Watermark Real Estate Group

Homes stabilize, condo prices still drop during June in Myrtle Beach area - Business - TheSunNews.com

2011-07-28T13:51:00.000-04:00

Homes stabilize, condo prices still drop during June in Myrtle Beach area - Business - TheSunNews.com

The median condo price last month was down 5 percent from June 2010, to $118,900, according to the MLS. The median condo price between April and June was down 12 percent, compared to the same period in 2010, according to the MLS.

Radha Herring, the broker-in-charge of the Watermark Real Estate Group, said she wasn't surprised that condo prices continue to fall.

"As we continue to push through the short sale and foreclosure inventory it continues to drive prices downwards," she said.

A lot of the sales and showings her company has had have come from investors, Herring said. Thos investors can make better gross rent on a condo than a single-family house in many cases and condos are generally cheaper to buy, she said.

Condo prices are likely to continue dropping as distressed properties persist and more are put up for sale once the summer ends, Herring said. Single-family home prices are largely dependant on what neighborhood houses are in, because some have stopped dropping and are increasing in price, she said.

"Neighborhoods that have had a tremendous number of short sales and foreclosures, like Carolina Forest, have not seen the end of price drops in that area, simply because they haven't cycled through the short sales and foreclosures," Herring said.

Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/07/28/2302203/homes-stabilize-condo-prices-still.html#ixzz1TQJeJ7ck

CAN-AM Festivities in Myrtle Beach

2010-03-13T13:12:00.004-05:00

Can-Am Days draw almost 100,000 Canadians to the Myrtle Beach area. March 13-21 are the days of the festivities. Some of the activities include: bands playing, conferences, Canadian-American Days Kickoff at Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Canadians also get discounts at Ripley's Aquarium, Medieval Times, Dixie Stampede, and Legends in Concert. Watermark Real Estate Group Welcomes Canadians to Myrtle Beach and we looked forward to meeting you this week

For more Blogs and News please Visit Watermark News and Blogs: News and Blog

2010-03-09T21:18:00.005-05:00

I am excited to announce that Watermark Real Estate Group has been awarded the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award by the US Chamber (only 2 in SC). Now, the recipient that receives the most votes by March 12th, wins the Community Excellence Award! If you could take a moment to vote for Watermark, I would truly appreciate it.

Anderson Ocean Club & Spa

2010-03-09T17:55:00.003-05:00

There is a new hotel on the Grand Strand. Anderson Ocean Club was one of five area hotels that landed on Expedia's Insider's Select 2009, thanks to traveler opinions, overall value and Expedia Hotel Expert input. The new hotel is 22 floors tall and the rooms can accommodate 2 to 11 guests in layouts that feature everything from twin to king-size beds. Amenities are: 200 feet of oceanfront sundeck, indoor heated pool, indoor heated kiddie pool, hot tub, two outdoor pools, lazy river, outside hot tub, fitness center, and a business center. The hotel is located on 2600 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. For More Blogs and News visit the Watermark News and Blog

Snowy Valentines in Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-02-15T14:46:00.003-05:00

Valentines Weekend Winter Wonderland...in Myrtle Beach, SC!

If you weren't in Myrtle Beach, SC this weekend, you missed a rare event...SNOW! This was really exciting for the locals, including me, who were out walking, playing,
and, of course, taking pictures.

Only drawback...The 13th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon was cancelled. We look forward to seeing the runners next years!

See more beach snow pics here

For more blogs go to Watermark Real Estate Group's News and Blog

2010-02-15T12:42:00.004-05:00

There is a new bakery in Myrtle Beach just for Dogs! It is located on 6703 N. Kings Highway and is always stocked with fresh-baked treats. The owner, Paul Reynolds, says that all of the store's products are all-natural, animal byproduct-free and preservative-free. His Schnauzer is the store's mascot. The featured treat is a bulk bag of biscuits and the flavors are: Chicken Parmesan, Cheese Pizza, Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin, and Cheese 'n Bacon. The best part is the treats will be fresh for 3 months, or longer if you freeze them.

