Dargan Real Estate - Myrtle Beach, SC

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Archives for October 2013

Myrtle Beach in November: Events

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Here’s a list of scheduled events in (and around) the Myrtle Beach area that you don’t want to miss in the month of November.

November 2

Free Family Day: Dia de los Muertos | Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum – Myrtle Beach

www.MyrtleBeachArtMuseum.org

Rock Back the Clock Music Festival | La Belle Amie Vineyard – Little River

www.LaBelleAmie.com

November 3

The German Romantic Spirit by the Long Bay Symphony | Myrtle Beach High School Music & Arts Center – Myrtle Beach

www.LongBaySymphony.com

November 6 – 10

Carolina Beach Music Awards | Alabama Theatre – Myrtle Beach

www.Cammy.org

November 9

The Color Run 5K | Broadway at the Beach – Myrtle Beach

www.thecolorrun.com/myrtle-beach

Conway Snowball Drop | Downtown Conway

www.ConwayAlive.com

November 9 – 10

Art in the Park Myrtle Beach | Chapin Park – Myrtle Beach

www.artsyparksy.com

November 14 – 16

9th Annual St. Nicholas BBQFest (various events daily) | Downtown Conway

www.StNicholasBBQFest.com

November 14 – 17

32nd Annual Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals | Myrtle Beach Convention Center – Myrtle Beach

www.DickensChristmasShow.com

November 15

Cruis’ n the Streets Classic Car Show | Barefoot Landing – North Myrtle Beach

Lighting of the Landing, Fireworks, & Santa’s Arrival | Barefoot Landing – North Myrtle Beach

www.BFLanding.com

November 16

WineStock Festival | La Belle Amie Vineyard – Little River

www.LaBelleAmie.com

Color Mania 5K Run/Walk | Barefoot Landing – North Myrtle Beach

www.Colormania5K.com

November 20 – 24

21st Annual Myrtle Beach “400” Weekend | Myrtle Beach Speedway – Myrtle Beach

www.myrtlebeachspeedway.com

November 23

Grand Strand Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis | Broadway at the Beach (Celebrity Square) – Myrtle Beach

www.JingleBellRunGrandstrand.kintera.org

19th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks | Broadway at the Beach – Myrtle Beach

www.BroadwayattheBeach.com

10th Annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast | Wicked Tuna Restaurant – Murrells Inlet

www.MurrellsInletSC.com

November 28

Surfside Beach Turkey Trot | Surfside Pier

www.MBTurkeyTrot.com

44th Annual SC State Bluegrass Festival | Myrtle Beach Convention Center – Myrtle Beach

www.adamsandandersonbluegrass.com/south-carolina-state-bluegrass-festival.html

November 30

29th Annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta Boat Parade | Little River Inlet

www.ChristmasRegatta.com

Holiday Spirits Bonfire Festival | La Belle Amie Vineyard – Little River

www.LaBelleAmie.com

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Dargan Real Estate

Love It or List it?

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Have you questioned if it’s time to sell your home? Do you wonder if it would be beneficial to buy a new home more suitable for your growing family or if you should stay put and make a few minor adjustments instead?

There comes a time in nearly every homeowner’s life when he or she begins to wonder if they should sell their home. Many different life events can result in this line of questioning–a new marriage, a recent divorce, a growing family, a loss of income.  In fact, there are so many homeowners who are unsure if they should stay put or move on that HGTV created a show about it!

Love It or List It is a show on HGTV about families who find themselves faced with a financial and emotional decision: Should they renovate the home that no longer meets their needs or should they sell it and buy one that does? In each episode, a Realtor and an interior designer compete to win over homeowners. The Realtor shows the family an array of homes that better fit their needs, while the interior designer renovates the home to make it more suitable for them. At the end of each episode, the owners decide if they are going to list their home and purchase one of the properties shown by the Realtor or if they are going to love the newly renovated home and stay.

If you aren’t planning to appear on Love It or List It anytime soon, don’t worry! Here are four signs that can help you decide.

Sign you should sell: You hate your neighborhood.

Many homeowners start out loving their neighborhood, but after time, it becomes obvious they aren’t happy there. The owner’s lack of love could be due to a lack of growth in the area or perhaps a new school or highway was constructed nearby. The reason could even be as simple as a new job with a longer commute.

Regardless of the reason, living in a specific neighborhood is not something you can change if you stay in your current home, and it can become a serious source of dissatisfaction and resentment over time. This is a strong reason to sell your home, if you are financially able to do so, and move into a new neighborhood that will better serve your life.

Sign you should stay: Your problems with the home can be easily fixed.

