During the past few years I have represented several buyers who were able to purchase foreclosed real estate in the North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area.  When multiple offers were involved the listing agent's made the request of "highest and best".  That was an expected response to the multiple offer situation so I had informed by clients of the possibility. Recently I represented a buyer who, as required to purchase a short sale or foreclosure, became pre-qualified for a mortgage.  Based on information given by the buyer I knew that real estate within her price point would probably be a distressed property.  Since I am certified through the NAR as a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) I had also registered as an agent with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and frequently search thei... 05/04/2010

Oceanfront 1BR Condos Sold in North Myrtle Beach in the past Six Months Oct 20,  2009-April 20, 2010 CONDO/TOWNHOUSE Summary Statistics   High Low Average Median LP: $879,900 $107,900 $225,628 $159,000 SP: $333,000 $105,000 $175,815 $153,000   NORTH MYRTLE BEACH OCEANFRONT CONDOS- Sold in the past 6 Months:    Bldg Name  ADDRESS  Total SQFT  DOM  List Price  Sold Price  Price per sq. ft.  Beach Cove  4800 S OCEAN BLVD. 1219  650  62  $114,000  $105,000  $161.54  Bay Watch  2701 S Ocean Blvd  501  113  $107,900  $106,500  $212.57  Beach Cove  4800 S Ocean Blvd  650  365  $118,500  $108,000  $166.15  Baywatch  2701 S Ocean Blvd. 234  650  622  $119,900  $110,000  $169.23  Crescent Beach Villas  1711 South Ocean Blvd.  500  194  $129,850  $110,000  $220.00  Prince Resort Phase I  3500 N O... 04/20/2010

Regularly, our agents receive calls about foreclosures at the beach.  We just don't have that many near the water and our short sales are not as plentiful as they once were.  I happen to own some property in North Myrtle Beach in a gorgeous community (Sunset Harbour) on the waterway.  This is a community with homes from upper 200,000 to upper $2,000,000.  When the Stones first developed the property, they wanted an upscale community for professionals and their families.  With the boom we experienced a few years ago, people were buying lots and homes who truly could not afford to live in such a neighborhood; thus, when the market failed, several properties went into foreclosure and short sale status.  One home in particular, the owner ran out of money building the home.  After the forecl... 04/19/2010

  It was right around the sixth month of pregnancy that I started worrying about the imminent pain ahead of me.  I used to call my mom in a panic and she always said the same thing: “Well, it’s in; it’s gotta get out somehow.” Thanks Mom!   I appreciate the words of wisdom!  (Not!!!) Allow me to explain.   The belief that my body was a temple was instilled in me from early on.   With the exception of antibiotics, which for some reason, my mom seemed to believe in (don’t ask me why!), everything in our household was treated holistically.   It seemed like there was nothing that garlic, lavender, chamomile, peppermint and a few other plants couldn’t cure.  When someone was really sick, we had the more dramatic course of action, the “ventuze”, glass cups lit on fire and applied to one’s bac... 04/15/2010

Like much of the country, Myrtle Beach, SC has had an unpredictable housing market over the past few years. Prices in that city swelled to all-time highs in 2005 and 2006, but eventually fell off considerably in 2008 and 2009. Due to the many luxury beachside residences in Myrtle Beach, the housing prices were even more affected. While the median housing price in Myrtle Beach in 2004 was just about $150,000, the price swelled to nearly $250,000 by the end of 2006. Since then, the median housing price in Myrtle Beach has fallen back to around $150,000. While housing prices across the country have fallen, Myrtle Beach foreclosures have hurt the housing market in this South Carolina city. While Myrtle Beach foreclosures are above the national average, they are not nearly as rampant as othe... 03/31/2010

Spectacular community with upscale homes in prestigious Sunset Harbour in North Myrtle Beach is located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway just past the old Cherry Grove swing bridge.  The neighborhood has a strong appeal for those who can afford the multi-million dollar homes on the waterfront  or to more modest patio homes at the back of the community.  Lots range from just below $100,000 to close to a million for waterfront.  Homes range from a few in the upper $300,000 to a couple million for the waterway properties.  Surprisingly, the homeowners' fees are less than $1300 per year.  The property was turned over to a group of elected members who do a great job of managing the property.  The common areas are beautifully landscaped and there are large ponds stocked with catch and re... 03/28/2010

