Dargan Real Estate - Myrtle Beach, SC

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Featured Property: 902 Anson Court Surfside Beach, SC

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Our featured property at 902 Anson Court is a beautiful, four-bedroom, brick home centrally located in Surfside Beach, SC. It is situated within a gated community on a large, corner lot with lakeside views. It’s only a few years old and feels very much like a brand new home.

Anson Ct

The home’s tall ceilings create an airy and open atmosphere, and large windows bring in bright rays of sunlight. Different forms of flooring are found throughout the house–tile, carpet, and hardwood–and each form serves as the best option for its location. The hardwood floors in the living and dining areas are perfect because they are strong and can withstand heavy traffic flow. The carpet in the bedrooms provide warmth and comfort, as well as reduce noise. And, the tile floors in the bathroom and kitchen are great because they are easy to keep clean and maintain.

Anson Front Door

The kitchen is furnished with many wonderful upgrades. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of counter and pantry space are just a few of them. There’s also a breakfast bar and nook!

Anson Kitchen

The master bedroom is equipped with just as many great features as the kitchen. It has a walk-in closet and master bath with double vanities. The master bathroom also has both an enclosed glass shower and whirlpool bath tub for relaxation.

Anson Double Vanities

Other areas of the house include a bonus room, sunroom, and study. As an added bonus, the study is furnished with a beautiful fireplace and built-in book shelves.

Anson Sunroom

Anson Study

The property’s outdoor appearance is just as great as it is inside! It has an attached two-car garage and a screened-in porch with patio in the backyard. The front porch and large front yard add to this already beautiful home’s curb appeal.

Anson Yard

Anson Backyard

 

Contact Neil Johnson at 843-712-2585 to schedule a showing today!

 

 

Myrtle Beach Subdivisions: Pine Lakes

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Pine Lakes is one of the oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods in the area and is centrally located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Located less than one mile from the only stretch of coastline without hotels, homes, or condominiums, residents aren’t far from a section of the beach that is often less crowded than others. Public access points are readily available and a trip to the beach can be quickly traveled by golf cart. In addition, there are a number of shopping centers, supermarkets, and award-winning restaurants conveniently located nearby.

Pine Lakes

Pine Lakes was established in 1927, and houses are surrounded by lush pine trees on large, shady lots. Many homes also enjoy pristine views of the golf course. Pine Lakes International Country Club (nicknamed “The Granddaddy”) is world famous and home to the oldest golf course in Myrtle Beach. The course was designed by architect, Robert White–who was also the first president of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America and co-founder of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Pine Lakes’ stately clubhouse is the definition of Southern charm, and its architecture symbolizes the deeply rooted history and tradition of South Carolina. The gorgeous landscaping and historical charm make Pine Lakes Country Club a highly coveted venue for weddings and receptions.

Properties within Pine Lakes are highly sought after and don’t stay on the market for long. CLICK HERE to see properties currently for sale within the Pine Lakes subdivision.

Found something you like? Call Dargan Real Estate at 843-712-2585 to meet with one of our agents TODAY!

The Pros & Cons of HOA’s

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Homes, condominiums, and townhouses throughout Myrtle Beach (and surrounding areas) are largely located in subdivisions, and these subdivisions are typically governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA).  If you plan to move from an area and HOA’s are foreign to you, the following facts should give you a better understanding of what to expect from them.

What is a Homeowner Association (HOA)?

HOA’s are non-profit organizations comprised of voting members who own property or units within the subdivision or community. Memberships are automatic and mandatory upon the purchase of a home in the community. Members elect individuals within the organization to form a Board of Directors. The board members are responsible for enforcing the bylaws set forth in the HOA’s covenant.

What is typically included in the HOA assessment fee?

HOA assessments and all they encompass vary from community to community. Minimally speaking, repairs and maintenance for common elements (e.g. swimming pool, elevator, landscaping) are usually included, and trash disposal or pickup is often covered as well. Some HOA assessments include cable, electricity, insurance coverage, pest control, homeowner management services, and more.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

Convenience of onsite amenities (swimming pool, clubhouse, exercise facility, playgrounds, tennis courts, security, etc.)

