December is many people’s least favorite month. Let’s be real…nobody likes the cold! Autumn is a great blend of sunny days and pumpkin spice lattes, but December is just cold. Thankfully December has Christmas, or else it would probably be the most hated month of the entire year in the United States. Luckily, Myrtle Beach is one place that December can really rock due to the still pleasant weather, smaller than normal crowds, and the long list of great activities going on. We may not have included December in our post about the best times to visit Myrtle Beach, but that doesn’t mean it is a bad time to visit! This post will outline the 5 best things to do in Myrtle Beach in December. Some of these things popped up on our list of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in November, but many of them are fully unique to December.

1.     Check Out Winter Wonderland at the Beach

From the very beginning of the month and continuing every night until January 2^nd, one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach is heading out to the Winter Wonderland at the Beach. This wintertime attraction is located in downtown Myrtle Beach in the former pavilion. The Winter Wonderland at the Beach offers the chance to ice skate, watch some live shows, and enjoy beautiful light exhibits. This is a favorite among those who spend their winters in Myrtle Beach, and it really should not be missed. Whether you are looking for a great date opportunity, a night out with the family, or even some quality alone time to decompress from any holiday stress, the Winter Wonderland at the Beach is worth checking out. The only day it will not be open is on Christmas day.

2.     Go For a Drive Through the Great Christmas Light Show

Starting at 5:30pm every night this month, tourists and residents can head out to the Great Christmas Light Show, which is by far one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in December. This electrifying (see our pun?) spectacle lights up the sky with nearly two million glowing lights each night. A visit to the Myrtle Beach Great Christmas Light Show entails a mile and a half long drive through exhibit after exhibit, totaling over five hundred different light displays! From now until December 12^th, visitors can also head to Santa’s Workshop for some extra fun. This is a great event for the family, and if you have children you should make sure to go in time to pop into Santa’s Workshop. For more information on pricing and details, check out this great blog post.

3.     Catch a Viewing of one of Myrtle Beach’s Holiday Shows

Myrtle Beach loves bringing the seasons to life, and a great example of that is both of the famous holiday shows that Myrtle Beach is putting on this year. At the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach you can get tickets for The Carolina Opry Christmas Special with showtimes every weekday at 1:00pm and 7:00pm or at the Alabama Theatre you can get tickets for The South’s Grandest Christmas Show. Both productions are fantastic, and will provide lots of laughs, quality entertainment, and memories with your loved ones. Tickets for The Carolina Opry Christmas Special start at $42 and can be bought on the Carolina Opry website, and tickets for The South’s Grandest Christmas start at $44 and can be bought on the Alabama Theatre Website.

4.     Do Some Holiday Shopping at the Tanger Outlets, Barefoot Landing, or Broadway at the Beach

We’ve mentioned this is many of our posts, but Myrtle Beach has no shortage of great shopping options. Because of the immense tourist traffic that this region gets during its busy season, there are several premier shopping locations that have just about any store you can imagine. While you probably are not traveling to Myrtle Beach just to go shopping, this is a great activity to fill some downtime. Especially now as Christmas and other holidays are rolling around, you may be looking for the right time to go shopping for your loved ones anyway. Why not do it here in Myrtle Beach! From great deals at the Tanger Outlets, to lovely evenings out at Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach, you have plenty of great places to shop in the Grand Strand.

5.     Nights of a Thousand Candles

Nights of a Thousand Candles is an event hosted by Brookgreen Gardens and they are certainly one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in November. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night in December, Brookgreen Gardens hosts nights of entertainment with live music, hot cocoa, cider, and wine, and over 2,800 hand-lit candles in their main sculpture garden and arboretum. For $25-30 for adults and $12-15 for children, you gain access to the beautifully lit paths, hot beverages, and holiday-spirited live music. Be sure to buy your tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly!

There is no such thing as a bad month to visit Myrtle Beach, and hopefully this post has inspired you to come see all of the great things the Grand Strand has to offer during the holiday season. The weather will typically not dip too far past the 50s, meaning that checking out the best things to do in Myrtle Beach in December doesn’t mean you have to freeze in the process. With next to no crowds, you can experience all of these great Myrtle Beach holiday celebrations without the stress of waiting in lines and making reservations long ahead of time. Christmas in Carolina sounds so nice, they could make a movie about it!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, reach out to us for help. We at The Boyd Team are always here to help you figure out whether Myrtle Beach is your next home or not, and we are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

Featured image.

Alt: A family decorating a christmas tree in their new home.

Ways to make your new house feel like home during the holidays

Meta description: Moving into a new home in the near future? Here are a few ways to make your new house feel like home during the holidays!

Moving into a new house is a cause for excitement if there ever was one. And when you add the holidays into the mix, it can even get quite emotional. However, sometimes a relocation can feel odd and destabilizing as you leave the home you are so used to. Even if you have planned a complete remodel to make the property as accommodating to your taste as possible, you may lack that homely, warm vibe that is an inseparable part of indulging in the holiday season. However, there are several ways to make your new house feel like home during the holidays. So, do not hesitate to find out how you can do this!

Even though you might feel out of place in your new house during the holidays, you should not let this feeling overwhelm you. In fact, rather than fixating on this alienating state of mind, use the holidays as an opportunity to bring in an extra amount of cheer into the living space. In fact, there is hardly anything that can lift the mood as much as redecorating your home for the Christmas holidays. Let’s see how.

Start with a good declutter

Whether you are embarking on your moving preparations or already unpacking the boxes, a good declutter can be very gratifying. First of all, it will bring out all of the good memories, but also give you a sense of control over the relocation. In addition, it can help you sort your items in a much neater, efficient way. Use this as an opportunity to get rid of clutter and mark a new chapter in your life. So, embrace the good memories you attach to your old house and bring them into your new home. In this way, you will be able to bask in the good vibes brought about by the upcoming holiday season.

Declutter your belongings to start off a new period of your life fresh.

Alt: Boxes full of clutter. 

Not to mention that there is a practical benefit of doing a thorough declutter before or after you move into your new house. As you are going through your belongings and deciding how you want to combine your interior and holiday decor, you can choose which pieces of furniture fit into your new living space and which don't. You can disassemble the furniture that doesn't fit into your vision and keep it safe in a storage unit. It also helps you prepare the floor for decoration while reducing the number of items you have in your new home.

Bring in familiar sounds, smells, colors

It has been scientifically proven that smells evoke memories better than any other sense. So, in a way, familiar holiday scents can help you smell your new house and feel at home. Once you settle into your new home, you can make the space more familiar by cooking a meal you associate with being at home. Also, you can place air fresheners or use your favorite fabric softener to achieve the same result. 

The same applies to familiar sounds, such as the ticking of the clock or the sound of fire crackling in the fireplace. Complement that with holiday decorations in colors you associate with the season. So, if your Christmas tree decorations tend to be gold and red, bring in more of that color to boost the association in your head. In this way, you will create a mental atmosphere that will revive sensations you relate to home.

Include your children in the decorating process

Decorating the home for the holidays is an excellent way to help your family build an attachment to the new house. Use the holidays to bring out a sense of togetherness, and your kids are likely to accept the change more quickly. After all, this holiday season decorating spree will be the first memory you make in your new home. By adding a personal touch to the process of holiday decorating as you cozy up the place to your liking together, you will make the transition a whole lot easier for your family.

In light of this, you can go shopping for furniture and holiday decorations together. If you are still unpacking the moving boxes, devise a small competition that will engage your kids to help you out. Your family will probably remember this period of their lives forever, making the holidays the perfect way to make them feel at home in your new house.

Mimic your usual holiday routine

If you have a tradition of eating a certain meal during the holidays, this can help you make yourself feel cozy in your new house. The same goes for activities that you enjoy doing during the holidays. Whether it is Christmas movies or a 'Harry Potter' movie marathon, doing an activity you always do will bring out that 'I'm home' vibe.

