If gentle ocean breezes punctuated by swaying palms and a protected environment right at your back door would fulfill your personal lifestyle needs, then Seaside Plantation in North Myrtle Beach should be on your list of addresses to consider for your next home. This lovely, gated community greets you with a beautifully landscaped entrance that should convince you that your new home is just around the bend. Seaside Plantation is just a short walk to the beach where you can stroll leisurely with your loved ones or take a morning run to keep your health and well-being in tip-top shape. Home ownership in this exceptional location will afford you a plethora of amenities that will make your quality of living second to none.
There are 162 home sites in this community with some new construction still underway. Should you find a building site that suits your individual needs, you’ll be able to choose your colors, appliances, and plumbing and lighting fixtures which add style and elegance to any home’s décor. The existing homes that are available have lush landscaping that increase property value and curb appeal and the exteriors require little or no maintenance which gives you more time to relax by the pool with your favorite beverage and book. These homes are elegantly appointed with vaulted and tray ceilings, large windows that allow the Coastal sun to permeate your personal space, and crown moldings and trim carpentry that demonstrated the quality construction and pride that these craftsmen take in their work. From master suites that pamper you in sophistication and style to gourmet kitchens with premium cabinetry and granite counter tops to hardwood and tile flooring that add dimension and depth to your décor your new home will be the perfect environment for entertaining family and friends or having intimate conversations with those you love.
Not only will you enjoy the community swimming pool, the heated spa and the putting green and club house where you can gather with friends at the end of the day but also you will appreciate the sunsets, the lakes, and water features that you’ll find around the property. Whether you’re working on your tan by the pool or walking around the community to get your heart rate up and your energy level on the rise you’ll find the safety and security of this friendly neighborhood to be a welcomed sanctuary at the end of every day.
Seaside Plantation is located within minutes of all of the business establishments that you need for your daily routines and is near excellent shopping, fine dining, and the entertainment venues of the Grand Strand. You can enjoy what Myrtle Beach has to offer and at the end of the evening come home to your little piece of paradise in Seaside Plantation.
Check out all Seaside Plantation Homes For Sale at http://myrtlebeachrealestategroup.com/north-myrtle-beach-homes/seaside-plantation/.
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Myrtle Beach Real Estate Blog
Community Spotlight - Seaside Plantation in North Myrtle Beach
Community Spotlight - Plantation Lakes in Carolina Forest
If you want the freedom to find your own perfect home site, choose your own builder and build whenever you are ready then you may find like many others that Plantation Lakes checks all the boxes. There is a wide assortment of properties to choose from with lots on the lake and with lake views as well as secluded wooded lots which have made the community very popular with those who wish to custom build. Current custom homes that have been built already will give you an idea of what kind of dream home you can build here with prices ranging from around $400k for 2500 square feet to nearly a million dollars for a 3600 square foot home on a premium lot.
There are a variety of home styles represented in Plantation Lakes including Traditional, Low Country, Colonial, Craftsman and Mediterranean ranging in size from 2000 to 6000 square feet and ranging anywhere from $300k to close to one million, possibly higher for a palatial estate on the water. Home sites range in width from 75 to 100 feet with depths from 135 to over 250 for some of the larger lots. Most of the lots are around ¼ acre but there are some larger estate type lots that are as large as 1.5 acres and sell for as much as $200k.
Plantation Lakes even stands out as a golf community in a region known for its golf courses with over 120 in the Grand Strand area. The community is surrounded by the well-manicured greens, tropical palms and towering pine trees and is dotted with ponds and lakes throughout. Plantation Lakes has world class resort amenities including two swimming pools, clubhouse, tennis courts, playground for the kids and water everywhere!
Situated within the massive 9000 acres of Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes is the most upscale residential community and is built around a system of lakes and ponds that blends flawlessly with nature. Three of the most popular golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area are also located here which makes it a virtual paradise for golfers and nature lovers alike. Plantation Lakes is also a hot community for families and boasts some of the top schools in the state all located within the community.
