Fall on the South Carolina coast has its own rhythm: a little cooler, a little quieter, and full of local traditions. Here are a few ideas for this week around Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand.

Fall on the South Carolina coast has its own rhythm: a little cooler, a little quieter, and full of local traditions. Here are a few ideas for this week around Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand.

Fall on the South Carolina coast has its own rhythm: a little cooler, a little quieter, and full of local traditions. Here are a few ideas for this week around Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand.

Thinking About Buying a Home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina?

Whether you're moving to the South Carolina coast, searching for a second home, or simply ready for a change of scenery, buying a home in Murrells Inlet is about finding a place that fits the way you want to live. I'm Merrill Bryan, a Murrells Inlet native and local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. I help buyers make confident decisions with practical advice, neighborhood knowledge, and a personal approach.

POV: You buy the house near the beach… and life actually does get better! 🌊

My past clients who bought a townhouse in Surfside a few years ago called me earlier this summer.  They said "We have outgrown our 2 bedroom townhouse!" They LOVE Surfside Beach as their 2nd home (just under 4 hours from their home town in North Carolina) and with 3 growing children they needed more space - space to run, play baseball, and have friends visit, too.  They saw 1016 Bay Dr come on the market that would give them a 3rd bedroom AND a private pool AND still East of Highway 17 Business but NO Flood zone but still a golf cart ride to the beach.  This checked a lot (if not all) of their boxes!  We got an offer in the first weekend it was on the market, negotiated a bit back and forth on some things, and they got the contract. 

Fast forward a few days to the home inspection.  My clients knew it needed a little love and had already  decided going into it that they were just looking for foundational or structural issues or anything major.  All the other things weren't important as they're going to do some minor renovation projects like flooring, drywall repair, paint, etc.  The house was built in 1978 so they had an open mind. The inspection came back pretty good except for the crawl space findings.  Sooo we got a crawl space guy over to the house to take a closer look and really just confirm that the subflooring wasn't rotten.  He gave buyer an estimate to replace the ductwork and everything else checked out. ☑️ I also helped him arrange a pool inspection - he's never had a pool before so he wanted to have it looked.   

My clients knew what mattered.  They saw the value of being East of Highway 17, close to the beach, outside of the designated flood zone,

They also recognized the long-term appeal of a property in this location. 

They went into the process with an open mind, understanding that an older home may come with a few repairs and imperfections. Instead of getting caught up in every little item, they focused on the bigger picture: the location, the property, and the lifestyle they are buying into. 

We did our due diligence and kept moving toward the goal.  

Sometimes buying a house isn’t just about the house. Golf cart to the beach under $500,000!It’s about what you want your life to look like once you have the keys. 🌴Thinking about making a move closer to the beach? I’d love to help you figure out what that could look like.

3 Listings I'm Crushing on Right Now

5375 Ocean Village Dr, $885,000 3 b / 3.5 ba, walking distance to the beach

181 Live Oak Ln, Georgetown, SC, 0.63 acres, directly on the Black River

1178 Parrish Way in Market Common; private pool! 5 b/3 ba, outdoor kitchen + MORE

For a full list of current listings around our area or a particular neighborhood you're interested in, please call/text/email me anytime and I'll get it to you. 843-276-8517

There’s something about having your own place at the beach.

Not a hotel reservation to make. Not a rental to book months in advance. Just a place where you can pack a bag, hop in the car, and know that the beach is waiting for you when you get there.

If that sounds like the kind of coastal lifestyle you’ve been thinking about, 613 14th Avenue South #30 in Surfside Beach deserves a look.

Located in the Ocean Pines community, this move-in ready 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers an easy, low-maintenance way to enjoy life near the beach, whether you're searching for a second home, seasonal getaway, or full-time residence.

Golf Cart to the Beach

One of the best parts of owning a home in Surfside Beach is how much of your everyday life can revolve around the coast.

From Ocean Pines, grab the golf cart and head toward the beach for a morning walk, spend the day with your toes in the sand, meet friends for lunch, or take an evening ride just because you can.

It’s the kind of lifestyle where a regular Saturday can suddenly feel like vacation.

And when you're not at the beach, you're close to the restaurants, shopping and everyday conveniences of Surfside Beach, with the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Market Common, Myrtle Beach International Airport and the rest of the Grand Strand within easy reach.

Your Own Easy-to-Maintain Beach Retreat

Inside, the townhome offers two bedrooms and two full bathrooms with a comfortable layout that's easy to enjoy and maintain.

That's especially important for second-home owners. You want to spend your time enjoying Surfside Beach—not spending every visit working on the house.

