New Business Building In Charleston Boosts City’s Super-Charged Real Estate Market

by carolinaone_marketing 6. November 2017 03:51

 

A new business is rising in the West Ashley district of Charleston and its impact on shopping options is bound to be appreciated by residents. According to The Post and Courier newspaper, construction of the “outparcel” building was expected to wrap up in the fall ahead of businesses moving in before the end of 2017. This is great news when it comes to real estate in Charleston, as the newspaper notes that new construction comes alongside two new leaseholders signing on to an existing portion of the retail center. All told, two new restaurants and a Navy Federal Credit Union bank will have new homes once construction is complete.

This latest economic development is of great interest to those involved in Charleston SC real estate. That’s because it adds to the already juggernaut-like status that the city has gained after being voted second-best city in the world by the readers of readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The survey also bestowed the honor of best city in the U.S. upon Charleston for the fifth year in a row. With such progress being made, it’s easy to see why those looking to relocate to the largest city in South Carolina are in need of a knowledgeable real estate company. By trusting a company that has decades of combined experience learning the lay of the land when it comes to Charleston SC real estate, you’re certain to find the home that’s the right fit for you. When it comes to West Ashley, where the newest shopping center is currently under construction, hopeful homeowners should know that this portion of the city is known for both its scenic views of the Ashley River and no less than a dozen major shopping centers that add to the convenience of living here.

However, one of the best ways to find the portion of South Carolina and surrounding communities that fit your needs is through online research. Browsing the websites of the best Charleston SC real estate companies like Carolina One Real Estate will teach you plenty about properties in Isle of Palms, Seabrook Island, James Island, Mount Pleasant, Kiawah James and more. Armed with this knowledge of what’s on the market, realtors can then help you better determine a place to live that’s going to make your commute to work, for example, a sheer breeze. If you’re considering a move to the Palmetto State or are a recent South Carolina transplant, we encourage you to find a Charleston SC real estate company that can link you up with everything from a residential home in a good school district or ocean-front property for vacation purposes.

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Magazine Readers, Once Again, Vote Charleston, S.C. As Top Tourist Destination In The U.S.

by carolinaone_marketing 12. July 2017 07:33

The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Charleston, South Carolina as the no. 1 city in the U.S. and if that award wasn’t enough, it was also voted second-best city in the world. The accolades, which were released on July 11, 2017, mark the fifth consecutive year that the city has been named the best in the country. According to the Travel + Leisure article, Charleston is a “rare destination” that “totally lives up to the hype.” Among its attractions that keep visitors pleased are 18th and 19th century homes, cobblestone streets, eateries worthy of the hype as well as family-owned small businesses and boutiques. According to the magazine, factors that went into the judging process included sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. The readers of Travel + Leisure -- who have put Charleston in the top spot each year since 2013 -- were able to vote in the 2017 survey from November 2016 through March 6 of this year. Those looking to learn more about the results should pick up the August 2017 issue of the magazine.

According to The Post and Courier, this year’s honor comes amid an already strong tourism boom. More than five million people visited the historic South Carolina destination annually in recent years and the economic impact of all that foot traffic is $3.7 billion plus 41,000 jobs, the report adds. The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau told the newspaper that the rankings “continue to positively impact tourism, the number one economic driver to the Charleston area.” The report adds that Charleston in 2015 updated its tourism management plan to better address the "the equilibrium between residential life and tourism activity."

With such repeated successes on display, prospective homeowners looking for a Charleston real estate guide would do well to research the sections of the city or state that will best fit their needs. Whether you’re looking for property in Charleston proper or researching the relaxing confines of Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach, those looking to join the ever-growing population of this southern destination will certainly be pleased with their options. By trusting a local real estate company with your search for prime real estate, you’ll be aided by the many combined years of experience that local realtors have and are ready to share with you.

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Charleston SC Real Estate

Smart Growth Urged as Charleston Nabs South Carolina’s ‘Largest City’ Title

by carolinaone_marketing 9. June 2017 07:36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations, Charleston! As of spring 2017, you have officially became South Carolina’s largest city. After years of economic expansion and population influx, this title is long in the works and rightfully deserved. After all, the city has worked hard to offer something great for both residents and tourists alike. However, with large growth comes great responsibility.

