Green Home Building Expo ~ Myrtle Beach, SC

Yesterday my son and I got the opportunity to visit the Horry-Georgetown Home Builders Association Green Building Expo at the Myrtle Beach Convention center. 

This was the first green building expo of its kind here in Myrtle Beach. About 100 different companies offering the latest tools for going green were available to educate builders and homeowners about the importance of being environmentally conscious and to give them a peek at the newest green building techniques.

Here is a sample of my favorite products and websites for more info.  If I did not include your product or company I apologize, there were so many great products I could write for days!

Sapona Green Building Center ~ based out of Wilmington, NC.
They are best described as "A little Green Lowes", they sell cool sustainable products such as recycled paper countertops (PaperStone), Safecoat paints, recycled glass and metal products and much more.

Allmet Roofing Products ~ All Aspect Roofing in Myrtle Beach.  I personally love the tile roof look on homes and this stone coated steel roof product blew me away! It looks awesome!  There's lots of different style options, and it's not nearly as heavy as actual tiles.  It's a much better option in my opinion.  Especially when you look at the fire, wind and hail warranty's, and long lasting life of the product.

Cork Flooring ~ After reading numerous articles about the negatives of "regular" carpet I have been investigating different types of bamboo flooring to possibly use in the future during remodeling or new construction.  That was until I saw all the options with cork floors!  It's safe for kitchens and bathrooms, and it doesn't kill trees to harvest! They're using the bark! How cool is that? Call Marty at Appliance Plus, 843-651-3303 for more Myrtle Beach area cork flooring info.

Solatube ~ Solar Star, Coastal Transformations.
I found Solatube a couple years ago and cannot wait to put one in my spare bathroom (no windows).  I had not heard about the Solar Star until yesterday though.  It's a solar powered attic fan, which is a great idea for homes here in Myrtle Beach.  Those of us with actual attic space really can't use them for much storage due to the heat, but this is awesome. It will help with the heating and cooling of your attic and help with your home temp!

Cedar Oil Industries ~ Natural Pest Repellent.
It's a well known fact in Myrtle Beach you need pest control.  But I know I tend to worry what's being sprayed in my house... How safe is it for my kids and dog?  This product is all natural cedar oil.  From what I was told it works as a pheromone interruption agent that impairs bad bugs...You can attach it to a sprinkler system, or hand spray.  Call Chuck at Green Outdoor Living for more info, 843-333-2233.

Direct Exchange Geothermal Heat Pumps / Solar Water Heating ~ Home Energy Inc, 910-540-8633
This is way too technical for me to try to explain but it's recognized as the most efficient heating and cooling systems available today and it's safe to use in the beach and coastal areas! Call and ask Todd for more information at the above number.

Santee Cooper Power ~ I need to write a separate blog about all the great programs and things they are doing for our future and environment!

Please keep in mind I am only explaining what I have learned at the expo, I do not represent these products or companies, contact them for specifics.  I am a Myrtle Beach Realtor that is concerned about our environment and how we are leaving it to our future generations.  Just do a little when you can!

Posted by: Amy Whiffen - Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agent - Realtor, GRI, e-PRO, SRES with Eagle Realty, specializing in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest and Conway Real Estate.

Myrtle Beach, SC ~ Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day!

Today is Ben and Jerry's "Free cone Day"! April 29th is their 30th birthday and what a way to celebrate.  If you are in the Myrtle Beach area there are three local shops participating.  Two are at Broadway at the Beach:

Ben & Jerry's Myrtle Beach (South)
1303 Celebrity Circle
Suite 125A
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-444-1074

Ben & Jerry's Myrtle Beach II (North)
1200 Celebrity Circle
Suite 209
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-444-0390

Ben & Jerry's Tanger Outlets (Myrtle Beach)
10835 Kings Road South
Sutie 701
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843-449-4654

I hope you enjoy.When my kids and I went earlier the line was short and they had plenty of extra outdoor seating.  So go enjoy a walk around Broadway and a scoop of ice cream!

So it finally happened, I bought my first set of golf clubs yesterday!

Since I moved to Myrtle Beach in 1999 I've thought about learning how to golf but always set my goal aside for another time. I guess sitting there a few times in the past watching the golfers swing away at the driving range with poker faces and no joking much less speaking was a little intimidating.  I began to think it may be too serious of a sport, I like to have fun.  When I am learning something and do it right, I get excited and maybe even do a little "happy" dance. (You should see me at my Archery 3D shoots!) These people looked miserable and then of course there's all those golf jokes...