For More Blogs and News visit the Watermark News and Blog

Ichiros - Great Place for a Quick Bite

2010-02-12T13:38:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the pleasure of a professional chef cooking right in front of you, with the best quality food. Would this experience make you feel like that inner Queen or King thats been dying to come out. Well wait no longer, Ichiros has the best hibachi food in the city. Enjoy the chefs prepare food for you, while entertaining you with great tricks. How bout catching a juicy shrimp in your mouth, or making symbols and signs made with your rice. Even enjoying a sip of smooth wine. Get all of this at Ichiros in Myrtle Beach, SC. For more blogs go to Watermark Real Estate Group's Website.

BROADWAY AT THE BEACH

2010-02-05T13:41:00.003-05:00

Want to be able to enjoy high quality food while being able to shop at boutiques, be entertained, and enjoy attractions. Well there is a perfect place where all of those things can be accomplished, right here at Myrtle Beach. Visit Broadway at the Beach, where you can eat, shop and party, and if you get exhausted while doing all that, they have hotels available as well. Now you can enjoy it all at one stop, BROADWAY AT THE BEACH.

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www.watermarkagents.com

Extreme Makeover

2010-02-05T13:35:00.001-05:00

On January 18 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to Horry County to remake a house in Loris. There were close to 5,000 people that showed up for the Suggs' family to see their new home. One of the people to show up in particular was Jeff Gordon to sign autographs while the finishing touches could be put on the house.

Food Network Channel in Myrtle Beach

2010-02-05T13:33:00.002-05:00

If you enjoy cooking or watching the Food Network Channel, then the perfect event is coming to Myrtle Beach. Fabio Viviani, from Las Angeles, is coming to the Taste! Trade Show & Expo. The trade show will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center May 14-16. You can go to tasteshows.tix.com to purchase tickets for the show. Fabio Viviani will cook at a Celebrity Chef Dinner Party and will conduct a children's cooking seminar.

For our other blogs, please visit Watermark Real Estate News and Blog

Is the Sun Setting Over Florida?

2010-01-09T13:05:00.005-05:00

Just read some very interesting statistics from the January 2010 issue of the Grand Strander. The Myrtle Beach Chamber does a great job tracking relocation inquiries for our area. In November 2009, the top five states for relocation inquiries were as follows: (1) New Jersey (2) North Carolina (3) New York (4) Ohio (5) Florida.

Yes, Florida!! Our company's real estate sales this past year included clients from the top four states and in 2010 we will will welcome the Floridans. With the long drive to Florida, higher hurricane potential, and the higher real estate prices, Floridians are considering the Grand Strand. This is a great complement to our area, our beaches, our people and the Myrtle Beach Chamber.

US Airways Magazine Features Myrtle Beach

2009-12-26T20:59:00.001-05:00

In case you were not able to make it to the beach on the holidays, we wanted to share with you a feature story on Myrtle Beach from the December issue of USAirways Magazine. This was the second time that Myrtle Beach has been selected in the past five years. Lots of exciting things coming in the New Year. It is a great time to be in Myrtle Beach and look forward to seeing you in 2010!

US Airways Magazine Features Myrtle Beach In the beginning, there was the beach. Not just a juncture of ocean and sand, but more than 60 miles of wide, pristine shoreline bordered with sand dunes and sea oats. Add the balmy rays of a Carolina sun, seagulls and egrets leisurely dining in tide pools, and palmetto trees swaying in the gentle sea breeze, and you’ve got the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, area circa 1940. While much has changed since then, the natural beauty of the beach has not, and it remains the star attraction. However, the scope and depth of leisure activities have transformed the area known as the Grand Strand from a seasonal beach town to a world-class vacation destination. From golf and amusements to live entertainment and holiday celebrations, the Myrtle Beach area continues to add new dimensions to its spirit of fun. It has truly become America’s family beach.

