Deals of the Week - August 25, 2011

Just Listed

RED Day

If you are in town on Thursday, May 14th, come join Myrtle Beach Keller Williams Realty agents as we celebrate RED Day. This year is the first annual RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate). Keller Williams Realty agents were challenged to do something on May 14th that would help our community. Ideas ranged from helping with a Habitat for Humanity build to volunteering at local community events.

The Myrtle Beach Keller Williams Realty office has decided to host a hot dog cookout at noon. We are asking for everyone to bring 5 or more canned goods that we will donate to the Low Country Food Bank. Come join us for food and fun on the 14th!

Blessing of the Inlet

2009 T-Shirts design.

See you Saturday, May 2, at the Blessing of the Inlet. This annual event in Murrells Inlet, now it its 13th year, is held at Belin Methodist Church will kick off at 9:00 a.m. The day will be filled with entertainment, arts and crafts, activities for children and the Blessing Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. No admission fee is charged for the event, and it will take place rain or shine. T-shirts can be purchased for $10.00. If you need more information about the Blessing of the Inlet, visit their website.

Hard Rock Park Update

The former Hard Rock Theme Park has a new name. The park will now be called Freestyle Music Park. The new owners of the park had wanted to keep the Hard Rock name, but they were unable to reach an agreement with Hard Rock International.

Owners still hope to have the park opened by Memorial Day weekend. The park will not be limited to a rock theme, instead it will now incorporate rock n' roll, country, R&B, reggae, beach music, pop, alternative, Christian and disco.

Market Common Comes of Age

Below is an excerpt from The Sun News published on March 29, 2009

Market Common Comes of Age

A year on, buildings are full, shoppers abound
By Jessica Foster - jfoster@thesunnews.com

Unless he's going to work, Taft Corbett rarely has to get in his car.

The shopping, the parks, the dining and festivals are all right in his backyard in what many residents of The Market Common district have nicknamed "the bubble."

"Really most of what I do outside of work is here in this little area," he said.

This time a year ago, Myrtle Beach's first urban village was getting its finishing touches and only a few residents lived nearby.

Now, it is becoming the walkable community that planners envisioned and a bustling hub for recreation and community events.

To view the complete article, click here.
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The Market Common will celebrate its First Anniversary on April 4, 2009. Activities will start at 4 p.m. and fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m.

Hard Rock Park Update

Some background information... Hard Rock Park located off of Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach opened in April 2008. The park hoped to attract locals and tourists alike. However, when the park did not draw the expects crowds, it closed in bankruptcy in September 2008. Hard Rock Park was purchased in February 2009 by FPI MB Entertainment. FPI MB Entertainment was able to purchase the park out of bankruptcy for $25 million.

Hard Rock International and FPI MB Entertainment are in discussions now about keeping the Hard Rock brand. Because of the name recognition of Hard Rock, officials with FPI MB Entertainment are hoping to be able to keep the name and use it in their marketing. Will keeping the Hard Rock name help or hurt the park? No one knows. On one hand, name recognition might draw visitors to the park. On the other hand, changing the name could eliminate negative publicity created by the bankruptcy proceedings.

One thing is certain ~ officials want to attract a more visitors and a wider range of visitors. Past visitors to the park complained about the high ticket price and lack of rides for children. Officials have previously stated that ticket prices would be lowered to $35-$40 from $50 and more rides for children would be added.

The park is expected to re-open by Memorial Day Weekend. Will you visit the park this season? Leave a comment about your experiences with the park last year and whether or not you plan to visit the park once it reopens.

Happy Birthday, North Myrtle Beach!

North Myrtle Beach celebrated its 40th birthday today, Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

The leaders of the small towns of Cherry Grove Beach, Ocean Drive Beach ("O.D."), Crescent Beach and Windy Hill Beach thought they could be more successful as one larger city versus several smaller towns. The merger came after more than a year of discussions. The towns incorporated in 1968, and leaders decided to name the town North Myrtle Beach. The name was chosen to play off the success and popularity of Myrtle Beach, a few miles south.

Over the last 40 years, the town has grown considerably. When the town incorporated, it consisted of about 350 beach homes connected by unpaved roads. Now, North Myrtle Beach has about 13,000 full-time residents, four lanes of Highway 17, condos and many businesses. Barefoot Landing has grown into a major shopping area from a hand-full of stores.

