There have been several headlines recently concerning real estate news. However, the news may not be the same for beach real estate. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses why real estate headlines don’t reflect beach markets.
Location, Location, Location: Location heavily affects beach real estate. The beach location charges a different premium and generates different demand than typical properties.
“Phantom” Inventory: While inventory for beach homes has increased, many homes aren’t selling. Appropriately priced beach homes sell quickly. However, many overpriced homes sit on the market. So, the inventory of sellable homes has not increased.
Discretionary Property: Since beach home buyers don’t need to buy a beach house, it’s a discretionary property. This type of property influences the demand for beach homes differently. Buyers can wait for months or even years before buying a beach house.
More Second Homes: For buyers purchasing a second home, the demand is different from that of other buyers. For instance, there may be more demand among second-home buyers since they don’t need to sell another property before buying a beach home. This means they can act quickly when they find the house they want.
More Investment Properties: Many beach home buyers buy these homes with the intent of renting them out. Because of the high profit potential, demand is affected differently than the usual types of property.
Mortgage Rates Not as Influential: Unlike primary residential homes, beach real estate transactions are primarily cash. This means beach home buyers aren’t as affected by mortgage rate changes.
Whether you’re buying or selling at the beach, beware of the national headlines about real estate. Beach property is different from other types of real estate, so it’s less affected by industry changes. Visit beach-homes.com to find agents who will help you understand the beach real estate market.
Coastal gardens evoke images of vibrant flowers and green native foliage bursting against a backdrop of cool ocean blues. But if your seaside property is small, or you don’t reside there year-round, you can still indulge in the joys of planting. Coastal container gardening offers an excellent solution for individuals living in coastal areas throughout the United States. Whether you reside on the East Coast, West Coast, or Gulf Coast, container gardening allows you to cultivate a variety of plants, even in limited spaces and challenging environments.
Coastal regions present unique conditions, including salt spray, sandy soil, and high winds, which require careful consideration when selecting plants for container gardening. So, we’ve done the work for you. Check out these six container gardening ideas tailored to thrive in coastal environments across the United States.
Best Coastal Environments: Pacific Northwest, California Coast
Lavender is a versatile herb known for its fragrant blooms and drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for coastal container gardening. In the Pacific Northwest and along the California coast, where maritime climates prevail, lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Its aromatic flowers attract pollinators, while its silver-gray foliage adds texture and beauty to coastal gardens.
Plant lavender in a large container with sandy, well-draining soil and place it in a sunny spot protected from strong winds. For more species recommendations and tips on planting lavender in pots, see this expert guide.
Best Coastal Environments: Gulf Coast states, Southern California, and parts of Central and Northern California
With more than 250 species, this popular succulent plant offers plenty of variety. Certain types, such as blue agave and green maguey, are best known as the essential ingredient for tequila and mezcal. Agave plants are well-suited to the arid conditions often found in coastal regions, particularly along the Gulf Coast states and Southern California. These succulents thrive in sandy soil and require minimal water, making them perfect for container gardening in coastal areas prone to drought.
Choose a variety of agave suitable for your specific climate and provide a container with excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. Place the container in a sunny location where the agave can receive ample sunlight and good air circulation. For more tips on how to grow and care for Agave, visit The Spruce.
The windmill palm is a winter-hardy palm tree that can withstand harsher coastal conditions, including salt spray, strong winds, and cold temperatures. These qualities make it an excellent choice for container gardening along the East Coast and Florida. Also known as Chinese fan palm or Chusan palm, this frost-tolerant palm offers one of the hardiest tropical-looking trees.
This slow-growing plant features fan-shaped fronds and a slender trunk, adding a tropical touch to coastal landscapes. These sunbathers grow best in full or partial sun and thrive in temperatures reaching 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also survive temperatures dropping as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant windmill palms in large containers filled with well-draining, acidic to neutral soil. Water every few days when newly planted, then once or twice weekly thereafter. For more tips, visit The Spruce.
