COLDSTREAM COVE - a Centex Homes project - is offering investor/buyers of their luxury townhomes a choice of two incentives:

• $3000 towards HOA dues
• Free Charter Golf Membership (valued at $7500) to the TPC Golf Course

Located in Murrell’s Inlet close to TCP in Myrtle Beach, the townhomes range in size and price from $249,490 (3 BR / 3 1/2 BA, 1588 sq ft) to $278,305 (3 BR / 2 1/2 BA; 1696 sq ft). Features include: screened porches, garages and upgrades.

The incentives are limited in number, so call today for avaliablity and more information. Call Barbara Chartier at 800-568-9253 or cell 843-902-0204

BEACH, SHOPPING, GOLF attract people to Myrtle Beach.

Shopping is 2nd favorite recreation for Grand Strand visitors after beach time, according to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Myrtle Beach is currently ranked 51st nationally for retail sales. The Grand Strand area offers three indoor shopping malls, two factory outlet centers, two outdoor festival centers, and dozens of specialty retail developments and neighborhood shopping centers. In 2006, retail sales are forcast at $10.1 billion, up 8.6 percent from 2005. To meet the growing demand, retail construction along the Grand Strand is full speed ahead.

South Carolina ranks 18th nationally for people over 60 moving into the state. Horry County is No. 1 among the top five regions in the state where retirees are relocating. And the new construction has created hundreds of jobs in the construction and service industries - making Myrtle Beach an attractive relocation destination for young people and families, as well as retirees. Analysts expect a growing demand for single-family housing - from entry level to luxury.

Here are some of the new retail developments:

• Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opened in 2005 at Colonial Mall-Myrtle Beach
• Coastal Grand Mall opened in 2005
• P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is planned for 2007 in a planned urban village - The Market Common
• Upscale retail is planned for The Shoppes at Grande Dunes in 2007
• Further expansion is planned for bradway at the Beach

For more information on:

• Relocation & area guides
• Single-family housing

Reference: “You like shopping? We’ve got plenty on the Grand Strand” By Kathleen Vereen Dayton The Sun News

A new resort with Oceanfront Tower, Multi-family Condos and Single-family homes is planned for the 56.4-acre Barefoot Camping Resort, East of Hwy 17, in North Myrtle Beach. Scalise Development has completed purchase of the property and will release its plans in coming weeks as they are approved by the city of North Myrtle Beach.

“Skyrocketing land prices have enticed campground, golf course and mobile home park owners to sell to developers along the Grand Strand. Seven courses closed for redevelopment in 2005, and three mobile home parks, including the Barefoot campground, are planned for redevelopment.” notes Jenny Burns of The Sun News.

The landscape of Myrtle Beach is gradually going more upscale as the old gives way to the new. The new resort at Barefoot Campground will be on prime property - from the ocean to Hwy 17 - across from the shops and restaurants at Barefoot Landing.

We’ll keep you posted as the planning develops.

Reference: “Developer buys campground Homes planned for Barefoot property” By Jenny BurnsThe Sun News

SUMMARY: “The Market Common Businesses are lining up to have a place in this Myrtle Beach development.”

“Myrtle Beach’s first urban village has leased 42 percent of its store and restaurant space, and it has plans for a groundbreaking in the next few months.”

“The residential part of The Market Common - a mix of townhomes and live-work townhomes - will go on sale at the end of February….”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• The Market Common - Townhomes

FULL ARTICLE: Concept comes alive on former Air Force base – Jenny Burns, The Sun News

SUMMARY: “Construction of a resort project at the Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach is still under way, and the owners and developers hope it will be completed by fall 2007.”

“The Prince Resort project is expected to give the Cherry Grove area a new, fresh look as well as provide the luxuries people may look for in an upscale resort.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• The Prince Resort in Cherry Grove

FULL ARTICLE: Resort in works alters NMB look - Janelle Frost, The Sun News

SUMMARY: “Grand Strand real estate set a record year for price appreciation - higher than any seen in South Carolina in the past 12 years.”

“For 2005, condominiums and single-family homes combined appreciated 26 percent in median price on the Strand…. When you break it down by quarter, price escalation slowed in the latter part of the year.”

“[Expect] more single-family sales than condos in the coming years as more baby boomers infiltrate the Grand Strand.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Single family new construction
• Single family new communities

FULL ARTICLE: Home appreciation in MB sets state record - JENNY BURNS, The Sun News

Buyers and investors pause to evaluate new opportunities

Myrtle Beach, SC, January 17, 2006: Grand Strand prices for oceanfront condos have softened slightly as buyers assess their investment opportunities.

While resale condos continue to hold onto their huge price gains – some up 40% in 2005, the median prices for new condos dropped 8% in the third quarter.

Some analysts believe that the sale of less-expensive condo-conversion properties accounts for the drop in prices. But some say the numbers mirror a slight slowdown in buyer demand and price increases on the oceanfront.

• Tom Maeser, president of Fortune Academy of Real Estate, said the new oceanfront market is strong but condo-conversion sales are softening. With so much new construction, there is less demand for conversions (hotel rooms turned into condos).
• J. Patrick Lowe, a partner with Strand Capital Group, which builds primarily oceanfront condo towers, said there seems to be “somewhat” of a slowdown in new oceanfront but part of that is seasonal. Real estate buying on the Strand tends to slow between Thanksgiving and January.

This year, 79 million baby boomers turn 60, and 45% will move out of their state for their retirement. And Myrtle Beach will be the destination of choice for many of those living in the Northeast – states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Pat Mason, co-founder of the Center for Carolina Living says, “If you think you have retirees coming to Myrtle Beach today, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

Many investors are currently looking for buying opportunities, anticipating further price increases this spring. More oceanfront condos are becoming available for sale – some at reduced prices. With careful market analysis and the assistance of experienced oceanfront realtors, these buyers are finding what they are looking for.

For more information and current MLS oceanfront listings, contact Century 21 Coastal Lifestyles at www.c21MyrtleBeach.com.