Myrtle Beach Real Estate Blog

Even though you’ve moved into your new home with your old furniture, you have plenty of time to make purchases that express your personal preferences and your own statement of style.  Moving into a new house is an exciting experience but it’s important that you live in your home for about two months before you begin to make changes in your decor and interior design.  You will then be able to come up with a new plan for making your house into an inviting home for your family and friends.  Let’s look at some tips for decorating your new home in an attractive and functional way that lets everyone know who you are and what you like.

1.    Start with your bedroom first when you begin to buy new furnishings for your home; this is where you’ll be spending a lot of your time when you’re home so it’s important to make sure this area is comfortable.  You can get new bedding, new furniture, and accessories that personalize the room and provide you with a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day.

2.    Remember, that you don’t have to buy everything all at once.  After you’ve been in your new home for a while you’ll learn how you’re going to use the house and the rooms that you need to tackle first.  You’ll learn where various pieces of furniture will work best and what types of things you need to make your home more functional for your lifestyle.

3.    The modern trend in furnishings is to purchase pieces and furnishing that coordinate but that don’t necessarily match perfectly.  You can use the same style but be sure to vary your colors, pick the right sizes for the rooms that you have, and make sure that you express your own sense of style with your selections.  You don’t want your home to look like a furniture showroom instead of a casual and comfortable space that invites your family and friends to enjoy themselves.

4.    For special touches that can give your new Myrtle Beach home an interesting look, use some inexpensive ways to dress up boring areas.  One good example in your kitchen is to change the hardware on your cabinetry, add a fresh coat of paint, or replace some of the lighting and plumbing fixtures to a more modern look.  From using dimmer switches to adding linens with texture and patterns you can economically add some personal touches until you have additional funds to make more dramatic changes.

As you decorate your new Myrtle Beach home you need to take your time, buy things that you really like, and tie everything together with color.  Your new home will be a gathering place for family and friends and you’ll want to have an attractive yet functional look that everyone enjoys and appreciates.

If you are planning a new home construction or perhaps a remodeling project for 2014, you’ll need to know the hot color trends that are taking the housing industry by storm.  Gray is the new black, carpet is giving way to reclaimed wood and porcelain floors, and wireless devices are now controlling sound, window shades, and other tasks in the home environment.  Let’s take a look at how to make your home on the cutting edge of color and technology for 2014.

Flooring has taken on a new look for the New Year.  Homeowners are using wider, reclaimed wood and wood-like porcelain floors that are more personal and feature a natural-looking curve in its design.  Whether you want a traditional or contemporary look, this type of flooring sets the stage for the rest of your interior design.

Kitchens in new homes are seeing a major shift of the cabinetry that modern homeowners want in their food preparation areas.  Warmer gray tones are taking the place of oranges and browns for a more natural look.  Cleaner designs with simple cabinets that have larger drawers are giving a more timeless appeal; hardware is less visible, more modern, and many times an integral part of the door itself.

Paint palettes have certainly changed for the New Year; gray is the most popular color choice so far in 2014 as homeowners move away from beige and white as basic colors for their rooms.  The overall look for this year will be lighter, fresher soft corals, shell colors, along with sea greens, lavenders, and misty blues.  If you’re building a new home in one of our Myrtle Beach communities these colors will certainly add a tropical ambiance to your décor. 

For our Grand Strand area the trend for indoor and outdoor spaces to blend seamlessly is the perfect design for your new home.  Homeowners are opting for French doors that open to the outside where oversized furniture is the place to be for an evening with friends or family.  Homeowners are adding cooking equipment, fireplaces, and terraces with living-room style seating complete with wireless sound systems and weather-protected TVs for their outdoor living.

Tech-savvy homeowners are also integrating more and more technological systems in their homes to control heat, lighting, security, sound and entertainment; you can even control your window treatments with the right type of technology in your new home.  Your new friend is wireless technology throughout your home; it’s less costly price has become very attractive to those who like convenience at the tips of their fingers.

As homeowners return to quality in their furnishings homes will become more personalized and conducive to rest and relaxation at the next level of comfort.  If you are building a new home, remodeling one that you just bought, or doing an addition to your existing structure be sure to research the hot trends for 2014.

If you discuss with any contractor, REALTOR, or professional from the banking industry they will all tell you that the housing market is one of the leading catalysts for economic growth and stability.  The housing bubble that plunged our economy into a recession from which it has struggled to recover could finally see improvement in 2014 according to economists surveyed recently by CNNMoney.

