Seb Frey asked:




If you are looking for a wise investment in the world of real estate, then consider purchasing a Santa Cruz beach house. Why are beach houses in this area a wise investment? First, these properties always increase in value, and second, they represent a potential source of residual income.

The local beach micro-market is currently up, which means that prices are high and buyers are willing to pay the high prices. While some wonder if this means the market is in a bubble, most experienced Realtors who know the region understand that this trend will continue. The fact is that people with money want to live near the beach, or better yet, in ocean-front property. For this reason, the prices will stay high and continue to increase. Those considering investing in a Santa Cruz beach house do not need to wait for prices to drop. All that is going to happen in the future is an increase in interest rates and prices, so if you are considering purchasing, this is a good time to do it.

Purchasing a California beach house for yourself gives you your own private retreat. The beaches in the area are gorgeous – Sunset, Manresa, Rio del Mar, Seacliff, Capitola, Seabright, Cowell, Natural Bridges – to name a few! This is perhaps not surprising since they are one of the biggest draws of the area. People travel from across the country to visit this awe-inspiring area and spend time on the beach, and purchasing your own beach house gives you the chance to enjoy these beautiful beaches every day.

However, there is another benefit to purchasing a Santa Cruz beach house. Not only is it a great investment because of the potential resale value in the future, but you can also make an income from your home while you own it. If you don’t live in your beach house year round, you can rent it to vacationers when you are not using it. This provides you with residual income whenever you need it.

The fact is, tourists who are visiting the beaches of California want to stay in beach houses, and if you can offer one for lease, you can pocket a decent income. You can use the beach house as a vacation home, and then offer it for lease when you are living in your primary residence. You may even find that you get frequent renters who return to your property year after year.

If you have decided that ocean-front California residential property is a type of real estate that you wish to invest in, you will need the help of a qualified Real Estate agent. Because the Santa Cruz market is so unique, and also so lucrative, finding an agent who has experience in the area is essential.

Look for an agent with at least two years worth of experience and who holds certification from the National Association of Realtors. Talk to the realtor about your desires for your a beach area property, and see what properties he currently has available. By working with a professional with the right experience, you will ensure that you find a property at a fair market price.

Craig Delman asked:




Thoughts of living at a beach house, for most of us, brings about images of clear blue skies and beautiful tropical blue beaches as we call up fantasies of ultimate relaxation and well-being.

But what brings about these feelings? You may think it’s just a result of clever advertising or a built in instinctive urge to return to the sea from where we first came but it’s not. Metaphysically and psychologically, water is associated with creativity and feelings and being close to the sea brings out our feelings and fosters creativity. But Living at a beach house or on oceanfront property has actual health benefits resulting from being near the sea.

Seawater and Sea Air…Good for Body and Soul

Research tells us the sound of waves alters the wave patterns in the brain soothing you into a deeply calm and relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help revitalize your mind and your body. But the sound of the waves is just one of the health benefits of living on oceanfront property.

Fresh Air for Sleep

Ever wondered why we always sleep more soundly after spending the day on the beach? Well it’s because of the sea air. Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that increase our ability to absorb oxygen. These negative ions help balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical associated with mood and stress. This is the reason that after vacationing you feel more alert, relaxed and energized and after a day spent at a beachfront property you start feeling deeply relaxed and able to rest more soundly.

Sun for Feeling Good

Another health benefit of living in a beach house or on beachfront property is of course the beach itself. When we’re lying on the beach, the sun feels magnified and so relaxing. This is because the heat of the sun effects our endocrine system (the part of our body which releases endorphins) these natural feel good chemicals are designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed.

Sunshine is a main source of vitamin D and this vitamin plays a major role in strengthening the bones and boosting the immune system. Inadequate levels of vitamin D are associated with several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis and Crohn’s disease. Recent research on this subject suggests that vitamin D may also prevent the growth and spread of various cancers, including some skin cancers.

Sun to Improve Skin and Aid with Skin Conditions

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and it absorbs chemicals and substances (both good and bad) and tries to rid itself of these substances through sweat. Although care must be taken to avoid overexposure to the suns UV rays, some sun can be good for some skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. The ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun slows the production of skin cells and reduces inflammation. A common treatment, performed by dermatologists, for these conditions is by the use of an artificial light that emits low-level UV rays.

