Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela

It is my pleasure and honor to support Heather's most meaningful gift, the gift of life.  Please help her achieve her goal! 

Heather, your magnanimity moves me!  If ever I lose faith, I'll just think of you; you will always be a source of inspiration for me!  May God bless you both and soon you'll have 500 more good wishes, thoughts and prayers. 

All is well with the World!

Mirela

Staging certainly helps any home.  The million dollar home, with its specialized client, absolutely demands it. 

I've always enjoyed reading Melissa's posts.  She is outstanding in her field and always has good information.

Myrtle Beach Million Dollar Homes by Mirela Monte                       Join The MILLION DOLLAR HOMES Group!

With over 122,000 members on board, Active Rain has become quite a Force.  I recently ventured into the "States" section, curious to see where our members come from. 

I was not surprised to find that California had the most members, 18,113 to be exact.  Florida came in second with 13,884 members on its roster.  To make it to the front page of AR for the state of California, you have to have scored at least 97,541 points.  Florida's members are even more competitive:  to make it to the front page in that state, you better have over 110,000 points under your belt.  The reigning queen and king of that state are  Sharon Simms and Bryant Tutas, both in the over 400,000 points club, getting ready to break the 500,000 mark.  The fourth most popular AR blogger, the team of Nestor & Katerina Gasset with almost 400,000 points are in fourth position.  Florida is one competitive state!  With my paltry 190,000 points, I would be somewhere on the bottom part of page one, instead of the fourth placement I hold in SC.

What's the easiest entry into the front page?  If you said Alaska, you're wrong!  With 174 members and a high score of almost 150,000 points for its top member, Jesse Clifton, Alaska has more members than Vermont (138), South Dakota (115), Wyoming (98) and North Dakota (71).  The state with the fewest members is not really a state, but US territory: The US Virgin Islands.  The highest score there is 21,439 and a mere 175 points will still get you on the first page.  If you lived in St. Thomas, blogging would probably be the furthest thing from your mind too.  Alaska, however, granted that your igloo was Internet connected, would feature blogging at the top of the entertainment list, somewhere between dog sledding and grocery shopping, right Jesse?  Just looking at Jesse's picture I get cold...

Newsflash:  Hawaii needs another member.   499 Members strong, Hawaii has the popular Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman and Randy L. Prothero, as the AR King and Queen of that state.  Texas, with its 7,264, seems to have several AR luminaries:  Jason Crouch, Gary Wolthal, Loreen Yeo, Karen Stone and several other well recognized members. 

The two Carolinas are quite competitive also:  to make it to the front page of SC, you must have at least 31,751 points.  NC takes 10,000 additional points for front page placement.

Washington and Oregon has fewer members than I expected: 4,727 and 1,896 respectively.  Hey, isn't that where it rains a lot?  Isn't that where Active Rain started?  Come on you guys, you can't let the Carolinas beat you!  North and South Carolina's numbers are 4,731 and 2,384 and we just got Internet last week!  With weather like ours, sunny 300+ days a year and gorgeous coastal turf, we should be right there with the US Virgin Islands...

And now we come full circle to the reason I've performed this analysis.  I wanted to find out if ANYONE has over 500,000 points yet.  Guess what?  Someone does.  It's Lenn Harley of Maryland.   With over 565,000 points, Lenn is the undisputed Queen of Active Rain.   The second highest score on Active Rain belongs to Todd Clark, at the top of his page for Oregon, who will make it into the 500,000 points Club shortly.  Florida's queen and king,  Sharon Simms and Bryant Tutas are not too far behind.  Do you guys ever sell Real Estate, or do you just blog for a living? 

Having amassed close to 200,000 points myself in my one year and three months here, with 656 blogs under my belt, I have no room to talk.  ...And YES, I do work!  I sell a lot of Real Estate and I run the largest independent firm in North Myrtle Beach.  BUT...  I type fast, I have a lot to say and I love the camaraderie here!  Add to that a true love of competition, a fierce and talented rival, Jeremy Blanton, and you too, will understand why. 

