Myrtle Beach Real Estate is Heating Up

We have all heard about the bad investments that so many people made in the Myrtle Beach real estate market. People purchased condos for $750,000 and they are now selling for $300,000. There are cases where a condo owner may have a mortgage today to $289,000 yet the unit would only sell for $110,000 right now. All of these stories are true. Obviously, like the news, often it is the bad stories that most people pay attention to the most.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret...

There are some good stories taking place right now that are getting zero attention, and the buyers involved hope you never hear about it. Recently, one of our clients who purchased a condo 18 months ago for $175,000 was just offered $270,000 and he wasn't even listed for sale. I wonder why that story didn't hit the news? I have another client who owns a unit that last year was selling for $145,000 and today the cheapest unit listed in the building is $229,900.

Once again, isn't this the first time that you've heard this story?

At some point, the story about Myrtle Beach real estate will change. The bad stories will turn into good and it appears that it is silently happening right now.

If you are going to buy a condo in Myrtle Beach or possibly a piece of North Myrtle Beach real estate, then you may want to start looking right now. What else would you be waiting on? If you wait until the newspaper writes about these amazing deals, it will be too late.

If you do decide to purchase along the Grand Strand then make sure you choose a Myrtle Beach Realtor who has experience working with investors. A good real estate agent can help you identify the deals that a lot of others may not know about. I hope you will be one of the area's next success stories.

~Greg Harrelson

A Home in Linksbrook at Prince Creek Myrtle Beach

If you are looking at homes for sale in Prince Creek, then you must consider the Linksbrook community. Linksbrook's popularity starts with the fact that it is located in a low traffic area yet close to all that the Grand Strand has to offer. Restaurants, health care, grocery, area attractions are convenient due to the proximity of the area's major road systems. So, when in Linksbrook, you feel that you are away from everything yet everything is just 7 minutes away.

This Prince Creek home is a 3 bedroom home with plenty of upgrades. After a game of golf, you can enjoy soaking in the garden tub, relaxing in the sunroom or taking a nap in the large master suite. The home was designed to be maintenance free so it won't require you to be a handyman in order to enjoy the home. The community offers a pool, tennis and other areas for family recreation. It is very rare that you can purchase a home for this price in a Prince Creek community.

Lessons From the Past in Real Estate Investing

Myrtle Beach Real Estate investors should learn an important lesson. I have been reflecting on the past 17 years of my real estate career, and realize that there have been a lot of lessons to learn about the Myrtle Beach real estate market. Below are a few observations that are worth reviewing to see the trends that we need to consider.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Outlook in 2001

 *Prices were low but few people were buying.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Outlook in 2004

 *Prices were rising and buyers wanted to buy.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Outlook in 2005

 *Prices were too high and buyers were willing to pay any price to own a property.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Outlook in 2007

 *Prices were declining and buyers were not buying as much.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Outlook in 2009

 *Prices were so low and no buyers were buying.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Outlook in 2011

 *Prices are likely to be at their lowest point....what should buyers do?

One fact will remain for sure; real estate markets will go up and down in cycles over time. The key about condos for sale in Myrtle Beach is that you enter into the market at the correct time.

There has been a lot of negative news about real estate across this country, yet no matter what the banks, realtors, appraisers, or government folks have done to positively or negatively influence the real estate market, we still could have done well if we have learned lessons from the past.

The bottom line to investing is simple.

Buy when the market is low and sell when it is high.

So, how do you know when the market is high? Simple, when everyone wants to buy then it is time to sell. Because, when everyone wants to buy is when demand is high and prices rise at a fast pace. Real Estate hasn't been at these prices for years and the buyers who position themselves in quality investments right now are likely to accumulate a lot of wealth in the next 10 years.

~Greg Harrelson

The Bluffs on the Waterway in Carolina Forest

The Bluffs on the Waterway

I am often amazed at how many calls we get from people who want to look at homes for sale in The Bluffs on the Waterway. This gated community gives you a sense of security while offering every amenity you could possibly want.

