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Must Have Tools for your Home

Must Have Tools for your Home

Owning your home can be an adventure in itself, but when something breaks you want to be able to fix it on your own, rather than hiring someone else. So, having your own tools is a must when you become a homeowner and we know which ones you must have. Luckily, you don’t need to have an arsenal of tools to handle most home maintenance fixes. We at North Beach Realty know what you need to have to keep your home in order especially when you’re a new homeowner.

Drill and Drill Bits

Must Have Tools for your Home

Having a multipurpose drill can be handy with a multiple of tasks around the house. From hanging up curtain rods to building a project in the garage, it’s nice to have a battery powered drill in the house. And when it comes to having drill bits in the house, we know that this is important for fixing things that may need some reinforcement. Getting a quality drill and drill bits can be found at just about any hardware store and sometimes you may find a good deal on one.

Crescent Wrench – Adjustable

While many others may suggest you have a wrench set, we don’t think you need to. The reason being is getting an adjustable crescent wrench will be just perfect. If you’d like to have a few that is better than spending a lot of money on a set that you won’t use often. The adjustable we like because you can adjust it to the size of the nuts or bolts that you will be working with in your home repairs. Some self-adjusting wrenches are self-ratcheting so that means that you won’t have to remove them from the bolt to tighten it.

Hammers

Must Have Tools for your Home

Having more than one hammer in your home is ideal for every homeowner. You might want to get a heavyweight one that can handle larger nails and a lightweight one for smaller projects. For most projects just, a basic hammer with the claw on the back is what you will need. We have found that having one inside the house and one in the garage is all you should need to complete any project. From hanging pictures to working on a new project for the house, having the right hammer is all you need in your home.

Hacksaw

Many have seen others use a hacksaw in the movies to cut down trees in the forest but having them in your house is a good thing too. They are a good cutting tool that you can use that is larger than a utility knife and you can get one for less than $20 at the hardware store. For some home projects that are good to have around in case you want to cut pipes (plastic or metal), tubing, wood, brackets and bolts. It’s a great tool to have around for those home projects you may want to do.

Variety of Hardware

Must Have Tools for your Home

Keeping a good selection of general purpose nails and screws on hand is what you want in your home. You can get a small organizer to store them into in your garage or workshop. You can always have a selection on hand so that when you are working on that specific project, you know right where to head to for it. Plus, if it’s clear then you can see if you’re running low and need to get more at the store. Another thing to have in your toolbox is a level and a tape measure. These can help you when it comes to hanging a shelf or even a picture onto your walls.

Utility Knife

Utility knives are always good to have throughout the home but away from children. They can be used for all sort of things such as opening boxes, making precision cuts, scoring, cutting tops off glue bottles and more. Many homeowners like to keep a small supply of them and they aren’t too expensive to replace either. But if you happen to get a good quality one, then you can just purchase replacement blades and hang onto the good ones.

Step Stool & Ladder

Must Have Tools for your Home

As a homeowner you want to get a sturdy step stool that you can keep inside of your home. We know that standing on a chair can be just as simple, but what if that chair isn’t high enough to reach the light in the kitchen or the bedroom closet. Having a step stool will not only help you reach those lightbulbs or cobwebs in the corners but will also keep you safe as well. Getting a good extension ladder is ideal for any outdoor project you may have. From cleaning out the gutters to putting lights up during the holidays, having one in your home is just what you need.

Screwdrivers

Yes, you may have your drill to assist you in this, but sometimes a drill may not be needed for a project. So, having a set of screwdrivers is perfect for your toolbox and home. There are many different types of screwdrivers so make sure you have a Phillips, slotted or one that has interchangeable heads will do. No matter how big or small the project is, having a good quality screwdriver is necessary in any home.

While there are many other tools that keeping in your home is a great thing for handy projects for around the home, these are the ones we thought would help you get a good start on things. Having a few other items around the home such as safety gloves and eye projection is a must in any home! If you aren’t a homeowner yet, but have been thinking of purchasing a home, please allow us at North Beach Realty to assist you. We look forward to helping you find your next dream home in North Myrtle Beach!

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How to Prepare Your Home for Thanksgiving

How to Prepare Your Home for Thanksgiving

For many families, Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season and it will be here before you know it. Next week to be exact and if you haven’t started to prepare your home for the day then allow us to help you. We at North Beach Realty know that the holidays can stress many homeowners out, but let this year be a little different. We have several tips on how to prepare your home for Thanksgiving this year and we hope that it will allow for a stress-free day with friends and family.

Plan Ahead

How to Prepare Your Home for Thanksgiving

Planning ahead is the best way to get the holiday started. If you know how many people are coming to dinner, start making a shopping list and make sure you have enough plates and silverware. If you know what you are going to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, make a menu so that if you need to call in reinforcements they know what to do. Go ahead and shop for your ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner and clean out the fridge and freezer. You want to make sure you have the space for that turkey. Being prepared can not only help you be organized for the day but also can make for a stress-free day.

