So I was reading what passes for “news” today, and came across this analysis of the real estate market:

Real estate sales on the Grand Strand have taken a dip this year: There were 4,759 home sales January through September, down from 6,865 during the same period in 2007, according to data from the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors. Median prices - where half sell for more and half sell for less - dropped 8 percent for single-family houses and 18 percent for condos during that period.

So, let’s see if I understand correctly:

1. The Myrtle Beach real estate market has cooled off - but not ground to a halt. More than 5,000 homes have sold so far this year (as of mid-October).  Good news or bad news? You decide.

2. With bargain hunters on the loose, lower priced homes are selling faster than higher priced homes. But if I have a home correctly valued and it takes a few months longer (than it used to) to sell it, the 8% drop in median prices has no effect on my bottom line.  No 30% drops like in some parts of California or Las Vegas. Good news or bad news? You decide.

3. With the perceived return to value, Myrtle Beach real estate looks even more attractive to potential buyers. Good news or bad news? You decide.

Direct Air announced today their annual Family Ties promotion, where you can purchase round trip travel between select cities (including, of course, Myrtle Beach) for $140 round trip. The unique - and convenient - part of the promotion is that you can purchase up to twenty round trip tickets without having to select travel dates - or even passenger names - up front.

The tickets are good for travel from December 1 through next October.  This promo is perfect if you know you’ll be here in Myrtle Beach to check up on your real estate or purchase more property, but don’t quite know when just yet.  Details here.

Last week, we freely elected a new President. Today we observe Veteran’s Day, thanks in part to an Act of Congress approved May 13, 1938, making the 11th of November each year a legal holiday - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be known as “Armistice Day.”

Armistice Day was originally a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I.  After World War II, which required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history, and after
American forces fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act by replacing the word “Armistice” with “Veterans”.  With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. Veterans Day is a day of celebration to honor our veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

And so…

To the brave men and women currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.. to those who have served in the past… and to those who service ended with the ultimate sacrifice… on behalf of all of us whose daily real estate efforts here in Myrtle Beach thrive in freedom…

Thank You!

P.S. - I don’t know if this bumper sticker slogan was written by a veteran, but it is appropriate to share today: “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, thank a veteran.”

I spent just over an hour waiting to vote this morning. The lady at the door said that this was the shortest the line had been since the line started at 6:15, forty five minutes before the polls opened.

Was I upset?

Not even a little bit.

The news media is already squawking about people having to stand in line for hours, uphill, both directions, in inhumane conditions, after which they discover that they are not listed, or had to cast a provisional ballot that may or may not be counted in the end.  They will proclaim how bad our process has become, and that we are no better than a third world country because of this.

That’s fine - it is, after all, their First Amendment right to say these things.  The media is in business to sell a story, not to tell the truth or even the bigger picture.  It is also my right to once and for all say to the media, “Horse squeeze!”

I live in a country where our political leaders are chosen by the people, not for the people.

I live in a country where one does not have to pay a penny to cast a vote.

I live in a country where one does not have to stick their finger in indelible ink to prove that they voted.

I live in a country where one can freely choose to vote for any candidate, for any reason, without fear of retribution or bodily harm.

Such has not always been the case. So if it takes an hour of my time to exercise this privilege, that’s okay.  If I had to wait three hours to vote, that would have been my choice to wait -or not.

Because I also live in a country where one can freely choose to not vote at all, without fear of retribution or harm.

So go vote for your candidates of choice today. You can choose based on religion, skin color, issues, how their election will affect your wallet, your Myrtle Beach real estate, or anything you can think of that matters to you.

And tomorrow, we can compare notes and rejoice or commisserate as appropriate.

We have been saying for months that, right or wrong, foreclosure will be the new bankruptcy.  That is, five years from now, lenders will look at a 2008 or 2009 foreclosure on your credit report as more indicative of “victim of circumstance” than “huge credit risk”.  Now it seems that, at least in Chicago, the long arm of the law agrees.

Cook County, Illinois Sheriff Thomas Dart said today that he will no longer evict occupants of foreclosed homes, effective immediately.

Dart told CNN, “The people we’re interacting with are, many times, oblivious to the financial straits their landlord might be in.  They are the innocent victims here and they are the ones all of us must step up and find some way to protect.”

The banks are howling that the Sheriff should be found in contempt of court if he makes good on his threat.

We will follow this story…