Wendy Hodges

With national focus and talk of recessions and foreclosures, it's a positive sign to see focus on healthy markets along with growth and stimulation in the economy. Last year almost all areas experienced a decline but over the past four years, some markets have outperformed and are expected to continne into 2009.

Healthy markets like Myrtle Beach all have one thing in common- they are great places to live- and being close to the beach, mountains, or major universities is also key. Some areas selected didn't have huge appreciation and aren't experiencing major price declines during this time.

Builder magazine analyzed building permits; job growth and trends; along with what is happening with home prices in particular areas to come up with the 15 healthiest real estate market which includes Myrtle Beach, SC.

#15 Myrtle Beach, SC

Though permit activity dropped sharply last year, Myrtle Beach remains one of the hottest markets in the country, especially when you analyze the number of permits pulled per resident. Only 263,287 people live in the Myrtle Beach metro area, which until recently had been growing its population by nearly 5 percent a year. That means builders pulled one permit for every 82 residents. A steady influx of people, many of them retirees, are drawn by close proximity to the ocean and 117 golf courses at last count. That has helped keep home prices steady; they fell only 10 percent last year to a very affordable $174,800. The metro area was rocked last year when a $400 million rock-and-roll themed amusement part, Hard Rock Park, opened and then filed for bankruptcy- but is being repurchased and opening by Spring. Myrtle Beach added jobs last year, but as of December employment was decreasing at a 4.2% rate when compared with the year before.

The opening of the North Beach Plantation- like the Atlantis- will also be an icon for Myrtle Beach. Many are selecting this high-rise for their retirement or vacation home as Myrtle Beach opens a fabulous white-glove spa like many in Las Vegas and California. The first swim-up bar along with the luxuries this resort offers will surely make this one of the most desirable locations in Myrtle Beach. North Beach Plantation is almost sold out- yes, Myrtle Beach Real Estate is looking strong for 2009!!!

Myrtle Beach - Century 21 Boling Recognizes Top Agents March 19th, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC- Penny Boling, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Boling & Associates announced today that Century 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization recently recognized Century 21 Boling & Associates with the Double Centurion Office Award for production. The Double Centurion Award is given to Century 21 System offices that achieve or surpass a certain volume of sales production within a calendar year. “The men and women of Century 21 Boling & Associates truly understand that dedication, professionalism, excellence and service are what drive the real estate industry,” said Thomas R. Kunz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “The individual effort of each member of the Century 21 Boling & Associates team is what the Double Centurion Office Award truly recognizes.” Individual agents from Century 21 Boling & Associates have also been recognized for receiving awards. Traci Miles was recognized with achieving the Centurion Producer Award for her Individual Sales Production. Other agents recognized for 2008 sales production are; Danny Baxley, Gene Heidt, Glenn Hellofs, Wendy Hodges, and Shaun Milligan whom also received awards as “Top Producers.” In addition, realizing that customer service is an integral part of its commitment to professional excellence, Century 21 Real Estate LLC has recognized Wendy Hodges with the Century 21 Quality Service Producer Award. Century 21 Boling-Myrtle Beach - 2008 Awards

North Beach Plantation - Update

Buyers are anxiously awaiting the closing on the most prestigious and upscale North Beach Plantation- the towers expected to be the icon of Myrtle Beach. The first swim-up bar to Myrtle Beach along with breathtaking-views of the Atlantic have buyers anxiously awaiting the closing date.

Developer, Winchester Development, lowered prices weeks ago to meet the current market. With the price change came changes in the master deed and signatures. Buyers are waiting for closing dates as they are ready to close, furniture is on its way, and preparations for those awaiting to rent units are being made with Britton Management and rental companies. Final preparations for the soon-to be- most popular resort in Myrtle Beach - North Beach Plantation-are being taken care of by anxious new owners.

Are times really that tough or is it time for smart consumers who have cash and have stuck to their budget to profit? With the decreasing cost of transportation - down 26%- and the steadily dropping home prices- down 16.6%- can't we see this as a time where hard working, saving individuals can finally own a home? Household goods have dropped nearly 5%. This is a time when people can take advantage of these savings and renters can break out of that trap, take advantage of low interest rates, and own a home at a reasonable price. FHA loans make it possible for buyers to own homes with as little as 3% down. Are we just getting back to reality with low prices and getting the investors who increased prices by flipping properties and making a quick buck while sending prices of homes skyrocketing at an uncontrollable pace ---recession or progression?