One of the best parts about having a luxury home, besides getting to live in it every day, is keeping up with the latest in luxury home design trends.

When your home is a work of art itself, it probably doesn’t need too much interior design on a day to day basis—but switching things up can keep your home décor interesting, and it’ll surely impress your guests.

Read on for 6 tips to spruce up your luxury home’s interior design and get started with your mini interior transformations today!

Add molding & trim

If you’re loving the luxury feel, but some rooms in your home just aren’t as impressive as others, one quick and relatively inexpensive way to make a room feel grander is to add molding and trim.

Baseboards start at the floor and run the perimeter of the room; you can choose baseboards that are anywhere from 3 to 8 inches high. If you have ceilings that are higher than the usual 8 feet, go with a larger baseboard.

Casing is a trim that frames windows and door frames. Think of casing as a way to spice up the entrance from one room to the next.

Crown molding is the trim that runs along the space in the room where the walls meet the ceiling. Choose a crown molding that’s about an inch thicker than your baseboard, with a similar cut-out design.

To give your room a truly regal feel, add a chair or picture rail. Picture rails are a thin molding that go a few feet higher than your head and were traditionally used to hang photos in older homes, hence the name. Chair rails run around the room at chair height, about 36 inches off the ground, and will give your room a formal feel.

Highlight a focal point

Chances are, the rooms in your luxury home are quite large; this can make decorating them a little bit difficult and result in a slightly non-cohesive design. To make sure you’re decorating your rooms in a way to highlight their grandeur and beauty, choose a focal point in each room to highlight.

Focal points can often be an architectural detail, such as a fireplace or a large bay window. Choose the focal point in each room and center the décor around that feature. Choose colors and styles that compliment and point to those features, and even arrange furniture to be facing towards that specific piece of architecture.

Consider the lighting

According to HGTV, one quick way to make a room feel instantly luxurious is to adjust the lighting. Consider this when you choose curtains: you want the sunlight to stream in, but you may also want a heavier material for privacy. Consider two layers of curtains.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a dimmer on every switch to be able to take the space from comfortable to cozy and romantic with just the click of a button.

Fill your spaces with lamps and candles, too, so that there are plenty of options when it comes to your lighting, depending on the occasion!

Fresh flowers & plants

A simple vase of fresh flowers, or a potted plant or two in the kitchen and living area, can completely transform your home. Pick up some flowers at the local farmers’ market every week and keep them in rotation at your home. Your home will feel more like a luxury spa than just your home, and your guests are sure to be impressed.

Choose warm color palettes

When it comes to the colors in your home, luxury is often synonymous with warmth. So, choose warm colors, like beige, saturated red, and even deep greens.

Don’t be afraid to accent with white paint (in the moldings, especially), and don’t be afraid to try something new in a room that isn’t making you feel your best.

Upgrade your furniture

Furniture is about 80% of the design of any given room, so if you want to give your home a truly luxurious feel, you’ll need to pick out some luxurious furniture!

Go for pieces that are plush and oversized, choosing large sectionals that are big and comfy, chairs for the sitting area that you can curl up in, and plush rugs to keep the space cozy. You might think of furniture in a luxury home as ultra-sleek, modern pieces, but it will actually up the luxury ante if you choose lush upholstery and large, comfy, inviting pieces.

Check out our blog for more tips on perfecting your luxury home design! And if you’re looking to buy or sell your luxury home, call on Mandi Lee at Fripp and Harbor Island Properties. Lee will help you find the perfect home for you and your family. Click here to view our luxury listings and call 843-301-0819 today to speak with Lee today!

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Selling a luxury home can feel like an uphill battle, especially in a buyer’s market. Getting buyers to pay top dollar for your luxury home, even if it’s the nicest in the area, can be tricky: the key to a quick and successful sale is to get your potential buyers to see the value that the home truly has.

At Fripp & Harbor Island Properties, we understand the luxury home selling process all too well and if you’re looking to upgrade your home, relocate, or move inland, then here are some tips that will help you find success on the market!

#1: Stage your luxury home for success

Sure, your luxury home has all of the most sought-after features and is in a great location, but it will sit on the market if a potential buyer can’t picture themselves in the home, and that’s where staging comes in.

