Myrtle Beach SC real estate - Dargan Real Estate

Myrtle Beach Christmas Events

December 5, 2013 by Dargan

While it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see snow, December is such a fun time to live in Myrtle Beach! There are so many amazing Christmas and holiday events, festivals, shows, and activities going on in our area. We thought we’d share them so you’ll be sure not to miss out on them!

PARADES

Broadway at the Beach Christmas Parade & 19^th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

December 7, 2013 |11 am until 8 pm

Experience a bit of holiday magic at the annual holiday tree lighting and parade at Broadway at the Beach. The parade will begin at 11 am near Hard Rock Café and will wind around Broadway at the Beach, ending near WonderWorks. Stick around after the parade and enjoy a holiday production of spectacular music and dance—courtesy of the Carolina Forest Performing Arts Academy. There will also be special performances from Legends in Concert and the Palace Theatre, followed by the lighting of the tree at 6 pm. After the tree lighting, take in the fireworks extravaganza over Lake Broadway at 8 pm—courtesy of Helicopter Adventures.

www.broadwayatthebeach.com

Conway Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade

December 10, 2013 | 10 am

The parade will begin at 16^th Avenue in Conway, between Main Street and Sherwood Street.

Surfside Beach Annual Christmas Parade

December 10, 2013 | 2 pm

There are more than 100 entries in this year’s parade, and there will be bleachers/viewing stands available at the intersection of Ocean Drive and Surfside Drive. The parade will begin on Ocean Boulevard at 10^th Avenue South.

SANTA SIGHTINGS

Breakfast with Santa Claus at Ryan’s Steakhouse in Surfside Beach

December 17, 2013 | 9 am until 10:30 am

Children 10 and under can enjoy a free breakfast and have their photo taken with Santa Claus. Reservations are required, and you can reserve your spot by calling 843-650-9548. Ryan’s Steakhouse is located at 8671 U.S. 17 Bypass in Surfside Beach, SC.

Photos with Santa at Inlet Square Mall

Now until December 24, 2013 | 11 am until 7 pm

Have your children’s photo taken with Santa Claus at Inlet Square Mall. Pets can also have their photo taken with Santa on December 12th and 19th from 5 pm until 8 pm. Inlet Square Mall is located at 10125 Highway 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet, SC.

www.inletsquaremall.com

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Now until January 5, 2014 | Dusk until 10 pm

Immerse yourself in thousands of LED Christmas lights by taking a drive through Shadrack’s musical light show. After the show, stop by Santa’s Village for festive refreshments and photos with Santa! There’s a ton of other fun stuff to do at Santa’s Village too—a free petting zoo, carnival games, pony and camel rides, as well as a train ride. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is located at the Myrtle Beach Pelican’s Ball Park at 1251 21^st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach. Open nightly, including holidays. Admission into Santa’s Village is FREE. Rates for the drive-thru light show are as follows: Cars or Family Vans $25.50; Activity Van or Mini Bus $40; Limo $50; Tour/School Bus $5 per person.

www.shadrackchristmas.com

SHOWS

The Palace Theatre presents Jersey Nights Christmas Special

Now until December 21, 2013

Four male vocalists and six spectacular dancers showcase favorite hits from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with a spectacular mix of holiday classics. Hit songs include Walk like a Man, Candy Girl, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, and Oh, What a Night. The Palace Theatre is located at Broadway at the Beach at 1420 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach.

www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

Now until January 4, 2013 (regular evening performances and selectively scheduled matinees)

Referred to as “The Holiday Show of the South,” the Carolina Opry’s Christmas Special is filled with music, comedy, and dance from long-standing Opry favorites. The Opry has also added newer performers, such as American Idol’s LaToya London and the infamous “All That” stars of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Ticket prices range from $27.19 to $54.12. Calvin Gilmore’s Carolina Opry is located at 8901 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach.

www.thecarolinaopry.com

Alabama Theatre’s “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show”

