Homeownership » Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty

Simple Ways to Prepare for Bad Weather Along the Coast

April 30, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Flash floods, tropical threats and historic landfall… Oh my! Eh, but that’s what we get every once in a while in South Carolina. It’s not too bad, but being prepared and understanding our weather patterns can help you be more comfortable when bad weather hits. If you’re moving to this area or relocating you might want to understand how our weather pattern works. We experience a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. July is usually the hottest of the year and January the lowest temperatures. Simple Ways to Prepare for Bad Weather Along the Coast

Tornado season is in early spring and hurricane season can last from late August through October. But that’s not guaranteed. However, it’s a good plan to be prepared.

Tropical storms can eventually turn into hurricanes if they pick up enough speed and have the right temperatures. One of the best things you can do if you live here is to simply be prepared and stay up-to-date on what’s happening and when it’s supposed to happen. Know your evacuation routes if you’re in low-lying areas to help you reach higher ground.

Keep a list of contact information on emergency contacts such as local hospitals, the American Red Cross, your local radio and TV stations as well as local public safety and law enforcement contacts.

Plan ahead. Many people rush out to the supermarkets and stock up on things that don’t need over the week. The problem with this is that many of our supplies come in on a daily or weekly basis so if everyone goes at once, many times the shelves will be left empty. It’s best to plan ahead and have bottles of water, bags of rice, sand, or other necessities already stocked aside in a Rubbermaid container along with a first aid kit, flashlight and battery-operated radio. You’ll also want to have extra batteries just in case.

Keep your four-legged friends safe as well by having an emergency plan for them. Either have carrying cases or contacts for specific pet owners that might be able to take your pet should there be an emergency.

Be prepared as a family. Know where everyone is supposed to be should there be an emergency. This could be a fire, burglary or natural disaster. Know where everybody is going to be, how to connect with everybody, and how you are to contact each person.

Finally, listen and adhere to the warning signs. Most of the time people are injured or worse when they fail to listen to recommended or mandatory evacuations. Also, wait until an area safe before returning home.

We get very few major storms and hardly any hurricanes make landfall but it’s still best to be prepared. You never know when your power simply might go out or you have damage from a flood. It is raining here and even though we enjoy the lush tropical landscaping, it sometimes can come at a slight price.

Read more: National Hurricane Center

More Good Stuff Below

5 Simple Spring Home Maintenance Tasks

How to Assess Home Damage After a Storm

What to Do After a Hurricane – a Checklist

Should I Be Worried About Erosion When Buying a Beach Home?

Hurricane Preparedness

April 18, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Protecting your home during a hurricane and how to prepare for a potential hurricane or tropical storm.

Living on the coasts has its benefits but there are some drawbacks too, as with just about anywhere in the country. Hurricane Preparedness

Here are some great tips for preparing and keeping yourself and your home safe if a large storm or hurricane ever hits.

Take pictures.

Before preparing your home in case of a large storm you want to take pictures of each room of your house and items that are irreplaceable such as a piano, jewelry, large furniture, or other items of value. You want to have proof in terms of the type of loss you sustained should something happen.

Check into your insurance policy.

You want to understand what kind of policy you have and what it actually covers. Ask questions, talk about the deductible and if it doesn’t cover what you think it covers, ask about additional insurance.

Install hurricane clips.

Hurricane connectors are steel clips and straps that of been designed for new construction to connect your roof to the wall. Only a few homes have hurricane clips and they are now mandated in several counties. You want to check to see if your home has these. Not all homes with V-gable peaks and horizontal lookout beams have these clips.

Secure the doors.

Regardless of whether your home has a double or single entry door, you want to secure it. If it is solid wood or hollow metal it can properly resist when pressures and hurricane debris. If you do not have this type of door you want to install head and foot bolts on the inactive door of double-entry doors and make sure your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock.

Bracing garage doors.

Garage doors can be more susceptible to wind damage than the rest of the house due to the large door. You want to check with your local building code to see if there are requirements for garage doors in your area and ask about the garage door retrofit kit for hurricane safety.

Trim all trees.

Take a look if there are any major trees surrounding your home but could fall and damage the house. Try not to let trees get too large and if they have shallow roots that are more likely to uproot.

Secure windows and doors.

Broken windows can lead a lot of wind and rain in and can damage your home also increases the pressure under the roof. You want to install storm shutters for the best protection but boarding up windows when a storm is on the way can also be helpful. Taking windows will not help.

Stock up.

Try to stock up on water, essentials, dry goods and other items to sustain you and your family for about 10 days. Make a careful note on what you can use if you are unable to heat up food and actually cook it. Keep water bottles, first aid kits, and flashlights with batteries handy at all times.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just a few tips and educating yourself can make a huge difference.

What Does Principle Residence Mean?

October 3, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, there are certain tax breaks and deductions that you can claim, however, these are primarily on your principal residence. So what exactly does that mean and can you deduct anything on rental properties?

In order to qualify for certain tax benefits the home you live in, must be your legal and principal residence. There are interest and tax reductions for investment properties but they fall under different categories.

Here we’re just talking about your principal residence.