Staging is even more important with a high dollar value luxury home because there are amazing features to showcase and, like with any home, you have to give each room a purpose.

You may think that your home is objectively gorgeous (and we probably wouldn’t disagree) but selling a luxury home appeals to a very specific clientele. Think back to when you made the purchase; what was it about the home that caught your eye and was enticing enough to reel you in?

Stagers will recommend that you remove personal effects, so that the home feels like a blank slate that potential buyers can picture themselves vacationing in.

It’s important that you’re showcasing the home’s many amenities during the staging process. Make sure that the formal dining room has a large, elegant table that can host many. That soaking tub in the master bathroom should be the focal point of the space and make sure to highlight walk-in closets with seating and mirrored vanity tables.

#2: Marketing tactics to help you on the housing market

Once your home is staged, it’s important to make sure it’s properly marketed to the right people. To get started with your marketing, make sure that your home has professional photos taken, and consider asking your photographer to build a virtual tour.

Professional lighting and design are key to creating photographs that will entice luxury home buyers from around the country. Highlight your home’s unique features, and don’t forget to snap some photos of the incredible views.

Part of your marketing plan may or may not include an open house—some experts say that having an open house at a luxury home for sale can actually diminish its perceived value. Talk with your real estate agent before you decide, but don’t be over eager and schedule an open house right away.

Chances are, it’ll be a great opportunity for nosy neighbors to check out your guest bathrooms, and serious buyers won’t attend.

#3: When is the optimal time to sell your luxury home?

Selling a luxury home has a lot to do with good timing: choose the most optimal time of year depending on the weather to sell your home.

Listing your home at the most opportune time means that more buyers will be interested to see it—if you list during a lull in the market, you run the risk of sitting on the market for too long. Once those buyers come around during the better weather, they may wonder why your home has been on the market for so long.

#4: Why should people want to live there?

Just as important as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and amenities is the lifestyle that your home and neighborhood will offer to buyers. If your home is in a private community that offers tennis courts, swimming pools, and a golf course to members, make sure that those items are called out in the listing.

Remember that your buyers are looking for a certain kind of lifestyle when they purchase your home, so be sure to call out the top-rated restaurants, local shopping, and other leisurely activities that buyers will enjoy when they move to the area.

#5: Is the price right for the luxury home market?

Finally, in order to quickly sell your home, but ensure that you get the best return on your investment, it’s important to price your home fairly. If you’re unaware of what the market has been looking like in recent months, ask your realtor to advise.

It’s important to forego the typical pricing methods, like price per square foot, since luxury homes are so unique, even to one another in the same neighborhood.

Make sure you get the price right: a reduction won’t look good to buyers and remember that your pool of potential buyers will be smaller than if your home were a bit less expensive.

If you’re looking to sell your luxury home in the Fripp Island area, contact Mandi Lee at Fripp & Harbor Island Properties today. She will not only navigate the housing market with you, she will expertly advertise and stage your home. Lee’s knowledge and experience in this market will ensure that you get top dollar for your luxury home. Give Lee a call at 843-301-0819 today to learn more about selling your Fripp Island home!

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Purchasing or renting a vacation home takes thoughtful consideration. The first step is deciding on your vacation home’s location by factoring in your ideal vacation style, your accessibility to the home, and your interests!

Let your vacation style guide you to your new home away from home.

Choosing the right location for your vacation home starts with your style of vacationing.

Does your ideal vacation include lounging on white, sandy beaches, letting the sounds of the rolling ocean waves lull you to sleep? Or, do you prefer the hustle and bustle of an on-the-go trip, where you jump from one activity to the next to see the sights and stay busy?

Whether you lean towards one extreme or fall somewhere in the middle, factor in your style of vacationing to help you select the best location for you.

If you like it quiet, consider a remote location that offers privacy and serenity. If you’d rather stay in tune with the local goings-on, choose a vacation home closer to the city or town.

Accessibility

The best vacation home is located just the right amount of distance away from your permanent residence to feel like a getaway while still proving convenient to travel to.

Pick your prime vacation home spot by considering your purpose for the vacation home and who will travel there. Is this home for you and your family only, or will you rent the property out when not in use? Check for multiple modes of convenient transportation in the area that increases the likelihood of guest bookings.

Opt for purchasing a vacation home in an area you love and have visited more than once. Spontaneously choosing a location you visited only briefly may lack the connection and adoration of an area needed to leave you wanting to return each year. Talk to locals, resort staff, area business owners, and more to find out what day-to-day life is like throughout the seasons.

Make sure the location caters to your interests

We often vacation each year in the same spot for a few reasons: one, we have an affinity for the familiar, and two, our location of choice has numerous activities, exciting events, or breathtaking views that bring us back. When searching for the right location for your vacation home, keep your interests in mind.

Choose a location you and your family enjoy that has something for everyone. Location is everything when choosing a vacation home because it serves as your opportunity to get away to some place you can relax, de-stress, and have fun!

Find beautiful vacation homes in South Carolina through Fripp Island Real Estate, your expert source for gorgeous island homes! Mandi Lee has years of experience as a real estate agent and more importantly, is a Fripp Island resident who will be able to show you all that a vacation home in Fripp Island has to offer. Call Lee today at 843-301-0819 to learn more about this relaxing and beautiful location!

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Owning a second home in a favorite vacation destination is what daydreams are made of. However, one thing that many homeowners overlook while planning for their second home is its safety and security. After all, if you’re frequently away from, how can you rest assured that all is safe and sound?

Luckily, there are many ways to protect your second or vacation home and perhaps apply the same logic to your primary home, during those times of the year you spend away!

Here are some tips to help you keep your second home or vacation home safe and secure while you’re away.

Security with satisfaction

Consider owning a second or vacation home in a community that offers a secure entrance. Guarded and gated communities offer peace of mind in that the location is private and people entering the community need permission by either a gate pass or a resident decal. Both Fripp Island and Harbor Island offer guarded entrances with 24 hour a day security.

In addition, both islands offer patrol vehicles that provide added security as well as safety. Security personnel provide speed limit observations, home checks, as well as any other suspicious issues that may occur.

Meet the neighbors

Make an extra effort to meet the neighbors who live full time residents near your home. Because many homes in a vacation destination are used as summer rentals or investment properties, a Neighborhood Watch program can be helpful.

The Fripp Good Neighbor Watch is a group of volunteers who aid security personnel who cannot be everywhere all at once. The Watch is organized under the direction and supervision of the Chief of Fripp Security who meets quarterly with Watch Members. The Chief offers guidance regarding what to look for and what to report and tailors the meeting subjects to those requested by watch participants.

Keep a list of rules for your renters

If you rent your home out while you’re away, make sure that your guests know the rules when it comes to keeping your home safe and secure. Print out clear security instructions, including a list of each door and window that needs to be locked and secured both while your guests are at the house, and once they leave.

Invest in an alarm system & security camera

These days, technology can help us keep our homes safe and alert us to any unusual activity. You can install an alarm system in your home, which can help prevent theft. If any unexpected house guest happens to open a door or window, an alarm will sound, and the local police will be notified. Many alarm companies will call you if an alarm is triggered and ask you if you’d like to dispatch the police.

Security cameras with apps for your smartphone are a great way to ensure peace of mind while you’re away. If you ever want to check up on your house, all you need to do is log into the security camera’s app and click through. You’ll be able to see live footage of your home, and if anything is amiss, you can take action right away.

Make it look like someone is home even if they are not

Your neighbors at your second home can help you keep it safe and secure by alerting you to any suspicious activity and helping to give your home the appearance that someone lives there year-round. If you have mail or packages delivered to your second home, ask a neighbor to pick yours up when they go grab theirs from the mailbox, too. Excess mail and packages on the front porch for days on end can alert thieves in the area that no one is home making your house an easy target.

Another helpful hint is to place a stop on your mail until you’re back in town and can pick it up, or have it forwarded to your primary residence.

Exterior Deterrents

While your neighbors help you to pick up the mail and keep your second home looking lived-in, you can also hire a gardener to mow the lawn and trim the trees while you’re away. You should also install lights that will automatically switch on in the evenings, or motion-activated lights: nothing’s more attractive to a burglar than a completely dark home with no activity going on inside.

