Dargan Real Estate - Myrtle Beach, SC

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Archives for August 2013

Grand Strand Events: September 2013

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Check out the official events calendar for August 30th – September 7th, 2013!

Compliments of GrandStrandEvents.com

August 30th – September 1st

Beach, Boogie, & BBQ Festival – Grand Park at Market Common

BBQLogo

 

A BBQ competition featuring over 75 vendors with live music, wakeboard and fly board demonstrations, and a Kids’ Zone to keep the kids entertained.

Friday

@ 6:30 PM: “Anything Goes” cooking contest and tasting; sampling tickets are $1

Saturday

@ 8-11 AM: Official S.C. BBQ Championship & Kansas City BBQ Society Cook-off

@ 12 PM: BBQ Tasting; sampling tickets are $10 and children under 6 sample for free

@ 9:15 PM: Fireworks Show

Sunday

@12 PM: Wings Tasting + MORE BBQ!

September 1st

Town of Surfside Beach Endless Summer Celebration – Surfside Beach Pier

Enjoy music, food, and numerous vendors that are fun for the whole family.

September 7th

South Carolina’s Largest Garage Sale – Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Hours are from 7 AM until 2 PM. Admission is free but parking at the Convention Center is $3 per car.

East Coast Volkswagen NMB Triathlon – Main Street in North Myrtle Beach

Begins at 7 AM and consists of a 700-meter ocean swim, 13 mile leg, and 5K run.

Online registration closes at 7 AM on September 8th. $60 entry fee for individuals and $120 for relay teams. Added $10 fee for participants who are not USA Triathlon members.

 

Final Walk-through Checklist

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Over the past few months, you’ve searched high and low for the perfect place to create a new life for your family. Now that your search is over and an offer has been accepted, you’re giddy with excitement as you approach the closing date. However, there’s still one very important thing to complete: the final walk-through.

The walk-through process can take place anywhere from several hours to several days before closing. It’s important to take the necessary time to perform a thorough walk-through to ensure the home is in the condition it was promised. If you spot something worrisome, talk to your agent about it as soon as possible. He or she will strive to quickly resolve the issue to avoid a potential delay in closing.

If the property is still occupied by the current owner at the time of the walk-through, it might benefit you to ask them to be present. This would be a great opportunity to ask about any improvements they’ve wanted to make to the property. It’s also a good idea (as well as a kind gesture) to ask the seller for their forwarding address to route any stray mail.

We created a checklist to use as a guide during the walk-through process. Some items on the list may not apply to your specific property and there may also be others you should consider that aren’t mentioned.

To avoid overlooking a potential issue… walk into each room and ask yourself the following question: “Is there anything that could pose a potential risk, decrease the value of the home, or cause me to lose a significant amount of money should it need to be repaired soon after I close?”

 

Final Walk-through Checklist   Completed
Flip each light fixture on and off. 
Run the water in each sink. Are there signs of a leak? 
Do all appliances work properly (stove, oven, washer, dryer, microwave)? 
Do the toilets flush efficiently? 
Does the garbage disposal work properly? 
Do the exhaust fans run quietly and smoothly? 
Test the garage door opener. Does it work? 
Is there damage to the walls or floors from the previous owner’s move? 
Test the heating and air conditioning. Are they heating and cooling? 
Open and close all windows. Do they open and close easily? 
Latch and unlatch windows. Do they latch and unlatch easily? 
Check for condensation in double-paned windows. 
Do the doorbells, alarms, and intercoms work properly? 
Does the shower drain properly and efficiently? 
Are the plate covers on all light switches? 
Check outdoor features (play equipment, pool, hoses, hot tub, sauna, sprinkler system). 
Is there a pest control issue that needs to be accessed? 
Is the property clean and devoid of debris? 
Is the attic and/or basement cleared out and clean? 
Did the previous owner leave behind warranties or manuals that may be needed? 
Did you previously request any repair work? If so, has it been completed?

 

The final walk-through is now complete and any issues found have been resolved. You’ve covered all of your bases and should feel confident about the quality of your new home. Go ahead and breathe a huge sigh of relief. YOU’VE EARNED IT!

