Myrtle Beach Real Estate Blog

Remember all of the fun that you had on Halloween and the memories that you and your friends and family made?  As a parent, you want to recreate that experience for your children and with a few safety tips in mind Halloween will be a spooktacular success for the tots around your home.  Did you know that on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year?  Safety should be your prime concern as this exciting holiday approaches.  Let’s look at some safety guidelines for you and the children.

1.    Decorate their costumes and trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape or stickers when it’s possible.  You want to make sure that drivers see your little ones as they maneuver around the streets in your neighborhood.

2.    Choose their mask wisely.  A mask can obstruct your child’s vision and cause him to fall or walk into the path of an oncoming vehicle.  If you’d like to avoid the entire mask aspect of a Halloween costume, use non-toxic paint and add a mustache and other funny features that can be easily removed after the trick-or-treating has finished.

3.    Buy glow sticks or let your child use a flashlight to help them see where they are going and to help drivers see them as well.  Kids love flashlights and buying them a small one of their very own will make Halloween more special.
4.    If your child is under the age of 12, he should not go trick-or-treating without adult supervision.  When your child is old enough to go around the neighborhood with his friends, remind him to stay in familiar areas that are well lit and to trick-or-treat in groups.

5.    The most popular hours for trick-or-treating are between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. so if you are driving at that time on Halloween, be especially observant for small children who don’t always look before the run across the road to get candy.

6.    Choose the right size costume for your child.  Getting the right size prevents trips and falls which injure your child and spoil his fun for the evening.

7.    Inspect the treats that they come home with after their trick-or-treating adventure.  All of their treats should be individually wrapped for safety and should be carefully checked by you before they begin to eat any of it.

8.    Limit the amount of candy that they consume at one time.  Having a treasure bag filled with goodies is the ultimate in fun for a child but you should limit the amount that they try to eat at one sitting. Let them have small amounts and inform them that it lasts longer this way.

Taking a few cautious steps for your child’s Halloween adventure will keep him safe, secure, and helps him create memories that last a lifetime.

Source:  http://www.safekids.org/halloween

“Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough.”  Zig Ziglar. 

Two years ago, a small, elite team of Realtors formed Beach Realty Group.   Our founders, Darren Woodard and Jeff Casterline, envisioned a new kind of brokerage for the Grand Strand, one that would provide an unparalleled commitment to customer service, professionalism, and integrity for our clients and our agents.   We wanted to simplify.  We wanted to be different.  We wanted Beach Realty Group to be better than “good enough”.

We drilled down to focus on what really results in customer satisfaction - which ultimately results in success - and then committed to hard-wiring it. We found that the key to satisfied clients is satisfied agents.  We committed to providing real estate agents the support as well as the autonomy needed to simply do what they do best. We committed to providing outstanding administrative and marketing support for our agents, as well as the flexibility to operate as individuals. We committed to an “open-door policy”, to foster collaboration of owners and agents, and to allow new ideas and concepts to always be in consideration.

With a clear vision and firm foundation in place, Beach Realty Group began to grow.

The core of our success remains our Team, each member demonstrating a passion for their work.  Our agents and our support staff are talented, knowledgeable, and experienced.  We pool our resources to make the entire group a powerful and positive force in the real estate market here in Myrtle Beach.

Being named “Best of the Beach 2013” by the Sun News readers is an honor we all are truly humbled by.  It means that we’ve maintained our vision and the commitment we made to ourselves two short years ago.  We love what we do, and in having the privilege to help others reach their goals, our vision is successfully achieved.  The “winners” at Beach Realty Group will always be our clients who deserve, and will continue to receive, our best. Thank you for sharing in our continued journey to success here on the Grand Strand.  We are truly honored.

If you’re looking to make your home cozy and warm with a design feature that is the focal point of any room, you should consider buying a home with a fireplace.  There’s something therapeutic about watching the flickering of flames on a cool winter’s evening or while you’re entertaining guests.  It’s important that when you are home-shopping that you are educated about the types of fireplaces so that you can choose a home with the one that will work best for you and your family.

All fireplaces are not created equally and knowing the difference is important especially as it relates to the amount of maintenance and upkeep that you’ll have to perform.  Let’s look at the most popular types of fireplaces and a few facts about each one.

