Hi friends, welcome to The Ronicle, my monthly newsletter built around one simple idea: living well on and around the Grand Strand. Each issue is split into two quick parts: Lifestyle Living (what to do, where to go, what to try) and Real Estate Advisor (plain-English market updates and practical tips). I’m aiming for a 3–5 minute read that gives you a couple of good ideas, and hopefully a reason to smile.
Missed an issue or want to share The Ronicle with a friend? You can browse past editions anytime here:
What's happening this month
🌸 March on the Grand Strand - spring has arrived
Everything starts to pick up:
⛳ The first of two peak golf seasons begins
🌺 Flowers bloom (and yes… the pollen flies — boo!)
🏡 The real estate market shifts into high gear
There’s an energy to March that feels different!
Did you know:
Average high temps : 65°F
Record high temp : 89°F
Other things to do
Mar. 6-7 : Surfside Beach BBQ Festival
Mar. 7 : Get The Led Out, tribute to Led Zeppelin, Carolina Opry
Mar. 7 : Myrtle Beach marathon
Mar. 8 : Tusk, the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute, Carolina Opry
Mar. 13 : Hotel California, the Eagles tribute, Alabama Theater
Mar. 14 : St. Patrick's Day Parade, North Myrtle Beach
Mar. 14 : Candlelight concert, Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, Charles Bach Wonders Theatre (we have our tickets!)
Mar. 19 : Harry Potter trivia night, Grand Strand Brewing Co.
Mar. 21 : Paul Reiser at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre
Mar. 21 : The Machine performs Pink Floyd, Carolina Opry (I'm going!)
Mar. 19-21: Run To The Sun Car and Truck Show, 2501 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
Mar. 28: Sip and Sculpt, 1pm - 3pm, Brookgreen Gardens
Mar. 29: Stayin' Alive, Bee Gees Tribute, Carolina Opry
This Month's Lifestyle Spotlight
🏗New Construction Living
New construction isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s worth this month’s Lifestyle Spotlight. For some buyers, a brand-new home means peace of mind, modern layouts, and energy efficiency built for today’s lifestyle. For others, it can feel less established or more structured than resale neighborhoods. Bottom line: it’s not “better or worse.” It’s about whether new construction fits the way you want to live.
Why people choose new construction
Everything is new. Roof, HVAC, appliances, plumbing — no wondering how much life is left in major systems.
Modern floor plans. Open concepts, large kitchen islands, primary suites positioned for privacy, flex rooms for home offices.
Energy efficiency Newer insulation, windows, and HVAC systems typically mean lower utility bills.
Builder warranties. Most new homes come with structural and systems coverage, offering short-term peace of mind.
Community amenities. New neighborhoods often include pools, clubhouses, walking trails, and sidewalks designed for active living.
What to look for before you buy
What’s included vs. what’s an upgrade. Base price can look attractive — but structural options, lot premiums, and finishes add up.
Lot location. Backing to woods? Pond view? Near an entrance? Near future construction?
Timeline Reality. Even if you don’t plan to rent, it matters for resale and flexibility.
HOA Structure. What are the fees, and what do they cover? See February's Ronicle for an in-depth HOA discussion.
Resale positioning. When you sell, will you compete with a builder still offering incentives?
Representation matters.The builder’s sales agent represents the builder — not you. See this month's buyer tip.
🧭 Finding the Right Builder
With so many new communities across the Grand Strand, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Model homes look beautiful. Incentives sound attractive. Upgrade sheets can be exciting. But the smartest new construction decisions don’t start with countertops or appliance packages.
They start with my 3 L's:
Location. Lifestyle. Long-Term Value.
Where do you want to live?
How do you want to spend your days?
And when it’s time to sell, how well will this home compete?
When those three align, choosing the right builder becomes much clearer.
Here are several of the national builders active in Horry County and what they’re known for:
🏗 National Builders Active in Horry County
If you’re exploring new construction in and around Horry County, these are the larger national builders buyers most frequently ask about:
DR Horton – One of the largest builders in the country, known for wide community selection and competitive pricing.
Lennar – Offers an “Everything’s Included” approach with many features bundled into the base price.
Pulte Homes – Strong reputation for structured build process and thoughtful, lifestyle-driven floor plans.
Mungo Homes – Southeast-focused builder offering solid mid-market options with flexible design selections.
Beazer Homes – Emphasizes energy efficiency and personalization within production communities.
Toll Brothers – Positioned toward the higher-end market with luxury finishes and larger floor plans.
Ashton Woods – Known for design-forward interiors and curated design studio experiences.
Ryan Homes – A large national builder focused on affordability and efficiency, known for streamlined floor plans and competitive pricing in growing communities.
Meritage Homes – Strong focus on energy-efficient construction and streamlined purchase process.