Maintenance and upkeep of common areas

Mediation of neighbor disputes and disturbances

Protected property value due to regulations that help maintain an attractive  and uniform neighborhood

Cons

Assessment fees

Restrictions (e.g. size and/or breed limits for pets, tenants, parking, use of motorcycles, etc.)

Fines for failing to comply with regulations and restrictions

 

Homeowner Associations are perfect for some people and disliked by others. Properties with or without an HOA both have their pros and cons. Weigh each option carefully and decide which one is the best for you. If you decide to purchase a property within an HOA community or complex, always request to see a copy of the covenant or bylaws before signing a purchase agreement. All HOA documents should discuss each item included in the assessment fee and clearly define any restrictions within the community.

 

Featured Property: 518 Cottage Oaks Circle Myrtle Beach, SC

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518 Cottage Oaks Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Today’s featured property is a gorgeous 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home located in the Myrtle Beach subdivision of River Oaks Cottages. The location of this home is perfect, as it gives you easy access to HWY 501 and HWY 17 Bypass, as well as River Oaks Drive.

Cottage Oaks

This home has excellent curb appeal, is extremely spacious, and loaded with upgrades. There are walk-in closets in EVERY bedroom! Other features include a screened porch with patio, two-car garage, bonus room, and a beautiful gourmet kitchen.

Cottage Oaks Patio

The kitchen, with its many upgrades, is fresh and modern. Tiled backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and hanging lights are the perfect touches. The island bar and accompanying stools are great for quick meals on the go or snacks for the kids.

Cottage Oaks Kitchen

The open floor plan and combined living/dining area form a large and roomy living area. A vaulted ceiling and skylight add to the openness and fill the room with tons of natural light. The bonus room upstairs is cozy and convenient, and it would be great as a lounge or game room for the kids.

Cottage Oaks Living

Cottage Oaks Bonus

There are many things to love about this property from the beautiful yard and patio to the modern kitchen and appliances.

 

Schedule a showing with Deck Dargan today to see all of the many other great features this home has to offer! 843-712-2585

 

 

HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY, MYRTLE BEACH!

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In 1937, Myrtle Beach became an incorporated town and this year marks its 75th anniversary!

crowded myrtle beach

A huge celebration and Beach Music Festival is happening downtown today to honor the anniversary of this great city, as well as the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. The festival kicks off on the old Pavilion grounds, between Eight and Ninth avenues North on Ocean Boulevard. Performances will feature beach music from The Catalinas, The Original Drifters, and The Temptation Review–a Temptations cover band.

In addition to music, Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, owners of Georgetown Cupcakes and sisters who appeared on TLC’s DC Cupcakes, are attempting to build a 7,500 cupcake pyramid! If they succeed, they will break the world record for the largest cake ever made out of cupcakes. You can enjoy the cupcakes beginning at 7 p.m.

According to an article written by WMBF news, those who attend are encouraged to use the hashtag #myr75 on Twitter and Instagram to share their experiences at the celebration.

The fun doesn’t end there.

Tomorrow, July 21, The Salt Games at Plyler Park (on the beach at North Ocean Boulevard and Mr. Joe White Avenue) will be an all-day event presented by Native Sons Screen Print & Embroidery and benefits the Grand Strand’s chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

The Salt Games, which is being compared to a “beach themed” X Games, will consist of several different competitions and winners go home with prize money! The entire event is free to the public, with the exception of competition entry fees. It starts at 9 a.m. with a two-person team volleyball tournament, and prizes include $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Entry into the tournament is $30 per person.

This is the listed schedule of events:

9 to 10 a.m. – Yoga in the Park. Bring your own mat.

10 to 11 a.m. – Paddleboard Race (Registration is $25.)

10 to 1 p.m. – CrossFit Dog Summer Games (Registration is $65.)

11 a.m. to Noon – Kids’ Shark Run around 14th Avenue Pier (Ages 5 to 12. Register online.)

Noon to 12:20 p.m. – Sea Salt Margarita Challenge (The challenge involves running into the ocean, dunking your head, and filling up a giant margarita glass with water. The winner takes home a gift basket.)