Seawater to Promote Health

When living in a beach house or on beachfront property you have the advantage of bathing in your own therapeutic pool…the sea. The beneficial qualities of seawater have been known to man for centuries and have been noted as having a great healing effect on the fishermen’s hurt hands. The saltwater helps heal the wounds, reduced infection and promoted pain relief.

The magnesium content of seawater is significant enough to have a nutritional and calming effect on our nerves, which explains why sea bathing is so relaxing. Potassium in seawater enters the skin and encourages good urinary flow. Seawater contains all the 89 known elements present in our bodies, including osmium, gold, vanadium, zinc, and iodine.

Bathing in seawater opens the pores and helps to remove toxins from the body by means of the lymph system, which is valuable in eliminating trapped fluids around the thighs, knees and ankles. Research also shows that bathing in seawater increases the elasticity of the skin, and improves its outer appearance.

Not all of us are lucky enough to live in a beach house. But those that do live on oceanfront property are more likely living a calmer, less stressful life with all the health benefits the sun and sea provide.

Kathy Burns-Millyard asked:




Beach house decorating should never be a chore, in fact, when deciding how to decorate a vacation home or beach house you need to keep one thing in mind: relaxation.

By its nature, decorating a beach house should not occupy a huge amount of your time. Instead, you should be doing what you bought the beach house for in the first place, relaxing by the beach.

If your beach house is a hideaway retreat for your, your loved on or your family, don’t worry about a large amount of furniture and fancy furnishing. Instead, opt for a simple kitchen setup, one where you can all enjoy a nice breakfast and good meal without worrying about ruining the china or spilling on the table or rug.

Pick chairs and tables that capture the relaxing feel. Leathers and expensive fabrics should be avoided. Think about it, beach means sand dirt, wet bathing suits, shell collections, maybe the occasional bucket full of fish and, most importantly, lots of lounging. Get a few comfy couches for afternoon naps in the ocean breeze.

Wicker has proved enormously popular in beach communities, many choosing it for its durability, its natural and summery feel and the ease in which it can be cleaned. Wicker furniture definitely captures the beachy feel, but without the proper cushioning, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Don’t worry so much about matching. Walk into any beach home, and often the furniture is a rag-tag collection of mixed and matched (or unmatched) thrift store pick ups, discarded old furniture from the main home, or furniture that has been around for ages.

If entertaining is your thing, plastic tables and chairs are not only the perfect solution, but are almost an expected staple of the beach house.

When guest arrive, they are generally there to enjoy the view, soak up the ocean air, and engage in some casual conversation over a cocktail or a nice cup of coffee. While it should not be completely ignored, don’t stress over style and elegance, that’s not the idea here. Instead, the idea is to enjoy the company of others. Since mingling is key, make sure you have extra chairs around that can be pulled out and put away when more people come to join.

A buffet table is a great investment, especially folding ones that can be set aside in a closet or attic and brought out and set up inside or out when the need arises.

Make sure the furniture is lightweight as well. One of the reasons plastic sets prove so popular is they can be moved with ease around the house, and can be taken outside. Another practical reason for plastics is its durability and ability to stand up to the elements, beach house decorating should also take into consideration the fact that rain, high winds and humidity are par for the course. Salt air also can have a negative effect on furniture, which makes plastics such an attractive option. Not only can it be moved when the wind and rain arrive, but it can stand up to the salt air and humidity.

In the end, remember that beach house decorating should be done with the ultimate goal of relaxation. Don’t worry about the furniture, focus on the view.

Jasper Magee asked:




Are you interested in moving to the Outer Banks area of North Carolina? If you are, there is a good chance that you may be looking for an Outer Banks beach house, as Outer Banks is most well-known for its beautiful beachfront properties. When it comes to buying an Outer Banks beach house, like all other types of Outer Banks properties, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration.