If the main reason you are considering a move is because things don’t function well or because the look of your home isn’t really your style, you can easily take on the task of updating it and adding new decor. You might be able to resolve the issue by spending less money than you would on the costs of selling and buying a new home by undertaking projects on your current home instead. If you choose to stay and make some changes, painting, landscaping, exterior trim and hardware, and kitchen appliances will likely give you the most bang for your buck.

With that said–if you consider the amount you would spend on commissions and closing costs, you might be able to justify a larger budget for upgrades and remodeling projects. If you have a little more money to spend, consider a kitchen or bathroom remodel or new hardwood floors. You might be surprised how much you love your new home with a few small changes!

Sign you should sell: Your family has no room to breathe.

If you have young children and your family is starting to trip over each other, changes are that your space needs to grow as they do. Once children start school and become teenagers, they develop their own hobbies and need extra space. If you’re struggling to find a space for everything and everyone, consider the amount of space you’ll need in five years. If it looks like you’ll need more space than the amount you need now, that’s a good indicator that it would be financially responsible to move along.

Sign you should stay: You simply can’t afford it.

Our country has an addiction to buying bigger and better things (and often with financial recklessness). It’s important to be sure that “the grass is greener” mentality is not what is prompting you to make a potentially unwise decision to sell. Do your home work: look over your budget, income, and expense reports to understand if your finances can afford an increased obligation. Consider if you want to save, invest, or eliminate debt before you move. Be sure you fully understand the financial implications (short-term and long-term) before you put that For Sale sign in the yard.

 

OF COURSE, if you decide to sell and search for a new home, call us at Dargan Real Estate!

843-712-2585

The Importance of Home Staging

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We cannot stress the importance of staging your home using the right methods.  It’s one of the single most important things a seller should do before they list their property for sale.

Let’s look at a few statistics.

  • According to the NAR (National Association of Realtors), the average staging investment is between one and three percent of the home’s asking price–which generates a ROI (Return on Investment) between eight and ten percent.
  • 90% of buyers begin their house hunting online. Listing your beautifully staged home with high definition photos, as well as quality videos, will force it to stand out from the competition. As a result, your showing numbers will increase significantly.
  • 95% of homes that are professionally staged sell in 30 days or less! Homes that have not been professionally staged remain on the market for an average of 145 days.
  • Homes sold in the first 4 weeks average 1% more than asking price;  4 to 12 weeks average 5% less; 13 to 24 weeks average 6.4% less; and over 24 weeks average more than 10% less.

YOU DO THE MATH.

Staging your home is actually based around behavioral psychology theories and understanding human behavior. It’s less about decorating and more about knowing how to get your buyers to envision themselves living in your home. You are selling a fantasy. Get rid of anything that detracts from that viewpoint.

Depersonalize. Remove personal pictures and anything else that makes the home feel more like ‘yours’ versus more like ‘theirs’. Clear off counters and shelves, pack away books, and take pictures down off the wall.

Keep furniture to a bare minimum if at all possible. You want just enough furniture to define a room’s purpose without making it feel crowded.

Aim for a cheerful and bright mood. If it’s a sunny day, open the curtains and blinds to let the sun in (but ensure the windows are spotless). If the windows look out into the yard, make sure the lawn has been trimmed and the hedges have been cut. If it’s a gloomy day, turn on the lights in every room to lift the mood.

Fresh flowers are one of the easiest ways to liven up the mood in a home; they make everyone feel good. Use them both inside and outside the home. Flower beds add to your home’s curb appeal, and a walkway lined with beautiful flowers can’t help but impress your buyers before they even walk through the door. Place a tasteful arrangement on a small table near the entry, a bowl of flowers or fruit in the middle of the dining room table, or a vase of flowers on a bedside table or dresser.

Neutral paint schemes create a blank canvas. No two buyers have the same personal preferences and a neutral environment showcases the potential of a home.

Appeal to all the senses. Keep the thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. Make sure your house smells fresh and clean. Sprinkle cinnamon and fresh orange peels in a pot of water and allow it to simmer on the stove for twenty minutes before a showing. Remove it from the stove and put away “the evidence” before the potential buyer arrives.

Bathrooms and kitchen sell properties. Make yours count by replacing old shower curtains and ensuring all fixtures, mirrors, porcelain, and floors shine.

What’s Hot & What’s Not in Home Design

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To truly understand what attributes or features home buyers seek in today’s market, it’s sometimes more helpful to know what attributes or features that turn them away. For example: 80s-styled homes are big turn off for a lot of home buyers. In fact–a large percentage of buyers who can’t afford a newer home, pass over homes built between 1970-1999 for older ones.

