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.

Since you and I aren’t going to get bailout money from Washington, let’s make sure that Washington helps the Myrtle Beach real estate market recover.  Tell Washington to direct more of the bailout funds toward alleviating challenges in real estate and everyone affected by it.

The National Association of Realtors issued its Four Point Plan today, which would:

1. Make the $7500 first-time homebuyer tax credit available to all buyers, and eliminate the repayment requirement. The credit’s limited availability and repayment requirement severely limit the credit’s use and effectiveness.

2. Make the 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits permanent. New rules set to take effect in 2009 will reduce them. Now is not the time to limit mortgage affordability.

3. Get the Treasury relief program back on track and target more funds to mortgage relief. Create a federal mortgage interest buy-down program to make below-market rates available and stabilize home prices.

4. Permanently bar banks from engaging in real estate brokerage and management. The banks have proven they have enough to do to simply manage the loan process. Banks should not manage home sales and purchases.

If you agree, make your voice heard!

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.”

If you’re looking for the “deal of the year” in Myrtle Beach real estate, today is your lucky day.

Here’s the bottom line:  3 bedroom home in Carolina Forest, move-in ready, with access to all of the amenities in Bellegrove, priced at just $149,900.

Did that grab your attention?  Good. All of the details and pictures are at www.BellegroveHome.com