Did you know that more and more prospective homebuyers in the Charleston, SC area are choosing to purchase new homes to start their next adventure in the Lowcountry? Earlier this past summer, our New Homes Division here at Carolina One Real Estate released its first issue of the Charleston New Homes Snapshot for 2016. The Snapshot included great news for the real estate market in Charleston in general, but new homes sales really stood out. At the time of the creation of the publication, 29% of all closings in Charleston in 2016 were new homes. You can check out the entire first edition of Snapshot for 2016 here.

There are a number of reasons why new home sales are thriving right now in Charleston. First and foremost, the area has experienced job growth for some time. According to a summer survey, Charleston's metropolitan region ranked third in the country for job growth. Nearly every industry in the area planned to add new hires over the course of the summer, and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Unemployment fell to 4.2% in Charleston, which is well under the national average. This job growth has enabled new families to move into Charleston and helped current Charleston residents make the decision to stay, perpetuating the boom in new home sales.

In addition to that, many retirees are relocating to Charleston to take advantage of the beautiful beaches, amazing history, and great weather. More baby boomers are reaching retirement age, which means they are beginning to look at places where they want to retire. Charleston was recently named "The World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The rankings were determined by actual readers, confirming what we already know: Charleston is an amazing place to live. Charleston is a regular on most publication lists for "Best Places to Retire," making it a great choice for retirees as well. Given the strength of the Charleston real estate market, some retirees are investing in new homes.

If you are considering moving into the Charleston area or currently live here and are in the market for a home, here are several reasons why purchasing a new home may make a lot of sense for your situation:

1) You'll Have More Room to Customize the Home as You Wish.

2) Your Home Will Be More Energy-efficient and Feature the Latest Green Technologies.

3) You Will Have Fewer Repairs to Worry About and There Will Be Less Maintenance as Well.

4) You May Have More Financing Options and Concessions Working with a New Builder than You Would with a Seller.

5) You May Qualify for a Warranty if Repair Work Is Needed Early On. This Is Usually Never the Case with a Resell.

Obviously, there are advantages to buying a pre-owned home as well, so the best thing to do is consult with your real estate agent and speak with loved ones about what you want out of a home in South Carolina. Either or, there are great new and preowned homes available right now in the Charleston, SC area. Contact us today to get started finding the Charleston home of your dreams. 

Have you made plans for Christmas break? If not, December is a great time of year to come down to the Lowcountry and the Charleston beaches. Although last year saw extremely mild temperatures on Christmas, this year will prove to be more seasonal in much of the United States, especially if you live on the East Coast. That means cold temperatures, snow, ice, and other not so favorable conditions.

We're happy to report that Charleston is usually relatively mild around the time of Christmas, so you'll more likely than not enjoy great weather as you celebrate the season with family and friends. If you're looking for a milder Christmas vacation with ample opportunities for relaxation and fun, you can't go wrong with Charleston, SC.

What Kind of a Vacation Would You Like?

Carolina One is proud to offer vacation rentals in Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. Isle of Palms features an oceanfront county park, pristine beaches, and a small-town feel. It also includes the world-famous Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club. If you're looking for a quiet time spent with friends and family where you can enjoy the perks of community living, Isle of Palms may be the choice.

Folly Beach, on the other hand, is incredibly family-oriented, offering many different activities geared to a wide variety of interests. You can go surfing, fishing, swimming, and more. In addition to that, no Folly Beach vacation is complete without walking and birdwatching along the 1,045-foot Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier.

And remember, both locations are incredibly close to downtown Charleston where you can enjoy all of the amenities of a major metropolitan city.

Contact Us Today to Learn More about Available Rentals 

Are you thinking about looking at vacation rentals in Isle of Palms, SC or Folly Beach, SC? Contact us today toll-free at (800) 342-2105. Rentals are going fast. Take advantage of off-season prices and enjoy a Christmas like no other when you choose to stay at the beaches of Charleston. 