Now until December 31, 2013

An award-winning show featuring song, dance, and plenty of comedy—this southern, family tradition instills the true meaning of Christmas with its combination of traditional Christmas classics and contemporary holiday favorites. Ticket prices range from $39.95 to $49.95. The Alabama Theatre is located at 4750 U.S. 17 South at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

www.alabama-theatre.com

The Taste of Christmas Show at Christ United Methodist Church

December 19, 2013 | 7 pm

Christ United Methodist Church is located at 2901 Fantasy Way in Myrtle Beach, SC.

www.christunitedmethodist.info

“The Nutcracker” presented by the Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre

December 6, 2013 at 7 pm, December 7, 2013 at 4 pm, December 8, 2013 at 4 pm

The show will be presented in the Beach Church Auditorium located at 557 George Bishop Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC.

www.coastalyouthballettheatre.org

OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS

Brookgreen Gardens presents Nights of a Thousand Candles

December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, & 21 2013 | 3 – 10 pm

Brookgreen Gardens comes to life as more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights light their beautiful paths. Celebrate the beauty of the season with your family and friends as you sip warm cider, walk through the gardens, and enjoy the sounds of hand bells ringing and carolers singing. Individual and family member tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 3+. General admission adult tickets are $16 and $8 for children 3+. Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive in Pawleys Island, SC.

www.brookgreen.org

photo: courtesy of myrtlebeachonline.com

Ripley’s Festival of Trees at Broadway at the Beach

Now until December 31, 2013

More than 50 trees have been put on display throughout the aquarium, and a 20 foot red, white, and blue tree can be found on the outside plaza. Each of the 50+ trees is decorated to represent a different area of the United States. Regular admission to Ripley’s Aquarium is $21.99 for adults, $10.99 for children ages 6 – 11, and $3.99 for children ages 2 – 5.

www.ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach

Snow Globe: Winter Holiday Festival

December 7^,2013 | 10 am until 7 pm

A winter, holiday festival at Valor Park in Market Common offering free family entertainment in the form of food, games, prizes, raffles, give-a-ways, and lots of shopping. The Market Common is located on Farrow Parkway in Myrtle Beach.

www.marketcommonmb.com

Do you know of a great Christmas event that we’ve missed? Let us know!

The Dunes Club

December 2, 2013 by Dargan

Located on the quiet, northern end of Myrtle Beach–at 9000 North Ocean Boulevard–sits a secure and gated neighborhood lined with mossy oaks that are hundreds of years old. The neighborhood is filled with highly sought after homes and is known as The Dunes Club.

The Dunes Club has mastered coastal living and offers residents a luxurious lifestyle with attractive amenities and an exclusive clubhouse. The clubhouse features a massive, oceanfront pool with snack bar, private showers, lockers, and swimming lessons are offered, as well.

The 18-hole golf course that surrounds The Dunes Club was built in 1948 and is the oldest golf course in Myrtle Beach. It has earned numerous awards and is affiliated with tournaments and leagues sanctioned by the USTA. In addition, The Dunes Club recently announced they will be co-hosting the PGA Professional National Championship in June of 2014.

The Dunes Club community has a lot to offer homeowners, and you simply can’t go wrong by choosing to purchase a home there. However, most of the properties currently available are only shown by appointment–so contact Dargan Real Estate to schedule yours TODAY!

843-712-2585

5 Reasons You Should Relocate to Myrtle Beach

November 28, 2013 by Dargan

I love living in our coastal city, so it bothers me when Myrtle Beach gets a bad rap. News stories about unsavory crime rates (or any other negative publicity) will occasionally surface, and sometimes people jump to conclusions without considering the big picture. (For the record, crime rate statistics are calculated without factoring in our visitors. The year round, resident population in Myrtle Beach is around 27,000 whereas the average number of people in the area on a daily basis is around 105,000. When you look at the number of crimes that occur in relation to a population of 27,000 and fail to consider there’s roughly 80,000 additional people in the area, the numbers are going to be significantly skewed.)

With that said, I want to share the top 10 reasons why Myrtle Beach is a GREAT place to live.

#1 – 215 Days of Sunshine

That’s the annual average in Myrtle Beach. The weather is fantastic all year long with mild temperatures and sunny skies. The average high in the months of December and January (our coolest months) is between 57-60 degrees. Donate your snow shovel before you make the move because you definitely won’t need it here.

#2 – Beautiful Beaches

Our beaches are diligently maintained, and they remain pristine and beautiful as a result of strictly enforced laws and the city renourishment programs.

