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.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know This January

Every year around this time, I hear the same thing from homeowners and buyers alike:

“Nothing really happens until spring, right?” 🌷

And while spring is traditionally busy, what most people don’t realize is that the real estate market doesn’t suddenly flip a switch in March. It starts warming up quietly—often in January—long before the signs are obvious.

Right now, buyers are watching. Sellers are thinking. And decisions are being shaped well before the spring rush ever begins.

Here’s what I’m seeing—and what it means if you’re considering a move this year.

Who’s Actually Looking at Homes in January? 👀

January buyers tend to be very different from the spring crowd. These aren’t casual browsers. They’re typically people who have already done a lot of thinking.

Some common January buyers I’m seeing:

• Relocation buyers planning a spring or early summer move
• Buyers who paused in late 2025 and are ready to re-enter
• Move-up buyers aligning with school calendars
• Second-home or cash buyers watching closely for the right opportunity

Fewer buyers doesn’t mean less activity—it usually means more serious activity.

Why Early-Season Buyers Matter

Buyers looking in January often:

• Are more decisive
• Have clearer priorities
• Are less reactive to competition
• Are easier to negotiate with

Because they aren’t competing against a flood of new listings yet, the conversations tend to be calmer and more thoughtful. That can lead to smoother transactions and better outcomes for everyone involved.

What This Means for Sellers

Many sellers wait until spring because it feels safer or more familiar—but January actually offers some unique advantages.

When you list earlier:

• You face less competition from other homes
• Your property stands out more
• Buyers touring now are typically well-qualified
• Feedback is clearer and more honest

This doesn’t mean rushing or forcing a decision. It simply means understanding that earlier exposure can create leverage—especially before inventory increases.

Why Waiting Until Spring Changes the Dynamics

Waiting isn’t wrong—but it does change the playing field. 

As spring approaches:

• More listings hit the market
• Buyers have more choices
• Pricing becomes more competitive
• Homes that linger can lose momentum

In many cases, the strongest buyer interest happens early, before options multiply. Homes that are priced and positioned well from the start often benefit the most.

What Buyers Should Be Doing Right Now

If you’re thinking about buying this year, January is a great time to:

• Watch specific neighborhoods closely
• Tour homes without pressure
• Learn what pricing really looks like
• Get clear on what matters most (and what doesn’t)

You don’t need to rush—but gathering information now makes spring decisions much easier. 📝

What Sellers Should Be Doing Right Now

You don’t have to commit to anything to start preparing. January is perfect for:

• Getting a quiet, updated value check
• Understanding timing options
• Making small prep decisions (without big projects)
• Talking through “what if” scenarios

Information creates options—and options create confidence. 💪

The Bottom Line

The market doesn’t wait for spring—it simply gets louder then.

Right now, things are moving quietly. Buyers are positioning themselves. Sellers are thinking ahead. And the people who take time to understand the market early are often the ones who feel the least stressed later.

If you’re curious how this applies to your home or your plans this year, I’m always happy to be a sounding board—no pressure, just honest conversation. 843-276-8517; mbryanrealestate@gmail.com 

Why “maybe later” can cost you more than you think.

If there’s one thing I hear all the time in real estate, it’s this:

“We’re thinking about buying/selling… but we’re going to wait.”

And I get it. Timing feels like everything. Life is busy. The market can feel confusing. And sometimes it’s easier to sit back and hope that “the perfect moment” magically shows up.

But here’s the truth:

The problem with waiting is that the market doesn’t wait with you.

Real estate keeps moving—even if you don’t.

In coastal South Carolina, and especially here in Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand, we’ve seen this play out time and time again. A client waits a few months… and suddenly the home they loved is gone, interest rates shift, or values have climbed just enough to tighten their budget.

So what exactly is the problem with waiting?

Let’s break it down, friend-to-friend.

1. Opportunities don’t hang around forever.

The perfect home? It usually sells while someone else is still “thinking about it.”

The ideal buyer for your home? They might be actively shopping right now.

Real estate is fast-paced—even in a smaller coastal town like ours. When good opportunities show up, they rarely last long.

2. Prices and interest rates can change quickly.

Here along the Grand Strand, we’ve watched home values steadily increase year over year. Waiting six months or a year can mean paying more for the same home… or walking away with less profit as a seller.

And interest rates?

Even a small increase affects your monthly payment and buying power.

Timing matters more than most people realize.

3. Inventory shifts—sometimes overnight.

Some seasons offer more choices, some less.

Some months have your dream home… and others don’t.

If you’re waiting for the “perfect” home to show up before you start planning, you’re already behind. The best moves happen when you’re ready—paperwork, financing, and strategy in place—so you can act quickly.