Of course, this seems pretty cut and dry; it’s the house in which you live primarily throughout the year but there are differences, certain expectations, and situations where this might be a little bit foggy. If you move out of the house and then rented for sometimes before moving back there are specific facts that are to be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you’ve lived in the home for a number of years without moving out is considered your principal home and residency. This will probably be the address on your driver’s license, voter registration and where you pay your local and/or state income taxes.

If you once lived in the home and now you rented out it’s going to depend on how many months during the year you’ve actually lived in the home in order to take the right tax breaks and benefits. The IRS states that “the mere fact that property is, or has been, rented is not determinative that such property is not used by the taxpayer as his principal residence. If the taxpayer purchases his new residents before he sells his old residents, the fact that he temporarily rents out the new residents during the period before he vacates the old residents may not, in light of all the facts and circumstances of the case, prevent the new residents from being considered as property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence.”

Stipulations also state that the taxpayer is not required to actually occupy the old residents on the date of sale. The IRS will look at particular facts and circumstances in order to make a proper determination. You, as the homeowner, must be able to demonstrate that you did not intend to abandon the house as a principal residence in order to take the tax break.

If you’re looking to keep your primary home as your principal residence you want to do one of several things;

Sell your home before renting it out.
Avoid any impressions that you are not abandoning your house as a principal residence.
If you purchase a new home before the other one sells, keep your old house as your principal residence until it does.

All of these factors will determine the circumstances around a particular case of whether or not the home is your principal residence.

For more information or answers to your questions about real estate, homeownership or buying in Sunset Beach contact my office today.

Find Your Permanent or Vacation Home Now

What to Do After a Hurricane – a Checklist

September 18, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Whew! We made it through Florence, did you?

It was quite a ride and even though we got the heck out of Dodge, a lot of us are coming back to damaged homes, flooding, and destruction. Although a lot of the damage hit farther north and Sunset Beach in areas like Wilmington and Holly Ridge, I can’t say that all of us were quite so lucky. As were all making our way back home this week, you may be wondering what’s the first thing to do after a hurricane or major storm?

While not everyone now has the luxury of getting flood insurance or homeowners insurance after the fact, there are some things to do whether you have certain insurance or not. Here’s a checklist of things to do after a hurricane has come through your home or neighborhood.

#1. Stay informed. Make sure you know what’s going on. Have either a radio or television close by so that you can stay informed when local authorities have declared your neighborhood safe. There may be certain roads flooded during the hurricane and you may not have access to your home at all. Don’t get stuck in the water and cause more problems. Wait until the roads are clear and plan accordingly. You’ll want to watch out for any road hazards and take heed to detour signs. Even a couple inches of water can leave your car stranded.

#2. Be aware of any fallen electrical lines. Don’t drive over them or through any water that may contain down to lines. This may be hard to see, but again, if you’re not driving through water, you won’t be driving through an unnoticed powerline either. Also, don’t remove any trees until it’s safe to do so.

#3. Approach your home carefully. Don’t turn on the power if it’s currently off. Do not use matches after a storm has ravaged the area until all gas lines have been checked for leaks. You may want to have a professional conduct an inspection first, especially if there has been major damage to the house, plumbing, or electrical.

#4. Take pictures. Homeowners insurance and flood insurance usually want pictures of the damage. You’ll need to document as much as possible. It makes insurance claims process faster and easier. This also helps to have a home inventory list of items in the house and valuables.

#5. Conduct emergency repairs first. Do only what’s necessary to prevent further damage such as covering broken windows with plastic or roofs with tarps. I know it’s tempting to start the cleanup process, but your insurance adjuster may need to see the damage before they can settle your claim.

#6. Start the claim process immediately. Insurance companies work on a first-come, first served basis, so it’s in your best interest to file an insurance claim as quickly as possible. Contact your provider and let them know the extent of the damages.

#7. Be careful of electrical equipment and appliances. You can use portable, gas-powered electric generators outside on a dry and level surface and never hook up the generator to your home’s electrical wiring.

#8. Wear protective clothing and gear. Heavy duty work gloves, watertight boots, hardhats, and even goggles or face shields can help, especially if you’re near asbestos, chainsaws, dryers, dangerous tools, or anything that might be hazardous for you to inhale or have contact on your skin.

#9. Take care of animals. Whether they are your own animals or stray domestic pets, they can be disoriented just like humans after a natural disaster. If you don’t know the animal, call your local animal control office to deal with disoriented or stray pets. There could also be an increase in rats and other rodents feeding off spoiled food or dead animals. Contact animal control authorities to find the best way to dispose of dead animals or how to remove these animals from your property.

#10. Destroy or dispose of anything that may not be safe. Only bottled water should be used for eating and drinking and tell local authorities verify that tap water is safe to use again. Any spoiled food or previously frozen meat should be completely destroyed and check for other signs of mold and spoilage in refrigerators and freezers.

We are resilient, we will come back, but taking precautions is an imperative step to rebuilding. Stay safe out there and our hopes and prayers are with all of you up and down the East Coast during this trying time.

