The state of South Carolina offers so much for residents to enjoy. From spectacular mountains to fantastic ocean views and metropolitan life to a quiet country cottage, there is something for everyone seeking to live in South Carolina. Below is a quick look at some of the best areas in the state for South Carolina real estate.

Mountains and Hills

In the northwest corner of the state are the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer amazing scenery, plants and wildlife. For individuals or families seeking opportunities for space, views and outdoor recreation, there are real estate properties in the mountains and hilly Piedmont areas.

Coastal Areas

The coastline of South Carolina has diverse ecosystems ranging from salty marshes to sandy beaches. There is a perfect South Carolina real estate option for anyone looking to enjoy the mild weather and abundant sunshine in this part of the state. We have apartments, townhomes, condominiums and family homes of all sizes. From cottages on the beach to extensive estates with luxurious amenities, we can help you find what you are looking for in the coastal area of the state.

City Versus Country Life

South Carolina real estate is widely available in the diverse metropolitan areas. Columbia is the state's capital and largest city in terms of population. Its north central location within the state offers easy travel to the mountains or the beach. Charleston is the state's next largest city and has a prime coastal location perfect for those who like the perks of city living and the relaxation of sandy beaches. In addition to our city properties, there are also homes and apartments available in smaller towns as well as in rural areas for those who are looking for a little more space or a quieter atmosphere.

Southern hospitality is at its best in the state of South Carolina; finding a friendly and diverse community is easy in this easygoing state.

It’s easy to see why so many people favor Isle of Palms real estate. After all, the natural landscape is gorgeous, and the homes are spectacular. However, many people are drawn to Isle of Palms as a result of the island’s colorful history. When people learn about it, most of them are excited about being able to be a part of the community’s vibrant future.

The history of Isle of Palms stretches back to the native Seewee people who periodically inhabited the land. Despite the eventual arrival of British colonists, life was quiet on the sparsely settled island. The Revolutionary War brought conflict to nearby Sullivan’s Island. Revolutionary forces had set up enforcements on Sullivan’s Island that British troops intended to attack by using Isle of Palms, which was then known as Long Island. Unfortunately for the British, the treacherous currents in the water between the two islands prevented them from reaching Isle of Palms, effectively sealing a victory for the Americans.

Isle of Palms also played an important role in the Civil War when it was used by the Confederacy as a training ground for the crew of the C.S.S. Hunley, an experimental submersible ship. The island also gained fame during the war as a waypoint for blockade runners determined to foil the Union barricade of Charleston.

Life on the island quieted down considerably in the ensuing decades until the late nineteenth century when well-to-do Charlestonians began to look to Isle of Palms as an escape from the city. It was at this time that the island became known as Isle of Palms. Developer J.S. Lawrence quickly built a resort hotel on the island. An amusement park and beach pavilion soon followed. Before long, Isle of Palms real estate was increasingly in demand by people wanting to escape Charleston’s heat and faster pace.

Isle of Palms real estate remains in demand today thanks in part to its long and fascinating history. With a wide selection of properties to choose from along with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities, Isle of Palms offers an ideal escape.

Charleston, South Carolina is a historic vacation destination, but it is also a popular place to live and work. Thousands of people each year decide to move to the city, and with its distinctive cultural heritage and lovely selection of both old and new homes, it's easy to see why.

If you are interested in buying one of the many homes in and around Charleston, we can help you to navigate the market and find something that suits your budget and needs. Here are the top five things to look for when buying a home here:

1. Ample Space for Your Family

The first thing to look for in a new home is adequate space for your family. Whether you are single (but hope to start a family in the coming years) or are a member of an older couple whose children have already moved away from home, you will want a home to be large enough to fit your future.

2. Access to the Amenities that You Need the Most

The location of your home is also very important and can be chosen based on need and preference. Some families, for instance, will seek out quiet neighborhoods just outside of Charleston so that their kids have more space, while others will want homes right in the heart of town for access to the nightlife and shopping.