Here is an overview of some key features of Plantation Lakes:
• Over 800 plus home sites
• Over 170 acres of lakes
• All brick and stucco homes – no vinyl siding
• Large wooded lots up to an acre available
• Home sites and new construction homes available
• Amenities include two pools, tennis courts and playground
Plantation Lakes is a very quiet and peaceful family friendly community where neighbors gather together on the weekends and families hang out on the water or the golf course enjoying all that the community has to offer. Give us a call today and schedule a visit to your new home. 843-424-6900.
Myrtle Beach Has No Shortage Of Fun Things To Do
Myrtle Beach South Carolina is a unique destination providing a myriad of activities to satisfy any appetite. Beach lovers flock here for the 60 miles of coastline along the Grand Strand where thousands come each year to enjoy shelling and soaking up the sun while the water lovers surf, fish and ride waverunners.
Outdoor activities in the Myrtle Beach area are numerous and abundant and the year round temperate climate supports an active lifestyle. The Grand Strand is known for golfing and with over 100 championship golf courses to choose from you will never run out of places to play. Our golf courses include the only Tournament Players Club course in the state and other courses designed by legendary golfers like Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer and more. Many of the golf courses in the region have been named on the top 100 in the entire country by Golf Digest.
Waterparks are also prevalent in the Grand Strand region with locals and visitors alike taking advantage of these fun locales in the warmer months to take a break from the heat. Around the Myrtle Beach area you will find great parks like these:
· Myrtle Waves Water Park – This fun spot is South Carolina's largest water park with 20 acres of swerves, curves, waves and chutes and well over one million gallons of water. Enjoy all rides and attractions for a full day of cool fun for ONE PRICE!
· Splashes Oceanfront Water Park – This one is Myrtle Beach’s only Oceanfront Water Park, now under a new name for the previous Family Kingdom Water Park. Splashes is the perfect retreat from sun and sand and the scorching summer heat. Enjoy wet and wild water flumes, exhilarating speed slides, relaxing lazy river, kiddie pools, and more.
· Wild Water & Wheels - Wild Water & Wheels is a beautiful 16 acre amusement park filled with exciting rides and slides, and with 18 holes of mini golf, bumper boats, go carts and kiddie rides it is much more than a water park. It is a favored spot by locals and the place to be all summer long.
In addition to the plethora of water parks in the area there are numerous amusements parks like The Family Kingdom Amusement Park, where visitors enjoy more than 30 thrilling rides including four exciting new rides for 2013 that include the Twist ‘n Shout steel roller coaster. Spend the day or night at Family Kingdom exploring the coolest amusements, games and tasty treats imaginable.
Located right on the Atlantic Coast and along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Myrtle Beach area is filled with a variety of inlets, rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes making for many opportunities for water lovers and fishermen to enjoy freshwater and saltwater watersports. From parasailing and banana boat rides along the beaches to kayaking and canoe trips in the backwaters you will never run out of things to do.
Myrtle Beach Home Mortgage Tips
For the majority of home buyers one of the major considerations is the mortgage necessary to purchase the property. Most real estate investors have neither the funds nor the desire to pay cash for property and indeed with interest rates as low as they are for home mortgages it would be financially foolish to tap into funds that can earn more interest income to pay cash for a home. The home buying process can be a little daunting, especially for first time home buyers who haven’t had the experience yet.
For those considering purchasing a new home it is crucial to stay updated on the changes in the mortgage industry, especially considering that the government guarantees the vast majority of home mortgages and is constantly altering its rules and guidelines for loan approvals for home loans. In April, the FHA actually changed several of its mortgage guidelines and rules including a requirement that increases mortgage insurance costs for home buyers using the government agency to back their real estate loans.