A family activity you do during the winter holidays will help you create an attachment to your new surroundings. 

Alt: A family enjoying the holidays in green pajamas.

You should also consider arranging some elements in the house so that they resemble your old home. For instance, if you like to put up Santa Claus light decorations on the roof, do that. Or, if you used to have a certain place by the door for placing your winter boots and car keys, stick with that.

Something simple but familiar, such as baking cookies, will make your new house feel like home during the holidays.

Alt: A gingerbread man and heart mold.

Bring out all your favorites

Finally, after you have done your best to make your new house feel like home during the holidays, all there is left for you to do is light a few candles and play your favorite holiday music. Make yourself cozy and simply enjoy being in your new home. This holiday season will help you appreciate your new abode, so all you need to do is let yourself go and absorb your first moments of holiday peace and love.

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-decorating-their-christmas-tree-3303614/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/gingerbread-cardboard-decor-on-white-surface-1740897/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-black-family-enjoying-christmas-holidays-at-home-5727909/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/boxes-used-for-segregating-things-at-home-8581413/

Buying a home is a really big deal. Everybody knows this, and we have written about it in so many of our posts. A home is probably the most expensive thing you will ever buy in your life, and the mortgage you take out to buy it is probably the largest debt you will ever sign up for. While houses are inevitably expensive, there are some things that you can do to at least bring the final price tag down a little bit.

The price tag on the house is not necessarily what you will pay, either. There are other costs involved, like the closing costs and the interest you will pay on your mortgage. Closing costs, which are the fees that get paid to the realtors, are typically covered by the seller. However, the interest you pay on your mortgage is all yours, and there isn’t much you can do to get away from it. One thing you can do, though, is to increase your credit score as much as possible before applying for your mortgage. Mortgage lenders look at your FICO credit score to determine the amounts and interest rates that they are willing to lend you. Increasing your credit score can ultimately lead to you getting a better interest rate on your mortgage, leading to potentially thousands of dollars of savings. This post will outline seven of the best ways to improve your credit score to buy a home.

1.     Pay Down Any Existing Debts or Credit Card Balances

This is the biggest thing that you can do to lower your credit score. Demonstrating that you can pay down any balances you have on loans and can pay off your monthly credit card bill goes a long way in improving your credit score, ultimately leading to lower interest rates on your mortgage. Mortgage lenders measure this metric by checking your credit utilization rate, which is the ratio of how much credit you are using out of all of the credit you are allowed to use. Usually, this means that if you are using more than 30% of your credit, your score will drop. To put that into perspective, that means if you have $5,000 in total credit allowance on your credit cards, you should try to keep your balance under $1,500 and if you have $10,000 in total credit allowance, you should try to keep your balance under $3,000.

Now, this is easier said than done, right? Some people may be in a financial position to where they can pay down their bills every month, while other people only dream of a situation like that. Don’t worry! Your mortgage rate will not be sky high just because you are not able to pay off your monthly bills. However, the more you can pay off, the better. Mortgage lenders just want to see that you are not already strapped for cash, because they will not want to give you a several hundred-thousand-dollar loan if you are already lagging behind on paying your credit card balances or car payments. Focus on spending less in order to drop your credit utilization rate and try to pay down credit card balances as much as possible in order to make your credit background as attractive as possible.

2.     Set Up Automatic Payments for All Monthly Bills

The last point was about showing that you are not strapped for cash and can be trusted with a massive loan. This point is about proving to mortgage lenders that you are trustworthy and will make timely payments on your mortgage. At the end of the day, banks give loans in order to make money. If you are not able to make your monthly payments, the bank loses money. For this reason, mortgage lenders will give the most favorable rates to the clients they think they can rely on to make their payments every month and will give worse rates to the folks they expect to need to chase after. It really is that simple in this sense!

In order to show that you can be trusted to make your monthly payments on time, make your monthly payments on time! Does that sound silly? If you can make the payments that you currently owe on time, it helps mortgage lenders to trust that you will be able to continue to do that with their loan, too. We are lucky to live in an era where checks getting lost in the mail is a thing of history. Now that we have electronic bill paying, it is easier than ever to make payments on time. For that reason, missing payments probably penalizes you more than ever, too. If you want to make sure that you make your monthly payments on time and ultimately increase your credit score, sign up for monthly automatic payments. For utility bills, loans, and credit card bills, enrolling in automatic payments ensures that you never miss a payment deadline and elevate your credit score as much as possible. It is easy and only takes a couple of minutes.

3.     Keep Old Credit Accounts Open

This is one of the easiest things you can do to increase your credit score, because it literally requires inaction, not action. One important determinant of your credit score is the age of your oldest credit account, which is another way to say how old your first credit card account is. If you opened a student credit card account in college and haven’t cancelled it yet, it is actually one of the greatest assets you have for your credit score now – even if that card’s credit limit is only $500. Your FICO credit score is calculated partly by checking the age of your oldest credit card to show how long of a credit history you have. The sad part is that as soon as you close your oldest credit card, it no longer counts in your favor. So, if you opened a card in college or shortly thereafter, keep it open!

The only time that you should consider closing your oldest line of credit is if it charges an annual fee that you do not want to pay. If your oldest credit card is costing you money and you are not using it, you should probably get rid of it. However, if there is no annual fee, there is no reason to cancel it! If you want to cancel it out of self-discipline purposes, don’t. Try hiding it away in a drawer or a safe instead. Keeping your first credit account open costs you absolutely nothing (as long as there is no annual fee) and it requires no action on your part. This is the easiest tip on this list!

4.     Monitor Your Identity and Credit Report

Your identity is pretty important. After all, it is what make you, you! Unfortunately, we live in a time where identity theft is more common than ever, and it is very hard to protect our identity and our private information. There are hackers that are capable of cracking your code in an instant, gaining access to your personal information, your accounts, and most relevant to the point of this post, your credit cards. Being a victim of identity theft is a horrible thing. As if it were not already bad enough, having your identity stolen can tank your credit score, too. For this reason, among many others, it is very important to set up some sort of credit monitoring program or software to keep an eye out for your identity’s integrity. The good news is that there are countless options these days and protecting your identity can be easy if you are willing to pay for it.

Why does identity theft hurt your credit score? This is simple. Identity theft can do two major things to hurt your credit score and ultimately leave you with a not so good interest rate on your mortgage. Firstly, if someone starts fraudulently charging your credit cards all over the place, it looks like you are doing it. Lenders’ first thought is not “wow, this person must be a victim of identity theft!” They will see erratic spending patterns in your credit history which are not a great thing for your mortgage rate. Secondly, having questionable information in your credit history puts red flags all over your credit report. Even if it was not you that was engaging in suspicious activities with your credit cards, the mortgage lenders have no way of knowing that. Your application simply looks riskier, and lenders cover risk by charging higher interest rates.

5.     Do Not Open New Credit Cards or Take on New Debt

This one is very important because it is very time-sensitive. Taking on new debts and opening new credit cards are not inherently bad things, but they are things that you should absolutely avoid until you have signed your mortgage documents. This is because of many reasons. Firstly, opening up new lines of credit or applying for new credit cards reduces your credit score. This is just built into the formula that is used to calculate your credit score. While the negative credit score effects of opening up new credit cards disappear fairly quickly, they will negatively impact your mortgage terms in the meantime. Unless there is an absolute need to open up a new credit card immediately, wait until after you have signed the mortgage papers.

Secondly, mortgage lenders do not want to see that you owe other lenders money. It just doesn’t look good. While taking out loans is a natural part of life, lenders do not want to see that you are acquiring new debt commitments left and right. While the effects of your car loan that you began two years ago will be minimal, the effects of a car loan started two months ago would be significant. This is largely because you have not yet proven that you are capable of making the payments on that loan, and adding an even bigger loan on top of it looks even riskier from the mortgage lender’s perspective. While buying a car and a house at the same time are probably not a good idea for most people anyway, it is still good to know that there are ramifications to taking on new debts or opening up new lines of credit right before applying for a mortgage.

6.     Budget Effectively And Smooth Out Your Consumption

This is a general tip that can be applied across the board, not just when you are looking to get a mortgage to buy a house. However, it is so important to the homebuying process that we wrote an entire post about it a couple months ago. Budgeting is so necessary, and it can save you a lot of headaches over the years. Buying a house is one of the largest financial commitments you will ever make, and it is paramount that you understand your financial situation and see clearly how the mortgage payments will fit into your budget. Your mortgage is not only the biggest loan you will probably take out in your life, but it is also probably the biggest bill you will be paying every month – and you will be paying it for a long time. Since your mortgage will be such a big part of your financial picture for so long, it only makes sense to plan diligently around it, right?

This post is not about budgeting, though. It is about lowering your credit score in order to get better terms on your mortgage. This point is included in the list because smoothing out your consumption leads to more consistent credit patterns which ultimately look much better on your credit report. If a mortgage lender sees smoothed consumption and consistent spending patterns, they may be inspired to offer you more competitive rates.

Thanks for reading our post with 6 ways to improve your credit score to buy a home. Hopefully you learned about some strategic steps that you can take to lower your credit score and ultimately land more competitive rates and terms on your mortgage. While your payments will inevitably be large – it is the biggest financial commitment of your life, after all – you can do some things to make them as manageable as possible. If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more tips about buying a home, including facts about HOAs, ways to save money on your utility bills, and whether or not a realtor is really necessary, be sure to check out our other posts. Otherwise, thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

The Ten Best Historical Sites to Visit in South Carolina

South Carolina is a state that is filled with endless history to dive into. As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina’s birth as a member of the United States predates almost all of the others, going all the way back to the 16^th century. While at the time it went by a different name and was united with North Carolina, South Carolina’s history is still undoubtedly richer and longer than most of the other states can claim. As a result, there are countless incredible historic places and monuments in South Carolina worth visiting. As a disclaimer, many of these places are located in and around Charleston due to the city’s prominence during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, but there are several on this list from other parts of the state, too. This post will highlight the 10 best historical sites to visit in South Carolina.

1.     Fort Sumpter National Monument

The American Civil War is one of the most significant events in modern history, and Fort Sumpter is the place where is technically began. After President Abraham Lincoln announced his plans to arm the fort for battle against the seceded South, the confederate army bombarded the fort with the first shots of the American Civil War. After the Civil War, Fort Sumpter was a U.S. military base during the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and is now commemorated as a National Monument.

2.     Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site

Camden is a place that might not generate many headlines as a tourist site these days, but at one point in time it was one of the most significant places in the South and was the hub of British operations. This small town dates back centuries, and the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site hosts both the battlefield from the Battle of Camden and many important structures in and around it, like the Kershaw-Cornwallis House and McCaa’s Tavern. This place is always buzzing with events and activities, and tours are offered all year long.

3.     Middleton Place

Middleton Place is the plantation estate of the Middleton family, which is one of the most important families in South Carolina history. Covering 110 acres, including 65 acres of landscaped gardens, this location is bursting with history and absolutely deserves a visit. Middleton Place acknowledges the dark past of American slavery in the south, and is committed to recognizing and commemorating the events that took place as well as honoring the contributions that the African and African-American slaves made to the American economy. Take a tour, watch a reenactment, and even visit the stables!

4.     Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

This location is one of the most important historic sites in all of South Carolina, and its story is very broad, diverse, and unique. The Old Exchange Building in Charleston has played a vast list of roles in American history, as one of the only standing buildings where the American Constitution was ratified, a dungeon where prisoners of war were kept, an event space that hosted George Washington, a hub of the American slave trade, and more. Its story is wildly all over the place, but its historical significance is undoubtable. If you visit Charleston, this place is a must.

5.     The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Built in 2005 to replace two outdated bridges connecting Charleston and Mount Pleasant, this bridge is a modern architectural marvel. As the biggest cable-suspended bridge at its time in the United States, the bridge was the tallest structure in South Carolina and over 2.5 miles long. While the bridge isn’t really a place with things to do, a quick drive across it leads to beautiful views of the water and a great appreciation for modern civil engineering and architecture.

6.     Ninety Six National Historic Site

Ninety Six, the revolutionary town that is also the home of Star Fort, is a very historic small town located south of Greenville. This town slowly grew to over 100 people during the pre-revolutionary period and prospered during and after the Revolutionary War. As the former home to a major ammunition storage facility and host of a battle during the war, this site has been preserved by the National Park Service and is a very relaxed, educational place to visit. Visitors can hike the one mile trail from the town of Ninety Six up to Star Fort or pop into the Ninety Six museum.

7.     The USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier

Docked in the Charleston Harbor, the USS Yorktown is a battle-tested, highly decorated ship that fought in the Asian Pacific Front of World War II and then eventually the Vietnam War. This massive aircraft carrier served as a traditional aircraft carrier first before transitioning to a fighter jet carrier and an anti-submarine carrier. The ship is also famous for being the vessel to recover the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in 1968. Visitors can visit the museum onboard the ship and can take part in its interactive engine room experience.

8.     Magnolia Cemetery

The Magnolia Cemetery, located outside of Charleston, is the resting place of several notable historic figures and is a different kind of stop to visit during your time in Charleston. Originally opening in 1850, this cemetery is the final resting place of governors, artists, scientists, writers, plantation owners, congressmen, and several of the men responsible for signing the documents of secession in 1860 and 1861. While there isn’t necessarily much to do in the cemetery, it is the final resting place of many of South Carolina’s most notable forefathers and can certainly be appreciated.

9.     The Battery in Charleston

The Battery is a fortification that lines the shore in the Charleston Harbor. The Battery has held up through many conflicts and battles, and depending on where you are standing you can see Fort Sumpter or Fort Moultrie. The Battery is famous for the beautiful antebellum homes that line it. In 2012, the city of Charleston devoted millions of dollars to restoring the Battery to its former glory and beautified it significantly. A walk along a portion of the Battery is a great casual way to see some of the best that Charleston has to offer.

10.  The South Carolina State House

The South Carolina State House is South Carolina’s congress building. The building opened in 1855 and still stands as a beautiful symbol of the strength and resilience of South Carolina as a state. The South Carolina State House is a visual reminder of the progression and advancement that South Carolina has experienced as a state, and a visit to the State House provides the opportunity for tours about South Carolina legislative history and a scavenger hunt oriented around South Carolina’s legislature.

Thanks for reading our post about the ten best historical sites to visit in South Carolina! Hopefully this post inspired you to visit some of our state’s most historic sites on your next visit. If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

2021 has been a hard year for most people. The pandemic has caused a major ripple in the economy, and many peoples’ lives have been turned inside out. Making it through a year like this is not easy, and at times it may have been hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In an effort to spur some positive thinking and offer a brighter perspective, we decided to reflect on what it is that we are so grateful for about our home state and we encourage you to do the same.

South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the United States, and its people have a lot to be thankful for. As we write this post on Thanksgiving, we can’t help but reflect on all of the amazing things that our state of South Carolina offers us each and every day that truly make it one of the best places to live in the United States. In this post, we are just going to outline some of the things about South Carolina that have made us and our fellow South Carolinians grateful this year in 2021.

1.     Beautiful Weather Throughout the Entire Year

As most Americans know, especially those on the East Coast, South Carolina has some of the best weather in the entire country. We do get all four seasons, but our winters don’t require a parka and our summers are pretty tolerable when it’s all said and done. Our average temperature over the course of the year tends to stay between 40 and 85 degrees over the course of the year, which is pretty fantastic when you consider states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey that see summers just as hot as ours but also have to deal with frigid winters! The weather that we get to experience every year enables us to spend time outside doing the things we love – barbecues, beaches, and fun – with the people we love, like friends and family.

Not every state is as lucky as us when it comes to getting such great weather. In fact, very few states can even come close! People talk about Southern California and how the weather is beautiful all year round, but they forget to mention that people there lose the benefit of having four distinct seasons. Some people like that, but others like to have a true winter, spring, summer, and fall. For people who want four seasons, it doesn’t get much better than here in South Carolina. Maybe this is what makes our state of South Carolina one of the most desired beach destinations on the East Coast. Either way, year after year South Carolina residents are grateful for their gorgeous weather.

2.     Accessible Healthcare That is Some of the Best in the Nation to Keep us Healthy

Healthcare costs can be crazy. For most states, these costs are something more people probably complain about than are grateful for. In South Carolina, however, we have some of the lowest healthcare costs in the United States, and some of the top healthcare for those low costs as well. When it comes to healthcare, it suffices to say that South Carolina really gives you good bang for your buck. Typical procedures and protocols are significantly cheaper within the borders of South Carolina than in the states right next door and around the country.

On top of low out of pocket costs, South Carolina is also one of the states that averages the lowest annual employee contribution for health insurance. This means that on average, employees who receive health insurance benefits from their jobs pay a lot less for it than in many other states. The average person in South Carolina pays about $7100 a year for health insurance, when you add the monthly contributions and deductible together. That’s not too shabby to have top tier healthcare all over the state!

3.     187 Straight Miles of Gorgeous Atlantic Coastline For Relaxation After a Hard Week of Work

Working is fun for some people. However, for most people, this unfortunately is not the case. While some people love what they do and are blessed with the job of their dreams, others are a bit less pleased with their occupation. Regardless of which category you fall into, the point here is the same; South Carolina is lined with 187 miles of beautiful coastline, and there are few better ways to decompress than a weekend in your favorite South Carolina beach town!

A great benefit of having so much coastline is that you are never really that far from the beach. No matter where you live in South Carolina, a weekend trip to the beach is completely doable. The more difficult thing is just deciding which beach to visit! With so many excellent places like Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston, you may have a tough time deciding on which one to visit!

Due to the gorgeous weather that South Carolina sees for pretty much the entire year, these towns are great places to rest and recharge all year long. We ourselves are located in Myrtle Beach and can vouch for the relaxation that ocean waves can provide. From the sea breeze to the soothing sounds during a nap, R&R is at its best on the beach. If you want to avoid crowds, try to come in the spring or the fall, as these towns boom with tourism during the summer!

4.     The Endless Supply of Delicious Calabash Seafood

If you haven’t heard of Calabash style seafood yet, you should pay attention. This Myrtle Beach area cuisine has made waves for its deliciousness, yet it is remarkably simple to make. Originally from the town of Calabash, which is located about an hour north of Myrtle Beach, Calabash style cooking has become more than just a local favorite. If you are in the area, visiting a Calabash style seafood buffet is an absolute must!

Now, what exactly is Calabash style seafood, anyway? Calabash food is basically extremely fresh seafood that is lightly battered in corn meal and deep fried to perfection. It is so good that we wrote an entire post about it a few weeks ago. You can read that post here. But honestly, visiting an all you can eat Calabash buffet is an absolute must – some people travel all the way to Myrtle Beach just for the buffets!

If that doesn’t sound like your thing, this might; South Carolina is also the original home of barbecue! The Native Americans in this area were slow-roasting their meat on coal pits for centuries, and the tale is that they taught the South Carolina colonists how to do it. Nowadays, barbecue is one of the most iconic American foods out there! While some other states may try to claim to be the home of barbecue, we in South Carolina will always know that it was truly here where it was invented. Step aside, Texas.

5.     Some of the Lowest Gas Prices in the Country

Ok, there’s no way this belongs here. Can the gas prices really vary that much between states? Yes. Yes they can! They vary so much, that people who live in and around Charlotte, North Carolina often drive into South Carolina to fill up their tanks. I was in Charlotte one time with a friend, and he said he needed to fill up his tank before we could head out for the day. Little did I know he planned on driving 20 minutes to get into South Carolina to buy his gas!

The fact is, even the out of staters know it. South Carolina is simply the best place to be! The price difference between North Carolina and South Carolina is striking. At least at the time when we went to fill up, the difference was about 50 cents per gallon. That means that by driving his car with a 20 gallon tank into South Carolina for gas, he saved $10! This gap has decreased a good margin since then, but it still exists. Thanks to low gas taxes, South Carolina is almost as cheap as it gets to fill up your gas tank in the entire United States. Who wouldn’t be grateful for that?

6.     One of the Fastest Growing Economies in the Entire United States

As the population makeup of the country shifts and different demographics move all over the country, some new states have popped up as the fastest growers in the United States. South Carolina is one of those states, due to its affordable cost of living, favorable legal environment for employers, and its attractive location. South Carolina’s most notable cities – Spartanburg, Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, to name a few – are absolutely booming, and the population influx is attracting more and more investment.

In the past, South Carolina hasn’t ever been known for its “big cities.” Even now, the biggest city in South Carolina is Charleston and it only has about 140,000 residents. However, as remote work becomes more common, people are moving to the places that they truly want to live and not just the places where they can get the best traditional job, which tends to be in big cities. Naturally, people want to move to a beautiful state with a great climate and 187 miles of coastline! South Carolina offers very similar things as a state like Florida but at a much lower cost. This population shift has caused South Carolina’s economy to skyrocket, and while some people don’t love the increasing traffic and population, the positive effects are undeniable. For those effects, we in South Carolina are grateful!

7.     Some of the Lowest Unemployment Rates in the United States

This one stems from the point about the booming economy, but it is noteworthy enough that it deserves its own line. If you need a job, South Carolina is simply one of the best places to look. The unemployment rate in South Carolina is below 4 percent, which sets it cleanly below the national average. This number is only expected to further decrease as the booming cities create even more jobs. With so many people moving to South Carolina, the demand in the services industry is rapidly rising. Having more residents means more restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and stores, and each of these things create countless jobs.

Especially coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, job security is extremely important. So many people are looking to get back on their feet after the negative effects of the pandemic and all of its shutdowns. Here in South Carolina, we’re grateful to live in a state with bountiful job opportunities and a promising future outlook.

8.     An Endless Supply of Nature for Recharging and Exploring

Everyone needs some time to rest and recharge, and some people find the best place to do that is in the great outdoors. While the beach does count as nature, South Carolina has a lot more than just what is on the coasts. Many people fail to realize that South Carolina has a very diverse landscape filled with all kinds of terrains, and if you want to get outside for some fresh air it does not need to be at the beach. Fantastic natural parks are located all throughout the state, and are just a stone’s throw from any South Carolina resident’s house.

A few favorites among both travelers and South Carolina residents are Congaree National Park, Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, the Foothills Trail, and Jones Gap. Whether you want tall mountains to climb or dense forests to hike in, South Carolina has what you are looking for. This is definitely something that we are grateful for this Thanksgiving!

9.     A Few Great Football Teams to Watch

You can’t deny that South Carolina has some of the best football in the entire country! From the perennial powerhouse Clemson Tigers to Cam Newton’s Carolina Panthers, football at all levels is really high quality here. You would be able to tell, too, as the local team spirit is out of this world in South Carolina. You’re almost more likely to see a car with a sports team’s bumper sticker than one without!

While the football season only runs for a few months out of the year, there are other sports that fill the gap. There are minor league baseball and hockey teams around South Carolina, plus fantastic teams in almost every sport at the big universities in the state. If you want high quality sports at any time of the year, you can find them here!

