Dargan Real Estate - Myrtle Beach, SC

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Archives for July 2013

FAQ: Buyers Market VS. Sellers Market

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Most homebuyers don’t think about the status of the market when they decide to buy or sell a property because they are more focused on where they plan to live. However, it’s definitely a good thing to keep in mind because it can help you determine how to move forward.

BUYER’S MARKET

If a buyer is looking to purchase a home, an ideal situation would be one where there are more homes available than buyers to purchase them. This is considered a buyer’s market. The buyer has more options to choose from and increases the odds of locating the perfect home. Serious sellers are usually willing to negotiate with buyers in this type of market. The buyer may even be able to purchase a home below its list price, and the seller may offer to pay some (or all) of the closing costs.

Characteristics of a Buyer’s Market: high inventory compared to previous months and/or years, more than six months of inventory available, real estate ads growing in size, For Sale signs staying up for longer periods of time, median sales prices declining

How to Compute Months of Inventory:

# of active listings in the past 30 days / # of sold or closed transactions in the past 30 days

For example, if there were 4,200 active listings in the past 30 days and only 600 sold or closed transactions, the months of inventory would be 7.

SELLER’S MARKET

If a homeowner is hoping to sell their home,  an ideal situation would be one where more buyers want to purchase a home than the number of properties available to buy. This is considered a seller’s market. Sellers are likely to sell their home much more quickly, and often, they sell it for more than the listing price.

Characteristics of a Seller’s Market: low inventory compared to previous months and/or years, less than six months of inventory available, unwavering sales numbers, flat median sales prices, advertising remains unchanged, Pending or Sold signs frequently displayed

Essential Address Checklist for New Homebuyers

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It’s important to inform all of the necessary organizations, businesses, and service providers of your new address after you’ve moved into your new home.

BE PROACTIVE. Ensure a smooth transition by referencing the following checklist:

UTILITY & SERVICE PROVIDERS

(*Be sure to take a meter reading as soon as you move into your new property to make sure you aren’t billed for the previous owners’ utility use.)

Water
Gas
Electric
Telephone/Mobile Provider
Cable/Satellite
Movie Subscriptions (e.g. Netflix)
Trash Pickup/Recycling
Pool Maintenance
Landscaping Services
Pest Control
Housekeeping Services

FINANCIAL PROVIDERS

Bank
Credit Cards/Store Credit Cards
Employer’s HR Department
Pension/Investors
Insurance Policies (Health, Life, Car, Home)
Loan Companies
Accountant/Tax Consultant
Social Security Office

HEALTH PROVIDERS

Doctors
Dentist
Pharmacies
Optician/Ophthalmologist
Veterinarian

OTHER PROVIDERS

Vehicle Registration
Magazine Subscriptions
Club Memberships
Reward/Loyalty Programs
School/College
Post Office
Gym/Health Club
Voter’s Registration
Driver’s License
Place of Worship
Friends and Family

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