4. Waiting can mean missing the bigger picture.

Buying and selling isn’t just about right now—it’s about planning for the future you want...

• More space for your growing family
• Less maintenance as you downsize
• Moving closer to the water or closer to loved ones
• Building wealth through homeownership
• Reducing mortgage payments with a better fit

If something in your life is shifting, your timeline may already be “now” and you just haven’t acknowledged it yet.

5. The right plan takes time—and starting early sets you up for success.

This is where I come in.

Whether you’re six weeks out or six months out… planning early makes everything smoother.

We can talk through:

• Your ideal timeline
• What the market is doing
• Pricing trends in your neighborhood
• What your home is worth today
• What you can realistically afford to buy
• How to navigate buying + selling at the same time

No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation to help you feel confident.

So… should you jump now?

Not necessarily.

But you should get clarity now.

The problem with waiting isn’t pausing—it’s pausing without a plan.

If real estate is on your mind—even just a little—let’s talk strategy so you can make smart decisions instead of rushed ones.

You don’t need to be “ready.”

You just need to start.

Let’s chat.

If you’re thinking about moving in the near future or the next year, buying your first home, downsizing, relocating to Murrells Inlet, or exploring your options… I’m here to help.

📩 Message me anytime

📞 Schedule a mini-consult

📍 Local expert in Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand

Your future move starts with a simple conversation.

Let’s make sure you don’t miss your moment. 💙

Curious about what's really moving in the Grand Strand real estate market?  Here's a peek at the 10 highest-priced home sales from our MLS for October 2025.

Luxury sales were strong this month, with properties in North Myrtle Beach and Georgetown (Debordieu Colony) leading the way.

⛱️Top 10 Sales October 2025:

$4,500,000 | Oceanfront | 937 S Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, 29582 | 6702 HtdSqFt | 60 Days on Market

$3,675,000 | Oceanfront ~ Debordieu | 109 Pioneer Loop, Georgetown, SC 29440 | 4929 HtdSqFt | 177 DOM

$2,910,000 | ICW ~ Grande Dunes | 9157 Marina Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 | 4522 HtdSqFt | 53 DOM

$2,300,000 | Oceanfront | 1611B S Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach, SC 29575 | 3362 HtdSqFt | 170 DOM

$2,200,000 | ICW ~ Paradise Island | 4832 Williams Island Dr, Little River, SC 29566 | 3367 HtdSqFt | 148 DOM

$2,200,000 | Ocean Park ~ Debordieu | 78 Ocean Park Loop, Georgetown, SC 29440 | 3974 HtdSqFt | 82 DOM

$2,042,500 | Milano ~ Grande Dunes | 1526 Bellini Ct, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 | 4062 HtdSqFt | 291 DOM

$2,000,000 | Plantation Point | 2849 Old Bryan Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | 5279 HtdSqFt | 68 DOM

$1,865,000 | ICW ~ The Battery on the Waterway | 441 Saint Julian Ln, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 | 4000 HtdSqFt | 140 DOM

$1,850,000 | Oceanfront ~ North Beach Villas | 108 #A1 Summer Haven Ct, Georgetown, SC 29440 | 2100 HtdSqFt | 92 DOM

Link to the homes.

🌊 5 of the top 10 are oceanfront.  3 of the top 10 are on the Intracoastal Waterway "ICW". 937 S Ocean Blvd in North Myrtle Beach is the highest sale on the oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach.  The 2nd highest was in May 2025 and that was 1303 S Ocean Blvd that sold for $4,175,000.  Proof that oceanfront luxury remains one of the strongest segments in our market.

Grande Dunes continues to shine as one of the area's premier neighborhoods, as well as Debordieu Colony. 

Properties for sale in Grande Dunes.

Properties for sale in Debordieu Colony.

Even as days on market ranged from just 53 to 291 days, the steady turnover in these price points shows that well-positioned, high quality properties continue to attract qualified buyers.  

🌴Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Keeping an eye on these numbers can help you understand what buyers are paying for prime locations. If you'd like a custom home valuation or a look at what's sold in your neighborhood recently, I can share a personalized market report.

Sign up for monthly market updates for Myrtle Beach or area of your choice!

*all property data is from CCAR MLS*

Merrill Bryan, Realtor

mbryanrealestate@gmail.com

843-276-8517

merrillinmurrells.com

Thinking about living the coastal life in Murrells Inlet? I'm here to give you the inside scoop - from real estate to neighborhood tours to boating!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Come join the fun!

Merrill Bryan, Realtor

843-276-8517

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage ~ Murrells Inlet