Are you looking to buy a home in Summerville, SC or elsewhere in the Lowcountry? It's not too late to get started. Although many prospective home buyers prefer to close in the summer before school starts, the truth is that fall is a great time to buy a home for those who can manage it – especially in an area with a warmer climate like the Lowcountry. You don't have to worry about snow or freezing rain later in the season as you would with other places. If you're on the fence on whether or not you should continue your search into the fall, here are several points to keep in mind:

There's Less Competition: As mentioned above, fall is typically a bit slower than late spring and summer because many homebuyers want to get situated before the beginning of the season. This means that if you find a house that you fall in love with, you may have fewer buyers to compete with. Anyone who has participated in a bidding war over a house can understand the benefits here. However, always remember that quality is quality, and a really good home will sell quickly any time of the year.

Sellers Are More Serious and Looking to Make a Deal: In many cases, sellers will be more flexible if they're motivated to sell; if not, they may just wait until spring.  Those that are still in the market during the fall and winter months may be more willing to negotiate and work with you on repairs and closing costs. Easier negotiations make for a much more positive buying experience.

You Can Take Advantage of End of the Year Sales: In addition to there being less competition and more motivated sellers this time of the year, one of the biggest benefits of buying a home in the fall is that you can buy home goods on sale. Chances are that you will need some home goods; holiday sales may help alleviate those costs. In addition to that, you may be able to save money on other costs, like moving fees, as the demand isn't as high. After the down payment, closing costs, home inspection fees, and other financial requirements, it's best to save where you can. 

Next month, residents and visitors of Folly Beach will come together to help those in need as they face a common foe: cancer. The Ninth Annual FollyPalooza will be taking place on October 22^nd on Center Street throughout most of the day. The event will include a silent auction, fantastic food and art vendors, carnival games, musical acts, and more. It is a time for everyone in the Lowcountry to come together and help those who are in dire need of financial support to fund their cancer treatments. The event is free to attend as the money raised for local cancer patients and their families comes from the 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and carnival games.

FollyPalooza has been in existence since 2007. Residents founded the event to address a need they saw to help their fellow neighbors. Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone at any age, and nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in some capacity. Cancer treatment is prohibitively expensively for many people, and the goal of the weekend event is to help them offset these costs. Folly Beach neighbors with other chronic illnesses may apply for and receive some financial relief on a case by case basis as well. 

If you'll be in the Lowcountry in the latter part of October, we encourage you make your way to Folly Beach for this fun and important charity event. The best way to learn more about the event is to visit www.festivalbeachfestivals.com. In addition to that, organizers of FollyPalooza update the FollyPalooza Facebook page often to provide information on vendors and performers, parking and admissions details, and calls for volunteers.

Become a Part of the Folly Beach Community for a Week or for a Lifetime

Folly Beach is a great place to visit for a week or live for a lifetime. FollyPalooza is just additional evidence of the strong sense of community that can be found here. Folly Beach is known as a top family-oriented destination, and there are a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and beaches that will delight every vacationer who decides to stay here. However, Folly Beach's greatest assets is its people, which include life-long residents and yearly vacationers who decided to take the plunge and call Folly Beach home for good.

Whether you're a yearly visitor or you have never been to Folly Beach before but have always wanted to, now is the time to check out Folly Beach vacation rentals.  We here at CarolinaOne are excited to offer a number of different Folly Beach rentals to meet our clients' needs. We encourage you to review our listings and speak with a realtor today who can match you with a rental that you'll love. Who knows? Maybe next year after you have fallen in love with Folly Beach, you may be in the market to buy a home here. We hope to see you next month at FollyPalooza at beautiful Folly Beach. 

Although summer is just about over already, you still have plenty of time to make plans for a vacation down in the Lowcountry. In fact, Charleston and its surrounding beaches is a great place to visit in the early and even late autumn months. If you were busy in the summer or prefer cooler but comfortable temperatures when you vacation, there are few better places to check out than the Charleston, SC area.  Here are several things to look forward to if you rent a vacation home in Charleston during autumn:

Visit the Beaches When They're Less Crowded: Although the peak travel season in Charleston, SC can last all of the way into November, there is certainly a drop-off in September. The main reason for this is because kids go back to school, and many professions go back into full swing. If you have the opportunity to take time off in the fall, you'll experience mild temperatures (Charleston can be in the 70s into late autumn), beautiful beaches, and other amenities of any coastal destination in the southeast.

