Golf communities can be some of the nicest places to live around Myrtle Beach. While some folks dream about living on or near a golf course, others see golf communities as a potential burden. We are going to look at some of the pros and cons of living in a golf course community.

When you are looking to buy a home in Myrtle Beach, you are bound to find listings for homes on golf courses. Depending on what your interests are, this may or may not be a good thing. Some people do not want to live around golf courses because on a golf course it is common for people to be walking through your backyard. While courses do not allow golfers to actually step on to the property of the homeowners, you will still see people playing from your back window or door. This is usually combined with a privacy issues some folks have. They simply don't want golfers looking into their home. Some people do not want to deal with having their house hit by the occasional stray shot. While living on a golf course may be good for some, others can't get past the disadvantages.

There are also plenty of reasons people DO want to look around golf communities when buying a house in Myrtle Beach. Golf courses are typically very well maintained areas with plenty of green space to go around. The rough and fairways are kept pristine by the course's grounds crew so you would not be mowing your backyard any longer. Golf courses are usually quiet, peaceful places away from the hustle and bustle of city living. If your home is near a bunker, golfers can provide hours of entertainment by watching them hack and whack their way back on to the fairway or green. Cart paths also serve as great walking trails for residents who are trying to stay healthy. Last, but certainly not least, people who love playing golf will love living on the course. Typically living on the course will give you access to special member rates. You also never have to travel far to play a round. Living on the course will put your favorite hobby right in your backyard.

If you are considering buying a home in Myrtle Beach, also consider whether or not you would want to live on a golf course. Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts are here to help you find the home that meets your desires. Contact the Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts today and start looking for your new home on, or off, the golf course.

The Prestwick community in Myrtle Beach is a quiet, gated Myrtle Beach golf course community located in the south end of town off of Highway 544. The beautiful Prestwick community is located on the Prestwick Golf Course, a championship golf course that is beautifully landscaped and is set among a dense pine forest and pristine lakes. Prestwick homes for sale are all well-built homes by custom home builders and offer luxury living and amenities at affordable prices. Homes for sale in Prestwick, on average, range from the mid $200k up to $700k.  Most of the homes in Prestwick for sale are brick and feature spacious living areas and large yards. Prestwick homes for sale often have many amenity upgrades including hardwood floors, contemporary kitchens, crown molding, gas fireplaces, Carolina rooms and formal dining rooms.

The Prestwick community is one of the most desirable Myrtle Beach communities. Take a tour through the beautiful neighborhood and you will see that homeowners take pride in living in Prestwick and enjoy the outdoors. Residents enjoy walking or biking through the neighborhood or even practicing on the nearby putting green before a round of golf. The Prestwick neighborhood is one of those communities that you will be excited and proud to call “home.”

One of the many benefits of owning a Prestwick home in Myrtle Beach is the amenities. Prestwick homeowners have access to the Prestwick Country Club where they can enjoy the Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, private cabana, dining at the Country Club’s facilities and of course, golf in one of the most nationally reknowned golf states in America.

The location of the Prestwick Golf Community is also to be desired as it is located off of Hwy 544 (Dick Pond Road) in Myrtle Beach close to the town of Surfside. Many residents enjoy being a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach while still remaining close to easily enjoy all of the great Myrtle Beach attractions. Prestwick residents are minutes away from the beach, the wonderful shopping in The Market Common, the Myrtle Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach International Airport.

If you are ready to call The Prestwick Community in Myrtle Beach "home", let the experienced experts at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts introduce you to this luxurious yet affordable golf community in Myrtle Beach!

Barefoot Resort Homes for Sale

Condos and Homes for Sale in Barefoot Resort

The idea to create a four-course luxurious Golf Community in North Myrtle Beach was culminated by four golf-lovers; Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The idea behind this masterpiece of a golf community was that it be based on rolling hills and lush green spaces along the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach. Depending on your lifestyle, there are five neighborhoods within Barefoot Resort to suit every need. 