North Myrtle Beach, SC has been the popular tourist area to the north of Myrtle Beach. North Myrtle Beach has managed to keep a lot of its Americana atmosphere and has not been as commercialized as the major tourist areas of the beach. With such a large area the Grand Strand covers it there are a lot of choices for people looking for primary residences as well as vacationers and second home owners. For many people they prefer to be in the Northern part of the beach.   for more information visit North Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale North Myrtle Beach Foreclosures 03/27/2010

6 Reasons Why Those Who Don't Buy Myrtle Beach Real Estate Now, Might Regret It LaterBuying a condo or a home is a big decision. So it's understandable that someone that is considering purchasing Myrtle Beach area real estate may take their time and avoid rushing into such a commitment. However, several factors may leave a prospective Myrtle Beach Real Estate buyer, who doesn't purchase a property now, wishing they had taken action sooner.The current market conditions have created the perfect storm of sorts that has makes it an ideal time to purchase a Myrtle Beach Condo or a Myrtle Beach House. Those who have the desire, and the means to buy now, but don't, aren't likely to see such a great opportunity again anytime soon!We currently have a window of opportunity we don't know how long ... 03/26/2010

                                     The Beach and Company 'Foreclosure Deal of the Day           is an incredible 8 bedroom/7 bath Raised beach home in the Ocean Drive area of North Myrtle           Beach! It is the front half of a two unit building located 1 block from the beach with views of the           ocean from all three levels of this home.                Boasting 4,100 ht.sq.ft. of space, the first 2 levels of this home has 4bedrooms/3baths each with             the top floor having the kitchen with granite countertops, large living room area and recreation             room large enough for a pool table!! Outdoor pool on property for the whole family, how about             a cool dip after a long day at the beach!! And your own Elevator!!                           This home i... 03/24/2010

What Myrtle Beach Has to OfferIt officially springs finally! The weather is warming up and here come the long summer days.  What are you thinking about doing this season? The best thing about spring and summer is living in an area where there are so many things to do. There is a place just like that called Myrtle Beach located in South Carolina. According to the 2000 Census, the city is at the heart of the 13th fastest growing area in the U.S. Also, real estate along the South Carolina coastline is being purchased at a fast rate. The reason for this is simple: people love this beautiful coastal city and its warm hospitality. Myrtle Beach lies in the heart of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile swath of beach that stretches along South Carolina's northern coastline. Myrtle Beach has many differe... 03/24/2010

  The important work of moving the World forward does not wait to be done by perfect men. - George Eliot   One problem with gazing too frequently into the past is that we may turn around to find the future has run out on us.  M. Cibenko   The greatest motivational act one person can do for another is to listen. - Roy Moody   Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking the tartar sauce with you!  Zig Ziglar   There's only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that's not being talked about.   Learn to listen. Opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly.   Dont GO through life, GROW through life.  Eric Butterworth   Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection               Join The Optimist Group! 03/23/2010

The St. Patrick's Day Parade in North Myrtle Beach, SC was a big success.  The flowers and trees are blooming.   Now it is time to get everything rolling for the National Open House weekend April 10th and April 11th. I'm actually going to try to have an open house for an ocean front condo which is an almost impossible task.  Signs are a not an option unless you sneak around putting them up and rushing to take them down.  I will have to count on the media, newspapers, and the web to advertise the event.   I did have an open house three years ago for an ocean view condo and it was not easy but it was a success so I am hopeful. Myrtle Beach Real Estate     Retirement and Real Estate Near Myrtle Beach      North Myrtle Beach Real Estate 03/22/2010

                           What an incredible start for this years tourism season the first day of spring         70 degrees with clear sunny skies! The beaches were full with our most welcome spring breakers, as         we all must agree that they are our future residents, investors and visiting tourist with their future         familys. Don't forget our most important snow birds grabbing their last bit of quiet rest and         relaxation before the droves of tourist poor in.   As I walked along the beach I watched the         locals walk with their dogs, the children playing on the beach and in the water ( they have no fear)         sun tanners grabbing the first real warm sun of the season upon their faces.       So many sweet doggies played on the beach            today, it seems t... 03/21/2010