10.  A Fantastically Low Cost of Living to Make our Money go Further

This probably does not belong at the bottom of this list, but there were just so many things to fit above that it fell down to number ten. Trust us, we are grateful for this one! South Carolina is an extremely affordable state to live in, and the dollar goes a lot further here than it does in many other states. While we mentioned above that South Carolina has great, affordable healthcare and super cheap gas, we did not go into detail about the cost of living as a whole.

Really, across the board South Carolina is a much more affordable place to live than most states. Grocery bills are lower, gas prices are lower, utility bills are lower, and most importantly monthly rent and mortgage payments are typically lower! Living in South Carolina offers plenty of benefits, but one of the best ones is being able to spend or save more of your income each month.

Thanks for reading our post about the 10 things South Carolina residents are thankful for this year on Thanksgiving. We love the state that we live in, and we are sure that you will love it too.  We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

The United States is such a big country that we often fail to appreciate the little details of each state that comprise it. When you consider the 50 states, plus DC, plus territories like Puerto Rico, the United States is a huge country filled with such an incredibly diverse culture, landscape, and history. With all of this in mind, we thought it would be nice to give you a quick glimpse into our beautiful state by giving you a quick list of 10 fun facts about South Carolina! Hopefully these quick and fun little pieces of knowledge teach you a thing or two about our state, whether you live, are visiting, or want to move to South Carolina!

1.     South Carolina Produces More Peaches Than Georgia

Georgia may be called the peach state, but the true ruler of the peaches is South Carolina! Our beautiful climate and extremely fertile soil make fantastic conditions for running orchards, and farmers have absolutely taken notice. All throughout the rolling South Carolina countryside you will come across sprawling orchards filled with big, juicy peaches. While California actually grows the most peaches in the country, South Carolina comes in second place growing over  three times as many peaches as Georgia. Next time you are in South Carolina, be sure to grab a piece of fresh peach cobbler!

2.     South Carolina’s Nickname is the Palmetto State

Every state has its nickname, and for South Carolina that nickname is the Palmetto State! Now, what exactly is a palmetto, anyway? A Palmetto is a type of palm tree, or fan palm, that is located throughout the Americas all the way down to Brazil. South Carolina is famous for having a large amount of them, and they can be seen all over the place, often lining streets! The nickname actually comes from a battle during the Revolutionary War, where the colonial troops fought off a British battalion at a fort made out of Palmetto logs. After the victory, the name just stuck!

3.     South Carolina has its Own Monkey Colony

What is a monkey colony, anyway? Basically, in 1979 a bunch of scientists unleashed 1,400 monkeys on Morgan Island, which is located just off the coast of South Carolina. They put them there in the hopes of creating a new natural habitat for them and then eventually using them for research. Now, over 40 years later the monkey colony has almost tripled in size to over 4,000 monkeys! While humans are not allowed on the island in hopes to protect the monkeys and their new habitat, you can take a boat ride from St. Helena Island that loops around the island and offers the chance to see the monkeys in the wild!

4.     South Carolina was the Place Where the Civil War Began

This may be less of a fun fact and more of a general tidbit of history knowledge, but people often forget that the American Civil War did not start in a place like Maryland or Virginia – it started on the coast of South Carolina! While the Civil War marks a very sad era of American history, it is undoubtedly one of the most important events our country has ever lived through. Fort Sumpter, located off of the coast of Charleston, was built to protect the coast from invaders. When it was being built, people expected it would be used to fight off pirates – not their fellow countrymen from the north!

5.     South Carolina is Named After a Man

Surprise, right? Nowadays, the name Carolina tends to be seen as feminine and is used to name girls. And to be fair, it is a very pretty name. Who wouldn’t name their daughter Carolina! However, this femininity was not the case in the 17^th century. Both of the Carolinas are actually named after King Charles I of England, who founded them. Carolina comes from the name “Carolus,” which is the Latin way to say Charles. It feels slightly conceited to name new territories after yourself, but I feel like using your first name instead of your last name is a whole new level of arrogance. Oh well – he lost them soon enough anyway! Regardless, next time you think of the Carolinas, remember King Charles I!

Thanks for reading our post with 5 fun facts about South Carolina! We hope you learned a little something about South Carolina and remember some of these things on your next trip to our beautiful state. South Carolina is a state filled with many things – history, monkeys, peaches, and more – and there are endless new corners to explore in our beautiful state. While people come for the beaches, they stay for the people, lifestyle, and natural beauty that abounds within South Carolina’s borders. On your next trip to South Carolina if you are looking for something other to do than head to the beach, try checking out some of the other great things our state has to offer. South Carolina has wonderful beaches – so good that we ourselves call them home – but there is so much more to our Palmetto state, and she is calling your name!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

Long Story Short- Yes, Get a Realtor

If you’re looking to buy a home in the near future, odds are you have begun looking to realtors so help you out with the process. After all, buying a home is a very large financial undertaking, and you probably want to make sure that you have all the help on your side that you can get! Regardless, after some time searching for the right realtor, you may have given up home and wondered “Is a realtor really necessary when buying a home?” The short answer is yes, and this post will aim to explain why having a realtor really is in your best interest when looking to buy a home.

Like we have talked about in so many of our posts, buying a home is one of the most expensive, if not THE most expensive, purchases you will ever make. Houses are expensive, to put it bluntly, and not too many people casually have hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting around to buy a house in cash. As a result, many people find themselves looking for ways to save money during the homebuying process. Typically, a realtor’s commission is between 2 and 3 percent of the sale price of the home, which means that cutting the realtor out of the deal should be one of the easiest ways to save money when buying a house, right?

Not so fast.

The vast majority of the time, sellers pay the fees for both realtors, meaning that as a buyer you already won’t be paying the realtor a penny in 99% of cases. Therefore, cutting the realtor out of the deal doesn’t save you anything at all, and in the end it probably leaves you paying thousands of dollars more for you new home. This is probably not the decision you want to make!

But really, why is a realtor necessary when buying a home? How can they even help you?

Unless you are a certified and seasoned private real estate professional yourself, they can help you in a lot of ways.

Firstly, their role is to know the local market inside and out, and make sure that whatever homes you are looking at are being priced fairly.

While prices can certainly be negotiated down, there is little use trying to work with a seller that is not willing to make concessions and sell their home at a fair market rate. Realtors work in their local market every day and know what prices are fair and what are not, and having one of your side can make sure that you don’t overpay for your new home.

Secondly, realtors are professionals at negotiation.

Since they know the true value of the home that is up for sale, they will not stop until they can get you a fair deal. If you choose to proceed without a realtor, you need to be aware of the fact that you are not the ace at negotiation, and you could easily be bullied right away from the table. Without a realtor, the odds are that you will pay significantly more than you would with one. Since you are not going to pay the realtor fees, why not use one?

Thirdly, realtors are able to connect you to homes that you might not be able to find on your own.

When you have open conversations with your realtor about your budget, your desires, and your priorities, they should be able to match you with the best possible homes on the market. There are so many components that go into buying a home, and a good realtor is fantastic at juggling all of those things to make sure you wind up with a list of homes that truly fit your hopes. On your own, you may not be able to find most of these homes. On top of that, nothing beats the time that you save by working with a realtor! If you try to go without one, odds are you will spend hours on hours digging through resources to try and find the perfect home for you, while realtors who already have a grasp of what is available can do that research for you and in much less time.