1 to 1:30 p.m. – Tug-of-War (Restaurant gift cards are awarded to the winning team.)

3 to 3:45 p.m. – Boots & Bikini Contest (The winner takes home $500, and the top eight finishers are invited to participate in Club Rodeo’s official Boots & Bikini Contest for a chance at a $10,000 prize. Register online.)

3:50 to 4:20 p.m. – Salt Shaker Game (A box similar to that of a tissue box is tied around the waist. Six ping pong balls are inside the box and must be shaken out. Winners earn restaurant gift cards.)

5 to 5:45 p.m. – Chief Kamu’s Fire Dancers performance

6 to 8 p.m. – Lifeguard Games (More than 300 lifeguards will compete in four-person team relay swims and 1-on-1 land drills.)

6 to 11 p.m. – Concerts performed by Jah Creation and Ten Toes Up

Other events include a live remote with WKZQ, caricatures and face painting, DJ from noon to 4 p.m., and an amateur half-pipe open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Salt Games definitely sound like a fun way to spend the day on Sunday. Visit the Salt Games website for more information.

Regardless of your weekend plans, be sure you head out to celebrate and enjoy this great city on its 75th anniversary!

myrtle beach skywheel

It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

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Every day is a beautiful day in the neighborhood when your neighborhood is nestled in or around one of the best beaches in the United States! (The Travel Channel ranks Myrtle Beach at #TWO!) Let me introduce you to the Grand Strand’s best neighborhoods, communities, and subdivisions!

beach photo copyright

 

Dargan Real Estate strives to provide each homebuyer with every piece of information available to help the public form well-educated decisions in the home buying process. We hope you check back with us often to learn more about each of our great communities in detail. In the weeks ahead, we plan to focus on each area individually to give you the opportunity to learn more about their demographics, school systems, and unique neighborhoods. You’ll find each community has its own identity, likability, and charm about it.

Listed below are the areas that will be discussed in greater detail in the weeks ahead.

NORTH

Little River – Town

North Myrtle Beach – City

Cherry Grove , Windy Hill, Briarcliffe Acres – Neighborhoods

Atlantic Beach – Town

CENTRAL

Myrtle Beach – City

Carolina Forest, Forestbrook, Socastee – Unincorporated Areas in Horry County

SOUTH

Surfside Beach – Town

Garden City Beach – Unincorporated Horry County

Murrells Inlet – Unincorporated Georgetown County

Litchfield Beach – Unincorporated Georgetown County

Pawley’s Island – Town

DeBordieu – Unincorporated Georgetown County

Georgetown – City

WEST

Conway – City

Featured Property: 105 Osprey Cove Loop Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

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Osprey Front House

 Today’s featured property is an adorable three bedroom, two bath home built in the late 90’s and located at 105 Osprey Cove Loop in Myrtle Beach, SC. This property is move-in ready and just minutes from the beach and local shopping.

With white paint, blue shutters, and a porch perfect for rocking chairs, this home is the definition of a southern home.  Tiled floors and white cabinetry in the kitchen create a clean and efficient working space, and an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings allow plenty of room for entertaining guests!

Osprey Den

Osprey Bedroom

Osprey Kitchen

Laminate hardwood floors in the living room and hallways, along with tile floors in the bathrooms, are just a few of the added perks to this property. Add in a spacious master bed and bath, along with a private backyard and one-car garage, and you’re sure to fall in love with this home.

Osprey Yard

 

Osprey Garage

Contact Neil Johnson at 843-712-2585 to tour this home and fall in love today!

10 DIY Home Decorating Projects

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Last week, I posted a few simple things that can be done to stage your home in a way that entices buyers. I recently read a great article on Better Homes & Gardens website that listed several DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects that are quick and easy. I thought I’d share a few of them, along with a few Pinterest finds, for more ideas on adding that extra oomph to the decor in your already great property!

1. DIY Pouf

For approximately $50, add extra seating or a footrest with style to any room by making this DIY pouf. Download step-by-step instructions and take advantage of BHG’s free pattern here.