Fripp Island is a safe, friendly community, where the number one goal is to enjoy the beautiful island while keeping it a safe environment for every resident! If you’re interested in making Fripp Island your second home, Mandi Lee would be delighted to work with you in finding the perfect second residence fitted to your needs. Give her a call today at 843-301-0819 and find your ideal second home among our numerous listings!

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Just off the coast of South Carolina, Fripp Island offers something for everyone. The beaches, bike trails, and beautiful scenery are incomparable, but what makes this beautiful oasis stand out from any other is the delicious food offered by some of the best restaurants on the South Carolina island!

Dine on the water in Fripp Island and enjoy the most incredible ocean views

For a relaxing evening, right at the water’s edge, and arguably some of the best seafood in town, you have the Bonito Boathouse. This charming seaside spot was renovated just last year, so it boasts new finishes and comfortable dining arrangements. Watch the sunset with your sweetheart or catch up with an old friend over the classic fish tacos, pecan-encrusted grouper, or Southern-inspired shrimp and grits.

Another popular dining option is the Cabana Club Restaurant. The Cabana Club is perched on Skull’s Inlet and is home to the breathtaking views of Pritchard’s Island and the Cabana Lagoon Pools. There are great options for children, so it’s the perfect place to eat out with the family during your stay. We challenge you to find a better burger spot for lunch on the island! As an added bonus, if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, check out Willies Wet Bar while you’re there. Relaxing in the pool with a cool drink in your hand just became your new favorite pastime.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience featuring regional ingredients and a healthy list of side dish options, reserve a table at The Beach Club. With ocean views at every table, and a wide selection of wine, you’re in for a true Fripp Island treat. For a more relaxing environment, but snacks from the same kitchen, head upstairs from The Beach Club to check out Ocean View. Play a rousing game of darts, order a couple of seasonal appetizers to share, and enjoy the good weather. Call 843-838-1510 for more information about the menu!

Fripp Island is home to some of the best quick and casual spots for breakfast, lunch and snacks!

Most folks need a couple of spots in town to grab a quick bite, whether you’re taking a break from the beach or packing up the makings for a picnic to take on your scenic bike route.

Ocean Pointe Grille is the locals’ favorite go-to for breakfast. Featuring omelets, pancakes, and just about every side dish you could ask for, it’s a staple in Fripp Island life, and it wouldn’t surprise us if you made it your new regular Saturday spot. Breakfast starts early at 7am and wraps up at 11, but there’s also a lunch menu, snacks and drinks available during the afternoon.

After completing your long journey to the 18th hole on the golf course, celebrate your score at the 19th Hole! It’s Fripp Island’s favorite post-golf spot to grab a bite and unwind and kick back with your buddies. The patio is the perfect location to relax and watch everyone else complete the 18th hole.

Take a break from the sun and stop into The Marina Deli to grab a sandwich, snack, soda or beer. The Marina Deli offers several budget-friendly options and is a great place to stock up for a day out on the boat! If you’re looking for many different options all in one location, head to the Food Court. Fried chicken, Mexican dishes, family-sized portions, and soft-serve ice cream are only a few of the numerous options available. There’s also a Starbucks for the caffeine lovers, and plenty of options for takeout.

Travel off the island for a bite to eat at Johnson Creek Tavern and Gullah Grub!

For a menu that covers it all, from steak to chicken to seafood, head to Johnson Creek Tavern. Enjoy oysters by the bucket, indulge in the night’s dinner special, and catch up with some dear friends. Your dinner will be accompanied by a commendable beer and wine list and serenaded by Fripp Island local musicians.

For a more traditional option, check out Gullah Grub, serving up traditional low country foods, roasted, grilled or stewed with fresh local ingredients. The Gullah people were able to preserve their stories, food, music and more when isolated on the islands of South Carolina, and now they’re able to share their culture with us when diving into the authentic Gullah meals at Gullah Grub.

Fripp Island is the place to be, with beautiful weather year-round and so many things to do!

Whether you are the avid fisherman, a nature enthusiast, or are ready to take your spot on the beach with a good book, this South Carolina Island is the ideal location for your permanent home or vacation home. By becoming a resident and obtaining your amenity card, you can indulge in all of the amenities that the Fripp Island resort has to offer, including our favorite dining spots!