The Myrtle Beach area was hard hit by the collapse of the real estate market during the last five years but the market saw 1,960 new homes sold in 2013 which was an increase of 34% over 2012.  As the spring selling season arrives, economists expect the trend to continue into 2014; in fact, Dailyfinance.com has named Myrtle Beach as one of the 5 surprising housing markets on an impressive hot streak for the upcoming year.  Driven by economic growth and a much improved employment picture, economists predict that a greater demand for housing is expected to occur.  Homebuilding generates a plethora of jobs in all sectors of the economy and the homebuilding boom that’s predicted in 2014 is sure to spark additional hiring that includes not only construction workers but also manufactures and local businesses that support this strong sector.  The housing recovery is expected to continue well into 2014 with home prices continuing to rise, sales to rise exponentially, and the foreclosure crisis to come to an end.

For the consumer, the market will be strong for your purchase of a new home during 2014.  Home values in the Greater Myrtle Beach are continuing to rise and the inventory from which you, as a buyer, can select offers you an exceptional value for your investment.  This will be the second consecutive year of a respectable recovery in the housing market which means that the timing is perfect for you to find the property that can meet and exceed your needs and present an offer before the value disappears in the competitive Myrtle Beach Real Estate market.  With interest rates still low and the inventory of properties so varied along the Grand Strand, it’s an excellent time to invest in a new or second home or add to your portfolio of rental property.

By partnering with a professional REALTOR who can help you ascertain what you can afford, offer you a property that provides good value for your investment, and work with you and your lending institution to streamline the entire process, you can take advantage of the improved market landscape in a stress-free manner.  Discussing your list of criteria for a new home with a trusted real estate expert is paramount to the satisfaction that you’ll have in the new home that you confidently purchase in Myrtle Beach.

Part of the reason that you may not enjoy doing laundry is that your laundry room is boring and doesn’t meet the needs that you have for doing an efficient job.  No matter where your washer and dryer are located you can take a few steps to brighten up the area and make it a more inviting space in which to do a very tedious chore around the house.  Let’s look at some ways to spruce up your laundry room so that this mundane chore won’t be nearly as unbearable as it has been in the past.

1.    Begin with a fresh coat of paint.  Pick a color that you like and one that brightens up the entire area.  You can add a touch of style to the room and improve the lighting that you have by changing the fixture that you currently have; being able to sort colors efficiently is one of the most important elements of doing the laundry.

2.    Next, you’ll want to consider the storage that you have now and how you can expand on it effectively.  You can use baskets, glass containers, and unique items to add some interest and some of your personal preferences.

3.    If you need to upgrade your appliances think about getting the front loading models to prevent back strain when you attend to the laundry.  You will have a great choice of colors from which to choose and can enhance any decor you have with the addition of a new washer and dryer.  Building a countertop above your new models will provide you with additional space to fold and sort your clothes.

4.    Remember to incorporate a work space where you can add stain removal products, prepare your clothes for the wash, or fold and sort them after they are clean.  You can add counters, fold down ironing boards to save space, and install cabinetry to give you a place to store your laundry products.

5.    Add a splash of color with lighting fixtures, rugs, or framed prints that enhance your home’s decor.  Be sure to choose things that you like so that you’ll be comfortable as you work.  You may want to have a hanging rack hidden by colorful curtains that keep your newly ironed pieces hidden from view.

If you work to make some additions to this room that you like, you won’t mind spending an afternoon doing the family laundry as much.  You can also add a room deodorizer that plugs into the wall to keep a pleasant fragrance flowing throughout the room.

Be sure to keep the entire room as neat and clean at all times so that you won’t be stressed when you enter and see a mountain of wash that needs immediate attention.  If you’ll do a little laundry each day, you’ll find the time that you spend in your new room to be an enjoyable experience.

If you thought living along the Grand Strand was an excellent location for your next home, not only were you correct but home ownership here just become a more powerful investment to have.  The Greater Myrtle Beach area has just been named as the third best small metro area for buying a home in the U.S.  according to NerdWallet, which is a free online financial advice business.

The criteria used in locating the most attractive markets are homeownership rates, monthly homeowner costs, median household income, and population growth in the area.  The professional Realtors in our office have known for some time that this is one of the fastest growing small metro areas because of the high rate of home ownership and affordable housing opportunities.  It’s a great place to settle down, raise a family, or enjoy your retirement years along one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the U.S.