Selling your home? 7 Things You Shouldn’t Do

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1. Don’t set an unrealistic asking price.

You’re aware of the price you originally paid for your house and the amount of money you’ve spent updating it. But those amounts may not be what your home is worth today. Your home is only worth the amount of money you can get for it. Your realtor is aware of the price similar homes in your area are selling for today. Pricing it too high will discourage buyers and will likely result in the property sitting on the market for months.

2. Don’t forget to market your property.

The only way to be sure you’ll get the highest possible price for your home is to utilize every marketing tool available to you. This means advertising the home on the internet with quality photographs, hosting open houses, and mailing out post cards to potential buyers. Don’t expect sticking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard is enough to bring in buyers.

3. Don’t skimp on photos.

Listing photographs give buyers their first impression of a home. Don’t skimp on them; the more pictures, the better. Just be sure to clean and clear out clutter before the photographs are taken. Buyers may not even consider viewing your home if they don’t like what they see in your photos.

4. Don’t neglect to fix things that are broken or attempt to hide them from buyers.

When buyers walk through your home and see several things that need to be repaired, they’ll question how well you’ve maintained the property over the years and wonder about any problems they can’t see. A home inspection will bring any problems to light so it’s best to be upfront about them or repair the issues before you list the property.

5. Don’t get emotionally involved.

You’ve probably spent many years creating a home exactly the way you want it. The perfect home you’ve created is probably not the same as someone else’s perfect home. Don’t take it personally if the buyer wants to change certain things about it before they agree to a purchase. First and foremost, think of the selling process as a business transaction. By thinking about it from a financial standpoint, it’s easier to distance yourself from the emotional aspect of it.

6. Don’t neglect to properly prepare your home before you list it.

You want to put your best home forward during the selling process. It’s imperative to adequately prep your home before listing it or you’re just throwing money down the drain. Clean the dingy rugs, get rid of the pesky odors, and clean out all the clutter to make a lasting impression on buyers and keep the sale price where it should be.

7. Don’t get offended by a low offer.

If a buyer makes an offer on your home that’s way below the asking price, don’t take it personally. Don’t get so offended that you walk away from the offer altogether. Now’s your chance to negotiate. Buyers are trying to purchase a home at the lowest price possible. You can’t blame them for trying. Make a counter offer. Buyers usually come back with an offer that’s more indicative of the price they’re willing to pay.

 

Contact Dargan Real Estate for more advice about selling your home.

843-712-2585

 

Grand Strand Communities: Briarcliffe Acres

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briarcliffe-acres sign

Briarcliffe Acres is a small town that lies between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The entirety of the town’s land area spans less than a mile, and the population was 470 when the 2000 census was recorded.

One of the most distinguishing traits about Briarcliffe Acres is its seclusion; even the entrance appears elusive despite its position along the busiest highway in Horry County. This type of privacy is rare along the Grand Strand and only adds to the town’s charm and beauty.

Briarcliffe Acres offers single-family homes nestled among a canopy of tall, verdant trees on generous sized lots. Residents of the community have done an excellent job of maintaining these homes over the years, and they boast high property values as a result. They consist of a variety of styles and range in price from the mid-$200s upward to $3 million dollars.

This tranquil community also offers residents awesome features like natural lake views and access to a private beach with personal cabanas. In addition, every home within Briarcliffe Acres is a quick stroll, bicycle ride, or golf cart adventure away from the beach.

While the location is private and serene, it’s also only moments from a variety of nearby shopping and dining venues. This winning combination offers residents the best of both worlds.

Visit the town’s website to read about the history of Briarcliffe Acres or to learn more information. You can also view available properties by clicking HERE.

See something you like?

Contact us at Dargan Real Estate today.

843-712-2585

Briarcliffe Acres Sunset

Mortgage Options

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There are several different options available in the world of mortgage loans. Selecting the best option for your home buying needs is an important decision because it is likely to effect your budget for many years.

Listed below is a quick breakdown of several mortgage loan options and what you can expect of them.

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Fixed Rate Mortgages

Advantages: predictable monthly payments, easy to budget, available in a variety of term options

Disadvantages: higher interest rates, harder to obtain with poor credit

By and large, fixed rate mortgages are the most popular and account for nearly 75% of all loans. They usually span over 10, 15, or 30 years but can also span 5, 20, 40, or 50 years.

The interest rate of a fixed mortgage stays the same for the entire duration of the loan which allows the benefit of a predictable monthly payment. These mortgages rates are easier to budget because they never change. Also, if interest rates are really high when you take out the loan, you can refinance the loan when the rates go down.

Adjustable or Variable Rate Mortgages

Advantages: lower interest rates with higher loan amounts, provide flexibility

Disadvantages: risky, unpredictable

Types

One Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (also known as Adjustable Rate Mortgages or ARMs)

The interest rates on an adjustable mortgage change after a fixed period of time. They are much riskier than fixed rate mortgages because the payments can change dramatically. On the flip side, the buyer usually qualifies for a higher loan amount which allows the purchase of a more valuable property.

Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Hybrid adjustable mortgages combine the qualities of both a fixed mortgage rate and an adjustable mortgage rate. The initial interest rate is fixed for a set period of time at the beginning of the loan and is followed by an adjustable rate for the remainder.

Types of Hybrid ARMs

10/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage – fixed for the first 10 years; rate adjusts each year after the fixed rate period

5/5 and 5/1 Adjustable Mortgages – fixed for the first 5 years; rate adjusts every 5 years or every year after the fixed rate period

3/3 and 3/1 Adjustable Mortgages – fixed for the first 3 years; rate adjusts every 3 years or every year after fixed rate period

2-Step Mortgage – fixed for a designated time period and adjusts to a different fixed rate for the remainder of the loan

 

Balloon Mortgage

This mortgage option is for a much shorter term and offers a much lower payment than a fixed rate mortgage.

Features: shorter terms (usually five to seven years); homeowner makes monthly payments at a set interest rate for the duration of the loan term and pays off the rest of the principal, takes on a new mortgage, or sells the home at the end of the fixed period

Advantages: lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, larger loan amounts

Disadvantages: extremely risky, large financial obligation at the end of the loan’s life, must refinance mortgage if unable to pay the principal when the term ends and could face unaffordable terms if interest rates have risen or credit has deteriorated since the loan was issued

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Find out more about the different types of loans available by contacting a trusted mortgage advisor.

North Myrtle Beach Communities: Barefoot Resort

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We are venturing a bit north of Myrtle Beach today to discuss a beautiful neighborhood in North Myrtle Beach, SC: Barefoot Resort.

The Barefoot Resort community was created by four men (Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye) who were brought together by their love of golf. These golf experts developed a community comprised of several different neighborhoods around four separate golf courses.

golf cart

Barefoot Resort neighborhoods include Coquina Pointe, Dye Estates, Cedar Creek, Leather Leaf at Barefoot Resort, and Bridle Ridge. Each neighborhood is tucked away from the busy streets of North Myrtle Beach and offers a peaceful serenity among South Carolina’s signature wetlands.

In addition to the individual amenities offered within each neighborhood, owners also have the option of becoming a member of Barefoot Resort’s country club. Services offered to members include use of the clubhouse, driving range, and tennis courts, as well as shuttle services. And if that’s not enough, some neighborhoods also offer the option to purchase a boat slip and use of the docks at the marina.

The surrounding golf courses have been listed in Golf Digest as one of  The Best Places to Stay, so if you’re looking to purchase an investment in the form of a vacation property or rental property, Barefoot Resort is the perfect location. It has the best of both worlds: a quiet retreat surrounded by luscious greens and located only a short distance from the sandy shores of Windy Hill.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

The Dye Estates: private gated community with available homesites, as well as wooded sites along both the golf course and Intracoastal Waterway; no time limit for building; sites range from 1/2 acre to 3/4 acre; prices range from $200s to mid-$700s; high quality condos and townhouses with the potential for substantial rental income

Leather Leaf at Barefoot Resort: exclusive gated community with brick or stucco homes over 1,200 square feet; upscale, three or four bedroom homes with lake or wooded views

Cedar Creek: charming brick homes with golf course views; affordable prices with homes starting in the low $200s

Coquina Pointe: two or three bedroom homes with patios and white picket fences; views of natural lakes; prices ranging from $150s ot $200s; average 1100 to 1900 square feet in size

Bridle Ridge: stucco or brick homes with a mix of contemporary, traditional, and ranch styles; prices between $200s and $300s

AMENITIES

The amenities surrounding Barefoot Resort are outstanding. There are a variety of pools, walking paths perfect for biking, jogging, or late afternoon strolls, shuttle services, a private and exclusive beach cabana, marina, and the resort’s Resident’s Club. The Resident’s Club features a massive pool, tennis and basketball courts, game room, library, exercise facility, and much more!

If the resort’s abundance of amenities aren’t enough to win you over, the easy access to all that is available at Barefoot Landing should do it! The unique attractions at Barefoot Landing include over 150 shops, as well as numerous restaurants and music venues.

If you have a love of boating and aspire to live in a home that offers every amenity you could possibly need or want, Barefoot Resort is definitely the community for you!

To see available homes in Barefoot Resort: Click HERE!

Contact Dargan Real Estate to schedule a showing of one of the beautiful properties available in Barefoot Resort today.

843-712-2585

Attributes Buyers Love (& Sellers Fail to Mention)

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Trulia posted an article about a few things you should consider as you market your property, and we wanted to share a few of them with you.

Sellers sometimes fail to mention certain property features that could potentially sway a buyer to make an offer. These features aren’t deal breakers, but they are things that could have motivated other buyers to view your property had they been advertised.

It’s easy to describe a property with expensive upgrades and beautiful views or a jaw-dropping estate in the most reputable neighborhood in town. BUT–if you own a “normal” home and have lived there for many years, it’s easy to take its charm for granted. Those charming features you may have forgotten are the same ones that someone else might be actively searching for. You need to let them know you have them!

The five features listed below are just a few examples. Try to think of some others!

#1 – STORAGE SPACE

Cabinets & Storage

You might think your home doesn’t have nearly enough storage space but that could be because you’ve outgrown it. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a first-time homebuyer. They are probably comparing your storage space to the one-bedroom apartment they’ve lived in for the past three years. Your home might be their storage heaven!

#2 – NEARBY AMENITIES/ATTRACTIONS

Market Common

You might also think every potential buyer is searching for area-specific properties online and that it’s not necessary to mention nearby amenities or attractions. That’s not always the case. If a homebuyer is relocating from another city, they may not be familiar with the area at all. They might only be looking at homes in the area that fall between a certain price range. By mentioning that your property is within close proximity to an attractive shopping plaza or reputable school, your home could easily move to the top of their list.

#3 – EASY ACCESS/SENIOR FRIENDLY 

Inlaw Unit

Older homebuyers might seek to purchase a home they will live in for the rest of their lives. They might not look for properties with numerous disability features but are likely to look for ones with fewer stairs, lower levels, and low maintenance. It’s especially wise to mention these property features if you live in an area where they are scarce. Also–if you’re selling a home that can function as a multi-family home or features an “in-law” unit or second master suite, it would be smart to mention that as well. Children tend to move their parents in with them as they get older; these types of features are rare and should be advertised as such.

#4 – GREEN/ENERGY EFFICIENCIES

Green Home

All homebuyers should like to hear that a property has energy-efficient features even if they aren’t specifically looking for a “green” home. Energy-efficient almost always means budget friendly. If you have new insulation, a tankless or Energy Star®-rated water heater, or solar panels, make sure to mention that.

#5 – HYPOALLERGENIC & CHEMICAL-FREE MAINTENANCE

ECOLOGY AND FUTURE

A property with a hypoallergenic HVAC system or a property that has been maintained with only natural and chemical-free cleaning products over the past few years is worth marketing. Homebuyers who suffer from terrible allergies and/or sinus problems will likely move your property to the top of their list.

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Those are just a few things to consider when you go over your property with your listing agent. Again, try to think outside of the box. If your property doesn’t have any of the features mentioned, that’s okay too. Try to think about those you do have that might only appeal to a specific group of people, and mention them to your agent so he/she can add them to your already attractive list of features that appeal to everyone.