Tips for Buying a Home Archives - North Myrtle Beach Real Estate Sales Blog

October 30, 2023October 30, 2023

North Myrtle Beach Condos vs. Houses – Which is Right for You

Outside of Condo Building in Little River, SC on the left side with beige siding and blue railings with doors, green grass and right side picture shows a beach house in North Myrtle Beach with palm trees and a cotton candy color sky

When considering purchasing the perfect property in North Myrtle Beach, you’re faced with a significant decision – should you go for a condo or a house? Each has advantages, and we at North Beach Realty will be by your side the entire way. We will help you explore the options and help you determine which one suits your needs and preferences.

The Appeal of North Myrtle Beach Houses

Typical summer day in Myrtle Beach showing beach homes

North Myrtle Beach houses offer a compelling choice for those who value space, privacy, and a sense of ownership. Houses come with several advantages over condos in the area. Let’s look below at what those are:

Space and Privacy – Houses typically provide more room than condos, making them an excellent fit for larger families or individuals who enjoy having extra entertaining, hobbies, or storage space.

Customization – With a house, you will have the freedom to personalize your living space. Whether landscaping, interior design, or home improvements, you can make your house unique. Design the perfect chef’s kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, or add an extra bedroom to give you more space for guests.

Rental Income Potential – Many houses in North Myrtle Beach can be lucrative rental properties. They are ideal for accommodating extended families or groups of friends, offering versatility for generating rental income.

The Attraction of North Myrtle Beach Condos

Looking up low angle view on resort hotel condo condominium apartment complex building at oceanfront waterfront beachfront in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at sunset

Condos, on the other hand, are known for their convenience and amenities. We can introduce you to a world of possibilities in the condo world below:

Low Maintenance – Condos often come with lower maintenance responsibilities. They are perfect for those who want a carefree property, making it an ideal option for vacation homeowners or individuals seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle.

Resort-Like Living – Many North Myrtle Beach condos offer on-site amenities right at your doorstep. You’ll have the opportunity to see what it’s like to have resort-like living experiences, such as pools, fitness centers, and direct access to the beach.

Budget-Friendly Options – If you’re searching for more budget-friendly options, North Beach Realty can help you explore a variety of condos. Some of them include choices suitable for first-time buyers and investors.

Considerations When Choosing Your North Myrtle Beach Property

As you decide whether you’d like a condo or a house, numerous factors should be considered. Your choice will ultimately be shaped by various elements such as your budget, location preferences, the potential for rental income, and the amenities that align with your lifestyle. It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully to ensure that your investment in North Myrtle Beach real estate meets your unique needs and expectations.

With North Beach Realty’s support, you can decide between a North Myrtle Beach condo or a house. We are here to assist you every step of the way, offering our expertise to help you make an informal decision. Whether you choose a cozy condo or a spacious home, you’re sure to enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle North Myrtle Beach offers. Reach out to one of our North Beach Realty agents to begin your journey toward finding the perfect property today!

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023

4 Important Steps in Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

New detached houses in a residential district in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA on a sunny day.

Are you considering purchasing a new home or relocating to North Myrtle Beach? If the answer is yes, let us share some helpful tips with you. Now that you’ve decided to move to the area, allow one of our agents here at North Beach Realty to help you make the other big decision. See the four important steps in finding the perfect neighborhood below.

What Are Your Priorities

Now that you’ve decided to purchase a home in North Myrtle Beach, setting your priorities is next. This can be a big thing for many families as it helps us identify the best neighborhoods for your family. We may ask you questions: do you want to live in a small setting where everyone knows each other? Or would you like to live in a big community with endless things to do? After you answer those few questions, we can continue searching for your perfect new home.

What Type of Amenities do you Want

The second thing that you will want to choose is the types of amenities the neighborhood may offer. Do you want to hang out at the neighborhood pool all summer? Does the community offer a clubhouse or a park that the kids can play in? Are there walking trails for you to enjoy? Once you have narrowed down what kind of amenities you’d like in the neighborhood will help us determine where we’d like to show you homes.

