If you were to look at our MLS listings page, you would notice that one of the things that you can search for is the number of bathrooms you would prefer for your home. This is not something that you should take likely. The number of bathrooms you have in your home can greatly affect the amount of happiness you have – don’t agree, just ask any parents with children and only one bathroom. But how many bathrooms do you need for your SC home? When you’re looking for homes for sale in Charleston, SC, here are some things to keep in mind in regard to the number of bathrooms you’ll need:

·         How much can you afford? The  number of bathrooms you have in your home will greatly affect the listing price of the home. Quite frankly, the more bathrooms in the home, the higher the value of the home. When looking at features you might want for your home, the number of bathrooms should go in your analysis of how much you can afford.

·         You’ll be better able to sell your home: If you are looking for a home that you’ll eventually resell, you might want a home with more than one bathroom. According to real estate figures released in 2010, less than 25% of the homes out there sold had one bathroom. Homeowners who did sell were able to get 84% of their asking price when they had two or more bathrooms as opposed to those with one bathroom who only received 77%.

·         You’ll have better relationships with other people in the home: A couple with separate bathrooms is a happy couple. While it’s certainly a luxury to have more than one bathroom, if you can afford it, it might be worth it to maintain the peace. Between people rushing to getting ready in the morning to the mystery of who left the toilet seat up, sharing a bathroom can be tough.

As you look at SC homes, consider the number of bathrooms you’ll need to make your living experience optimal. For more information about SC real estate, contact us today. 

Have you checked out South Carolina real estate and found a home that you fell in love with? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of individuals from the Northeast, Midwest, West Coast, and in areas around the world decide to make the move to South Carolina to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, friendly people, warm weather and numerous historical attractions. However, once you find your home, your job is not over yet. You still need to make the move. And moving can be one of the most stress-inducing events in one’s life. Luckily, it’s very easy to make a seamless transition into your new home. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Clean Your Current Home: When it comes time to pack, it’s can be overwhelming if you have clutter everywhere. Make it a point to clean your home as often as possible in the lead-up before packing so your home will be organized when it comes time to pack. That way you won’t run around wondering where everything is.

Think like a Minimalist: When you live somewhere, it’s only natural to acquire stuff along the way. Now the question for you is do you need all of those belongings when you decide to move? If you think you can part with some of your things, it could make for a much easier move. A garage sale is a great way to get rid of that old couch or treadmill and make a little money to finance the move. You can also think about giving things away to friends and family as well as donate to your local charity or thrift store for a tax deduction.

Consider Getting Movers: A long distance move is not for the inexperienced mover. If you are intimidated by the idea of moving your goods across the country, it might be a good idea to consider looking into moving services. Movers can alleviate you from the heavy lifting, pack your furniture and belongings safely, and determine the best route to get you to your new destination. They’ll unpack for you as well.

Remember to Change Your Address: When you make it to your new home, remember to change your address on your driver’s license, credit cards, and contact information. You’ll also have to most likely open up new bank accounts and verify your auto insurance information. The sooner you take care of these details, the sooner you’ll be able to get comfortable in your new home.

There’s no question that choosing a place where you can remain active is a crucial part of choosing a place for retirement. That’s why so many people choose to take a look at Isle of Palms real estate. Isle of Palms is located roughly a half hour from the metropolitan Charleston area and offers beachfront views, great weather, historic landmarks, and a wide variety of attractions. Retirees have a wide variety of options to ensure they remain fit and healthy, so they can enjoy their time away from work and other responsibilities.  Here are just some ways retirees can stay fit during their Golden Years:

·         Enjoying the Sun: Feeling a little sluggish and depressed of late? You might want to take a look at your Vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles. It helps your body use calcium from your diet efficiently. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a host of debilitating illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, many forms of cancer and asthma. Because Isle of Palms is right by the beach, you’ll have ample opportunities to get some sun. Just remember to wear your sunblock.

·         Outdoor Recreational Activities: The American Heart Association recommends a half hour of exercise each day for healthy adults to retain adequate fitness levels. Because Isle of Palms enjoys a subtropical climate, it’s rather warm all year round. For those who  have lived further north, this could be a welcome break from the cold winters that frequently plague these areas. From hiking South Carolina’s unique landscape and walking along the beach to organized activities, there is no shortage of things to do in the Isle of Palms area. And we haven’t even talked about the abundance of local golf courses.