Best Coastal Environments: West Coast, Northeast Coast, New England
Rosemary is a perennial herb that thrives in coastal areas with cool, moist climates, such as those found along the West Coast, Northeast Coast, and New England. Its aromatic foliage and delicate blue-violet flowers offer an aesthetically pleasing choice for container gardening, where it can be grown year-round with proper care. Plant rosemary in a well-draining container with sandy soil and place it in a sunny location protected from strong winds. Water sparingly to prevent waterlogging, as rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions.
Remember to bring your rosemary containers indoors during the colder months, especially in the Northeast. Most varieties will not survive temperatures below 30 degrees but prefer temps between 55 and 80 degrees. To find out the best varieties for your region, talk to a local garden center professional or check out this helpful guide for tips on growing and caring for rosemary.
Best Coastal Environments: Most U.S. coastal regions, Great Lakes region
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are drought-tolerant succulents that thrive in most coastal areas with variable weather conditions, even those in the Great Lakes region. Ideal for container gardening, these low-maintenance plants require minimal water and can tolerate poor soil quality. Choose from a variety of sedums suited to your specific climate and provide a container with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Many sedums prefer full sunlight, so be sure to place your containers in a sunny location where they can thrive. However, some varieties do better in sun and partial shade. Talk to a local nursery or garden professional to recommend sedum plants suitable for your coastal region. Check out this guide for some of the hardiest varieties.
Best Coastal Environments: Southern Coast, Gulf Coast
Oleander is a vibrant flowering shrub that adapts well to the hot, dry conditions often found along the southern coast and Gulf Coast, making it an excellent choice for container gardening in these regions. Its colorful blooms and evergreen foliage add beauty and interest to seaside landscapes, while its tolerance to salt spray and drought makes it a resilient choice for coastal gardens.
A native Mediterranean plant, Oleander, will not tolerate freezing temperatures, so growing it in pots offers a practical solution for many coastal climates. Plant oleander in a large container filled with well-draining soil and place it in a sunny location where it can receive full sunlight throughout the day. They can survive in partial shade but will not yield the colorful blossoms they produce in the sun. Even though they can withstand drought conditions, it’s essential to water them adequately.
So whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced green thumb, here’s wishing you a flourishing coastal container garden by the beach.
When selling your home, you want to ensure you have the best representation. Some agents bring more value to you than others. These agents may take some searching to find. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses 7 ways weak real estate agents fake out consumers.
Years in Real Estate: While having years of experience can be helpful, it isn’t the only determining factor in success. Plenty of agents who are new to the industry have the same skill sets as seasoned veterans. Additionally, agents who have been in real estate for decades may hold on to outdated models and processes.
High Number of Listings: Often sellers pick agents based on their number of listings. However, if the listings aren’t moving, then they might have trouble selling. Especially for beach property, listings that stay on the market too long earn less money.
Number of Certifications: Certifications are great, but they aren’t a determining factor in success. Many times, agents obtain numerous certifications but aren’t able to put them to use.
Number of Websites: Simply listing your house on the MLS puts your home on several websites. You should be more concerned about whether those websites have high traffic nationwide. You should also consider if those websites have buyers interested in beach property.
Office Location: Buyers don’t care if an agent has an office. Plenty of times, the buyers come from out of state, so they have limited time when visiting. This means they want to see the house, not an office.
Number of Brokerage Agents: Every broker and agent in the area wants to sell houses. Unless they are on a team, they’ll be competing for the same listing. This remains true for agents under the same brokerage.
Commission Percentage versus Net Profit: Commissions are negotiable, and good agents can explain their value difference. Don’t burden yourself with taking the lowest commission agent. Instead, think about what brings you the most money as a seller.
While great agents may utilize these tactics, digging deeper will identify weak agents trying to do the same. Doing your homework when looking for an agent will guide you to an agent who provides value, not one who just follows a formula. Visit beach-homes.com, where you can find agents able to help you through the real estate process.
