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

Welcome to 95 Wildflower Trail in Pawleys Retreat! Nestled in the heart of Pawleys Island, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers endless potential on a 1/4 acre corner lot. Click HERE for full Home Tour!

Pawleys Retreat offers boat storage, a community park with green space, benches, and picnic tables. Secured boat and RV storage area for residents. Just 2 miles to True Blue Golf Course and 1 mile to Caledonia Golf Course. One mile to Waccamaw Elementary School, and 1 mile to Waccamaw High School. Close to the North Causeway to access the beaches of Pawleys Island. Three miles to The Hammock Shops Village - Pawleys Island's destination for shopping and dining.

Featuring a functional layout with great bones, an open living concept, and split bedroom floorplan, the home provides a wonderful opportunity to make it your own. Step outside to the screened porch overlooking the backyard and enjoy the privacy and space that are hard to find this close to the beach. The spacious lot offers room for gardening, entertaining, future additions, or simply enjoying the Lowcountry lifestyle. This property combines convenience, location, and value in one of Pawleys Island's most loved communities. Seventy-two miles to Charleston and 37 miles to the Myrtle Beach International Airport! Don't miss your chance to create your own coastal retreat at 95 Wildflower Trail.

Thinking about buying or selling in Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, or the Grand Strand area? I’d love to help you navigate the market and find the right fit for your lifestyle and goals. 📩 Contact Merrill Bryan, Realtor: Mbryanrealestate@gmail.com 🌴 https://www.merrillinmurrells.com/ 📍 Murrells Inlet, SC , Pawleys Island, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC and surrounding areas 🔔 Subscribe for: Coastal home tours Murrells Inlet & Pawleys Island real estate Local market updates Relocation tips Grand Strand lifestyle content #PawleysIsland #MurrellsInlet #SouthCarolinaRealEstate #CoastalLiving #PawleysIslandHomes

Imagine watching the sunrise from this porch every morning!! ☀️ Welcome to this marshfront home in Garden City Beach 👉 400 Elizabeth Dr, Garden City Beach, South Carolina. 👈 Click this link for full property tour. 

This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is the perfect blend of coastal lifestyle and investment opportunity, with stunning marsh views, no HOA, and golf cart access to the beach. If you’ve been looking for a turn-key beach property, this one checks so many boxes 👇

✨ 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

✨ Marshfront views

✨ Golf cart distance to the beach

✨ No HOA (great flexibility for owners + investors)

✨ Turn-key and ready to enjoy

Garden City Beach is known for its laid-back coastal feel, easy beach access, and rental potential, making it a favorite for both full-time living and second homes. Thinking about buying a beach home or investment property along the Grand Strand? I’d love to help you navigate your options. Hi, I’m Merrill, local Realtor and Murrells Inlet native (“Merrill in Murrells”). I help buyers find homes that fit their lifestyle and their long-term goals.

Garden City Beach, South Carolina is an ideal location for both a primary residence and an investment property due to its laid-back coastal atmosphere and strong rental potential.

Key advantages of the area mentioned include:

• Lifestyle Benefits: The area is known for its easy beach access, beautiful marshfront views, and a relaxed environment suitable for full-time living or a second home.

• Convenience: Properties in the area, like the home featured at 400 Elizabeth Drive, offer features such as golf cart accessibility to the beach, enhancing the convenience of the coastal lifestyle.

• Investment Flexibility: Many properties in this area are available without an HOA, which provides owners and investors with greater flexibility regarding property usage and management.

Property listed by April Formo, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage.

Should You Buy a Home Now or Wait for Interest Rates to Drop in Murrells Inlet, SC?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, or the Myrtle Beach area, you’ve probably asked yourself:

Should I buy now… or wait for interest rates to drop?

You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions I’m hearing from buyers right now.

The honest answer? It depends on your situation—but waiting isn’t always the better move.

What’s Happening With Interest Rates Right Now?

Many buyers are holding off, hoping mortgage rates will drop significantly. And while rates may shift over time, there’s no guarantee of when—or how much—that will happen.

Trying to perfectly time the market can be risky—and in many cases, it can actually cost you more.

What Happens When Interest Rates Drop?

Here’s what most buyers don’t think about:

When interest rates drop, more buyers jump back into the market.

That usually leads to:

• Increased competition
• More multiple-offer situations
• Rising home prices

So while you might secure a slightly lower interest rate, you could end up paying more for the home itself.

