Here at RE/MAX we are always eager to share out gigantic resources of knowledge with the general public, It’s called giving back! RE/MAX spends more dollars than any other real estate franchise in research, developement and media marketing hands down. It’s no wonder no one sells more real estate than RE/MAX.
Once again the following video is well done and full of valuable information for your taking. Sit back and enjoy. Looking forward to your comments afterwards.
Custom Built Value: Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach
The homes in Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach embody the entire Myrtle Beach area. That is, these homes are relaxing, laid-back, prosperous, and make a great investment. Cypress River Plantation is known as one of the most valuable sectors in South Myrtle Beach real estate. This is due to its location and the quality of homes there.
Intercoastal Properties at Cypress River Plantation
Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer, and it’s quite a sprawling town. Cypress River Plantation is located somewhat inland of the ocean. Most of the homes in Cypress River Plantation are located along Collins Creek, a beautiful, winding, and well preserved creek that connects Cypress River Plantation to the Intercoastal Waterway.
Avid boaters and fishers will be delighted to know that Cypress River Plantation is located on land that contains five acres of lakes! This is one of the reasons why people love Cypress River Plantation so much. There is an abundance of freshwater lakes in this neighborhood, but it’s still very close to the ocean. One can see clearly why real estate in Cypress River Plantation continues to appreciate in value.
Why do Families Love Cypress River Plantation?
You can find quiet, peaceful living in Cypress River Plantation. In fact, it’s a great place for a family. Many families have moved into this area, and the area is gaining popularity. Another charming attribute of Cypress River Plantation is the prevalence of indigenous plants and wildlife. Here, one will find plants and animals that are native to South Carolina. In fact, there are some gorgeous birds flying in this area.
You can get a lot of space for your buck in Cypress River Plantation. Many buyers typically buy between one-half acres and 3 acres in this area. Plus, the prices are great. You pay very little, but you get a LOT of space. Some of the two and three acre lots offer great water access, walkways, and even private docks.
Cypress River Plantation is also located conveniently near the Grand Strand and Murrell’s Inlet. This means residents of this area have easy access to the shopping, dining, and other attractions of South Myrtle Beach. However, those areas are far enough away not to impact the quiet living of Cypress River Plantation. This area is really ideal, because you can live quietly, but you are very close to city life if you wish to venture over there.
Most of the lots in Cypress River Plantation offer some great amenities. Many developments have tennis courts, pools, a resident clubhouse, and much more. These large lots are also lined with beautiful trees. This makes Cypress River Plantation one of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in all of South Myrtle Beach.
What Makes South Myrtle Beach Properties a Good Investment?
If you’re looking to invest in South Carolina real estate, then take a look at Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach. This little-known community offers investors great value for a low price. Plus, the value of these homes is consistently increasing.
Investing in real estate is much smarter than investing with investment bankers, because real estate investments are tangible. A thriving market such as Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach will pay off for investors.
For all of you who have enjoyed my blog for some time now as well as new readers to my Blog let me say. Thanks for your support and if you have the time visit my newest Blog at:
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.
Tax Credit Versus Tax
Deduction
It’s important to remember that the $8,000 tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, they would owe nothing.
Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a homebuyer is liable for $4,000 in income tax, he can offset that $4,000 with half of the tax credit… and still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Phase out Examples
According to the plan, the tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000.
To break down what this phase out means to homebuyers who are over those amounts, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) offers the following examples:
Example 1:
Remember, these are general examples. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
Homes that Qualify
The tax credit is applicable to any home that will be used as a principle residence. Based on that guideline, qualifying homes include single-family detached homes, as well as attached homes such as townhouses and condominiums. In addition, manufactured or homes and houseboats used for principle residence also qualify.
Higher Loan Amounts
More good news – there is an extension on the additional tier of conforming loan amounts which had been first established in 2008. This tier of home loans are those greater than $417,000, and with a maximum that depends on the area, but is not greater than $729,750. These loans will again be eligible for rates that are slightly higher than conforming loan rates, but less expensive than the standard “jumbo” loan rates.
Additional Housing-Related
Provisions
Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs
Assume that an individual homebuyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.
— This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing—This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and direction to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.
Expanding Housing Assistance—This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties. Assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phase out to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time homebuyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.
Example 2:
Housing construction rebounds in November with all areas of country showing strength.
Construction of new homes, helped by better weather, rebounded in November following a setback in the previous month.
The gain is a hopeful sign that the housing recovery is continuing, a development viewed as critical to lifting the overall economy out of recession.
The Commerce Department says construction of new homes and apartments rose 8.9 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 574,000 units. The gain represented strength in all areas of the country although the increase was slightly lower than economists had expected.
Applications for new building permits were also up, rising 6 percent to an annual rate of 584,000 units, a stronger showing than economists predicted.
