Selling Your First San Diego Home
In a previous article I spoke about the concerns regarding purchasing your first home. Well, now it is time to speak about selling that first home. Most people will have mixed feelings about selling the first home they ever bought. Typically there is a lot of emotion that is tied into your first home. There are a lot of memories, many good times, many firsts and the process of selling such a home can be emotionally trying and quite exhausting. But, as a family grows there is a need to upsize or maybe you can now afford a better more appropriate home. no matter the reason, here are some tips and hints about dealing with the sale of the first home you ever purchased.
As you have lived in the home for a number of years, (likely) you have probably customized it to your liking. This refers to colors, decorations, fixtures and the like. The question is, will your customizations be appealing to a wide group of buyers? Try to look at your home as if you are seeing it for the first time. This may be hard but it is a necessary thing. Buyers will not see the same value in a home as the owner, typically they will be looking for things that they can use to negotiate the price down. This is not out of a dislike for anything in specific, simply that they are looking for the best value for their dollar. Your job, is to ensure that there are as few negotiating points as possible. So tone down the decor of the home if needed and make sure that it is appealing on many levels to as many people as possible. A good way to do this is to repaint the interior in neutral colors that have a rich warm tone to them. This makes the home feel more inviting and will help to liven up the rooms without being overt. Cleanliness is also very important. Nobody likes to look at a dirty home and clutter and junk is the enemy of a good showing. Think about it like this: when your realtor takes pictures of your home for the listing, people will expect to show up to see the home as it is in the pictures. Nothing bodes worse for a sale than buyers who are disappointed with their first impression.
Over the years your home has likely been very good to you. It has been your haven and refuge from the outside world. Do your home a favor when selling it: give it the attention it deserves to sell quickly and for the right amount.
Doug Jones is a longtime realtor specializing in San Diego real estate. Doug's experience and commitment to customer service have distinguished him as a top San Diego realtor and a wise choice when looking for homes in Southern California. Contact Doug today for more info or visit online at www.alljoneshomes.com
Myrtle Beach Real Estate
Briarcliffe Acres
Briarcliffe Acres is a premier location for homes in the Myrtle Beach area. One of the first subdivisions developed on the north side of Myrtle Beach, most lots are well over an acre, and each home is unique and elegant. With gentle curving drives, original old-growth forest, and natural landscaping, Briarcliffe Acres is reminiscent of the beauty of the old South.
Incorporated as an independent township, Briarcliffe Acres has its own mayor and police force – and its residents happily enjoy the relaxing sense of community. A gated entry to the beach, along with a private beach cabana and walkway over the lovely marsh area, provides appropriate privacy and breathtaking views.
Nearby to Briarcliffe Acres are several other well-established communities, each offering large lots and beautifully well-maintained mature landscaping. These include Briarwood and The Forest at Briarcliffe, both of which are positioned on the Intracoastal Waterway, and a condominium community known as Briarcliffe West.
This particular part of Myrtle Beach has the remote feel of a lush, wooded area; but in fact, there is ample shopping and entertainment nearby. Located just a mile to the south are the Colonial Mall, Tanger Outlet Center, and a Super Wal-Mart; while to the north is Barefoot Landing. Barefoot Landing offers countless dining options and entertainment venues, including favorites the House of Blues and the Alabama Theater, right on the Intracoastal Waterway. A favorite attraction is the “Barefoot Princess” boat tours which leave regularly from the docks.
Loris – Little River
Little River and Loris are the perfect retreats from the busy tourist season – yet still close enough to enjoy all of the benefits and attractions that the Grand Strand has to offer.
Indian tribes called the stream Mineola, meaning “little river” and that became its name. Little River is one of the oldest settlements along the east coast, with fishermen and farmers coming to stay in the late 1600s and 1700s. The river became part of the Intracoastal Waterway in 1936.