Enjoy the Perks of Major Metropolitan City: At the same, Charleston, SC is not like a shore town that may shut down once the summer season is over. Charleston, SC is a major commerce hub and features world-class restaurants, shops, entertainment centers, historical sites, and much. You won't have to worry about figuring out what to do when you get a Folly Beach rental or any of the other beaches and towns in the Charleston metropolitan area. In fact, you might not have enough time to do everything that you wanted to do. That's why there's always next year. We can guarantee you that you'll experience something new every time you visit Charleston.

Save Big on Vacation Rentals and Other Expenses: Experience the best of Charleston and its beaches without paying a premium for it. Although our realtors can certainly help you find great deals on rentals during the busiest time of year in Charleston, there's no question you will pay less when the height of peak season is over. As we mentioned above, the peak season of Charleston tourism begins to wane once school gets back into session. If you are on a budget but still want to experience an amazing vacation with family and/or friends, you might want to wait until the fall to find an affordable rate. 

Although summer is winding down, we can count on many months of good weather left here in the Lowcountry. The favorable mild climate is one of the main reasons why Charleston, SC is such a great place to call home. Of course, it is just one of many. There's the robust downtown, picturesque beaches, and laid-back southern personality where everybody says hi and time moves just a little bit slower. Even Bill Murray is proud to call Charleston, SC home.

If you're looking for a little bit of quiet or just enjoy waking up every morning to a view of the ocean, you may want to consider checking out residential spots at some of the beaches and barrier islands outside of downtown Charleston. Each beach town and island has its own personality, history, and features that may draw you in. The best way to get a better idea of the community and houses for sale in South Carolina is to speak with a Carolina One real estate agent who can research potential homes based on your criteria, schedule viewings, and more.

However, here is a really quick guide on some of the spots you may read about in your research to find your dream home in the Lowcountry:

Sullivan's Island: This quiet barrier island is located between Charleston Harbor and Breach Inlet. It enjoys a famed military history, which was made more famous by Edgar Allen Poe's short story, "The Gold Bug," a story he wrote when he was stationed at Fort Moultrie.  Former military homes actually serve as residential homes today, and there are more than 2,000 people who live there. If you're looking for peace and quiet but still want to be a short drive away from downtown Charleston, Sullivan's Island offers a number of great real estate options.

Folly Beach: Also known as "The Edge of America," Folly Beach features a number of family-fun activities all-year round. Make no mistake about it – Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination, but it has its quiet spots as well, providing residents with the best of both worlds. If you're an avid fisherman, surfer, or birdwatcher, Folly Beach is a great place to call home. If you are on the fence, check out the 1,045-foot Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, which is the second-longest pier on the East Coast and offers a view you won't find anywhere else.

Isle of Palms: Located just north of Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms is seven-mile long barrier island that enjoys a rich military history as well – it was the departure point for the CSS Hunley. It is also known for its small-town feel, beautiful beaches, and proximity to other beach communities and the city of Charleston. Residents have several shopping centers and a grocery store for their convenience, and their children can attend school in nearby Sullivan's Island, which is known for its academic excellence. As a whole, Isle of Palms offers innumerable opportunities for people looking for coastal living in the Lowcountry. 

One of the main draws of living in the Charleston area is its proximity to the beach. There are a number of beaches and barrier islands that encompass the Charleston metropolitan area, and each has its own personality and charm. Whether you prefer the more laidback style of Folly Beach or the energy found in Isle of Palms, you'll fall in love with the Charleston beaches and barrier islands.

In addition to providing a picturesque view to wake up to, did you know that living by the beach could actually improve the likelihood that you'll enjoy good health? A study from the University of Exeter confirmed what many beach dwellers have already known. Researchers analyzed data obtained from England's 2001 census and research collected by Natural England and found that living near the beach improved exercise levels and overall wellbeing. This mirrored similar results from surveys in Australia and New Zealand.