#3 – Activities, Entertainment, and Festivals, Oh My!

There’s a TON of stuff to do in Myrtle Beach. There are more than 102 golf courses, 30 miniature golf courses, 8 entertainment theaters, over 300 outlet stores, and approximately 1,700 restaurants in Horry and Georgetown county! If that’s not enough, there’s always some type of family-friendly festival going on, such as the Blue Crab Festival, Mayfest on Main, the Beach, Boogie, & BBQ Festival, Little River Shrimp & Jazz Festival, and the Loris Bog-Off, just to name a few.

# 4 – Lower Taxes & Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 7{8a4f45d74d514e6dd6794b8c6dd875260e3343c96bf403696e21fc128bbedf7b} lower than the national average and our real estate is reasonably priced. In addition, South Carolina doesn’t impose a tax on Social Security benefits and offers a generous retirement-income tax deduction, as well. As a whole (housing, taxes, utilities, and daily living expenses), Myrtle Beach is one of the most affordable places to live in the country, and residents receive an impressive 88{8a4f45d74d514e6dd6794b8c6dd875260e3343c96bf403696e21fc128bbedf7b} property tax credit.

# 5 – We’re Pro-Business

The state of South Carolina is a national leader for growth in self-employment, job placement efficiency, and a business-friendly tax climate. It is consistently ranked among the top pro-business states by Forbes magazine. South Carolina rewards investment and new employment by offering the lowest income tax in the Southeast and no inventory tax. The incentive list also includes exemptions, abatements, moratoriums, credits and reductions for new or expanding companies, and our state lawmakers are committed to keeping it that way.

These are just a few reasons why Myrtle Beach is an awesome place to live. Come visit and discover the endless others!

Protect Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate with Flood Coverage

November 27, 2013 by Dargan

Myrtle Beach experienced a bit of unusual weather yesterday. Temperatures skyrocketed into the 70’s only a day after they dipped down into the 20’s (with wind chills in the TEENS!) Not long after the temperature dropped, a nasty storm rolled through the area and brought a tornado watch, a gale warning, high gusts of wind, and heavy downpours with it.

It’s very uncharacteristic for our area to experience storms like the one we had yesterday during this time of year. It just goes to show we never really know when Mother Nature might throw us a curveball and how important it is to be prepared when she does.

A major concern in the Grand Strand area is flooding. Flood zones are created from ocean water and rain that is driven inland by severe storms, tropical storms, or hurricanes. The flood waters along the beachfront can rise to heights of 15-to-20 feet above sea level.

Some buyers avoid looking at properties located east of 17 Business because they fear outrageous insurance premiums. (Side Note: There’s a difference between HWY 17 Bypass & HWY 17 Business—also referred to as Kings Hwy.) While it’s true that mortgage lenders require special coverage for wind and hail damage (that can be rather pricy) on certain properties east of 17, they don’t require it on all of them because they aren’t all located within FEMA flood zones.

If you are considering purchasing a home east of HWY 17 Business that is located within a FEMA flood zone, have an elevation survey done on the property before you purchase a coverage policy. The elevation levels can vary drastically from one property to the next, and the policy’s rate can vary by hundreds of dollars.

Also, another thing to consider when you search for an insurance policy is that some companies don’t offer coverage for ANY property east of the Intracoastal Waterway. For property owners who can’t obtain flood insurance coverage through the standard insurance market, policies are provided by the SC Wind & Hail Underwriting Association. Our best advice is to check with a LOCAL insurance company for questions regarding these types of policies. It’s always best to consult a professional (i.e. lawyer, mortgage lender, insurance agent) for area specific questions.

The following links have some useful information regarding flood zones, insurance coverage, and the SC Wind & Hail Program (also known as the “Wind Pool”).

http://www.scwind.com/index.html

http://www.floodsmart.gov

http://msc.fema.gov

http://dnr.sc.gov/flood.floodmaps.html

If you have additional questions about flood zones in and around Myrtle Beach or would like a list of local insurance agents, please contact us at Dargan Real Estate.

