Sandy Keller, ABR, CNRS, e-PRO, Realtor

During the first nine months of 2009 I dealt with no shortage of potential real estate buyers. Even with prices near the pre-boom level they either made offers and refused counter-offers or they woke up the morning after making an offer and heard the media say the worst is yet to come and they wanted to cancel their offers. I was happy that I was able to obtain releases from Sellers that allowed my Buyers to walkaway.

This year's Labor Day weekend was a turning point in real estate like I had never seen before. Even the buying frenzy of 2005 - 2007 did not compare to the number of Buyers who are serious about making a purchase. It has been great just taking my clients to view properties and watch them have the "wow" moment when they find the perfect place and are happy the next morning after we go under contract.

I had been at a point of burnout but the past few weeks have rejuvenated why I became a Realtor and I have met some really great people.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate Retire Near Myrtle Beach

Today was one of those perfect Fall days in Myrtle Beach when the afternoon temperature touched 80 degrees. It wasn't hot, it was warm with clean fresh dry air that made you just want to be outside. Early this morning I was at a meeting and someone, who knew I had just returned from a trip to Maryland, asked me if I ever regretted moving to the Myrtle Beach area and my response was, "no".

I enjoy my career as a Realtor but I know that when the time comes I'll also enjoy my retirement. After helping many people find a home and talking to them when they retire and move to the Myrtle Beach area permanently I have found a wealth of resources to keep me as active or inactive as I want to be.

During the next week I have several clients who are making the trip to the Myrtle Beach area specifically to search for their retirement home. Each have their timetable set for retirement but even the one who does not want to retire for several years plans to buy now while prices are down and interest rates are low. They plan to focus on homes in North Carolina because the property taxes are not higher for non-residents.

Retire Near Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Real Estate

If you are interested in buying an ocean front condo in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, or across the street in those areas you can find prices today as low or lower then the pre-boom prices in 2004.

Cash buyers with the help of their own agent can find the fantastic deals, even the months it takes for a short sale purchase may be worth the wait.

For those who need a mortgage to purchase, there were months during the past two years when no lender would give a mortgage to what is called a CONDOTEL. I would try to define the term "Condotel" but every lender has a different definition. Today is September 21, 2009 and there are a few sources now available for mortgages on condos which are known as Condotels. Since the majority of people don't have the money to pay cash for a second home or investment condo they are left out unless they can put at least 25% down and have a credit score above 680 (Sept. 2009). With mortgage money that comes and goes like the ocean waves and the definition of Condotel that varies with lenders, potential buyers have not had an easy time taking advantage of the great deals.

There is a glimmer of light as far as mortgage availability is concerned as some in the lending world whisper about the return of normal 30 year fixed loans for ocean front condos but guess what will happen when more people can buy those ocean front condos -- "supply and demand" = increasing condo prices.

Ocean Front Condos In Myrtle Beach

Sunday, September 13, 2009 Ripley's Aquarium at the Broadway at the Beach complex in Myrtle Beach, SC hosted the End of Summer Cruise-In with Cecil Chandler from WBTW News 13 as the DJ and the Myrtle Beach Car Club providing the classic cars that surrounded the entrance to the Aquarium. Sharkey the mascot even came out of the Aquarium to dance and look at the cars.

A month ago I wrote a blog about the activity I had seen due to ActiveRain and my website and it has happened again during the Labor Day weekend. I received one contact who had found me on ActiveRain and three through contacting me on my website Myrtle Beach Real Estate. The past week was the same fast pace of the real estate market of several years ago but with prices that have returned to the pre-boom amounts. A few of those reasonable priced properties were foreclosures but many sellers have realized that if they want to sell they have to price their property in line with the current market.