There’s also a private courtyard patio, giving you your own outdoor space for morning coffee, reading after a day at the beach, grilling, or relaxing outside in the evening.

Pool Days, Tennis & Coastal Living

Living near the beach is already a pretty good amenity, but Ocean Pines gives you even more ways to enjoy your time here.

The community offers a swimming pool and tennis courts, so a day at your beach place doesn't necessarily have to involve leaving the neighborhood.

Morning tennis, afternoon at the pool, sunset golf cart ride to the beach. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.

No Short-Term Rentals

Here's another feature that sets Ocean Pines apart from many properties in the Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach area: short-term rentals are not permitted.

For buyers who want their own beach getaway without living among constantly changing weekly vacation guests, that can be a major advantage.

It helps Ocean Pines maintain more of a residential feel while still giving owners easy access to everything people love about living near the beach.

Maybe It's Time to Get That Place at the Beach

If you've been saying, “One day, I'd love to have a little place at the beach,” this might be the kind of property you've had in mind.

A manageable 2-bedroom townhome. Your own courtyard. Pool and tennis. Golf cart access to the beach. And a Surfside Beach address that puts restaurants, shopping, entertainment and the coast close by.

Because sometimes the best part of owning a second home isn't the house itself.

It's knowing that whenever you need a few days by the ocean, you already have somewhere to go.

Interested in 613 14th Avenue South #30 or looking for a second home in Surfside Beach? Here's the link

Contact Merrill Bryan, Realtor, to schedule a private showing or to learn more about homes and townhomes near the beach in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

Welcome to 14 Saltwater Way in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 🌴

If you’ve been dreaming about coastal living, this home gives you a glimpse into what life could look like here in one of the most loved areas along the Grand Strand. In this video, I’ll walk you through the home and give you a feel for the layout, features, and what makes this property special. This home is in The Orchard, which is a golf cart ride to restaurants, coffee, live music, and scenic views! Why people love Murrells Inlet: Close to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, seafood restaurants, and waterfront views Easy access to beaches like Garden City & Huntington Beach Laid-back coastal lifestyle with boating, golf, and outdoor living A mix of primary homes, second homes, and investment opportunities

Thinking about making a move to Murrells Inlet or the Myrtle Beach area? I’d love to help you explore your options and find the right fit for your lifestyle.

📩 Sign up for my newsletter for market updates & local tips https://mailchi.mp/0b58384dfd64/sign-up-for-my-newsletter

☕ Schedule a mini consult with me mbryanrealestate@gmail.com / 843-276-8517

📍 Merrill in Murrells – your local guide to coastal living www.merrillinmurrells.com #MurrellsInlet #MyrtleBeachRealEstate #CoastalLiving #southcarolinahomes Home Listed by Garden City Realty, Burton Dixon.

If you've been considering buying a home along the South Carolina coast, you're not the only one, and now there's even more evidence that the Grand Strand continues to stand out.

Recently, Travel + Leisure named Myrtle Beach the #3 most affordable beach town in America to buy a home, making it the only South Carolina destination to earn a spot on the list. According to the publication, the area stood out for its relatively affordable home prices, expanding amenities, healthcare options, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly communities.

Link to full Post and Courier article.

As someone who has lived in Murrells Inlet forever and helps buyers relocate here every week, I wasn't surprised by the recognition!

In fact, these are many of the same reasons my clients choose the Grand Strand over other coastal destinations.

More Than Just a Beach Town

Many people think of Myrtle Beach as simply a vacation destination, but locals know the Grand Strand offers so much more.

Beyond 60 miles of beautiful beaches, you'll find:

• Award-winning golf courses (designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus; a Dustin Johnson Golf School, etc!)
• Excellent boating, fishing, and water recreation 
• Expanding healthcare facilities 
• Great restaurants and entertainment (ask me for my favorites!)
• Family-friendly neighborhoods
• Top-rated retirement communities
• A wide variety of home styles and price points

Whether you're relocating permanently, buying a second home, or planning for retirement, there truly is something for almost every lifestyle.

Browse Homes For Sale

A Better Value Than Many Coastal Markets

According to Zillow, the average home value in the Myrtle Beach area is just over $320,000—considerably lower than other popular South Carolina coastal markets such as Charleston and Hilton Head Island.

While home prices have appreciated significantly over the past several years, buyers can still find opportunities ranging from:

• Beachfront condos
• Golf course communities
• New construction neighborhoods
• Waterfront homes  
• Luxury oceanfront properties
• Homes with private boat access

One of the reasons I enjoy working in this market is that buyers have options. Browse Homes For Sale.

