Moving to another state can be a daunting task. Whether you're looking for better job opportunities or simply want a new atmosphere, moving is not an easy process. While there are many things you have to consider when moving to a new state, the first question is which state to move to. With 50 to choose from, how do you know which state is best?

According to the United Van Line's annual migration study, which tracked 129,000 moves in the United States during the 2013 year, South Carolina ranked as the second most popular state to relocate to, with 60% of moves made for those coming into the state. Oregon ranked as to the top state to relocate to, with 61% of all moves made to this state. Other states that ranked favorably included North Carolina and Nevada.

Why are people moving to South Carolina?

For those who already call South Carolina home, it's no surprise that more people are moving to the beautiful Palmetto state. But for those not native to the state, they may not understand just how much this destination has to offer.

According to the study, a few reasons for moving to the South included a lower cost of living, more career opportunities, more affordable real estate, and the overall lifestyle that the climate promotes.

A lower cost of living

From sales taxes to property taxes, the bills add up. However, the South Carolina tax average is lower than the national average for property, sales and individual and corporate income. Also, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, in 2012 South Carolina had a lower cost of living than its neighboring states.

More career opportunities

With the sluggish economy, many are scrambling to find jobs with more opportunity for growth and economic development. If this is the case, then South Carolina is certainly the state to move to. In fact, Forbes.com ranked Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC as one of the top 10 best midsized cities for jobs in 2013.

More affordable real estate

Being a homeowner is the long-lived American dream, but today that dream can seem unreal. However, according to the Census Bureau, South Carolina is ranked as the fourth best state for home ownership. In fact, the price of homes in South Carolina is significantly lower than that of the national average. In 2012, data from the South Carolina Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors found that the average price in South Carolina was an estimated $25,000 lower than the national average.

The lifestyle

South Carolina has a lot to offer those of all walks and stages of life. The year-round beautiful climate and friendly people are just a few of the benefits. The lifestyle may be more laid back than other states, but this is one reason why so many love it. It's also certainly a popular vacation spot, since it borders the Atlantic Ocean with beautiful beaches to visit during the summer.

Whether you're looking for Summerville, SC real estate or Charleston real estate, South Carolina homes are a strong investment in your future. 

With spring here, it won't be long until summer arrives. With the change in temperatures, everyone's thoughts are moving towards warm weather and, more particularly, vacation.

While there are many prime spots for vacationers to spend their summers, one popular place is South Carolina. Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and featuring cities rich with tradition, unique state parks, famous beach resorts, year-round festivals and incredible shopping, entertainment and attractions, the Palmetto State is made for vacation.

Although it may be a vacation home that you're searching for, it's still important to carefully weigh your decision to buy. As your South Carolina real estate professionals, we've provided some tips to help you find the perfect summer home.

What's the history of the home?
A lot of people forget about checking out the integrity of a home when they are only planning on using it for vacation. While you may like the layout of a home and it may suit you financially, don't let your desire to close the deal leave you blinded. You should find out the age of the house, any major changes, repairs or additions it underwent, and if the heating and air system is in working condition. If you're not sure what to look out for, that's what we're here for. We'll ask the questions for you and find out what you need to know.

How many people will be staying there?
This is important, as it will determine the size of home that you need. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What about a garage or driveway?

How much will it cost to maintain the property?
In addition to the selling price, take the costs associated with maintaining the property into account. These include heating and air conditioning, water and utility bills, as well as any repairs and upgrades you decide to make.  

Does it have rental potential?
Most second homeowners rent out their beach houses in an effort to pick up extra income and cover some maintenance costs. If you decide to rent out your home, you need to be certain that it has the amenities that renters expect. How far are you from the beach? Will free Internet be included? Don't use the home as a way to help pay off your mortgage. You should aim to do this yourself and think of the rental income as the icing on the cake. 

Summer will be here before we know it. Those of you who are looking for a beach house in the South Carolina area should start looking soon. So the question is:  where are some of the best beaches located? Look no further than the city of Charleston. It has everything you need and more. Charleston real estate offers many different styles of houses in various beach locations. Picking what area can be difficult since each one has so much to offer. To make things easier, we have chosen three of the best beaches in Charleston that you are sure to fall in love with:

Sullivan’s Island – This Island is as charming and picturesque as they get. It is packed with massive beaches, charming restaurants, and trendy shops. The location is full of history and folklore, adding to the island’s appealing quality. The activities are endless, no matter what age you are. From kite boarding and various watersports to visiting the historical site of Fort Moultrie and learning about the Revolutionary War, Sullivan’s Island promises an unforgettable stay.