You can drive you golf cart to the beautifully designed clubhouse and let the kids enjoy the pools while you relax in the sun, or you can pull out the boat and enjoy the day on the Intracoastal Waterway without leaving the community.

The Bluffs on the Waterway homes for sale represent one of the best all around values that the Myrtle Beach real estate market has to offer. For those that have a boat, you can utilize the community boat storage so you don't have to clutter your garage. If your passion is golf then you are only a few minutes from the areas most popular golf courses. If you run out of milk, you are only 2 minutes from the new grocery center.

Take a look at the homes for sale in The Bluffs on the Waterway and if the perfect home doesn't appear then you have the option to choose a vacant lot and have a home custom built especially for you. Browse through the MLS listings for homes in the Bluff or other great communities on our Carolina Forest pages!

We are your Myrtle Beach real estate resource.

Barefoot Resort Condos in North Myrtle Beach

Ironwood Condos in Barefoot Resort

Barefoot Resort condos have been a popular choice for those looking to own a piece of Myrtle Beach real estate. This amenity packed resort offers everything that a purchaser could dream about. As a new owner of a Barefoot Resort condo, you will enjoy the yacht club, tennis courts, various pools, fitness center, golf, restaurants, shopping, tennis, beach cabana and many other activities. Current owners in this community constantly comment on the active lifestyle that Is found throughout Barefoot Resort.

The Ironwood condos in Barefoot are just one group of the many condo communities that you can choose inside the resort. During your search of condos for sale in Barefoot, you must look at MLS # 1021232.

This 2 bedroom,condo has great value with an asking price of only $119,900. Worth noting...if you are a golfer, we may be able to negotiate a free Barefoot Resort golf club membership. Ask us about this.

Our website is full of information on every popular community in the Grand Strand. If you're looking for Myrtle Beach real estate, we want to be your Realtor!

The Best of Myrtle Beach - Bayview Resort

It must be hard to believe that you can buy this 1 bedroom condo in Bayview Resort for only $67,900. Yes, it is a one bedroom fully furnished condo that enjoys the sunrise every morning from a private oceanfront balcony. Bayview Resort condos for sale have been a preferred investment for those looking for condo ownership without having a ton of cash in their retirement accounts. Today's economy demands that you find the best value before jumping into condo ownership and this unit offers just that.

You will have many opportunites to own a piece of Myrtle Beach Real Estate yet there are very few that will offer an indoor heated pool, outdoor pool, sun bathing area, fitness room, shuffle board and an onsite full service Starbucks coffee house. This is a purchase that will make the entire family happy.

See the photos and amenity information on Bayview Resort in Myrtle Beach.
Then check out MLS #1022332 -1 BR Condo at Bayview Resort.

Avista Resort Condos for Sale

Avista Resort
MLS#1021700

Miami Beach luxury hits the Grand Strand. This is how many visitors describe this new condo complex. If you are looking for a condo for sale in Myrtle Beach then you will want to include this building to your 'must see' list. Avista Resort condos are a perfect investment with great income potential yet doubles as a fantastic beach retreat for those needing a place to get away.

This particular North Myrtle Beach condo has one bedroom yet can sleep a minimum of four people comfortably. If you are looking to invest in Myrtle Beach Real Estate then you want to purchase in a building that is packed with amenities. When you own a condo the Avista then you have unlimited access to the resort's many pools, hot tubs, lazy river, fitness center and much more. The best way to describe this condo is....  Luxury+Oceanfront+Most Amenities for $149,900 = VALUE.

###

Our website is becoming the most information packed Myrtle Beach Real Estate Website on the internet. Check us out and let us know what you think!

The Anderson Ocean Club Offers It All

In the past, finding a luxury condo in Myrtle Beach was nearly impossible. Luxury condos are still hard to find in this area, yet there is one building that offers this type of ownership without breaking the bank. Originally, the condos for sale in Anderson Ocean Club sold for over $700,000 for a three bedroom on the ocean front. The Anderson building has so much to offer in the form of amentities, location and first class homeowner service.

