Laura Bunts

Hey There:

I find it hard to believe that I am the only one responding who prefers the "south end" over all the others. Our family has owned in both North Myrtle & on the South end and I can say with 100% certainty that Surfside Beach, Garden City and Murrels Inlet are definitely where we have felt most "at home". We have lived in Surfide Beach for 8 years and feel we are truly part of a "community" not typical in other areas.

We have 3 children (12, 13, & 14) who have attended Seaside Elem, St James Middle and our oldest is currently in his first year at St James High School. We could not have asked for a better experience for our children. Having come from north of the Mason Dixon line, we were definitely of the "private school mindset" upon arriving in SC. However, Seaside Elementary School came highly recommended and after an extensive amount of research and investigating, we decided to give it a try and could not be more happy with our decison.

The most important question is: where is it that you really want to be? If the beach is "your thing" then Surfside is a GREAT place to start your search. Several friends who live in and around Carolina Forest have often expressed regret in their decision to live so far away from the beach. They spend so much of their time commuting to activities at the beach and the summer season can make you feel like your taking a "road trip" just to get here. We lived all over the country prior to making the Grand Strand our home and getting into the area that attracts you most (keeping the school district in mind) is key. Now is the perfect time to secure a 6 month (or annual) lease while you check things out and decide where it is you really want to be before making that ultimate decision. Please let me know if I can be of assistance! We received some extremely valuable advice before making our decison and I would welcome an opportunity to share our experience with you.
Sincerley,
Laura Bunts
LauraBunts@aol.com - Fri Sep 5 2008, 19:34

Hey Terrie!

My colleagues responses are all very true when it comes to a "condominium vs. townhome" purchase in the Myrtle Beach area in 2008...... I would however like to add a few things to consider that have made a significant difference in my own personal investing arena both early on in my "absentee ownership" time and even now when I am living in the Myrtle Beach area full time.

Location, as you know is essential. Choose a general area (Myrtle, North Myrtle, Surfside, Garden City) and then break it down to individual developments or communities! It is then crucial to investigate the stability of the developer and development or community where you are considering a purchase -- especially in an "uncertain market". Will they (it) survive in and be available to service the homeowner base during a recession or slow market? You would be surprised at how many developers have "cut their losses" and ran (or even cut their prices only to hurt their early purchasers).

Considering the global picture surrounding your purchase (amenities) is also an important factor........A house is just "brick & mortar" so to speak -- you can find that anywhere. But will that keep you and your guest/renters happy during a week or month long stay? Does the area offer a "lifestyle" -- something other than "just the beach or golf"?

From a financial aspect, does it offer an opportunity for continued appreciation? Are there income producing opportunities when the resale market is soft and if so, is it strictly an annual rental market or can it also accommodate weekly and snowbird rentals? How about when you decide to relocate -- will this be a place you can picture yourself spending your active years of retirement?

Finally, since you may be an absentee owner for a period of time, is your purchase protected by some type of security or on-site staff who will assist or notify you in the event of an emergency?

Having all of these things in place have been paramount to my success in real estate investing (and in my current profession as a Real Estate Broker) in the Myrtle Beach area during the past 11 years. If you are currently working with a Realtor in the area, they should have knowledge of the above with regard to communities in their immediate market. If they are not familiar with other markets, have them consult a colleague in those areas. If you are not working with a Realtor, choose one who is specialized in the things that are important to you ie) golf, beach resort, on-site rental management etc) and have them do "your home" work!

Please feel free to call or email with additional questions or recommendations or visit my website listed below to view where I have chosen to make my own personal real estate purchases! - Sat Aug 16 2008, 13:39

Hey Lita
It all depends on the motivation of the Seller, the competitiveness of the immediate surroundings and the uniqueness of the actual home. If you have a Buyers Agent, they can advise you based on their expertise in the industry and immediate market area. If you don't have a Buyer's Agent, it typically would not cost you to hire one to represent you since most compensation in a home transaction is paid by the Seller if the home is listed with a Realtor by way of Cooperation. If it is a FSBO, then definitely do your homework and make sure you have all the information you need before making an informed decision and offer

Good Luck. - Tue Jun 17 2008, 11:34

While Trulia doesn't specifically deal with Rentals, there are other sources that do. Please feel free to contact me at LauraBunts@aol.com for a list of rental specific sourcse - Sat Dec 29 2007, 10:42

Hey There.......I am not sure if this is what you are looking for however, I am including two links to "develpment happenings" and the local retail map in and around that area. I will continue to try and locate the specific information you have requested. Please feel free to give me a call or email me with other questions I may assit you with!

Sincerely,
Laura Bunts

http://www.kotis.org/propertydetails.php?rp=4&id=62

http://www.mccafferyinterests.com/content/current/tmc_mb/fil… - Wed Sep 26 2007, 12:23