Posts by : Rosette Garcia

In case you missed it the first time it emerged on the design scene, brutalism is unapologetically edgy and unconventional. Once a popular style in the 1950s, it fell out of favor by the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of industrial materials such as concrete, metal and glass. The hallmarks of the style are blocky geometric forms, exposed pipes, beams or bricks, and unpainted surfaces. In fact, its name is derived from the French term "Breton brut," which means "raw concrete." The originators of the style "believed in creating functional spaces with minimal ornamentation," and that gives you a fairly good idea of what to expect from this aesthetic.

Here are some key elements that d...

There are many reasons why you might decide to purchase a home from your parents.

First, your parents might be offering the home to you at a steep discount. This can save you thousands of dollars.

Second, buying a home from a family member can alleviate much of the stress that comes with a home purchase. You can assume that your parents won't overcharge you or try to hide any flaws the home may have.

Third, buying a home from your parents might also be a way to help pay for their housing needs as they age. They can use the money from selling their home to either downsize to a smaller living space or buy into a senior living community.

How easy buying a home from your parents will be d...

A small bathroom can feel like a luxurious retreat with the right updates. You don't have to take down walls or suffer through months of reconstruction. Here are five easy upgrades that deliver maximum style and functionality.

1. Upgrade fixtures

Switching out outdated faucets, showerheads and cabinet hardware can instantly modernize your bathroom. Consider sleek finishes like matte black, brushed gold or polished chrome for a contemporary look. A rainfall showerhead or water-efficient faucet adds both luxury and practicality.

2. Install a statement mirror

A large, stylish mirror can double as decor while making your bathroom feel larger. Look for unique shapes like ovals or arches, o...

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau, some 19% of older Americans live in rural communities, with about 18% of that population aged 65 and older. Compare this with the 15% of the aged 65+ population living in urban areas. Interestingly enough, among America's total 700 designated rural counties, 162 of them saw their population grow during the 10-year period between 2010 and 2020.

What seems to be fueling this trend is the arrival of retirees in these rural places. Bringing disposable income and free time with them, seniors are key customers in the places where they relocate. Rural communities are attractive for the slower pace of life, the cleaner environment and access to nature....

A Conservation Victory in Our Backyard: Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve Expands

As a native who loves our area and its natural resources, I'm excited to share a remarkable conservation success story that's happening right here in our community. Just this month, the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve celebrated a major expansion that perfectly demonstrates how thoughtful development and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

A Hidden Gem Just Minutes from Myrtle Beach

While many visitors associate our area with beautiful beaches and golf courses, few realize that just west of Myrtle Beach lies one of South Carolina's most extraordinary natural treasures. Lewis Ocean Bay Herit...

When people think of real estate agents, they picture opening doors and for sale signs. But Realtors play a much bigger role—actively advocating for legislation that protects property rights and removes barriers to homeownership. When I first started my career in real estate, I focused on trying to connect with as many people as possible who might need help with buying or selling a property. As my business grew, I answered the invitation of two fellow Realtors who encouraged me to get involved with my local association of Realtors and volunteer. Thank you, Steve Alston and Norm Clay for the nudge (or chest bump) in the right direction. 

On this recent trip to Washington to attend the NAR...

You've probably heard the expression "curb appeal" many times with regard to selling a home. The outside of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see when they drive up to your house. That first impression is important for creating a positive or negative perception of the house even before the buyer steps inside. Here are a few things to help you prep the front of your home to convey pride of ownership.

Make sure the grass is neatly mowed and weeds have been removed. Add a pop of color by placing flowerpots or flower plantings in the yard or on your spotless front porch. Trim bushes and branches to allow as much natural light to filter into your home.
Garage doors may be ove...

May 2025 was an exciting month in real estate. I probably say that every time. But I mean it every time. I especially love digging in to the numbers to find trends so I can better help buyers and sellers in our market. 

Median sales price for May 2025 for all property types was $330,000. That’s an increase of $5,000 compared to last month and only a $1,000 increase compared to May 2024. Interesting statistic about median sales price in our market- it’s gone up and down but since May 2022, we stayed between $310,000 and $335,000.

May was flat for any changes in months supply when you look at it for all property types. That means, supply and demand basically balanced each other compared t...

In recent years, the modern rustic kitchen has become a favorite for homeowners who want to enjoy the best of both worlds — combining the warmth and charm of rustic design with the sleek functionality of modern elements. This style is about balance, where old-world aesthetics meet contemporary sensibilities, creating a timeless and up-to-date space. Here's what you need to include so you can achieve this look in your kitchen:

Natural materials that meet sleek surfaces

The foundation of a modern rustic kitchen is the blend of natural materials such as wood, stone and metal with more-polished surfaces. Think about using reclaimed wood beams or a stone backsplash paired with stainless stee...

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your homeowners insurance covers the remaining costs when you file a claim. Your deductible might be a fixed dollar amount, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000, or a percentage of your home's insured value.

When you file certain claims, you'll first pay your deductible before your insurance provider covers the remaining costs of repairing damage to your home or replacing stolen items.

How do deductibles work?

Say you have a $1,000 deductible on your homeowners insurance policy. If a tree falls on your home and causes $7,000 worth of repairs, you'll pay $1,000 before your insurance provider covers the ...