Today, you have an opportunity to buy an Anderson Ocean Club condo for $300,000.
This is not a typo...this is a 3 bedroom ocean front condo in a luxury building and at a greatly reduced price. Everyone knows that Myrtle Beach real estate can be purchased at low prices yet there are only going to be a few opportunities where you can buy such quality at such discounts

You may want to give this a second look. The MLS# is 1021446. This unit has been taken well care of with upgraded furnishings and decorations. Best of all, it is OCEANFRONT at an ocean view price. If you are looking at Myrtle Beach condos for sale, then you cannot afford to miss out on this investment.

Consider a Carolina Forest Home

Bellegrove in Carolina Forest

When searching for the perfect home in Carolina Forest, you must drive through and visit the homes for sale in Bellegrove. There are two sections of Bellegrove that you would want to consider. There is Bellgrove Willows where the homes are more traditional. You will find single level and two story homes throughout. The majority of homes have garages and are priced in a range that most people find affordable. Many buyers comment that this community offers a lot of value.

You will also want to visit the Bellegrove Palms section to see the unique Charleston style homes. These homes are two story and offer a nice two car garage tucked away in the rear section of your lot. This gives a wonderful curb appeal versus the typical community where you see nothing but garage from the street. A great example of a Bellegrove home for sale is MLS # 1009054. This home is located on 420 Emerson Dr. Picture 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a formal dining room, detached garage, and all kinds of extras! It's only a couple of years old and is in fantastic condition.

Don't forget, when you purchase a home in Bellegrove, you also relocate to one of the best school districts in Horry County.  We have an entire section on our website now for all the communities in Carolina Forest.  Be sure and check them out. Some of the best include Carolina Waterways Plantation homes, Inverness Homes for Sale, Homes in The Bluffs on the Waterway, and much more.

Why Buy Myrtle Beach Real Estate today?

This is a question that Realtors working in the Myrtle Beach real estate market are asked everyday. Buyers are wondering if the market has hit the bottom and if now is the best time to buy. Of course, we do not have a crystal ball yet there are a few things that you may want to make note of and then decide what it means.

• Local real estate agents are starting to invest in real estate now. They are buying condos and homes in Myrtle Beach right now. They are trying to find quick flips, looking to buy quality properties at a deep discount, to hold them long term in order to build wealth.
• Banks are needing to dump existing inventory in order to clean up their books for 2011.
• On quality properties, we are seeing multiple offers. Listen, we have not seen multiple offers for 4 years now...what does this mean?
• Supply is lower then has been in 5 years. You can still get a deal on sub-par properties but the quality is almost gone.
• Current owners of Myrtle Beach real estate are not wanting to hold for the long term so they are getting out of their properties now.
• Investment groups are starting to form again in an attempt to leverage capital and buy multiple properties. Some of these groups are coming from China and Canada.
• The average number of days on the market is starting to decline. Some Myrtle Beach condos and homes are selling within one week of being listed. I sold one last week that received 3 offers within 24 hours.
• Lots are starting to sell again. Land and lots have been the worst performing segment of our market and now it is starting to move.
• We are seeing developers start construction on homes in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas again. Yes, the price of land for sale in Myrtle Beach is so low that developers are building again!

I am not going to be that Realtor that makes a bunch of predictions as to where the Myrtle Beach real estate market is heading in order to make some quick sales. I will tell you that the above facts are actually taking place in our market right now. You have to answer what this means for yourself. Think logically...not emotionally; and ask yourself if this is the time to buy or is it time to wait.

Those who buy now will end up with a quality property that will likely appreciate over time. People who wait will get deals on what the savvy investors didn't want. Be careful, dont just go buy anything and everything. You need a knowledgeable agent who will help you find a quality piece of real estate that meets your long term goals.