When buying a house, there are several questions you need to ask. This is especially true for beach homes. In fact, buying a beach home requires asking questions you wouldn’t for other types of property. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, goes over 5 unique questions for beach home buyers.
Sunrise or Sunset?: Viewing the sunrise and sunset is part of the experience of owning a beach house. However, some houses may have a better view of one over the other. This affects where you’ll want your home, down to the state it’s in and the direction it’s facing. You’ll need to decide which one you’d rather view more and plan accordingly.
Convenience or Solitude?: More often than not, convenience and solitude are mutually exclusive. That means before you buy a beach house, you need to decide if you’d rather be located near populated areas or in a quieter area.
People Traffic: Similarly to the previous question, you should ask yourself if you want a busy beach or one that’s more private. Areas with condos, hotels, etc. will likely have more people on the beach compared to private beaches. It’s also a good idea to check the beach out during peak times, such as the weekend, to get a good idea of the road and beach traffic.
Waterfront, Water View, or Water Access?: Each of these types of beach properties brings a big difference in price. Waterfront property gives you direct access to the beach but tends to cost more. Water views and access, however, tend to be less expensive, but you may have to walk a bit to get to the beach.
Full-Service or DIY (Do It Yourself): Some beach properties utilize HOAs and other organizations to take care of maintenance and sometimes even housekeeping. Before buying, consider how often you’ll be there and whether or not you’ll need someone to help care for it.
These 5 unique beach home questions need to be addressed before buying a beach property. These questions are different from what you would normally ask for other properties. However, knowing what you want out of your beach property will maximize your enjoyment. Visit beach-homes.com/agents to connect with agents who can help you find beach properties that fit your criteria.
When interviewing a beach real estate agent, there are some warning signs to watch out for. Good, experienced agents exist, but you need to know what to look for in them. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, explains four warning signs when talking with beach agents.
Agent is Not Interviewing the Seller: A good agent won’t just list off reasons you should choose them. Instead, good agents should ask you, the seller, what your goals are, how you will accomplish them, and more. Agents who interview you will treat selling your house like a business transaction, not just a way to earn money. Real estate transactions are a two-sided partnership and should be treated that way.
Will Take Overpriced Listing Without a Plan: Agents use market analysis, broker opinions, and more to gain a price assessment. Good agents know that an overpriced home will have difficulty selling. If you try to overprice your home, good agents either won’t work with you or they’ll work with you with a plan. However, weaker agents tend to “test” the market with overpriced homes, hoping they sell. This can cause friction when the agent decides it’s time to make a price adjustment if they promised to sell at the high price point.
Not a Beach Real Estate Expert: Beach property has several nuances that don’t come with typical property. The rules, regulations, homeowner associations, and more are different than any other type of property. Expert beach agents can help you and other agents navigate the deal to get a clean transaction. They also understand how to position your property against similar competition because they know the value proposition is unique to beach real estate.
Cannot Explain How They Target Out-of-State Buyers: While beach home buyers can come from driving-distance cities, many of them are looking to relocate or retire. These types of buyers often come from out-of-state, sometimes states away. Because of this, your beach property needs to stand out. Expert beach agents can explain the analytics of who is looking at your home and from where. To get the best value for your home, you need an agent who understands how to target the people looking at your home, no matter where they’re located.
There are great agents across the country. However, when it comes to selling your beach home, you need somebody who will knock it out of the park for you. Visit beach-homes.com, where you can find expert beach agents who can guide you through the whole process.
Getting ready to sell your beach home means figuring out how to appropriately price it. You don’t want to go too low, yet you also don’t need to run the risk of overpricing it. Many people might not be aware that overpricing can cause problems during the selling process. Beach Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, walks us through why going too high can be a downfall.
Knowledgeable Buyers: There is so much information across the internet that allows buyers to truly see what properties are going for these days. When you list a beach property way above what it is worth, you run the risk of a knowledgeable buyer knowing it isn’t worth that much.
Failure to Appraise: During Covid, appraisals hadn’t caught up. If you decide to overprice in today’s market, people aren’t willing to pay an appraisal gap.
Increased Days on Market “What’s Wrong With It?”: More days on the market mean more days the property isn’t selling. This can make buyers think there is something wrong with the property and ultimately lead to you having to drop the price, possibly more than once.
Price Cuts Lead to Low Offers: Before you even receive an offer, you might have already lowered the price 2-3 times. This might make the buyer think they can come in lower due to seeing the price drop multiple times. You’re essentially teaching the buyer that you will make price cuts.
Marketing Cannot Overcome Price: No matter how much marketing you put into the home, it doesn’t come close to proper pricing. Listing with an agent at Beach-Homes.com means that your property is visible on the market and is appropriately priced.
The bottom line when it comes to selling is that pricing correctly is pertinent. Don’t just expect to sell your property for the highest amount you think it is worth. Let the experts help you because, at the end of the day, they know what the market looks like. If you have more questions regarding the pricing of your beach home, reach out to a beach agent who would love to help you out.
Many times, you might hear that the real estate market is “hot.” However, this can be a relative term. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses whether or not the beach real estate market is hot in 2024.
“Hot” … but Not Exactly: There are several signs that indicate whether the real estate market is hot. Currently, the market has high demand but not as many transactions. This means the beach market is only “kind of” hot.
FOR SALE Inventory Increasing: Recently, the market has seen an increase in “For Sale” inventory. Generally, this is a good sign of a healthy real estate market. However, some of this inventory may actually be “phantom” inventory.
Phantom Inventory: Phantom inventory includes homes that are overpriced or have some issue that doesn’t match the price. Buyers see these listings online and know the property is overpriced. These properties aren’t actually sellable because they aren’t appropriately priced. Appropriately priced properties sell quickly and don’t stay on the market for long.
Seller Tip: Do NOT Overprice: While there is high demand in the market currently, it’s not for overpriced homes. If you’re serious about selling your property, avoid overpricing. In fact, appropriately priced property tends to get the best price because it leaves a window open for offers.
Buyer Tip: Patience and Diligence: Once you find an appropriately priced property, be ready and be diligent. Additionally, you should be patient while sorting through overpriced properties. Patient buyers find the right property at the right price.
Is the beach real estate market hot in 2024? The answer isn’t that simple. There are signs of a healthy market, but further digging reveals it isn’t quite there yet. Visit beach-homes.com, where you can find agents willing to walk you through the entire real estate process.
In our previous segment of Regional Beach Living, we explored the architectural styles of the South/Southeast, where breezy Lowcountry verandas, contemporary South Florida homes, and shabby-chic cottages dot the cities, quaint towns, and shorelines of this coastal region that stretches up through the Carolinas. Today, we turn our focus to the Pacific Northwest as we take a guided tour of some of the most notable architectural styles and how they came to be. So, grab a hot-buttered spiked cider and breathe in the tranquility of the coastline as we relish life amidst the Pacific Northwest’s majestic mountains, meditative sunsets, and scenic shores.
Contemporary Coastal
For those who can’t get enough of minimalist design, modern style—often referred to as NW modern—offers a timeless design. Modern-style architecture strives to blur the lines between home and landscape with airy open floor plans, clean lines, and a complete lack of ornamentation. This coastal home wedges into its rugged setting, contouring gracefully with the natural elements of its enviable location. Overlooking a 250-foot drop down to the Pacific Ocean, this spectacular structure enjoys breathtaking views from nearly every vantage point.
This architectural marvel slants downward and cantilevers far enough back from the bluff to ensure the structure’s integrity and preserve the cliff’s ecosystem. Unadorned exterior design incorporating natural materials and vast expanses of glass and steel windows give this genre an industrial vibe that’s also warm and livable. Extended overhangs protect from the region’s notorious rains while creating year-round outdoor spaces perfect for any weather—rain or shine.
