down 5.1% compared to 2013. So, we had 10 months of strength, 2 months of flat and the first 2 months of 2014 are down. I know it is too early to declare a shift in the market but we think it is very important to keep our eyes open for the next few months.

There are many factors that can contribute to the decline such as record setting 2013 sales, weather, tight inventory in parts of the Grand Strand, and fewer investor sales. Single Family homes inventory has continued to increase with year over year inventory growth of 2.5%. February 2014 inventory levels are at its highest of all February’s since 2011.

One thing we can all celebrate is that distressed inventory is down 24.3% from February 2013, however distressed inventory has increased slightly over the previous 2 months. The current level of distressed inventory represents 9.7% of all home listings on the market. The median sales price for single family homes has maintained its levels at $185,000. So far this year, we are seeing a slight increase in median price. Some say this is influenced by the high-end homes that are being sold.

 The condo market is showing similar trends:

Condo sales in 2014 have started off a little slow. February’s sales activity is off 13.5% from its 2013 performance and 2014 total sales year to date are down 10.5% compared to the previous year.Just like the inventory of homes, condo inventory rose from its January level. Distressed condo inventory is still down and the median sales price is flat so far in 2014.

The real estate market in the Myrtle Beach area has had its ups and downs. A lot of the losses have been washed away over the last two years. The market still has a long ways to go and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that these short trends will reverse so 2014 will end up being another year of growth.

We recently gathered all of the agents at Century 21 the Harrelson Group to discuss the market numbers and brainstorm how we could market our properties to make sure our owners are getting top dollar. Our goal is to maximize price and/or protect our client’s equity.

No matter what the market does, we will aggressively market our properties to ensure maximum exposure. We like to see our listings getting more showings than the competition. More showings equal more offers and that equals higher price.

How to Sell your Myrtle Beach Real Estate in 2014

2014 will be the year of real estate. There are so many property owners that will make selling their home or condo part of their 2014 goals. For many, they have been waiting for the market to show positive signs before they listed their property. There were plenty of signs of improvement in 2013 and now people are ready to make their move.

If you are selling in 2014 then it is critical that you know the following:

1. - Start Early: The early bird will get the worm. Those that market their homes and condos for sale in the beginning of the year will beat the competition. We anticipate a lot of supply to come onto the market by spring. The more listings for sale, the less you get in price. Start early.
2. - Go with the best: Did you know it costs the same to hire a proven professional as it does to hire someone with no experience? Too many properties are listed and then fail to sell because of an inexperienced sales professional. Don’t make this mistake. Choose an agent that can show you past results.
3. - Market Aggressively: Developers will become your biggest competitor. These developers have massive marketing budgets that your realtor will have to compete against. You need a realtor that will discuss how your property is to be marketed. That is the agents job so make sure they do it what you are paying for.
4. - Beat the Interest Rate Hike: We don’t know when the interest rates will go up but we do know that they will go up. As rates increase, buyers can afford less which could lead to a decrease in property values. If you are planning on selling then you need to make your move early.

I expect positive things for the 2014 real estate market in Myrtle Beach. Though the market has improved, we cannot get lazy and lose focus on our goals. The market will be very competitive which means there could be downward pressures on pricing. The way to maximize your return on your real estate is to hire the top agent you can find.

Century 21 The Harrelson Group agents have a reputation for getting properties sold. Not only do we get them sold but we average a higher price for our property owners. We are trained to market and we are committed to protecting our client’s equity.

Please allow us an opportunity to show you how we can help you reach your goals.

~Greg Harrelson

Myrtle Beach Real Estate - Are Short Sales Back?

It is hard to have discussions about short sales in Myrtle Beach when we have had such an active selling summer. As  a local real estate agent, I have been getting a lot of phone calls from people that are giving up on their mortgages and getting rid of their unwanted real estate. Most of us thought the recent real estate activity across the country was a sign that recovery was here and short sales and foreclosures were gone. Many real estate markets have experienced a decline in inventory as well as slight increases in selling prices. Again, all signs that we are on the way up again.

Whenever I get a lot of owners asking similar questions, I do more research. I was looking at the Notice of Default figures and they appear to be rising again. Myrtle Beach Notice of Defaults (NOD) is the official notice that an owner is given when the bank is looking to foreclose. An owner usually has a lot of time between receiving a NOD and actually being foreclosed on.

Now that consumers are educated on the option of short selling, more owners are going this route as soon as they get notice that the bank is going to foreclose on them. This may seem obvious but in the past, many owners would get a NOD and do nothing to find out that they were out of time and selling via short sale was not longer an option.

If you are keeping your eyes on the real estate market along the Grand Strand then you may want to research this a bit more. It is likely that we are going to see an increase in distressed listings and an increase in inventory altogether.

I am not one to focus on politics yet the uncertainty in our government is also hurting consumer confidence. I have talked to some people that have stopped making payments because they have lost hope that the economy will recover anytime soon.

There is not enough data to support the fact that a new trend has formed but there is enough information out there that says we need to be on the look out.

