Friday, April 18, 2008

Memorial Weekend Bike Festival.

A newly formed organization is ready to unite the Grand Strand.

Thursday, "The Grand Strand Connection" held a news conference to talk about its plans for Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area.

Members met with the NAACP to discuss its most urgent matter, the Memorial Weekend Bike Festival.

They said the biggest issue is making people feel welcome.

"For those hotels that partner with us, the biker friendly hotels. Once that attendee checks in they will be given survival guides. Along with that there will be cards throughout the city that list the text messaging number and listing the website," said Tiffany Andrews with Grand Strand Connection.

The group said it will set up a text messaging alert system to alert bikers about what's going on during the rally.

The group will also put up welcome flags along Kings Highway.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

best times in history to get in to real estate.

Purchasing a home for the first time marks a major milestone in a person’s life. James M. Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors, wants those thinking about buying a home to know that the current market offers one of the best times in history to get in to real estate.

Interest rates remain at historically-low levels, home prices continue to be attractively affordable, there is a large supply of homes to choose from, and despite the media-driven perception, there is plenty of financing available for qualified buyers. While these factors make it a great time to purchase a home for anyone, there are a handful of reasons that make now an opportunistic time particularly for first-time buyers.

“Buying your first home is a life-changing occasion and symbolizes the realization of the American dream,” said James M. Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors. “Right now is a great time to check out the market and learn about the great opportunity that exists to become a homeowner.”

With no home of their own to sell, first-time homebuyers get to take full advantage of the cost savings offered in today’s affordable market without having to deal with any loss of equity that an existing homeowner might encounter.

First-time buyers also have a great deal of flexibility and can pursue a wide variety of housing options. Those purchasing for the first time typically have immediate access to their assets to allow them to move quickly when they find the home that is right for their needs. Often with no time constraints of their own, first-time buyers can also accommodate sellers who need a quick closing or can patiently wait should a seller need several months before they can complete the transaction.

The plentiful inventory of homes on the market today has created strong competition among those with a house for sale. As a result, many builders and sellers are offering all kinds of incentives to help their homes stand out such as offering to pay mortgage points and fees, providing a home warranty or free moving services, including furniture or big-screen televisions with the home or even throwing in a tropical vacation. This increased competition also makes it easier for buyers to negotiate with sellers.

For both first-time and repeat buyers alike, purchasing a home continues to be a sound long-term investment. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), on average, the value of a home nearly doubles every 10 years. With the typical first-time buyer often trading up several times over the course of their lifetime, buying a home now offers a great way to build up equity they can reinvest in to a larger home down the road.

“We know there are a lot of renters out there who are interested in learning how they can become a homeowner,” said Weichert. “Our open house attendance is up, our Web site traffic is at an all-time high and we are seeing thousands come out to our buyer seminars. Clearly, more and more people want to seize the opportunity this buyers’ market is offering.”

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

2.88% Interest rate on your new home

A Myrtle Beach builder is offering 2.88% fixed interest rate for the 1st year, 3.88% fixed for 2nd year and 4.88% fixed for life (5.34% APR). This program is good for Thur April 17, 2008 Only. Let our 843Realtor.com Real Estate Agent show you these homes and get you all the restriction that apply.
www.843Realtor.com

Monday, April 14, 2008

sell your mortgage note to a real estate investor

A particular trend in the mortgage industry is to sell your mortgage note to a real estate investor to obtain cash to pay off your debt. A mortgage note is a legal document connected to a mortgage loan. It documents the promise to repay money borrowed to purchase real estate. Also referred to as a promissory note, this document includes specific information regarding the amount of funds borrowed, interest rate and who is responsible for repayment.
People who hold a mortgage note can sell them to mortgage note buyers in order to obtain a lump sum of cash. There are many reasons people choose to sell their mortgage note to a private investor. However, the most common is to obtain funds to pay off debt, medical expenses or college tuition. Investors who purchase the note will pay cash to the note holder and take over receiving monthly payments paid to the previous owner.
The first step of selling your mortgage note to a real estate investor requires providing specific information about the note. The private investor will need to know the face value of the note, balance due, interest rate, number of payments made, status of the note (current or delinquent), asking price, etc.
If the investor is interested in purchasing your mortgage note he will make an initial offer. Should you decide to continue negotiations, you will be required to provide additional documents such as a current tax return, pay stubs or income statement, title insurance and amortization schedule.
The second step to selling your mortgage note requires obtaining an appraisal of the real estate. Typically, this involves hiring the services of a professional appraiser. Some private investors will cover the cost of the appraisal; however, this expense is usually the responsibility of the note holder. Occasionally, a "drive-by" inspection may be all that is required. Be certain to clarify the type of appraisal required and who is responsible for the cost prior to entering into a contract with a private investor or mortgage note buying company.
The final step of selling your mortgage note involves closing the deal. The primary document signed at closing is known as an Assignment of Mortgage. This document transfers all or part of future payments to the private investor. The Assignment of Mortgage must be recorded at the local courthouse and all closing conditions must be met prior to the disbursement of funds.
The original security instruments will remain in your name. The Assignment of Mortgage agreement outlines the number of future payments which have been sold. If you are selling a partial note, a Partial Purchase Agreement will be drafted. Once the terms of the partial agreement have been met, the mortgage balance or agreed-upon amount reverts back to you.
The closing process can take place in person or by mail. When done in person you will receive a copy of the closing document prior to the meeting. You will be required to bring original copies of security documents including the deed of trust, mortgage, and contract for deed of the property you are selling. Once everything has been approved the mortgage note investor will issue a check or wire transfer funds directly into your bank account.
Depending on the circumstances and amount of the transaction, selling a mortgage note to a private investor can take a few weeks to a few months to complete. When seeking out a private investor engage in due diligence and conduct research to ensure you are conducting business with a professional who possess integrity. Ask for references and contact individuals who have worked with the investor. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any derogatory reports have been filed.
Last, but not least, when selling your mortgage note to a private investor do not hesitate to ask questions and engage in numerous conversations. A reputable investor will be able to answer your questions, provide references and be fair in their negotiations.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

new tests for children beginning next year.

The Senate's Education Committee has approved a bill that would change the standardized tests used at the end of each school year to assess student and school performance.
The committee made changes to the bill Wednesday that would mean new tests for children beginning next year.
South Carolina has used the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test but that exam has been criticized by teachers and administrators because the results take too long to report.
The results don't let educators analyze topics where students are struggling.
The change replaces that test with the Elementary and Middle School Assessment Program