Why Buying Now Might Actually Work in Your Favor

Right now, buyers in the Murrells Inlet and Myrtle Beach real estate market are seeing:

• Less competition compared to peak market conditions
• More negotiating power
• More homes available to choose from

This creates opportunities that may not exist if the market heats up again.

Can You Refinance Later?

One of the biggest advantages buyers have right now is flexibility.

Your purchase price is permanent—but your interest rate doesn’t have to be.

If rates improve in the future, refinancing could allow you to lower your monthly payment.

So… Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Instead of trying to predict the market perfectly, the better question is:

Does buying a home make sense for you right now?

Your budget, long-term plans, and comfort level all play a role in that decision.

Wondering What This Looks Like for You?

Every situation is different—and the “right time” to buy really comes down to your numbers.

If you want, I can break it down for you based on:

• Your price range
• Current interest rates
• Estimated monthly payment
• What’s available right now in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach

Want to See Homes Available Right Now?

If you’re even thinking about buying, it helps to see what’s actually on the market.

I can send you a curated list of homes based on your price range and preferences—no spam, just relevant options.

👉 Get a personalized list of homes in Murrells Inlet + surrounding areas

Final Thoughts on Buying in Today’s Market

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a right answer for you.

If you’re considering buying a home in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, having the right strategy makes all the difference.

I’m always here to help you navigate your options and make a confident decision—whenever the timing is right for you.

Preparing to Sell Your Home

Once you decide to sell your home, you might have questions about how to prepare it for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you through this process. Here are some common considerations as you prepare your home to sell:

How do I find the right agent to sell my home? 

You should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs. To guide this process, NAR has a dedicated resource with questions to consider when selecting a seller’s agent. When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®, you are working with a professional guided by ethical duties under the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, including the pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients.

Do I need to have my home inspected before putting it up for sale? 

No, a pre-sale inspection is not required. However, an inspection can be used to identify potential issues in your home that you can consider repairing before showing your home to potential buyers and use as a differentiator for your property. If you choose to conduct a pre-sale inspection, an inspector will assess your home’s condition, including its structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, interiors, ventilation / insulation, and fireplaces. It may also include tests for problems that can affect human health like mold, radon gas, lead paint, and asbestos. Sometimes buyers may also conduct their own inspection as a contingency in their purchase agreement. If you uncover possible issues that may appear during a buyer’s inspection, you will have time to make any necessary changes that could impact your home’s asking price. You should also talk to your agent about disclosure requirements in your state if a pre-sale inspection uncovers an issue.

What should I do if something in my home needs to be fixed or replaced soon? 

If something in your home requires a significant repair—such as a roof, a system such as HVAC, or an appliance like a dishwasher or washer / dryer—you should determine how much the repair will cost, even if you do not plan to fix it before selling the home. These estimates will help sellers determine the costs that buyers might take into consideration when negotiating a purchase agreement.

Am I required to make any cosmetic updates to my home before putting it up for sale? 

No, but you may want to clean the windows, carpets, lighting fixtures, and walls, and store away clutter before showing your home to potential buyers. Sellers may also look for ways to improve “curb appeal”—how the home looks to a potential buyer when viewed from the street—by updating aspects such as landscaping, the front entrance, and paint jobs. These steps may help improve the home’s appearance in photos, which can play an important role in attracting potential buyers.

Do I need to provide information about appliances that will stay in the home after it’s sold? 

You should locate warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer / dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances or systems that will stay in the house with a new buyer. It is recommended that you find these items now to avoid any lost paperwork causing an issue with a potential buyer when you reach the time of finalizing, or “closing,” the transaction.

What does it mean to stage my home? 

Staging is the process of cleaning a home and temporarily filling it with furniture and decorations that may help buyers better see themselves living in the home. While it is not required, some sellers may work with a stager to focus on certain key areas of their home that are important to buyers. Some agents may also include staging in the services they provide you.

Thinking of selling?
Let's chat! 843-276-8517, mbryanrealestate@gmail.com

https://mbryan.talkabout.homes/

© 2026 National Association of REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved.

Thinking of Selling? 7 Factors to Consider

You’ve thought about selling your home—but it’s a big step. You’re not sure whether it’s the right time. These seven discussion questions can help you think through the decision.

1. Does the home still fit you and your family?

Life changes can change the way you think about your home. Adding household members, separating from a partner, watching adult children move away, and even new personal interests and needs can make a home suddenly feel too large or too small.

2. Have you made a career or lifestyle shift?

A new job further from home, a commute that was once tolerable but now feels like a drain, a desire to escape urban living or vice versa—all are legitimate reasons to consider a sale.