8 Home Exterior Trends You Should Forget

June 19, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Home trend designs, and go with the years but there are some we wish would just die. Some are so outdated and I have no idea why they keep making the rounds, but it’s like that old saying, “there’s nothing new under the sun” is certainly true when it comes to fashion, opinions, and design. But, if you’re planning on a remodeling your home or doing some renovations there are some key trends that you should just probably forget about. 8 Home Exterior Trends You Should Forget

#1. Dimension Roof Shingles

Having a kaleidoscope of colors on your roof just detracts from the house itself. Having a solid colored roof works better especially if you have different textures and colors on the house itself. It’s more likely to clash with your colors rather than a good compliment.

#2. Glass blocks.

Those big, glass blocks that allow light to come through a shower or bathroom are simply outdated, not that I think they were ever really in style but these newer homes use creative glass designs or skylight that offer the same idea without being dated.

#3. Cheap patio furniture.

“This might be fine right out of college or as a young newlywed couple, but a few years down the line, cheap patio furniture just doesn’t have the longevity and you’re more likely to replace it with something a little more substantial and longer-lasting.” – Tip from Orlando Buyers Agents

#4. Brass fixtures.

I think there was once a time where brass was in, but unless it is specifically and intentionally put in a certain place, it’s just outdated. Brass door knobs, fireplace fixtures, lighting fixtures, and the like should all be updated to something more modern and timeless such as a brushed nickel or an antique bronze.

#5. Ornate iron.

“Yes, iron does age well and stands the test of time, however, ornate and overly done designs could be very outdated. Choose a simple, and timeless design if you’re looking for wrought iron.” – Tip from Louisville Realtor®

#6. Gray overload.

White was the neutral color for a long time and then we switch to gray, but some people have gone gray overboard. Too much gray leaves it drab so you want some pops of color in your exterior home design.

#7. All brick.

Some brick accents such as posts and maybe one section of the exterior part of your house in brick make a statement but an entire brick house looks dated.

#8. Carpet everywhere.

Carpet was definitely the thing in the 70s and 80s and then we pulled that carpet up and enjoyed our hardwood floors. But, a good mix of both can create a timeless look. You definitely don’t want carpet in a bathroom or kitchen but soft carpet or even area rugs over hardwood floors and a bedroom creates a soft and inviting environment.

11 Easy Beach House Decorating Ideas

May 24, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Decorating your beach house shouldn’t be an arduous chore but a fun and uplifting experience. Most people choose to deck out their oceanfront home in natural design and setting but remember, it’s your house, you do what makes you happy and for many, that could mean an eclectic style and creative spirit. Here are some fun and easy beach house decorating ideas.

Open and Airy Porch

If your home allows for it, deck out that porch with a great seating area, table, and lots of great pillows. If you have a porch you might consider closing it in to still enjoy the porch area on inclement days.

Water-friendly materials

If you’re right next to the beach or waterway chances are you’re going to bring some of the beach in the house with you. Make it easier by using water-friendly materials. Rattan, wicker, and bamboo pieces give a beach-feel and are easier to dry and keep clean.

Thinking of selling? Use these staging tips

Blues work

A blue themed home is a natural when talking nautical design. Hues of aqua, blue shutters, and turquoise accent pieces add the beach feel throughout the house.

Color pops

Accents of other colors really pop as well, especially if they are nautical themes. Color boats or pictures of boats, lighthouses with red accents, add unique charm to your beachfront home.

Pastel and Headboard accents

Nothing screams beach cottage more than pastel trellis headboards and crisp white sheets. The bedrooms are easy places to add all your beach-themed colors and designs.

Flags

Flags are your friend! There are so many great flags that make amazing decorations. You can frame them, hang them inside or outside, and make major statements with them like using them as a headboard.

White, White, White

White walls, white sheets, white trim and then a splash of colorful Adirondack chairs make a beach statement like no other.

Best Thing about living on the Intracoastal Waterway

Hooks

Hooks are also your friend in your beach home. Think of all the things you want to hang up; towels, hats, jackets, beach bags, sandals and anything that allows for a hook. Trust me, you’ll use them!

Outdoor Cook Space

A beach house is all about bringing the outdoors in and sometimes the indoors, out. Set up an outdoor kitchen area with seating, a place for a fire pit or fireplace, cooktop and tables or counter space to share good times and good food and drinks with friends.

Make the Most of the View

Do you have a view? Utilize it by opening windows, taking down walls (I know that’s a biggy) and really letting the outside shine in. Create seating spaces in front of tall windows to read and enjoy the view. This may also mean minimizing not-as-exciting views like covering windows that face a busy street or other undesirables and just focusing on the good views.

Room for Company

Having a beach house is also about sharing it with others. Set up a guest space that focuses on the benefits of living by the sea. White shiplap walls, crisp, clean linens, open and airy spaces and a seating area when guests want to just relax in their room and enjoy the space.

Enjoying your beach house is easy but it can be even easier with a few of these little decorating touches. Still looking for that amazing beach house? Give us a call. Or start your online search here for all North Carolina beach homes. We’d love to help you find your perfect oceanfront property.