So what makes the beach stand out as a great place to live for your health? If you have always wanted to live by the beach, here are several reasons why you might want to start looking at real estate near the beach in Charleston, SC today:  

You'll Stress Out Less: Do you feel more relaxed after you come home from the beach? This isn't just a coincidence. According to another University of Exeter study where participants were asked about their feelings on the beach in relation to other environments, the beach received more favorable reviews. In fact, when participants were put in stressful situations, like the dentist's office, and then later put in virtual ocean side settings, they reported feeling less stressed afterwards. Whether it's the sound of the waves gently hitting the shoreline or something else, the beach has the potential to make you feel calmer.

You'll Be More Active: The most recent University of Exeter study also highlighted the fact that beach dwellers reported being more active on the beach, which in return can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. The beach offers a wide variety of physical activities – in and out of the water – for every age and level of health. Obviously, you can go swimming in the ocean, which is good cardiovascular workout in its own right. However, there are many beachfront activities that you could participate in as well, including volleyball, playing Frisbee with friends or the dog, or just going on a stroll along the coastline by yourself or with a significant other. Exercise can encourage weight loss, manage stress levels, and potentially lower the risk of many chronic conditions that can affect physical well-being.

You'll Breathe Better: If you live in a congested area, you may not be breathing in the cleanest of air. From car exhaust to other irritants in the air, your lungs could be working overtime. Some researchers believe that the salty sea air could do wonders to help people breathe. They cite the idea that sea air may have minerals from the salt water, which are scattered into the air from the wind and waves. These minerals could stimulate immune reactions that could make it easier to loosen mucus and breathe. At the very least, the air around the coastline is usually devoid of other irritants like car exhaust or manufacturing pollution, making it a cleaner source for people with allergies or chronic breathing problems. 

Those of us who live in the Lowcountry already know that Charleston is one of the best places to live. Now everyone else knows it as well. Travel + Leisure Magazine came out with its latest rankings for the best cities in the world, and the results were announced on the TODAY Show. If you weren't able to catch the program live, we're happy to report that Charleston was named as the Best City in the World.

While awards are nothing new for Charleston as Travel + Leisure readers have ranked Charleston as the Best City in the U.S. and Canada four years in a row, it has never won the top award before.  According to the editor of the publication, Charleston was named the best city in the world because of how dynamic and diverse it is. No matter your interests or preferences, you're bound to find something that you like in Charleston.

Five Reasons Why You Might Want to Visit Charleston

A Rich Collection of American History: Are you a history buff? You'll be happy to know that Charleston is essentially a well-preserved live museum with relics from the Colonial days. The Battery and White Point Gardens are pretty well-known as is Fort Sumter, but there are many other antebellum museums and sites that you'll want to check out as well. The Historic Charleston Foundation has worked hard to preserve these historic sites, and you'll certainly want to visit its headquarters as well.

Beautiful Beaches: From Isle of Palms to Folly Beach, the Charleston area has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. If you're willing to drive a few miles away from Charleston, you might want to check out Kiawah Island, which offers miles of untouched shoreline. Most of these beaches are open to the public and some offer free parking as well.

Delicious Food: If you go to Charleston, expect to eat well. Obviously, because it's on the coast, you will find delicious fish dishes. Don't leave Charleston unless you have had the shrimp and grits. Now that we're in July, it's Peach Season so keep this in mind too. No matter what Georgia residents may say, you won't find a better peach than one from South Carolina.

Friendly People: Come for the beaches and history. Stay for the people. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone friendlier than someone from Charleston. If you're visiting, expect to see many smiling faces and greetings as you walk on King St. and other parts of town. Southern charm is not a myth, and it is alive and well in Charleston.

It's Affordable: Unlike many other popular summer destinations, Charleston is actually affordable. There are a number of free things to do around the city, including Waterfront Park and the Charleston City Market. And as we mentioned above many of the beaches are free as well. If you're on a budget Charleston may be for you.

Want to see why so many people call Charleston the best city in the world. Check out our attractive vacation rentals in Charleston, SC and plan your trip to our small piece of paradise. 

