First-Time Home Buyers in Murrells Inlet, SC

This page is general information, not legal, insurance, or lending advice. Loan programs and tax rules change, so please confirm what applies to you with your lender, your insurance agent, and the county. I am a real estate professional, and my part is helping you find the home and walk the process.

On a $300,000 first home you live in, the Georgetown County side's tax district 41 comes to about 128.8 mills on 4 percent at its tax year 2025 rates, roughly $1,546 a year. On the Horry side, the county's 2026 levies come to at least about 90.1 mills, roughly $1,081, before waste management or other district levies. Your lender escrows for whichever bill applies, so give them the county early.

Near the inlet and the marsh, check the flood zone before you fall for a house: lenders require flood insurance on a federally backed loan for a building in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Beyond the down payment, plan for earnest money, your inspection, the appraisal, the first year of insurance, and closing costs, including the closing attorney. Under the South Carolina REALTORS contract, ending the deal during the due diligence period takes written notice plus the termination fee the contract sets.

The order: pre-approval, our written buyer agreement (required by the National Association of REALTORS before touring since August 17, 2024), the search with comps on every house, the seller's disclosure before you sign, the offer, due diligence, the appraisal, and an attorney-supervised closing. Read buying a home in Murrells Inlet, then call me.