When looking to buying an Outer Banks beach house, it is advised that you look past the beach. Many Outer Banks beach house buyers want to have the perfect beachfront location. While the perfect beachfront location is nice, you will want to remember to examine the home in question. You will want to make sure that it is not only attractive, but able to accommodate you and your living arrangement needs. For instance, how many bedrooms do you need? Do you want an onsite swimming pool or a home with a garage? Besides how close the home is to the water, these are other important questions that you will want to ask yourself.

In addition to focusing on the Outer Banks beach house, you will also want to take the asking price of that home into consideration. As you likely already know, an Outer Banks beach house is likely to cost more money than a home that is located inland. The reason for this increased cost is the water. Beachfront properties are often considered prime real estate; thus their high costs. If you want to own an Outer Banks beach house, you need to make sure that you can comfortably afford to own one. That is why the cost of an Outer Banks beach house is extremely important; perhaps, the most important factor that needs to be taken into consideration.

Although Outer Banks beach houses are absolutely beautiful and well worth their costs, you will want to make sure that the home in question is strong, as well as the property. Although hurricanes often hit farther south, it is not uncommon for a strong storm to hit the Outer Banks area. Should a strong storm hit, whether or not it be a hurricane, do you think the Outer Banks beach house you want to buy could withstand a strong storm? If it is a relatively modern home, there is a good chance that it will, but you may want to verify just in case. It is also advised that you examine flood risk, as it is a common danger of beachfront properties. Even if the Outer Banks beach home of your dreams is considered a flood risk, you can still purchase it if you want, as long as you acquire the needed insurance, like flood insurance.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, if and when you decide to buy an Outer Banks beach house. For the best chance of success, as well as inside information, you may want to think about acquiring the services of an Outer Banks real estate agent.

Brenda Williams asked:




If you live in Raleigh, North Carolina and travel to the beach often, you may want to consider buying a beach house. However, if you are thinking of buying a beach house, there are many things to consider. First, there is the price. Unlike regular houses, beach properties are considered “prime real estate” most of the time which spells out big bucks to you when it comes time to put money down on the house of your dreams. You should begin by going to your favorite area. For instance, if you frequent the Outer Banks of North Carolina around the areas of Duck and Corrolla, then the next time that you go out there for vacation, pay attention to the types of houses that are out there. A lot of the time, you can find a beach house by seeing the “for sale” sign on the property. Take down any numbers of people who are selling beach houses that you like and inquire about them. Additionally, there are usually beach front property rental and realty offices in areas such as these. Make sure you take down the numbers of realty offices in the area or simply stop by to speak to someone.

Once you know the kind of beach house or beach property that you’re looking for, then you can begin to look to see if you can afford it. If you find that you are able to afford beach property, then you can decide whether or not you want to hire a realtor to help you solidify your dreams. If you are a first-time buyer of beach property, you may want to take up the advice of a realtor in the area you are looking to buy in since they will more than likely be more knowledgeable. Before you meet up with the realtor, bring a friend with you who has gone through the process of buying beach property or at least consult with them before you go. Have their number handy and let them know that you will be meeting with a realtor, this way they know to expect a phone call from you. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about owning beach property, this way the realtor can address them at your meeting. For example, some things to consider when you are buying beach front property are things having to do with the value of the home depreciating or appreciating over time depending on the area, issues with how to go about getting flood insurance, how to maintain the upkeep of the property if it is only going to be used seasonally, etc.

If you know that you cannot afford a beach house on your own but are still really interested, it’s not the end of the world. Look into renting a beach house or possibly buying one with a friend. Have a close friend or family member co-sign on buying the property with you and then work out arrangements as to who will stay at the property during what time of the year. Before you do this, however, no matter if it is a close friend or family member, always make sure that you write up some sort of written contract in case there are ever any problems down the line!

Kathy Burns-Millyard asked:




Bring a breath of fresh air to town bathrooms with a breezy beach-house theme, or create a soothing mood inspired by the natural colors and textures of the seashore.

The beach-house bathroom is a foil of gentle contrasts. Clean lines and a restricted color palette create a fresh, uncluttered look. The colors of sun, sea, and sand are naturally an influence. The style is low-key, romantically rustic, and simple. And the way you put the colors together should reflect these qualities.

