Nestled in the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Clear Pond stands out as one of the most sought-after neighborhoods. Renowned for its exceptional amenities, this community boasts a community clubhouse, fitness center, two pools, volleyball and bocce ball courts, and more. Clear Pond offers an array of homes constructed by various builders, providing diversity in architectural styles. Its pedestrian-friendly design incorporates well-maintained walking paths, making strolls throughout the neighborhood a breeze. With a commitment to fostering a strong sense of community, Clear Pond organizes monthly events to facilitate neighborly connections. The community's low monthly HOA fee covers these outstanding amenities, as well as convenient weekly trash pick-up services. Clear Pond truly epitomizes a vibrant and welcoming residential haven in Myrtle Beach.

Clear Pond Community Tour:

Ah, the holidays – a time for joy, merriment, and creating unforgettable memories with loved ones. If you're looking for a unique and vibrant holiday experience, look no further than Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This coastal gem offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, ensuring you'll have a holiday season to remember. Here are five fantastic things to do in Myrtle Beach during the holidays:

1. Stroll Along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade:

One of the best ways to soak in the holiday spirit is with a leisurely stroll along the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Lit up with twinkling lights and decked out in festive decorations, this scenic oceanfront promenade is the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. You can also enjoy live music and entertainment, indulge in delicious treats from the snack shacks, or shop for unique gifts at the boardwalk's boutique shops.

2. Visit Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles:

Brookgreen Gardens, a historic sculpture garden just south of Myrtle Beach, hosts a magical event during the holiday season called "Nights of a Thousand Candles." Imagine strolling through beautiful gardens illuminated by thousands of twinkling candles, sparkling holiday lights, and enchanting music. It's a breathtaking sight and an ideal way to get into the holiday spirit.

3. Explore Ripley's Aquarium for a Festive Underwater Wonderland:

Ripley's Aquarium is a year-round must-visit attraction in Myrtle Beach, and during the holidays, it becomes even more enchanting. The aquarium transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling holiday lights and decorations. Don't miss the chance to meet Santa Claus while he dives with the fish in the massive underwater tunnel.

4. Embark on a Holiday Shopping Spree at Broadway at the Beach:

For those who love to shop till they drop, Myrtle Beach offers the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and enjoy a dose of retail therapy. Head to Broadway at the Beach, a popular entertainment and shopping complex that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Explore a wide array of boutique stores, gift shops, and specialty stores where you can pick up souvenirs, one-of-a-kind finds, and holiday decorations. It's the ideal place to cross off items on your holiday shopping list while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus, don't miss the festive light displays and the chance to meet Santa Claus for a memorable holiday photo.

5. Experience the Magic of "The Carolina Opry Christmas Special":

"The Carolina Opry Christmas Special" is a beloved holiday tradition that's been entertaining audiences for years. This festive show combines a dazzling array of talent, including singing, dancing, and holiday comedy, all set against a backdrop of spectacular lighting and decorations. It's a fantastic way to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season with your loved ones.

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the holiday season takes on a special, sun-soaked charm that's unlike any other. From strolling along the boardwalk to enjoying unique holiday events, there's something for everyone. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and head to Myrtle Beach for an unforgettable holiday season filled with cheer, relaxation, and delightful experiences. Happy holidays!

Want the incredible views that golf course has to give but with little home maintenance? Look no further than this condo in Magnolia Place. This two bedroom, two bathroom condo has incredible views of the pond and Myrtlewood Golf Course. Centrally located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina you'll find this condo checks many boxes. Low monthly HOA fee includes all utilities except electric and HO6 insurance. This second floor unit comes equipped with an elevator in the building for easy access. 

Lauderdale Bay Condo Tour

This 4th floor condo has incredible views of the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach! This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is spacious throughout and has a balcony that extends the width of the entire condo. You also have view of the Arrowhead golf course across the waterway. Extra storage and one assigned parking space in the garage underneath the building. Lauderdale Bay is centrally located and close to grocery stores, shopping, the airpot and the beach!

For more information about Condos for sale in Lauderdale Bay or to schedule a showing please call/text Olivia Leskoske at (803) 673-3311 today!

Can you believe this year is one quarter of the way over already?!  Over the past month we've seen a higher amount of closed sales in single family homes and condos in Horry county. We're still experiencing lower inventory than years past. Large builders are seeing a surplus in inventory and allowing offers on their homes. 

If you're in town this month for spring break or Easter weekend, be sure to check out all that's going on in the area. Lots of great events and activities to enjoy the outdoors before the heat of the summer rolls in!

Horry County Residential:  

• 812 closed sales with a median list price of $359,999
• Median days on market is 125
• The median selling price is $355,375 with homes selling at 98.7% of asking price
•  

Horry Country Condos/Townhomes:  

• 481 closed sales with a median list price of $239,900
• Median days on market is 66
• The median selling price was $230,000 with condos/townhouses selling at 96% of asking price

Info based on sales from 3/1 - 3/31

Things to do in Myrtle Beach

Food Truck Festival

March 31 - April 2

Downtown Myrtle Beach 

Three days of food truck fun! This event includes live music, vendors and food from over 50 different food trucks. Come enjoy the beautiful weather. 

Pelicans Opening Night

April 6 at 7:05pm

Ticket Return Field

It's opening night for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Come out to support you Minor League team. Make sure to stay afterwards for the Fireworks show!

Smoke on the Beach

April 7 - 8 

Downtown Myrtle Beach

Come watch the competition for the BBQ and anything but! This two day event features a car show, live music, food and drinks. Bring a chair and stay all day!

Dragon Boat Festival

April 19 9am - 4pm

Market Common

This is the 15th annual event to raise money for Ground Zero. Watch teams of 20 paddle and race for the number one spot. A great way to spend outdoors!

Making strategic home renovations can be a great way to add value to your property. Not all home improvements are created equal, however. Some will do very little to increase the resale value of your home while others will actually end up costing you more money than they add. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at three types of home renovations that almost always increase the value of your home.

Bathroom Renovations

One of the best ways to add value to your home is to renovate your bathrooms. A well-designed bathroom is not only functional but also stylish and inviting. If your bathroom is outdated or in need of repair, it can drag down the entire value of your home. A minor bathroom renovation, such as new flooring, fixtures, and paint, can go a long way towards increasing the resale value of your home. For a more significant return on investment, you may want to consider a major renovation that includes expanding the size of the bathroom, adding luxury features like heated floors or a rainfall showerhead, or even converting an unused room into a brand-new bathroom.

Kitchen Renovations

Another great way to add value to your home is to renovate your kitchen. Like bathrooms, kitchens are one of the most important rooms in a house and can have a major impact on resale value. If your kitchen is outdated or in need of repair, it can be a major turnoff for potential buyers. Even minor kitchen renovations, such as new countertops, appliances, and paint, can go a long way towards increasing the resale value of your house. For a more significant return on investment, consider undertaking a major kitchen renovation that involves expanding the size of the kitchen or adding luxury features like granite countertops or stainless steel appliances.

Flooring Renovations

Flooring is another important element in any home renovation project. Outdated or damaged floors can be a major turnoff for potential buyers and can drag down the overall value of your home. Replacing old carpet with new hardwood floors or tile is a great way to increase the resale value of your house. You may also want to consider refinishing existing hardwood floors if they are in good condition but just look dated. Refinishing hardwood floors is a much less expensive option than replacing them and can still have a significant impact on resale value. 

Home renovations are a great way to add value to your property – but not all renovations are created equal. Some will actually end up costing you more money than they add in resale value while others will provide you with a healthy return on investment when it comes time to sell your house. When planning any home renovation projects, be sure to keep these three things in mind: 1) focus on renovating key rooms like bathrooms and kitchens; 2) choose high-quality materials that will appeal to potential buyers; and 3) avoid any unnecessary additions or customization that could turn potential buyers off from buying your house altogether. If you keep these guidelines in mind, you’ll be well on your way towards increasing the resale value of your home!

Buying a home for the first time can be an exciting, but intimidating experience. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process and make mistakes that can lead to expensive consequences. Here are five pitfalls you should avoid when buying your first home. 

Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Most sellers won’t even consider offers from buyers who don’t have pre-approval letters from lenders. Getting pre-approved is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process because it tells sellers that you’re a serious buyer and that you have enough money to purchase their house. Additionally, it will give you an idea of how much house you can afford and what kind of interest rate you can expect on your mortgage loan. 

Skimping on Inspections

It may be tempting to save some money by skipping out on professional inspections, but this is not a good idea. Professional inspections are essential when buying a home because they help identify potential problems with the property that could cost thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. Make sure to hire experienced professionals who know what they’re looking for and can provide thorough reports about the condition of the property before signing any contracts or making any commitments. 

Underestimating Closing Costs

Closing costs refer to all of the fees associated with purchasing a home, such as lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees and more. These costs can add up quickly so it’s important to budget for them ahead of time by speaking with your lender about these fees before submitting an offer on a property. 

Not Shopping Around for Loans

Don’t just take whatever loan terms your lender offers; shop around and compare rates from different lenders to ensure you are getting the best deal possible on your loan terms and interest rate. This could potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan so it pays off (literally) to do some comparison shopping first! 

