Posts by : Adrianne Anderson

The wisdom of the past informs design in the present. For more than 6,000 years, the Chinese have been practicing the principles of feng shui, a tradition that seeks to bring together opposing forces in the world to create harmony and balance in homes. "Feng shui" translated into English is "wind" and "water" — two basic elements found in nature.

To achieve this harmony, interior designers decorate using the five feng shui elements of wind, water, fire, wood and metal. Each element symbolizes certain desirable qualities that we seek to make our lives fulfilling, such as balance, creativity, vitality and stability. The design begins with a bagua, or a map of a room divided into eight se...

As a local, a few things happen as summer comes to an end. One, the tourist season transfers from families on vacation to golfers and retirees. At the end of August and first few weeks in September, you can almost see the different school calendars across the nation reflected in wait times at restaurants and available parks at public beach accesses. By the end of September, the weather is perfect: mornings and evenings in the 70’s and highs in the mid 80’s. The water is still warm from the summer and often the storms in the Atlantic create some great waves for surfing. 

After Labor Day, our area ramps up with some amazing festivals and we’ll be sending out a schedule on our social media ...

What's going on around the Grand Strand this weekend? There are so many fun things to do, here are just a few of our favorites! Let us know if you'll be checking any out.

3rd Annual Beach & Chili Fest: https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/.../beach-n-chili-fest

Vintage Market Days: https://vintagemarketdays.com/market/coastal-carolina/

Fall Food Truck Festival in Ocean Isle Beach: https://www.ncbrunswick.com/.../fall-food-truck.../2341/

Southern Palmetto Farms: https://www.southernpalmettofarms.com/

OPEN HOUSE! Join us this Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for an open house at 131 River Country Drive, Conway. This beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home is located in River Country, a small, quiet neighborhood situated on Bear Bluff Road, just off Highway 90 and close to Highway 22 and International Drive. Make sure you stop by to see this beautiful home! Adrianne will be hosting and giving away gift certificates to Stella’s Homemade Ice cream and Cakes.

Tax notices are issued in the fall and should be arriving in your mailbox in the coming months. Taxes are due in January. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to update your home as a primary residence so you can qualify for the lower tax rate of 4%. Also, in the event you are 65 or older, totally disabled or totally blind, you qualify for an additional tax reduction via the Homestead Exemption. 

To apply for primary residence, you’ll need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration to match your South Carolina address. You’ll also need to provide a copy of your most recently filed tax returns. Please don’t wait to make this update! Typically, your property taxes fo...

How do you approach a conversation with your parents about estate planning? For sure, you don't want to nag or become a nuisance, creating suspicions about your motives. By being open and honest about your concerns, you can allay their fears that this is only about interest in their money. Talk about the opportunities they wish they had as children that they'd want their kids and grandkids to have — the stories or lessons they wan t their heirs to hear and advice about finances they want to pass down.

Your parents understand their estate, so during your chat, ask them whether they have a list of names and contact information for doctors, attorneys, financial planners and accountants, ins...

It will be on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for an open house at 145 Dots Court in Conway. This beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home sits on an acre with NO HOA. You'll love the many upgrades the home is outfitted with. Located just a couple of miles from Highway 22, you have an easy drive to area beaches and are just 7 miles from Downtown Conway! Luke will be hosting.

Click here to know more!

It will be held this Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for an open house at 5810 Crestwood Drive in Myrtle Beach. Creekfront estate with direct Intracoastal Waterway access available in Socastee. Make sure you stop in and see this gorgeous home! Adrianne will be hosting.

Click here for more info!

Whether you like to take long weekend trips to nearby locations or go on longer international adventures, travel is a high priority for many people. But while you're away, your empty home can attract unwelcome attention. Here are a few ways you can protect your home while you travel:

Make it look like someone is home

One of the most effective ways to deter burglars is to make it appear like someone is home. Leave on a light or two or set up timers for lights, or use a smart home system to control lights, TVs and appliances.

Ask someone to check on your home

Friends and neighbors are a useful resource for protecting your home while you're away. They can collect your mail, water your pl...

Kitchen appliances make your space function, but what happens if you need to replace them? How do you choose the best appliances for your kitchen? Here is a closer look at the major appliance purchases you might make and how to choose what you place in your kitchen.

Stove and oven

There are many options for stoves and ovens in your kitchen. Some designs split them as a wall oven or a cooktop, or you can get a combination range. If your home has natural gas, you can consider that option, though there is a push to eliminate natural gas appliances in the future. Electricity gives you the option of a standard or convection oven, like a large air fryer. You can have an electric cooktop or in...

What features are most important when purchasing a soaking tub? Having an outdoor tub in your garden or a large bathtub inside your home can do wonders for your well-being. But there are many different types of soaking tubs, so you'll want to choose what works best in your home. Here are some options to consider:

Freestanding tub

A popular trend in bathroom design now is a freestanding tub separate from a walk-in shower. This gives you flexibility and freedom to choose the design and placement that work for your bathroom. It also allows you to have a deeper tub so as to maximize soaking comfort.