843-712-2585

Fall/Winter Maintenance

November 26, 2013 by Dargan

During the fall months, it’s important to prepare your home for the colder weather to come. By taking the time to tackle a few (quick and easy) maintenance chores, you can save money on utility bills and protect your investment from the effects of harsh weather.

Fall/Winter Checklist

Hire a technician to check your heating system and water pump to verify they are clean and working properly. If you choose to skip this step, you might regret it when you find yourself last in a long line to have it repaired on the coldest day of the year.

If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, change the direction of the blades (from counterclockwise to clockwise) after you turn on your heat. Changing it will create an updraft and push the warm air down (as heat rises) into the room. This can be especially helpful for homes with tall ceilings. As a result, you might even be able to turn down the thermostat a degree or two.

Caulk around all doors and windows. Silicone caulk is best for outdoor use because it doesn’t shrink and can withstand the natural elements outside.

Inspect storm doors and windows for cracks and/or broken glass.

Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can cause leaks, as well as damage the roof, siding, or wood trim.

Check the attic or basement insulation for signs of moisture.

Turn off outside faucets and put away any hoses. Water that hasn’t been properly drained from pipes can freeze and cause them to burst.

Clean out your inside drains by adding ½ cup of baking soda, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for ten minutes and then flush with boiling water.

Mow leaves instead of raking them. Mowing leaves into small pieces will help them decompose and nourish your lawn during the winter months. Also, properly store your mower by draining any fuel remaining in its engine. After time, fuel left sitting in a mower can varnish the carburetor and cause you trouble when you try to start it in the spring.

Clean, cover, and store outdoor furniture.

If you have a pool, make sure to have it properly serviced and winterized. Install a pool safety cover to protect both children and pets. In addition, make sure the pool fence is in good repair and securely locked.

Walk around the outside of your home and check the crawl space vents at the foundation. Close any open vents.

Keep firewood away from the home to prevent termite and other pest infestations.

Can you think of something we’re missing? Share it with us!

The Reality of Flipping Houses

November 25, 2013 by Dargan

Flip This House on A&E, Flip That House on TLC, Flipping Out on Bravo. This list could go on, but you get the picture: TV shows about flipping houses are a dime a dozen.

House flipping is the practice of buying an undervalued home with the sole intent to resell it for a substantial profit. Shows about flipping houses send viewers the message that they can easily renovate a property and resell it for a huge profit… and all before the first mortgage payment is due! If that isn’t enticing enough, they make it seem like they could make more money flipping one property than they’ve made in the past year.

These shows fall into the category of “reality” TV; the reality is that it’s not as easy as it looks. They often fail to mention how hard it can be to bounce back and make a profit when all of the things that can (and frequently do) go wrong, and you’re trapped with a house you can’t sell. This includes anything from poor budgeting to a timing issue to a spike in nearby crime.

Facts that prove house flipping isn’t as easy as it looks on TV:

1. There are tons of others who dream about flipping houses and taking home huge paychecks. This competition means that obvious deals on undervalued homes are gone almost as fast as they’re available, and finding the right property is very time consuming.

2. You’ll need access to a significant amount of cash for down payments, repairs, and updates.

3. Every day you own the house equals additional costs in interest (if you took out a mortgage), utilities, taxes, and insurance.

4. The IRS might not make it worth your while.

Example:

If you buy a house, renovate, and resell it while you are working another full-time job, the purchase is considered an investment and the proceeds are taxed as short-term capital gains (if you own it for less than a year) or long-term capital gains (if you own it more than a year). Short-term capital gains are taxed at the same rate as your annual income, and long-term capital gains are taxed at 15{8a4f45d74d514e6dd6794b8c6dd875260e3343c96bf403696e21fc128bbedf7b}. However, if you’re flipping houses year-round and the income pays your bills, it’s considered a business. This means the profits will be taxed as ordinary income regardless how long you own the property, and you’ll have to pay a self-employment tax of 15.3{8a4f45d74d514e6dd6794b8c6dd875260e3343c96bf403696e21fc128bbedf7b}. PLUS, you won’t be able to utilize the IRS section 1031 like-kind exchanges, which help with taxes when you have a property that sells for substantially more than you paid for it. Only investment properties qualify for this type of tax break, and while the code doesn’t specify a time frame, the rule of thumb is that you need to hold it for at least a year.