At the end of the day, it is your choice whether or not you want to work with a realtor. There is no law saying that you need to use one when you are buying a home, after all! But considering that you, as a buyer, will probably not need to pay their fees, there really isn’t any reason to not use one! On top of that, the countless hours that you save by using a realtor coupled with the potential thousands of dollars you will save on the final price of the home really add up and using a realtor can put a lot of time back into your life and a lot of money back into your pockets. Unless you are a true real estate professional yourself, you honestly will always be better off using a realtor both as a buyer and a seller. Ask anyone that has bought a house without the help of a realtor – they will probably agree wholeheartedly!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, reach out to us for help. We at The Boyd Team are always here to help you figure out whether Myrtle Beach is your next home or not, and we are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

Featured image

Alt-tag: A waterfront property in SC

Tips for buying a waterfront property in SC

Having a home overlooking the ocean or a lake is the dream of many. The peaceful view you can look at whenever you feel nervous or stressed is undoubtedly therapeutic. There are several places to look for one of these in South Carolina, with Charleston leading the SC real estate market. Waterfront properties sales are on the rise, so if you’re thinking about it, you should be prepared. Here are some tips on buying a waterfront property in SC to ensure the best investment ever.

The position of waterfront properties 

When you decide to buy a property near a body of water, you need to be very clear about what you want, as not all waterfront properties are the same. They vary in how ‘deep’ they go - deepwater properties will allow you to have a boat and a dock at all times. The water is constantly moving, so some properties might be away from the actual water at times. Also, you should know the clear difference between:

• Waterfront property – ideally, the property’s land has direct access to water, which sometimes includes a small beach, a dock, etc.

• Waterview property – this kind of property doesn’t have direct access to water but usually has a fantastic view. The best thing about these is that they are more affordable, so you can still be close to the water and without paying premium prices;

• Water access property – the mix of the previous two are properties with water access. This implies you don’t have private direct access to water, but you can reach it using a beach, pier, or simply a path. These are used by other neighbors, too, so the access to water is not entirely private.

Remember: if you are looking for a house with a dock, make sure you investigate that in detail. Docks are under restriction of the Office of Coastal Resource and Management, and sometimes there are strict rules about the length or position. They are also in charge of how close the homes are positioned to the shore, so building a new property needs to go according to the rules as well. 

Types of water

Waterfront property means you can choose among the homes located near the ocean, river, or lake. Also, some water bodies are not necessarily big but can be equally enjoyable, such as ponds or tidal creeks. All of these can be found in South Carolina, so make sure you talk to your agent and decide what you are looking for. Your agent should have a clear idea of your preferences so that the search can be successful. Finally, make sure you visit the property before making any decisions. Walk around and see how much access to water you will have and whether you can imagine yourself living or spending your vacations there. 

Caption: Having an amazing view comes with a price – but it’s all worth it!

Alt-tag: A dock in South Carolina

Hire a knowledgeable agent 

While we’re still on the topic of agents, we can’t forget to mention that you should find a knowledgeable one. Look for a specialist that has enough experience with waterfront properties. Check their testimonials, the services they provide, and other details. Waterfront experts will be able to introduce you to all the peculiarities of such properties and notice potential problems with certain homes. It’s best to ask around and get a recommendation from friends or co-workers who recently bought a waterfront property. This is the best way to get in touch with someone professional.

Caption: A reliable agent will assist you with buying a waterfront property in SC and simplify the process. Alt-tag: A real estate agent handing over the keys of a waterfront property in SC

Consider the disadvantages, too

It’s great to own waterfront property. However, this comes with a set of potential problems and additional maintenance compared to a typical home. Waterfront properties come with the risk of flooding, mildew, corrosion due to high levels of salt in the air, water damage of the exterior, etc. However, these don’t need to be a big problem if you’re aware of the risks in the first place. This can help you be more careful about the maintenance of the house and take good care of it to avoid problems.

Bonus tip: the best way to find out the pros and cons of the homes in an area is to talk to locals. Neighbors can give you the best insight into what it’s like to live there. They can share their experience and provide you with advice on maintaining your property. 

Moving into your new home

After buying a waterfront property in SC, you will have to organize the relocation. There’s a lot to consider – from the best date to move to packing and hiring a moving company. The best advice is to take your time and make sure you understand the details of the moving contract. Safety comes first, so be sure to hire trustworthy pros and read even the smallest letters in the documents you sign. 

Reducing the number of moving boxes

Moving into a new home is the perfect moment to revise your household and check if some items are no longer needed. Have a detailed decluttering session before you start packing, and you can expect to spend less time, energy, and money on this relocation.

Transportation of your belongings

Another decision you need to make when moving is how to transport your belongings to the new waterfront property in SC. You can either rent a moving truck or hire movers to do it. Consider the cost-effectiveness, the time and energy you’ll need to do all the moving tasks so you can decide what’s best. However, letting someone experienced help has proven to be less risky and more beneficial for most people. 

Caption: Should you do everything by yourself or get professionals to help you out?

Alt-tag: A man carrying moving boxes

Take your time adjusting to the new home

Buying a waterfront property in SC, organizing the move, and dealing with all sorts of tasks along the way may leave you no time to appreciate your new home. Take your time adjusting to the new environment, explore the coastal décor preferences, and make this home a sanctuary with the perfect view.

Meta description: Planning on purchasing a beach home? Here are a few tips for buying a waterfront property in SC that should help you on your mission.

Photos used: 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-man-carrying-heap-of-cardboard-boxes-during-relocation-in-new-flat-7203789/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-angle-photo-of-three-white-boats-beside-brown-building-2523186/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/jetty-light-sea-dawn-5679217/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-silver-key-8293778/

So you’ve just decided to move to a new state...

Congratulations! Moving to a new place, whether it’s for work, retirement, or any other reason, is a very exciting time. There are new places to explore, foods to try, and friends to make. The excitement and newness that comes with moving to a new state is something to really cherish! With that being said, sometimes moving to a new state presents several hoops that you need to jump through, and they can really get stressful. (Don’t let this post scare you, though. We write these posts to help you to take the stress out of all things related to moving and buying and owning a home!) This post is going to unpack several of the things that you need to do when moving to a new state that way you know exactly what you’re up against. This post will be broken up into several categories of things you are going to need to take care of as you settle into your new location. While some of these are more obvious than others, this post will act as a checklist to make sure that you don’t miss a beat when you make the move to your new home in a new state.

Car

If you have a car, it will probably be the biggest source of stress that you have when moving to a new state…other than packing and unpacking, of course! When you move across state lines, the new state will require you to retitle and reregister your car within a certain timeframe. You can find specific details for each state on their department of transportation’s website, but generally you have a 30 day window to complete the paperwork and appointments. First and foremost, though, you will need to get new car insurance. Your policy varies depending on the state that you live in, and you will need to get a new policy in your new state before you can begin the process of retitling and reregistering your car.

In addition to your new proof of insurance, generally you will need to get your car inspected in the new state, present your title and various forms of identification at the DMV, and pay a fee once you get to the office. The fees vary greatly depending on the state, but this process will usually cost a few hundred dollars per vehicle.

At the office, you will have to surrender your current vehicle title. This might feel strange, especially considering that the title to your vehicle is the only document that proves your ownership of the car, but it is a standard process. The DMV will mail it off to the state’s department of transportation to verify it and then create a new title for you from your new state. This new title will become your new ownership document, and the value of your car will not be affected.

While you’re in the office, once they collect your payment, title, and verify your identity, they will issue you new license plates and a new registration card. This registration will replace the one from your previous state and is valid immediately once you receive it. If you forget to bring a screwdriver with you, don’t worry! You can drive home on your old plates, but you should change them as soon as possible.

Driver’s License

While you’re in the DMV, you can also get your new driver’s license! Not only do you need to go through the process of transitioning your car over to your new state, but you also need to go through the process of transitioning yourself over to your new state! As a new resident, you will be required to get a new driver’s license (or state identification if you don’t drive) within that same timeframe. Again, each state has its own rules and regulations, but usually if you already have a driver’s license from your own state you will not need to retake a driving test. You will simply provide your information, surrender your current driver’s license, show a couple of documents to prove your new address, and pass a quick vision test. After that, they will either hand you a new license immediately or they will give you a temporary one while they mail the official one to you. Just like the process of registering your car, there will be a fee attached to getting your new license, and this can be as low as $20 to as high as $100 depending on where you are moving!