Not Asking Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the process—from your real estate agent, lender, attorney or anyone else involved in helping you purchase your dream home! It's important that you understand every step of this complex process so don't hesitate to ask questions if something doesn't make sense or if there is something else you'd like clarified before moving forward with any contracts or agreements during this process! 

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting experience but it also requires patience and preparation in order to avoid costly mistakes along the way. Keep these five pitfalls in mind as you progress through each step of this journey toward finding and purchasing your perfect dream home! With careful planning and research beforehand, you'll be able to confidently move through each step without worrying about unexpected surprises or costly mistakes down the line! Good luck!

As a real estate agent, I understand that buying a home can be daunting, especially for first-time home buyers. To help ease your concerns, I've compiled a list of 10 of the most common questions asked when buying a home, along with the answers. 

1 - How much home can I afford?

To determine how much home you can afford, you should consider your monthly income, expenses, and debts. A general rule of thumb is that your mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your monthly income. Use a mortgage calculator to help estimate what you can afford.

2 - What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of how much you can borrow based on the information you provide to your lender. Pre-approval is a more detailed process involving completing a mortgage application, providing documentation, and undergoing a credit check. Pre-approval gives you a more accurate idea of what you can afford and helps you stand out to sellers.

3 - What are closing costs?

Closing costs are the fees associated with buying a home, such as title insurance, property taxes, and loan fees. These costs typically amount to 2-5% of the home's purchase price and are paid at the time of closing.

4 - What is earnest money?

Earnest money is a deposit the buyer makes to show their commitment to purchasing the home. This money is held in escrow and applied to the down payment at closing. If the sale falls through due to contingencies, the earnest money is typically returned to the buyer.

5 - What are contingencies?

Contingencies are conditions that must be met before the home sale can be finalized. Common contingencies include a home inspection, financing, and appraisal.

6 - How long does it take to buy a home?

The timeline for buying a home varies depending on the individual situation. On average, the home-buying process takes around 30-45 days. However, it can take longer or shorter, depending on factors like the housing market, financing, and negotiations.

7 - How much should I offer on a home?

The amount you should offer on a home depends on several factors, including the home's market value, the condition of the home, and the seller's motivation. Work with your real estate agent to determine a fair offer based on the comparable properties in the area.

8 - What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough examination of the home's structure, systems, and components, such as the roof, foundation, electrical, and plumbing. A home inspection can uncover potential issues with the home and can help buyers make an informed decision about whether to move forward with the sale.

9 - What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. Home warranties can provide peace of mind for buyers who are concerned about unexpected repairs after purchasing a home.

10 - What should I do before closing?

Before closing, you should conduct a final home walk-through to ensure that any repairs or agreed-upon items have been completed. You should also review the closing documents carefully, be prepared to pay closing costs, and sign the final paperwork.

Buying a home can be an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming experience. With these common questions answered, you can feel more confident in your home-buying journey. Remember, working with a trusted real estate agent can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful home-buying experience.

Market Update

Horry County Residential:  

• 513 closed sales with a median list price of $359,900
• Median days on market is 111
• The median selling price is $350,930 with homes selling at 97.5% of asking price
•  

Horry Country Condos/Townhomes:  

• 280 closed sales with a median list price of $236,000
• Median days on market is 79
• The median selling price was $226,000 with condos/townhouses selling at 96% of asking price
•  

**Info based on sales from 1/1 - 1/31

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Winter Warmer

February 18

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Mini beer fest featuring local brews from Crooked Hammock, Tidal Creek and Grand Strand Brewing. The theme of the winter warmer are stouts and they're even making a curling board for fun!

Ripley's Penguin Dash 5K Run

February 18

Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway 

This is a first year event to help raise funds for Horry County Schools. Choose from a classic 5K or 1 mile fun run. Finishers can enjoy breakfast afterwards and the hot chocolate bar with smores.

2023 Spring Home Show

February 3 - 5

Myrtle Beach Convention Center

This show has more than 150 exhibitors showcasing their products and services and is the perfect opportunity for you to research many different companies and products. 

Rooftop Yoga

Saturday Mornings - 9:30 

RipTydz

Enjoy ocean views without sand getting in your way! Grab your mat and meet at RipTydz for an all levels yoga flow. All levels are welcome, no experience is necessary!

If you're looking for an oceanfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach, you can't go wrong with our selection. Whether you're looking for a place to sit back and relax with family or friends, or something that is more upscale and romantic, we've got a great choice of eateries for you.

RipTydz

Located on the beach, RipTydz is a great place to enjoy the views and enjoy some seafood. The restaurant has a nautical theme, with ship's wheel lights and wooden tables that are reminiscent of an old-fashioned bar. There are also plenty of televisions for those who want to watch games while they eat, which will make you feel like you're not alone in your desire to be stuck on land!