There are several factors taken into consideration by mortgage brokers and lenders when analyzing information in order to approve a home mortgage, not the least of which is your credit score. Many people are unfamiliar with the credit scoring system and have no idea what can help or hurt their credit score some of the more common issues that can lower your score include the following:
- Bad borrower behavior such as late credit card payments
- Foreclosures
- Bankruptcy
- High credit balances
Since the majority of home mortgages are backed by the government mortgage agencies like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae the lenders processing these loans have to go by the lending guidelines provided by the government agencies. Even though the FHA will consider FICO scores that are under 600 you can expect it to cost you in the form of a much higher interest rate than someone with a higher score above 700. As long as your debt ratio and income are inline a higher credit score gives you some leverage and increases your buying power by allowing you to aggressively negotiate with lenders. If you do have a lower score you can help overcome it and get a lower rate by putting more money down which shows the lender that you have a significant financial stake in the property.
If you are considering purchasing a new home or condo in Myrtle Beach or the surrounding areas soon it is crucial that you make sure that your credit is up to par and if it isn’t then you need to focus on repairing whatever the problems are. The government mandated that all consumers are allowed a free credit report once per year so if you haven’t checked yours lately go to FreeCreditReport.com or AnnualCreditReport.com to see where your credit score stands.
Contact us at 843-424-6900 for a list of our preferred mortgage partners.
Community Spotlight - Grande Dunes
Grand Dunes is 
known throughout the Grand Strand region as possibly the top location in Myrtle Beach for upscale resort living. From the oceanfront dunes at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to tranquil and ancient longleaf pine forests, this 2200 acre master planned community is the perfect illustration of the coastal Carolina lifestyle. Real estate choices for Grand Dunes homes include villas and single family homes and home sites with expansive views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Grand Dunes is also famous for its amenities including the unequaled lavish Ocean Club at Grand Dunes with stunning architectural design, amazing views, fine dining and a quiet private beach area. The resort hosts two award winning golf courses including the “National Golf Course of the Year” for 2009, the Par 72 Resort Club and the elite Members Club which features unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the maritime forest around it.
The 5000 square foot Tennis Club with 10 lighted Har-Tru courts is one of the top tennis facilities on the Grand Strand with players from all over the country coming here to participate in the hosted USTA tournaments and league play. Grand Dunes amenities also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, huge swimming pool and much more. The 130 slip Marina at Grande Dunes is one of the finest full-service facilities on the East Coast and is well utilized by residents for access to the local waterways.
Grande Dunes Waterway homes are the epitome of opulence at the Grand Marina and Waterway luxury hotel called the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. Considered one of the top full-service marinas on the entire east coast, it offers 126 boat slips and 1200 linear feet of boat docks that allow for docking of yachts up to 120 feet or larger. Boating members also enjoy cable TV, wireless internet, and concierge services with shuttle facilities to the Grande Dunes Championship golf course that surrounds it.
Located at the north end of Highway 17, the communities of Grand Dunes stretch across the 2200 acres of prime beachfront property from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway and offer a plethora of real estate opportunities including golf course villas and homes as well as palatial luxury waterfront homes. Every few years new developments are being added as part of the master plan of Grand Dunes.
Grande Dunes embraces the Intracoastal Waterway in its planning and design with seven holes actually played along its route. Several golf club memberships are available that provide members' lounges, pro shops, private locker rooms and elaborate Country Clubs. There is also a golf Academy for lessons, tournament play, and numerous special events throughout the year, both public and private. Homeowners in all of the Grande Dunes communities are offered membership to these clubs and facilities regardless of whether you own a luxury home or villa.
For additional information about buying or selling a home in Grande Dunes please call or text Jeff Casterline today! 843-424-6900.
Myrtle Beach Facts And Stats Indicate Growth Trend
The Grand Strand Region of South Carolina has long been a well-kept secret among those who live in the area with southern rice farmers and plantation owners settling the coastal areas and building summer homes here to get away from the humid and malaria ridden inland areas of the day. Now, millions all over the world visit the area every year with many of them deciding to make the coastal Carolina area their permanent home.
