Affordable housing fair at Coastal Grand Mall

An affordable housing fair will be held at Coastal Grand Myrtle Beach mall April 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can get information on first-time homebuyer loan programs, down payment assistance and credit counseling.

Real estate agents will have listings available for $150,000 or less, and lenders will be available.

Skyrocketing home prices on the Grand Strand have left many unable to buy a home.

The median price for a home - meaning half sold for more and half for less - was $190,000 in February, up 9 percent from February 2005 when it was $174,950, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

Organizers hope the fair will give first-time homebuyers the information they need to find an affordable place. There will be free kids activities and speakers.

Source: Jenny Burns, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC