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Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Fixer Upper Home

Purchasing a fixer-upper property can be an exciting and rewarding
experience. HGTV is filled with programs of amateurs knocking down walls
and tiling bathroom floors. The fact is that this is much harder than it looks
and before diving headfirst into this kind of project, it’s critical to consider
whether you are prepared for the venture.

5 Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Fixer-Upper Home

1. Financial Planning – The first step in buying a fixer-upper home is to
establish a realistic budget. Include the purchase price, repairs costs, and
any expected expenses for renovation or restoration. Once you have
created a “known” list, then add extra for unexpected issues that will arise.

2. Time and Effort – Renovating a fixer-upper takes time and effort,
even if you hire a general contractor to oversee the project. Consider the
overall scope of the project and evaluate your skills and level of time
commitment.

3. Structural Condition – Before making an offer, thoroughly inspect
the property’s structure and foundation. Recognize the impact of any issues
uncovered and make sure to budget for the proper corrections.

4. Real Estate Market and Location – Even a beautiful home in a
terrible area is a bad investment. Consider such factors as property values,
market trends and the potential for future appreciation. Work with a
financial planner to make sure the investment fits your long-term goals.

5. Legal Considerations – Before writing the offer, familiarize yourself
with local building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations.
Ensure the changes you anticipate align with local requirements.

Purchasing a fixer-upper home can be a wonderful investment and
worthwhile project. By evaluating your budget, time commitment, property
condition, and potential appreciation, you can be sure to choose the right
situation for your goals and experience.

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Home Renovations for the Aging Population

Approximately 90 percent of seniors over 65 years old intend to stay in their
homes for at least 10 more years, according to AARP. As a result,
remodeling companies report an uptick in the number of customers doing
upgrades and remodels to allow them to age in place.

Fortunately, there are some simple changes you can make to your home to
make your home comfortable and safe as you age.

· Install Grab Bars – Install bars and railings in high-risk locations,
such as bathrooms and bedrooms.

· Ramps – Often older people need assistance when walking. Add a
discreet ramp to the home to allow those needing wheelchairs, walkers, or
canes to enter the home safely.

· Utilize Smart Technology – Smart technology has improved the
security of senior homeowners. Medical alerts, remote security, and
communication systems allow the homeowner access to immediate help in
an emergency.

· Go Hands-Free – Change bulbs and outlets to voice-activated and
changing faucets to hands-free will help those with joint or grip pain.

· Update Flooring – Trip and fall injuries are common as we age, low
pile carpet or non-slip hardscape is best for older homeowners.

· Improve Lighting – Consider nightlights in hallways and bathrooms
and add brighter lighting to living spaces.

Many seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. Making a few
minor adjustments can help them to that by creating a safer environment
and offering immediate help if necessary. This offers peace of mind for both
the homeowner and those who love them.

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Selling a Property with Tenants in Place

The strong seller’s market has prompted homeowners across the country to consider selling their homes. What if your property is a rental unit with tenants in place? Can you still sell and take advantage of the rising home values? Yes, by understanding the steps and following a few tips, you maximize your profit in this strong market.

The first step in selling your home with tenants in place is to understand your rights and responsibilities. The kind of lease you hold will determine if you can simply give notice to the tenants or if the new owners will buy the home with a lease in place. Only month-to-month leases can be terminated unilaterally with proper notice.

Next, meet with the tenants and discuss the situation. Explain your reasons for selling and assure them that you wish to make it as easy as possible. Offer to sell the home to the renters first, and then discuss any future plans they may have. If they can’t or don’t want to buy the property, you may be able to offer them money to move. Your goal must be to have the cooperation of your tenants so they will help facilitate showings and maintain the home.

When you have tenants who will remain in the home after the close due to their lease, then you must disclose the lease terms to the buyer. The new owner will be legally obligated by the lease. In a strong market, you may find a buyer willing to wait for the expiration of the lease, even if they intend to occupy the home.

Selling with tenants in place doesn’t have to be difficult. Do your homework, understand your obligations and be transparent with the renters and potential buyers. This way, you make it easy on all parties and can reap the reward of high home values.

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7 Cool Ways to Repurpose Old Furniture

Are you looking for a fun project that will add some pizzazz to your home – that doesn’t require a degree in carpentry? Before you leave your old furniture on the curb with a sign that says, “free to good owner,” here are 7 creative ideas that will revitalize that furniture and leave anyone feeling handy.

1.Rustic Planter – Enhance any backyard space by painting an old bedroom side table with a fun color, pull out the drawer, and use it as a planter.
2. Kitchen Island – No built-in island? Transform an old dresser by adding a custom countertop. The drawers will come in handy also.
3. Crib Appeal – We all need more storage. Take off one of the side rails of that old crib and add a piece of glass or butcher block on top to make a cool bookcase or craft table.
4. Cabinet Door Headboard – Reuse those old cabinet doors by creating a custom headboard for a guest bedroom. Paint white or multi-colors for a country chic look.
5. Vanity Transformation – Remove the backing from an old dresser, add a sink, and you have a cool vanity for your bathroom.
6. Bedspring Bottle Holders – No wine rack? No problem. Remove old mattress bedsprings, attach to a wood panel, and store your wine bottles with this cool rack.
7. Pet Bed – Every pampered pet needs a bed. A drawer from an old dresser makes a cool pet bed. Attach some short furniture legs and add a cushion for indoor or outdoor use.

If you have some time on your hands and old furniture to get rid of, maybe you can repurpose them and spruce up your décor at the same time with these fun ideas.

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Seaside Plantation Homes

Seaside Plantation Real Estate – North Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale

Seaside Plantation is a gated community near the ocean in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. The main gate is near the corner of Hillside Ave. and 8th Ave. North.

Just a few steps to the beach, the community boasts a swimming pool, heated spa, putting green, club house, several lakes and water features throughout.

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Seaside Plantation has 162 home sites. See Seaside Plantation Homes Current Listings

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ABC pilot is filming in Myrtle Beach

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“The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez” is now filming at this amazing home that is currently available to purchase.    To learn more about purchasing this home see below link below.  They will be filming until April 4th.   If you’re interested in being an extra, visit the TW Casting Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TW-Casting-1574496922804861/.

 

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CHERRY GROVE CANALS DREDGING PROJECT UPDATE

North Myrtle Beach, SC – February 5, 2016 – On December 14, 2015 the North Myrtle Beach City Council approved the final assessment roll for the Cherry Grove Canals Dredging Project. On December 17, 2015, the City filed that final assessment roll with the Horry County Register of Deeds and the Horry County Clerk of Court. When property owners included in the assessment district receive their annual property tax bill from Horry County in October of 2016, their first annual assessment for the dredging project will be included as part of that bill.

During their regularly scheduled February 15, 2016 meeting, the North Myrtle Beach City Council will consider first reading of a bond ordinance to finance the initial dredge of the Cherry Grove canals.

The current schedule has dredging occurring from November 2016 through April 2017.

It appears that a small number of canal property owners are inclined to file lawsuits against the City because they disagree with City Council’s decision to move forward with the dredging project as designed. While it is the right of any property owner to file a lawsuit, the City wants all concerned to be aware of the practical impact this will have on the project.

The City cannot enter into dredging and financing contracts with litigation pending. Lawsuits are expensive for both sides and they can take years to conclude.

The City’s current dredging permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allow the City to accomplish the two planned dredges, but only if the initial dredge is not delayed by litigation. A delay may well require the City to expend additional resources to extend the existing permit or to obtain a new permit. This diversion of resources might well leave a second dredge unfeasible within the City’s current cost predictions.

The City did not propose to property owners that the canals be dredged. Property owners have for over a decade asked the City to head up an effort to dredge the canals. The City has done that, spending close to $3 million in court to determine who actually owns the canals—the State, and committing to invest more than $2 million in actual project costs. Add to those costs an abundance of City staff time and resources.

The City has pursued and continues to pursue all avenues for funding assistance for this project. These include federal and state agencies, potential public and private grants, and more.

An untrue rumor continues to persist among some property owners that the nearby Town of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, used Town funds to have similar canals in its jurisdiction dredged for the homeowners who live along them.

North Myrtle Beach City Council and staff visited Ocean Isle Beach, toured the canals located there, and talked directly with the town’s Mayor about how the canals are dredged. Ocean Isle Beach has never spent Town funds to dredge the canals located there. All dredging costs have been paid for by those who own property along the canals that are dredged because they are the primary beneficiaries of the dredging. Those same property owners continue to pay into a canal maintenance fund. Following their initial dredge, maintenance dredges have become less expensive.

In summary, it would be illogical for any property owner to expect a better answer as to how to fund this project. All funding avenues have been explored and, thus far, exhausted. The only possible result of lawsuits regarding this project would be for the City to have to abandon this project, which, again, it was requested to accomplish by canal property owners. Left unattended, the channels will eventually fill in to the point where they are no longer navigable even at high tide. The City hopes that this does not occur.

 

This letter was posted by the City of North Myrtle Beach  February 5 at 2:48pm ·

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Coastal Lifestyle Vacations Rolls Out Golf Packages

Golf-DirectorOn the heels of USA Today Reader’s Choice 10Best selecting Myrtle Beach the best golf vacation destination in the United States – Coastal Lifestyle Vacations, LLC and The Golf Director have formed a strategic alliance to develop golf packages for Myrtle Beach vacationers.

Coastal Lifestyle Vacations looks to boost bookings for vacation rental accommodations during the golf vacation season referred to as the shoulder months which fall before and after summer vacation weekly rental peak season, as well as those golfers who enjoy golfing in Myrtle Beach during the winter months.

The alliance will also provide Coastal Lifestyle Vacations guests the ability to receive golf discounts for those who decide to play a round or two of golf during their stay.

Guests will receive direct access to The Golf Director for golf packages through Coastal’s websites, social media sites, email invitations during the booking process, in room promotions, and other points of communications.

The alliance plans to deliver executive golf package services to include rounds of golf, limousine transportation, upscale accommodations in vacation rentals, and other luxuries to provide a first class Myrtle Beach golf vacation experience.

Click here to book your next golf vacation.

About Coastal Lifestyle Vacations:
Coastal Lifestyle Vacations services provide Grand Strand, SC investment homeowners with vacation programs and property management solutions that ensure properties maintain its appeal, increase the desirability for booking, deliver highest level of service, maximize vacation rental income, and build home equity. Coastal Lifestyle Vacations, LLC located at 1908 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach is the vacation rental arm of Century 21 Coastal Lifestyles.

About The Golf Director:
The Golf Director (TGD) is a digital communications platform developed with the goal to provide amateur golfers with the convenience of a single stop for golf course news, reviews, tournament calendars, local accommodations, dining, tee time reservations, golf vacation packaging, and more for a variety of golf destinations.

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Myrtle Beach Earns Top Slot for Facebook Checkins

facebook-checkinMyrtle Beach spring break vacationers over the age of 25 including Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and the Millenniums have checked in on Facebook  to more places than any other spring break location this year. Myrtle Beach has grown in popularity with families and empty nesters.

There are so many things to do here that are family friendly, vacationers keep coming back to revisit some attractions and restaurants, while trying new things, as well.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, world class golf courses, and a few rounds of putt-putt, there are so many attractions new and old for vacationers to enjoy.

Among the favorite attractions – Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium, Barefoot Landing, OD Pavilion, Family Kingdom, Myrtle Waves, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Alabama Theater, Sky Wheel, and many more.

Myrtle Beach also topped the AOL Travel Spring Break Crawl adding to its growing list of accolades from top travel sources like Homeaway, Trip Advisor, and other well recognized travel related services.

The spring break season is upon Myrtle Beach, and lots more vacationers are on their way.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach We hope your enjoy your family vacation with us.