DIY Pouf

 

Photograph Source: Better Homes & Gardens

 

2. DIY Lamp Revamp

Add your own personal style to an old lamp by using ribbon and spray paint. Spray paint the base with a metallic colored paint and wrap shiny ribbon in fun, bold patterns around the lampshade. Secure the ribbon with a hot glue gun or pins. Paint your favorite quote, poem, love note, or Bible verse with acrylic paint around the lampshade instead, like Micheala at Happy Apple did in the picture shown below.

DIY Lamp Writing

 

Photograph Source: Happy Apple

 

3. DIY Photograph Masterpiece

Find simple objects you love and take pictures of them. Play around with the hue, saturation, and brightness of the photograph with an online photo editing tool. (Clueless about photo editing? PicMonkey offers a free online editor that doesn’t require a user login and is fairly simple to use.) After you’ve created the perfect picture, order large prints and frame them on black mats with white frames for a sleek modern touch.

DIY Photograph Masterpiece

 

Photograph Source: Better Homes & Gardens

 

4. DIY Bathroom Wall Design

Randomly place wall decals for added flare to your bathroom walls. They are relatively cheap and create a completely new look.

DIY Bathroom Wall Decals

 

Photograph Source: Better Homes & Gardens

 

5. DIY Roller Shade Accents

Find your favorite fabric, ask a retailer to cut the shade to fit your windows, and insert a curtain rod in the bottom pocket. Read the entire DIY description here.

DIY Refreshed Roller Shades

 

Photograph Source: Better Homes & Gardens

 

6. DIY Marble Art

Marbleizing is so trendy right now. Create your own personal marble art by marbleizing paper, scanning it, and sending the design to a print center to be printed on canvas. Waterpaper color works best for this project.

DIY Marbleizing

 

Photograph Source: Better Homes & Gardens
 

Directions: Fill an aluminum baking pan with about an inch of water and place it outside or on top of a drop cloth. Drop generous amounts of acrylic paint into the water in a range of coordinating colors across the surface. Mix the colors gently with a stirrer or toothpick. Too much stirring creates muddy colors so try to swirl the paint instead. Gently place a piece of the paper on top of the water and carefully lift it off. Rubber gloves will keep your hands clean. Add more paint after using three or four sheets. Alternate with contrasting colors and shades. Place the dipped paper on newspaper to dry or hang it on a clothesline with clothes pins. After the paper is completely dry, flatten it overnight by pressing it between two books.

7. DIY Patterned Furniture

One of the easiest DIY home projects is simply painting a piece of old furniture. Freshen it up a bit by replacing the knobs or handles and painting patterns or designs on drawer fronts or tabletops with paint pens.

DIY Patterned Furniture

 

Photograph Source: Better Homes & Gardens

 

Craigslist Dresser

 

Photograph Source: Pin found on Pinterest of Craigslist posting

 

8. DIY Candle Cylinders

Transform a candle into a beautiful centerpiece by wrapping pre-punched paper found at craft stores around a glass cylinder. Voila!

Prepunched Paper

 

Photograph Source: WeHeartIt.com

 

9. DIY Stone Tub

You must admit, adding stone to a bathtub is pretty genius. Blogger Rachael at Lovely Crafty Home created a brand new tub by applying a lightweight stone to it with adhesive!

DIY Stone Tub

DIY Stone Tub Complete

Photograph Source: Lovely Crafty Home

I’m sold! On the project AND the home!

10. DIY Crate Bookshelf

Build your own crate bookshelf with crates found at any craft store. Spray paint them any color you choose and secure them together with bolts. You can find complete step-by-step instructions from the blogger and inventor herself, at Calm Cradle .

DIY Crate Bookshelf

 

Photograph Source: Calm Cradle

 

Myrtle Beach Condo Favorites

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We have recently posted several houses that are available in the Myrtle Beach area, but there are literally thousands of condos to choose from if you prefer the benefits of owning a condominium. Condos on the oceanfront or waterway are usually a bit pricier than purchasing a nearby home because of their location. However, you definitely want to look at waterfront property first if you’re looking to purchase a rental property, as those properties bring in more income. If you have questions about which properties have the best reputations in regard to home owner associations or which ones are popular with vacationers, we are more than happy to answer those questions!

