It's Sunday morning service at the neighborhood church.  All of a sudden, the front doors swing open with a big bolt of thunder and the Devil descends upon the congregation.  Everyone starts screaming and running away.  All, except for a little, old man, who sits in his pew as if nothing is happening.   The devil walks over to him and asks:   "Old Man, are you blind or something?"   "Nope, I can see just fine", says the old man.   "Well, do you know who I am?" the devil asks.   "Yup, I sure do", says the old man.   "Then why aren't you afraid and running away like the rest of them?"   "You don't scare me!" continues the old man.  "I've been married to your sister for the last 50 years!"     *It's Laugh Out Loud Friday on the Optimist Group.  Please contribute to a good cause: give ... 02/27/2009

  Chuck Willman posted some interesting observations about the Banks' Modus Operandi with regards to their REO's.  This is an interesting blog to read and one we should all add our own observations to:  "The First Ten Days" and other Bank Owned Property Rules of Thumb   Just how do you handle confrontation?   Rebecca Cole posted an intriguing article about it:         How Do You Handle Confrontation?  Lara O'Keefe penned an endearing tribute to her mom, who is currently helping raise a beautiful grandchild:   Growing Like a Weed!   Jim Valentine discusses a type loan well suited for today's foreclosed properties.  Don't miss this unique tool for bringing these deals to fruition:  Can We Buy A Bank-Owned Property In Disrepair With A New Loan?   Sheldon Neal -- ThatBritishAgent - Makes so... 02/03/2009

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy, safe Halloween!  If you're going to a party, take pictures so I won't feel like the only one who was ridiculous.  Of course be safe and don't drink and drive; there are way too many precious little ones out on the streets all hopped up on candy and looking for the nearest doorbell not watching for cars.  P.S. She loves it.  This picture is from my first Halloween with Kahlua (I adopted her in April of 2005 when she was about 3).  I love pumpkins so I couldn't help it.  Happy Halloween!  This picture more recent.  She doesn't look like a scared pound puppy anymore; she's still a cute pumpkin too.   10/31/2008

A survey by Pew Research Center showed that nearly half (49%) of those with an annual family income of more than $100,000 say they're very happy. By contrast, just 24% of those with an annual family income of less than $30,000 say they're very happy.   Do You Wonder How Much Money The Top Executives are Making? Wonder no more!  Click here to check out the financial compensation of top executives and see how you compare with them.   How Rich Are You?   If that got you depressed, consider this:  Three billion people live on less than $2 per day, while 1.3 billion get by on less than $1 per day. Seventy percent of those living on less than $1 per day are women.Ever wonder how your annual income compares to the rest of the world. At globalrichlist.com you can enter your annual income and se... 10/18/2008

This is 2008.  Unless you are at a very formal function, or selling to very uptight people, a tie is no longer de rigueur, or is it?   We operate in a Resort area.  Most of our clients are dressed in their vacation attire, so we are spoiled, I know.  We can dress down right along with them.    Just how are you supposed to dress as a Realtor in 2008?   My rule is to dress for the client.  If I am representing a very religious couple, I will wear very little make-up and absolutely no jewelry.  If I am working with certain foreign investors (depending on the culture), I will wear a dress, instead of my usual pants.     My typical attire is casual-dressy.  Easy to wear pant suits, or just pants and a nice shirt, comfortable shoes (heels always; I detest flats), solid colors (no florals), p... 10/13/2008

Surfside-Garden City Oceanfront Condos Sold - Third Quarter 2008    CONDO/TOWNHOUSE Summary Statistics    High Low Average Median List Price: $539,900 $149,900 $323,720 $309,950 Sale Price: $489,000 $143,000 $289,100 $270,000     Bldg Name  ADDRESS  BR  EstSqFtUR  Total SQFT  DOM  List Price  Sold Price  $/Total SQFT  Windswept Villas  301 Windswept Villas  Efficiency  05 551-600  550  314  $149,900  $143,000  $260.00  WATERS EDGE  1012 N WACCAMAW DR.  1  11 851-900  872  312  $228,900  $186,000  $213.30  ROYAL GARDEN RESORT  1210 N WACCAMAW DRIVE  2  10 801-850  800  48  $259,000  $243,000  $303.75  Royal Garden  1210 N Waccamaw Dr  2  10 801-850  801  368  $249,900  $245,000  $305.87  Surfmaster  1620 N Waccamaw Drive #1010  2  18 1201-1250  1240  147  $294,900  $270,000  $217.74  On... 10/11/2008