(See Full Article) Source: US Airways Magazine

Myrtle Beach Area Real Estate Revives

2009-12-23T14:04:00.001-05:00

November real estate sales shot up more than 60 percent from last year and marked a three-month trend of increased sales in the Grand Strand market.

In November, single-family home sales were up 65 percent, and condominium sales were up 69 percent, when compared with the same month last year, according to statistics compiled Thursday from the Multiple Listing Service.

"We've got a trend here," said Tom Maeser, a real estate analyst for the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors. "It's very encouraging ... certainly a definite improvement. Last year was just such a terrible year, it's good to see some rebound."
The real estate market has seen some positive growth in sales in part of the market since June, but until November sales, increases hadn't been consistent for three consecutive months in more than two years.

"We've been looking for some uptick for a long time, and we've seen it in the last few months," said Rod Smith of Coldwell Banker Chicora. Business has slowly and steadily been picking up since June, he said. There are a number offactors driving up sales, Smith said, including pent-up demand, the first-time home buyer tax credit and increasing consumer confidence.

The first-time home buyer tax credit, which was originally set to expire at the end of November, was extended through April 30 and expanded to add a $6,500 credit for most people who buy a new primary residence. People who have owned a home for at least five consecutive years in the past eight years are eligible for the $6,500 credit, and people who have not owned a home in the past three years are considered first-time buyers.

As first-time home buyers started buying, other people who had been waiting to purchase a home decided to buy as well, he said.

Smith said that the looming expiration date of the tax credit likely did push some buyers who wanted to take advantage of the benefit.

Some critics say that the tax credit is propping up the weak housing market, but Smith disagrees. He said it merely encourages people who may have wanted to buy but were reticent.
"I really do believe we're at the bottom now, and we're stomping along in the mud," Smith said. "I don't think you're out of the bottom until values start increasing, and I think the values are going to remain constant for a while."

The median home price dropped 12 percent to $170,000, and the median condo price dropped 19 percent to $121,450 in November, when compared with the same month last year.
Maeser said a several-months trend of price increases would signal that the market is coming out of the strong buyer's market the downturn has created.

"The prices are just so good, and because we're such a heavy investor market, we're getting people to commit their cash to buying houses ... and that's what's driving the market," he said.
Radha Herring, of the Watermark Real Estate Group, said that she is mainly selling condos priced at less than $150,000 to cash buyers.

"We've continued to see the investors come into Myrtle Beach looking for these kinds of opportunities," she said.

With prices so low, investors who had been sitting on the sidelines are taking advantage of the good values, Herring said, adding that she thought business would be slow in November and December but has been surprised to find that it isn't. She is also seeing properties sell faster than they have in at least a year, with desirable properties moving quickly. Herring is telling buyers that there will still be the opportunity to buy in 2010 but that the deals and features they are looking for may start to dwindle. "There will still be tons of inventory into 2010, just maybe not at the price you want," she said.

Inventories are starting to draw down from last year, and as properties sell, the market will eventually see home values rise, said Penny Boling of Century 21 Boling and Associates.
Foreclosures and short sales - a sale when a seller negotiates with the lender to sell a house for less than what is owed on the mortgage - continue to drive prices down, and until most of those properties have been sold, prices will not start to gain value. Foreclosures and short sales made up about 25 percent of total sales last month on the Grand Strand.

"We are cleaning up the market that needs to be cleaned up," Boling said.
Sales at her business have been good, and she is seeing increased consumer confidence, with buyers making decisions more quickly. "People have got cash, they want to put it in something, so they put it in real estate," she said. Boling said she thinks sales increases will continue through December and into next year. "I'll be happy to say goodbye to 2009," she said, "and look for a continuation of an increasing in sales and getting our market where we'll see appreciation again."

Contact ADVA SALDINGER at 626-0317.

Home Buyer Tax Credit; Extension into 2010

2009-10-29T16:51:00.002-04:00

Several of our buyers have asked about the rumors of extending the tax credit into 2010 and also allowing "Repeat Home Buyers" access to the tax credit. The below article was in todays USA Today.

Senators agree to extend home-buyer tax credit

By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press WriterWASHINGTON — Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time home buyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers but is set to expire at the end of November. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new home sales fell 3.6% in September, and some industry representatives blamed uncertainty about the tax credit.Senators agreed to extend the existing tax credit for first-time home buyers while offering a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years, said Regan Lachapelle, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.The tax credits would be available to home buyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes, according to a summary of the legislation being circulated among lawmakers.Senators were still negotiating the expansion of a separate tax credit that lets money-losing businesses get refunds for taxes paid in previous years, providing them with an immediate source of cash.Senators in both political parties were hoping to add both tax provisions to a bill that would give people running out of unemployment insurance benefits up to 20 more weeks of federal aid. The Senate could vote on the overall bill as early as Thursday, but lawmakers were still haggling over several unrelated amendments Wednesday evening.Popular bills like the one to extend unemployment benefits often attract amendments that would have a difficult time passing on their own.Republicans were demanding that they be given a chance to offer amendments to restrict federal aid to the beleaguered community activist group ACORN and on requiring that people receiving unemployment insurance be processed through E-Verify, an Internet-based system that employers use to check on the immigration status of new hires.Majority Democrats have refused to add the amendments.If the Senate passes the bill, it would go to the House, which passed a similar bill extending unemployment benefits last month. House leaders have also said they support extending the tax credit for home buyers.Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., has been negotiating for several weeks with Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to craft an extended tax credit for homebuyers that would pass the Senate.Lawmakers didn't release a cost estimate for extending the tax credit, though similar proposals were projected to cost about $10 billion.Industry representatives said uncertainty about the tax credit is hurting new home sales. September's decline was the first since March.It takes 45 days to 60 days to close on a house, making it unlikely a sale made today would be consummated by the end of November, said Lucien Salvant, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors."Buyers right now have an incentive to hold off, not knowing whether the credit will be extended," Salvant said.About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.The tax credit for money-losing businesses is a favorite among Republican lawmakers. Businesses could get tax refunds by using losses from 2008 and 2009 to offset taxable profits made in the previous five years. Under current law, they can only offset profits from the previous two years.The provision would help a variety of industries, including retailers, manufacturers and home builders, though it's expensive."It's clearly a way to put cash in the hands of some major economic players," said Clint Stretch, a tax policy expert at Deloitte Tax.A similar proposal that was ultimately dropped from the economic stimulus package enacted in February would have cost nearly $20 billion over 10 years. Lawmakers are working to reduce the price tag.Because people are so strapped for cash, this is a good way to get refunds when businesses need them for operating expenses, said Rachelle Bernstein, vice president and tax counsel for the National Retail Federation.

Open House and Mother's Day Art Show- Briarcliffe Acres

2009-05-08T07:58:00.003-04:00

Watermark Real Estate Group and The Global Awareness Project (GAP) have partnered to present a Real Estate Open House and Art Show in prestigious Briarcliffe Acres. This event will be held at 167 Palmetto Lane on Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 5:00pm-8:00pm for members of the media and invited guests. The public is invited to participate in a general open house on Sunday, May 10, 2009 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Local artists will be presenting their work while participants preview this historic home for sale. This private home, just 1 block to the beach, was one of the first four to be built in Briarcliff Acres. It boasts a backyard of ocean swash and wildlife habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation.

http://www.watermarkagents.com/listings/909114

This event will also serve as a fundraiser for Global Awareness Project (GAP) through the silent auction of pieces by the late, local artist and real estate developer, John Schwartz. These “concrete flowers” were created by Schwartz in the 1940’s out of remaining materials, during the construction of one of Myrtle Beach’s original landmarks, Lakeside Motel. The Global Awareness Project (GAP) was founded in 2007 by co-founders Carl Kerridge and Jessica Durivage who recognized that one of the greatest unmet needs of non-profit organizations is the ability to build community awareness of their missions, activities and accomplishments. GAP’s vision is to assist with the marketing and promotion of other non-profit organizations through multimedia art, photojournalism and documentary work. They accomplish this through creative projects such as organizing art shows which bring all walks of the community together to honor local culture.