At The Harrelson Group, we study the trends every day in order to best position our clients in our market and in today's economy. We hope that you will be our next satisfied client!

~Greg

Myrtle Beach Home Sales and the Holidays

Here is the question that I have been asked lately,
"Why sell now versus waiting until the holidays are over or waiting till Spring?"

This is a great question and I will address this in a way that may shed some light on the way the Myrtle Beach market works. Remember, I have been selling in the Myrtle Beach market for 17 years, I went to kindergarten 35 years ago in Myrtle Beach and I graduated high school from Myrtle Beach. In other words, I know this market very well.

Here are the benefits of selling now versus waiting until Spring next year...

1. The banks are putting a hold to foreclosing on people during the holidays. Every year, the banks slow or stop foreclosures because they do not want to evict people during the holiday season. This is a temporary blessing for the Myrtle Beach real estate market because it keeps the supply down for about 3 months. When supply is low, demand can remain the same and those that are listed will have a better chance of selling and a chance to get a little more than fair market value. It is just a myth that you get more in the summer months...you typically get more in the winter because there is less competition. You cannot reap these benefits if you are sitting on the sidelines.
2. Buyers are more qualified in the winter.  I'm always asked, are there buyers during the winter? Yes, there are buyers. Actually, there are less buyers, yet the ones that are here are golfers, snow birds or people looking for a second property. In other words, the buyers in our market now are serious and extremely qualified. The advantage for selling today is that you get to expose it to the most qualified buyers that come to our market all year. The average buyer looking today has a higher personal net worth then those looking in the summer. It's Thanksgiving week right now and our schedules are booked with buyer appointments for the next 2 weeks. Trust me, the buyers that are taking time to look at properties during the holidays are serious about buying. They don't look at properties for no reason...they would rather go shopping. As agents, we know that every buyer call is valuable during this time of year.
3. Like you, a lot of property owners are thinking of listing at the beginning of next year or at least by spring. That decision can cost you a lot of money. Think about this...if everyone is waiting to list after the new year while the banks are putting a temporary hold on foreclosures then two things will happen. First, the supply of listings will be very low making it better for those that are currently on the market. Second, all of those that are waiting will dump their properties on the market at the same time that the bank releases foreclosures again. Then we will feel the impact of an over-supplied market again. Real estate markets are controlled by supply and demand. The only way to get more money for a property is to sell when the supply is low.

I know that a lot of owners are thinking of selling their property next year. At this point, it doesn't appear that the market is going to recover for awhile so if you are thinking of selling then you have to consider making a move right now. The last two weeks have proven to me that the next few months are going to be very good for those that are listed for sale. I have had an increase in personal sales over the past month and some of them have been for higher prices then the last sales in those particular areas. I have been negotiating more money for my sellers because there was less competition...supply was lower. This is the impact of lower supply.

I am not in the business of talking you into selling your property, yet if selling is something you are remotely considering then you have to look into it right now. I personally just sold one of my properties two weeks ago for the same reasons that I am stating in this email.

I hope you find this information useful. I am going to work straight through the holidays in order to take advantage of the next few months. If you have questions about what selling could mean to you then please call or email me immediately. As always, I am your Myrtle Beach Homes resource. I am here to help you make informed real estate decisions.

See our website for more information on why we are your best choice to help you sell your home!

~Greg Harrelson
Myrtle Beach Real Estate

Myrtle Beach Homes - Prestwick Golf and Tennis

The Advantages of buying a home in Prestwick...

We have helped many buyers move into the Prestwick Golf and Tennis community. Over the years, we have asked the buyers why they chose to purchase a home for sale in Prestwick Golf and Tennis versus all of the other communities that they visited.

Here are the 5 most common reasons why buyers choose the Prestwick Country Club to call home.