Leather Leaf at Barefoot Resort

 Leather Leaf is one of the most exclusive gated communities in Barefoot Resort. Being a primarily Centex development, most of the homes are over 2,000 sq. ft., have lake views, access to wooded areas, and some are along the 12th, 13th, and 17th holes of the Love Golf Course in Barefoot Resort. 

Cedar Creek Community 

The Cedar Creek Community in Barefoot Resort is only slightly less luxurious than Leather Leaf, but still gives you those scenic golf course views. Most of the homes are along the 4th through 7th holes on the Love golf course in Barefoot Resort. Cedar Creek gives you the safety of living within a quiet gated community at lower prices than most comparable areas. Want luxury golf course living for less? Ask us about a tour of the Cedar Creek neighborhood in Barefoot Resort today!

Coquina Pointe Homes

The homes in Coquina Pointe in Barefoot Resort are definitely more modest than Leather Leaf and Cedar Creek, but do not lack in impressive qualities. These large but simple homes have beautiful landscaping and classic amenities like the "white picket fence" and intricate stone walkways. Most of the homes are two and three bedrooms, and have views of the natural lakes throughout the neighborhood. Their sizes range from 1,000 sq. ft. to 1,900 sq. ft. and prices are unbelievably affordable at the $150K to $200K range. 

Dye Estates

The homes for sale within the Dye Estates along the Dye Golf Course at Barefoot Resort give you many living options in the beautiful wooded areas along the golf greens. This neighborhood within Barefoot Resort offers many great amenities such as a transferrable Dye Golf Course membership, boat dock access, a clubhouse, a pool, and of course the great amenities the Barefoot Resort area has to offer. If you prefer the condo lifestyle and are looking for a townhouse or condo for sale in Barefoot Resort, Dye Estates has a wide selection of condos and townhomes available for sale. 

Bridle Ridge Community 

Bridle Ridge in Barefoot Resort gives you the affordable home but still includes lavish amenities. The homes for sale in Bridle Ridge offer screened porches and sunrooms. Many of these homes have been completely rebuilt or remodeled, resulting in brand-new homes in an already mature neighborhood. These homes are cozy but still offer an abundance of living space with square footage ranging from 1500 to 1900 and prices starting in the low $200K. If you are looking for a new home in an already developed neighborhood amidst the nature of Barefoot Resort, the Bridle Ridge community is perfect for you!

Barefoot Landing Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

Barefoot Resort and Golf in Myrtle Beach is located next to the popular shopping and dining hot spot, Barefoot Landing. This is a quaint outdoor shopping area with fine dining, casual restaurants, and entertainment venues scattered throughout. Barefoot Landing offers small boutique shopping as well as large chain retail store shopping, fine dining to casual restaurants, and local entertainment venues. The House of Blues in Myrtle Beach is located in Barefoot Landing, and often sees large headline bands and musical groups perform throughout the year. Local tourist attractions in Barefoot Landing include Barefoot Princess, offering riverboat dinner cruises, Alligator Adventure, Alabama Theater, Ghosts and Legends Theater, and many more! No matter your age or interest, Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is sure to have you entertained for hours. 

Plantation Lakes in Carolina Forest is one of the top Myrtle Beach neighborhoods. You will see why from the moment you enter the community and see the beautiful waterfall sign and lush landscaping. Plantation Lakes is a Carolina Forest community that is located among an impressive 170 acres of lakes and 15 acres of shoreline. The Plantation Lakes community is comprised of elegant custom-built homes and large lots where you can build your dream home. Most Plantation Lakes homes for sale are 4 and 5 bedrooms and come equipped with the finest upgrades and amenities such as custom cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, open floor plans, hardwood and tile flooring, custom moldings, gas fireplaces, large outdoor areas (many lake views) and more.

Owning a Plantation Lakes home is truly a luxury. The private community not only offers lovely Myrtle Beach homes for sale but also is located in a prime location. Located in the heart of Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes is only minutes from the beach and to all the many wonderful shops and restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Residents of Plantation Lakes enjoy convenient access to both 501 and to 31, allowing you to easily be able to get to many Myrtle Beach attractions, shopping, restaurants and other area businesses.