Are Kids Part of the Picture?

The third thing that we will ask you is if you have any kids in the family. Knowing this can help us picture the perfect neighborhood for you. Say you found the perfect home, but it is in a 55+ community. That is not ideal in purchasing if you have young kids. We will consider the ages of your children and locate a few homes close to excellent schools depending on their ages. Or we could find a home with many children in the community for your kids to make new friends and get along with them.

What is the Noise Level?

Irritated woman sit on sofa cover ears with hands annoyed by noisy neighborhood suffers from headache wishes silence.

The fourth thing we will check is what kind of noise level you are looking for. Do you want to be in a community with many bars, restaurants, or live entertainment? Are you looking for a quieter neighborhood where you can’t hear trains, planes, or traffic buzzing? This knowledge will help us find the perfect home in the ideal community that fits your needs and wants.

Once you have answered these questions above and are ready to make that move, give us a call. Our agents at North Beach Realty are ready to help you and your family find your perfect neighborhood here on the Grand Strand!

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

Buy Your Beach Home This Fall in North Myrtle Beach

Are you and your family looking to purchase a beach home in the North Myrtle Beach area this fall? If the answer is yes, then allow us at North Beach Realty to help with your purchase. We know that this is a big decision to make, and you want to make sure that you find the perfect home. Whether it will be your permanent home or a vacation rental, there are so many reasons why the fall is the best time to make that big purchase. Let’s look below to see why purchasing your beach home in the fall is the best in North Myrtle Beach.

Motivated Sellers

Many home sellers will either list their homes for sale in the spring or summer months, but did you know that you may find the best deals in the fall? Since kids will be back in school and life will seem to be back to normal, it’s the right time for many to list their homes. They may be dealing with a significant life change or may not have found their home in the peak season. This is a good thing because maybe you will find the best deal around, or you will find just the perfect home you’ve been looking for!

Less Competition

Another great reason why purchasing your home this fall is there will be less competition. Many buyers may have already found their dream home during the spring and summer months. This, in return, can be a great time of the year to find your dream home in North Myrtle Beach. Many buyers are ready to close on their homes before the holidays, so this can be another benefit for you and your family. No matter when you are looking for a home, we at North Beach Realty can help you find one.

Bargains for New Home Items

After you have closed on your new beach home, you may be looking for things to furnish it with. The fall months will typically have some fantastic deals on seasonal items such as fall bed sheets and comforters to rugs to protect your floors. You may be able to find a great deal on that new fridge you’ve been eying or that new bedroom suite. There are so many great things that you can furnish your home and decorate it for the fall season at bargain prices!

While there are many other reasons why the fall is the best time to buy your beach home in North Myrtle Beach, we wanted to share these with you. If you are currently looking for your perfect home in the area, then allow us at North Beach Realty to help with your search. We hope that you and your family will find your ideal beach home this season here on the Grand Strand!

May 31, 2020May 31, 2020

Now is the Time to Purchase Your Vacation Home in North Myrtle Beach

Have you and your family thought of purchasing a vacation home in the North Myrtle Beach area? If you have, then now is the time to get started with your search. We understand that finding the perfect home to become your vacation home is just the beginning and is so hard to choose. Our North Beach Realty Agents are ready to help you and your family find the right vacation home in the area to help allow you to sit back and relax.

What Kind of Vacation Home Do You Want?

This is often the hardest question for many families to answer because they all would like to have something different. For some, it may seem like having a condo within a resort is the way to go while others may want a standalone vacation home. The choices are unlimited when you are looking in North Myrtle Beach. Another part of this decision and question is how many will be vacationing with you each year. Knowing this will also help you in deciding you should go with a condo or vacation home!

Amenities of a Condo

For many families, they are often looking into what amenities come with a condo vacation home. This can, in return, help them decide if a condo will work for you and your family. Some of the amenities that will possibly come with your condo will vary depending on where you choose to purchase. If you decide to purchase your vacation home within a resort here is what you could have as some of the amenities:

Pool (Indoor or Outdoor)
Washer/Dryer in Unit
Trash Pickup
Fully Furnished Condo
Exercise Room

Another thing you may have to think about is when you purchase a condo vacation home, you will have an allowance of how many weeks you will have access to the condo. While some condos will allow you full access to it year-round, you may find that some of them will not. That is a big decision, but if you are a family who can’t sneak away anytime you choose, then maybe this is the best option for you!

Amenities of a Vacation Home

When you purchase a vacation home, you are buying a second home. This could be your home to live in a part-time of the year if you say live in colder states. It could also be used as a vacation rental that will allow you to allow other families into the home and let them have their dream vacation. Some of the amenities that you may find with your new vacation home are:

Pool
Access to the Beach
Oceanfront or Oceanview
More massive yard for family play
Full Kitchen and open layout of home
Backyard for your pets
Larger home for your family
Garage or storage

There are so many different options for your family when you purchase a vacation home in the area.

While there are many other options and reasons as to why you need to purchase your vacation home now, these are just a few reasons we wanted to share with you. If you’d like your vacation home to be in a neighborhood or oceanfront, we can help you find it! No matter how far-fetched your dream vacation home may be, our Agents at North Beach Realty are here to help you in your search!

March 26, 2019

What to Expect on the Day You Close on your Home

Are you purchasing a home in the North Myrtle Beach area and aren’t sure what to expect on the day of closing? We at North Beach Realty can help you with those questions of uncertainty that comes along when you buy or sell your home. Many want to know when their closing date will be and where will the closing take place? Anyone who may be buying a home for the first time generally have many questions to ask as they prepare to settle into their new life as a homeowner. Let’s look below at what you can expect on the day you close on your new home.

Where Will the Closing Take Place?

For many of our clients, we are often asked after an offer has been accepted is ‘Where will the closing take place?’ Closings are generally held at lawyers’ offices or they can be held at the title company that issued the title policy for the house. This is normally a very neutral place that has access to technology so the documents can be signed and verified. This can be a very neutral place that does have access to technology so the documents can be signed and verified. You will be told where the closing will be at by your real estate agent once a date is confirmed.

Who Will Be at the Closing?

We understand the importance of knowing who will be at the closing of your home. The buyers, sellers, lawyer, both Realtors will be at the closing. The mortgage lender may be there at the time of the closing so it can be a full table if everyone is there. Most times however it will be a small group at the time of the closing. There may be times where the buyers and sellers will go into the room at different times depending on the situation. If you have children, you can bring them along, but the process may be a little too long for the younger ones to sit through it.

What Will We Be Signing?

Many homeowners want to know what they will be signing on the day of closing and this is the important part. You’re closing documents will consist of the buyer’s packet and the seller’s packet. Most times the sellers will be the first to sign the paperwork as they normally have the least number of documents to sign. This process is the quickest of the whole day for everyone. Next up, it will be your turn to sign the documents. This is where you the buyer will go through each document and either initial or sign on the dotted line. During the time of signing your documents, you will also have to pay the closing costs too. While you are finishing up with signing, the funds will be verified and soon you will be on your way to your new home.

You will leave with your copy of the closing documents that you have just signed and the keys in your hands for your new home. If you are still on the hunt for a new home or vacation home in the North Myrtle Beach area, we’d love to help you find the one. And if you have just recently purchased a new home, congratulations and welcome to the area!

January 31, 2019

5 First Time Home Buyer Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Have you made the decision that now is the time to buy your first home in the Myrtle Beach area? Buying your first home can bring a high level of uncertainty and stress. There are many steps when buying a home and many first-time buyers are unaware of what steps they need to take when buying their first home. Unfortunately, many first-time home buyers who are unaware of the home buying process and can make some mistakes. These mistakes can often cost themselves thousands of dollars, frustration and possibly not being able to purchase their first home. We understand that it is important when you buy your first home that you understand what the most common first-time home buyer mistakes are and how to avoid them.

Not Getting a Pre-Approval for a Mortgage

The first mistake that any first-time home buyer can make is not getting “pre-approved” for a mortgage. As you prepared to purchase your first home you may hear the word “pre-qualification” being thrown around. You need to know there is a difference between a mortgage pre-approval and pre-qualification. A mortgage pre-approval is an in-depth look at your (the buyers) financial by a mortgage lender or bank in order to see the likelihood of getting a mortgage. A pre-approval will normally require the buyer to provide documents such as their tax returns, recent pay stubs and bank statements. A mortgage pre-qualification is just a general look at the buyer’s financials by a mortgage lender or bank to determine of the likelihood of getting a mortgage. A mortgage pre-approval will place you the buyer in the best light of the seller because the changes for you to get a mortgage is actually granted is greater.

Not Taking the Process of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent

The most important person that you will be relying on for guidance in purchasing your first home is a real estate agent. There are many reasons on why you should use a real estate agent when buying a home and the worst first time homebuyer mistakes is not using one. We always recommend that you do not use the same agent as the home seller is using. This can be a conflict of interest and can become very complicated to deal with. Also hiring a friend, family member or the very first agent you encounter can be a recipe for disaster. While a friend or family member may be a competent and successful agent, it’s not always the case. Since you are purchasing your first home this is a big deal and you want to have an agent who is guiding you through the process and not choosing what they think is the perfect home for you. We at North Beach Realty have many real estate agents who are well qualified to become your own agent in the process of buying your first home.

Factoring in Additional Expenses of Owning a Home

Many first-time home buyers will forget to factor in the additional expenses of home ownership. It’s important that you realize to factor in any additional expenses that come with owning a home. You may be wondering what those additional expenses may be but we can tell you they are monthly utilities, refuse, homeowners insurance and general maintenance. To help you with factoring in the additional expense we recommend creating a spreadsheet with your estimated home ownership costs. Creating a monthly budget will help you ensure that you don’t purchase a home you can’t afford and keep on track for being able to afford everything.

Relying on Online Home Value Estimates

As a first-time home buyer, you may struggle on how to determine how much to offer for the home once you find one you love. One way to embarrass yourself when making an offer is to believe the home values you may see online. It’s likely you have seen different websites online that will give you an estimate on what the house is worth, but many are just calculated using an algorithm. We have seen many of the estimates online either be too high for what the home is really worth or too low.

The only true way to find out what the home is worth is to have an appraisal done on the home when you purchase it. Then you will know that you are making a fair offer on your dream home. Having an experienced real estate agent will help you with making a fair offer on the home as well so you will be able to purchase your dream home.

Not Doing the Home Inspection

When you are in the first stages of buying your first home one of the most important steps in the process is the inspection phase. Skipping the home inspection is one of the worse first-time home buyers’ mistakes and here is why. There are a ton of reasons that will make you want to skip the home inspection even if it’s on a new home, but it can help save you time and money in the long run. Having an inspection done on your prospective home can protect you from a home that may need a lot of home repairs. The home inspector can also see if there is structural issues or mold present in the home. These are just a few red flags that you want to watch for when purchasing a home and may help you save thousands of dollars just by doing a home inspection.

Buying your first home is a very exciting event and time but it’s important that you don’t let your excitement get in the way of these common mistakes. As you are going through the process of buying a home, and you have any questions then to please allow us to answer them for you during the process of finding the perfect home. We at North Beach Realty want to help you find your perfect dream home and want this process to go as smooth as it can in being first time home buyers.

Category: Tips for Buying a Home