·         Social Activities: According to the Blue Zones, a book that investigated the longest living people in the world, staying socially active is so important. It detailed one woman from Okinawa who at over 100, still had a daily get-together with friends. The Charleston area has a large percentage of retirees in its population, so it’s very easy to make new friends with like-minded people. And let’s not forget the Southern charm. It’s not uncommon to get into a discussion with someone on the street and be invited to dinner that night. At Isle of Palms, you’ll surely meet new people with whom you can share your time with.

For more information on Isle of Palms real estate, contact us today. 

Summerville, South Carolina, is located within the historic boundaries of Dorchester County and, while the county's origins technically date back to 1696, the city came into being nearly a century later. The town was originally known as Pineland Village because of the abundance of the trees that surrounded it. The city gained notoriety after being named one of the top two places to live for people suffering from lung and throat disorders by the 1899 Tuberculosis Congress. This distinction quickly brought about the construction of several inns to accommodate the increasing number of visitors that rushed to the city.

Today, Summerville is a beautiful place to live with a variety of historic and contemporary sites to delight both residents and visitors. Many newcomers are looking to own a piece of Summerville SC real estate, so that they can enjoy the fresh air and friendly community. History enthusiasts can relish the area's rich past by touring one of the 700 homes and buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Another nearby treasure, the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, was the place that residents of the area gathered to defend their town in the years preceding the Revolutionary War.

In addition to the monuments of the city's past, Summerville also has a variety of current cultural and community events that are drawing more people to the area. The city has three different golf clubs, an assortment of fine art known as the Summerville Collection, and their very own Summerville Community Orchestra. Each spring, the city hosts the YMCA Flowertown Festival, which brings in over 250,000 visitors. The festival features food vendors, local historic tours, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and a children's carnival.

Located just 24 miles from Charleston, Summerville provides the ideal location for visitors and residents alike. With a small-town feel, friendly people, community events, cultural opportunities and a variety of historic sites, it remains one of the most charming locations in the South.

Charleston, South Carolina has many impressive attributes that have made it one of the most popular and iconic places in the South and in the country. The city is a meeting place of art, nature, history (lots of it), culinary decadence and architecture, and boasts a unique cultural scene all its own. Many of the top attractions here can be accessed on foot, so the place is remarkably convenient to live and work in. People who are considering moving to this fantastic location should check out the things that it has to offer.

Charleston has several major attractions that residents love. The area's beautiful beaches are among the best on the east coast and are ideal for tanning, swimming and snorkeling. Nearby areas like Sullivan's Island are especially known for the sandy shorelines and quaint communities and Edisto Island is famous for its seashells.

Charleston is also known for its high quality golf courses. Kiawah Island is just a brief drive from the city and features world-renowned greens that are sure to please even the most demanding players.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Charleston's famed low country. This scenic area offers dramatic wetlands and swamps in addition to its beaches, and residents can spend their weekends paddling through the marshes, visiting lighthouses, and going on dolphin tours. 

Travelers who would rather stay indoors may want to check out Charleston's vibrant art scene, where the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art features impressive and varied exhibits.

Charleston also has a wide array of excellent restaurants, all bursting with famous low country flavor. One of the city's most popular restaurants for visitors and locals is Hominy Grill, which features all of the down home recipes that you could ever hope for in a southern restaurant and is famous for -- you guessed it -- its grits. The city is also known for freshly-caught seafood, gumbo, southern comfort foods like collard greens and fried fish, as well as a highly diverse cuisine that includes everything from modern American-style fine dining to Italian and French classics.

Charleston is a truly unique city, with a charm and culture that won't be encountered anywhere else. People who are interested in moving to the city or its environs should check out our Charleston SC MLS for the best housing options around. With our experience at Carolina One Real Estate, we can help everybody find the home of their dreams in what we like to consider one of the most perfect cities on the planet.

The city of Charleston, South Carolina is known for its architecture, deep history, and mannerly people. These are just some of the reasons tourists flock to Charleston each year for vacation. They come to see the sites, sample the fine foods, and interact with the friendly, smile-wearing locals. If you're not a Charleston native why would you choose to relocate to this wonderful city? It's clear from several publications that the area is best known for the Southern charm it exudes. Travel + Leisure Magazine honored Charleston with the "America's Most Friendly City" Award in 2011. Further, Southern Living Magazine refers to Charleston as the "most polite and hospitable city in America." These prestigious accolades are only some of the reasons that people visit this great city and then begin searching for homes for sale there.