Well after living on a golf course for the past 4 months I have an entirely different view of the sport of golf.  I have had one window broken, numerous hits to the house, area trees and even my son is looking into selling used golf balls. (He's 5 and finds an average of 4 balls a week in our backyard) Now all I do is smile, and watch in admiration. Maybe it's because I live in Myrtle Beach, one of the best spots to play golf, or maybe the perfect weather we have been having lately because all day smiling golfers having a great time zoom past the house in their carts. (A bit distracting because I mostly work from my home office)

So now it's my turn! By the way, even my 5 and 7 year old have golf clubs... So Saturday off we went to The Cane Patch driving range downtown Myrtle Beach.  I borrowed my boyfriends clubs, bought a basket of balls and away we went.  I thought I did real good, he showed a bit of frustration with instructing me, but I had fun.  Man, were my arms sore a couple hours after.  I guess from what a Rotarian friend said I was probably too tense in the shoulders?

Well Sunday after breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we headed over to Dicks Sporting Goods to check out club sets.  I got lucky and found a great full set on sale, grabbed a new glove and headed home.  A couple hours later I was still having fun and was hitting the ball about 80% of the time where I wanted it to go.  I know different days will bring different outcomes but I'm looking forward to it!

If you have any great tips, favorite Myrtle Beach golf courses, or funny stories you'd like to share with "newbies" like me, I'd love to hear them!   Now it's off to find golf shoes! Oh, yeah do they have to match your outfits?

Amy Whiffen, Realtor and Golf Beginner  ~  Contact me today about Myrtle Beach area real estate!

Historic Conway's prestigious river community ~ Pottery Landing

Only 2 new custom homes remaining in the prestigious river community of Conway, SC ~ Pottery Landing!

105 Pottery Drive ~ 3200 heated square feet ~ $364,900

                                ~ 3BD/2.5BA
                                ~ Bonus room (500sq ft)
                                ~ Wrought iron adorned staircases        
                                ~ Extensive tile work, gas fireplace & 
                                    designer kitchen
                                ~ MLS #734762

145 Pottery Drive ~ 3400 heated square feet ~ $369,900
                                ~3BD/ 3 & 2, 1/2BA
                                ~ 1st floor bonus room, formal dining room
                                     & study
                                ~ Covered porches everywhere!
                                ~ Designer kitchen with open floor plan
                                ~ MLS #734763

Pottery Landing is a private, gated community located on the Waccamaw River.  Just 6 miles south of historic Conway, it's owners enjoy a private boat ramp and day docks, swimming pool and clubhouse.  All home sites are at least 1/2 acre and are build when you want, with who you want!

For more information about Pottery Landing or any other Conway area real estate please call Amy Whiffen with Eagle Realty at 843-251-8358.

Myrtle Beach, SC ~ Carolina Forest Community Garage Sale ~ May 10th, 2008

The Rotary Club of Carolina Forest Sunrise

  Second Annual

Community Garage Sale

Fundraising event

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

                                                      7am - 12:30pm

                                        Horry - Georgetown Technical College

Come and join the fun with other garage sale lovers, have fun, meet neighbors, drink coffee, and snack at the Rotary food tent!

 For more information call 843-903-LOOk (5665)

Vendor deadline April 25th.

* Proceeds from vendor fees will be used to support local community program needs as well as Rotary International programs*

Myrtle Beach Senior Educational Forum at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College

                         SENIOR EDUCATIONAL FORUM

March 26, 2008

 ***  VENDORS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN CAFÉ 1100

FROM 8:00 AM UNTIL 2:30 PM. ***

Free to the public!

Educational Forum in Burroughs & Chapin Auditorium

  8:00 -   9:00              Entertainment: Greg Buie, Piano Man from Heartland Hospice

                                          Welcome:    Bridgette Johnson, Executive VP Conway Area Chamber Commerce
                                                  Shirley Johnson, Associate VP Continuing Education HGTC
                                                  Dr. Jan Bowman, Director Active Aging & Retirement Center CCU

                        Moderator: Ray Fontaine, Executive Director Horry Council on Aging

  9:00 -  10:00             Keynote Speaker: Jim Luce, Posit Science - Brain Fitness

 10:00 - 10:30             Entertainment: Starshine Performance Troupe (Vocal Group by 
                                                          Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CCU)

                        Moderator: Lyn Pierce, Business Development, Griswold Special Care    

 10:30 - 11:30              Health Panel: Dr. Sharon Thompson, CCU Health Promotions (Economical Nutritional
                                                     Tips), Tom Palya, Atlantic Physical Therapy (Pain Dysfunction), 
                                                     Dr. Van Horn, Geriatrics Psychiatrist/Lighthouse, (Depression), Linda Cello,
                                                     Director Alzheimer Assoc & Gail Steinfield, Director Griswold Special Care-
                                                     (Fundamentals of Dementia & Care-giving, Respite & Support Groups)

 11:30 - 12:00              Entertainment:  Rock "n" Ettes, (Horry-Georgetown Senior Center Dance Group)

 12:00 - 12:30              Entertainment:  Tai Chi (CLASS: Community Learning About Special Subjects)