3. Curb Appeal

The way your home looks from the outside is important when you are living there, but it is also a key part of raising the value of the property. Look for a home that can be improved from the outside as well as the inside so that if you ever need to sell, it will not be difficult.

4. Style and Décor

Since any home that you purchase could be the place where you live for many years in the future, you will want to ensure that the style of the home suits your own. A dimly-lit space with small windows, for example, might not fit your bright personality or perhaps the rustic appearance of an old home will appeal more to your sense of aesthetics.

5. Something That Fits Your Budget

Perhaps the most important aspect of home buying is price. Even the nicest home isn't worth overstretching your budget and an unrealistic spending limit is a recipe for disaster. Take the time to go through your finances and determine exactly what you can afford so that you don't waste any time or money on something that you can't have.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of homes for sale in Charleston SC, we can help you weed through the choices and find the perfect place to call your own. At Carolina One, our experts will help you to find smart home options that suit your life and needs, so give us a call today!

As agents specializing in Mount Pleasant real estate, we at Carolina One understand just how exciting the hunt for a new home can be. South Carolina real estate, especially in the Mount Pleasant region, is filled with exciting possibilities, but since home shopping can be an emotional experience, we try to keep our clients grounded even as we help them realize their dreams of home ownership. With so much to notice, touring a home can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled the following list of features that we think homeowners should keep in mind.

1. Proper Drainage

Check the ground around the base of the house. Does it slope away or toward the house? If it is flat or slopes toward the house, the basement may be subject to flooding and mold and mildew may also be concerns. It may be necessary to have a professional review the drainage and mold situation before you make an offer.

2. Plumbing

Water leakage or other plumbing issues can be devastating to a home, so it's important to check out the state of the fixtures: turn on faucets and shower heads to check water pressure; flush toilets and look under every sink for evidence of leaks or water damage; also, take some time to review the toilet and other bath fixtures. Are they good, quality items with recognizable brand names?

3. The Electrical System

Check out how many power receptacles are in each room. Are there enough to handle all of your electronics? Are they located where they can be useful? Open up the main circuit breaker box to make certain that it's rated for a minimum of 100 amps.

4. Roofing, Windows and Doors

These are the features that keep your family out of the weather, but also provide safety and security. Look for missing, cracked or curled shingles on the roof, and find out when it was last updated. Open and close every window and door to check functionality and make note of any stickiness or unevenness.

5. Insulation

South Carolina is popular in part because of the balmy weather. Nonetheless, Mount Pleasant SC real estate is only made perfect by having adequate insulation. Check out the R-value of the home's current insulation to ensure heat in the winter and coolness in the summer.

Families seeking a new home in Charleston, South Carolina have plenty of real estate from which to choose; from condos and townhomes to single family detached residences, there is an option for every requirement and preference. Charleston is known as a welcoming, friendly community for children of all ages, with plenty of places to go and activities to enjoy. Our real estate professionals offer all of the services that a family could need for finding just the right home.

Kid Friendly Attractions and Amenities in Charleston

Children who enjoy art can visit the annual Spoleto Festival USA, which is a 17-day long art festival in the heart of the city. Kids who like fish and all things water-related will have a fantastic time at the South Carolina Aquarium. The city also has a lot of parks and playgrounds located throughout the residential neighborhoods and these fun-filled areas provide families with small backyards and their children a place to explore, participate in sports, and get some physical activity. Charleston is served by several public and private school systems, some of which date back more than 150 years.

Options for Real Estate in Charleston for Families with Children

Families seeking real estate in Charleston SC will find many options that are child-friendly. Most homes offer two or more bedrooms, so children can have their own rooms or share with siblings, if that is the family's preference. Kids will have plenty of space for homework in kitchen and dining areas and can enjoy downtime with friends, siblings, and parents in the living and recreational rooms that many properties feature. Outdoor play will be a regular occurrence thanks to the mild climate of Charleston and the expansive yards that many homes have to offer.

With so many things to do in the area and so many ideal family homes, Charleston is truly a kid-friendly city. Check out our local listings at Carolina One today!