If you want to discuss the real estate market in Myrtle Beach, then please contact me via email or phone. I am committed to keeping our clients updated on the changes that take place, and how those changes will impact your investment.

~Greg Harrelson

Market Statistics Worth Knowing

As you know, I do a bit more research on our market than the average real estate agent. Knowing the market inside and out helps us make better buying and selling decisions.

There are a few things that we MUST understand about the market right now.  There are times when we think the market should do one thing yet it never seems to happen. Right now, most people think the market should have appreciated at a much higher rate and the following is likely to be the reason this hasn't happened.

1) New Construction represents 30%- 35% of all MLS closed transactions.
Why is this important?
A lot of property owners are hoping that their properties value would rise after the foreclosures were gone. Builders and developers are now creating more inventory to compete with re-sale listings.
So, instead of inventory levels decreasing, the number of new listings hitting the market actually increased.

2) New Construction sales are projected to represent 50% of all closed sales in the market – This projection was made by a local real estate analyst and tells us that inventory levels will likely continue to increase.
Why is this important?
New construction is competition to anyone that is trying to sell a pre-owned property. Does this mean you will have a problem selling? Not at all! It does mean that buyers are comparing your property to something new. This can impact your price and limit appreciation.

3) It may not be a fact that interest rates are going to rise but I think we all believe this will occur sometime in the near future.
Why is this important?
If interest rates increase, the ‘purchasing power’ of the buyer decreases. As the cost of borrowing money increases, the amount the buyer will be qualified to borrow will decrease. It is a fact that when interest rates increase by 1%, the price of property the buyer can qualify to purchase will decrease by 10%.  This will affect demand!

4) Building Permits from January to June this year increased by 118% compared to that same timeframe in 2011. And, a 41% increase over that same timeframe in 2012. This is one more piece of data that tells us we have competition coming up the pipeline.
Why is this important?
Building permit levels are a good indication of future supply. So many people have been waiting for supply to decrease hoping this would be the time where they could recoup some of their losses. It appears that inventory is not going to decline quickly and that could limit appreciation. Basically, builders are taking advantage of the buyer activity in the market and they are producing product that competes with your property.

You may not find a need to react to this information. But, if you are thinking of selling in the next 3 years, you may want to make your move. We can see the new construction wave building. What is likely to happen is that the builders will over-build and then start offering incentives to buyers. This will create more demand for new construction than there is for pre-owned properties. To compete with new construction, there is a great chance that you will have to lower the price…Something none of us want to do.

I am always looking for ways to protect your equity. If you find this information helpful and would like to discuss a selling strategy for your property, please give me a call immediately.

Thank you for allowing me to be your Realtor.
~Greg

Myrtle Beach Real Estate
Charleston Real Estate

Pawley’s Island Real Estate – Finally starting to Sell!

Everyone knows the name Myrtle Beach, yet very few have ever heard of Pawley’s Island, SC. For those that have not taken the time to explore the most southern tip of the Grand Strand, you must put it in your schedule soon.

Pawley’s Island is one of those unique towns that people visit and never leave. Most recently, real estate sales in Pawley’s have really taken off. Much of the town is considered a luxury-type area, yet since real estate prices have dropped so much, Pawley’s Island real estate has become affordable. As a matter of fact, many people believe that this area offers the best value on the South Carolina coast. Although separate from the actual city of Pawley's Island, the beaches of North Litchfield and Litchfield Country Club are part of the community, and what makes it so attractive to those looking for the privacy and luxury that is not found anywhere else.

Not only do you have many of the top golf courses and their country clubs, but you also get to walk on the most private beaches and breathtaking marsh walks. These are some of the pristine natural attractions that homebuyers fall in love with. Add to that a sense of community unlike most of the tourism-based beaches, and a collection of the finest restaurants known to man - it isn't hard to understand why people choose to live there.

Some of the most popular communities in here include Pawley’s Plantation, Wilbrook Plantation, and the beachfront areas with beautiful oceanfront homes for sale. Along the beach you find luxurious brand new beach houses as well as the grand old historic homes that line the boulevard in the unique area called "the point", where the ocean and inlet meet each other in a dramatic display of nature's beauty and wonder.

If you are looking for a place to call home, you need to look at Pawley’s Island real estate before you decide. Start your visit by walking through some of the eclectic local markets, get a bite to eat in a cozy local restaurant and take a walk on a beach that remains more private than any of the others along the Strand. Call or contact us and we'll take you on an extended tour of one of the most beautiful areas the SC coast has to offer.

Will Increasing Interest Rates Slow the Myrtle Beach Market?

I think everyone knows that the Myrtle Beach Real Estate market has been on fire. MLS statistics show a decrease in supply, increase in prices, decrease in ‘days on market’ and more building permits being pulled in years. All of this is indicative of a healthy real estate market.

Mainstream news has not been talking much about interest rates yet I bet it is something they will be talking about soon. Most people are not aware that interest rates have been moving higher. This is something that we all expected yet there are some concerns that buyers and seller need to take into consideration.