I've seen the changes first hand in North Myrtle Beach. My family vacationed for years in North Myrtle Beach in the Crescent Beach section. We stayed in the same home each year, and my sister and I thought it was "our" beach house! Then, only a few high-rise condos dotted the landscape. Most of the condo complexes were low-rise (2-5 stories). We always visited Bert's Surf Shop and had to buy a t-shirt on Main Street in O.D. During the day, we relaxed at the beach and played in the ocean until the lifeguards went home. We ate dinner at the White Point restaurant - then, it was located west of 17 where the Alabama Theatre now sits. Highway 22 and Highway 31 did not exist. It was basically one way in and one way out!

North Myrtle Beach has definitely "grown up" over the years. I have tons of great memories of time spent in North Myrtle Beach with my family and friends. The former small beach towns incorporated 40 years ago to form North Myrtle Beach have surely given many other people wonderful memories as well.

Happy 40th Birthday, North Myrtle Beach!

2007 Sun Fun Festival Memories

The weather is getting warm, and I thought now would be a great time to reminisce about the 2007 Sun Fun Festival. Myrtle Beach has competed to build the tallest sandcastle during the last few Sun Fun Festivals.

Myrtle Beach won in 2006, but our title was lost later in the summer. We came back in 2007 fully prepared to regain our title. Even with Tropical Storm Barry bringing bad weather to the Myrtle Beach area, crews worked to build "The World's Tallest Sandcastle" and won! The official measurement was 49.55 feet. Because of the rainy weather, I did not see the sandcastle being built, but I was able to get some great pictures later in the week.

The 2008 Sun Fun Festival is scheduled for June 5th-9th. Another fun, family-friendly event in Myrtle Beach, the Beach, Boogie and BBQ is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, August 29-30, 2008.

Breaking News from Certifax Appraisals

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Appraisers see improving market conditions. Recent appraisal orders (in the last month) reflect fewer days on market and narrowing gap between list and sales prices:

-Castlewood single family under contract, 33 days on market at 94% of list price ($150K-$200K range)

-Ocean Creek Tower North condo under contract, 57 days on market at 98% of list price ($400K-$450K range)

-A Place at the Beach condo, Shore Drive, under contract, 26 days on market at 99.9% of list price ($150K-$200K range)

-Briarcliffe Acres vacant residential lot under contract, 34 days on market at 94% of list price ($350K - $400K range)

-Wisteria Woods single family under contract, 36 days on market at 98% of list price ($100K to $150K range)

-The Island condo under contract, 34 days on market at 94% of list price ($300Kto $350K range)

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Good news is out there - focus on local news media to get the most up-to-date and correct information about your local real estate market. Now is a wonderful time to buy in Myrtle Beach. Recently, I was featured on our local news channel. I talked about the opportunities to purchase property at a good price. When I receive the audio story, I will be adding it to this Blog. In the meantime, please contact me if you have any questions about what is happening in our local real estate market. I can be reached at (843) 267-2710 or Kathy@KathyRukat.com.

Hard Rock Theme Park Grand Opening Band Announced

The Hard Rock Park is taking shape off Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach, and the Led Zeppelin roller coaster can be seen from Bypass 17. As the opening date approaches, the grand opening band has been announced. Rock-n-roll fans will be excited to hear that The Eagles will be the opening act!!

The Park opens to the public on May 9th. The grand opening extravaganza will last two day beginning on June 2nd with The Eagles concert and will continue on June 3rd with a concert by the Moody Blues. A celebrity golf tournament will be held as well.

Democratic Debate

The Democratic Party held its debate in Myrtle Beach last night, Monday, January 21. This debate was held at the Palace Theatre located at Broadway at the Beach. As with the Republican debate, the Democratic debate featured a sand sculpture of the candidates. CNN aired the debate.

GOP Debate

All eyes around the nation will be on Myrtle Beach today. The Republican Party will be holding a debate tonight at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Fox News will be broadcasting the debate at 9 p.m. Candidates at tonight's debate include Ron Paul, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson.

A group from Team Sandtastics have been working on "Mount Myrtle Beach" since Monday morning. The sand sculpture was completed Thursday morning prior to the debate Thursday night. The sculpture features a bust of all six candidates in tonight's debate. Once the debate is finished, the sculpture will be demolished and the sand will be moved to the site of the Democratic debate later in the month.


Traffic will be re-directed on Thursday prior to and during the debate. If you will be traveling in the area of the Convention Center, check the Debate Traffic Map.

The Democratic Party will hold their debate at the Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach on January 21, 2008.