They say that if you want the job done you should give it to someone who's busy.   They're right!  The Top Producers on Active Rain are most likely the Top Producers in their markets as well.  With over 40 clients garnered from AR and an immense amount of knowledge gleaned as well, this has been the best Investment I've ever made in my career. 

My day started with an e-mail from my latest client garnered through AR.  She had her condo on the market with various agents for the past two years.  She found me on AR and hired me to sell her oceanfront condo.  That was last month.  Next week we're closing on it.  Her e-mail simply said:  "You guys are awesome!  You have done an excellent job!  Thank you!"

Thank you Active Rain for allowing me the opportunity to learn, have fun, connect with like minded people AND garner some wonderful clients!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                  Join The Optimist Group!

Wow!  I want it!

Santa Baby, will you get it for me?

Myrtle Beach Million Dollar Homes by Mirela Monte             Join MILLION DOLLAR HOMES and post blogs about your Million Dollar Listings OR statistics about the Million Dollar Market in your Area!

Now, THIS is a PRESENTATION!!!

Fred Light just set the bar much higher for the rest of us.  Let me know what you think of it, please!

You'll find this and several other Fred Light video presentations on the MILLION DOLLAR HOMESGroup's Board.   If you want to garner Million Dollar Homes Listings, you need to blog about Million Dollar Homes, so why not compile statistics of the Million Dollar Homes in your area and post them to our group.  While you're at it, make sure you also post your blog on Localism for your area.   Consider this Million Dollar Idea, my gift to you for Thanksgiving. 

You're Welcome!

Myrtle Beach Million Dollar Homes by Mirela Monte

MILLION DOLLAR HOMES...  If you have a million dollar listing or information about the million dollar market, please join the the Million Dollar Home Group and post your blogs there.  Please don't post anything else there!  Remember, the price point needs to be a million or above!  Here are some current favorites:

Myrtle Beach Million Dollar Homes by Mirela Monte                 Join Million Dollar Homes!

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH is a Wonderful Group on AR that empowers us to do just that.  Come join us there and post your blogs about health and illness!  Here are some featured posts:

The POWER of Energy--A Very Personal Story by Carole Provenzale

Alcoholism, the Dirty Little Secret by Kyle Real

God's Pharmacy by Robert Rauf

Cancer: Doctors & hospitals would go broke if they told you these things...  by Gregory Lohr

Comfort Eating Leaves Us Uncomfortable by Mirela Monte

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                      Join Taking Control of YOUR Health!

With rental rates at a minimum and the Sun shining in full force, why not spend this holiday in Myrtle Beach?

You can have an oceanfront condo for only $40 per night.  With over 1,000 restaurants, countless nightclubs, theaters, golf and shopping opportunities, why go anywhere else?

Come spend your Winter Holidays in Myrtle Beach!  To entice you even further, here are some pictures taken within the past few days.  Enjoy!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                      Join The Optimist Group!

 

My ex-husband, the developer, had a way of getting his business associates and clients to perform.  He used humor to brighten up the day and get the desired results. 

  

Being witty is not one my strong suites.  I can do it if you give me some time to think about it, but in real life, you have to perform on the spot.  I've been conscious of this trait that I desire and somehow, just lately, I am witty and humorous on occasion and it really helps.

  

It diffuses an otherwise tense situation.  It makes the work environment more fun and it garners better contributions from agents and clients. 

  

Why not cultivate your fun, witty side?  If you are aware of this and work on it, I bet you'll be better at it by this time next year. 

  

What are your thought on this?

  

  

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                Join The Optimist Group!

Is there anything short about a short sale?

Not the time frame, that's for sure!

Not the effort!

Not the trouble!

Not the frustration!

...Still we do them... more than I care to admit!