Folly Beach- This beach area is known for its lackadaisical and easygoing atmosphere. This is the perfect beach to just lay back and relax without any worries.  If you are a surfer or want a more secluded beach to soak in the rays, then head up toward Washout. Folly Beach is also popular for its locally-owned shops and restaurants where everyone you meet exudes that famous southern hospitality. It’s easy to forget that there is a busy, bustling world outside when visiting here.

Isle of Palms- This irresistible location has everything that you could dream of in a beach town. The beaches, golf courses, parks, marinas, tennis courts, and more make it the perfect place to go for adults and kids alike. There is little that you can’t do in a place like this. Whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or just by yourself, The Isle of the Palms will provide you with endless entertainment and activity.

Now that you have an idea of what each beach has to offer, the choice is yours. The only hard part is choosing what type of real estate in Charleston you would love to get for your summer vacation. Proximity is key when choosing a beach house. So the question is – which is your favorite location?

For all of you history buffs, Charleston, South Carolina is a dream come true. This enchanting, southern city is historically rich, with its antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets, and stately gardens. You will be charmed by the locals' southern hospitality and their slow-paced lifestyle. It’s easy to see why people love living and vacationing here. Whether you are looking for homes for sale in Charleston or just a vacation rental, here are some fun historical facts about this beloved Southern city:

• If you go downtown in Charleston, take a close look at the buildings and notice the dark metal disks on the exterior walls, each of which is about the size of a plate. These are actually the ends of earthquake rods that were built into structures after the 1886 Charleston Earthquake caused massive damage and many deaths.

• The Dock Street Theater is known as the oldest theater in America. Charleston was the first city in the United States to build a structure strictly for theatrical use. It was built in 1736 and is believed to be haunted.

• The White Point Garden, located in downtown Charleston on the Battery, has a story behind its name. When the English sailed along the coast of Charleston in 1670, all they could see were huge amounts of white oyster shells in every direction. They chose to call the locale “White Point” from there on out.

• John’s Island, which is right outside of Charleston, is home to one of the oldest living things east of the Rockies – the Angel Oak Tree. This ancient towering tree stands 65 feet high and is estimated to be at least 400 years old, but could be as much as 1500 years old. The latter would mean it sprang up 1,000 years before Columbus discovered the New World!

• The oldest museum in America was founded in Charleston in 1773. It was established right before the American Revolution and is simply named “The Charleston Museum.” Here you can find haunting, one-of-a-kind relics of the city’s wartime past.

Although these are just a few fun facts, there are tons of attractions that make this city incredibly unique. If you are looking at homes for sale in Charleston, SC , then you probably already have a good idea why this is such a special place to live. The historical significance and southern hospitality of this quaint city will make you never want to leave.

House hunters, welcome to Charleston! At Carolina One, we realize that you have many choices of communities and cities to call home, but there are some real perks to living in this beautiful area. Whether you are looking for a new home base for your family while you work at Joint Base in Charleston or just want to retire in a laidback place with a lot of history, we have a little something to offer everyone. After you are done checking out the advantages of living here, feel free to look through our vast selection of Charleston, SC homes for sale and find the one for you!

History Surrounds You

History buffs will find themselves surrounded by their passion in this old city. A quick boat ride from our coast takes you to historic Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. If today’s military history interests you, then you can watch it mature in front of your eyes by visiting the Citadel. There are also a number of well-known plantations nearby that you can tour, as well as history museums and other points of interest.

Also, if you're into the creepy, there are many paranormal locations around town that may make for an interesting evening of exploring!

Grab Your Walking Shoes

With the recent emphasis that has been placed on getting healthy, you'll want to move to a location that makes it easy for you. Charleston does just that by offering many beautiful parks and quaint, atmospheric streets to walk. The city is very pedestrian friendly, giving you not only the perfect place to live, but a great way to get out and enjoy the place without spending a dime. Whether you are moving by yourself or bringing your family along for the adventure, there are plenty of outdoor locations to stretch your legs and enjoy life.