—

With that said, flipping houses can be profitable for the right people with the right resources. If you choose to try your hand at flipping property, you should learn everything you can about the industry. Don’t consider making a career out of it until you’ve made double what you make a year in your current job. Also, it is possible (but undoubtedly exhausting) to moonlight as a house flipper.

Myrtle Beach Neighborhoods & Communities: The Villages of Arrowhead

November 24, 2013 by Dargan

The community known as the Villages of Arrowhead is located off Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach and borders the Arrowhead Golf Course & Country Club. Residents enjoy a convenient location that’s only a short drive away from nearly every area in Myrtle Beach.

Arrowhead is actually comprised of nine unique villages that are connected through one Homeowners Association. Some of the homes are even located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Arrowhead Grand and those residents enjoy the perks of different boating activities.

The homes consist of two to five bedrooms from just under 1000 to 3500 heated square feet. There are both single-story homes and two-story homes with one or two-car garages. Many of them are full of upgrades and customized details. These custom details include patios, crown molding, screened porches, granite, and tile. If you are looking to build your own home to fit your style, there are a few remaining lots available.

The amenities offered to residents of Arrowhead include a poolside pavilion, a junior-Olympic swimming pool, walking trails, and lighted tennis courts.

School Districts: Lakewood Elementary, Forestbrook Elementary, Carolina Forest Elementary, Bridgewater Academy, Forestbrook Middle, Myrtle Beach Middle, Ocean Bay Middle, Socastee High School, Myrtle Beach High School, Academy of Arts Science & Technology

To check out the properties available within the Arrowhead community, click here.

Featured Property: 179 Sugar Mill Loop

November 17, 2013 by Dargan

This beautiful home is newly constructed and located within Sugar Mill Plantation in the Forestbrook area of Myrtle Beach. It features three bedrooms, two full baths, an attached two-car garage, and a covered porch.

This property has tons of custom features and upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, upgraded cabinets, hardwood and tile. The kitchen’s features include a pantry and breakfast nook.

The living area is spacious with tall windows that let in tons of natural light. Other features of this great property include tray ceilings with fans and his and her walk-in closets. The bathrooms feels luxurious with its dark cherry cabinets, double vanity, and large garden tub.

The property’s exterior has many attractive features too–a covered porch, great curb appeal, and lake views. This home is one you definitely don’t want to miss checking out because it’s move-in ready and located in a great community!

Call Dargan Real Estate to schedule a showing today! This featured property won’t stay on the market for long!

843-712-2585

Tips for a Successful Open House

November 13, 2013 by Dargan

You’ve set a date for an open house, and you want to be sure the right people show up. You have the basics down: declutter and ensure the home is clean and well-maintained, but what else? Don’t worry; these insider tips should do just the trick.

Consider hosting an early showing of your home for locals only. If you’re planning an open house between the hours of 1 and 4 pm, invite your neighbors to stop by between noon and 1 pm. The invite will make neighbors feel appreciated and needed, but it will also allow your agent to focus on serious and interested buyers during the actual hours of the open house.

PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE. Bring awareness to your open house by uploading tons of photos, passing out flyers, and advertising in the local newspaper. Make sure your property is listed on the MLS and be sure to advertise the open house on websites like Trulia.com and Zillow.com. An added bonus: post an “Open House” sign in the yard a week before the event to let potential buyers that drive by the home know when they should come back.

Be absent. If you’ve hired an agent, there’s no real reason for you to attend the open house. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in your home, as well as feel they can speak their mind freely, and it might be hard to do that if you’re there.

Secure your home and belongings. It’s okay to set some ground rules when you’re opening up your home to strangers. Require a signature and proof of ID (if you skip it, you run the risk of getting fake names and numbers) from every person who stops by the open house. Bathrooms are off limits–you never want a closed door between a stranger and your home. Dispose of any prescriptions you are no longer taking and/or take them with you, lock up and hide away all valuables, and ensure all guests have a chaperone at all times.