Don't Limit Yourself to "Myrtle Beach"

One thing I always tell my relocation clients is this:

Don't search only for homes with a Myrtle Beach address... Myrtle Beach isn't 60 miles long!  

Some of the area's most desirable communities are actually located throughout the South Strand, including:

• Murrells Inlet
• Garden City Beach
• Surfside Beach
• Pawleys Island
• Georgetown

Each community offers a different lifestyle, and finding the right fit is often more important than simply finding the right house.

If you love boating, your ideal neighborhood may look very different from someone who wants to walk to the beach, live on a golf course, or enjoy a quiet retirement community.

Neighborhood with Private Boat Ramp

Neighborhood with No HOA

What the Headlines Don't Tell You

National rankings are a great starting point, but they're only part of the story.

Before purchasing a home near the coast, buyers should also consider:

• Flood zones
• Wind and homeowners insurance
• HOA fees
• Rental restrictions
• Commute times
• Future development
• Neighborhood amenities

These factors can have a significant impact on both your monthly expenses and your long-term enjoyment of your home. That is why you need my knowledge and expertise. 

My Local Perspective

It's always exciting to see national publications recognize the value our area offers.

But what I love most isn't that Myrtle Beach ranked highly—it's that more people are discovering what locals have known for years.

The Grand Strand isn't just a great place to vacation.

It's an incredible place to call home. I live where my friends vacation!

Whether you're searching in Murrells Inlet, Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, or anywhere along the South Carolina coast, I'd love to help you explore your options and find the neighborhood that best fits your lifestyle.

Browse our MLS

The Post and Courier Article by Taylor Motley

5 Factors That Affect Your Home's Value

Whether you're thinking about selling next month or simply keeping an eye on your biggest investment, understanding what affects your home's value is important. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:

"My neighbor's house sold for $800,000, so mine must be worth the same."

Maybe...but maybe not.

Every home is unique, and several factors influence what buyers are willing to pay. Here are five of the biggest factors that determine your home's value.

1. Recent Neighborhood Sales

The best indicator of your home's market value is what similar homes nearby have recently sold for.

When real estate professionals and appraisers determine value, they look for homes that are similar in:

• Square footage

• Age

• Style

• Lot size

• Condition

• Location within the neighborhood

A sale from six months ago—or even a home just a few streets away—may not be the best comparison if the market has changed or the homes are significantly different.

2. Supply and Demand

Real estate follows one simple rule: the relationship between supply and demand affects prices.

When there are:

• More buyers than available homes, sellers often receive stronger offers and home values tend to increase.

• More homes than buyers, buyers have more choices, which can put downward pressure on prices.

Inventory levels are constantly changing, which is why your home's value today may be different from what it was just a few months ago.

3. Current Market Conditions

The overall real estate market also plays a major role in home values.

Factors like:

• Mortgage interest rates

• Consumer confidence

• The local economy

• Seasonal trends

• Employment growth

all influence buyer demand.

A home that might have received multiple offers during one market cycle could require a different pricing strategy in another. Understanding today's market—not last year's—is key to pricing a home correctly.

4. Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Square Footage

Size matters—but it's not just about total square footage.

Buyers often compare homes based on:

• Number of bedrooms

• Number of bathrooms

• Functional floor plan

• Living space

• Storage

• Garage size

A well-designed 2,400-square-foot home may appeal to buyers more than a larger home with an awkward layout.

5. Features, Upgrades & Overall Condition

Special features can absolutely influence value—but not every upgrade provides the same return.

Some features buyers commonly value include:

• Updated kitchens

• Renovated bathrooms

• New roof

• Modern HVAC system

• Energy-efficient windows

• Outdoor living spaces

• Pools (depending on the neighborhood)

• Water views or waterfront access

• Smart home technology

Just as important is how well a home has been maintained. Buyers notice deferred maintenance, and it can impact both perceived value and offers.

Every Home Is Different

Online estimates can be a helpful starting point, but they don't account for your home's unique features, upgrades, location, or current buyer demand.

If you're wondering what your home could sell for in today's market, I'd be happy to prepare a personalized home value analysis using recent sales and current market trends—not just an automated estimate.

No pressure, no obligation—just accurate information so you can make confident decisions whenever the time is right.

Wondering what your home is worth?

Every home is unique, and online estimates can only tell part of the story. If you'd like a personalized home value analysis based on recent sales, current market conditions, and your home's unique features, I'd be happy to help.

Contact me today for a complimentary, no-obligation home value analysis.

Request Your Free Home Value Analysis