1. What is “buyer agency”? Should I look for a Accredited Buyer representative (ABR)?
Buyer agency is the highest level of client representation afforded to a buyer by a real estate professional. When you engage a “buyer’s agent” your real estate professional is required to represent your interests as long as those interests are not illegal.
2. Why is this of value to me as a buyer?
The seller of a property is represented by the “listing agent.” In negotiating price and terms, the seller has an advocate to represent their interests, but, unless you have executed a buyer agency agreement with your agent, your interests may not be represented.
3. What is required of me as a buyer to be afforded this level of representation?
A written and signed “buyer agency” agreement is required by Georgia law.
4. What will a real estate professional do for me as my buyer’s agent?
You will be afforded a higher level of service. Your buyer’s agent will analyze information such as comparative market data, advise you on negotiating and wording a purchase agreement, and, in general, act as your advocate in the purchase process.
5. If I decline “buyer agency,” who represents my interests?
If you decline “buyer agency,” you will not have a representative to look out for your best interests. In fact, your agent may be required by law to represent the interests of the seller.
6. How much does this higher level of representation cost me?
Actually, not one penny, the seller pays all commissions and the buyer receives the full benefit of professional representation. You may want to instruct your agent to show you only those properties for which the seller has agreed to compensate the buyer’s agent.
Your buyer’s agent will address any costs you might encounter with your offer when presented and any other questions at the time you are presented the buyer agency agreement. Be sure to ask your buyer’s agent every question you have no matter how basic it may seem. Your buyer’s agent represents you!
7. What are my responsibilities as a buyer in this agreement?
In this agreement, you agree to handle all real estate concerns through your agent. You agree neither to seek real estate information nor to view or purchase any property without your buyer’s agent.
8. Who decides if I am represented or not?
As the buyer, you alone may make that decision.
9. Why would someone not want to be represented by a buyer’s agent?
We have yet to hear a good reason why a buyer would refuse representation. In our experience, buyers without buyer’s agents simply have not been informed that they have a right to be represented.
10. How do I find a buyer’s agent to represent me? Go no further, I specialize in representing buyers at the ultimate limit.
Custom Built Value: Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach
"The Lifestyle"
The homes in Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach embody the entire Myrtle Beach area. That is, these homes are relaxing, laid-back, prosperous, and make a great investment. Cypress River Plantation is known as one of the most valuable sectors in South Myrtle Beach real estate. This is due to its location and the quality of homes there.
Intercoastal Properties at Cypress River Plantation
Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer, and it’s quite a sprawling town. Cypress River Plantation is located somewhat inland of the ocean. Most of the homes in Cypress River Plantation are located along Collins Creek, a beautiful, winding, and well preserved creek that connects Cypress River Plantation to the Intercoastal Waterway.
Avid boaters and fishers will be delighted to know that Cypress River Plantation is located on land that contains five acres of lakes! This is one of the reasons why people love Cypress River Plantation so much. There is an abundance of freshwater lakes in this neighborhood, but it’s still very close to the ocean. One can see clearly why real estate in Cypress River Plantation continues to appreciate in value.
Why do Families Love Cypress River Plantation?
You can find quiet, peaceful living in Cypress River Plantation. In fact, it’s a great place for a family. Many families have moved into this area, and the area is gaining popularity. Another charming attribute of Cypress River Plantation is the prevalence of indigenous plants and wildlife. Here, one will find plants and animals that are native to South Carolina. In fact, there are some gorgeous birds flying in this area.
You can get a lot of space for your buck in Cypress River Plantation. Many buyers typically buy between one-half acres and 3 acres in this area. Plus, the prices are great. You pay very little, but you get a LOT of space. Some of the two and three acre lots offer great water access, walkways, and even private docks.
Cypress River Plantation is also located conveniently near the Grand Strand and Murrell’s Inlet. This means residents of this area have easy access to the shopping, dining, and other attractions of South Myrtle Beach. However, those areas are far enough away not to impact the quiet living of Cypress River Plantation. This area is really ideal, because you can live quietly, but you are very close to city life if you wish to venture over there.
Most of the lots in Cypress River Plantation offer some great amenities. Many developments have tennis courts, pools, a resident clubhouse, and much more. These large lots are also lined with beautiful trees. This makes Cypress River Plantation one of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in all of South Myrtle Beach.
What Makes South Myrtle Beach Properties a Good Investment?
If you’re looking to invest in South Carolina real estate, then take a look at Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach. This little-known community offers investors great value for a low price. Plus, the value of these homes is consistently increasing.
Investing in real estate is much smarter than investing with investment bankers, because real estate investments are tangible. A thriving market such as Cypress River Plantation, South Myrtle Beach will pay off for investors.
Treasury sets guidelines to simplify “Short Sales”
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury on Monday set long-awaited guidance on a plan for mortgage companies to speed “short sales” of homes and other loan modification alternatives to stem a rising tide of foreclosures.