🏡 What About Custom Homes?
Beyond the national builders, the Grand Strand has many respected custom and semi-custom builders. This path gives you:
- Greater architectural flexibility
- More control over finishes and layout
- The ability to build on select lots
- A more tailored design experience
🏡 Custom Home Spotlight: Traditional Home Builders 🏡
If you’re looking for a true custom experience,Traditional Home Builders is widely respected in the Grand Strand for quality construction and attention to detail.
Known for building in some of the area’s premier communities, they focus on thoughtful design, strong architectural presence, and homes that are built to last. They are a top-notch option to consider.
If you’re considering building — whether production or custom — the smartest decisions happen before you walk into a model home. Reach out and I’ll help you navigate the options the right way.
Click on any lifestyle below to start your search immediately.
Ron’s Spotlight: Bumble Bee Blinds 🐝
If you need window treatments Bumble Bee Blinds of Myrtle Beach is a
woman owned, community rooted, family operated, local window treatment business. They provide custom window treatments throughout the area which include plantation shutters, roman shades, roller shades, blinds, cellular shades, drapery etc.
They are a showroom on wheels-bringing the samples, ideas, and expertise right to you so you can see what works best in your space with your lighting and décor. Owners Cheryl & Tony along with the entire Bumble Bee Blinds team are focused on customer service. Every consultation is personal. When they sit down with you, they’re not just looking at windows — they’re listening to stories, your preferences, and your concerns. It’s a seamless process starting with the in-home consultation through installation.
They have been named “Best of the Best” in the Grand Strand and
maintain a 100% customer satisfaction rating 🐝
Contact information:
Bumble Bee Blinds Myrtle Beach
843-484-7117
Ronicle Fun Fact
Around 1901-1905, oceanfront lots in Myrtle Beach were sold by Burroughs and Collins Company for just $25. Buyers often received an additional, second lot for free, if they constructed a house on the property valued at $500 or more.
This section is where I’ll put on my “advisor hat” and share practical, real-world insight to help you make smart decisions, whether you’re planning a move now or just keeping an eye on the market. Throughout the year, you’ll see quick market snapshots, buyer and seller tips you can actually use, what I’m seeing out in the field, and simple checklists that take the guesswork out of the process.
Market Update
The Market Temperature is pretty much flat at 63 (last month 64), keeping us in a seller-leaning environment overall. In practical terms, well-priced homes that show nicely are continuing to attract solid interest, especially in desirable neighborhoods. Buyers may see a touch more breathing room than earlier in the year, but the best homes can still move quickly. Sellers: this is a reminder that pricing and presentation remain the difference-makers—homes that feel turn-key and are positioned correctly from day one are the ones getting the strongest response.
The Market Temperature is pretty much flat at 25 (last month 26), which continues to signal a strong buyer’s market for condos and townhomes. In practical terms, buyers generally have more options and more negotiating room—especially on units that have been on the market longer, compete with similar listings, or are priced ahead of recent comps. Sellers: in this environment, pricing and total monthly cost (HOA + insurance + taxes) matter a lot, and strong presentation helps a property stand out. Buyers: it’s a good time to compare options carefully and negotiate smartly on price and terms.
If your home is in a community where the builder is still actively selling, you’re not just competing with other resale homes. You’re competing with model homes, builder incentives, design-center upgrades, and brand-new inventory
That doesn’t mean you can’t win. It just means you have to position strategically.
1️⃣ Price realistically from day one
2️⃣ Highlight what builders may not offer that you do
3️⃣ Emphasize immediate availability
4️⃣ Stage it better than the model
5️⃣ Understand builder incentives before you list
For a deeper dive into these tips for selling against new construction — including pricing strategy, builder incentive analysis, and positioning — reach out and I’ll send you my full Selling Against Builders Guide.
🏗 Buyer Strategy: How to Buy New Construction the Smart Way
Buying new construction isn’t the same as buying a resale home.
The model is polished. The sales center feels easy. The process seems streamlined. However, there are many nuances to buying new construction that smart buyers are aware of.
What Buyers Often Overlook in New Construction
Buying new construction can feel simple and streamlined — but there are important details many buyers don’t fully consider until it’s too late.
⚠️ The onsite agent represents the builder
⚠️ The base price is rarely the final price
⚠️ Builder contracts are different from resale contracts
⚠️ Incentives can change quickly
⚠️ Resale positioning starts on day one
And so, here are my 5 tips for buying new construction
1️⃣ decide on location before you fall in love with a model
2️⃣ understand what the base price really means
3️⃣ compare total cost, not just purchase price
4️⃣ protect your long-term value
5️⃣ bring representation with you
For a deeper dive into buying new construction the smart way, reach out and I’ll send you my full New Construction Buyer Guide.