Easy Access for Visits

Once you move to Charleston, you are going to want to have friends and family over to check out your new home. Thanks to its proximity to Interstate 95, Charleston is an easy city for your out-of-town friends and family to get to. In addition, Charleston has a couple of airports (one international), making it simple for your relatives and friends from any part of the country or world to reach you.

Eclectic Cuisine

Charleston is known for its heady mix of cuisine styles and flavors. Check out The Hominy Grill for simple, yet delicious, Lowcountry fare, or head to 39 Rue de Jean for upscale French dining. Fig offers fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a refreshing mix of new and old in its approach to American cuisine. Or, for the most unique and diverse seafood menu in the city, try out Pearlz Oyster Bar. The selections in the city have lots of culinary heritage behind them, from Cajun and African influences to traditional southern staples like fried okra. Charleston uses all of it to offer something to everyone!

Relocating is something that must be considered seriously. Hopefully, we have pointed out some of the many perks of our city and made your decision just a little bit easier. Contact us at Carolina One and we will be glad to show you a variety of houses for sale in Charleston, SC.

Anyone who has bought a home can tell you that the process can be lengthy and detailed. From the price of the home to the number of bedrooms, the amenities and the location, there is a lot to take into consideration.

Staying organized and efficient during the home-buying process can be especially hard. Since you're looking at different homes, keeping track of the prices and features, and are probably applying for a mortgage, the whole process can feel overwhelming. But it no longer has to be -- you can make the job easy by using mobile apps. Today, there are dozens of free and cheap applications you can download on your phone and conveniently use during your search. To help you search for Charleston SC real estate, here are seven apps you should use.

1. Carolina One MOBILE

This free app makes it incredibly easy and convenient to search for real estate in the metro Charleston, South Carolina area.Using the GPS search, it will pull up homes for sale near you. It can also find homes based on the city or zip code. You can find out all of the important details about a home, such as the price, size, mortgage, features, and more. If you see homes that you like, you can instantly save them and e-mail or text them to friends and family. There's also a "Call" feature that will instantly connect you with a Carolina One Mobile real estate professional.

2. House Hunter

When visiting a number of locations, it can certainly be hard to keep track of all the details. The House Hunter apps make it easy by providing a scorecard that lets you rate potential homes and make notes on each one.

3. Mortgage Calculator

This app makes it simple to figure out your monthly mortgage payment on a potential home and also lets you search for the best mortgage rates in your area. In addition, it includes bi-weekly savings details, refinance information, and helpful tips for you to utilize.

4. Dictionary of Real Estate Terms

When shopping for a home, it can be hard to understand some of the terms used by realtors. The Dictionary of Real Estate Terms provides a glossary of words concerning real estate and mortgages, with definitions for home buyers and sellers to help them through the process.

5. AroundMe

Location is an important factor when trying to find the right home. What's around the area? With the AroundMe app, you can search and learn about nearby restaurants, retailers, banks, hospitals, supermarkets, and other establishments.

6. Photo Measures

You find a home you're interested in, but aren't sure if it will provide enough space. The Photo Measures app lets you take pictures of various areas in the home and save the measurements. This allows you to plan your space, should you decide to buy the home.

7. ColorSmart

When looking inside the home, you're probably going to be wondering which colors to paint the rooms. The ColorSmart app lets you visualize different shades in the potential home. All you have to do is take a picture of the area and fill in the wall with the color.

The very thought of house hunting can be a little daunting. There are a lot of factors to consider, from the neighborhood and school systems to the price and the number of bedrooms, and you'll need to stay organized in order to make the best, most educated decision. Here are some of the essential tools (both old and new) that you will need in your search:

Paper and Pencil

These basic tools will be the first that you use. Before you go looking online or even driving around and window shopping from the car, take some time to think. Make two lists: the first list should be the things that your property must have for you to even consider it; the second should be things that you wish you could have, but are not necessarily deal breakers. Type out copies of these lists and keep them with you at all times when you are house hunting. They will also be a great asset to share with your agents, so that we are better able to assist you.

A Binder

You may not have kept a binder of notes since you were in school; however, organization is important during a house search. There is a good chance that you will be looking at many properties, both online and in person. Keeping a binder with notes on each offers you a quick reference point as you begin to narrow down your options.