Make Room in the Closet

Even though you may live in North Myrtle Beach, it doesn’t mean that your guests may not need a small jacket. If you have a coat closet in your foyer, then plan ahead and clear out any extra things and place in bedroom closets or get rid of it. Hang one coat or jacket up in the closet and then leave a hanger one for each person coming to Thanksgiving dinner. You don’t want to show your guests the mess that may lie in that closet, so clean it out this weekend.

Clean Your Home

We all know that cleaning your home can sometimes be the most stressful thing before having guests over for the holidays. You want to make sure that the home is perfect for anyone who visits, but sometimes it’s not about the house being perfect. Enlist some help in cleaning the house such as your kids or if they aren’t around, asking your spouse to pitch in. We know that sometimes just making sure that your home is picked up, vacuumed and dusted is what it’s all about. Decorate the home a bit with some fall like decorations such as fresh flowers in a vase, maybe a scented candle or just having a blanket folded neatly over your couch can help make the guests feel cozy.

Get the Guest Room Ready

How to Prepare Your Home for Thanksgiving

If you have family that happens to be staying with you for a few nights, you want to make sure the Guest Room is ready to go. It’s always a good idea to make sure that the space that they will be staying in is clean and welcoming. Make sure you have clean linens on the bed, vacuum the room and get rid of those dust bunnies. If you are open to having them connect to your wi-fi, then have a small card on the nightstand with the information. Make this room or rooms inviting for them to come stay with you more often throughout the year. Having family or friends around during the holidays just makes it more special.

While there are many other things that you can do to prepare your home for Thanksgiving, these are just a few we thought would help. If you happen to be searching for a home in the North Myrtle Beach area for you to call your own this year, please let us at North Beach Realty help you out. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.

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5 Reasons Why Owning a Home is Amazing

5 Reasons Why Owning a Home is Amazing

While many have thought of renting a home for their family, we at North Beach Realty can tell you 5 reasons why owning a home is amazing! From putting your own personalization into your living spaces to turning it for a profit when you sell it. There are many reasons why many first-time home buyers can’t wait to find a house and make it into their home. Look below at our top 5 reasons why you must own your own home!

Your House, Your Rules

5 Reasons Why Owning a Home is Amazing

Unlike when you are renting a home or apartment, you can make your own rules for your own home. When you rent a home, you are unable to do what you want to the house such as changing the wall color to hosting parties if you want to. When you own your home, you can plant a big garden, fence in the backyard or even adopt a few pets. There is no one telling you otherwise of what you can and can’t do to your home. You are in complete control of what happens at your home!

Take Advantage of Those Tax Deductions

When owning your home, you can say it’s like an investment. While that doesn’t mean that you can reap the financial rewards up front, you can still take advantage of the homes benefits later on. Did you know that the IRS allows homeowners to deduct their mortgage interest, property taxes and capital gains each year from their taxes? That does seem to help all those who have homes and are wanting to purchase a home. You definitely can’t do that when you rent a house or apartment. Instead the actual homeowners get to reap the rewards while you live in their home. Owning your own home mean that instead of paying rent to someone else, you can reap the rewards year after year in your home.

Customize the Space

5 Reasons Why Owning a Home is Amazing

Another great reason of why owning a home is amazing is you can customize it to make it your own. If you’d like to set up the bonus room as a giant home theater with the high-tech equipment, you can. Whether you’d like to paint the living room a bright color, or want to redo the kitchen, it’s totally up to you. Owning your own home gives you the freedom to do just about anything you want to it. Plus, if you want to add some other high-tech home gadgets to it like a digital thermometer or want to install a home security system, there is not one stopping you. Have fun with customizing it to the way you want your home to look like.

Settle Down

When you purchase a home, that means that you can settle down and put down some roots in the area. Many new couples or families are always looking to settle down and purchasing a home is the way to do it. Find a neighborhood that you love, that you would like to see your kids grow up in. Finding the right neighborhood is just what every family long for and we can assist you in finding the right one that fits your family’s needs. We know where all the best family neighborhoods are if you are wanting to be in a great community.

Earn Money Back Once You Sell

5 Reasons Why Owning a Home is Amazing

It is a known fact that the longer you live in your home, the more equity you will have. And finding a home in a budding neighborhood today can really help with your homes appreciation. Doing home projects will also help building equity in your home, so if you see that project on Pinterest and say, I can do that, do it. Earning money back after your initial investment in your home can go a long way. When it is the right time to sell your home, we would be more than happy to help you sell it.