Are you thinking about purchasing a vacation home to spend time with your family in a relaxing and picturesque setting? There are many factors that go into choosing a place to live – whether it's a primary residence or a home to vacation at during the summer. Location obviously matters, but so does the local economy. You'll probably want a place with good restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions indicative of a thriving economy.  So where you live will depend not only on the home but the community that surrounds it.

The Charleston Real Estate Market Boom

Many are choosing to buy real estate in the Charleston, SC area for these very reasons. Carolina One's own Will Jenkinson was featured in an article for Charleston's daily newspaper, The Post and Courier, about Charleston's real estate market. Will is the broker-in-charge of new homes at Carolina One, and he noted that how 'painful' the new homes market was for Charleston five years ago. Now it is seeing a comeback as 34% of home sales in 2016 for Charleston are new homes. He also said that the Charleston real estate market was on pace to beat last year's sales, which were just over 3600 homes.

According to the article, economists predict that the Charleston economy will see stable growth after several years of rapid expansion. In fact, a seventh year of expansion would be the best Charleston has even seen. They point to employment growth, especially in the construction industry, which means that more people will have money to spend on homes. In addition to that, low gas prices and other financial factors have enabled South Carolina residents to save and keep more money in their pockets.

So what does all of this mean for the prospective homebuyer who wants to find a home in the Charleston area? Homebuyers can expect a healthy real estate market, especially if they are planning on purchasing a new home. Construction is up and the demand for new homes is there, so you will be able to find a new home if that's what you prefer. Additionally, there are many different homes in downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and other popular Lowcountry destinations, so you may want to consult a Carolina One real estate agent to learn more about opportunities based off your budget and preferences.

Finally, a strong real estate market means that there is a lot of demand as well. If you have always thought about buying a home in the Charleston area, why wait? The home of your dreams may be out there, but it won't be out there forever. Charleston is a beautiful city with a rich history, wonderful beaches, state-of-the-art restaurants, and the friendliest people on the East Coast. It is also a great place to call home. If you are looking at Charleston real estate as we speak, do yourself a favor and speak to an agent to find that dream home for you and your family and friends.  

Each month, more than a quarter million Americans will turn the age of 65. This is typically the magic number when people start thinking about retirement, and some will also consider whether to downsize to save on space and money. Downsizing can offer tremendous benefits to a newly retired couple, especially if they are considering moving to a retirement hotspot like Charleston, SC.

One is obviously the amount of space needed. Ten or fifteen years ago, four bedrooms may have been necessary if there were a few children running around and others living at home. Now, all of that space may be unnecessary. Unused space requires maintenance and only forces an individual or couple to spend extra money on energy costs and taxes. In addition to that, those who are retiring may want to go somewhere else when they retire for lifestyle reasons, proximity of family, and cost of living.

If You Are Thinking about Downsizing Whether You Stay Nearby or Move, Should You Rent or Buy?

So you're ready to move out of the family home and get a small place on the beach in Isle of Palms or somewhere else to enjoy your retirement years. You'll now want to consider whether you would like to purchase the property or rent it out. In truth, there is no simple answer here, and each situation will be different. However, here are some questions you may want to ask your agent or accountant to help you make the best decision possible:

Do you like the idea of home ownership? If you have owned a home for many years, it may be a bit of shock if you start renting. You like to have complete control over your property, and you don’t mind taking care of small repairs. For others, though, the idea of never having to worry about a repair or upkeep costs can be a relief.  Each has its positives and negatives, and you should certainly consider these points as you make your decision

Which will be more expensive? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to expense. You usually have to put more upfront when you buy. However, you can also benefit from certain tax deductions, including mortgage interest and property taxes. When you rent, though, you don't have to worry about most repair expenses and some utilities may be free. However, again, you are not building equity and rent may be higher than a mortgage payment for the same home.

Do you plan on remaining in the new property for a few years? The initial costs of purchasing a home can be expensive depending on how much you want to put down as well as the closing costs involved. And don't forget about the home inspection and any initial repairs or upgrades you may need to make as well. Typically these costs are offset in a few years by the equity you build, but if you plan on leaving before then, you may want to rent instead.

Are you looking at houses in South Carolina? Contact one of our agents today, and we can help you find a fantastic place to call home –whether you decide to rent or buy.