Market Commons Progress

Thursday, October 11, 2007 marked the one-year anniversary of work beginning at The Market Commons on the old Air Force Base. Construction on the townhouses and the store fronts has begun. To read the complete story written Friday in the Sun News, click here. You can also view a video of the construction. Three companies announced on Thursday they would open stores at The Market Commons. Those stores include Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works and Travinia Italian Kitchen. Other planned tenants are listed in the Sun News article.

The Market Commons remains a large undertaking for all involved. If you have any questions about the progress or purchase opportunities, let me know.

Myrtle Beach Highlights

Myrtle Beach Highlights

Live Shows
Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, The House of Blues, Legends in Concert, Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Palace Theatre and the Tribute in Concert

Beaches
Over 60 miles of pristine beaches in the Grand Strand

120 Championship Golf Courses
Myrtle Beach is the Seaside Golf Capital. Over 4.2 million rounds are played annually

1,800 Full Service Restaurants
If you would eat at a different Myrtle Beach area restaurant for every meal, it would take you over 1.5 years to cover all of them. That is, unless you’re like us and have more than 3 meals per day!

Fitness
There are dozens of fitness centers in the Myrtle Beach area including two Gold’s Gyms. There are more than 200 tennis courts with a variety of surfaces in Myrtle Beach.

Over 300 Outlet Stores
Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Eddie Bauer, Guess, Jones New York, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan, Timberland, Rockport, Johnston & Murphy, Columbia Sportswear, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Nautica, Rue 21, Nine West Perry Ellis, Fossil, Movado, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and the list keeps going…

Coastal Grand Mall
The largest mall in South Carolina and still growing. Featuring numerous specialty shops, restaurants and a 12 screen movie theatre.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans
An Atlanta Braves Carolina League Class-A team

Grand Dunes
A 1 billion 500 million subdivision stretching front the Atlantic Ocean to the ICW. Offering a marina and planned upscale shopping and dining.

Hospitals
*Grand Strand Regional Medical Center – 1 of the state’s top rated heart centers, located on 82nd Avenue North
*Conway Medical Center – located 6 miles West in Conway, SC
*Wacammaw Medical Center – located 8 miles south in Murrells Inlet, SC. The area’s newest facility with the most modern equipment.

Town Centre
1000 acres in the heart of Carolina Forest with house mixed retail and professional offices (doctor’s offices, shopping, possible eateries)

Myrtle Beach Speedway
Professional and Amateur racing sanctioned by NASCAR. There are also other attractions for the racing enthusiast including NASCAR Speedpark.

Fishing
Freshwater, Inshore and Offshore fishing is available in Myrtle Beach. There are also eight ocean fishing piers, head boats and charter boats that can be utilized! Everything from Bream to Swordfish can be taken.

Water Activities
Sailboats, Jet Ski, Pontoon Boats, Canoe and Kayak rentals are available. Scuba Diving, Parasailing, Surfing, Boogie Boarding and Windsurfing are popular as well.

Kids and Family Activities
Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Waves Water Park, Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, IMAX Theater, Children’s Museum of South Carolina, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, Ghosts and Legends, Magiquest, Wild Water and Race Theme Park, Lazer FX, Build a Bear, Great American Riverboat Tours, Alligator Adventure and much more!


Broadway at the Beach
South Carolina’s most visited attraction. It is a collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. A must see!

Barefoot Landing
Very similar to Broadway at the Beach but located on the Intracoastal Waterway with free dockage! Alabama Theater and the House of Blues are there. If you’re longing to see an alligator, go there to visit Alligator Adventure.

Colonial Mall
Featuring the largest Bass Pro Shops in the US!

Ripkin Experience
Cal Ripkin’s baseball and training facility. Just Opened!

Hard Rock Café Theme Park
It’s official…the only one in the world… will be in Myrtle Beach, SC. Look at Disney!


There is much more, but I will get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome if I type all of the Myrtle Beach Highlights. Here are some of Myrtle Beach’s Accolades:

One of America’s Best Beaches Travel Channel

Best Family Beach Travel Channel

One of Best of America Reader’s Digest

No. 1 Golf-Home Community Golf Digest

Best of the South Meetings South

Great Places to go Coastal with your Kids USA Today

No. 2 of Top 10 Beaches Yahoo Travel & Nat’l
Geographic Magazine

A Favorite Travel Destination Southern Living

Top 10 Winner Southern Accents

Favorite Southern City Southern Accents

Favorite Golf/Spa Destination Southern Accents

Favorite Beach Destination Southern Accents

No. 1 of 10 Most Desirable 2nd Homes www.escapehomes.com

One of the Top 5 Most Popular Drive Destinations AAA

SPORTSTOWN USA Sports Illustrated

One of 10 Great Retirement Towns Travel 50 & Beyond
No. 1 in United States for Growth Potential Restaurant Business

