Real Estate, Hurricanes, and Opportunity Zones: Why Myrtle Beach Is Always on the Move

Halloween might bring ghosts and goblins, but in real estate, the scariest term we came across this week was “zombie foreclosures.” It’s one of those phrases that makes headlines every few years—usually tied to rising foreclosure numbers—but for us in the Myrtle Beach market, it’s more of a distant echo from the past.

These so-called zombie properties are homes that have entered foreclosure, but where the owner has already walked away—leaving them vacant and decaying. It’s the kind of thing that can pull down neighborhood values if left unchecked. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since the foreclosure waves of 2008–2012. In Horry County, we’re seeing maybe 15 to 20 properties on the courthouse steps each month—a fraction of what it used to be. It’s a reminder of how far our market has come and how different things look today.

Riding Out Storms—Literal and Financial

While Myrtle Beach was spared any major hurricanes this season, we couldn’t ignore the devastation that swept through Jamaica. Watching videos of travelers stranded, airports closed, and local communities flattened put things in perspective. Back in 2016, Hurricane Matthew gave us our own wake-up call—winds strong enough to tear down fences and snap trees. And for those of us who live here year-round, that’s when things get real. Owning property along the coast means staying aware, being prepared, and knowing when to hunker down—or hit the road.

Hurricanes remind us that homeownership isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about stewardship—caring for your community, your family, and yes, sometimes your neighbors too. That’s a big part of why we do what we do.

Myrtle Beach’s Best-Kept Tax Secret: Opportunity Zones

Tucked inside the world of investing is something few locals even know exists: Myrtle Beach has federally designated Opportunity Zones—and not just in the outskirts. We’re talking oceanfront properties, like The Yachtsman, that qualify for a major tax incentive.

Here’s the short version: If you’ve got capital gains—from selling stocks, real estate, a business, etc.—you can reinvest those profits into a property within an Opportunity Zone. Hold it for 10 years and you pay zero capital gains tax on the appreciation. It's like a 1031 exchange… but supercharged.

It still amazes us that some of the most prime beach-adjacent properties qualify. When these zones were created back in 2017, they were based on census data—not potential or location desirability. So a pocket of Myrtle Beach’s Arts & Innovation District just happened to land in the sweet spot. If you're an investor or thinking long-term, it’s worth exploring. Few coastal markets offer this kind of advantage.

Why People Really Move: The Four D’s

In every closing we’ve done, there’s always a backstory. Sometimes it’s joyful. Sometimes it’s hard. But the pattern? It’s often one of the “Four D’s”:

• Death – Settling estates or downsizing.

• Divorce – A tough time, but often a fresh start.

• Diamonds – Engagements, marriages, blending families.

• Diapers – Growing families needing more space.

Whether you’re in the middle of change or planning for the future, these are the life events that drive the market. It's not just about price per square foot—it's about what life is asking of you right now. That’s where we come in.

Listing Spotlight: Luxury Living Without Grand Dunes Pricing

This week we listed one that deserves a closer look: 10 Martinique Dr., tucked just outside the Grand Dunes but without the heavy HOA. Listed at $729,000, this home is a stunner—especially when you step into the backyard. Think custom pool, upgraded everything, and a layout that just feels like home.

It’s already buzzing with interest. And for good reason: if this house were located just three blocks over, it would be pushing $950K+. We’re talking about luxury without compromise, and a price point that’s turning heads across the market. If you haven’t seen it yet, come to the open house. It’s the kind of property that makes you rethink what you thought your next move might look like.

Beyond Business: The Life We Live

We like to say real estate isn’t just what we do—it’s the backdrop to how we live. That’s why we talk about more than just listings and transactions. Whether it's adventure racing on Halloween weekend (ask Angel how his last one ended), hurricane stories from back in the day, or raising families here in Horry County, we’re always balancing work, life, and the people in between.

That’s the vibe of The Upswing Podcast, and it’s how we approach the business at Brian Piercy Group. Real estate is the vehicle—but people, stories, and long-term relationships are what drive us.

👋 Ready to Start a Conversation?

We’re always here to talk—whether it’s about a potential move, investment strategy, or just learning the lay of the land in Myrtle Beach.

📍 Visit us at brianpiercygroup.com
📞 Call or Text: (843) 424-6560
🎧 Listen to The Upswing Podcast for more stories from the coast