Take the cool blues – deepest marine to palest aqua – for inspiration, and choose from the yellows – vibrant sunshine yellow and sand-gold to cream – to provide a contrast. Using white as a foil, you can blend colors to express quite different moods. Opt for a bright and summery seaside atmosphere with strong color brights – use deckchair stripes on furnishings and tiles. Alternatively, choose the sun-bleached looks of a beach cabin – soft whites, muted blues, light sandy-grays, and pale yellows – and echo the weathered tones of driftwood and pebbles with limed and color-washed wood and stone effects.

Creating the Look

For a fresh, airy, coastal mood, paint walls and ceiling white, or in a pale to mid-tone matte latex. A change of texture – tongue-and-groove paneling or plain tiles – will add interest below wainscoting level. A darker color will “ground” the scheme and suggest sea and sky. Choose strong contrasts such as marine blue and white, or go for a subtle distressed or color-washed finish. Pale colors and close harmonies will create a gentle, ethereal look.

Beach-house style has a period feel but it is easy to integrate modern features. Select a simple bathroom suite in white or cream, or a clean-lined retro-style design. Panel the bathtub to complement the wainscoting area, or with natural or whitewashed pine. Otherwise install a freestanding, curtained bathtub. Site a shower cubicle behind a divider “wall” – this can be tiled on the inside and paneled on the other – or screen the shower area with a marine pattern shower curtain or a plain or striped glass panel. If stripped, limed, or painted floorboards are not available, choose vinyl flooring in a coastal color, or cover existing flooring with wooden decking. Natural fiber matting and cork tiles also work well. Stone tiles, quarry tiles, and mosaics enhance the rustic look – make them warm with cotton rugs.

Style Pointers

WALLS

Atmospheric color: soft white, neutrals/aqua/ blue latex/tiles/ tongue-and-groove paneling; stenciled marine motifs; aqua color mosaic details.

WINDOWS

Curtains/simple: pale/white semi sheers; tab-headed, cased, basic gathered styles; eyelet/laced calico panels; improvised driftwood/painted wood curtain rod.

Blinds/shutters: natural wood slatted blinds; roll-up cane; painted/distressed wooden shutters.

FABRICS

Naturals/stripes: rough/smooth/loose weave linens; muslin; waffle cottons; toweling; striped cottons; marine prints.

FLOORING

Natural/rustic: stripped/painted/limed boards; wooden decking; stone/quarry tiles; cork.

Rugs: woven grass/rush mats; nubby cotton weave/rag rugs; wooden boardwalks/cork mats.

BATHROOM FITTINGS

Period style/white: simple, wood paneled bathtub; old-fashioned freestanding bathtub; matching basin; low-key modern styles; traditional cross head brass or chrome taps; see-through shower panels/marine motif/striped shower curtain.

FURNITURE

Weathered wood: country-style cupboards/chest/chair/shelves in limed, distressed, color-rubbed wood, iron frame/wicker.

LIGHTING

Simple/period: glass/metal fisherman’s brass lantern; turned wood sconce candelabrum/candles.

ACCESSORIES

Marine/weathered: shell or driftwood mirror frame; porthole shaped mirror; rustic shelves; wooden bath rack; rustic style/period glass containers; cane/wicker laundry basket; color coordinated/striped towels; sea sponges; natural objects – pebbles, shells, starfish; model boats; carved wooden seabirds.

Ann Richter asked:




Spending a vacation in the resort town of Myrtle Beach in the Horry County in South Carolina is a sure way to have fun while getting over with a much needed break or getaway. There are numerous beaches that dot the area. Because it is flocked by tourists, there is no wonder that there are of course many Myrtle Beach house rentals and other accommodations that are in active operations

According to the town’s tourist data analysts, most of the regular visitors who take vacations in the beaches come from North Carolina, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Georgia. Take note that these origins are almost close and are adjacent to the borders of South Carolina. Offshore vacationers come as far as Canada and England.



Beach house rentals

Because there are just too much fun and recreational activities that could be done across the beaches that touch the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach is a popular getaway destination. Because staying for a few days or weeks is the best way how you could more enjoy the place, every vacationer is advised to consider a number of Myrtle Beach house rentals.