3. Have kids changed your priorities?

You may love your neighborhood but, due to changing circumstances, decide it’s not right for your children. Whether you’re seeking proximity to outdoor recreation, schools with a better student-teacher ratio, greater enrichment opportunities, or help with special needs, a move may be the answer.

4. Have you had a change in income?

A big promotion or inheritance might spark a desire to “move up” to a home that’s larger or has more amenities. On the flip side, maybe you’re going from two incomes to one and need to downsize to a more manageable home and mortgage.

5. Is the market ripe for a sale?

There’s no “right time to sell.” Every market, every house and every homeowner’s situation is different. But selling when market demand is high can be advantageous. A REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, can talk with you about your market’s current dynamics and your home’s current market value

6. Have interest rates changed?

When rates fall, refinancing to lower your monthly payment might make sense. But a rate drop might also be an opportunity to trade up to that home you thought you couldn’t afford.

7. Are you ready for a turnkey home?

Maybe you’re finding your home too expensive or difficult to maintain—or you bought a fixer-upper only to learn that renovations aren’t your jam. In those situations, think about a move to a turnkey home. Sanity and family harmony beat living in limbo.

Now might not be a good time to sell if you don’t have adequate equity to realize a gain, you want to retain a low interest rate, or other personal factors outweigh the reasons to move. However, if you answered yes to one or more of these questions, consider talking with a real estate professional about options, timing and steps you’ll need to take to prepare for a sale.

Thinking of selling?  It's never to early to start planning. Let's chat! 843-276-8517, mbryanrealestate@gmail.com 

https://mbryan.talkabout.homes

© 2026 National Association of REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2026-01/Consumer-Guide-Thinking-of-Selling-7-Factors-to-Consider-01-21-2026.pdf

In real estate, “home staging” refers to presenting your property in a way that highlights its strengths and helps buyers envision themselves living there. Staging isn’t about following the latest interior design trends or remodeling—it’s centered on decluttering and styling a home so that it can be seen in its best light. No matter the price point, real estate professionals emphasize the importance of preparing a home before putting it on the market: 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home makes it easier for their buyer to visualize the property as their future home, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Staging report by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Does home staging really work?

Yes, home staging can make a measurable difference in attracting buyers and possibly even in the sales price. More than a quarter of real estate professionals reported that staging their sellers’ homes netted between 1% and 10% more in the dollar value offered, according to NAR’s report, and about half of seller’s agents reported a decrease in the time it took to sell staged homes.

What is the home staging process?

Your agent may recommend a professional stager—or may offer staging services. Here are three common forms of home staging:

• In-person staging: The stager visits your home and may rearrange furniture and accessories to improve the home’s layout and flow. The stager may ask you to pack away personal items and remove excess furniture. In some cases, they may bring in furniture, artwork and decorative items.
• Home staging consultations: The stager visits the home and provides a to-do list of recommendations for owners to complete themselves.
• Virtual staging: This method uses software to digitally enhance a property, such as by adding furniture, decor or even home renovations into the photos of empty or outdated rooms. Note: Photo enhancements that materially alter the property should be disclosed to ensure buyers are getting a true picture of the home.

Are there any DIY home staging tips?

Yes, you can do a lot to improve your home’s appeal:

• -Snap pics of your home and then look at what stands out. Is that what you want buyers to see?
• -Pack away personal items such as photos, toiletries, medicines, firearms and valuables.
• -Use fluffy, new towels in bathrooms and fresh bedding in bedrooms.
• -Paint where needed, such as with neutral colors like beige, gray or soft white.
• -Remove bulky furniture to make rooms feel larger, easier to navigate and more inviting.
• -Add small pops of color and decor, such as throw pillows, blankets or centerpieces.
• -Enhance the entry with a front door mat, manicured landscape and small potted plants.
• -Start packing boxes and use a storage unit: Closets should be half full, not filled to the max.

What are the common home staging mistakes to avoid?

• -Overcrowding rooms with furniture. Watch the scale and size.
• -Neglecting cleanliness. Staged homes should look spotless and clutter free.
• -Displaying political or religious decor or anything that reveals personal information.
• -Ignoring high-traffic areas, such as entryways.
• -Using overly bold paint or decor that could distract buyers.

Whether you hire a professional stager or tackle it yourself, the goal of home staging is simple: Create a clean, neutral backdrop that enables buyers to see your home as their own.

Thinking of selling in the near future? Let's chat! 843-276-8517, mbryanrealestate@gmail.com

© 2026 National Association of REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved.