Myrtle Beach Area Real Estate

Myrtle Beach Area Real Estate http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?blogId=1 john 2009-08-09T21:27:16Z Have FUN at the beach- play SAFE always! http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=63&blogId=1 The summer started off well with few rescues and no drowning. Sadly, that changed in the past couple weeks. Rip currents can happen any time and unexpectedly too. They are formed by normal wave action when the receding wave flow becomes concentrated in one place. Most often this is caused by a near shore sandbar. Sandbars can quickly form with normal wave and tide action. Most often these sandbars will top out just under the surface. As the waves and tides work a break in the bar may occur or the receding water may quickly wash over a low area of the bar. The result is a strong current washing over the bar and pulling the water out to sea beyond the bar. A rip current may only last several minutes or could last several hours. Strong rip currents disrupt incoming waves and stir up sand from the ocean floor. When you're at the beach, keep an eye out for narrow, muddy streaks in the ocean where there aren't any waves breaking.Most people panic when caught in a rip while swimming the ocean. DO NOT PANIC. The rip is pulling you out with greater force than you can swim against. Fighting the rip is a waste of energy. Try to swim parallel to the beach. If the force to too great allow the rip to pull you beyond the bar where the force will dissipate quickly, then swim parallel to the beach before turning toward shore.It is also a great idea to stay away from piers that extend out into the ocean.To survive any trouble in the water, you have to keep calm, and you have to save energy. Never wait to call for help or signal others on the beach. The sooner help arrives the better chance you and the help will survive.If you notice someone in trouble do not rush in to help. Notify the life guard, beach patrol, and others on the beach. Do not attempt to rescue alone. Two that drowned recently died after saving others. Always take a life jacket, surf board, or other floatation device to assist you and the person in trouble.Six people were rescued from rip currents yesterday at Myrtle Beach. Several drowned last week including a young girl rescued several days before. She died of 'secondary drowning' or of complications of near drowning. Even if you get to shore after a difficult time in the water it is best to get checked out at the hospital. The young girl went to the hospital where she died. Come to the beach, have fun, play safe, and go home healthy so you can visit again!   General 2009-08-09T14:24:23Z john OK-- some asked for more http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=62&blogId=1 Accurately showing a home is important. Two easily made mistakes are easily overcome. A full wide angle lens will easily make a small room look much larger especially with little or no furniture. The quality of the lens can distort the image on the edges. The on camera flash will often make the image look hard and is especially hard on portraits of women and children not to mention the dreaded 'red eye'. There are several ways to soften flash results. I often use a flash completely off the camera which is not an option for most Realtors. An optional flash in the hotshoe if provided on your camera can really lighten softly bu simply adjusting the light to bounce off the white ceiling. Have a wierd color ceiling- or unable to bounce your flash? Take one shot with a tissue over the flash to diffuse the light.. I doubt any Realtor has time to learn Photoshop CS4 or wants to spend $600 for the software. I sure do not. However, those with patience and dedication can learn Photoshop Elements 7 at around $80 plus $20 for an instruction book and about the same for a 3 CD training set. Surprising what a $450 digital SLR can do above a 'point and shoot'... actually 'IN ADDITION to point and shoot'. Using the software that comes with the camera is fine or Photoshop Starter Version which is free and can be used with any cameras. You will be surprised at what the free software can do with just a few minutes of your time. Check out the Nikon D40 - it comes with a great 18 - 55 lens (wide angle to normal). I keep one just like that and another body with a 55 - 190 telephoto lens in my vehicle all the time. No one needs 2 camera bodies, I take a lot of photos and never need to change. OK,, I keep a couple more lenses never needed in real estate, a tripod, and other 'extras'. The new digital SLR cameras will make you look like a pro out of the box. Digital means no film to buy. A $15 4 gig card can hold up to 4000 photos and can be formated to start as new again. Don't like the shot? Trash it and take it again. Do yourself a favor, buy a digital camera for your business, it makes a good tax deduction. Buy an extra storage card and keep it with you 24/7 you may get some shots to post here or with your advertising-- not to mention your family. General 2009-08-02T21:49:25Z john You HAVE to check this out http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=61&blogId=1 While my grandsons were visiting they wanted to do 'something with poppa' so we headed to the museum on the beach. What a great program they have and the 6 year old twins found it fantastic! We arrived around 3PM and began touring the museum. At 3:30 a program on beach safety was given. The children were very involved in the entire process, learning and having fun. NBext they went outside as the Ocean Isle Beach fire department brought a large truck. The boys and girls climbed all over it like