Foreclosures Anyone?  Yup, those too.  It took me over a year of intense study to figure out the safe modus operandi.  If you don't have the training, don't go bidding!  It can be a very costly mistake!  Case in point:  We are having the Horry County Foreclosure sale on Monday, December 1st.  That very same day, also at the Horry County Courthouse, they are having the yearly tax sale auction.  You better check to see if the property you're planning to buy at the foreclosure sale is featured on both rosters before you go bidding...

REO's...  Ahh!  Now you're talking!  Sweet REO's, the stuff Investors' dreams are made of...  Normal transactions.  No risk.  No waiting.  No frustration.  No wheels spinning in vain.  Allowed property inspections.  Clear title.  No possible entanglements afterwards.  Priced under market.  Real Estate Nirvana!  Sold two last week!

Myrtle Beach Foreclosures, Short Sales & REO's by Mirela Monte

You can not buy this, steal it or fake it; you absolutely have to earn it:  RESPECT!

***Please play this video while you're reading the blog!

One of my clients always commands respect from everyone.   I have represented him, his family and friends through many transactions.  When he says "jump", I make it happen, regardless of how busy I am. 

This man has the respect of his family, his friends and his associates.  When he speaks, people listen.  What does he do that garners him this coveted place of honor?

1.  He is ALWAYS very respectful of everyone.  Regardless of status or position, he always treats every person with the utmost respect.  His sentences are punctuated by "Please", "Thank you", "May I" and "I appreciate it". 

2.  He never demands anything; he always asks for it politely.

3.  His word is golden.  If he says he'll do something, he always does.  He never makes promises he can not keep.

4.  He is loyal to his family, friends and associates.  He shows his loyalty by always being there for them, whether it's with advice or special favors.  If you need something, he will do his best to help you.

5.  He is always respectful of my time and makes sure I get paid.  He never asks me to discount my services.  He values my professionalism.  He is always fair in his dealings; he never expects "to steal" a property, only to garner a good deal.

6.  He never talks badly about anyone.  When he has nothing good to say about someone, he says nothing.

Ultimately, He commands respect by always giving it.    

What a good lesson to learn for so many people...

Myrtle Beach Homes by Mirela Monte                        Join The Optimist Group!

The Federal Reserve announced a massive new program today to buy mortgage-backed securities.  Up to $500 billion in funds will be used to buy mortgage-backed securities backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and up to $100 billion in funds will be used to buy up debt issued by those housing agencies. 

"This action is being taken to reduce the cost and increase the availability of credit for the purchase of houses, which in turn should support housing markets and foster improved financial conditions more generally." The Fed said in their statement. 

This latest step strikes at the heart of the current financial crisis, which is the struggling housing market.  Mortgages are staging a huge rally in response to the news.

What do you think about this?

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                                        

 I have said for quite a long time that we need "News Your Way".  Here are the guidelines for this new concept:

For every item of "bad news", the media would be required to give us a piece of "good news". 

Example: 

The economic index fell by another point (bad news).

BUT:

The sale of alcohol has gone up again by another five points (good news).

Another example: 

The overall employment dropped by 2% (bad news).

BUT:

Certain sectors of the work force have shown significant increases by as much as 30% - for example security guards, police, psychiatric facilities' and funeral homes' personnel (good news).

Let's conjure up some more examples!  It's open mike night on AR and the lines are now open.  Please be a part of this!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                            Join The Optimist Group!

What's Hot and What's Not

Myrtle Beach, SC

Month in Review - October 2008

Each month I will feature the hottest sales in the Myrtle Beach Area.   I will not be listing the "Nots", since I don't want to offend anyone.

Here are the Hot properties sold in October:

This Oceanfront 6BR/3BA home sold for $1.5 Million in October. Located in the coveted area of Tilghman Estates on Ocean Drive, this quintessential Atlantic paradise is known as the Golden Mile of North Myrtle Beach.   The area boasts unique homes on sprawling lots, mature landscaping and lots of tranquility, charm and unparalleled beauty. 