With a scenic setting and an abundance of things to do, Isle of Palms real estate presents a unique option for leisurely living on the central coast of South Carolina. Resale values are holding steady due to the high quality and lovely setting of this real estate. Let us help you to learn more about this friendly and engaging community on the Atlantic!

Location

Just 20 minutes away from Charleston, recreation and scenic views add to this picturesque and unforgettable island setting.

History and Geography

As a barrier island circled by a salt marsh, nature abounds in this historic landscape. The first European settlers here were the English; they were preceded by the Seewee Indians, who were there to greet them upon their arrival. Pirate legends are also are intricately woven into the fabric of the island. Originally called Hunting Island, Isle of Palms got its present name after a purchase by J.S. Lawrence in 1899. After this time, wealthy citizens flocked to the island and, in 1972, Wild Dunes resort was built to cater to visitors.

A haven from the busy city, the Isle of Palms area offers its unique charm and history to those who choose to live there.

Recreation

Ball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, biking and hiking paths and beautiful sandy beaches offer a wealth of recreational opportunities to residents. Six miles of beach and Front Beach County Park provide endless days of family fun by the sea.

Small Town Community

With the ambiance of a small town, this picturesque community attracts visitors as well as residents. Two shopping centers and a grocery store serve the needs of all, and a hospital and bank can be found at nearby Mount Pleasant. Sullivan's Island is just across the inlet and offers fine schools to the children of the area.

Now is the time to consider Isle of Palms real estate and discover why this extraordinary barrier island holds such universal appeal. At Carolina One, we can assist you in finding the ideal property here, so contact us today!

Charleston, S.C., is a stunning town, famous for its gorgeous architecture and rich historical background. Its unique atmosphere and offerings have garnered the city an impressive array of "best places to" titles and rankings. It's no wonder that it is a popular destination for families looking to soak up some Southern culture and put down roots in a town that has a little something for everyone.

When it comes to looking for homes for sale in Charleston SC, it's important to keep a few key things in mind.

Your Unique Needs

Don't forget to be realistic about your family's needs when it comes to space and amenities. It is easy to fall in love with a knockout architectural detail or a tempting extra offered by a builder; however, don't let small details cloud your vision of the overall experience that you will have living in a particular house.

At Carolina One, we have lots of experience in finding the perfect home for our clients, so please don't hesitate to look to us for guidance about your anticipated needs for square footage and home layout. With the right real estate expert beside you, you can feel confident that your home purchase will be the right one for your unique desires.

Avoiding Unnecessary Repairs

Another potential pitfall when buying homes is running into costly repairs or nightmare renovation scenarios. Charleston offers some incredible historic homes, but these can carry the possibility of lots of costs down the road if you don't know what to look for.

Our team is expertly trained in all aspects of real estate, so we can spot trouble areas in your potential dream home quickly and efficiently. You can feel certain that the home buying process will be much smoother when you know that your best interests are being looked after.

Getting the Help You Need

No matter what your needs are for a new home in Charleston, S.C., a great real estate professional by your side will ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you find the perfect property. Give us a call today to get started on finding your dream home in this jewel of the South!

Gracious Southern living isn't the only reason why we recommend Charleston to our clients. Beautiful landscapes and a subtropical climate certainly help, but we're particularly enthusiastic about Charleston because it's such a great place to grow up. Here are just five of the reasons why we think our clients will love it here:

1. Outstanding Schools

The school district is the second largest in the state and serves the needs of 45,000 students. Despite the district's size, teachers are able to deliver personalized lesson plans that help each student capitalize on their strengths, while also addressing weaknesses.

2. Concentration of Museums

Future success is frequently predicated on an understanding of the past, and this is a city that's firmly rooted in its history. Institutions like the Charleston Museum, the Children's Museum and the Edisto Island Museum bring history alive for kids and foster fun, educational experiences.