a bunch of ants while being supervised by the firemen. They were able to sit in the drivers seat and put on a fireman's coat and helmet. At this point we packed up their coloring books and 'jr fireman' badges they received for a quick dinner at Sharkey's on the ICW as we had to be back by 7PM. At 7 sharp, a program was given on the animals that can be found on the island. Parents, grandparents, and the kids really enjoyed it and a presentation about the turtles that nest on the island- plus an invitation to come to a nest later as 147 eggs were about to hatch. The children were next on a scavenger hunt through the museum. After they returned they were each given a box containing an owl 'pellet'. I though it was something from the owl's bottom but NO- it comes from the top. The pellets are sold to the museum sanitized and wrapped in foil. The boys and girls have a pointed stick to pull the fur and feathers apart. Inside they find what else the owl could not digest. Owls eat birds, mice, and other small animals. Tiny bones were found in all. Scotty found a bird skull and Dominic found the skull of a mouse.That was only ONE day's program. Every day something different is going on. A family pass is only $49! This is the best $49 you can spend to help make your beach vacation more enjoyable. Check out their website at <a href="http://www.museumofcc.org/">http://www.museumofcc.org/</a> and don't forget to stop by my website too at <a href="http://www.rakoci.com/">www.rakoci.com</a>.  General 2009-08-01T09:10:16Z john Here it is-- August already! http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=60&blogId=1 Did you know you can sign up for my monthly newsletter (and be removed) with a simple email to <a href="mailto:john@rakoci.com">john@rakoci.com</a> ? In it you will find info on the SE NC coast and NE SC coast along with info on real estate in general. Every month the currently listed foreclosures can be found with a link provided. The newsletter is usually posted at <a href="http://www.rakoci.com/newsletter.html">http://www.rakoci.com/newsletter.html</a> but will be much later than when sent to you by email. General 2009-07-30T14:28:26Z john REO - Real Estate Owned http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=59&blogId=1 Info seen today--The percentage  of homes on the local market for sale which are, in fact, REO’s has increased. Strategies for dealing with the holders of these properties are somewhat different than purchasing from a private citizen. Those differences can be looked as potential landmines if you are not familiar with the process.<ul><li style="text-align: justify">Landmine # 1.  Most REO properties are sold using a standardized contract which will be used throughout the nation. ( for instance, HUD, Fannie Mae, VA). The language and terms in these contracts will supercede anything you write in your local purchase agreement, therefore, it is critical that you understand all the language in their standard contract.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify">Landmine # 2. Most REO properties are sold “as is.”  While entities must allow for an independent inspection if one is allowed by state law, there is no requirement that any repairs be made as a result of the inspection.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify">Landmine # 3. Buyers are frequently charged a per day fee for  delays in closing caused by their side of the transaction. Whether  caused by the borrower, their lender or the realtor does not matter. It is not uncommon for the delay fee to be $100.00 per day.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify">Landmine # 4. Transfer of title will usually be granted with a special warranty deed or a Sheriff’s deed.  Both provide a MARKETABLE title; not CLEAR title.  It is common for liens to remain attached.</li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify">Landmine # 5. When submitting an offer on an REO property, you buy the whole “kit and kaboodle”.</li></ul> General 2009-02-27T08:53:41Z john Schedule for the vineyard! http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=58&blogId=1 BonFire @ The Vineyard La Belle Amie Vineyard North Myrtle Beach, SC Saturday, February 28, 2009 Noon - 5PM Admission: FREE Music By: Jerry Jones' Classic Rock Vineyard Tour: 2:30pm Food By: Vineyard Grille (hot dogs, chips, cheese trays, fresh fruit) or Bring Your Own Eats SORRY, NO PETS ALLOWED AT VINEYARD EVENTS Remember, bring a lawn chair, a good friend or two, and enjoy the company, the music, the wine, and the beauty of the vineyard. 843/399-WINE (9463) www.LaBelleAmie.com VINEYARD LOCATION: North Myrtle Beach, SC at the corner of Hwy 90 & St. Joseph Road (just west of the No. Myrtle Beach Middle School) <div style="margin-bottom: 3px; border: #440022 1px solid; padding: 3px"><div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px; color: #aa2288; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; background-color: #f5f3b3; padding: 3px">Upcoming Festival Events</div><div style="font-size: 12px; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 3px">Scheduled 2009 FESTIVAL EVENTS March 7 - Remember When Oldies Music Fest March 21 - Spring Swing/Big Band Fest April 4 - April Music Festival April 18 - Blues & Jazz Festival May 2 - Key West Music & Wine Fest June 13 - American Pie Oldies Music Fest June 27 - First Blush of Summer Fest July 11 - Independence Music Blast @ La Belle Amie July 25 - Summer Parrot Head Festival August 8 - Dog Days Blues & Jazz @ La Belle Amie August 22 - Whole Lotta Shakin' Oldies Music Fest September 5 - Summer Breeze Music Fest September 19 - Autumn Majic Blues & Jazz Fest October 3 - Big Band Sounds Festival October 17 - Rock Back The Clock Music & Wine Fest November 7 - Island Fever Music Fest Festival dates are subject to change. Inclement weather may cause a last-minute postponement or cancellation, so check the website or call prior to coming out for an event. </div></div> General 2009-02-26T10:41:03Z john Is the media running your life? http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=57&blogId=1 Is the media running your life? The bad news goes on and on, causing fear until we become our own worst self-fulfilling prophecy. It's a vast media distortion, used to sensationalize and sell the news.  