The Internet

Technology is quickly becoming an intrinsic part of our lives. The Internet is an especially good tool to use during a house hunt, as it offers a variety of different ways for potential buyers and renters to determine what they need. For instance, you may find a calculator that will let you figure out exactly what you can spend without stretching yourself too thin. Another great online tool is the Charleston MLS service that we offer here at Carolina One. An MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, allows us to find other agents working for sellers and puts us in touch with them. It is one of the many tools that we use to find your next home.

Buying or renting a home is a huge commitment. Organizing yourself with some basic tools prior to your search can help calm your fears and keep you focused. Happy hunting!

Buying your first home is an enormous commitment. You and your family probably know the basics of what you’re looking for, like your approximate budget and how many bedrooms you need. You also have a sense of features and amenities that you do and don’t want in your new house. But how sure are you of what will make you happy or unhappy in a home? Here are some things to help you determine what will matter the most in the long run when purchasing Charleston real estate.

If you have checked out our Charleston, SC MLS listings search page, you will see that there are a number of things you can include in your search to find your perfect home. One of the first questions someone will have is what they should include in their search over others. If you’re in such a situation, here are some things you should certainly consider to pinpoint your search.

Location: Your location is probably the most important consideration as you look for a place to move. Do you want to avoid having to drive everywhere and want to be in the middle of where the action is? If so, you might want to check out living in a more urban area. However, if you want privacy or prefer something more affordable, the country or suburbs might be more your speed.

Single Family vs. Townhouse/Condo:  If you are not the type to want a garden or spend time maintaining the exterior of your home, you might actually prefer a condo. They are often cheaper and newer than their single family counterparts. However, they are also often noisier. Single family homes appreciate more and offer more customization and privacy. You will have to do your own maintenance and yard work, but maybe that’s an added bonus if you enjoy the outdoors.

School System: If you have children, you know how important choosing the right school system is. If you can, the best way you can judge whether or not a school might work best for you is to visit the school personally. Meet the principal and teachers, check out the facilities, and judge whether or not a school fits with your own value system for your children.

Healthcare: Depending on your individual health needs, this could be a crucial part of your decision-making. There are a wide variety of review sites and search engines out there that can help you find a doctor, facility and practice that fits your needs. Things to consider are proximity to hospital, primary care practitioner, gym, and so on.

Days on Market: If the house is on the market for a very long time, there could be a number of reasons for this. It could be overpricing, a stubborn seller, something wrong with the home, or poor MLS listing. These could all factor in making a home less attractive to potential buyers and should be avoided.

Many people who purchase a home in Charleston, SC are doing so for the purposes of owning a vacation home in the wintertime. If you live in the Midwest, Northeast or Pacific Northwest, look outside right now. December 21^st marked the beginning of winter, so we imagine there’s snow, ice or something indicative of the winter months. Those who are retired or can work remotely will often bypass these months and go somewhere with more approachable weather.

Because Charleston enjoys rather warm winters and has a location right off the Atlantic coast, it is a popular vacation home spot, and there are many homes available. If you’re considering purchasing a vacation home, here are some things to keep in mind as you search for South Carolina real estate:

You’ll need a pretty good credit rating: Obtaining a second loan often requires a bit higher of a credit score to get approval or a favorable rating. If you haven’t checked your credit score or gotten a credit report in a while, it might be a good idea to review these things to look for any mistakes or ways you can improve your score. You’ll generally need a score of at least 720 for a second/vacation home.

Save up for a larger down payment:  On traditional home loan mortgages, the rule of thumb is generally 20%. With a second home, many lenders will require a larger down payment up front –usually in the range of 25%-35%. Take this into account when reviewing to see how much home you can afford. Plus, it’s best to have as large a down payment as possible to ensure the bank’s confidence in giving you a good rate.

Figure out why you’re getting a second home in the first place: On the top of the financial considerations you must make, it’s also a good idea to take a look at why you’re buying a second home in the first place. Is it just the weather? Are you looking to explore new interests? Do you want to be around family? All of these social considerations will help you determine where would be the best place to purchase a second home. The Charleston area offers many social opportunities and is highly accessible, so you’re only at most a flight away from children, grandchildren and friends.

If you’re interested in purchasing a second home in the Charleston area, please contact us today to find the right home for you.