Unique in every regard, this small project has the most enticing oceanfront condos.  20ft. ceilings and entire walls of glass opening up to the ocean, two huge sundecks made for sun worshippers, this delightful condo project is one of the best kept secrets at the beach.  Low HOA fees and perfect oceanfront placement within the quaint Cherry Grove Beach contribute to making this a superb choice.  This 3BR/3BA, 1,850 sq.ft. Oceanfront condo sold for a mere $307,000. 

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                           Join The Optimist Group!

I finally experienced jealousy.  Not the typical kind, mind you, but the kind of jealousy that makes me stand up and cheer and applaud with joy.  "If she can do it, so can I" type of jealousy. 

What do I covet that somebody else has?  No, it's not a bigger home or a fancier car, or a bigger rock.  No!  It is a yoga instructor certification. 

My ex-husband's girlfriend, who used to be pleasantly plump when I first met her three years ago, has been on an amazing yoga journey for the past couple of years and she recently became a certified yoga instructor.  She is now slender and fit, and has that special peace and glow about her that yoga seems to confer.

Yoga is the only sport I've not excelled at YET.  Being the jock that I am, I approached yoga the same way I approached all the other sports: competitively and head on.  Boy, did I have a big surprise in store:  yoga is the only sport that takes a different mentality.  The jock mentality will just not do.  I have to learn a whole new set of sports values in order to excel at yoga.  Paying attention to detail, listening to my body, working on balance, breathing, introspection and the one trait I'm lacking most of all:  PATIENCE!!!

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My favorite "Chicken Soup For The Soul" story was the one about the thousands of starfish relegated by a storm to the shores of a desolate beach, and a man who was methodically picking up the starfish and throwing them back in, one by one.  A passerby stopped and asked him why he was doing that:  "Look around you man, there are thousands of starfish on this beach.   You're not going to be able to save all of them.  You won't even make a difference."  The man looked at the passerby, threw another starfish into the water and said: "Made a difference to that one!"

One person CAN make a difference!  We each have certain issues we are concerned about.  Some have embraced preserving the environment, others have a soft spot for human rights.  As a mother, my concern has always been for kids in general. 

The subject of child safety against predators is not accorded the kind of attention it deserves.  In July of 2006, the Adam Walsh Child Protection Safety Act was signed by President Bush.  Unfortunately, the bill signing was merely symbolic, because of a lack of funding.   A year and a half later, the House Judiciary committee held hearings outlining law enforcement efforts to battle child pornography on the Internet. The law enforcement simply lacks the resources to go after these predators.  With the new administration, perhaps more measures will be taken in this regard.  As parents, we should stay on top of this. 

In the United States, between 1.6 and 2.8 million children run away every year, and half of all runaways are girls.  Within 48 hours of hitting the streets, one-third of these children are lured or recruited into the underground world of prostitution or pornography.  In 2000 Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.   There is a fatal flaw within the act: because they are US citizens, domestic victims of human trafficking can not be certified, therefore they are not eligible for the services outlined and authorized under this act. 

As a group, Realtors can have a huge voice.  We come from many other professions.  Real Estate is usually a second, or third career.  We are attracted to this profession, because we care about people.  I suggest that we get involved and stay involved.  Maybe this issue is not yours.  Find your issue, and make a difference!

Kids and everything related to them is my issue.  When I hear the word "Mom", I still turn, even when the child uttering it is not mine.  I was at a party once and a young kid fell in the pool.  I was in that pool retrieving the child so fast, that even I was startled at what had transpired.  Automatic pilot kicked in and there I went.  I am not unique in any way.   Most parents feel the same way.  That's why I bet I'm going to find a captive audience here!

Resources:

US Senate   http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

US House of Representatives:  http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Complete list of E-mail addresses and fax numbers of All federal representatives and Governors:  http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm

Klaas Action Review Fall Newsletter  http://www.klaaskids.org/newsletters/Fall_2007.pdf

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN!  HERE IS TO THE POWER OF ONE!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte                 Join The Optimist Group!