The older homes that are more popular right now include pre-WWII homes (Victorians, Colonials, or any architecture with Old-World charm and character), mid-century styled homes with flat roofs and geometric windows, and Mediterranean homes with Spanish or Italian details.

Outdated Trends List

  • Shag Carpeting
  • Avocado-colored Appliances
  • Walnut Cabinets and/or Baseboards
  • Formica Counters
  • Gold-toned Trim
  • Outrageous Color Combinations
  • Vinyl Flooring
  • Floral Wallpaper
  • Wallpaper Borders
  • Wood Paneling
  • Colored Porcelain Tiles
  • Popcorn Ceilings

Ugly 80s decor

Old Kitchen

Current Most Wanted List

  • Stainless Steel Appliances
  • Stone, Cement, or Granite Kitchen Counters
  • Kitchen Islands with Double Sinks
  • Bathrooms Filled with Stone & Glass
  • Exotic Hardwood or Bamboo Floors
  • Rosy-toned Copper Fixtures
  • Mixing Patterns & Prints
  • Neutral Colors
  • Bold/Rich Colors
  • Art Deco
  • Raw Aesthetics (Exposed Wood, Rough Concrete, Unfinished Walls)
  • “Green”/Earth-Friendly Homes

Bamboo-Flooring

exposed wood

Intracoastal Waterway Communities

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Waterway Palms Plantation and Carolina Waterway Plantation are two breathtaking communities located on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway that offer their residents lavish amenities and custom-built homes. Both communities are located along River Oaks Road in the Carolina Forest area. This prime location is away from the busy traffic areas within the Myrtle Beach city limits but less than a ten minute drive away from everything the city has to offer.

We are covering both communities in this post because they are very similar in structure. Each community provides an expansive clubhouse with covered porches and views of the waterway. Other amenities include a gated electronic entrance, gazebos, recreational swimming pool, tennis courts, children’s playground, private and gated boat storage area, dual boat launch, and beautiful, lantern-lit streets.

waterway palms

Features found throughout these luxurious homes include: two-car garage, formal dining room, bonus room, covered porch, covered patio, courtyard, sundeck, wraparound porch, pantry, study, tall ceilings, designer bathrooms, dark hardwood floors, stone fireplace, walk-in closets, open floor plans, garden tub, and countless upgraded details. The list is endless!

If you aren’t impressed with the homes currently available, open lots can also be purchased to custom build your own! If you have questions or would like to take a look at the properties available in either of these communities, please contact us at Dargan Real Estate!

843-712-2585

boat waterway

 

Current Myrtle Beach Real Estate Stats

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The off season in Myrtle Beach is one of the better times to buy a new or vacation home in the area. The Grand Strand’s off season begins in October and lasts until late February to mid-March. During this time of year, we typically begin to see a shift in the market with an increase in the number of transactions and a small boost in value.

The shift in the market is a great opportunity for an educated buyer due to the increased inventory and decreased demand. In addition, home owners are usually more driven than they are during the spring and summer months. A record number of homes are currently being sold in the area and that should continue throughout the third quarter.

Buyers should be prepared to act quickly when a property arrives on the market with a fair price point.

CURRENTLY:

The average listing price for homes in Myrtle Beach is $220,886.

The average cost per square foot is around $102.

There are 4,750 resale and new homes available in Myrtle Beach, as well as 743 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stage of the foreclosure process.

DIY Painting Tips

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One of the easiest ways to update the look of your home before placing it on the market is by painting. It doesn’t matter if you are painting the interior walls a new, neutral color or if you are repainting them with the same color, your home will look cleaner and more attractive with a fresh coat of paint.

If you don’t have the money set aside in your budget to hire a painter, don’t worry! Painting your home is a task you should have no problem tackling by yourself. In fact, I painted my living room area a warm light brown just last weekend. The job can be time-consuming and tedious, but it can also improve the look of your home tremendously.

Before I began my painting project last weekend, I researched online and found a few great painting tips. I read about many things I hadn’t considered, and I also learned there were many things I’ve done wrong in the past. The tips I found were really helpful and I thought I’d share them.

paint cans

TYPES OF PAINT

Always use quality paint. There’s really no point repainting if you plan to use low quality paint. The quality will show itself on your walls, and will only result in wasted time and money. It’s definitely worth spending a bit more for a higher quality paint. Trust me on this one. Tested and proven quality brands include Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Sherwin Williams.

Finishes: flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, high-gloss

Flat paint has the least amount of shine and has a matte appearance. It absorbs light and is the best option for hiding imperfections. It goes on smoother over rough surfaces and is the best option for textured walls. It’s a bit more difficult to clean than others and isn’t ideal for high traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Eggshell (sometimes referred to as satin) has more luster than flat finishes but doesn’t leave you with a shiny wall. It resists stains better than flat and can be cleaned with a wet rag.