Families, retirees, couples and singles have turned to John Lee, Fripp Island real estate expert, for help in uncovering the best homes for sale on the island. Call Lee today at 843-575-2820 to learn more about the area and his featured listings!

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What’s your Friday Night Life like?

Fripp Life is great on a Friday Night!

After a long week in the office, it’s great to go for a walk on the beach and watch the sunset and look for dolphins… or go to the heated pool (that I don’t have to maintain)  for a quick swim.  A round of tennis or golf after a long day at work can also relieve stress.  Being on island time is so much fun!

Need dinner but don’t want to cook?  No problem, Bonito Boathouse is fantastic with great views or a pizza from The Food Court will please the kiddies.  It’s a great life!

#fripplife  #joinusonFripp

Fripp Island Amenities

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Day Trips from Fripp and Harbor

In our local area, a day trip from the islands is the perfect addition to exploring life in the low country.  From nearby Hunting Island to Beaufort or on to Charleston, day trips add to the coastal Carolina lifestyle.

Hunting Island State Park is Fripp and Harbor’s distinguished 5000 acre neighbour. In addition to the sandy beaches, a climb to the top of South Carolina’s well known 1854 Lighthouse is a must do.

If you are ecology minded, migratory sea birds come to the islands. Shady rookeries welcome 2,000 pairs of Herons and Egrets, and tasty Blue Crabs team in tidal creeks that crisscross the marsh. Look out for alligators and deer as well!

Click here for more information.

Downtown Beaufort, SC

Visit historical downtown Beaufort for a wonderful off island day trip. The Bay Street waterfront is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon.  Also, wooden swings, boats on the bay, and even local music will take you away!  Foodies can enjoy a picnic from one of the many waterfront restaurants usually with evening musical entertainment.

Click here for more information.

Charleston, SC

Charleston is full of historical character as well as shopping, adventure, arts and entertainment.  Whether you are visiting a museum or festival, Charleston is a fantastic day trip.

https://charleston.com

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2018 is looking to be a ripe year for home buyers, especially those looking to purchase a second home. However, you don’t want to leap right into it and sign on the dotted line without understanding the market you’re buying in first and finding the home of your dreams! Read on to learn more about buying a second home so that you’ll be properly prepared to take that leap.

Think about the different types of homes

There are plenty of options when it comes to buying your weekend getaway, investment property, or future retirement home.  From condos to townhomes and on to single family homes, the options are endless.  Condos and townhomes offer a lock and leave option while single family homes ranging from two bedrooms and upwards offer a little bit more permanence and privacy. If you’re looking for a place for your whole family to enjoy and multi-generational use, a multi-story home or expansive beachside mansion might be ideal for you. Then you need to ask yourself if you want to wake up to the water every day or are looking for a place that’s more inland.

What goes into the cost of a second home?

You may be thinking the cost of your second home is simply the sale price. However, there are some additional expenses that you should factor into the equation when planning your finances for your second home.

Securing a mortgage

Before approving your mortgage for a second home, lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is how much money you’re paying on debts, like credit cards, student loans, or current mortgage payments, compared to how much money you bring in with your job. The bank is just analyzing how capable you will be at repaying this additional loan in a timely matter.

Insuring your second home

It’s common that insurance companies view your second home as a risk due to the fact that you will not be residing there full-time. These risks will make your insurance for this second property a little higher than the insurance you’re paying on your primary residence, and there will be additional coverage expenses if you plan on renting your second home out when you’re not there.

Plan for maintenance costs

Since you won’t be living in this house every day, you won’t be able to keep up with small maintenance tasks that you normally do at your primary residence. You should plan to factor annual maintenance into your budget in order to hire someone to take care of the small or large problems that arise when you’re not on site.

Make sure you’re in love with the area, but don’t jump the gun

If you’re going to purchase a second home, you should love the neighborhood you’re a part of just like you do with your primary residence! Even if the location you’re looking at has been your vacation spot for years, take a good look around the area as a non-tourist. Take a stroll around the block and get a feel for your potential neighbors, or visit the different places you would normally go in your daily routine. You should even try to visit the area during the off-season.

We say “don’t jump the gun” because you shouldn’t go on a vacation and come home with another home’s keys in your hand! Purchasing a second home takes time and you want to do some thorough research about the market, location, and your own budget before making the big purchase.