"I don’t look at it as bragging rights at all," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg told The Post and Courier newspaper for a May 25, 2017 piece regarding the population growth. "The challenge is not to be the biggest city but the best city, and I believe we are."

A May 2017 editorial from the newspaper goes on to say that rental properties are soon going to take center stage as the city adds about 34 people daily. According to the editorial, Charleston city leaders rolled out “workforce housing incentives” for developers who create properties where a certain portion of units are set aside for renters who earn up to 80 percent of the median income. Such “workforce” apartments are reportedly “high quality, relatively new residences in highly sought-after parts of the city,” the opinion piece reads. That’s good news for those who qualify, but it should also resonate with those looking for houses for rent in Charleston SC. As evidenced by the efforts to offer top-notch rental units, Charleston clearly cares about all those people moving to the historic city found in 1670 with strong ties to the Civil War.

 

In a similar opinion piece from the Charleston City Paper, the author says all residents should be proud to live in the city and hopes for responsible growth in the future. Given that the growth grabbed headlines, it’s very well likely that more people considering a move from their current homes may come to Charleston. Those who do will need a place to stay and the majority of newcomers are going to need a place to rent while finding their footing in a new city. Take time to research the neighborhoods, attractions and overall lay of the land during your hunt for a house to rent and you too will be singing the praises of Charleston.

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Charleston, SC rentals

Earth-Friendly Construction Projects Ensure Future of Real Estate Market In Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 10. May 2017 07:07

 

 

 

Charleston-south-carolinaIt’s the halcyon days of development in Charleston, South Carolina and the real estate sector is experiencing growth that any major U.S. city would and should envy. Beyond the wide range of recent positive economic indicators -- from employment gains to an uptick in home sale figures -- builders appear to have the best interests of Charleston at heart as they continue to keep a close eye on smart growth. According to a May 6, 2017 article from The Post and Courier newspaper, environmentally-friendly builders are touting a streamlined construction process that’s faster and friendly to the planet. For those researching our Charleston Real Estate Guide, add these considerate construction companies to the list of reasons why investing in this port city of about 390,000 is a smart financial move.

 

According to The Post and Courier piece, a number of Charleston-area builders and construction officials recently explained their vested interests in erecting homes that have been optimized for the 21st Century. That means these structures are being built faster and for less money, with the latter being an advantage later passed on to the prospective homebuyer; houses hitting the market with solar panels already up and running; a move away from legacy products in construction, such as wood, in exchange for steel and 100-year warranties that come with a steel roof.  According to the report, South Carolina is 27th in the nation for homes with solar panels installed but investment in the industry has climbed some 10 percent to approximately $225.3 million in one year alone.

 

The effect of  not addressing these aspects, according to the article, is waste across the board and landfills with an ever-encroaching footprint. The president of one local steel company told the newspaper that they hope to redefine the home construction industry and that they hope to “do with a house what [electric vehicle company] Tesla's done with a car.” Putting its money where its mouth is, that same steel company recently relocated its headquarters and production facility and planned to start producing rolled steel for construction by the end of summer 2017.

 

Beyond new construction that’s being optimized for future technology, Charleston already offers a plethora of existing home and rentals on the market. That’s due, in large part, to the vast number of tourist attraction in the region and the booming economy. In a spring 2017 update from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, more than 19,000 single-family homes selling for an average of $330,000 apiece were expected to be sold in the Charleston area in 2017. Moreover, that figure represented a 2,000 unit increase over the 2016 total. For additional information on the Charleston Real Estate Guide, visit www.carolinaonerealestate.com.

 

 

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Real Estate Boom Plus Job Gains Make Charleston Economy ‘Nearly Unstoppable’

by carolinaone_marketing 5. April 2017 06:00

In a headline that heralds across-the-board gains in the Charleston, South Carolina, metro area, one local media outlet has called the economy “nearly unstoppable.” For those considering relocation, the sheer quantity and quality of  Charleston SC homes for sale -- coupled with fiscal stability of the city and beyond -- should do more than enough to instill confidence in prospective buyers.

