3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of the MLS

by carolinaone_marketing 22. June 2015 05:22

These days it's increasingly possible to get access to a Charleston, SC MLS, especially through your realtor. That means you have unprecedented browsing power as a buyer—but also way more options to dig through. Here are three tips for getting the most out of our MLS at Carolina One:

1.  Keep an open mind

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they browse the MLS is to go in with a very strict idea of what they want and stick to it. Your budget may be firm, but other factors don't have to be. One of the great things about modern MLS systems is that they let you browse and search using a variety of factors, such as neighborhood, number of baths, asking price, etc. This adds convenience, but it can also trip you up if you never see the home of your dreams because it was missing that extra half bath or had one bedroom more than you expected. Try relaxing your parameters and check as few boxes as possible—or look in neighborhoods outside your number one preference. It may also help to relax your price consideration, since it will give you a better idea of what kinds of houses go for different prices in your market. And remember, price can always be negotiated.

2.  Combine with Google Maps

The MLS will give you anywhere from over 50 pictures of a home to none at all, and the pictures you get can be of varying quality, depending on the way that they were taken. While most will have a lot of images of the outside of the home, the inside, and the property at large, a few might not include a certain feature that is really important to you; others may simply be too dark to show you some of the details. But the biggest problem with some MLS pictures is that they rarely show you the surrounding neighborhood—which is what you will see every day as you come home. For a better look, open up Google Maps and look at each address first in Map view (to see surrounding businesses) and then in Street View mode. Street View will let you get a glimpse at your neighbors' houses, the front of the house in question, and the general vibe of the area. Just remember that Street View images can be several years out of date.

3.  See it in person

While browsing the MLS helps you to prepare, only a walk-through really tells you whether a house is right for you. Use the MLS to make a short list—ideally at several price points—then ask the realtor to do a showing of each one. They may also have further recommendations based on the type of property you like.

How do you look for Charleston property? Call or contact us at Carolina One for additional information about any of our properties and the neighborhoods surrounding them!

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Charleston SC Real Estate

Simple Tools for a Successful House Hunt

by carolinaone_marketing 10. March 2014 05:37

The very thought of house hunting can be a little daunting. There are a lot of factors to consider, from the neighborhood and school systems to the price and the number of bedrooms, and you'll need to stay organized in order to make the best, most educated decision. Here are some of the essential tools (both old and new) that you will need in your search:

Paper and Pencil

These basic tools will be the first that you use. Before you go looking online or even driving around and window shopping from the car, take some time to think. Make two lists: the first list should be the things that your property must have for you to even consider it; the second should be things that you wish you could have, but are not necessarily deal breakers. Type out copies of these lists and keep them with you at all times when you are house hunting. They will also be a great asset to share with your agents, so that we are better able to assist you.

A Binder

You may not have kept a binder of notes since you were in school; however, organization is important during a house search. There is a good chance that you will be looking at many properties, both online and in person. Keeping a binder with notes on each offers you a quick reference point as you begin to narrow down your options.

The Internet

Technology is quickly becoming an intrinsic part of our lives. The Internet is an especially good tool to use during a house hunt, as it offers a variety of different ways for potential buyers and renters to determine what they need. For instance, you may find a calculator that will let you figure out exactly what you can spend without stretching yourself too thin. Another great online tool is the Charleston MLS service that we offer here at Carolina One. An MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, allows us to find other agents working for sellers and puts us in touch with them. It is one of the many tools that we use to find your next home.

 

Buying or renting a home is a huge commitment. Organizing yourself with some basic tools prior to your search can help calm your fears and keep you focused. Happy hunting!

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Charleston SC Real Estate

What Charleston South Carolina Has to Offer Residents

by carolinaone_marketing 13. November 2013 11:03

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Charleston SC Real Estate

Using Our MLS to Find Homes in Charleston, South Carolina

by carolinaone_marketing 5. February 2013 05:37

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.

Tags:

Charleston SC Real Estate

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