Plantation Lakes is located in the Horry County school district and the Carolina Forest schools are some of the highest ranking schools in the County. Another benefit of living in Carolina Forest is that you will have access to the new Carolina Forest recreation center, the state-of-the-art library that is expected to open in the Summer of 2012 and a large public playground for the kids. Residents will get to enjoy these and other amenities only offered to Carolina Forest neighborhoods. 

Owning a home in Plantation Lakes also means you can enjoy some of the best amenities that any Myrtle Beach neighborhood has to offer. Plantation Lakes has multiple swimming pools, a large fitness room, picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts and access to an expansive, well-stocked lake where you can take your boar out for some fishing.

Contact JP Real Estate Agents today to schedule your tour of all the Plantation Lakes Homes for sale and see why Plantation Lakes is still one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach.

The Bellegrove community is an ideal community for anyone interested in Carolina Forest homes for sale that want to be close to the beach and Carolina Forest amenities. Bellegrove is located only three miles from the beach near the corner of International Drive and River Oaks Drive and close to the Food Lion and Forest Crossing shopping centers where there are numerous wonderful restaurants and businesses like a dry cleaner, dentist, flower shop and a gas station.

The Bellegrove neighborhood in Carolina Forest is comprised of three separate sections: Bellegrove Palms, Bellegrove Willows and Bellegrove Oaks. Each section offers a variety of house styles and sizes at different price points so there is sure to be a perfect Myrtle Beach home for you. Homes range from modern Charleston style homes with modern upgrades to smaller, attractive ranch style homes that offer a lot of value and great quality at affordable prices.

All Bellegrove homes for sale offer access to their on-site amenities like a large pool, playground, basketball court and clubhouse. Carolina Forest living offers many wonderful amenities as well like a community recreation center with a walking path and basketball courts that also offers exercise classes and a large public playground area. There is even a library that is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012.

Along with all the features and amenities Bellegrove has to offer is the intangible “community feel.”  Drive through Bellegrove any weekend and you will find kids running around playing outside, people grilling out on a nice day and couples walking their dog. No matter if you are single, a couple of have a large family, Bellegrove in Carolina Forest would make the perfect choice for a Myrtle Beach home!

Buying a new home is very exciting but is also a big responsibility that needs to be taken seriously. Whether in the market for a new Myrtle Beach home or Myrtle Beach condo, it is important to take the proper steps before deciding to put in any offer. Here are some of our tips when purchasing Myrtle Beach real estate:

1)      Plan Ahead: We see it happen many times. People get really excited to purchase a home but then get overwhelmed and decide purchasing a home is not for them at the time. Always plan your home purchasing strategy by determining how much you can really afford and decide if you are ready for the responsibility of becoming a homeowner.

2)      Run Your Own Credit: Even if you think you have good credit, it is always best to go ahead and pull your detailed credit history a few months before you start your house hunting to make sure there are no errors or anything that stands out that may negatively affect your purchasing your home. This way, you will have time to fix any errors if needed.

3)      Make Sure You Are Ready to Commit: The times of flipping houses are gone. Purchasing a home is a big decision and you should be prepared to stay in a home for a few years.

4)      Find a Trustworthy Agent: Find a real estate agent that can help assist you through all the steps when purchasing a home. Be sure to check how long the agent has been in business and find out how familiar the agent is with the Myrtle Beach area. The team at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts is comprised of some of the area’s top Myrtle Beach real estate agents so we are confident one of our agents can assist you in finding your perfect Myrtle Beach home.

5)      Research and Visualize: When you are ready to look at properties with you agent, be sure to always do your homework. Find out about the schools, talk to the neighbors and research info online.  Your real agent can assist you in providing facts about the neighborhood and area but you will also want to get a sense of the neighborhood and surrounding area on your own. Visualize what everyday life would like in the home. Do you see yourself waking up every morning in that master bedroom? Could you get used to eating at that local restaurant down the street? If you commute to work, try a practice drive to see how long it takes and what traffic you encounter.