According to The Post and Courier newspaper, almost all economic indicators are pointing up in 2017 and 2018 – except for unemployment, but that too is good news. The March 2017 update offered by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce cites widespread gains in employment, building permits, airplane passengers, real estate sales and more. The report adds that approximately 10,000 new local jobs are expected to be created in 2017.

According to the chamber document, the Charleston region is expanding by adding 48 new residents daily. Of that figure, 35 are new residents and the remainder and new births. The forecast also celebrates the influx of “well-educated young talent.”

What does this mean for those in the market for Charleston real estate? A local CBS television news affiliate cited recent chamber figures that predict more than 19,000 homes, at an average of $330,000 for a single-family residence, will be sold in the Charleston area this year.  What’s more, the estimate is 2,000 units higher than the number sold in 2016.

Factoring for forecasted sales for the remainder of 2017 as well as 2018, the chamber cites residential home sale figures that have steadily climbed from 10,638 in 2012 to 17,720 in 2016. The chamber’s outlook cites more grocery stores and home improvement centers coming to suburban markets.

Factor in a rich history, tourist attractions as well as the opportunity for beach-front living and it’s clear to see why more and more people are choosing the Charleston area as their next home. For additional information about real estate and Charleston SC homes for sale, call 800-342-2105.

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The Charm of Charleston

by carolinaone_marketing 28. October 2016 03:35

When it comes to South Carolina Real Estate, nothing compares to the charm of Charleston. In December 2015, Charleston was listed as the second hottest real estate market to watch, and it's no surprise. From its booming job market growth to its unmatched low country dreamy appeal, anyone who visits, walks away with that "at home" feeling that Charleston provides so well. What makes Charleston the idyllic place that it is? You'll hear any reason, from the weather to the history, but we feel there is much more to it than that.

For starters, Charleston is home to a number of unique shops. When you venture away from the more tourist-centered areas, it is refreshing to see that Charleston has managed to sustain its unique shopping culture, despite the fact that it is a relatively small city. Taking a stroll through Charleston's historic Upper King Street, you'll find book stores, art galleries, and antique shops, just to  nae a few locations. No trip would be complete without visiting George C. Birlant & Co, the Southeast's largest and oldest antique shop.

The food scene in Charleston is unrivaled to other cities. We all love to eat and the people of Charleston know what good food is. This culinary epicenter is home to some of the best quality seafood and high end restaurants in South Carolina. Whether you're looking for French influenced cuisine or low country classics, this city is your one stop shop. Be sure to stop by Dave's Carry-Out for your Charleston staples.

The conversation regarding ideal South Carolina Real Estate locations can't happen without at least one mention of the beautiful Charleston beaches. The beaches surrounding the barrier islands emit their own Southern charm that attracts travelers, old and new. We believe it's the beaches that are one of the biggest selling points in turning visitors into residents. Just like our shops and our food, we have beaches to suit all tastes. Folly Beach is ideal for dolphin watching and free-spirited fun where Sullivan Island is the perfect mix of upscale fun.

Whether you're looking for a rental home or a new home, there's truly no better place than Charleston SC. So, stop looking for reasons to move and start looking for your new home today! Contact Carolina One to help you get started.

 

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Charleston, SC Is Named Best City in the World

by carolinaone_marketing 20. July 2016 08:12



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. 

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Beachfront property | Charleston Real Estate

Tips for Getting the Best Mortgage Rate for Your First Home in South Carolina

by carolinaone_marketing 12. April 2016 05:27


Millennials are quickly becoming the fastest growing percentage of home buyers in the country and make up the majority of first-time home buyers. As the oldest Millennials begin to reach their thirties and higher levels of career responsibilities and salary, many will begin to settle down and begin to look at homes. Some will look at the Charleston area for its beautiful weather, friendly communities, and emerging job markets that match Millennials' technology-focused skillset and education.

 

Our younger generation of first-time homebuyers can take advantage of a buyer-friendly market where mortgage interest rates are still low and there are friendly programs for first-time homebuyers. However, they also face unique challenges than other generations of homebuyers that may require a little more flexibility, creativity, and patience. In the end, though, the time you take to research and understand what it takes to apply and get approved for a mortgage loan will help you get one step closer to buying that first home of your dreams in Charleston, SC.