Address

If you are reading this post, you probably already have a new place to live. Congratulations! Finding the perfect new home is one of the hardest parts of moving, and that is why realtors like us exist. We work every day to help people like you to find their perfect new home! If you haven’t found your new home yet, that should be priority number one. Be sure to find a good and trustworthy realtor to help you out with that part (which could be us if you are moving to South Carolina!) Because really, if you haven’t found the place you plan on living yet, the rest of this post is pretty irrelevant to you.

Once you’ve found your new home and started to move in, you will need to take a few steps that way the right people know where you now live. Firstly, you should go online to usps.com and file a change of address. This way the postal service knows where your new home is and can make sure you don’t miss any mail coming your way! Then you should also notify any credit card companies that you use, banks, insurance providers, and any company that sends you something in the mail on a recurring basis. Changing your billing address with banks and credit card companies is very important, and having the right address on file with insurance providers is important to avoid headaches in the future. Especially since insurers often offer different rates and packages to customers in different states, updating this information is crucial. You don’t want to get stuck with a hospital bill because the insurance company thought you were out of network!

Voter’s Registration

One of the greatest parts about living in the United States is the power its citizens have to vote. While not everyone is a citizen with voting privileges, those who do have the privilege should make sure they register to vote in their new state and community. This is a very important civic duty, and it affects local positions like your mayor and school board, statewide positions like your governor and state congress, and federal positions all the way up to the presidency. Even if you are not sure if you plan on voting, it is still a good idea to register anyway, just in case. Vote.org is a great way to do this, and as their website says, it only takes two minutes, and it is free!

Utilities

Your new house may seem like a dream come true, but without electricity, water, and internet it might not live up to that expectation! When you move into a new home, whether that is in a new state or not, you will need to make sure that all of the utilities get set up. Firstly, it is important to know that different areas have different utilities providers. By that I mean that the company you are currently paying for electricity is probably not the same one as the state next door! While there are some types of utilities that are pretty standard nationwide, like how there are only a few major internet providers in the country, other utilities like electricity and water vary greatly depending on the region. Typically, you don’t have much of a choice regarding which providers you use, so selecting the right provider really isn’t any concern. More so, you want to talk to any providers that you do have control over – like internet, for example – to make sure that the service is active when you move in or shortly thereafter.

A note on internet: some areas are equipped for several different internet providers, and others are only able to offer one company. If your area only offers one company – like Verizon, for example – you are kind of stuck with them. (Don’t worry – Verizon is great in most places!) However, if you do have the option to choose, I recommend doing some research to see which provider has the best ratings in your area. Some networks have better coverages in different places, and if you have the power to choose, you want to make sure you pick the best one. The prices are usually the same between each company, so it really just boils down to which one is the most reliable!

Other Permits and Licenses

When you move to a new state, you have a fresh slate in a lot of ways. In some ways this is great – you can drop any baggage you had in your previous state, and you can move on from anything that is holding you back to your previous home. In other ways, though, it can be a bit tiring, as you need to change many little details that you previously never had to think about. For example, any licenses that you had in your previous state are likely not valid in your new state. Some examples could be professional licenses and certifications, and recreational licenses like for hunting or boating. Whatever the case may be, you should just think about what licenses, permits, and certifications you currently hold and double check their validity in your new state before trying to use them. This can save some headaches and fines in the end!

Insurance

Insurance, insurance, insurance. I already mentioned it before but making sure you switch over any insurance policies that you have is a great idea. Some insurances – like life insurance – won’t make you buy a new product or pay a new rate but should be notified at least about your new address. Other insurance policies that you already have - like medical insurance and car insurance – will probably make you pay a different rate or switch onto a different plan. This is because different places have different product offerings and pricing levels and moving to a new area might qualify your or disqualify you for certain coverages or rates. Additionally, like I mentioned earlier, if you don’t get a new car insurance policy in your new state, you will not be able to register your car in your new state, either.

Something that is very important, in addition to the types of insurance policies I mentioned above, is that you insure any new property you have in your new state, and you insure your new home. Whether you need homeowners’ insurance or renter’s insurance, insuring your home is not only a good idea, but usually it is a legal requirement. Most apartment complexes require a minimum amount of coverage in order to let you lease, and even if they don’t, having a policy to cover any damage to your new home or the property within it is something that doesn’t cost you a lot of money now and could save you a lot of money in the future.

School Records

If you don’t have any school aged children and don’t plan on having any soon, you can skip right over this section. However, if you are moving to a new state with children that are still in school, another thing you will need to do is get their educational records transferred from their previous school to their new school. This process is typically not very difficult, as it is just a matter of reaching out to the previous school, providing information of the new school, and requesting that they send them to the new school at their earliest convenience.

While this is not a difficult task to accomplish, it can be a time-sensitive one. Some school districts are somewhat stingy about allowing children to enroll in school before they have received their official records. If you want to avoid a situation where your child needs to start the school year late as a result of lag time between the schools handling documentation, we recommend reaching out to both schools to facilitate the transfer weeks or months before the school year is slated to begin.

Getting Involved

Last but not least, we recommend doing as much as you can to get involved in your local community early. Not only is community involvement good for the collective society as a whole, but it is also one of the best ways for you to meet like-minded individuals in your new state. Participating in organizations that you care about – whether at your children’s schools, your church, or through some other means – creates a lot of good in your community while immediately putting you in contact with people nearby who care about the same things.

Making connections and friends in your new state is extremely valuable, as moving to a new area is stressful and often tiring. Finding people with whom you can relax and explore the area is one of the best things you can do when you move to a new state, and getting involved in various parts of your community is the best way to do that.

Thank you for reading our post about how to move to another state! We really enjoyed putting this one together for you. As realtors, we work day in and day out with people like you that are moving to a new state or area, and we understand how taxing or stressful it can be sometimes. Don’t worry, though. It will all be worth it in the end, and the initial hoops that you need to jump through are tiny in comparison to the great memories you are about to make in your new home!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, reach out to us for help. We at The Boyd Team are always here to help you figure out whether Myrtle Beach is your next home or not, and we are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg

Buying a property by the beach, whether it is a condo or a stand-alone beach house, is a dream of a lot of people. In the United States, we have grown so fond of the idea of owning a home away from home along the beach, as many people find the beach to be one of the most relaxing places that exists. Firstly, as realtors, we want to let you know that this dream can absolutely become a reality for you by taking a few of the necessary and proper steps to set yourself up for it! Owning a home along the water can really be an incredible experience. However, like every big purchase, there are some major factors that you should consider before signing on the dotted line of any lease or mortgage for a beach house. This post will aim to outline ten of the most important things to consider when buying a beach house or beach condo, and go into a little detail as to why they need to be considered and what you can do to make sure that you have checked each of those boxes.

1.     Insurance Rates

One of the biggest things that you need to consider before buying a beach house is the fact that there are a lot of costs that extend beyond the sticker price of the home. Beach houses themselves are typically very expensive, but some of the costs that go along with them tend to be pretty high, too. One of the biggest of those costs is homeowners’ insurance. Insuring your beach house will usually cost you a pretty penny – especially if you are near the water – because the risk of natural disasters is just so much higher.

While flooding is rare anywhere you own a home, it is definitely more likely to occur at your beach house than it is somewhere further inland. As a result, insurance companies tend to raise their rates to offset any damages this increased risk may cost. In the end, you are the one taking the financial hit! While insurance should not be a barrier to you owning a beach house, it is definitely something you need to consider and investigate.

2.     Proximity to the Water

When you think of your dream beach house, there is a good chance you imagine one right on the water. You are at the beach, after all! Having a beach house right on the water is a great idea for many reasons. The ease of access to the beach, the beautiful views overlooking the ocean, and the sounds of the ocean waves coming into your windows at night are just a few examples of the awesome benefits of owning a beachfront property.