The simple, cheerful Scandinavian folk style is one you will want to replicate in your own home. It is characterized by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic motifs.Animals, flowers, geometric patterns, and mythological themes feature heavily in this art form. Consider that some Scandinavians rarely see the sun for many months during the winter. They want their homes to be as bright as possible, with a generous amount of reflective white and soft gray colors on the walls and floors. Furnishings are likely to be in green, turquoise, yellow, rose, or greige colors.

One easily recognizable example of Scandinavian folk art is the brightly painted wooden Dala horse. Carved red Dala...

One way to pay tribute this Memorial Day is to spend time reading the stories of heroism in the Fallen in Service Medal of Honor Recipients, a list maintained by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. These are individuals who gave their lives in service and were awarded the nation’s highest military honor.

Here’s one: Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

On April 4, 2003, during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, SFC Smith and his unit were tasked with securing a strategic location near Baghdad International Airport. When his group was suddenly attacked by a company-sized enemy force, Smith recognized the gravity of the threat. Outnumbered and under heavy fire, he organized...

April 2025 continues the trend of a tale of two very different markets: single family homes and condos/townhomes. 

Condos/Townhomes:

We officially have more than 8 months of inventory for this property type listed in the Coastal Carolinas Multiple Listing Service. There were 3,325 condos or townhomes for sale in our market at the end of April. The last time we had that much inventory for condos and townhomes was September 2016 when we had 3,339 properties in this category for sale. Does this mean the sky is falling? Absolutely not. We didn’t think so then and we don’t think so now. What it does mean is that buyers have more options than they’ve had in a long time and sellers are competi...

Choosing the right kitchen cabinets is key to creating a stylish and functional space. With so many designs and trends to consider, here's a quick guide to help you navigate five popular cabinet styles and trends.

1. Shaker cabinets 

Shaker-style cabinets are timeless and versatile, featuring clean, simple lines that work well in traditional and modern kitchens. Their classic design, with a recessed panel, lets you easily update your kitchen's look by switching hardware or paint colors.

2. Flat-panel or slab cabinets 

For a sleek and modern look, flat-panel cabinets are a great choice. With smooth, minimalist surfaces and no detailing, these cabinets fit perfectly in contemporary kitc...

When your lender originates your mortgage loan, it will usually ask you to also set up an escrow account. Each time you make a mortgage payment, you'll pay a bit extra. Your lender will then deposit this money into your escrow account. Note that this escrow account does not earn you any interest.

When your homeowners' insurance and property tax bills come due, your lender will use the money in your escrow account to make these payments on your behalf. Why? Your lender wants to make sure that you don't miss these payments — something that could increase your risk of defaulting on your mortgage.

How much will you pay each month for your escrow account?

The amount you pay each month for y...

For condos and townhomes, our area has officially been in a buyers market (more than 6 months of supply), since April 2024. In February of this year, we surpassed 7 months of inventory and last month, we hit 7.5 months of inventory!

Why do we care about months of inventory? Months of inventory is calculated by taking the current number of condos/townhomes for sale (supply) and dividing that number by the number of condos/townhomes that sold last month (demand). We care about this number because it shows supply and demand in one calculation. 

March 2025 saw a 3.5% decrease in properties going under contract and a 3.9% increase in properties being added to the market compared to March 202...

Last month, 1,235 properties closed. Of those, 427 (almost 35%) were new construction. That means 1 out of every 3 homes that closed last month were new. 

What historic number did new construction hit last month? Pending sales. 

At the end of March, there were 628 new construction properties under contract. That’s the most ever in recent history The MLS database for new construction goes back to 2007 and this is the highest month on record.

Builders are typically more motivated and understand the market more than the average seller. Not only are they selling a brand new home, they are offering incentives, price reductions and when potential buyers visit, they walk into a perfect model ...

March 2025 was so eventful that we are creating multiple articles to help recap the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors market! 

March was a historic month for Previously Owned Single Family Homes. I’ve provided a breakdown below and used my traditional method of approaching a complex topic by breaking it down into Supply, Demand and What Does This Mean.

Supply:

Previously Owned Single Family Homes had a record setting 888 homes added to the market (new listings) in March. That’s the most in recent history and my database goes back to 2007. Here’s the last 4 Marches (nobody likes looking at 2020): 2024  (710), 2023 (671), 2022 (760), and 2021 (740). 888 previously owned homes bei...

Few flooring materials can match the longevity and sophistication of hardwood floors. In fact, the Palace of Versailles still has its original hardwood floors, first installed in the 16th century. Hardwood flooring is a timeless sustainable material. Whether your interior design is modern, vintage, minimalist, rustic or midcentury, hardwood floors will impart a unique character to any style. Along with its ability to dampen sound and maintain clean indoor air quality, a hardwood floor is an investment that will increase the value of your home. Over the course of their lifetime, these floors can be refinished multiple times to extend their usefulness and beauty. And of course, hardwood flo...

Making your bathroom eco-friendlier is a straightforward and impactful way to contribute to environmental conservation. These simple changes can lead to a healthier planet and a more sustainable lifestyle. Click through to see what you can do at home to be more eco-friendly in the bathroom.

Low-flow fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets can dramatically reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. These fixtures are designed to use significantly less water than their traditional counterparts, helping conserve this precious resource and lower your water bill.

Eco-friendly products

Choose bathroom products that are kind to the Earth. Look for organic, biod...