The European-American City

Many people feel that the reason Charleston is such an enchanting city is because of its perfect blend of French, English, and Southern cultures. There aren't many cities in the United States that people feel like they've been transported back in time while visiting. This is because the city is full of breathtaking architecture, beautifully preserved historical buildings, and entertaining museums that are unique to Charleston. Combine these things with wonderful weather year round, and you've got yourself a slice of heaven.

Something for Everyone

Charleston is the type of city that truly has something for everyone. If you're a history buff, then you will be able to leave your home and visit a historic fort or extensive plantation on weekends. If the shopping scene is more your thing, you will never get tired of visiting the countless boutiques and antique shops that are constantly refreshing their inventory. Since the weather in Charleston is so close to perfect, people who enjoy the great outdoors will never grow tired of biking on the trails, kayaking in the creeks, or chilling on the pristine beaches. The restaurants are also top-notch and Charleston is known as one of the great eating cities of the South. Again, these are the reasons tourists flock to the city, but also the reasons that so many stay.

People are motivated to relocate to the great city by a certain feeling that they get when setting foot here that could almost be described as magical -- and that same feeling gets people looking for homes for sale in Charleston, SC so that they can always experience it. The locals take pride in being known as America's friendliest city and always welcome to new residents.

All of us get stressed out every now and then, but did you know that where you live matters in regard to stress? In one study conducted in 2008 by the American Psychological Association, 2000 adults were polled across the country, and the differences in stress levels were amazing. It makes sense given the characteristics of some cities. A resident of New York City or any other quick paced Northeastern city will have a different personality than say someone from Atlanta or Portland. And having as little stress in your life is important.

High stress levels are linked with a whole host of different ailments, including a damaged cardiovascular system, high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression and more. Stress produces inflammation in the body. While a little bit of stress is necessary, too much can prematurely age you and put you at risk of all of these conditions. For these reasons and more, you want to pick a location to live where you can relax and maximize your happiness. Here's why you might want to look into Charleston real estate:

It's right by the beach: If you were to download a meditation app or view a guided meditation video, one of the images you'll often see is that of the beach. There's nothing like a day on the beach, and the calming waves and cool breeze can do wonders for your stress levels. Bonus points if you run on the beach. Exercise has constantly been shown to reduce stress levels.

It's relatively cheap to live: Compared to the cities in the Northeast or West, Charleston is a relative bargain. If you're talking about causes of stress, money is surely up there on the list. In Charleston, you can live like a king in comparison to Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York or Chicago.

There's hardly any traffic: Researchers can indicate how stressed you are by how long your commute is. If you're on the road for more than an hour a day, you're more at risk for all of those bad conditions mentioned above. Charleston is less congested than most cities in the country, so you won't have to spend all of your free time in your car.

A Wave and a Smile: More than anything else, people find relaxation when they move to Charleston because of its residents. You won't find a friendlier bunch than the people you'll meet in Charleston. Anyone you come across on the street will greet you with a smile and hello, and they're always looking to extend a helping hand.

If you're looking to relax, there are few better places than the city of Charleston. 

It's never too early to get started looking for things to do in the holidays. Now that summer is over and we can officially celebrate pumpkin lattes and the return of cardigans, we can now get ready for the best time of the year: the holiday season. If you're a fan of the holidays and you're looking for a place that fosters the wonderment and joyousness of the time, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place than Charleston, South Carolina. Here are some jolly good reasons you might want to look into real estate in Charleston, SC.

Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble: You know you're going to eat a lot on the big day, so why not get a little exercise with friends beforehand? Located each year at Marion Square, the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble is ran by over 6,000 runners on Thanksgiving to give them the opportunity to burn some calories before they gorge themselves on stuffing and gravy a few hours later. It's also a great time spent with friends, and there are a variety of activities for non-runners, including face painting, live music and a beer tent.

Buy Local Month: The heart of Charleston, South Carolina is our small businesses. Therefore, to support and celebrate them, Low Country created Buy Local Month, a month-long series of events and promotions designed to encourage people to shop and eat locally. Some of the events include the King Street Holiday ShopMob and the Buy Local Bash. You can start your shopping on November 15^th and it runs all of the way until December 15^th, so you'll have ample time to get your Christmas shopping done.

