So, you’ve made the decision to move out on your own and make your first big purchase. Whether you’re moving out of your parent’s basement or transitioning from an apartment, the process of buying your first home is new and often frightening. There are so many ins and outs that need consideration when making a purchase as big and important as buying a home. From loan preapprovals, to paint colors, it seems the decision process for your starter home can be a never-ending process. With help from our Charleston Real Estate Guide, here are three things you should focus on when deciding on your first home.

Price
The price on your home is hands down the most important point that should be made when looking for a starter home. First time home buyers are more pressed to come up with the proper financials as they do not typically have equity or trade up buying power that a previous homeowner would have. When looking for an affordable home, it’s important to pick a price tag and stick with it. Know what you can afford and do not stray from the budget. Many people try to push to the maximum end of their budget and often regret it. Be reasonable. It’s your first home.

Location
As cliché as it may sound, a good location is important when choosing your first home. The location of your home affects the price you will pay as well as what you can ask for when it comes time to think about resell value.  A good neighborhood means stability. Manicured lawns, well-kept homes, and limited for sale signs means long-term and happy residents. Properties in good locations are more likely to retain their value, so keep this under consideration.

Maintenance
The upkeep (or lack thereof) on a home can greatly affect future housing costs and the longevity of the property. Many people will tell you that your starter home should be a “fixer upper”, but that is not always true.  Big items, such as the HVAC unit, the foundation, roofing, and even pest infestations need to be properly monitored, maintained, and should not be an inherited problem for any homeowner. These problems require large amounts of upfront cash in order to be resolved before you can move in. Always enlist the help of a trusted inspector before signing anything or making a decision on a house.

First time home buying is an exciting time. With the proper tools and help in place, you’ll find the best starter home for you and begin to build your new life.

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to unite and express love and gratitude for one another. As a community, we come together to give thanks for our blessings, our lives, and all the good that has happened. One of the key elements to to successful Thanksgiving celebrations around the country is the food. The food is the centerpiece of the day, the cornerstone that the whole day is built upon in anticipation of bellies filled with turkey and stuffing. For some, Thanksgiving is centered on a home cooked meal. For others, standing around a stove all morning isn't their idea of a good time. If you are one of those people who prefer to eat out, then Charleston is the best place for you.

For years, Charleston has been known for its delicious food. Our Charleston Real Estate Guide has put together the three best places for you to have the most memorable Thanksgiving, Charleston style.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

If you plan on making your 2016 Thanksgiving a fancy one, then The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is for you. At $76.00 a plate, you can enjoy a buffet of both traditional favorites and famous Charleston seafood, along with chef stations and an assortment of holiday meats. This one of a kind experience is guaranteed to be a real crowd-pleaser with everyone in your family.

Hank's Seafood

A true Charleston dining experience includes all things seafood, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Hank's Seafood will be serving classic seafood options like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and so much more. If you're in the area, consider ditching your turkey for tuna this year and give Hank's Seafood a try.

Tavern & Table

For $45.00 a plate ($18.00 for children) Tavern and Table will be serving a four course meal with all of the traditional fixings. From turkey dinner to pecan pie, you can be sure to get your fill of a hearty traditional Thanksgiving meal. Prime rib and butternut squash soup will be also be served to spice things up a little bit.

If you're in the Charleston area this Thanksgiving and want to change up your routine a little bit, consider these top three locations for a real mix of Charleston and Tradition in your dining experience.

For many South Carolina home buyers, the first step to a dream house is getting your hands on a Charleston real estate guide. This guide can be an invaluable tool, but you also want to make sure you get the most out of it. How do you do that? Here are four tips:

1.  Ask a realtor to help you – This may sound funny since, to many people, the whole point of getting a real estate guide is to do research on your own. But realtors can be a valuable resource, and asking for their help will mean getting the most out of any printed or online guide. Often, realtors will know details about the specific properties in question—details that do not show up in the guide and that would be hard to find out otherwise. Plus, they will have a much better sense of the local market in general, including how well property values hold up in a given neighborhood and what other similar properties might be available. Do your own perusing as well, but consider asking your realtor to go over the listings with you.