                                 The Beach and Company Foreclosure Deal of the Day is a beautiful 3 bedroom/ 3 full           bath home in the Ocean Drive area in North Myrtle Beach. This home is located in Forest Lakes           a beautiful sub-division only minutes from the beach!    This home has 1,900 Ht.sq.ft of space with a 2 car garage and is only 3 yrs. young! You can even take your golf cart to the beach! Close to Main St. with the ever popular OD Pavilion, shopping and Festivals.   Quick access to the new Main St. connector which takes you to Hwys. 31, 22 and 90 to visit all of the great  attractions the Grand Strand has to offer.                                Active comparable listings for a 3/3 home range from $274,999 to $339,000!!                 Last solds within past 6 ... 03/15/2010

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property's loan. It occurs when a borrower cannot pay the mortgage loan for whatever reason. Some of the reasons could be unemployment, reduced income, divorce, medical emergency, job transfer out of town, bankruptcy, or death in the family. The lender decides that selling the property at a moderate loss is better than pressing the borrower. Both parties consent to the short sale process, because it allows them to avoid foreclosure. It is very important for sellers and buyers today to understand what a short sale is and the process that it takes. Because many buyers do not understand the short sale process they become impatient. Actually, the buyers who cancel the transaction before sh... 03/13/2010

If you happen to be in the North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area on Saturday, March 13th try to come to the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Main Street.  My Colodwell Banker Chicora office has decorated two golf carts and we'll have a table set up at 416 Main in front of our office.   The St. Patrick's Day Parade is sponsored by the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and this annual event is loaded with green fun and great food.     Myrtle Beach Real Estate                              Retire Near Myrtle Beach 03/12/2010

  Beautiful, isn't it.  Sunset Harbour, an established N Myrtle Beach community is right up the road.  It is directly on the waterway with a pool, clubhouse, and quiet; however, it is a little more expensive than these homes were sold by the builders. How great it is to walk directly out the back of the house to your own private pool, decks, and boat.                                                        This is the view across the marina.  You can easily call to someone across the way and be heard.  If you can see the blue roof in the distance, that is where a major highway runs from Wilmington, NC almost to Charleston.  Hooters was in that location as well as several other restaurants that are open until 12:00 at night...but that isn't the only issue.       This is the biggest probl... 03/10/2010

I can't believe what I'm about to say, "I have become a cold weather wimp".  When we lived in Maryland I thought 50 degrees was Spring and no winter coat weather. After living full-time in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for over five years if the temperature is below 60 degrees I'm putting on the heavy coat.  I have to say that this winter and last were below normal temperatures and I am ready for this weekend when we may hit 70 degrees.  I want to see more winters where my heavy coat never comes out of the closet. 03/05/2010

Yesterday the weather report said we were expected to get 3 - 5" of snow.  They cancelled the Myrtle Beach Marathon after many people had traveled far to participate.  In some ways I understand because the system we were expected to get had not occurred during the past ten years. In the northern section of North Myrtle Beach it didn't begin to snow until late last night.  This morning, Saturday, some grass areas seemed to have an inch and a few feet away there was only a dusting.  Pavement everywhere was only wet.  Myrtle Beach is about fifteen miles south and they may have received a bit more snow but I bet someone is sorry they cancelled the Marathon.      a few feet away  Snowflakes at Night                A Dusting of Snow                                      Tidewater Golf Course 2... 02/13/2010

Noth Myrtle Beach SC - Free lifeguard swim clinicsNORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC  – North Myrtle Beach Beach Patrol officers and North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center are offering free lifeguard swim clinics for those wishing to be a North Myrtle Beach ocean lifeguard this summer. Swim clinics will take place on the following dates. All clinics will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Aquatic & Fitness Center (1100 2nd Ave. S.):    * February 13    * February 20    * February 27    * March 6    * March 13    * March 20    * March 27    * April 3    * April 10    * April 18    * April 24Passing the swim test to become an ocean lifeguard takes skill, stamina and speed. Guards are required to swim 500 meters in 10 minutes or less.After completing the swim test, guards for North Myrtle... 01/30/2010