Homeownership can be a very rewarding experience especially if you have the right tools, resources and realtor. If you are considering in purchasing your first home, please give us a call and let’s talk about what your plans are. We hope that we at North Beach Realty can help you and your family find your first home before the holiday season!

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6 Great Ways Your Kids Can Help Move

6 Great Ways Your Kids Can Help Move

Moving to a new home can be exciting but also stressful for both you and your kids. But if you allow your kids to help preparing to move, then it will be better on your whole family. Giving your kids some responsibilities will not only keep them entertained but will also make them feel important during this big move. We at North Beach Realty have 6 great ways your kids can help move. Let’s look at what the kids can do to help move or prepare to move to the North Myrtle Beach area.

House Hunting

6 Great Ways Your Kids Can Help Move

The first stage of moving is finding another home to live in. Let your kids provide you with some input on where to move to. Bring them when you go look at a house or two and ask for their opinions on the home. You will learn some important insights from them about what they thought of the house and what they didn’t. Finding a house just isn’t about what you like, but it’s what the whole family loves. This in the end will help you and your family find the perfect home.

Getting Rid of Things

When moving, one rule of thumb to remember is less is better. Honestly, you never know how much stuff you have until you start to pack. Then it seems that you find everything and anything that you haven’t used for years. A good rule of thumb for getting rid of things easier is if you haven’t used it in the past two years let it go. This goes for your kids too, if they have clothing or toys that they haven’t worn or played with in years, let it go. But allowing your kids to help get rid of things is the best as they can say what they want to bring with them to the new house. And if your kids have a hard time parting with something, just let them know that there are less fortunate children out there who have nothing. Most times, this works like a charm and it helps them feel like they are doing something special too.

Decorating the Boxes

6 Great Ways Your Kids Can Help Move

After you have packed up a box or more, let your kids decorate the boxes. Giving them access to designing the boxes with what is in them will help make the job go a long way. If your child can write, have them label each box as well. Asking them to help participate in with packing will help them adjust a little easier too. And when you are finished packing up each room, finding them will hopefully be a little easier. Just including your kids in something like decorating the boxes can make them more excited for moving.

Clean Up Time

After the house or say each room is packed up and hopefully on a truck headed to your new home, you will want to clean it. But cleaning the house on your own can be stressful in its own, so why not let your kids help. Even toddlers can help clean up like wiping down surfaces and sweeping corners. If you assign each kid with a cleaning task appropriate for their age then your old home will be clean in no time. By middle school, your kids should be capable of doing things such as vacuuming, dusting and wiping the fridge clean. Just remember to not give the tasks to your kids if it involves using a lot of chemicals. But asking for help with the dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and more can help you not feel so stressed out.

Pack an Essential Bag

Whenever you move, we understand that not everything is going to get packed away. Packing an essential bag for each member in the family will help you for before and after the move. For each kid, pack items such as their toothbrush, toothpaste, pajamas, favorite blanket or toy, and a few changes of clothes. When it comes to packing an essential bag for the older kids, give them a list of what they will need and have them pack it. That way it gives them the flexibility to pack what they want, but they are still sticking to the list you gave them. They will also feel more like an individual and grown up if they do it on their own.

Unpacking Mode

6 Great Ways Your Kids Can Help Move

Once you have moved into your new home, you want to get your kids involved in the unpacking process. Put them in charge of unpacking their own boxes for their new room. Let them put their books on their bookshelf or their clothes in their dresser or closet. Just remember that you can always go back and rearrange what they have done if you don’t like it. But asking for their help with unpacking can help you as well. Once they have finished their bedrooms, then you can ask them to help put away other boxes in the house. This will help them feel important and will have less anxiety about moving to a new home. Make this process fun for them as they too are adjusting to a new home too.

There are many other things or ways to help your child not be stressed about moving, but these are a few we thought you would like. If you haven’t moved yet but are thinking of moving, then please contact one of our North Beach Realty Team Members to help you. We hope that you and your family can have a stress-free move.

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5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Market

5 Tips for Preparing your Home for the Market

We understand that preparing your home to put on the market can be difficult, but we have 5 tips that can help you get your home ready to put on the market. We at North Beach Realty can help you with putting your home up on the market and getting the best value for your home. Let’s look below at a few steps and things you can do to help get your home ready to sell.

Make Lot’s of Closet Space

5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Market

When it comes to selling your home, storage is something that every home buyer is looking for. If they are coming from a small home or even an apartment, their storage space for closets have been limited. So here is a little tip for you, take half of the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize them. The buyers will snoop to see the closet space, so keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Heart of the Home is the Kitchen

We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where you as a family may have gathered to spend time together and it’s the kitchen that many home buyers are looking at. They are looking for a kitchen that feels like it was made just for them. If your cabinets are old or look outdated, then update them or change them a bit. You can do this without having to spend a ton of money to freshen it up. If you have a little extra money, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance for your kitchen. Reason being is when people see one high-end appliance, they think that the rest are expensive, and it updates the kitchen. Also, give the walls a new neutral color so that the new homeowners can envision their own style.