2.  Look above and below your budget – One mistake that many home seekers make is to look only at homes that fall within their budget. This isn't always to your advantage. That isn't because you should give in and buy a home that's above your means; it's because scouting out higher- and lower-priced homes can help inform your search and make you a savvier buyer. For example, if you notice that higher priced homes tend to have an open kitchen design or granite countertops, and you find a property in your price range with those features, you know it will probably appreciate well and be a great investment. On the other hand, if you notice a feature that's common to lower priced homes and find it in one that's otherwise perfect for you, you have a bargaining point. Plus, you never know when you'll find a gem that's priced lower than it should be.

3.  Make a "drive by" list – A real estate guide should be a first step to taking action. Once you have five to ten favorites, take an afternoon and drive by each one. There is no substitute for seeing the home and its neighborhood for yourself.

4.  Don't over-commit to a neighborhood – One last mistake that many buyers make: don't get too hung up on buying in a certain neighborhood. You may miss out on amazing properties in other great locations, or you may overspend by choosing an in-demand area, when a cheaper neighborhood down the road is just as good. 

What kind of Charleston home are you looking for? Ask one of our real estate agents at Carolina One about our MLS listings and see when they can schedule a showing!

Are you ready to find your dream home in the Charleston, South Carolina area? Maybe you've recently gotten engaged and are now searching for the perfect home to settle down and raise a family in. Or perhaps you've landed your dream job in Charleston and need a home that's closer to work. Whatever the case, you'll find that Charleston has a home for everyone and Carolina One can help you find it! Here are some of our recommendations for simplifying and speeding up the search process:

1.  Set a budget – Before you even begin looking at homes for sale in Charleston, South Carolina, you should set a budget. What is the absolute maximum amount you are willing or able to spend? Chances are, you won't be able to pay the full cost of the home up front, which means that you will have a mortgage to pay. Make sure that you can afford the mortgage and all that comes with it, in addition to your other bills. For instance, you'll have to pay for homeowner's insurance, all of the utilities, the Internet/cable package, any repairs, any new fixtures or appliances, etc. – and we haven't even mentioned your car payments, grocery bills, and other life expenses. Remember to factor all of these things in when coming up with a budget. Once you know what you can afford, you'll be able to search specifically for homes that fall directly within your range.

2.  Identify your needs – Sure, that home with four bedrooms may look beautiful but, if there are only going to be two people living in the home, is it really necessary? The answer could be yes or no: if you're planning to expand your family in the near future, then it could still be viewed as a wise investment; however, if you have no intentions to expand your family, it may be more space than you need. Remember, the bigger the home, the more it will cost. On the other hand, don't purchase a home that is too small for your current and future needs simply because it is cheaper. You'll never be able to really enjoy your home if you're constantly crammed for space. Be sure to carefully analyze your living situation and plans before making a final decision about which home to purchase.

3.  Browse a good Charleston real estate guide – After you set your budget and identify your needs, you'll be ready to search through our Charleston real estate guide for the right home. Our superior guide will offer a comprehensive listing of the available homes in the area, and detailed information about each property. Most of the listings should also come with photos, so that you can get a feel for the house before you visit or request a tour. Lastly, our real estate guide includes easy contact information so that you can get more details and schedule a showing.

Trying to find your dream home in the Charleston, South Carolina area or have you recently been through the process? What are your thoughts?

Deciding where to move is a process that takes lots of research, planning, and forethought. But there are things about Charleston, SC that no Charleston real estate guide can tell you. But a city is much more than its property values – Charleston especially. It's a happening place worth living in for at least four big reasons:

1.  A great downtown – Charleston is often thought of for its historic properties and charming gardens. Those are definitely major draws, and something that every Charleston resident loves about their home. However, it's important not to overlook the fact that Charleston also has a large, bustling, modern downtown with lots to do and see. Much more than just a business district, the downtown area offers everything from amazing warehouse lofts to quaint bistros, and much more. There are trendy bars, excellent shops of all kinds, clubs, music venues and some of the city's best restaurants. Charleston is one of those rare cities that combines a true cosmopolitan vibe with a close proximity to nature and the countryside.