One of 100 Best Retirement Towns in America Where to Retire

No. 29 of 200 Best Places for Business & Careers Forbes

Homeowners' Insurance Bill Signed into Law

As any coastal homeowner can tell you, homeowners' insurance premiums were a hot topic of conversation over the last year. Many policies were not renewed and those that were renewed carried higher premiums. Most hard hit were condo complexes between Business 17 (Kings Highway) and the Intracoastal Waterway. State Legislature worked hard to remedy the situation. A temporary fix was put into place in March 2007. The wind pool line was expanded to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Recently, the House and Senate agreed on amendments to H.3820, the Omnibus Coastal Property Insurance Reform Act, making insurance reform permanent. The passage of this bill was a big "win" for the citizens of South Carolina's coast. Among other things, the bill would create catastrophe savings accounts, establish incentives for insurance companies to write additional policies in the wind and hail zone, expand the cancellation notice period and force insurers to reveal catastrophe models to the Department of Insurance. The Senate made the wind pool expansion that took place in March 2007 permanent. The bill was signed into law on Monday, June 11, 2007 by Governor Mark Sanford. Bill signing ceremonies were held in Myrtle Beach and Charleston.

It's Summer in Myrtle Beach

Summer time is almost here!!! Myrtle Beach comes alive in the summer with family reunions, family vacations, college students coming to town for summer jobs and countless visitors looking for sun, fun and relaxations.

As the temperature starts to heat up, so does the threat of hurricanes. Today, Highway 501 will be busy as the State Department of Public Safety holds its annual hurricane evacuation drill. In the event of a hurricane and an evacuation, the inbound lanes to Myrtle Beach are reversed. Traffic in all lanes of Highway 501 will be headed out of town should the Governor issue a mandatory evacuation. To keep up-to-date on approaching hurricanes, visit the Horry County Hurricane Information Center.

Sun Fun Follow Up

Tropical Storm Barry prevented me from attending any of the weekend festivities associatied with the Sun Fun Festival. I planned to take lots of pictures and post them here. Hopefully, the sandcastle got built, and I can stop by to snap a shot of the final masterpiece! Feel free to check out the Sun Fun Festival website at http://www.sunfunfestival.com/.

TS Barry did bring some much needed rain to the Myrtle Beach area. By the time the weather hit our shores, Barry had been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. We were glad to get the rain without the damage!

Sun Fun Festival

It's time for Myrtle Beach's Annual Sun Fun Festival. The Festival kicks off today (May 31, 2007) and continues through June 4, 2007. Last year, Myrtle Beach competed for the World's Tallest Sandcastle. We won, but the victory was short-lived. We're competing again this year for the title of World's Tallest Sandcastle! The Festival includes concerts, beach parties, air shows and pageants. If you will be in town this weekend, stop by one of the Sun Fun Festival events. Several celebrities will be in town...maybe you will get to meet one of them! More information on the Sun Fun Festival can be found at http://www.sunfunfestival.com/.

Update on Homeowners' Insurance

Homeowners' Insurance has been increasing over the last few months in the Myrtle Beach area. Many things contributed to this increase including the rough hurricane season the US saw in 2005. The Director of Insurance and other South Carolina politicians suggested expanding the South Carolina Wind and Hail Pool.

What is the South Carolina Wind and Hail Pool? The SC Wind and Hail Pool is a source of funds used to purchase wind and hail coverage provided by the state. In Horry county, residents east of Business 17 can obtain wind and hail coverage from the SC Wind and Hail Pool. This pool provides coverage for these property owners since their regular insurer will not provide wind and hail coverage east of Business 17. Insurance coverage through the SC Wind and Hail Pool is not cheap!

After the large increase in homeowners' insurance (especially in the condo community) seen this spring and summer, government officials suggested expanding the Wind Pool to the Waterway. Expanding the Wind Pool would help condo owners obtain insurance at lower rates. However, homeowners between Business 17 and the Waterway could be effected adversely. Traditional insurance providers would not provide wind and hail coverage to property owners if they could use the SC Wind and Hail Pool. Those homeowners could see an increase in their wind and hail premium. The conclusion (for now) is that the South Carolina Wind and Hail Pool will not be expanded.

I will be posted more information about homeowners' insurance over the next few days.