Semi-gloss is tougher than eggshell so it will show less wear over time, but it reflects light and doesn’t hide imperfections. It stands up best to water and cleaning and is the best choice for bathrooms or children’s rooms. Semi-gloss is often the chosen finish for trim and doors.

High-gloss should be reserved for trim and furniture because of its hard and shiny finish.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES

Supplies to consider: paint, primer, roller trays, drop cloths, painter’s tape, damp cloth

Tools to consider: nylon/polyester brushes for latex paints, rollers, screwdriver, sandpaper, paint scraper/putty knife (a 5-in-1 tool is a painter’s best friend), edger

Brush Sizes: 1 – 2″ brushes are best for smaller and tight trim areas, a 2.5 – 3″ brush is perfect for trim or corner work, and 4 – 5″ brushes are ideal for larger areas like walls

PREP

Remove as much furniture as possible. Remove pictures, mirrors, outlet covers, light fixtures, and window treatments.

Don’t use plastic sheets; use drop cloths instead. The paint won’t absorb in the plastic and you’ll end up tracking the paint everywhere.

Wash/wipe walls to remove soiled surfaces and increase adhesion. Sand glossy areas with sandpaper.

Use a putty knife to to clean out large plaster cracks and fill.

Always use painter’s tape to mask areas around doorways and windows, and “seal” the tape with the paint brush handle.

PAINTING

Always stir the paint before you begin and never paint straight from the can.

Be sure to cut in while painting–apply paint to the sides and edges of the walls before painting the middle.

To keep coats even, always apply paint to a “wet edge.”

Paint in 4×4 sections of the wall.

Paint a ‘W’ shape with the paint roller and fill in the middle.

Don’t skimp. Load up the roller–this saves time and keeps you from having to paint a second coat.To avoid drips, roll the paint onto a piece of cardboard each time to even the paint out on the roller.

Remove the painter’s tape before the paint is dry to avoid peeling off any paint and maintain perfect edges.

CLEAN UP

Use a roller scraper to remove the paint from the roller.

Place a layer of plastic between the paint can and the lid to keep it from drying out.

Immediately rinse out and wash your brushes and roller, and keep the brush in its original packaging to maintain its shape. Clean brushes by working soap into the bristles and squeezing out as much water as possible.

Always store left over paint in a cool dry place; recycle empty paint cans.

Pest Control Tips

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I think we all agree that no one likes a pest. That is, after all, why they are called pests. Homeowners prefer to live in pest-free homes for their own comfort and well-being, and potential buyers certainly don’t want to see pests roaming free in a property they are considering for purchase.

Pests of all kinds can especially be a problem in warm and humid climates like Myrtle Beach. However, they can be kept away by enforcing a few time-proven methods.

Pest Control Tips

1. Promptly fix leaky faucets and other plumbing issues.

2. Ensure all food is tightly sealed and stored away. Take out the garbage frequently.

3. Keep the kitchen sink clean and never leave dirty dishes lying around the house.

4. Sweep and vacuum floors often and quickly wipe up spills with soap and water. Clean all floors at least once a week and the kitchen floor twice a week.

5. Don’t leave pet food sitting out overnight. Groom pets frequently and treat them with flea and tick prevention.

6. Store all fruit and other produce in the fridge.

7. Keep the outside of your home free of items that attract pests. For example, don’t stack wood against the house and don’t leave piles of leaves in the yard.

8. Trim plants to prevent pests from climbing them to gain access into your home.

9. Clean gutters often to remove leaves or any other debris that may harbor insects.

10. Caulk and seal crevices around cabinets and baseboards, as well as place screens in front of heating and cooling vents, to block  potential entry points.

If you currently have a problem with a particular pest, Lowe’s offers tons of helpful tips to battle specific unwanted guests.

Myrtle Beach Neighborhoods & Communities: Palmetto Pointe

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Palmetto Pointe is a community within the Myrtle Beach area that is centrally located along the Grand Strand. Its location lies directly between Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach, SC.

The location is a great benefit to its residents because they live within close proximity to nearly all surrounding areas–Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet–you name it! Coastal Grand Mall, Market Common, and the Myrtle Beach International Airport are all located less than five miles away, and many shops and restaurants can also be found along Highway 544 (which is also less than five miles away).

Palmetto Pointe Boulevard is only a few miles long but contains numerous single-family home neighborhoods. Some of the more popular neighborhoods include Peninsula at Palmetto Pointe, Woodbury, Palmetto Glen, and Cascades. A few apartment and condominium communities are also included in the Palmetto Pointe community, such as Ivystone and Palmetto Pointe Apartments.