2.  The ocean – Speaking of nature, one of the biggest reasons people love living in Charleston is how easy it is to get to the beach. Numerous small beach communities are less than a 40 minute drive from the city, offering everything from sunning and swimming to sailing and surfing. Many of these communities have beautiful, carefully developed boardwalks and beachfronts where you can enjoy a drink with an ocean view or simply go for a walk, do some shopping, and enjoy the breezes. The Charleston area is also home to great fishing, hiking and bicycling.

3.  Terrific suburbs – Not everyone wants to live in the city proper, and there are few large metros that are better suited to a suburban lifestyle than Charleston. Charleston's suburbs are safe, known for their great schools, and have a strong community spirit that leads to all kinds of events and programs. They're also very accessible, with an easy drive (often of 20 minutes or less) for commuters who work in the city.

4.  It's a growing city – When choosing a place to live, you have to think about the long term. With Charleston, the future is quite bright: the city has a growing economy, is investing strongly in business and infrastructure, and has all the stats that make it a desirable place to live. Property in Charleston and its suburbs has seen an upward value trajectory and is likely to keep doing so, with no shortage of jobs in sight.

Have you been paging through a Charleston real estate guide? What got you interested in moving here?

Any good Charleston real estate guide will tell you that finding the right home is all about making a good investment. That doesn't mean it's easy to make the final choice, however. After all, any monetary advantage that you get will mean nothing if you are miserable in your own house. Here are three tips from Carolina One to guide you in the home-buying process—and help you end up with a place you'll be happy with in the long run.

1.  Location is still everything – The old adage never fails in real estate because, over time, the homes in the best locations tend to appreciate more than the rest of the market. But choosing a good location is about more than just making a great investment (as important as that is): it's about your happiness. If you want seclusion and a view of nature, you're not going to be happy surrounded by a bustling neighborhood, but Isle of Palms might be for you. And similarly, if you want access to great shopping and restaurants, you won't be happy with a 30 minute drive to get to them, but the Wagener Terrace neighborhood might be ideal. What counts as a good location will depend very much on your preferences—do you want to live in a hip neighborhood, or a peaceful suburb?—but once you know what kind of neighborhood you'd love to live in, you shouldn't compromise. It's better to get a slight fixer-upper in a great locale than a perfect house somewhere you don't like.

2.  Have enough room to grow – In recent years, people have really pared back how much space they look for in a new house, and all in all this is a smart move. However, you should think about both current and future needs when shopping for a home. Obviously, the most common example of this is having enough space for a growing family. That doesn't just mean having enough bedrooms for everyone, but also multiple bathrooms (this makes a huge difference for a family) and a room that can be used for play or family time. Storage needs will also grow along with your family. Remember, an addition or expansion is perhaps the most expensive upgrade you can make to a house, so finding a home that will suit your needs long-term is a must.

3.  Remember that most problems can be fixed – Home buyers, especially first timers, have a tendency to set high expectations that don't always survive the walk-through. Unless you're able to increase your price range, chances are good that you'll have to make at least some compromises in the search for a dream home. Remember that virtually any problem, from kitchen layout to wall color to foundation settling, can be fixed. That doesn't always mean it's cost effective, of course, but if you find yourself saying, "This home would be perfect if only…" it's time to get a quote on making that "if only" come true. If it's less than the cost of seeking a bigger or better home, then it may be worth making the upgrade.

Ready to find your own dream home? Check out a Charleston real estate guide and let the hunt begin!

South Carolina is home to one of the most stunning, charming, and historically quaint cities in the country—Charleston. It's no wonder that so many people make a point to put Charleston on their itineraries when planning trips or traveling down South. Not only is it a huge tourist destination, but many travelers fall so deeply in love with the place that they move there. Whether buying real estate in Charleston SC, selling Isle of Palms real estate, or relocating to Mount Pleasant, you can count on Carolina One Real Estate to assist you every step of the way.