There are numerous attractions to those who fall in love with the area including the warm temperate climate, beautiful environment and affordable housing. Here are some facts about the Myrtle Beach area that you may not have been aware of:
- Myrtle Beach MSA is one of the top 15 fastest growing areas in the nation (U.S. Census Bureau)
- 2nd in projected metropolitan growth in U.S. for the next 10 years (American Demographic Magazine)
- 3rd in "Future job growth in the 300 largest metropolitan areas." (Money Extra)
- The Myrtle Beach Area contains approximately 75,000 Hotel, Condo & Cottage Rooms
- The Grand Strand is home to 120+ Golf Courses
- The average household income of area tourists & residents is $69,000
- Tourism in Myrtle Beach totaled $14.6 billion into the state economy in 2007 - about 1 million more than in the previous year.
- One of the top 100 "Best small places for business" in 2004 (Forbes Magazine)
- One of the top 100 "Best retirement destinations in America." (Where to retire magazine)
- Current estimated peak-day population in 900,000 people. Was expected to exceed 1,150,000 by 2010.
- 30,000 households earn more than $75,000. Now projected to be 46,000 households.
- #1 area in the U.S. for restaurant growth potential. (Restaurant Business)
- #1 area in the U.S. for restaurant sales per capita at $3,507.23 (Restaurant Business)
- Restaurant Business is growing 9 times faster than the national average.
- Currently, 10 million overnight visitors enjoy sit-down dining. Estimated to be 14 million in the near future.
- Tourism in Myrtle Beach is a $5 billion industry.
- More than 4.2 million rounds of golf played annually at 100 golf courses.
- 2nd favorite beach in the south and 3rd most popular family destination to the U.S. (Southern Living Magazine)
- 2nd most popular summer vacation destination in the U.S. (AAA Survey)
Give us a call at 843-424-6900 and let us show you why we love Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand of South Carolina, come find your own reason to fall in love with Myrtle Beach.
What Potential Homebuyers Need To Know About Mortgage Qualifying In 2013
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has enacted some new rules this year requiring lenders to be more proactive in guaranteeing a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage obligation as well as making the lenders more legally liable for discrepancies. Because of the changes that are being implemented it may be a little tougher for some potential homebuyers to qualify for a loan. We’ve out together some things that you need to do in order to be better prepared so that you don’t run into any snags when you apply for a loan to purchase your dream home in Myrtle Beach.
This year you are going to have to focus on getting your finances and credit in order since the tighter requirements mean that banks must go by more stringent guidelines when approving loans in order to protect themselves from being exposed to possible legal action. Consumers who have the best credit ratings and low debt ratios are going to be much more likely to receive approval for a new mortgage at the lowest rates. If you want to invest in Myrtle Beach real estate this year, make sure that you have your outstanding financial obligations paid down so that your debt ratio is in order, most limits are 36% of gross income. You also need to be prepared for the possibility that a larger down payment may be required than in the past, and regardless of whether you're refinancing or buying your first home, be sure to check with your lender about what paperwork is required for your loan.
Mortgage rates are lower now than last March when the interest rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.88%, as of this writing the average APR is 3.63% for a fixed rate 30 year loan. These interest rate reductions can be a huge savings over the term of the loan, the difference in last year and this year could save you nearly $14,000 on a $200,000 loan over the life of the mortgage.
While rates are at near record lows it is unlikely that they will remain that way for long, your effective buying power will never be stronger in regards to interest rate and loan qualification. If interest rates were at the long term average of 8.6% your payments would be around $1940 per month but at current rates you would pay only $1136 per month. Obviously this is a huge difference in what you are able to afford, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to get as much for your dollar as you can in today’s market, particularly with Myrtle Beach real estate for sale in many areas at all-time lows as well.
You should also consider the option of a shorter loan with rates as low as they are now, many homeowners are refinancing long term 30 year mortgages and opting for shorter terms of 10-15 years to take advantage of the ability to repay much more quickly. The low interest rates are likely to make ten year mortgages even more desirable and more financial institutions are making them available as an option for both refinancing and new home loans. A 10 year mortgage on $200k at current rates would save you nearly $100k versus a 30 year term.