Today, Little River is widely known for it’s deep-sea fishing, charter boats and commercial fishing. One of the sights of the day is to watch fishing and shrimp boats going out in the early morning for the day’s catch, with the sun coming up and mist rising from the calm inlet waters. The Blue Crab Festival in May, on the weekend after Mother’s Day, brings thousands of visitors to enjoy the family-oriented events.
Some of the area’s best golf courses, including the famed Heather Glen and Glen Dornoch courses, are located here. A favorite of locals and visitors alike is The Parson’s Table restaurant, where local history and casual fine dining meet and the result is one guaranteed to please!
Little River remains unincorporated, with a census count of about 4,000 residents. A new post office, consolidated schools, golf courses, casino boats, new homes and condominiums, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns attract new residents. Seafood has always been a drawing card.
Development in the late 1800’s drove the Chadbourn Lumber Company (Chadbourn, NC) to purchase a tract of land for $1 and in this way Loris, South Carolina was born. The railroad company built a depot on the land to service their trains and a successful timber business. The name “Loris” has it’s roots with the Chadbourn family. The town is said to have either been named for a novel or a favorite dog belonging to the Chadbourn children. Only history knows the real answer.
Agri-business has always been driving force here – at one time Loris had the largest tobacco market and best cotton market in the state. Today Loris is a thriving city that forms the economic hub of Northern Horry County. Approximately 3,000 residents live inside the city limits, with more than 62,444 people living within a 15 mile radius of Loris. Loris is home to a modern, state-of-the-art hospital, extended care center and Center for Health and Fitness, all a part of the Loris Healthcare System.
Little River is right over the Intracoastal Waterway from North Myrtle Beach, and Loris is adjacent to Little River. Both communities are working hard to preserve the small-town charm that residents and visitors alike have come to love over the years. Enjoy the quiet seclusion of country living… just a short drive from the beach!
Carolina Forest
It was once just a dream, envisioned as a thriving township just over the Intracoastal Waterway from the blossoming metropolis that is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A dream no more, Carolina Forest is a reality… and it is getting better every single day.
Beginning as forestry land for International Paper Company, Carolina Forest was master planned to become the foremost suburban community along the Grand Strand. With its location adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway, and all this potential growth, the planners ensured that “green spaces” would be preserved, and the natural beauty that defines the Carolina coast remains.
Carolina Forest continues to flourish, and its residents already enjoy the conveniences of major shopping centers, banks, a post office and fire station, as well as housing and condominium communities catering to every style, taste, and budget. Brand new schools, numerous churches of various faiths, a major hospital, colleges and universities, as well as convenient highways and thoroughfares are just minutes from your front door.
Located just 10 minutes to the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand, the Carolina Forest Township offers its residents the close proximity to entertainment venues, shows, and nightlife Myrtle Beach has to offer, while tucked away within hundreds of acres of parks interlaced with hiking trails. The preservation of this natural environment is paramount to the lifestyle Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, and the Grand Strand has to offer.
As Myrtle Beach has become the world’s premier golf destination, Carolina Forest itself is home to half a dozen golf courses – all open to the public. Each offering its own challenging features and beautiful views, the golf enthusiast will no doubt enjoy mastering each and every one… and then venturing just a few miles in either direction to experience any of more than a hundred courses nearby.
And there is much more is to come. A new retail complex, the Carolina Forest Towne Centre, will be located just off the Grissom Parkway Bridge, at the intersection of Carolina Forest Boulevard. A Carolina Forest hospital is already under construction! Initial proposals for the Towne Centre included spaces for medical and dental offices, various shops and boutiques, restaurants and branch campuses for colleges – there will be very little you can’t find in Carolina Forest!
Comfort, convenience, and close to everything… welcome home to Carolina Forest!
Murrells Inlet
Just to the north of Pawleys Island is the quiet fishing village of Murrells Inlet. Known for its great seafood and restaurants along the marsh walk, the village has about 6000 residents who call it home. With close proximity to Myrtle Beach, Conway and Georgetown, you are right in the middle of all the excitement. Convenient day trips include Charleston to the south, Wilmington to the north and Florence to the west.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is home to Vanna White, and the birth place of South Carolina’s state dance, the shag. Locals are keen to teach newcomers the intricate footwork at Fat Harold’s on Main Street.
The city consists of four sections from north to south: Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill. In 1968, these formerly separate municipalities were combined into the single town of North Myrtle Beach, with Atlantic Beach choosing to remain independent. Not content to stay in the shadow of its neighbor to the south, North Myrtle Beach has spent heavily to attract more business and tourism over the last 10 years, and the city’s population has almost doubled as a result. The wide-open beaches and pristine marshes of Cherry Grove make North Myrtle Beach a favorite of visitors and locals.
Pawleys Island
On the south end of the Grand Strand is Pawleys Island, located in Georgetown County. Approximately 22 miles south of the Myrtle Beach airport, this laid back area of the Strand strives to maintain its heritage. You won’t find commercial development or highrise hotels here. Surrounded by live oaks, this area has beautiful beaches and a great history. This is how we imagined the beach 20 years ago. Local points of interest include nationally recognized Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park.
Surfside Beach & Garden City Beach & Socastee
The south end, including Socastee, Surfside Beach and Garden City, is more of a family oriented beach and recreation area, yet close to everything the Grand Strand has to offer, including close proximity to the new Hard Rock Theme Park, and just a few minutes from the Seafood Capital of SC, Murrells Inlet. You’ll also enjoy Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington State Park and Brookgreen Gardens. Also nearby are the Myrtle Beach International Airport, Coastal Grand Mall and Broadway At The Beach.
You’ll find some of the State’s finest schools, Socastee and St. James, surrounded by communities with homes ranging in price from under $200k to well over $1 million.
In Lawson’s Landing, for example, house prices start at under $200k, including access to a nice, new swimming pool with hot tub and access to the Intracoastal Waterway with a boat landing!
Other popular communities include Prince Creek at TPC, Silver Fox at Enterprise, Cypress River, Deerfield, Prestwick, Bermuda Bay in Garden City, The Surfside Beach Club, Island Green Golf Community, Hunters’ Ridge and Arrowhead in Socastee, and many, many more to choose from
There is something for everyone: the beach bum, the boater, the hunter, the fisherman, the retiree, the shopper, the shagger, and the international traveler!
Curb Appeal: The Total Package
When it comes to selling a home one term that gets thrown around a lot is "curb appeal." As most people know, curb appeal refers to the general state of your home and how it looks at first glance. But it goes much deeper than that. Curb appeal is all about the first impression, and first impressions are important; especially in real estate. Buyers are fussy, finicky, and rightfully so. After all, when you spend over $100K, you want to know you are getting something good right? Of course. So you need to be able to prepare your home for viewing with the eccentricities of buyers in mind.
You are going to have to be able to divide up your time and give appropriate attention to both the home's interior and exterior. The interior is another article so we will concentrate on getting the outside in shape. Step one of this process is always getting down and dirty and cleaning the yard and property. This can be a pretty time consuming task so be sure to set yourself a good amount of time to take care of it. Much of the time the de-junking and cleaning of the property can take more time than expected as small things crop up as the work progresses. Make sure that the lawn and gardens are as attractive as possible. This is one thing that you will have to keep in tip-top shape during the sale process. In fact, once you are done with the cleaning and tidying of the yard it is imperative that you keep the yard in the condition that it is in.
With the yard clean you can now turn your attention to the home itself. If the home was built more than 20 years ago then a good idea may be to paint it. Painting can be expensive but the attractive look of a new paint job can far outweigh the up front costs. It's best to use a more neutral color on a home as using vibrant or unconventional colors can alienate prospective buyers. The essential idea here is to make your home as attractive as possible to as many buyers as possible while maintaining an elite appearance that is easy for an agent to market.
As a top Sarasota Realtor, Jim Hirschman is ready to help you get the most for your investment in Sarasota real estate, whether you're buying or selling a home. Contact Jim today for more information on Sarasota real estate.