Craftsman Style
Characterized by its attention to detail and use of natural materials, the craftsman style has become an iconic favorite throughout the Pacific Northwest and regions from coast to coast. Featuring a harmonious mix of functionality and classic architectural beauty, this style blends seamlessly with the area’s extraordinary seaside landscapes. Craftsman beach homes in the Pacific Northwest often have exposed rafters, wide eaves, built-in furnishings, and extensive use of wood inside and out. Additionally, this beloved style embodies an abundance of locally sourced materials—predominantly wood and stone.
Stone foundations, gabled roofs, and exposed wood beams are some of the most noteworthy elements of this beloved style. Deep overhangs and spacious wraparound porches protect from the region’s excessive rains. Expansive windows allow plenty of natural sunlight while offering picturesque views of the surrounding coastal scenery. Here, a massive craftsman-style porch with large square pillars and a built-in fireplace emulates the look of its homogenous interiors and exterior facade.
Few things rival the charm and visual appeal of a secluded cabin tucked into the shoreline of the Pacific Northwest. At one with the crashing waves, scenic vistas, and jagged coastline, these rustic retreats meld graciously into their natural environments, offering inhabitants a comforting sense of tranquility and a deep connection to the seaside. Built with ease throughout the region, these simple cottages and cabins incorporate an abundance of reclaimed and salvaged wood and other locally sourced materials. These cozy hideaways are most commonly found in more remote and rural areas, making them all the more alluring if you’re looking for a quiet escape.
Many coveted beachfront homes in the Pacific Northwest embrace a rustic cabin—or cottage—aesthetic. These cozy dwellings often feature exposed beams, wood siding, cedar shake roofs, and large windows to capture splendid ocean views. They blend effortlessly with the natural environment, offering a warm, inviting vibe.
Like rustic cabins and cottages, bungalow-style beach homes are compact, single-story dwellings often featuring a porch or veranda facing the water. Typically clad in wood siding or singles, they are designed for effortless access to the beach. These charming bungalows offer a cozy, relaxed atmosphere for a carefree seaside retreat.
This charmingly windswept and weathered home sits on the sand showcasing sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed with expansive sliding glass doors, the breezy living room creates an inviting indoor/outdoor ambiance.
In recent decades, sustainable or green architecture has gained traction in the Pacific Northwest as environmental consciousness has grown. This style prioritizes energy efficiency, resource conservation, and healthy living environments. Buildings are intentionally designed to maximize natural light, utilize renewable materials, and incorporate passive heating and cooling strategies. Green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels are common features in sustainable structures, reflecting the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
Designed by Coates Design Architecture + Interiors, this spectacular home on Bainbridge Island anchors into a steep-sloped setting, offering an idyllic seaside retreat connected to nature. Open-concept living, natural materials, seamless indoor/outdoor access, and a green roof harmonize with the environment, lending to the tranquility of island living.
If you dream of owning a seaside retreat, visit Beach-Homes.com, select your desired state, and discover the natural beauty of life on the coast.
For many people, coastal living is a dream come true. Relaxing on the beach, walking along the sandy shores, listening to the lull of the waves, and taking in the spectacular sunsets are just a few of the perks of seaside living. If you own beachfront property, you’re most likely spending more time in the open air than inside. Whether you enjoy the scenery from a small deck, an elaborate patio, or an enchanting poolside setting, being outdoors is all part of the allure of oceanfront living. But to do so, you need durable, high-quality outdoor furniture that can withstand your coastal climate and lifestyle.