You should hire a real estate agent that knows the area

You’ll want someone helping you through this process that’s local and understands the housing and second home market. A local real estate agent will be able to give you information about the neighborhoods and find a home that matches your wants and needs, like if you’d like to be close to the golf course or want a beautiful view of the water. An agent will prove beneficial, especially if you’re trying to search for your vacation or retirement home while miles away in your primary home.

If you’re looking for a second home in a beautiful location, consider Fripp Island. The island life will provide you with that small town feel and paradise-like scenery, offering both a quiet getaway and a smorgasbord of fun activities. Fripp and Harbor Island Properties has plenty of properties to show you that will fit your needs and your budget, and also comes equipped with the best real estate agent in the business, John Lee. Lee will share this beautiful location and, more importantly, his expertise with you to find another place in this world that you can call ‘home.’

Check out John Lee’s featured listings on Fripp Island give him a call at 843-575-2820 today to find the island life you’ve been searching for!

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Every homeowner could agree that buying your first home is an exciting moment in your life, but it could also be the most stressful. With lack of information and motivation, first-time home buyers often make some big mistakes.

Here are some of the most common slip-ups you should avoid when getting ready to buy for the first time!

Forgetting to weigh all their home-buying options

Many first-time home buyers think that buying a home is a concrete rite of passage that is inevitable in their lives. However, they neglect to see that buying a home isn’t the only option, and is definitely not the cheapest. Evaluate your situation and housing plan. If you are thinking of settling down for the long haul, then buying a house is a wise investment. Take advantage of the homeowner benefits, including home equity, property taxes, and actually owning a home and knowing your consistent costs for the future.

On the other hand, if you are almost certain that your next home will only be for a couple years, then renting might be the best option. Renting is not only cost-effective, but it supports the likelihood that you’ll be moving again within your five-year-plan. This is especially true for the younger generation that currently stays at their jobs for only a couple of years before moving onto the next step, and who knows where that next step will take them?

Passing on the home inspection

This is a huge mistake made home buyers looking to cut down on house hunting expenses. Though saving money is important, a home inspection might actually prove more so. If you skip the home inspection, you are at risk of buying a house that needs more money than you bargained for. Then you’re left spending more than the amount you would have paid for an inspector!

This professional walk-through is vital to your home-buying process for several reasons. An expert will be able to see potential problems unlike anyone else because they have a trained eye that knows exactly what to look for. Also, this gives you an opportunity to learn about your potential house and the best ways to maintain it. Inspectors can answer any questions that you may have about cracks, smells or other areas you might be worried about.

Not learning about the property

First-time home buyers often neglect to learn more about their potential property and its location, which is a big mistake. The house and the community it resides in may become your new home, so be sure to conduct the proper research.

This means visiting the property more than once. You can go to a showing in the afternoon on a weekday, but it won’t be a valid example of the environment as a whole. If you visit the property at different times throughout a week, you can see if the traffic gets congested near your house during rush hour as well as experience your potential neighbors when they get home from work.

While you’re at it, take note of the community around you. Consider your lifestyle and how this new place could affect it. Are there schools nearby? This could be an advantage if you have children, but could be a problem if you don’t want to be kept up late by those Friday night football games.

Relying too much on the Internet

As of recently, home buyers are turning to online sources to learn about their home values and loan information. The Internet is a great resource for home buyers to perform their own research, but that’s all it should be used for – research. You can’t put too much faith on what you find online because it’s not always reliable. That’s why interviewing and working with a lender in-person, will provide the clarity you need about your mortgage. They will be able to explain misunderstandings with fees, ownership costs, and other terms you may have questions about.

It is also apparent that home-buyers are getting their hopes up due to online home values. Some sites can give buyers an inaccurate home value which isn’t fair to the client. Think about taking a drive with an agent around the neighborhoods you’re looking into so they can give you a better explanation for a home’s value.

Failing to plan their finances

Many first-time home buyers are very conscious about how much money they’re willing to spend, however there are a couple of ways to get tripped up in the process.

Some home buyers purchase properties beyond their budget even when they have a budget! This could be because they didn’t realize all of the costs that came with buying a home, including property taxes, closing costs, and association dues. It is the responsibility of the buyer to understand the costs and ensure they can pay them before closing the deal.