1. If interest rates increase by only 1%, that equates to about $10,000 more in interest payments on the buyer’s loan. So, paying 1% more is often the same as paying $10,000 more. Of course, it could be a lot more for properties above $200,000.


2. When interest rates increase, the payments of the buyers new mortgage increases also. If the payments increase, buyers cannot qualify to buy as much property. In other words, the buyer's buying power decreases.


3. If the buyer cannot spend as much because of higher interest rates, then that could decrease demand for existing listing inventory. A decrease in demand eventually has a negative impact on pricing.


4. Remember, prices have already increased - forcing the buyers to spend more for the same home. Now that we see higher listing prices, here come the higher interest rates. Combine a higher price with a higher interest rate and we have something we need to pay attention to. In this situation, the buyer has to pay more, yet it is not going in the seller’s pocket…It is going in the bank's pocket.

This is not information to panic about, but it is always good to be informed. There are already buyers that are being denied financing due to payment increases. We have had a great 12 months in the Myrtle Beach real estate market and we hope this will continue.

We feel it is our duty to keep the public informed and this is one more attempt to fulfill our commitment. If you  feel you are in need of additional discussions, we are happy to answer questions and serve you.

~Greg Harrelson
Your Resource for SC Coastal Real Estate
www.C21TheHarrelsonGroup.com
www.BarefootRealty.com
www.C21CharlestonRealEstate.com

Selling a Home in Myrtle Beach

Tips on How to Get a Good Price When You Sell Your Home

Now that the real estate market in Myrtle Beach is improving, a lot of property owners are wondering if this is the time to sell a home and get a good price. The truth of the matter is that getting a good price has more to do with the marketing of the home than it does the market itself.

Of course, a busted real estate market doesn't help yet a good real estate agent can always out perform the market if they have the right strategy. Here are a few Simple steps for getting your home sold for Top Dollar in Myrtle Beach:

1. Choose a qualified Myrtle Beach Realtor. Think about this, you have a choice to hire an agent that is a beginner or part timer just as easy as you can choose an agent that has a proven track record and lots of success. No matter your choice, the commission is likely going to be the same. Why pay more for less service when you can pay the same and get more service?

2. Choose the right price. The market dictates the selling price for your property yet you have to determine the market trends to see if you can price it a bit higher knowing the market will catch up with your price over a short period of time. I am not convincing you to over-price your property, yet we see a lot of agents telling owners a price that will sell it in two days - when they could have gotten $5000 more if they would have waited one month.

3. Ask questions. Ask agents what they do to sell homes. I know this seems obvious yet agents never get this question. Owners always ask what price but fail to ask about the agents. This is setting yourself up for failure because some agents will tell you any price to get your listing. You do not want that. 

4. Request a list of marketing strategies your agent will implement. If your agent is only going to put in the MLS and wait then you are wasting your time. Get a list of 3 things your agent will do to market your property within the first 30 days.

Selling a home in Myrtle Beach for a good price is not the challenge. Finding an agent willing to market your property aggressively so you can get top dollar is the challenge.

At Century 21 The Harrelson Group, we are committed to getting you a good price for your property. We are not in the business of giving away your home.

Let us know how we can serve you better.
Greg Harrelson+

The Truth about Infusionsoft for Real Estate Agents

                     The Best Tool for Managing Leads - Infusionsoft

In the real estate industry today, there are so many companies creating the "next BIG thing" - and promising  that it will change our business forever. Of course, each of these new ideas come with a heavy upfront cost and ongoing monthly charges. The most common outcome is that the agent takes on this new system to later find out that it does not produce the results they were promised.

Automating to increase the number of leads you are getting is becoming a huge topic. I predict that agents will spend more money this year than ever before on drip systems, campaign software and websites that are optimized to capture internet leads. I will breakdown how true automation for lead generation works...

How does Infusionsoft work?

1) Assuming you already have a website, you simply take the lead that you captured and enter it into an Infusionsoft account.

2) Once in Infusionsoft, you activate a drip campign specific to the type of lead that you just uploaded into the system. Infusionsoft will allow you to create as many different campaigns as you need. I suggest you do this for every lead type you can think of.

3) Now that your campaigns are working, Infusionsoft will allow you to monitor the clicking activity of those in your database.

4) When you see one of your leads clicking on a lot of your content, you then have Infusionsoft trigger an alert that reminds you to call this lead.

Imagine having 1000 people in this system. It may seem far-fetched today, yet building a database can happen sooner than you think. Take all of your old buyer leads and place them in the system. Add your COI and past customers as well as every attorney or mortgage person you have ever worked with. Next thing you know, you have 1000 potential leads in your system.

Okay, I admit, there are a few additional steps necessary to execute on this plan.  I am trying to give you a very brief idea of how this works. Go to Infusionsoft for real estate agents to read more about it and learn how to use it.

Warning! There is a big difference in an autoresponder and an automated lead generating tool. I will explain more on that topic in an upcoming blog which will be posted on www.realestatesalessolutions.com.

Posted for Greg Harrelson