However, all good things come with their drawbacks, and you really should consider the downsides of a waterfront property. Firstly, like we mentioned in the first point of this post about insurance, insurance rates will be higher along the water than they will further inland. Not only the insurance, but the actual risks of property damage increase largely too. On top of all of that, the sticker prices of home along the water are going to be higher than those of the homes that are just a mile or so inland. If you want to save a little money or avoid some property damage headaches, searching for a home more inland may be your best option.

3.     Find a Good and Local Realtor

Okay, full disclaimer, we ourselves are realtors. But we promise you that this is not coming from any place of bias or self-promotion! Realtors really are one of the best assets you have when searching for a home to buy. We dedicate ourselves to this career path because we love helping people like you to find their perfect home! When looking for a beach house, having a realtor is even more important than it is when looking for your regular house, as you probably are less familiar with the housing market and local nuances in your new beachy community. Finding a realtor who is trustworthy and knowledgeable of the area can not only save you thousands of dollars, but also make sure you find the exact property that you want amid the hundreds on the market.

Now, if you ever consider moving to anywhere on the Grand Strand, that is the area all around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, don’t hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email. We have been helping people like you to buy properties in our area for over 25 years, and we are ready to help you find your dream home in South Carolina.

4.     Budget Properly for Actual Expenses

This might sound like common sense, but you would be surprised how quickly the costs tend to rack up. Firstly, when you fall in love with a new home, there is a good chance you will be tempted to stretch your budget to try and swing it. This would be all fine and good, if it were not for the fact that beach houses come with a lot more bills than just the mortgage payment. Budgeting properly is about more than just keeping the home price within your range; it is about making sure that your range is truly what you can afford! You need to weigh all of the other bills that your beach house will rack up – utilities, maintenance, insurance – and make sure that you can pay all of them on time on top of your monthly mortgage payment.

If you are looking for more information on budgeting to buy a home, you’re in luck. We actually wrote a whole post about that a few weeks back! Building a thorough budget can be hard for someone who has never done it in detail before. Honestly, sometimes it can feel impossible to figure out where to even begin! Our post aims to help you navigate all of the different spending categories and expenditures you need to consider in order to effectively save up for a new home – in this case, a beach house! You can read our post on budgeting to buy a home here.

5.     Calculate the Local Taxes

Ah, more costs. Do they ever stop? Yes, they will. Don’t worry – owning a beach house really is possible and can be affordable. Don’t let this post scare you away! We just think it is important that we help you understand what exactly you are getting in to when you embark on this homebuying journey. Another one of those lovely, higher than normal costs you need to consider when buying a beach house is the local taxes that you will need to pay.

Some states have property tax. Others do not. That is something that will all depend on where you are looking to buy property. However, what we recommend you do is ask your realtor what the expected property tax bill on each of the properties that you are interested in is. Often towns that are right in the same general area have drastically different property tax rates, which is something that can play a big role in your final decision. Imagine saving hundreds or thousands of dollars on property taxes each year! That money would offset a major chunk of your utility bills, for example, and free up more money for ice cream on the boardwalk and nice dinners out with friends and family. While property tax probably is not going to be the biggest determinant of which house you buy, it is definitely something you should consider before buying a beach house.

6.     Consider Property Management and HOA Costs

Whether you are buying a beach house to retire in or a beach house to visit at various points throughout the year, you will probably need to consider paying some sort of property management fees. This can come in two different forms, and there is a good chance you will need to worry about one, if not both, of them. Firstly, if you are planning on buying a home away from home that you visit occasionally throughout the year, you will probably want to hire a property manager. This person oversees your property just to make sure that nothing bad happens to it. From occasionally walking through to make sure everything inside is good, to cutting the grass, to managing deliveries while you’re away, this person is a real asset – and usually necessity – to you as a homeowner from a distance.

The other form of property management fees you’re likely to have to pay is a Homeowners’ association, or HOA. Homeowners’ associations are groups that exist to ensure the tidiness, safety, and order of a living community. HOA’s typically charge preset fees that must be agreed to before buying a property, and the money is used to guarantee the upkeep of the neighborhood. Many coastal communities have an HOA, and their membership is usually mandatory. If you are interested in more general information on homeowners’ associations, check out our post on HOA’s here.

7.     Check the Health of the Foundation, Structure, and Roof

This is something you should be doing regardless of where you buy a house, but the negative implications of failing to do it are usually a bit higher at a beach house than they are at your regular house. Due to the makeup of the ground in coastal areas, along with the high risk for water damage, having a sound structure and a healthy foundation is absolutely crucial for a beach house, and you’ll want to make sure that you verify the quality of those things before buying your beach house.

On top of that, there is one part of the house that you really need to double check before buying, and that is the roof. Due to the more extreme weather that tends to occur one the coasts, rooves in coastal areas tend to take much more of a beating than rooves further inland. Between strong rains and strong winds, there’s a good chance that the roof of the house you’re looking at has seen better days. Replacing a roof is a cost you really don’t want to have to worry about, and if it looks like you’re going to have to do it, you can try negotiating the price down to cover those costs. If you can find a house with a metal roof, you’re in luck – those tend to hold up much better against the crazy weather!

8.     Find the Amenities You Care About

This one just boils down to personal preference, but if you are buying a beach house, odds are you want it to be your little piece of paradise! One great way to ensure that is to find a home that comes with access to several amenities that you are interested in. Do you like to golf? Look for houses on a golf course that offer free or discounted greens fees. Do you like to alternate between the ocean and the pool? You should probably find a house with access to a pool! Do you like to go to the gym? This is arguably even more important to consider, as gym memberships often require an annual commitment. If you find a house with access to a community gym, you’ll never need to worry about that!

Regardless of what you like, it’s a good idea to see if you can find a home that gives you access to pursuing your hobbies or sources of relaxation. This is one of those things that you will probably thank yourself for later. It’s a good idea to sit down now and decide what it is you want out of this beach house, that way you can take those ideas into discussions with your realtor to help you find the perfect beach home.

9.     Check out the Area

Circling back to the idea of being near the water or off of the water, you also want to make sure you’re near other things that you care about, too! It’s always a good idea to take several drives around the surrounding area at different points throughout the day to make sure everything you want and need is within reachable distance. If you like a certain kind of food, it might be nice to make sure there is a place nearby that sells it! Do you like going to a certain grocery store? Maybe you should double check that there is one of those nearby the house you’re looking to buy.

While this all comes down to personal preference, just like the amenities, doing your homework on this one can make a world of difference when deciding between your final options. Imagine this: you have found three dream houses, all within your budget, offering your favorite amenities, and in great shape. How can you possibly decide between them? I like to think that the area or neighborhood can really be a deciding factor in cases like this, as proximity to stores, venues, and restaurants that you like can really make the difference.

10.  Beach House Maintenance Costs

This one is closely linked to point number 7 about making sure the house is structurally sound and not in need of repairs. Even if it’s all good to go when you buy it, you will still inevitably be faced with other maintenance costs over the lifespan of the house. These costs can obviously add up very quickly, and making sure you account for them before making the decision to buy is really a necessary step in the process. Also, there are different factors to consider about cleaning a beach house, like cleaning up sand that gets tracked into the house, that aren’t going to break the bank but should definitely be something you think about!

Thanks for reading our post about the 10 things to consider before buying a beach house! We hope that this information is valuable to you as you look to buy your dream home by the beach. While some of the things in today’s post may have seemed scary, we aim to always provide you with the most accurate information possible. It’s very important to consider these things before you buy! They don’t need to be scary, and by checking off each of these boxes, you’ll be saved from some scary surprises down the line. If you have considered each of these things and think you’re ready to make the jump, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.  

No One Knows The Grand Strand Better! Trust, Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism, You Can Count On!

Written by Greg