There are many other steps needed when purchasing a Myrtle Beach home. The team at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts can help guide you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation and we can discuss how to get started. 

What you need to know about selling Myrtle Beach real estate in 2012

Selling your home or real estate in Myrtle Beach may seem like an overwhelming and daunting task, but even the most conservative predictions are expecting growth in the home sales market for 2012. First-time home buyers are starting to look more active, as one-third of home re-sales were made to virgin buyers in 2011. Since 2012 is projected to remain a "home-buyers market", it is the home-sellers who need the most help. The Jerry Pinkas team of Myrtle Beach realtors is here to help you sell your home and gain the highest amount of money possible.

Here are some tips you should consider when selling Myrtle Beach homes:

Make sure the price is right

According to the National Association of Realtors, average homes for sale in Myrtle Beach took four months or longer to sell over the past year and almost half of these home-sellers accepted 90% or less of the asking price. It is important to figure out the most recent comparable sales (including short sales and foreclosures) as well as a summary of sale prices in relation to their original listed asking price. Using this information, Jerry Pinkas' team of real estate experts in Myrtle Beach will determine what the "right" price is to ask for your home or real estate.

Curb appeal should not just stop at the curb

Home staging, inside and out, is very important in these difficult real estate times. An exterior appearance is very important for first impressions, but that also needs to translate indoors. Take that extra time to repair any damages done whether small or large, it will pay off in the long run. Make prospective buyers feel at home when they visit your home for sale, as they are looking for a new place to call their home. You want to give those home buyers a lasting positive impression and make them remember the property, not make them notice the things they dislike. It is also very helpful to leave behind a small amount of furniture so the visitors can get room staging ideas, humans are very visual creatures; make them "oooh and ahhh" over your place without having them think too much.

Be generous, but not a push-over

It is important to be flexible on negotiations, everyone likes a seller who is easy to work with! Don't be afraid to offer paying closing costs, property taxes, cash credits for remodeling work, HOA fees, seller financing, etc. Unfortunately, someone selling Myrtle Beach real estate in today's market does not have the luxury to snub low-ball offers. Instead it is important to take certain offers and work with them, making them reasonable for both you and the buyer.

Social media is not only used for entertainment

Let a Myrtle Beach real estate expert in selling homes use some cyber tactics. Facebook and Craigslist are routinely being used to list and search for homes for sale, so let the Jerry Pinkas real estate experts increase your home's exposure online. 

Carolina Forest is the fastest growing residential community in Myrtle Beach... find out why!

If you are looking for Myrtle Beach real estate and trying to decide what area to look at, we suggest checking out homes in Carolina Forest. Carolina Forest is one of the most popular areas in Myrtle Beach. The area is located between the City of Myrtle Beach and Conway and is a master-planned community that offers over a dozen individual neighborhoods to suite any style and budget. There are opportunities for ownership of both Myrtle Beach homes and condos. Carolina Forest’s prime location provides easy access to both the beaches and to shopping, dining and area attractions making it one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular areas to live!

If you have kids or are planning to start a family, Carolina Forest is one of the best places to buy Myrtle Beach real estate. The Carolina Forest schools are some of the area’s top ranked public schools and located minutes away are higher education opportunities at Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Recently, construction was completed of a 21,000 sq. ft. recreation center that is free for County residents and includes a gym and a walking path.  The recreation center also offers many classes such as Zumba. A 20,000 sq. ft. library is expected to open in the summer of 2012 and will have about 80,000 books, DVD’s and 26 computer stations. There is a public playground called Palmetto Adventure Land that is a great place to bring your kids.

The homes in Carolina Forest are also close to a few shopping centers with many local businesses. Toward the Highway 501 side, there is a Kroger grocery store and many restaurants such as Beef O’Brady’s, Chili’s Bar and Grill, Handley’s Pub and Grill and Buffalo Wild Wings.  The Tanger Outlets are only minutes away on Highway 501. Off of River Oaks Drive close to Robert Grissom Parkway is a Food Lion and some restaurants like Longbeards and Pane e Vino. Between both areas, there are also many other businesses that are convenient for residents such as dry cleaners, medical facilities, banks, day care, post office and more.  The Man O’War and The Wizard golf courses are located within Carolina Forest and many neighborhood homes have golf course views.