You should book a house rental before you go to the place. If you want to take chances, you could reserve and find accommodations upon arrival in the area. You could easily find a house rental, but if the season is at peak, chances are that you may experience a little difficulty.

Booking house rentals

That is why the best means to find and secure Myrtle Beach house rentals is to book or make reservations in advance. You do not need to go to the place to do so. With the advent of modern communications and technology, you could book and reserve any place even while you are at the office or at the comfort of your own home.

You could coordinate with your travel agent if you want to find Myrtle Beach house rentals. You could also check out brochures, ask referrals from friends or check out different online travel guides for recommendations about such vacation places. Transactions can be done online or via the telephone.

As comfortable as home

Why is taking Myrtle Beach house rentals advisable? The principal reason is that doing so would give you a feeling as if you are actually in the coziness of your own home. Your vacation would surely be more enjoyable and fun if you would be able to go home at night or during bedtime and be able to sleep tight and relax. Indeed, there is no other means to enjoy an exquisite vacation in the beach but through staying in such rentals.

R Welch asked:




Anyone fortunate enough to own beach front property should consider building themselves a beach house for the enjoyment of their family and friends. Beach house floor plans should follow the slope of the lot towards the beach and provide a panoramic view of the ocean. A clever design will exploit lot orientation, topography, gravity, direct light and spectacular views.

One type of floor plan arrangement for a beach house is based on a tri-level design. The lowest level encompasses the garage and utilities, the top level is designated as the integrated guest house with the remaining main level denoting the master and secondary bedrooms. Living and dining areas are also featured on the main level of this beach house floor plan.

The layering of living levels and slope of the land allows for a stair system from which one can enter externally, with the guest unit being independent, or via the traditional internal type staggered system. The external stair system gives the opportunity to add either a secluded terrace or patio on any level. A private footbridge with adjoining patio into the master suite would also be a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the main living area.

In keeping with the maritime feel of the beach house floor plan, interior walls of the main living area should be kept to a minimum and the oceanside end should be lifted high into the air and surrounded by glass to extend the view as much as possible. Many panoramic views are the key to maximizing the advantage of natural light.

Evenings and nights can be cool or even cold on the beach depending on the season. If your budget allows, a fireplace in an outdoor living area can be the perfect solution. Fire against the backdrop of the ocean is a classical allusion and can add to the beauty of your beach house floor plan.

Albert Lee asked:




If you are planning to build a beach house then you should know that planning is crucial to such construction. Beach house plans are essential because of the fact that there are a lot of considerations involving construction on the shore. Here are but a few of them:

1. Foundation

Even the Christian Bible will tell you that the beach is not a great place to build strong houses on. This is because the sand can serve as a pretty weak foundation.

The action of the water and other elements can pretty much make your house collapse into nothing if you are not careful. Because of this, you need to have a beach house plan which takes this problem into careful consideration.

The beach house plan you get has to have a plan regarding what to do in order to strengthen the building’s foundation. Thankfully enough, technology today enables people to do this at a price that’s not so steep.

2. Wind action

Most people find that the biggest irritation with beach houses is the wind. Sure, a cool breeze is probably the best thing you can have when you are under the sun. However, cool breezes are not the winds that the sea produces.

Combine strong winds with the beach, and you’ll end up with something akin to a sandstorm. You need beach house plans which take advantage of this and which actually help you make sure that the wind does very little to damage your home.

Some beach house plans accomplish this through materials. Certain materials are strong enough to withstand the onslaught of even a hurricane and these are used according to beach house plans.

Other beach house plans do this through design. Basically, these beach house plans design the building so that it is aerodynamic. This makes the wind pass by it with very little resistance and thus, practically no damage.

3. Overall structural integrity

As said before, beach houses are constantly exposed to the elements. Be it wind, heat, moisture, etc.

Because of this, it is always important to see if the beach house plans that you are getting take every little factor into account and design the house to be able to withstand the onslaught of nature. This is just a small price to pay for the beauty and luxury of living on the beach.

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons for getting dependable beach house plans. It is not really all about the looks. Getting beach house plans is just like making sure that you will be able to truly live someplace nice and which will keep being nice as time goes on.