Listed below are just a few Myrtle Beach condominiums that are favorites of both locals and tourists alike!

Sand Dunes – 201 74th Avenue North

Landmark Resort – 1501 S. Ocean Blvd

Myrtle Beach Resort – 5905 S. Kings Hwy

Bluewater Resort – 2001 S. Ocean Blvd

Bay View Resort – 504 N. Ocean Blvd

Bay Watch Resort – 2701 S. Ocean Blvd

Anderson Ocean Club – 2600 N. Ocean Blvd

Caravelle Resort – 6900 N. Ocean Blvd

Grande Dunes – 101 Grande Dunes Blvd

Sandcastle Resort – 2207 S. Ocean Blvd

Kingston Plantation – 9800 Queensway Blvd

Contact us today! 843-712-2585

10 Home Staging Tips

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Listed below are a few helpful tips to consider as you stage your home for a sale.

1. Get rid of all that clutter.

Having too much furniture can contribute to a cluttered look. Once you’ve scaled back on some of your belongings, you’ll notice the rooms appear much larger!

2. Group your furniture together.

Contrary to popular belief, rooms look smaller when furniture is pushed up against the wall. Pull the sofa and chairs out, and place them in conversational groups. This allows smooth traffic flow and makes the room appear larger.

3. Transform your rooms.

Transforming is especially important for those rooms that serve no real purpose. Create something that will add value to your home. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as throwing down a comfy rug and adding pillows to create a yoga room or adding a small table and chair by a window to create a reading nook. Get creative!

4. Light it up.

Most of our homes are not lit properly. Aim to keep light of at least 100 watts for each 50 square feet.  Also, display more than one or two fixtures in each room. You will need three different types of lighting throughout the house: ambient lighting for general or overhead, task lighting for underneath cabinets or for reading, and accent lighting for tables and walls.

5. Keep things neutral.

Bright, bold colors tend to scare away potential offers. Repaint off-white walls a warm and inviting neutral hue. Neutral colors help tone down any outdated finishes.

6. Experiment with color.

This sounds contradictory to the last tip but it’s okay to go bolder (or more specifically, darker) in the bedroom. Darker colors make bedrooms seem more cozy and intimate. If you tend to be afraid of bolder colors, try painting only an accent wall instead.

7. Accessorize.

Accessories can add charm to a room. They look best in groups of odd numbers like three and displayed in a triangular formation, rather than lined up. Be sure to vary height and width and keep larger or taller items at the back.

8. Keep things serene.

Create a peaceful and calming bedroom by keeping luxurious linens in soft colors on the bed. It’s best to clean out the closet, as well. Buyers love homes with a lot of storage space, and the less you have in your closet, the more storage it appears you have.

9. Finish all projects.

Unfinished projects could scare off potential buyers. It’s cheaper to fix the crack in the sidewalk or the missing floorboard than to deduct money from the asking price if a potential buyer requests it.

10. Prim and polish.

Put out items like rolled up towels, candles, and baskets in bathrooms. It’s a cheap and easy way to create a polished look that will create a spa-like atmosphere.

Largest Increase To Pending Home Sales In 7 Years!

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The latest real estate news remains positive!

The housing market has shown increased improvements over the past year. These improvements are visible in a variety of statistics, including those related to the increased number of home sales.

According to a report at Realtor.com, the number of pending home sales in May increased by 6.7 percent from those seen in April with a total increase of 12.1 percent this year. That’s the largest increase for the housing market since 2006! It also marks the 25th consecutive month in which there was an annual increase reported.

According to the National Association of Realtors, prices are projected to rise approximately 10 percent from those in 2012 by the end of the year. This rise could be the result of buyers hoping to take advantage of current prices before potential increases in mortgage interest rates. Despite those probable increases, buyers will likely continue to rise in the market by the end of the year. Even with the predicted higher interest rates, prices will still be more affordable than those that were in place prior to the financial downturn. The price increases aren’t all bad either because they’re likely to encourage potential sellers and loosen the demand that has been building among buyers for some time.