•    Wood burning-There’s something to be said for the crackling of a fire and the smell that permeates through your home with a wood burning fireplace.  For this type, a chimney is required so that smoke is vented properly out of your home; usually this type of fireplace is constructed from brick or stone and it’s called a masonry fireplace.

•    Gas burning-This type of fireplace will burn natural gas or propane so you must have a fuel source nearby.  They are either vented or vent-free and have ceramic logs that look real and have a flame that is close to the real flame that you see with a wood burning fireplace.  With this type, you flip a switch and your fire begins.  You won’t have to purchase wood, clean up the ashes or keep the fire fed but you won’t have that wood-burning smell.

•    Electric fireplaces-This type is inexpensive and is easily installed.  It requires no chimney or venting and is just plugged into an electrical outlet; it too, is turned on with a switch.  This type is quickly added to your existing home wherever there is space.

•    Outdoor fire pits-This type of fireplace has grown in popularity with homeowners in recent years.  It’s used in outdoor living spaces, is usually a wood burning type, and your friends and family simply sit around the fire; this is like an extra room added onto your home without the expense.  This is an excellent way to entertain in the evening hours.

Some common terms that you should know if you’re interested in a fireplace are as follows:

•    Hearth: This is the fireproof material in front of the fireplace on the floor or on a raised platform and is usually 12-18 inches wide.  It has to meet building codes for safety.

•    Facing: This is the fireproof material on the walls of the fireplace that is usually made of brick, tile, stone, or metal.  It too must always meet building codes.

•    Mantelpiece:  It frames the acing and can be very attractive.  It can be a shelf structure over the fireplace and helps to complete the interior design of your room.

•    Chimney: It draws the smoke up and out of your home.  The damper inside controls the airflow and helps your fire to burn properly.

•    Firebox: The area of your fireplace where the fire burns.

Buying a home with a fireplace or adding a fire pit to your back yard can give you an excellent place to entertain family and friends.

Because buyers are slowly emerging from their recession mind-set, many homeowners are reclaiming their master suite and making it work to provide them with a private escape from the rest of their living space.  Keeping some basic tips in mind as you creatively approach the interior design of this room is important not only for your personal preferences but also for your sleeping partner who may be trying to grab just a few extra winks while you prepare for the day ahead.

As you measure for the furnishings that you want to include in your master suite, remember that you must have at least 13 feet of space for your king sized bed to fit comfortably.  This amount of room is also taking into consideration that you need a nightstand for your lighting and clock that awakens you each morning.  Plan for the furnishings that you have and any new additions that you want to make.

Today’s trend is to take the fireplace out of the family area and include it into the master suite.  It’s an excellent antidote for stress and frustration and a cheerful way to wake up each morning.  Spas have gained in popularity across the country and having your own “spa experience” in the comfort of your home is a treat that many homeowners are making sure that they have.  With so many colors, a plethora of vanity styles, and selections of tiles that add to the ambiance of your bathing area, your master suite can be a dream-come-true-space that calms you before bed or reenergizes you at the beginning of your work day.  You’ll want to keep your sleeping spouse in mind as you get ready for work.  From doors that separate your dressing area to individual closet spaces, your master suite can be fashioned to meet all of your needs and preserve the peaceful slumber of your mate.

Remodeling Magazine recently reported that costs recouped from bathroom remodels and additions increased by an average of 3.2% over the past year.  So with these figures in mind, making your master suite into your own personal space can be a good investment.  Your bath and suite area should be considered as an attractive and functional area that provides you with plenty of storage space, exceptional lighting, and showering and bathing features that appeal to you.  You’ll enjoy visiting your home improvement provider to explore waterfall and therapeutic showers that begin your day with an invigorating and cost-efficient shower.

Discussing a budget and your likes and dislikes before you begin reclaiming your master suite as your own are important first steps to getting an area that soothes, relaxes, and promotes peaceful serenity in the midst of your fast-paced and hectic lifestyle.

Managing your finances takes careful planning, having a budget in place, and keeping funds set aside should an emergency arise.  You must know what your income is and how that balances with the expenditures that you have each week or month; maintaining a strong credit score and meeting your financial obligations combine to provide you with confidence when it comes time to buy your first home and undertake that first mortgage.  Getting a mortgage is a big deal which can impact your finances for years to come so careful attention to detail is paramount to the satisfaction that you’ll have with the mortgage that you get from your lending institution.

