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Real estate in the Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand area is priced lower and provides more choices. In June 2008 our area was featured on HGTV and recognized for the value of property. New construction homes can be found for as low as $150,000. The best prices can be negotiated on standing inventory that builders want to move prior to starting other homes. Existing homes of any age are also a value in this “after boom – Buyer’s market”.
The paragraph above refers to “homes” but purchasing a condo, townhouse, semi-detached, residential lot, or land at prices reflective of today’s market can provide your retirement with a great place to live.
Property taxes in North Carolina’s Brunswick County are the same for Residents and Non-Residents, but in South Carolina’s Horry County there is a big difference with Residents paying much less than Non-Residents. To be classified as a Resident you must go to one of the County offices, complete a form, and provide proof according to requirements. (No matter how long you have lived in Horry County, if you purchase a new residence you must complete the Resident form to receive the lower tax rate).
Even those who purchase a second home in the Myrtle Beach area prior to their retirement do not have a problem with finding a lawn care company to maintain their yard if there is a need. In just about every development there are numerous homes that are vacant while the owners are out-of-town, but because it is the “norm” here no one seems to notice as long as the property is maintained. Also, there are now several new developments that offer lawn maintenance included in the POA fees.
POA / HOA fees are the same thing. Property Owners Association (POA) fees are a cost for the majority of housing developments in the Grand Strand. The fee and what it covers can vary. When you are in the process of searching for a property, ask your Agent, “How much are POA fees and what do they cover?”
When you think about making a purchase in the coastal Carolina’s the weather may be the determining factor. Semi-tropical but with an actual four season climate make this place perfect. With years between a dusting of snow that melts in a blink of your eye, the Winter season that requires looking for a jacket is gone in a few weeks. Spring, in all its blooming glory, is here for several months. It gets hot in the Summer, but you suffer through by going to the beach, a pool or by not doing vigorous activity during the middle of the day. Fall brings the colorful leaves that those from the North thought they would never see again. If you’ve thought about hurricanes it’s probably time to re-think since there is normally enough time to travel away from the storm if the need arises. A little preparation on your part will make the possibility of danger to you much less then in any severe storm.
Written by Sandy Keller, July 1, 2008
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