 

Understanding How Much You Can Afford for a Monthly Mortgage Payment

 


If you begin the process of applying for a mortgage, you will get a quote from various lenders that pertain to how much you're pre-qualified for. Just remember this is different from the amount of money you're pre-approved for. The pre-approval process involves a number of additional steps, including income verification, credit history, etc. You may be pre-qualified for a certain amount, but can you afford that monthly payment every month?

 

Getting Your Debt to Income Ratio as Low as Possible

 

Let's say you apply for a $200,000 mortgage where the monthly mortgage payment with property taxes, interest, principal, home owner's insurance is $1500 a month. If you make $8000 a month as a household, your debt to income ratio will only be 19%. But what if you have other monthly payments? For example, many Millennials have student loans. Those go into your debt to income ratio. Do you have credit card payments or car payments? Those affect your debt to income ratio as well. The goal is to get below 43% to provide assurance to the bank that you will be able to afford your monthly mortgage payment.

 

Reviewing Your Credit Score

 

The credit score you need to qualify for a mortgage loan may depend on the type of mortgage loan you're applying for. For example, a conventional mortgage loan from a bank will typically have stricter credit limits than an FHA or USDA loan. At the same time, a FHA loan or USDA loan that is guaranteed by the federal government may have other requirements not necessary for a conventional loan. Therefore, it is a good idea to check out the different types of loans out there and any credit requirements.

 

 

No matter the type of loan you apply for, though, remember to get a copy of credit report to dispute any errors or safeguard against identity theft. In addition to that, you can understand if you need to lower your credit utilization or take any other actions to raise your credit score to an acceptable level that will allow you to get approved for a mortgage loan at a good rate. As Millennials take advantage of good home prices in the Charleston, SC real estate market with affordable rates, managing these common mortgage issues will go a long way in helping them get through the process. 

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Charleston Real Estate

4 Things Expect When Buying a Historic Home

by carolinaone_marketing 29. May 2014 09:25

If you're looking for homes in Charleston, you have a lot of options available to you. You could easily find a nice condo in the downtown district, or you can find a reasonably priced family home in almost every neighborhood. People have their own reasons for looking for Charleston real estate, but some aren't moving to the city because they want to be closer to their job or to the downtown area. 

Charleston has been a prominent city for centuries and, as the years passed, more and more homes have been built. The city is full of historic homes for sale, and people that have always wanted to own a small part of history come to Charleston determined to find one of their own. Owning a historic home can seem very appealing, but before you commit to it, there are a few things you should know:

Limited exterior work

If you fall in love with a historic home, you should find one that you love "as is." Some people don't mind sprucing up a home with a new coat of paint and few new windows, but if you own a historic home, your improvement projects may be severely limited. The goal of every historic district is to preserve the character and look of a neighborhood, and the majority of them do this by having rules about how the exterior of the house looks. Depending on what neighborhood you live in, you may not be able to make any changes without getting approval from a committee.

Major inside repair work

You may not be able to paint your house a different color, but you may have to do some electrical or plumbing work to make the house habitable. This is one of the trade-offs of owning a historical home. Some homeowners have to pay a couple thousand dollars to have their homes re-wired for electricity because they current set up was dangerous. Others have had to install HVAC systems to make the homes more comfortable in Charleston's sweltering summers. 

Checking for dangerous chemicals

Today's builders wouldn't dream of insulating a house with asbestos or painting rooms with lead paint, but the home builders of the past wouldn't have given it a second thought. If you're looking into buying a historic home, you should have your home inspected for any potential dangerous building materials (especially if you have children or elderly tenants). Remember, it's possible to get these things removed, but it could cost extra money.

Potential tax breaks

There is a big difference between owning a home in a historic district and owning a home that is registered as a historic place. Local municipalities, state, and even federal authorities all have historic registries, and if your home happens to be on one, you could qualify for some property tax breaks from the state. 

Top Five Things to Consider When Choosing a New Place to Live

by carolinaone_marketing 31. December 2013 06:35

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.

 

 

 

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