Finding the right mortgage for your dream may be a scary experience if you aren’t prepared.  It’s important to be informed, to do research on the programs that are available to you, and to keep some key factors in mind before you make a commitment.  The mortgage that you get should work for you, be affordable, and be a plan that doesn’t drain your savings or your budget.  Let’s look at four tips that you should know before you take a home mortgage and commit to making payments for years of your adult life.

1.    You should establish limits.  Take some time to determine how much you can afford to pay on the home of your dreams.  Take into consideration your income, current bills, long-term debts that you have, any credit card balances that you have, and the stability of your income.  The size of the loan for which you qualify will depend on the income that you have each month.  Your lending institution will have to feel that you have the ability to repay the loan and know that you have a history of honoring your financial obligations.  Most lenders prefer that your mortgage payment to be less than 31% of your total income.

2.    Do some comparison shopping.  You’ll want to get the best possible rate that is available to you and by comparing different lenders.  You can compare commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage-based institutions and other financial firms as a source of your home mortgage.  Take the time to understand all of the options that you have so that you can find a rate that meets your individual needs and that works for you.

3.    Get your financial house in order before you apply for a mortgage.  Any lending institution will determine how likely you are to make your mortgage payments on time.  If you are labeled as a high risk for not meeting your obligations in a timely fashion, your interest rate is apt to be higher and you’ll get less favorable terms in the contract.  Bad credit indicates that you might be a high risk for non-payment or slow payment so paying off as much of your debt as possible before you apply for a mortgage is a good idea.  You can also make a sizeable down payment on your home; should you be able to place 20% down, lenders will feel secure about making a loan to you since you’ve already made a sizeable investment in the property.

4.    Get pre-approved for a mortgage.  This means that you’re approved but you haven’t made a commitment as of yet.  This helps you to make a confident and informed offer on a home.

By getting all of your finances in order and educating yourself on the process you’ll be an informed consumer who is prepared to make a financial commitment for the home of your dreams.

Knowing that attractive and functional landscaping can affect the value of your property and the time that it’s on the market should be an incentive for you to make some upgrades that enhance your home’s curb appeal.  Your home only has one chance to make a first impression so it’s imperative that your landscape complement the exterior of your home and set a positive tone for what is on the inside behind the front door.

Even though landscaping is usually associated with plants, trees, bushes, and flowers, other elements that are considered to be an integral part of your landscape are fire pits, decks, waterfalls, swimming pools, and outdoor lighting.  If your home has a boring landscape design or a fading coat of paint, it’s important that you make some immediate changes so that you’ll get a fair price for your property in a reasonable amount of time.

Before you undertake any major landscaping projects, consult with your Realtor about the changes that he or she thinks should be made and consider the impact that it will have on your home in the future. Planting trees too close to your home may be a fire hazard or their roots can grow into septic systems or damage foundations.  You may want to hire a team of professionals who can use their expertise, experience, and provide you with quality plants and structures that add an ambiance of interest to your landscape design.

Your buyer may be interested in the amount of green space that your home offers to them and their family.  As you decide upon the type of modifications that you want to make to your design, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1.    Will your landscaping be attractive to make the potential buyer want to walk through your front door?  Make sure that your landscaping is comparable to other properties in your neighborhood.

2.    Is the landscape cost-effective?  If it requires little or no maintenance especially in our Myrtle Beach setting, that will be an added feature to your home.

3.    Are the plants in your landscaping healthy and a safe distance from your home?  Remember that mulching your beds can attract wood-destroying organisms that are detrimental to your property.

Another helpful tip to keep in mind is that your trees and shrubs need regular trimming and should be replanted every 5 to 10 years so they won’t hide or overwhelm the appearance of your home and property.  If you don’t have professional landscaping services as a part of your homeowner’s association, it’s best to hire the services of professionals who know what your neighborhood design features are, the plants and colors that enhance your exterior, and how to incorporate water features and other structures that add interest and attractiveness to your landscape. 

Make sure that you keep in simple, easy to maintain, and manicured for a clean and inviting appearance.

Would you like to celebrate your German roots with lively entertainment and a wide variety of delicious fare that will make your taste buds jump for joy?  Then you should put Ocean Boulevard’s Oktoberfest on your calendar of things to do and make plans to join the party that has plenty of music, a festive atmosphere, and beer-beer-beer.  You’ll be able to enjoy authentic German cuisine, great bands, and a free Kids Zone in Phyler Park where they can play on inflatable bounce houses and slides to their little heart’s content.  Located on Ocean Boulevard at 8th Avenue North to Mr. Joe White Avenue, this day-long festival begins at 12 noon on October 12, 2013, and concludes with a fireworks show at 11:00 p.m.  Admission is free and Ocean Boulevard will become a festival of art vendors, displays, and of course, food and beverages.

If you like to plan your eating and drinking around band performances, here’s the schedule of events to make your day exciting and filled with fun.

 12:00 pm-12:45 pm: Broken Strings
 1:15 pm-2:15 pm: Who Shot JR
 2:45 pm-3:45 pm: Ballyhoo
 4:14 pm-5:15 pm: Passafire
 5:45pm-6:45 pm: American Aquarium
 7:15 pm-8:15 pm: Drivin’ N Cryin’
 8:45pm-10:15 pm:  Cowboy Mouth

   Channellheimers Oompah Band Street Performances at 12:45, 2:15, 3:45, 5:15, 6:45

You’ll be able to taste beer from New South Brewing, Sam Adams, Beck’s, New Belgium, Weihenstephen, and many other varieties that can quench your thirst in bold and refreshing ways. 

How did this global party get started?  Back on October 12, 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Louis, later King Louis I of Bavaria, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.  The Royals invited the citizens of Munich to attend the festivities that were held on the fields in front of the city gates which the locals now call the “Wies’n,” and about 40,000 people came.  Horse races were held and large amounts of beer were consumed outside of the actual venue (but in later years vendors were allowed to move into the festival area); in fact, a good time was had by all so the following year, the decision to repeat the festivities was made thus giving birth to the tradition of the annual Oktoberfest. 

When you’re at Oktoberfest, saying “Prost,” which means cheers or “zum wohl” (pronounced zoom-vohl) which means to your health shows that you are familiar with the festival and how to express universal cheers to your friends.  You’ll enjoy hearing “O’zapft” which is the official rallying cry of Oktoberfest and means that “It is tapped,” after which the beer flows freely for your enjoyment.

So, mark your calendar, plan to attend Ocean Boulevard’s Oktoberfest and let the fun begin!

According to the latest research from the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, with the exception of skin cancers.  The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time during a woman’s life is about 1 in 12 or 12%.  Second only to lung cancer, breast cancer is a disease that can be treated and cured. In fact, the good news is that death rates from breast cancer have been on the decline since 1990 when breast cancer awareness became more prevalent in our society.

Risk Factors

Studies have shown certain risk factors in women that can’t be changed; every woman needs to be aware of these risk factors and share that information with her doctor as soon as possible if he doesn’t ask during a routine physical.  These leading factors are:

•    Aging:  Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older.  This is why getting a mammogram is of vital importance to women who are older than 40.

•    Genetic risk factors:  About 5-10% of breast cancer cases are believed to be hereditary. 

•    Family history of breast cancer:  If your mother, sister, or other female relatives have had breast cancer, inform your doctor at your next check-up.

•    Race factors: Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African-American women.  Asian, Native-American, and Hispanic women have a lower risk of developing and dying from this deadly disease.

Proper Screenings

Getting the proper screening to find this disease is very important for women.  The goal of these exams is to find cancers before they begin causing symptoms and to start treatment in the early stages.  Mammograms can aid in finding breast cancers that are just beginning and that are small and still confined to the breast area.  The prognosis for a woman with breast cancer depends on the size of the cancer and how far it has spread.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so as long as they remain in good health.  Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of their regular physical exam by a health professional at least every three years.  Women in their early 20s should be informed about breast self exams, given instructions on how to check themselves, and instructed to notify their health care professional if they notice any changes.

Symptoms

If you or a loved one notices any of the symptoms listed below, a healthcare professional should be seen immediately.  More often than not these symptoms are not due to cancer but you should be checked as soon as you notice the change.  Look for:

•    A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
•    A change in the size or shape of the breast
•    Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast
•    Discharge
•    Scaly, red, or swollen skin near or on the breast
•    Dimples in the breast that look like the skin or an orange

Taking care of yourself for your family and those you love should include a regular breast screening so that any abnormalities can be handled in a timely fashion.  Offer support and encouragement to those women in your life who hold a special place in your heart and urge them to get the appropriate exam performed right away.