                       Moderator: Rocky Cartisano, Associate Director Center for Active Aging CCU

 12:30 - 1:30              Finance Panel:  Dr. Yoav Wachsman, CCU Finance (Local Economy & Managing Credit 
                                Ratings), Pat Mattingly, Merrill Lynch, (Record keeping), Kathy Graham, Better Business 
                                Bureau (Scams), Kelly Treadaway & April Stone Crescent Bank (On-line Banking &
                                Identity Theft)

  1:30- 2:30                 Closing:  Questions and Answers and Vendor Conversations

 Sponsors:      Coastal Carolina University's Center for Active Aging and Retirement, Horry-Georgetown Technical
                     College's Continuing Education Division

 Supporters:   Brightwater Senior Living Communities, Crescent Bank, Sun News, Dale Publishing, Horry-
                    Georgetown Council on Aging, Griswold Special Care, Heartland Hospice Services, Agape' Senior
                    Living, Horry Telephone

*** Free to the Public! ***    Info: 843-349-6531    www.coastal.edu/caar

Located at Horry Georgetwon Technical College, Conway Campus, Building 1100
~ Highway 501 next to Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC 29526 ~ Lake front home in age restricted community ~ $177,975

Myrtle Trace  ~  Dogwood Road, Conway 29526  ~  MLS# 800260  ~  $177,775

This great lake front home with one car detached garage is located in an adult community (55+) close to golf, shopping and the beach! Myrtle Beach's 2006 golf course, Burning Ridge , and Conway Hospital is within a mile of property.

Freshly updated, this 3BD/2BA home features a large open dining room / living area with fireplace and a Carolina room.  A large outdoor deck and pergola overlooks the beautiful lake views.

At $177,775 it's a great value!

Myrtle Trace  is a great community with mature landscaping, community pool and amenity center. Architectural restrictions require all construction to be wood or natural products, and natural colors.

  For more information on this great property or any other Myrtle Beach area real estate for sale, check out http://www.AmyWhiffen.com, where you can read more about our schools, area news, shopping, restaurants and of course all of your real estate needs!

  Thanks for taking a look!

             Amy Whiffen, Eagle Realty

Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 ~ 4BD/2.5BA in great community near beach! $249,900

This spacious 4 bedroom home is located on a private culdesac lot in Avalon at Carolina Forest. With over 2400 heated square feet this home is priced to sell! $249,900   MLS #800209

Here are just a few of it's main features:

- Master bedroom suite located on the first floor!

- Main living room with dramatic two story ceiling & real wood flooring

- Huge eat in kitchen great for entertaining with butlers pantry and separate formal dining room.

- Screened in porch over looking back yard and conservation land.

You can walk to the community pool, athletic fields & basketball courts. Just 10 minutes to the ocean also!

Avalon at Carolina Forest is located in the "Blue Ribbon" award winning Carolina Forest School District in Myrtle Beach, SC.

For more information on this great Carolina Forest property or any other Myrtle Beach or Conway area homes please check out our Myrtle Beach Real Estate website where you can search the local MLS for free with your privacy intact!

Amy Whiffen, Realtor, GRI, SRES, e-PRO

Eagle Realty ~ Myrtle Beach, SC ~ 843-251-8358

Loris, SC ~ 4BD home on 5.6 acres of land with NO restrictions! $199,500

A must see! This is an immaculate 4BR/2BA home on 5.6 acres! Lots of options with no restrictions! Land can be subdivided into 1/2 acre lots, you can have horses, you name it.

This large home features tile and wood flooring, a large kitchen with lots of storage -walk in pantry, breakfast bar / island.  The gas fireplace has never even been used, large bedrooms, utility room with separate entrance.

Less than 3 years old this home is close to schools, shopping and only 20 minutes to the beach!

  MLS #800579 ~  $199,500  ~  2220 Harvey Road, Loris SC

Whether you are interested in buying or selling real estate, looking for a new home or investment property, Call or email me today!

Amy Whiffen, REALTOR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO
Eagle Realty

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
843-251-8358 or Amy@AmyWhiffen.com
http://www.amywhiffen.com/

* The community of Loris, South Carolina is North of Conway, SC and West of North Myrtle Beach.

Pottery Landing, Historic Conway SC ~ Market report

Market report (10/07-3/08) for Pottery Landing, a private Waccamaw River community in historic Conway, SC.

Located just minutes from downtown, this gated custom home community sits on the Waccamaw River.  Plenty of ways to relax and enjoy life with a community pool and clubhouse, private boat ramp and day docks on the river.

Custom Homes -         

          (2) sales between $370,000 - $440,000

          (1) currently under contract - $375,000

          (3) active on market - $359,000 - $429,000

Build on your own timeline, with the builder you want!

    1/2 Acre lots -

          (1) sold for $305,000 - river front lot

          (15) active on market - $99,900 -$139,900

                                           $325,900 - $379,900 river front lots

For more information on Pottery Landing custom homes and lots please contact, Amy Whiffen ~ Eagle Realty 843-251-8358

New custom home models by Ashley Turner Building Company at amazing prices available now! Come check them out!