The menu features many options for those looking for something different than traditional southern cuisine (think crab cakes). It also has several items that can be made vegetarian or vegan if needed—just ask your server!

RipTydz offers happy hour drinks specials daily from 3pm–6pm (make sure you ask when making reservations) as well as live music every Friday night at 8pm during summer months only; otherwise DJs spin tunes throughout dinner hours until 10pm nightly year round except Christmas Eve/Christmas Day when doors close at 9pm due out back patio area where guests can enjoy their meals under bright white tents before retiring indoors

Bummz Beach Cafe

The Bummz Beach Cafe is a family-owned restaurant offering casual dining and takeout. It's located on North Myrtle Beach Parkway in the heart of the Myrtle Beach area, near the south end of Dunes Drive. The menu at this restaurant features appetizers such as wings, salads and sandwiches—but if you're looking for something more substantial than those options, there are plenty of burgers to choose from on their extensive menu. They also have seafood offerings like lobster tacos or shrimp tacos with rice and beans.

The hours vary depending on whether they're serving lunch or dinner (lunch runs from 11:30am - 2pm; dinner runs 4pm - 9:30pm), but reservations are recommended due to high demand during peak times (weekends).

Wicked Tuna at 2nd Ave Pier

Wicked Tuna at 2nd Avenue Pier is a seafood restaurant and bar that's open for lunch and dinner. The menu features an assortment of fresh fish, including salmon, swordfish and tuna. You can also choose from a selection of shrimp or oysters on the half shell as well as appetizers like mussels in white wine sauce or calamari with spicy marinara sauce. They have a full bar with fresh cocktails served alongside their tasty dishes—and they even offer kids' meals!

Sea Captain's House.

Sea Captain's House is a seafood and steakhouse located in the oceanfront district of Myrtle Beach. The restaurant has been serving up great food since 1998, making it one of the oldest restaurants on this list. It's a great place to enjoy sea views while enjoying your meal or watching sports on TV.

The menu at Sea Captain's House offers both American favorites like burgers and sandwiches as well as international favorites including shrimp creole, crab cakes, jambalaya rice bowls and more! You can also choose from salads if you're looking for something lighter than the typical fast food fare offered by most other dining establishments along Ocean Blvd., but don't worry—there are plenty of other options available here too!

Damon's 

Damon's is a beachfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach that serves up southern cuisine.

The menu includes everything from seafood to burgers, so you're sure to find something for everyone at Damon's.

They even have an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal under the stars or inside if it's raining outside!

Their hours vary depending on what time of year you visit, but they generally serve lunch and dinner on weekdays and weekends only in high season (May through October). In low season they close earlier so check ahead before making reservations.

Tin Roof

Tin Roof is a great choice for beach-goers who want to enjoy their meal in the sun. It's located on the oceanfront, so you can see the waves crashing against the shore and other boats passing by. The menu offers everything from burgers to fish tacos and chicken wings. If you're looking for something more traditional, they also have steak tips on their menu as well as some pasta dishes that would be perfect after spending all day at the beach!

The atmosphere at Tin Roof is relaxed but still fun: live music plays every night during dinner hours (starting at 5pm) while patrons lounge around outside waiting for their food or drinks before heading inside again once it arrives. You'll love how friendly everyone here seems because they always remember your name when they see you come up during happy hour; this makes me feel like they must really care about making sure everyone has a good time while visiting our fair city!

Banditos 

Banditos is a Mexican restaurant that has been serving up tasty Tex-Mex cuisine since 1983. Located on North Ocean Boulevard, it's open for lunch and dinner every day, with a full bar available as well. The Banditos menu includes tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more; if you're looking for something different than what they offer on the regular menu (and who isn't?), they also have an extensive list of specialty cocktails like margaritas and sangrias!

You'll want to head over after work if you want to hear some live music—they host performances every weekend from 6 p.m.-10 p.m., so there's no excuse not to get there early enough so that you can enjoy your meal before heading out into the night air with friends (or alone).

8th Ave Tiki Bar and Grill

The 8th Ave Tiki Bar and Grill is a great place to spend the evening with friends or family. Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach’s nightlife, this restaurant offers an assortment of dishes that are sure to please everyone in your group.

The menu features seafood as well as other types of cuisine like pasta, burgers and salads. The prices are reasonable and you can expect friendly service from their staff members who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about their food options.

Pier 14 Restaurant and Bar

The best part about this restaurant is that it's right on the beach, so you can enjoy your meal while watching waves crash against the shore. The menu features American favorites such as wings and salads, as well as some more adventurous options like lobster rolls or steaks. There are also great drinks to choose from, including martinis and margaritas made with fresh-squeezed citrus juices from their own garden!