Give us a call and we will help you through the entire process, we have a great relationship with lenders and mortgage brokers all over the Grand Strand region and we have the experience to make your home buying experience as pain free as possible.
Community Spotlight - The Farm at Carolina Forest
The Farm at Carolina Forest is 
a beautiful and diverse community of single family homes, condominiums and townhomes in Myrtle Beach situated just to the west of the Intracoastal Waterway on Carolina Forest Boulevard. This location slightly inland from the coast makes The Farm a very affordable community and allowing for amenities that would demand a much higher price in upscale beachfront developments and at the same time only minutes from all of the attractions, shopping, entertainment and dining found along the Grand Strand.
The Farm is located within Carolina Forest, a development consisting of over 12,000 gorgeously landscaped acres with its own elementary schools, middle school and high school as well as numerous core businesses such as doctors, dentists, and attorneys located within the community shopping center and elsewhere. Horry Technical Institute and Coastal Carolina University provided for higher education nearby adding to the self-contained environment of the Farm at Carolina Forest.
The Orchards and Planters Point neighborhoods within The Farm consist of a variety of choices of floor plans with options for two, three and four bedroom condominiums and townhouses that are popular with homebuyers of all kinds, from real estate investors and retirees to first time home buyers and young families. The low entry price point just under $100,000 is affordable for virtually any potential homeowner.
Within walking distance of the new community schools, Ocean Bay Elementary and Middle School, The Farm at Carolina Forest has an abundance of amenities that will keep the attention of your children as well as motivate you to be active with a modern fitness room, enormous swimming pool, basketball court, and sand filled playground as well as bicycle paths and wide sidewalks that encourage walking and jogging.
The Farm at Carolina Forest features many newer homes with luxurious upgrades and a diversity of floor plans and styling choices among the different types of homes that are available in the development. Many of the community’s residents enjoy sitting out on their screened in porches in the early morning hours enjoying a cup of coffee as they watch a heron wading in one of the lakes or ponds in the neighborhood.
As you may have surmised there is a “farm theme” to the community including the “big red barn” Clubhouse and numerous gazebos constructed all over the neighborhood that are also painted red and with street names like Barn Owl Court and Red Rooster Lane which all add to the feeling of going back in time to a place where things move slower and neighbors actually speak to each other.
For additional information about buying or selling a home in The Farm at Carolina Forest please contact Jeff Casterline today! 843-424-6900.
You can also check out our community facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TheFarmAtCarolinaForest.
Cypress River Plantation Open House
Beach Realty Group is holding an open house this weekend at 761 McDuffie Drive in Cypress River Plantation on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm. Come by and check out this beautiful home. Call Devon Woodard at 843-455-9463 for additional information or directions to the house.
Description:
Wonderful 3BR/2.5BA home with a bonus room within the popular gated, Intracoastal Waterway neighborhood of Cypress River Plantation. Includes gorgeous finishes, hardwood & tile floors throughout, 17 foot ceilings in the family room, surround sound, rope lighting, fireplace, and an impressive outdoor living area that is ideal for entertaining. Kitchen offers granite countertops, cherry cabinets, and sizeable pantry. Master suite features his and hers closets, enormous tiled shower, double sinks, and a vanity. Cypress River Plantation incorporates sidewalks and streetlights, beautiful clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, spectacular pool, tennis & basketball courts, boat landing with day docks on the waterway, dry boat storage & children's playground area. Convenient to golf, dining, shopping, and everything else Myrtle Beach has to offer.
Finally!
Finally an active adult community in the heart of Myrtle Beach! Cresswind by Kolter Homes will be located on the old Myrtle Beach Airbase just a few steps from Market Common and within a golf cart or bike ride to the beach. There will be nine unique floorplans to choose from with homes starting in the low $200s.
Cresswind is geared toward looking for an active lifestyle with amenities that include a stunning clubhouse with outdoor pool, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, bocce ball, walking paths and more.
Cresswind will open in the spring of 2013 and homes will go quickly so be sure to call us today for more information. 843-424-6900.