Most of the homes within Palmetto Pointe are one or two stories, range in size from 1300 to 2500 square feet, and consist of three to four bedrooms. Many also offer a two-car garage, fenced-in backyard, and updated features like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and wood flooring. In addition, nearly every neighborhood offers its residents amenities that include a swimming pool and clubhouse, as well as other recreational facilities. Students who reside in the area attend Lakewood Elementary, Forestbrook Middle, or Socastee High School.

The pictures shown below were found on Zillow.com and consist of homes currently for sale or homes that have recently sold in the Palmetto Pointe community:

Pheasant

Heritage

Calypso

Palmetto Glen

 

The Palmetto Pointe area is located behind a large, ongoing construction project on Highway 17 Bypass. However, don’t exclude this great community from your property search because of the occasional traffic congestion caused by this project. It truly is an awesome community that offers quiet neighborhoods in a fantastic location. The Highway 17 Interchange Project is expected to be complete by the summer of 2014. Once the project is finished, traffic and congestion surrounding the area will recede, and it should be easier to get around the area than it was prior to the project.

The following video should give you an overall understanding of the project and displays the projected outcome at completion:

Myrtle Beach Attractions

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One of the greatest perks of living in Myrtle Beach is the endless list of attractions. I thought I’d mention a few of them for any new residents in the area or for those of you who may be in town on vacation.

Alabama Theatre – routinely produces live shows and concerts; currently features ONE The New Show every day with the exception of Saturday; Charley Pride will be performing this Saturday (the 12th), Bill Cosby next Saturday (the 19th), and Merle Haggard on the 26th

4750 US 17 | North Myrtle Beach, SC

Alligator Adventure – one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world

Adults – $19.99, Seniors 62+ – $17.99, Children 4-12 – $14.99, Children 3 & under – Free

4604 US 17 | North Myrtle Beach, SC

Barefoot Landing – combines beauty & nature with shopping, dining, entertainment, and special events

4898 US 17 | North Myrtle Beach, SC

Broadway at the Beach – dining, nightlife, attractions, shopping, movies, fireworks, and special events

1325 Celebrity Circle | Myrtle Beach, SC

Brookgreen Gardens – garden museum that preserves flora and fauna in their natural settings and the gardens also display objects of art

1931 Brookgreen Drive | Pawley’s Island, SC

Coastal Grand Mall – shopping mail with approximately 130 shops and restaurants

2000 Coastal Grand Circle | Myrtle Beach, SC

Family Kingdom Amusement Park – the only seaside amusement park in Myrtle Beach with more than 30 thrilling rides

300 S Ocean Blvd | Myrtle Beach, SC

Frank Theatres CineBowl & Grille – movies, bowling, games, bar, and grille

10125 Frontage Rd #12f Murrells Inlet, SC

Good Vibrations @ The Carolina Opry – live musical production featuring hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s

8901 N Kings HWY Myrtle Beach, SC

House of Blues – venue for concerts, special events, dining, and Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch

4640 Hwy 17 S | North Myrtle Beach, SC

Legends in Concert – live celebrity tribute shows currently featuring Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Cher, The Blues Brothers, and Roy Orbison; tickets range in price from $9.95 – $50.95

2925 Hollywood Drive | Myrtle Beach, SC

Market Common – upscale urban center offering many options for shopping and dining

4017 Deville Street | Myrtle Beach, SC

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – dinner theatre consisting of a four-course meal with live jousting tournament and awe-inspiring horsemanship

2904 Fantasy Way | Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach Skywheel – 187-foot tall Ferris wheel situated as a centerpiece of the 1.2 mile-long Oceanfront boardwalk and Promenade

1110 N Ocean Blvd | Myrtle Beach, SC

NASCAR SpeedPark – family amusement park offering a variety of race tracks and arcade games

1820 21st Avenue North | Myrtle Beach, SC

Palace Theatre – hosts a wide variety of fantastic and exciting live shows, entertainment, and Broadway theatre productions; new shows for 2013 include Hot Jersey Nights, Illusions of Magic, and Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special

1420 Celebrity Circle | Myrtle Beach, SC

Ripley’s Aquarium – glide on a 330 foot moving path beneath the dangerous reef, touch sharks and stingrays, and experience the world of sharks, eels, colorful fish, and poisonous predators

1110 Celebrity Circle | Myrtle Beach, SC

WonderWorks – interactive attraction that features over 100 hands-on exhibits and fun for all ages

1313 Celebrity Circle | Myrtle Beach, SC