The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program provides financial incentives and simplifies the procedures for completing short sales, a growing practice in which a lender agrees to accept the sale price of a home to pay off a mortgage even if the price falls short of the amount owed, according to an announcement on the Treasury’s website.
Guidelines address barriers that have often sidelined short sales by setting limits on the time it takes a bank to approve an offer, freeing borrowers from debt and capping claims of subordinate lenders.
The incentives, first announced in May, expand on the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program, known as HAMP, that has seen limited success in lowering payments for distressed homeowners. The Treasury earlier on Monday stepped up pressure on mortgage companies to make permanent the 650,000 trial modifications they have started.
“While HAMP program guidelines are intended to reach a broad range of at-risk borrowers, it is expected that servicers will encounter situations where they are unable to approve” or offer a modification, the Treasury said in its announcement.
Financial incentives for completing short sales or similar deed-in-lieu transactions – in which the deed is simply transferred to the lender – include a $1,000 payment to servicers, and a maximum of $1,000 to go to investors who sign off on payments to subordinate lien holders, the Treasury said. Borrowers would receive $1,500 in relocation expenses.
Short sales are favored by real estate agents and community groups over foreclosure because they can preserve the borrower’s credit rating and leave the property in better condition than when a homeowner is evicted. While primary lenders typically realize steep losses, their recovery is typically far better than under foreclosure.
But short sales have been frustrating for borrowers and real estate agents, often hung up by negotiations with multiple lien holders and mortgage insurance companies. Real estate agents have complained that sales fall through as lenders bicker over the sales price, what they should receive from the proceeds, and whether the borrower will be held accountable for the debt in the future.
Among requirements, mortgage servicers have 10 days to approve or disapprove a request for short sale, and when done the transaction must fully release the borrower from the debt.
It also prohibits mortgage servicing companies from reducing real estate commissions on the sale, a practice that has dissuaded many agents from taking short sale listings.
In one of the most contentious issues gumming up negotiations between lenders, the guidance caps the aggregate proceeds to subordinate lien holders at $3,000.
Second lien holders in recent months have begun demanding more money from the first lender, seller, buyer or agent in exchange for releasing their claim, agents have said. Because primary lenders would face larger losses in a foreclosure, some subordinate lenders have felt empowered, the agents said.
The largest second-lien holders are Bank of America Corp, Wells Fargo & Co, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Citigroup Inc.
Second lien holders may proceed with a short sale outside of the Treasury program, if they felt the cap was too low, a Treasury official said in October.
“If there was a short sale program that didn’t recognize the second lien holder position, it could have pretty damaging consequences for the industry,” Sanjiv Das, chief executive officer of CitiMortgage, said in an interview last week.
For the ones of you who can remember the old days when life was good, economy flourishing let me say this. Some of the wealthiest men on earth built their fortunes on “Gut Feelings”. Don’t get me wrong, these people had Smarts as well, they just happened to have intuition to round out the whole package.
Today’s real estate market has been bad, no one will deny it, still not as bad as the mid 80’s. Hell, interest rates in the high teens and low 20’s, not that will take the wind out of anyone’s sail. Gut feelings make a lot more of life’s decision than people like to think. For instance, look at poker players, stock investors, professional golfers, athletics of all kinds, Trump Enterprises for a few.
Alright, enough of my rattling on, jabbering away and so-on.
Three Points to Ponder:
1. We have had increased units sold now for more than 6 months. Why you might ask? It’s not because we have more realtors hauling people around, in fact we’re losing them like rats on a sinking ship.
2. Obviously homes are beginning to move in the Northeast by the tremendous increase in traffic from them there folks lately. What’s really amazing is the number of folks who ain’t never even been to South Carolina little on the Myrtle Beach area.
3. Activity has jumped through the sky on websites recently, so that’s somewhat of an indicator. Yea, I hear you, some people are “Internet Junkies” and have to search every free minute they have. I’ve got a couple like that myself, shucks, this one client is already on their third trip thru the complete MLS property inventory and ain’t never answered an email yet. God Bless Um, they don’t know it yet but I’m a very patient realtor and we’ll be sittin across the table when they least expect it.
4. Last but not least, Don’t forget, the American Dream will always prevail as it has through all the bad times before. You see, there will always be folks looking to buy that very first home, upgrade from their present home or just get a yearning to have a nicer place. Some are even looking for a GET-A-WAY from their hectic lifestyles somewhere else for a couple times a year. To make it even better, we’ll never run out of folks who want or need to sell their homes.
Let me end by saying this, it may not be today, next month or even next year but when you do get that hankering to check out our Beautiful Lifestyle, don’t forget this “Old Redneck Retired Navy “Seabee” at RE/MAX Southern Lifestyles cause I’ll be here to help your Dreams Come True.
represent your interests as long as those interests are not illegal.