Another mistake frequently made by home buyers is not getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This solution could save you from spending beyond your means and keep you looking at houses in your price range. U.S. News & World Report says a pre-approved mortgage will prove beneficial when you find the home of your dreams and need to place an offer immediately.

A solution that may prove beneficial in avoiding these mistakes could be working with a trusted real estate agent. With more than 20 years of experience, John Lee is the expert you want on the job! Check out his featured listings or call him at 843-575-2820 today to find your new home here in South Carolina.

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What is it about being close to the ocean that makes us feel calm and happy? If you’ve ever experienced a sense of wonder and delight while looking out over the waves, then you know what we’re talking about.

As it turns out, the emotion of happiness that we experience when we’re close to the water is actually a psychological reaction to the ocean that happens in our brains. Did you know that people who live near the water tend to be happier and healthier? Read on for a look at the various reasons why we love being near the water.

Humans’ History with Water

Throughout our history, as people have migrated and grown their tribes and families, explored the planet, and planted new roots, we’ve followed the water. Explorers who sailed the oceans and rivers looking for new lands and experiencing different cultures often spent a majority of their lives at sea or on the river, so to them, the water was home. It also propelled them on their journey, and was a necessary way to travel from one place to another.

For that reason, the water represents possibilities, adventure, excitement and comfort, all at the same time. While being close to a large body of water is deeply comforting and causes us to feel relaxed and at home, it is also endless and largely unexplored, that gives us a sense of excitement and awe. Conde Nast Traveler says just as we may seek the water on our vacations from our everyday lives, explorers sought the water for the horizons they opened.

Stimulating our “Blue Minds”

According to Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., a marine biologist and author of a book titled Blue Mind, being close to the water gives us an immeasurable sense of peace. According to Conde Nast Traveler, his book talks about a so-called “blue mind” which describes the state that our brains enter when we are near the ocean. We are often overworked and overstimulated during our daily lives, but when we are faced with the ocean or a body of water that feels like home to us, we’re able to block out all of the noise and stress and enter our “blue mind,” which is peaceful and empty.

In an excerpt from Blue Mind on Salon.com, Nichols says that the water “adds to, enhances, and expands” our efforts to reach a calm and mindful state.

Life Depends on Water

From an evolutionary point of view, the water literally gives us life: humans need it to survive.  Humans are a species that were built to depend on the water. We need to drink it to survive, and use it as a method of travel to get where we need to go, and eat the foods that it provides us like fish and mollusks to live. So, some part of our bodies having a psychosomatic reaction to the waves has to do with the fact that we know that we need those drops of water to live. Who wouldn’t be grateful and a little bit in awe?

Living Near the Water Makes us Healthier

Conde Nast Traveler says that living near the water can actually make us healthier. Studies have found that people who live near the ocean, a bay, or a river are generally healthier, as well as happier. This could be due to the fact that living by the ocean causes people to stress less—and stress can often lead to detrimental health issues, like weight gain, and even cause more serious issues like heart attacks.

Plus, if you live near the ocean in a place that has temperate weather year-round, you may be more physically active than people who live further inland. It’s a more attractive pastime to go for a walk on the beach than it is to go for a walk on a busy, noisy street—and a walk on the beach is better exercise than sitting in your car and driving to work each day.

Bodies of water also offer lots of opportunities for sports. Whether you’re a paddle-boarder, kayaker, jet-skier, or water-skier, there are plenty of opportunities to break a sweat by the water.

Benefits of the Color Blue

Studies have shown the color blue to be calming to the mind: the blue color of the ocean has the same effect (or perhaps an even more powerful one) as painting your office space blue to stimulate concentration and calmness.

Here on Fripp Island, we take ocean views very seriously. If you’re looking for a little bit of calmness in your life, and want to live closer to the water to reap all the wonderful benefits that come with being in the ocean’s proximity, call real estate agent John Lee at Fripp Island Real Estate today at 843-575-2820.

To get an idea of some of our available properties, click here to check out our ocean-view properties, and click here to view our ocean-front properties!

Filed under: Blog, Fripp Island Beachfront Real Estate, Fripp Island SC, Waterfront Homes Fripp Island by Fripp Island Real Estate
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