Take the Home out of your House

5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Market

One of the most important things to remember when selling your home is to depersonalize it. Take the more personal things out of the house or pack them away before staging your home. This helps because it not only keeps things private for you, but also allows the potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Staging is everything and you want to make sure that your furniture is arranged to showcase the floor plan the best. Make your home be the home that everyone wants!

Always Be Ready to Show

We understand that life can become busy and hard to want to keep clean. When you have your home on the market you have to always be ready for a potential homebuyer to come see the home. You have to have your home in tip-top shape and that means not leaving dirty dishes in the sink and keeping the dishwasher cleaned out. Also, it means making sure that your bathrooms are clean and there are no dust bunnies in the corners of your living room. It may seem like it could be an inconvenience but keeping your home clean will help it sell.

First Impression is the Only Impression

As potential homebuyers come in and see your home, the first impression is the only impression. Buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the front door. So, it’s important that you make people feel welcome, warm and safe as they approach your home. Curb appeal is everything, so sprucing up the landscaping will go a long way. You will typically get a 100% return on the money you put into your homes curb appeal. Make your entry way warm and inviting by adding a small bench, a console table with some fresh cut flowers in a vase.

5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Market

Now that you have completed the 5 tips on how to prepare your home for the market, allow us to help list it for you. We at North Beach Realty take pride in being your realtor and hope that we can help you find a new home in the process of selling yours. Give us a call today at 800-274-1105 and allow us to help you sell your home and find a forever home in the process.

 

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Naming Your Vacation Rental and Why It’s Important

Naming Your Vacation Rental and Why It's Important

Have you recently purchased a new beach home but it didn’t come with a name? Or did it come with a name but you don’t care for it and want a new one? We at North Beach Realty can tell you that having a name for your vacation rental is a must. Below are just a few of the reasons that naming your home is so important. 

Create a Brand for your Beach Vacation Home

A name is a way to establish an identity for your vacation home. It’s a way to build up a brand and help generate word of mouth marketing for you. A name is another way for guests to help remember your rental. We can guarantee you that when someone who stays in a vacation home a year from now is not going to remember a house number. They will instead remember the name of your home such as “Endless Summers” because when you vacation in Myrtle Beach it feels like the summers will never end.  It helps you in the long run with keeping the home booked for years to come. 

It’s your Vacation Homes Face to the World

Naming Your Vacation Rental and Why It's Important

Another good reason in naming your house is it gives your home and identity to the world. Your homes name is a way to attract new guests and help retain former ones. But be sure not to make it too long because let’s face it, who wants to remember a name that is way too long? You don’t want to make it something generic like 4-Bedroom House on the Blvd. Make it something that people can remember like “Shabby Chic by the Sea” or “Gone Coastal”.

It Tells a Story & Gives Guest Something to Remember

Whether your beach house is a personal vacation home or a vacation rental, give it a name that will tell a story. A story that you wouldn’t mind sharing in a welcome book that gives your guests more insight in the name of your home. It also is a good way to help give a lasting impression with your guests for making it more memorable knowing how you came up with the name. Also, if you are wanting those guests to return, this will help them want to come again. It also sets your house apart from the others. You house reflects who you are as a person whether it’s the style of the home, how you decorate it and even how you name it. 

How to Find the Best Name for Your Beach Home

When you are trying to come up with a name for your beach house, consider the brand you want to represent to your guests. Sometimes trying to find something that means the most to you and your family works best on the name of your home. Come up with something witty or really something you can see yourself never wanting to change. Make it a name that will be remembered for years to come by all your guests and their friends. 

North Beach Realty in North Myrtle Beach, SC can help make your home ownership dreams come true! Whether it’s for relocation, retirement, personal vacation, year-round or as an investment, allow us to help find your dream home. We look forward to working with you and helping your beach home become a reality!

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Mortgage comparison: 15 year vs 30 year

Determining whether to finance for 15 year or 30 year can be challenging.  With a 15 year mortgage you will pay significantly less interest, which is desirable for obvious reasons.  But that is only if you can afford the higher monthly payment.  A 30 year term will allow you to afford more home.  It depends on what is more advantageous for you personally.

Example:  $200,000 morgtgage

Interest rate for 15 years  4%

Interest rate for 30 years 4.5%

15 year monthly payment:  $1,479

30 year monthly payment:  $1,013

15 year term saves you $98,526 in interest but costs $466 more per month.

Weigh the options carefully before making a decision.


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