Holiday Festival of Lights: If you live or are planning to move to the Charleston area, you cannot go through the Christmas season without visiting the Holiday Festival of Lights at least once. Located in James Island County Park, there are over two million lights lit around the three mile drive through the park. If you're not in the mood to drive, you can climb aboard the train that goes around the park for a small fee. In addition to the lights, there are gingerbread homes, marshmallow roasts, photos with Santa and more. The Holiday Festival of Lights runs from November 8^th to the end of the year.

Getting excited about the holidays yet? This is just a small sample of the events that make Charleston, SC a great place to live, especially during the holidays. 

What are some things that you look for in a home? Of course, you’re looking for a home that has the amount of rooms you need as well as a quality kitchen, beautiful bathrooms and a nice backyard. However, what are you looking for besides the bare essentials? For many, they choose to live in an area where history comes alive all around them. Such is the case for those who choose to live in Summerville, SC. More and more people, who are looking for a new place to live, choose this historical treasure right in the heart of South Carolina. Here are some reasons you might want to choose to look at Summerville, SC real estate.

History is all around you: Do you want to live in a place where history is literally everywhere you go? Summerville, South Carolina has over 700 buildings listed in the National Historic Register. There are buildings that housed some people who were responsible for American as it is today. South Carolina served as the backdrop for some of the most dramatic events in American history. The town was founded in the late 1700s.

You’ll breathe better: Did you know that people from all over South Carolina with lung disorders went to Summerville to seek treatment? That’s because of the abundance of pine trees in the area. Apparently the turpentine scent of the trees gave settlers the impression that there was healing powers in the trees. However, even if the scent offers little in terms of medicinal value, the trees do provide much needed oxygen for those who have lung disorders.

You’ll enjoy all of the luxuries of a modern vacation spot: Today, people come from all over to vacation in Summerville, South Carolina. Because of the influx of tourism, the town has welcomed new restaurants and other establishments conducive to a tourist town. Anyone who decides to live in Summerville can enjoy fantastic Southern cuisine, shopping and more. And don’t forget to attend the Flowertown Festival, a town fixture since 1941.

You’ll have great weather to walk out the door to: One of the best parts of living in South Carolina is the weather. Summerville, South Carolina is in Dorchester County and only a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and Charleston beaches. The weather is warm and perfect for those who are or want to be active. If you’re looking for a home where you don’t have to worry about wearing your parka, Summerville is it. 

Now that we’re in the middle of fall, many of us in the Northeast and Midwest are beginning to prepare for colder weather and some of the problems that come from this. They include higher frequency of illness, icy roads, snow shoveling, and seasonal affected disorder.  To avoid this, many people who can (such as retirees and those who work from remote) will look into purchasing a vacation home to divide the time this year.

One of the best places to shop for a second home is in the Charleston, South Carolina area. With warm temperatures and a perfect view of the Atlantic all year round, many tourists have come to call Charleston home. And it can be affordable as well. While certainly a luxury, there are many incentives out there to purchase a second home. Let’s take a look at a few of them to show why owning your own piece of Charleston real estate is a great idea.

·         Your loan rate will essentially be the same: According to a Washington Post article published last year, real estate experts who were asked about second home rates said that you could easily get the same rate you would from a principal home. The difference is in the down payment.  While you can put as little as 3.5% down using FHA financing or 5% for commercial financing, you must put at least 10% down for a second home using commercial financing. However, as long as your loan rate is good, your loan rate can be just as low as that of your principal home loan.

·         You’ll get to avoid terrible winters: Depending on where you live, you probably experience winters that aren’t favorable. When you purchase a home in Charleston, you have access to a home that won’t be hindered by many of the bad parts of winters. Charleston winters are generally warmer than other parts of the country, so you can enjoy tennis, walks along the beach and other leisurely activities that require better weather.

·         You’ll experience some of the benefits of a friendly hometown: Most everyone who comes to Charleston, SC will experience friendliness they won’t experience anywhere else. Southern charm isn’t a myth. In addition to great restaurants and beautiful beaches, one of the best benefits of living in Charleston will be knowing who your neighbors are. Those who come call Charleston, SC their second home. You will often find that every person you come across will greet you with a wave and a hello.