Japanese-style soaking tub

Japanese soaking tubs are also often freestanding but tend to b...

Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, tax credits are available for making homes more energy efficient, using clean energy sources and retrofitting heating and cooling systems.

The energy-efficient home improvement credit has been raised to $1,200 from the $500 lifetime credit for installing new doors, windows, skylights, insulation and heat pumps. This credit equals 30% of the qualified expenditures you make, including home energy audits, building envelope components, and insulation or air sealing materials.

Home energy audits

The audit must include an inspection of your dwelling, including condominiums, used as your primary residence. You can use the credit for approximately 30%...

As a part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, replacing your furnace with a new heat pump can qualify you for rebates and tax credits that significantly reduce your costs. But even if you're looking for other types of heating and cooling for your home, when you need a new furnace, it's important to know your options. Here are some things you should consider before buying a new system:

Consider efficiency

The Inflation Reduction Act provides rebates and credits for the newest, most efficient heat pumps. Heat pumps are measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. The higher the number, the more efficient the system. Of course, a heat pump may not be the best solution fo...

Join us Saturday July 22, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm for an open house at 131 River Country Drive, Conway. This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is located in River Country, a small, quiet neighborhood situated on Bear Bluff Road, just off Highway 90 and close to Highway 22 and International Drive. Make sure you stop by to see this beautiful home!

Click here for more info on 131 River Country Drive!

A sunroom is a wonderful space to enjoy the beauty of nature while still being protected from the elements. Maximizing this extra living space will be necessary for your comfort and enjoyment. Here are some tips on how to decorate a sunroom.

Choose comfortable furniture

Your sunroom should be a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the view. Choose comfortable furniture, such as plush sofas and chairs with soft cushions. Your room will be protected from the elements, so you don't have to select outdoor furniture unless you prefer it.

Add plants

Sunrooms are a perfect place for plants, as they provide natural light and warmth. Add potted plants, hanging plants or even a small garden t...

Hail happens when precipitation turns to solid ice, usually in conjunction with a major storm. Hail, unlike freezing rain or snow, can cause significant damage to homes due to the density and substantial size of the ice, which is often compared to other objects, such as golf balls. So, what do you do when hail causes damage to your roof? Here are the next steps you should take.

Walk the property with a camera

Step one is to document everything. You'll need evidence when you submit the damage to your home insurance company. Even if they send out their home inspectors, you'll help the process go faster by providing photos.

Remove hazards

If the damage has caused any hazards, such as b...

Whether you're selling your home or want to create an inviting space in your entryway, choosing the right front porch decor is an important decision. Items on your porch should be mixed use and work with how you live in your space. Here are some ideas to consider:

Seating area

For an inviting front porch look, add seating. Some people enjoy a swinging chair hanging from the roof supports. Or you can choose outdoor furniture that matches your design aesthetic. Don't be afraid to use your front porch to entertain guests.

Plants and flowers

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your front porch is to include plants and flowers in pots and hanging planters. Choose plants that match your ga...

All new parents want their babies to have the best of everything. When designing and stocking the nursery, think about the things that would make your life easier as a new parent. What must-have items do you need for your baby’s new nursery? Here are some ideas to help get you started on creating the perfect safe space for your baby.

A Safe Crib and Bedding

Cribs have come a long way over the years. The cribs your parents used are no longer considered safe, and chances are the crib you slept in isn’t up to current standards either. Before making a purchase, always review the current safety requirements for cribs and bedding to keep your child safe when sleeping.

Baby Monitor

Inv...

There are few better ways to start or end a day than with a nice shower. A strong, invigorating stream of water against the skin does more than get you clean; it's an antidote to the troubles of the day. That's why it's so frustrating when you open up the valve and only a dribble comes out. You spend twice as long rinsing off and enjoy it half as much. But is it worth it to call a plumber? Fortunately, fixing low water flow doesn't always require an expensive visit from a plumber.

Here are a few of the most common reasons why water flow might be low and how to fix them:

The fixture is blocked

Hopefully, you'll need to look no further for the cause of the weak stream than the shower fix...

Having guests over is a great way to celebrate milestones or have fun with friends and family, but you need a place to entertain. How is your outdoor entertainment area? Here are a few things you can do to improve your outdoor living space for guests this summer.

Build a fire pit

While you don't require warmth in the summertime, a fire pit can be a great way to gather in any season. There are commercially available fire pits that use gas, propane or wood, so you'll want to choose what works for you. Make sure it's situated in a safe place to prevent injuries or unintentional fires. Build or place seating around it to create a cozy spot for gathering.

Install a water feature

Water can ...