Myrtle Beach Real Estate Blog

As the long, lazy days of summer draw closer and your children begin to wonder what they are going to do for fun and excitement when school comes to an end, why not have a plan ready to share with them that is sure to capture their interest?  Registration has just opened for the annual Coastal Carolina Kids Camp for your children who are from 6 to 12 years old.

These creative and exhilarating camps will be held at Coastal Carolina University’s Myrtle Beach Educational Center and the Litchfield Education Center at the Litchfield Landing in Pawleys Island.  Your children will find challenges and exciting opportunities to expand their learning and creative abilities which are fun as well as educational.

The camps begin June 9 and run weekly until August 8 (excluding the week of July 4th) which gives your family plenty of options to choose the session that suits your summer schedule.  Each day’s activities run from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and from 1-5 p.m. each weekday.  You may want to explore your options for day-long camps which will keep the youngsters engaged in rewarding projects for entire day’s length.

Some of the most popular sessions of previous camps have been, “Guts, Goop, Globs, and Gas,” “Magnificent Musical Theater,” “Incredible Edible Art,” “Sleuth Academy,” “Express Yourself,” “Superhero Camp,” “Candy Chemistry Camp,” “Draw Doodle and Design,” and “It’s all about Me, Me, Me!”  As the titles of the individual sessions suggest, your child’s creativity as well as his self-confidence will be increased with participation.  When students interact with each other in a more enjoyable and comfortable setting in the summertime, they immediately learn the rewards that can be received from expressing their ideas and standing up for that which they believe.  With successful participation in these summer camps, your children will return to the academic setting in the fall with more enthusiasm for learning and a wealth of self-worth inside.

You’ll find the sessions to be very affordable with the half-day camps costing $75 and the full-day camps only $150 per week.  Think of summer camp as an investment in your child’s future and as an opportunity for him to meet other students his own age and engage in lively debate and conversations that don’t include texting or other social media platforms; your child can learn some valuable lessons about solving problems, learning new concepts, and how education can really be fun. 

If you’re tired of seeing your child using his thumbs to communicate with his friends as he texts the day away, be sure to check out the Coastal Carolina Kids Camps this summer so that he’ll have more confidence in himself, his ability to learn, and the way in which he communicates with his peers.

When you’re moving to Myrtle Beach from another location, taking care of all the details as you move can be a stressful experience.  Before you make the big move, there are some basic steps that you can take here to streamline the process and make your transition a successful one.  Let’s take a look at some helpful tips for you to follow as you plan your move to the Grand Strand.

1.    Keep in mind that you’ll have 90 days to apply for a South Carolina driver’s license so learn where you need to go to apply and the proper documentation that you’ll need in order to secure your license.  You can find a plethora of information on this website, www.scdmvonline.com. 

2.    You’ll also need to register your vehicle in South Carolina if you’re coming from a location outside our state.  You have 45 days to take care of this business.  To learn more about vehicle titles and fees, visit www.scdmvonline.com. 

3.    You should contact the utility companies about one month before your move so that you can arrange a start date for your service at your new residence.  You should also contact your current utility provider so that service can be stopped at your current residence.  In the Myrtle Beach area you will contact the Horry Electric Cooperative or Santee Cooper for your electrical needs. 

4.    If your children are in school, you’ll need to get copies of their transcripts, take care of any additional required paperwork, and contact the new school system to inform them of your arrival date.  You can learn more about Horry County Schools at www.horrycountyschools.net or the Georgetown School District at www.gcsd.k12.sc.us. 

5.    You should apply for your South Carolina voter registration so that you can attend to your civic duties by casting your vote in all of the upcoming elections.  You’ll be able to go to www.scvotes.org and complete your registration online which saves time, money, and effort.

There are a plethora of details to handle both at your current location and your new address as you are preparing for a move.  One of the best things that you can do is to keep a notebook filled with contact numbers and addresses of both locations so that you can save time when having to set end and start dates for service with them.  For the best plan, you should begin gathering documents and making arrangements for transfer of school information as well as utilities, cable, telephone, gas, waste management, and cable service about one month in advance.  Planning helps to remove the stress and frustration that you’ll experience if you put tasks off until the last minute.

If you’ve just purchased a new home in the Myrtle Beach area, one of the first things that you’ll want to do is find solutions for your family’s healthcare needs.  Moving is a stressful time and when you need medical care and don’t know where to turn, the entire episode can become a nightmare.  Your real estate professional at BRG can refer you to professionals from large health systems to smaller hospitals and clinics that will address your needs right away.  Whether you have to make an office visit for regular check-ups, need a hip replacement, or want to see a cardiac specialist, realtors know the best places in the area that can keep your family healthy in your new environment.

Should you need cardiac attention, you’ll want to visit the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, which is ranked No. 1 in South Carolina for heart surgery; it’s also been rated as being in the top 5% of medical centers in the entire U.S. for the last two years.  Here you’ll find a Level 2 Trauma Center, dedicated medical professionals, and a state-of-the-art facility with the latest technology for your health needs.  The Grand Strand Regional Medical Center also has seven off-site facilities that can provide you with quality care in a convenient location.

Another innovative and award-winning hospital system is the Waccamaw Community Hospital located in Murrells Inlet.  This 24-hour emergency service facility can furnish you with obstetrics and both inpatient and outpatient surgery in a modern and efficient facility.  Endorsed by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, this hospital is well-known for its innovative programs and outstanding healthcare professionals on staff.

When you need a full range of inpatient and outpatient services in a facility that boasts state-of-the-art equipment take your family to Georgetown Memorial Hospital.  This 131 bed hospital is located in Georgetown which is about 40 miles south of Myrtle Beach.  If your new home is located in this immediate vicinity you can’t go wrong with getting your healthcare at this location.

When you live closer to Conway, you may want to visit the Conway Medical Center for your healthcare needs.  It’s a 210 bed private facility that has a 60-year history rich in highly trained and skilled physicians who have devoted their professional lives to making sure the residents of our area receive superior health care.

When you are completing your move to Myrtle Beach, be sure to ask your realtor at BRG for some referrals for your healthcare needs. They will know the facilities that are located closest to your home and where you can get emergency and after-hours care so that you’ll be prepared for any accident or unexpected event.

When you’re shopping for your new address along the Grand Strand you’ll have a myriad of things to keep in mind but once the offer has been extended and accepted your new lifestyle can begin.  For an insider’s guide about how to live like a local, just follow the tips below and soon we won’t be able to tell you from the other Coastal residents just happy to be a part of our local scene.

1.    Buy some flip-flops.  Even if you live here, you can still dress like you’re on vacation because from this point on, your life will be like a vacation.  In most of our restaurants the dress is casual but if you have a question or concern, be sure to call ahead so that you won’t be underdressed. 

2.    Take some trips inland to explore the communities that lie beyond our beaches and coastal environment.  The three historic towns of Conway, Aynor, and Loris will offer you a trip back into their historical beginnings, great Southern charm and hospitality, and festivals that are family-friendly and just plain fun.

3.    You must learn to do the shag.  This is South Carolina’s state dance which involves a lot of improvisation and is usually set to beach music.  Many of our local residents gather in the Main Street and Ocean Drive areas in North Myrtle Beach where some of the best shag clubs along the coast can be found.  You may want to invest in a few dance lessons so that you’ll fit right in as you move back and forth in your set spot with that special someone.

4.    Learn to cook our local cuisine.  You can easily immerse yourself in our culture if you’ll find and use make some dishes that include fresh local seafood, rice, grits, sweet potatoes, and fresh produce that is readily available.  Be sure to try chicken bog which is a low country dish that can be made a variety of ways.

5.    Be sure to use seasonal discounts. Many special discounts and deals are offered to local residents from restaurants and attractions by simply showing proof of residency.  You’ll get a percentage off of the normal price which can help you to explore even more of our area and your new community.

6.    Take advantage of the history and art museums in the Myrtle Beach area.  You’ll want to visit the Horry County Museum in Conway and Brookgreen Gardens where you’ll find a large collection of American sculpture nestled among majestic old oak trees.

From shopping local in our artisan boutiques to finding bargains in the Tanger Outlet Mall, life in Myrtle Beach will be enjoyed more when you live like a local.

You got the loan, are prepared to pay your mortgage at the beginning of the month but you may be surprised to learn that you’ll need more money for homeownership than just the home loan that you’re paying.  Before you sign on the dotted line, you should be aware of some of the hidden costs of having your own home instead of renting; you’ll want to make sure that you can afford it easily before you make an offer.

Closing Costs

At the time your home loan is settled, the closing costs can add a great deal to the amount of money that you need to close the deal.  These closing fees are sometimes negotiated and can change from state to state; you as the buyer may have to pay the entire amount or the seller may agree to pay a portion of the amount.  Whatever is decided must be written into the contract before you sign it.

Property Taxes

The school district, the emergency service providers, and the Myrtle Beach town government all rely on your property taxes to keep them in business and operating efficiently.  You should ask your real estate professional what the property taxes are and when they are due so that you can make out your budget in advance and be prepared to honor this financial obligation. 

Private Mortgage Insurance

If you paid less than 20% down on your home, you are required to have private mortgage insurance which allows you to buy a house with a smaller down payment.  This insurance policy protects your lending institution in case you default on the loan; after you have built up some equity in your property, this coverage can be stopped.

Decorating

Even though you said you would use your “old” furniture in the new house, you’ll find yourself looking at advertisements and catalogs where new furniture is featured.  You should live in your new home at least two months with what you have before you begin to redecorate your rooms; this gives you a good feel for the home and helps you to pick what you really like over time.  Economically you can change the look of your house with a new coat of paint, new hardware on your cabinetry, or new plumbing and lighting fixtures.  As you get the interior design more to your liking you can begin to choose some pieces of furniture that complement your décor.

Home Maintenance

Even though you don’t want to think about home maintenance, you should still plan for unexpected events that can occur without warning.  Set aside some funds each month to a growing account for a new roof, new heat pump, or to repair or replace everything from windows to water heaters.  To take the edge off of a crisis, have an emergency fund readily available for immediate use.

The cost of owning and maintaining your home can be more easily handled if you plan for the unexpected in an efficient manner.

You’ve always wanted to live in Myrtle Beach so that you and your family can enjoy all of the activities of the Grand Strand as well as the magnificent beaches that line our shore.  You’ve visited the website of a reputable real estate company and found a myriad of communities that all appeal to you and your desire to live in a tropical climate; but how should you choose the neighborhood that is right for you?

Narrow Your List

You’ll need to evaluate the communities around the Grand Strand in accordance with your finances, first of all, and then incorporate your preferences for some other features.  Explore the quality of the school system here in Horry County and surround areas, the property values, the traffic patterns and how they would impact your morning commute, and future construction that is planned in the neighborhood.  You will also want to determine the activities in which you want to participate, where the hospitals, banks, and grocers are located, and the cultural locations that you and your family will want to visit. 

Search Strategies

First time home buyers who have limited finances should look into neighborhoods that fit within your price range.  You can explore communities that are projected to grow and become highly-sought after properties, neighborhoods that offer community involvement, and communities that your real estate professional thinks would meet and exceed your needs.  You’ll want to provide him with a list of your criteria for buying a home so that he can choose the properties that he knows you can afford and ones that you’ll like.

Drive Through the Neighborhoods

As you and your Myrtle Beach REALTOR take property tours out to the communities available in the area, you should take notice of the landscaping, the styles and types of homes, if there are any biking and hiking trails, and the water features that you could enjoy with the children.  Watching videos online is a great way to start your home search but there is nothing like being in the community to get a full view of what life is like.

As you consider the amenities that you want to be available with homeownership your new community, be sure to make a list so that your REALTOR can find exactly what you want at an affordable price.  Knowing what you want before you start visiting property can make the experience of buying a new home an enjoyable one that results in owning the home of your dreams.  Remember to take your time, relax, and have fun in choosing your new address which is sure to bring you years of happiness here along the Grand Strand.

Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions that you will make in your lifetime and using a professional REALTOR will provide you with guidance throughout the entire process.  These experts are committed to a strict code of ethics, have accomplished knowledge of both buying and selling property, and can provide you with an honest and reliable opinion when you need to make a decision. 

Your Buying Power

A REALTOR will connect you with a mortgage broker who can help you to ascertain your buying power which includes your savings, financial reserves, and your borrowing capabilities.  You’ll have to furnish him with some basic information about your income, debt load, and available savings so that he can refer you to a lender that he trusts to give you the best service.  He will have a close working relationship with these financial experts and can provide you with the name of a trusted colleague who can assist you with the mortgage that you’ll need to buy your home.

Resources Galore

Working with a REALTOR gives you a plethora of resources that can help you find a new home.  He’ll know what is available, what has been sold, and what is about to come on the market that might interest you; this specialist will be a wealth of knowledge that can save you a great deal of time and money.

Negotiations Assistance

When you enter into making an offer and negotiating the deal, you’ll feel as if you certainly need a well-trained pair of hands, ears, and eyes to help you.  Your real estate professional can advise you about the price, financing, terms, when you can move into the home, and will work on your behalf to make allowances for repairs that need to be made on the home.  He’ll know which inspections are required as well as the investigations that are recommended before your contract is closed.

A Diligent Professional

Your REALTOR will guide you through the evaluation of the property and all of the aspects of making sure that the property is clear to purchase.  He can attend to termite letters, request any roof conditions or septic systems to be repaired, and provide you with reports that show the title is clear and ready to be passed to you as the new homeowner. 

The Closer

Your REALTOR will also accompany you to the closing of your home where all of the paperwork is completed, deposits are made, and appropriate documentation is shared. If you have any questions during this time, he will be beside you to address them and provide you with peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.  In fact, many REALTORs become trusted friends that recommend physicians, banks, and other personal needs that you have in Myrtle Beach.

Buying a new home is a thrilling and exciting challenge that is best met with the professional help of your Myrtle Beach REALTOR.