For more information, please visit http://www.theglobalawarenessproject.org/.

Directions to the house:
From Hwy 17 BusinessTurn into Briarcliffe Acres via Middle Gate Rd (North Entry). Follow Middle Gate towards the beach. When the road splits, bear right onto Beach Drive. Go through 1 stop sign and Turn left onto Palmetto Lane.

SC's STATE SHELL: The Lettered Olive

2009-01-20T18:59:00.006-05:00

I was walking down the beach a few weeks ago and noticed this beautiful shell everywhere, thanks to the beach renourishment that's currently happening along the Grand Strand. It's wonderful to see that something that protects our beaches and property values can also blanket the beach with this beautiful free souvenir.
According to the SC.gov website, the Lettered Olive is also known as Oliva Sayana. It was designated the official shell of the State by Act No. 360, 1984. Dr. Edmund Ravenel of Charleston, South Carolina, an early pioneer in concholgy, found and named the Lettered Olive shell which is quite prolific along the South Carolina Coast.

Real Estate Marketing with today's Internet Technology

2008-11-28T22:50:00.004-05:00

New Internet technologies are constantly changing the way real estate companies do business. Good Internet marketing is a necessity for today's successful real estate companies. Buyers and sellers should always question potential real estate agents on how they intend to use Internet technology to make real estate transactions quicker, smoother and simpler. Below are a few of the technologies that we are utilizing with our clients.

Youtube.com - This is a great site that allows agents to share videos and slide shows of properties to enhance their listings.

Craigslist.com - A free online classified advertisement site that allows agents to market listings. Today's savvy buyers look in more than one place for their next home!

Realtor.com - This site was one of the first real estate search sites to go online well over a decade ago. Today Realtor.com attracts 5 to 6 million unique visits monthly — twice as many as its closest competitor.

Data from the National Association of Realtors the median age of home buyers was 39 in 2007, the median age among Realtors is 51. And, among first-time home buyers, 49% were between 25 and 34 years old. Make sure the company that you select to work with understands technology and how to use it to work with today's technology savvy buyers and sellers.

Indian Summer in October

2008-10-26T22:34:00.004-04:00

Hard to believe it is the end of October and the temperatures this past weekend were in the 70s. Are temperatures in the 70s unusual in late October? Maybe not. When you look at the average temperatures for our area, you maybe surprised at how good the weather can be for Myrtle Beach. With weather like we had this past weekend, there is no wonder why Myrtle Beach is such an attractive destination for visitors and retirees.

Average Temperatures for the Myrtle Beach Area
Winter
December: Air Temp 60 & Water Temp 50
January: Air Temp 56 & Water Temp 51
February: Air Temp 58 & Water Temp 51
Spring
March: Air Temp 64 & Water Temp 56
April: Air Temp 72 & Water Temp 66
May: Air Temp 79 & Water Temp 71
Summer
June: Air Temp 85 & Water Temp 78
July: Air Temp 87 & Water Temp 83
August: Air Temp 87 & Water Temp 80
Fall
September: Air Temp 83 & Water Temp 77
October: Air Temp 75 & Water Temp 72
November: Air Temp 67 & Water Temp 60

Source WeatherBase.com

Preparing for hurricanes along the Grand Strand

2008-09-03T22:36:00.002-04:00

Hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th. Along the Grand Strand, September is typically the most active time for hurricanes and tropical storms. Planning in advance of the storms and keeping up to date with the current tropical weather outlooks are key in keeping you and your family safe.