While seaside living presents its own unique challenges, we’re here to help. Humidity, salt air, intense sun, and constant moisture are just a few of the culprits that can lead to the rapid deterioration of your outdoor furniture. And if you own a seasonal beach house, the harsh winters can be equally damaging. When left vulnerable to the elements, outdoor beach furniture can quickly rot, rust, warp, fade, peel, crack, and grow mold if it’s unsuitable for your environment. Salt air and humidity can be especially brutal on decks, outdoor furniture, fabrics, and your home’s exterior. For these reasons, it’s critical to seek out durable, high-quality, waterproof, maintenance-free, yet comfortable furniture that reflects your personal style.
To get you started in your quest for the best outdoor beach furniture, here are some suggestions and tips for selecting the best materials for your blissful oceanside oasis.
Climate conditions vary depending on where you live. For instance, oceanside homes on the Eastern seaboard experience vastly different weather conditions than those on the Gulf Coast. However, there are similar elements that most beachfront properties have in common:
Humidity
Moisture
Sand
Salt Spray
Wind
Sun exposure
Harsh storms
In your search for beach-friendly furniture, ensure all your outdoor pieces are composed of materials resistant to these and other inclement conditions.
Oceanside settings are blissful yet brutal to your outdoor furniture, so be sure the materials of your patio seating, lounge chairs, cushions, and dining pieces can withstand the wear and tear your climate delivers. The best outdoor beach furniture comprises materials that can endure the elements—salt, moisture, humidity, moisture, sand, and wind. Furniture made of aluminum, HDPE, teak, and resin wicker are excellent options. Also, remember that your pieces should have some significant weight to withstand the wind but not be so cumbersome that they’re impossible to move around.
Here’s a handy cheat sheet to get you started. It’s always best to talk to industry professionals before purchasing, as new and improved materials continuously enter the marketplace.
These performance ratings are based solely on the material’s durability in a beachside environment and indicate their suitability for an oceanfront setting. However, keep in mind that the lower-rated materials are not entirely off-limits. They will simply wear out faster and require more maintenance.
Select furniture that complements the coastal ambiance of your beach home. Choose colors, patterns, and designs that reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings while enhancing the overall décor of your outdoor space. Here, chairs from Ann Marie Vering’s new Oliver collection for Brown Jordan emit an organic vibe that befits the setting. Sculptural, low-profile metal frames and weather-proof nautical rope create a fluid, natural aesthetic that complements Vering’s stone-topped Oscar dining table for Brown Jordan.
Before selecting your pieces, always consider the layout and flow of the space to maximize usability and aesthetics. Take measurements of your outdoor space to ensure the furniture fits comfortably without overcrowding.
When it comes to beachside patio lounging, make sure your outdoor fabrics can stand up to the elements. Of course, comfort is always a key priority, but you’ll want to seek out performance fabrics resistant to moisture, intense sun, sandy feet, and lots of wear and tear.
Here, Sunbrella pays homage to Pantone’s Color of the Year 2024 13-1023 Peach Fuzz by rolling out a collection of upholstery fabrics incorporating this radiant hue. A trusted performance fabric industry pioneer, Sunbrella has created an array of peachy fabrics, including textured solids, subtle stripes, and geometric patterns that incorporate their proprietary Color to the Core™ technology. This process involves color saturation and UV-stabilized pigments to ensure years of stay-true color and durability.
Choose versatile pieces that can serve multiple functions. For example, opt for a dining set with extendable tables or modular seating arrangements that accommodate different activities. Tropitone’s Six Collection combines style and functionality with an innovative hexagonal design. Constructed with durable aluminum frames and tactile rope detailing, this seating group offers a flexible design you can rearrange for any occasion.
Lastly, remember that outdoor furniture can be pricey, so don’t forget to set a budget. You’ll want to prioritize quality and durability within your budget and invest in high-quality pieces that will last for years rather than opting for cheaper options that may need to be replaced more frequently. Consider the long-term value and enjoyment of your investment.
Here’s to living your best life on the beach! If you’re still searching for your own oceanfront paradise—visit Beach-Homes.com and discover the beauty of coastal living.