Surfsdie Beach sc ocean view condo for sale! 2bed 2 bth, tile, across the street  from the ocean! open up the windows at night and lull yourself to sleep witth the crashing of the surf. $249,900 on rental program call to check for availability to show.   dave rourke keller wiliams realty 843 240 4455 daverourke.com davidrourke@kw.com "Living The Dream"    10/08/2008

Tucked away from the crowds and the beachwear stores, yet still within a golf cart ride to the beach is the little community known as Harbour Village. Most homes there were built in the late 1990's, and the community is well cared for by its residents and homeowners group. There are many fine properties available in this community. Here is a sample of the current Harbour Village real estate listings: Property 1 of 5 MLS Number: 724647 Listing Price: $164,900 Town: Surfside Beach SC 29575 Section / Subdivision: Harbour Village Br / Ba: 2 / 2 For detailed information Click Here Property 2 of 5 MLS Number: 733227 Listing Price: $175,000 Town: Surfside SC 29575 Section / Subdivision: Harbour Village Br / Ba: 3 / 2 For detailed information Click Here Property 3 of 5 MLS Number: 816486 Listin... 07/30/2008

Please join us, the Surfside Beach community, and its visitors for the "End of Summer Celebration" on Sunday, August 31st from 9 am to 9pm. This event is sponsored by the Surfside Beach chamber of commerce and will be located on the beach and Surfside Pier. There will be a volleyball tournament, games, concessions, and other entertainment. Bring out the family for a great day of fun and entertainment under the sun. While  you are here, check out our available Surfside Beach real estate properties in Surfside Beach Club!This private gated community is one of the newest upscale communities in the area and features many fountains, a fitness center and community clubhouse with a pool, and more to come. As you pass by the many waterfalls and fountains and enter through the wrought iron gates... 07/30/2008

Does anyone know anything about this site?  I bumped into it and liked it, and wanted to share it with you.  There are some interesting tips on Web optimizing; I found out that banners and links can now be crawled, and that "Google Adsense referral program" is now retired and will be stopped during the last week of August.    eTechBuzz.com    Check it out and let me know what you think about it!    Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection                               Join The Optimist Group!     07/21/2008

Three old guys are out walking.  First one says, "Windy, isn't it?" Second one says, "No, it's Thursday!" Third one says, "So am I.  Let's go get a beer!"   Billy:  Mommy, you know that vase that has been in our family for generation after generation? Mom:  Yes, Billy, what about it? Billy:  Well, my generation just broke it!     Life is Short; Live it Well!                                                                Join The Optimist Group! Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte 06/09/2008

Instead of lamenting about how I got left behind by the Royal Caribbean cruise liner, I will do what I usually do with the rest of my life: concentrate on the lessons learnt.  Here is what I have learnt from the experience of being left behind on the island of St. Martin: 1.  Before disembarking a cruise ship, make sure you understand the exact time you are supposed to return by.  2.  Whenever leaving the ship, make sure you have your passport, enough cash and at least a couple of credit cards. 3.  Your cell phone may not operate in a foreign land, but at least it contains the important telephone numbers.  Take your cell phone with you! 4.  No matter how short you THINK your visit may be, take a change of clothing. 5.  Always pray before going to bed and ask for guidance.  You may need ... 03/06/2008

The tale of being stranded on the island of St. Martin makes for a good party story, and we all laugh about it now, but in real life, being stranded in paradise is not as much fun as you'd think... It all started on a bright, sunny day, when our beautiful, immense, Royal Caribbean mega cruiser set anchor on the blue waters of the island of St. Martin.  My boyfriend was going on a day long dive, and my daughter and I rented a jeep and set upon exploring the island.  We had an enchanting day, basking in all the beauty:  white sands, crystal clear blue waters, majestic sites.  We even visited the famous beach by the airport, where the signage indicates the danger of currents created by jets taking off and there are stories of people being literally swept off their feet by the heavy current... 03/05/2008

Happy New Year!  Appreciate what you have! Enjoy your health! Spend time with the ones you love! Do your best.  Give yourself a break when you fail! WHEN you break your new year's resolution don't consider it a failure; it is only a MOMENTARY set-back.   Get back on track tomorrow!   Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte Join The Optimist!     12/31/2007

Quite honestly it depends on you! Are you looking to relocate? If so,you need to sell for sure. Are you looking to downsize? Maybe ,think about it! Just realize as when you plan to sell your home, you need to have an experienced Realtor price your home according to current market. Home prices are not being adjusted according to market and Guess what? They sit and sit and sit. Instead of playing the reduce it game, just list with current market. Condo market is another story. I say if you can get vacation rentals and can afford to keep it, just wait. People are in panic mode according to national news. Our local market is much different. remember we are in a RESORT market. People will continue to buy homes and condos. Who doe not love the BEACH! Before I list a home ,I will ask all these... 04/12/2007