Watermark Real Estate Groups has listed a few websites and tips that we find helpful for getting thru Hurricane Season:

Stock up on food, medicines, and supplies. Don't forget about your pet supplies!
Drinking water is important. One gallon of water per person per day
Know your evacuation routes
Properly store & secure yard furniture and outdoors items
Fill your cars with gas
Keep cell phones, flashlights, radios, weather radios, and batteries on hand
Check all windows and doors to make sure they are secured
Keep valuables, personal papers, and insurance information in a waterproof container

Myrtle Beach Chamber - Hurricane Info

American Red Cross Tips

Weather Underground

NOAA Tropical Weather

Hard Rock Park - A Great Value!

2008-07-16T10:59:00.005-04:00

One of the newest attractions in Myrtle Beach is the beautiful Hard Rock Park. As a local and a Hard Rock Park Ambassador, I have the luxury and benefit of enjoying the park anytime. The free pass for ambassadors definitely helps....thanks HRP! So, for visitors to Myrtle Beach, here are some the reasons you should add this to you list of Myrtle Beach to-dos.

You get an all-day pass! You can leave the park and come back anytime so I suggest you get there early to take advantage of this benefit. This pass is perfect because you may want to come during the day, ride the rides, go back to your hotel, change and be back for the evening concerts, shows or fireworks.

While you're at the park, you may want to take a break from the heat. So, chekc out one of the many shows that they offer throughout the day. Now, these on not just your average shows. I saw the County on Ice a few weeks ago and couldn't believe the performance. These guys and gals are ICE Skating!!.... to country music.... on a stage.....who would of thought.?! They were flipping, jumping, dancing and being thrown around to all the country hits....my favorite genre of music. The whole time, you can't even can't take your eyes off the stage for fear of missing something.

The Rides!! - Oh yeah.....I forgot:)) These rides are amazing....all set to rock and roll music. Whether you like crazy coasters like the Led Zeppelin or more mellow rides like the Moody Blues, there something for everyone. Plus there are a lot of kids treats, like a mini water park, mini ropes course and the traditional kids/baby rides.

Speaking of rock and roll....as you walk around the park, pay attention to the acoustics. I heard the pr/media info about the great sound systems but was a bit skeptical. But, now that I have seen, I understand. As I was walking from Born in the USA into British Invasion, I couldn't even remember that I was just singing a Bruce Springsteen song just 30 seconds ago. It' crazy! I don't know how they've done this, especially since everything is outdoors, but they've done it well.

At night, you can sing and dance to amazing concerts, both regional and national including Sister Hazel who played 4th of July Weekend. After the show, walk over to the lake and enjoy an awesome firework show set to the music of Bohemian Rhapsody. The park closes late so even when the fireworks show is over...around 11...the night is young!

Bottom line.........if you love rock and roll, rides, coasters, concerts, shows, fireworks, food, drink and fun.....Hit Hard Rock Park!! http://www.hardrockpark.com/

All of this for only $50. Plus, with the current family promotions, the cost is just $40 per person. Of course, they offer discounts for kids. Is that a great deal or what?!

Grants from the state for adding shutters to your home.

2008-07-12T11:17:00.003-04:00

South Carolina has a program that will provide funding to home owners to install hurricane shutters to their home with matched funding. For more infomation about this program please follow the attached link. http://www.scsafehome.com/ I have also attached a link to South Carolina DHEC that will provide more infomation about getting prepared for the storms. http://www.scdhec.net/administration/ophp/hurricane/.

Watermark cites several Myrtle Beach accolades

2007-08-08T22:41:00.000-04:00

1. One of the 100 Best Retirement Towns in America. (Retire Magazine 2003)
2. One of the Top Ten 2nd Home Investments 2004 (www.escapehomes.com)
3. "America's Favorite Boardwalks for 2004" (Travel Channel)
4. One of America's Best Beaches and Favorite Family Beach 2003 (Travel Channel)
5. #2 of Top 10 Beaches, ahead of Waikiki and St. Thomas. (Yahoo! Travel and National Geographic, 2003)
6. #2 summer travel destinations most often researched on the Web site. (Lycos 2003)
7. Myrtle Beach: Destination of the Year, 2006 (US Airways)