There are many wonderful neighborhoods in Carolina Forest. Most have clubhouses and pools and offer housing to fit various price ranges. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include: Plantation Lakes, Covington Lake, The Farm, Walkers Woods, Waterford Plantation, Avalon, Bellegrove and Spring Lake.

With all there is to do and all of the Carolina Forest homes for sale in many great neighborhoods, we are sure that you will love your new Myrtle Beach home! Contact us today to take a tour of Carolina Forest and see some current Myrtle Beach homes for sale.  

There are an extensive number of Myrtle Beach condos for sale. If you are interested in Myrtle Beach real estate , you should keep in mind that condo living is much different than owning a home. Most agree that the pros far outweigh the cons. Below are some of the many advantages of condo living, to help you decide whether or not owning a Myrtle Beach condo is right for you.

Location. Condominiums are often built in the heart of the city. Many Myrtle Beach condos for sale are oceanfront, or in prime locations near the best of everything Myrtle Beach has to offer. Oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach far outnumber oceanfront homes. Condominiums are one of the most popular options for those who want to live oceanfront in Myrtle Beach.

Affordability. Condos have a wide range of prices, but those in the lower price range are often ideal for first time buyers.

Amenities. Almost all of the Myrtle Beach condos for sale offer amenities that many wouldn't be able to afford on their own. From pools, lazy rivers, fitness centers and more, condo owners love being able to take advantage of perks that some can only dream of.

Low Maintenance. Owning a home requires upkeep. Mowing the lawn, plumbing issues and roof maintenance are all responsibilities that homeowners must take care of. Condominium living is much easier, as someone else takes care of and pays for these issues for you, as long as you are not at fault.

Security. Many people look for a Myrtle Beach condo for a vacation home, meaning the condo will sit vacant for a few months at a time. Owners of single family homes often have to worry about their home and valuables being left for months, but condo living offers an extra sense of security. The close proximity of neighbors makes it easier to lock up and leave for weeks or months at a time, and many Myrtle Beach condos for sale include extra security features like buzzers to be let into the building, or security guards.

These are only a few examples of the perks to Myrtle Beach condos for sale. Remember to carefully weigh your pros and cons between condos and single family homes, and don't make a decision about your purchase based strictly upon emotion. If you have any questions about Myrtle beach condos or Myrtle Beach real estate , contact the real estate experts with the Jerry Pinkas team today!

The Covington Lake community is perfect for anyone interested in Myrtle Beach homes for sale in Carolina Forest. Beautiful brick and stucco custom built homes surround three fully-stocked lakes, and almost half of the lots in the Covington Lake community are lakefront. The custom built homes in Covington Lake offer spacious floor plans, easy to maintain exteriors, contemporary looks and traditional details. The homes for sale in Covington Lake break away from the "cookie-cutter" look of many Myrtle Beach homes for sale. The homes also feature some of the most generously sized lots in the area.

The Covington Lake community is located in Carolina Forest , a popular area amongst those looking for Myrtle Beach homes for sale. Carolina Forest is located only five minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach, and is near elementary and middle schools, grocery stores, Tanger Outlets and several of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Covington Lake is also close to several area golf courses. Carolina forest is a great area in which to raise a family as well as an ideal choice for those moving on their own.

The homes for sale in Covington Lake also offer several amenities to its residents. There is a community cabana for hosting events, a pool, children's playground, lit sidewalks, and 12 acres of fully stocked lakes. The natural beauty of the Covington Lake community make it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Carolina Forest.

If you are interested in Myrtle Beach homes for sale in Covington Lake, the Jerry Pinkas team will be happy to provide you with additional information about the community and available homes. Now is the time to invest in Myrtle Beach real estate , and the Jerry Pinkas team wants to help you make your dreams of owning a home a reality.