If you’re a member of the Millennial Generation, adults aged 18-35 and also known as Generation Y, studies are showing that your housing preferences are very different than those of your parents.  Instead of sprawling “McMansions” or cookie cutter homes, you tend to like the homes that require a little tender, loving care where you can put your own personal stamp of ownership on it.  You want your home to be a true reflection of you and to support your tech-driven lifestyle in both comfort and space.

You are the next big demographic of home buyers and the Real Estate market is scrambling to learn what you need and want with home ownership in today’s market.  Using technology to find your new home is only one piece of the puzzle that Realtors must use to connect with you; the home itself must have smart technological capabilities that can be developed to create the perfect atmosphere for you as a Millennial.

If you’re a Millennial, this list of preferences should meet with your approval for homeownership.

1.    You want a fixer-upper instead of a home that needs only a few repairs.

2.    You want to entertain in your home without all of the upgrades.  In a survey, 59% of you would rather have extra space in the kitchen for a TV instead of a second oven.

3.    You want technology to be an integral part of your home.

4.    Each room in your home must have a purpose.  You’d rather have a dining room than a home office and a home theatre instead of a living room.

5.    You want energy efficient washers and dryers, security systems, and smart thermostats.

Focusing less on curb appeal and more on making your personal space just that—personal, is a direct requirement of Gen Yers.  You would prefer to engage in a do-it-yourself project than having a handy man or contractor do that work for you.  In fact, on your list of must-haves for home ownership is the latest wiring and technology to accommodate your electronic devices with which you work and communicate.

The desire for a smart home instead of a luxury home as well as a smaller, more functional version of your parent’s home is sure to impact the Real Estate dramatically in years to come.  You want your home to reflect your own lifestyle and the qualities that you deem important in the whole scheme of life. When your mantra is “don’t promise me a rose garden; tell me the home can automate irrigation when the ground is dry,” the housing market must accommodate your personal demands with efficiency and effectiveness. 

As a Millennial, you want fewer frills and more honest to goodness down-home appeal that suits your lifestyle and the person that you are becoming.  So tackle your fixer-upper and make your mark on the world that is more personal and meaningful to you.

The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is especially true when it comes to your home’s plumbing system.  The cost today of hiring a professional plumber to address the issues that you might be experiencing is a costly venture that can easily be prevented with some easy steps.  By following the tips below, you can keep your plumbing system operating at its maximum level and not have to pay costly repair bills that impact your budget in a negative way.

Tip #1-Keep a regular check on your water heating system.  By inspecting your water heater about once a month, you can easily get great service for about ten years with your current model.  If you lower the water heater temperature to about 115 degrees F. you’ll prevent overheating and still have ample hot water for your family’s requirements.

Tip #2-Replace and upgrade your hoses and fixtures.  Modern residential structures have more complex plumbing systems that require upgraded waterline raisers, valves, and pipes for efficient use.  You’ll find that metallic materials can last up to 15 years and outperform their rubber counterparts in extreme weather conditions.  Just walk through your home and inspect the floors, walls, and ceilings to locate problem areas that might need tender loving care and new fixtures.

Tip #3-Keep your sink drains unclogged so that the draining process is not slowed.  If you’ll work diligently to keep food particles, hair, and other debris out of your drain, your serious problems will be eliminated.  Never pour oils or fatty fluids into the sink and clean the drain traps on a regular basis.

Tip #4-Know where your main shutoff valve is located and check it periodically so that you can shut off water in your home should an emergency arise.  You’ll want to see if it has any leaks, is in proper condition, and works smoothly so that you can quickly stop the flow of water into your home.  During the winter months make sure that the handle is not frozen and that it will turn it clockwise with no problems.  Local codes require that your main shutoff valve be easily accessible so if you can’t find it, check with your local department to ascertain where it is. 

Tip #5-Get a regular tune-up for your plumbing system.  About once a year, you should hire a professional plumber to inspect your system for potential problems.  He should test your system and make any applicable repairs and fixes based on his knowledge and expertise.  This can effectively catch a plumbing disaster before it happens and save you plenty of time and money in the process.

By following these practical tips, your home’s plumbing system will continue to work effectively and efficiently for all of your family’s water needs.