As experts who have an abiding love and familiarity with the area, we've compiled a list of the top four things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, and here they are . . .

1.  Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: The beautiful Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects the city of Charleston to Mount Pleasant and sports wonderful views of the Cooper River. It is best enjoyed by walk or bike ride – it's easier to pull over or stop to snap a photo!

2.  Fort Sumter National Monument: If you are a history buff, Fort Sumter is a must! The fort was originally founded in 1829, after the War of 1812 made it evident that further defense of southern harbors was needed. However, its big claim to fame came when, in the early hours of April 12^th, 1861, the Confederacy fired shots at federal soldiers in the fort, starting the Civil War. In order to visit the fort, you'll need to catch a ferry, and it's wise to buy tickets ahead of time.

3.  The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon: Another history-rich attraction, the Provost Dungeon was founded in 1767. It went on to serve as a prison for pirates and then revolutionaries, a place to sell slaves, and an area for public gathering, where the new president (Washington) would address the citizens in May of 1791.

4.  Isle of Palms: Isle of Palms, located a little less than half an hour from downtown Charleston, is the perfect place for a fishing or sailing break, a game of golf on a world-class course or a summer getaway – all close enough to everything you want to do in the city.

Locally owned and operated, Carolina One Real Estate serves all of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, with convenient sales offices located throughout the area. We are the local real estate market leader, responsible for one out of every three homes sold through the Greater Charleston, SC, area. For anybody interested in visiting or living in this beautiful area, look no further than our Charleston Real Estate Guide to provide you with ideas.

Everyone loves Southern Food, but many would argue that no one does it quite like the chefs in the Golden City. After all, it was the first place in the United States to see ingredients like Carolina Gold rice, field peas, sesame seeds, and fried okra, and we all know that traditional recipes are the best ones. Whether you're vacationing in Charleston, new in town, or just looking for a new place to take the family for dinner, we've got some recommendations for you.

Husk
For some genuine Southern American cuisine, you have to take a trip to downtown Charleston to dine at Husk. It's moderately priced, running about $25 per entrée – and after you taste the cornbread, it'll become an instant favorite. With bits of smoky Benton's bacon throughout and served in a hot cast-iron skillet, there's nothing quite like it around. Any of Chef Sean Brock's signature dishes are winners, but be sure to try some of the house-cured ham or the Geechie Boys grits, if you want something traditional yet unique.

Charleston Grill
This is the place to go if you're looking for a special night out. The entrées will run a bit more high-end in terms of cost – about $30 per main course – but it's worth every penny. The atmosphere, as well as the service, is divine and the chef, Bob Waggoner, is award-winning. The contemporary Southern cuisine includes Frogmore stew, grilled wild salmon shine, Maine lobster, and other unexpected twists on classic dishes.

Pearlz Oyster and Raw Bar

If you're looking for an affordable meal, a late-night snack, or plain amazing seafood, Pearlz is the place to go. You can get some oyster shooters after a night out at the bar, as well as other seafood favorites like Crispy Ahi Tuna Rolls, Crab Bruschetta, and Tuna Tacos. Entrees will cost you about $13 per plate.

Slightly North of Broad
Located exactly where it says it is, this restaurant is another moderately-priced establishment for downtown dining. Slightly North of Broad offers "New American" cuisine such as award-winning shrimp and grits, which is peppered with country ham and Andouille sausage. Lunches at this restaurant are particularly affordable, especially if you're looking for something filling and inexpensive. An Express Lunch will get you an entrée plus a soup or salad at fewer than 11 bucks.

Peninsula Grill
This place is worth going to just for their famous dessert: the Ultimate Coconut Cake. Layers upon layers of coconut and cream make for one of the most decadent coconut dishes out there. Dinner runs at around $28 per entrée, and offers outdoor dining and seafood dishes like oysters, caviar, and rainbow trout.

Needless to say, for many, dining is reason enough to opt for some real estate in Charleston, SC. These are just a few of the popular restaurants located within the city limits!