NerdWallet reported that the Grand Strand has a 68.7 percent homeownership rate with the median cost of $1,242.  This translates into homeowner costs being slightly above one-third of household income.  No other location in South Carolina was included on the small metro list.  In the greater Myrtle Beach you as a buyer have a plethora of housing options all at affordable prices and with a list of impressive amenities that satisfy the most discriminating homeowner.  From condos to townhomes to communities that offer you an exceptional place to live, work, and play any investment that you make in property along the Grand Strand will certainly provide you with a good return on your investment.

With this information just released by NerdWallet, you as a potential homebuyer in Myrtle Beach can now be confident of your investment in such a rapidly growing area.  The clear and unbiased recommendations by their team of professionals make you a more informed consumer now and can direct you to owning a home in Myrtle Beach where you’ll find the right home for your individual needs. 

As you preview the properties that interest you in Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that you’re getting excellent value for your money in an exciting market that continues to outperform other areas of the U.S.  Whether you’re relocating because of your career or so that you can enjoy the ambiance of the Grand Strand in your golden years, you’re sure to be pleased with the decision of becoming a homeowner in our market.

When it comes to the appeal, function, and wear of your kitchen, your countertops can make a big difference in the positive results that you get.  For resale purposes, to update your kitchen, or to improve your cooking area you may want to consider installing a new countertop in your kitchen.  Let’s take a look at your choices and the features that each offers you for smart kitchen selections.

Granite

Granite is an extremely durable surface that has grown in popularity in recent years.  The price continues to decrease which makes it an attractive option for your remodeling project or new home construction.  You’ll find a myriad of natural colors from which to choose that offer you lovely patterns and a functional surface on which to prepare your food items.  You will want your contractor to test samples so that you’ll have a quality product that works as efficiently as it looks.

Limestone and Soapstone

Although these products are lovely you may want to think twice about using them in an area where they can be easily scratched.  Just think about the texture of a bar of soap and you have the consistency of these countertops that will have to withstand the wear and tear of your cooking duties.  It’s priced very closely to high-end granite tops but has much less durable qualities.

Concrete

This choice is popular when you need curving shapes and pigments that are interesting.  Although many people like this type of countertop, experts advise that it isn’t very durable and is prone to dings and damage.  If you have a growing family or spend a great deal of time in food preparation, this isn’t the choice for your kitchen.

Corian

Corian countertops were once the rage among new construction projects because of its durability feature.  It can scratch and nick easily but can be repaired quite easily.  Seams are concealed which makes for a uniform look on your counter space. 

Stainless Steel

If you are trending toward a more industrial look you may want to consider stainless steel for your countertops.  Your pots and pans won’t easily damage it but it will show scratches and fingerprints.  You can pair it with wood trim or tiles accents and have an exquisite kitchen that is both functional and appealing to the professional cook in your home.

Laminate

The most affordable choice that you can buy for your kitchen is still laminate which is very cost-efficient and comes in a variety of patterns and colors.  In the last few years great strides have been made in the construction of laminate countertops to compete with the materials mentioned above.  If you’re looking to upgrade the look of your home especially for resale purposes this should be the choice for you.

Take some time to research the types of materials available for your countertops today and make your choice based on what will work best for your décor and your food preparation needs.

As you prepare for the big move to your new home, you will not want to experience the same mistakes that many people make when changing locations.  Planning ahead will be the key to your success and keeping track of the progress that you’re making in preparing for the move is a must.  Let’s look at some tips for avoiding moving mistakes when the big day arrives.

Plan Ahead

You can find a plethora of moving guides on the Internet that will help you to organize your move in about eight weeks’ time.  As soon as you know the date that the movers will arrive on your doorstep, count backwards and find the date that you should begin to ready your personal belongings for the move.  Time is of the essence and knowing what needs to be done and doing it as quickly and as efficiently as possible will reduce the stress that you might have from not being well-prepared.

Check Moving Company References

You should choose at least three moving companies and get references from each of them to check.  Moves are challenging tasks that require professionalism, attention to detail, and thorough organization by your moving company.  Read testimonials online of the company with which you’d like to partner to see what other clients have to say about their services.  Be sure to check the company’s background before you schedule them to give you an estimate for moving your things.

Read the Fine Print

Before you enter into an agreement with a moving company, you’ll want to voice all of your questions and concerns and cover all of the details on your contract.  Learn about their estimate, insurance coverage for damage and breakage, and inquire about extra costs that they charge for additional services.  Check the fine print of the contract before you sign it to make sure that this is the moving company that will meet and exceed your needs.  Check their inventory sheet and match it to your own so that you won’t be unfavorably surprised in your new home with missing furniture or furnishings.  Don’t sign off on any paper work until all issues are resolved.