3. Youth Activities

Sports and recreation opportunities abound for kids. They might join a swim team, play tennis, take singing lessons or express themselves with a dance class. Sports leagues are plentiful, with children able to join in football, baseball, and soccer leagues as well as other team activities.

4. Ideal Natural Environment

If it seems like your kids don't spend enough time outdoors, then Charleston might be the ideal solution to the problem. With its prime position along the Atlantic coast, this is the perfect place for recreation on the water and in the sand. Kids here hike, kayak, bike and just generally enjoy the great outdoors.

5. Safe Streets

This is one city where parents feel comfortable letting their kids play in the neighborhood. Crime rates are low, and a highly effective and well-funded police force ensures that this is a safe place to raise a family.

Growing up in this kind of hometown provides a solid foundation for a bright future and babies, children and teens can all benefit from the lifestyle offered by this gracious Southern city. Choose one of our fabulous Charleston SC homes for sale to give your kids the best possible start in life.

Isle of Palms is a gorgeous, upscale community located about 10 miles outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Waterfront locations and gracious floor plans make Isle of Palms real estate an excellent investment option as a second home. In order to select the ideal property for your unique needs, carefully weigh all of the options that vacation homes in this distinctive area provide.

Isle of Palms real estate includes both condominiums and single-family homes: either can be a smart choice and deciding based on your personal preferences can help you to make the right decision. A condominium features smaller square footage, but maintenance will be easier, especially since the grounds are usually handled by the staff; a single-family home grants more privacy and increased square footage, but you will be completely responsible for the property.

You should plan to visit at least ten to fifteen properties before coming to a decision. Looking at homes that are within, above, and below your target price range can even be a good idea, as it will provide you with a thorough picture of the value of real estate in the area. From there, you can narrow the choices by setting aside some time to talk to the current residents in each potential neighborhood. Locals can typically provide valuable insight about what living in Isle of Palms is really like and may also be in the know about any changes that are coming to the community.

Before making a purchase, consider how the property will be utilized in the off season. If the property will be a vacation retreat for you, will it be rented out at other times? Isle of Palms is such a popular destination that a rental property can help to turn a tidy profit for you or at least pay the mortgage. Also, whether the home will be a rental for part of the year or not, you will have to decide how to care for the home when you are not in residence.

Isle of Palms real estate often comes with nice perks like community swimming pools and on-site gyms. Call or e-mail us at Carolina One today to learn about the beautiful and distinctive properties that are available in this seaside retreat.

The home buying process can be a daunting task that often involves sorting through dozens of available properties. By using the information provided through a Charleston Multiple Listing Service, prospective buyers can save many hours, while narrowing the search to the specific homes that meet their needs. Buyers will discover homes posted on the MLS in various price ranges, locations and sizes, and with any special features included, making the system a quick method for finding the ideal property.

Financial Information

Our Charleston MLS lists properties for sale according to price, typically organized from the highest figure to the lowest. Other financial information consists of property taxes and homeowners association fees, if applicable. Bank liens or special financing options may be noted and could affect the cost of obtaining a new mortgage.

Neighborhood, School District and Location

An important criterion to consider when selecting a home for sale includes the neighborhood and location of the property. Homebuyers with children will find descriptions about school districts and specific information regarding elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. Buyers can refer to nearby cross streets to check for traffic noise and convenient access to major intersections.

Bedrooms, Baths and Square Footage

The size of a property is detailed in the listings and includes the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall room count. Square footage, incorporating all of the interior space such as the garage, basement and bonus rooms, is also shown. Some listings even contain a floor plan, particularly when the property is part of an established development project.

Special Amenities

Special features such as water or greenbelt views, access to golf courses, gated or manned security programs or outstanding neighborhood amenities may also be listed. Community centers that are available to residents, such as pools, and recreation and fitness areas, may influence the decision-making process, as well.

Our Charleston SC MLS is an effective tool that provides buyers and realtors with a basis for choosing an ideal property. By comparing recent sales and new listings, the best price can be negotiated. Buyers can find all of the information necessary to begin their search for a new home right here at Carolina One.