Do you think that just because the mainstream media says it must be true? We know that if anything is repeated anything often, people will believe it.  Well, here are a few surprising facts; “Bank Closures at an All Time High in 2008”.·         In 1989 there were 1,004 bank closures.·         In 2008 there were 30 bank closures <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: #555555; line-height: 140%; tab-stops: list .5in">On average there are 94 bank closures per year</li></ul>“Foreclosure Rates Show No Sign of Slowing”. <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: #555555; line-height: 140%; tab-stops: list .5in">During the Great Depression Foreclosure Rates were 50%</li></ul><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: #555555; line-height: 140%; tab-stops: list .5in">Nationally today our Foreclosure Rates are 3%</li></ul> “States Unemployment Funds Run Low”. <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: #555555; line-height: 140%; tab-stops: list .5in">During the Great Depression Unemployment ran at 25%</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: #555555; line-height: 140%; tab-stops: list .5in">Nationally today our Unemployment is 7.2%</li></ul>It's the real truth.  It's not media horse buns.  It's time to start looking at our glass as 93% full rather than 7% empty. We need to look at putting 15-20% as was the former standard except in VA and FHA loans where 0% to 3.5% is required. General 2009-02-09T09:22:13Z john Coatal Carolinas Camera Club http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=56&blogId=1 The club meets monthly and is very inexpensive to join. Anyone interested in photography is welcome. Look for field trips and many workshops. A great group of people and some fantastic photographers. No matter the equipment you use or level of expertise, there is enough of interest and to learn for everyone! If interested ddrop me a note or call as I'l like to see you there! Meetings are held near Shalotte NC.  <a href="mailto:john@rakoci.com">john@rakoci.com</a>   843 655 7777 General 2009-02-07T16:57:26Z john Interest Rates DROPPED! http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=53&blogId=1 Sunday the federal government took over Fannie Mae & Freddie Mack. The action did not lessen requirements but added liquidity. Rates dropped to 5.75% on a 30 year fixed! General 2008-09-10T07:10:52Z john Sept, Oct at the Winery http://rakoci.com/myblog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=52&blogId=1 <div style="margin-bottom: 3px; border: #440022 1px solid; padding: 3px"><div style="margin-bottom: 3px; border: #440022 1px solid; padding: 3px"><div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px; color: #aa2288; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; background-color: #f5f3b3; padding: 3px">Summer Breeze Wine Fest</div><div style="font-size: 12px; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 3px">Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 Festival Time is 12Noon - 5pm       It a celebration of summer. Sample the grapes. Groove to the music. Two talented bands, a shady natural venue, fun folks, tasty outdoor cooking and great libation.... Plus, try some tropical wine drinks, and, of course, the wines of La Belle Amie Vineyard. Take an entertaining and educational vineyard tour at 2:30pm.      The latest giftwares are always available in the shop along with a variety of classic wine accessories. So pack up your chairs and blankets and come spend a fun day with us. ADMISSION: $8/person (under 18 & over 80 free). Includes parking, vineyard tour, access to gift shop, and limited wine sampling. (Print this page and present upon admission for 1 free wine serving) Limit 1 per copy per person. Music By: The Holiday Band, and The Terry Batson Band Vineyard Tour: 2:30pm FOOD BY: Smokin' Pitt BBQ, and by Hunt's Lexington Style Cooking SORRY, NO COOLERS, FOOD, BEVERAGES OR PETS ALLOWED AT VINEYARD EVENTS Remember, bring a lawn chair, a good friend or two, and enjoy the company, the music, the wine, and the beauty of the vineyard. 843/399-WINE (9463)           LaBelleAmie.com Sponsored in part by: WBTW TV-13 and EASY Radio 105.9FM and YES Radio 94.5FM VINEYARD LOCATION: North Myrtle Beach, SC at the corner of Hwy 90 & St. Joseph Road (just west of the No. Myrtle Beach Middle School)</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 3px; border: #440022 1px solid; padding: 3px"><div style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px; color: #aa2288; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; background-color: #f5f3b3; padding: 3px">NOTICE: Festival Dates Change in October</div><div style="font-size: 12px; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 3px"> The Big Band Sounds Festival scheduled for October 2008 is on Saturday October 4 (not Oct. 11th) And the Rock Back The Clock Fest is on October 18 (not the 25th.) Please make a note on your calendars! </div></div></div> General 2008-04-30T06:36:01Z john