You’ll find that if you do your homework, review the performance of the moving company that interests you, and organize your belongings and record them, that your move will be stress-free and you and your things will arrive safely in your new home.  By following these helpful tips, you can avoid making mistakes that will cost you time, money, and effort as you begin a new chapter in your life.

Many people will agree that one of the most stressful experiences that you will have in life is to move from one location to another.  If you’ll take some common-sense steps ahead of time you’ll find that moving is not the nightmare that you thought it would be.  When you make an investment in a new residence, you want to make the change with a positive attitude so that you can truly start over and have a rewarding experience.  Let’s look at some of the top ways to make your move less stressful.

1.    Plan ahead if you can to make as many arrangements as possible to ensure a smooth transition to your new location.  You should allow about eight weeks for the entire moving process to take place; any quicker move is sure to create a great deal of stress in your life.

2.    You must be organized.  You’ll need to make a list of everything that needs to be done and the timetable from which you want to work.  Take it week by week and mark off your accomplishments as they are finished.  This will keep you on track to a seamless transition to your new home.

3.    The first major step that you should complete is to remove all of the clutter from your home.  This makes you feel more organized and will expedite the packing of your most-needed things closer to your moving date.  You can efficiently clean out drawers, closets, and areas where you have been storing things that you thought you would need…..someday.  Now is the time to get rid of items that you haven’t used in about two years so that you can become excited about the change that you’re preparing for.

4.    You should ask for help if you need it.  This will give you a chance to spend time with friends and family who you may not be seeing for a long period of time.  Everyone has been through the moving process and you can gain from an experienced friend who knows how to guide you through packing and labeling your things.

5.    Be sure to take care of yourself.  You’ll want to get plenty of rest, eat well, and remain confident that you can make this move a successful one.  Eat a balanced diet, try not to skip any of your meals, and limit your caffeine intake as much as you can.

For a while after your move, you’re going to be living out of boxes and feel as if chaos has invaded your personal space.  You should relax, try to place things as quickly as possible, and have a back-up plan in case something is lost or damaged during the move.

Choosing the lighting fixtures for your new home construction or your remodeling project can set the mood of each room and impact the overall interior design of your personal living space.  You’ll want to keep design as well as function in mind as you select each and every light fixture that will be the focal point of your rooms.  Let’s take a look at some of the styles that are available and how they dress up or down the look that you want your home to have. 

Chandeliers

A chandelier is usually substantial in size and can make the statement of style that you want your home to have.  You’ll find them elegant masterpieces of lighting and materials that are sometimes showy and available in a plethora of styles to complement your personal preferences.  Most often chandeliers are used at the entrance foyer into your home.

Pendant Light Fixtures

This type of lighting hangs down closer to your eye level usually on a long pole or wire and is perfect for adding light to smaller spaces in your home.  They’re great over kitchen islands and in corners where you enjoy private time for reading and doing work that you bring home.  If you use pendant lights in groups you can make a design statement especially if you use a splash of color on the globes.

Ceiling-Mount Lights

If being subtle is your forte, then you’ll want to use a ceiling-mount light for a decorative touch.  These lights are available in many styles that can coordinate with your interior design.  Spare bedrooms, bonus rooms, and family rooms are the perfect locations for this type of lighting.

Wall Sconces

Task lighting will be used in your home to illuminate hallways, various pieces of your artwork, and add brightness to your bathroom or dressing area.  They add character and function to your lighting needs throughout your home.

Table and Floor Lamps

These pieces can bring light to a dark corner of any room and are a popular way to add color to your décor.  Used on a table or standing alone on the floor this type of lighting can help you to add depth to your rooms by mixing both taller and shorter lamps together in a sitting area.  Lamps can also be used to provide you with an instant change in the appearance of any room in your home; shades can also be changed for a dramatic appeal.

For a more traditional décor you’ll want to use lighting fixtures that have more ornamentation and complexity to their shape.  You can choose brass and crystal or bronzed and brushed looks to carry out your traditional design.  If you prefer a more modern look, then steel, chrome, and glass fixtures will coordinate with your contemporary furnishings.

Lighting will be the crowning jewel of your new home or your newly remodeled personal space; be sure to shop carefully and not to cut corners on the most impressive design tool in your décor.