Consider choosing an “off” hour. Most open houses take place on Saturday or Sunday afternoon between the hours of 1 and 4 pm. Host your open house between 3 and 5 pm instead. An “off” hour ensures less open house competition and draws more attention to your property. An added perk: most buyers hit up several open houses in one day. At the beginning of the day, buyers are excited about the properties they are planning to see and fly through them because they’re eager to see what’s next. By knowing your property is the last open house of the day, the buyer can take their time viewing the property–and if they’re still looking–give you serious consideration.

Top Real Estate Websites

November 5, 2013 by Dargan

There are thousands of websites on the Web that offer a wealth of information about real estate. Here’s a list of the best.

1. Zillow

Zillow is real estate marketplace that offers a living database of more than 110 million homes (including homes for sale–by owner and agent, homes for rent, homes in foreclosure, new homes, and pre-market homes), mortgage and refinancing tools and calculators, advice forums and message boards, local information, and more.

2. Yahoo! Homes

Yahoo! Homes is partnered with Zillow and also offers a database of homes for sale. It also offers the latest news stories about “Must See Homes,” home finance, and home projects.

3. Trulia

Trulia has an interactive website that is easy to use. It also offers a large database of homes available and helpful search tools. The search feature gives users the ability to search specific areas for crime rates, schools, and more. Users can even sign up for alert notifications when nearby houses are sold or prices are cut. In addition, users can post questions for local residents to answer.

4. Realtor.com

Realtor.com offers real time MLS listings that are updated every 15 minutes. Users can find out how much homes are going for in a specific area and view a summary of statistics about the local real estate market. Advice and news articles are also available.

5. Homes.com

Homes.com offers a property database like the ones above it. In addition, the site offers an Idea Gallery to give users inspiration (and helpful information) for many different areas: Celebrity Living, Curb Appeal, Decorating, DIY Improvement, Entertaining, Green Living, Guides/Checklists, Holidays, Home Buying, Home Living Tips, Home Values, How-To, On The Move, Organization, Renting A Home, Selling A Home.

**The sites listed above are the top five most popular real estate websites as calculated by Alexa‘s Global Traffic Rank & U.S. Traffic Rank from both Complete & Quantcast.

Childproofing Your Home

November 3, 2013 by Dargan

You probably have heard and are aware of many of the suggestions listed below. However, if you’ve just moved into a new home or you’re moving into a new home in the near future–there may be certain things you’ve never thought about before because they didn’t apply at your old home. It’s always a good idea to remind ourselves to practice safety measures in our homes.

Install safety latches on all cabinets and drawers.
Use the stove’s back burners, and always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to keep them out of reach.
Keep kitchenware and appliances out of reach and away from tables and counters.
Put visual reminders (like Mr. Yuk stickers from poison prevention centers) on potentially hazardous or poisonous items.
Install toilet locks to keep toilet lids closed. (Children can lean over and fall in toilets easily, and it only takes one inch of water to drown.)
Install anti-scalding devices on faucets and shower heads to prevent burns. Also, set the water thermostat on 120 degrees. (It takes only three seconds for a child to get third degree burns from water temperatures of 140 degrees.)
Unplug hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers after use to prevent electrocution and to keep away from curious children.
Cover unused outlets with protective plugs or caps. Make sure outlets in the kitchen and bathroom are updated with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s), which turn off electricity if appliances fall into water. For outlets in use (especially ones low to the ground), there are devices that make it difficult to unplug the appliance.
Use safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs (don’t use ones with expanding pressure bars), as well as in front of doors to rooms filled with hazards.
Use doorknob covers to keep children away from rooms or other areas that are hazardous (such as swimming pools).
Put corner and edge bumpers on furniture and other items (like fireplace hearths) to protect against injury.
Keep furniture away from high windows (to keep children off windowsills). Screens aren’t strong enough to keep children from falling through them.
Make sure that window blinds do not have looped cords and always lock blinds in place (whether they are up or down).
Prevent furniture from tipping over by securing bookcases, shelving, and heavy furniture to walls with brackets and anchors. When storing items, put heavier items on low shelves.
Use smoke alarms on every level of your home to alert you to fires and smoke.

Do you know of any other great safety measure for childproofing your home that we may have missed? Share them with us!

Love It or List it?

October 29, 2013 by Dargan

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

October 27, 2013 by Dargan

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

October 26, 2013 by Dargan

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.