1. It is gated and has 24 hour security. Buyers feel safe raising a family in the community. They feel comfortable with their kids riding their bikes, knowing there is no through traffic.
2. It's a popular golf community. Even the long-time locals consider Prestwick golf to be a top notch golf course.
3. The location of Prestwick is perfect. It is close to the hospital, golf, shopping, restaurants and everything else the Myrtle Beach area has to offer yet it is away from all of the traffic and congestion.
4. Buyers tell us this is one of the best values along the Grand Strand. It offers golf, tennis, location, beach, gated, and security without breaking the bank.  Prestwick homes are affordable.
5. It's a community...not just a neighborhood. Homeowners love the fact that you walk down your driveway and the next door neighbor says hello.

Well, this is why the buyers are choosing to buy a him in Prestwick. If you have any questions regarding this fine community then please call or email us anytime. You can alsonfind more photos and listings of Homes for Sale in Prestwick Country Club on our website.

~Greg Harrelson

Myrtle Beach Homes Sales Increase Pace.

Finally, there is some good news to hit the Myrtle Beach real estate market. As we know too well, the market in Myrtle Beach has been on a steep decline over the past 4 years, causing many homeowners to find themselves facing foreclosure. If you own a property where there has been a foreclosure in the neighborhood, then you are well aware as to how it effects your property's value.

Here are a few positive facts about the local real estate market...

1. There are fewer Myrtle Beach foreclosures being listed on the market for sale.
2. Price declines for homes in Myrtle Beach are slowing - meaning we are getting close to the bottom.
3. Buyers have recognized the great values we have in Myrtle Beach, and therefore are starting to move forward with their purchase.
4. Banks are cooperating with those needing to Short Sale their property. Myrtle Beach short sales are taking less time to process, which helps in decreasing foreclosures.
5. Some of the Northern real estate markets are showing signs of recovery which makes it easier for those wanting to invest in Myrtle Beach real estate. It frees up their cash to invest in our area.

I wish we could report that prices were on the rise, yet there is no evidence to support that statement. We do know that the first step to market recovery is through increased buyer activity. We will keep a close eye on the market over the next few months to see if this trend continues throughout the holiday season and the new year.

If you are thinking of buying a home in Myrtle Beach, you may want to act quickly before the quality properties are all gone. If you are thinking of selling, this may be the time to get the home sold and move on with your plans.

Feel free to give us a call and we can share with you how the changes in the market impact you and your real estate investment. ~ Greg Harrelson

How Much Did My Neighbor's House Sell For?

"What did my neighbors home sell for" is one of the most common questions that a home owner asks a real estate agent.

In most cases, an owner wants to know what their neighbors' homes sold for in order to get an idea of what their home is worth. Be careful in making quick assumptions because there is more information needed to determine one's real value of a property.

The following information is necessary to determine the real value of your home. There are many things to consider besides what the neighbor did - which might or might not have been an optimal price.

1. What is the average price per square square foot (heated) in the community?
2. How many bedrooms?
3. How many bathrooms?
4. What was the condition of the home sold?
5. What are other homes listed for with similar benefits and features?
6. What are the prices of homes that failed to sell recently?
7. What is the average number of days that it takes to get property sold in my area?

As you can see, your neighbor's selling price is just one piece of information that you must know to determine the value of your property. We see a lot of owners miscalculate their property's value due to the lack of information.

Example...a property near yours sells for $200,000 and has 2000 heated square feet.  Maybe you only have 1500 square feet. So, what is yours worth? Before you come to a conclusion, make sure you answer the above questions.

I get a lot of calls that start off with, "My neighbor sold for $200,000 so I want to sell mine at that price...please list it."

As a professional real estate agent in Myrtle Beach, I must find out the size, condition and features before I could quote a price and place it on the market. Unfortunately, there are agents who will list it without doing their research and these are the listings that fail to sell and end up on the MLS expired list.

As a free service, we help people determine an accurate price for their condos and homes for sale in Myrtle Beach. You can also sign up for our weekly current market research report for your property. Make sure you spend a few extra minutes gathering the proper information before you jump to any conclusions. A little bit of research upfront can save you time and money in the long run.

~Greg Harrelson

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Source

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.