There are all kinds of homes for sale in Charleston, SC, from historic manors to brand new townhomes, suburban ranch houses to city bungalows. But one of the most distinctive styles of Charleston house—and one of the most misunderstood—is the "shotgun." Shotguns are by no means the most prevalent houses for sale today, but they are definitely on the market and few styles are so distinctly Southern as a shotgun.

Here is everything you need to know about Charleston's shotgun homes:

• They are a classic of Southern architecture – Shotguns aren't unique to Charleston. Probably most famous in New Orleans, the shotgun style home is found as far away as Texas. These homes are so named because each room opens onto the next, all in a single line, so you could fire a shotgun from the front door to the back door. This style of home was popular for two reasons: first, because it lets you make optimum use of a long, narrow lot (which is more affordable than a home with lots of street front); secondly, because the narrow construction does not require long timbers to build—the same reason that cottage-style properties are popular. For much of Southern history, the urban middle class preferred shotguns.

• Shotguns and privacy are compatible – To many people, the word "shotgun" conjures up the image of tip-toeing through one bedroom to get to another, or hanging sheets over the doorways for privacy. This dorm room style living is not the reality in most shotguns. In the olden days, there was some truth to this (with every room opening onto the next, it was inevitable). But these days, many shotguns have private side entrances installed, or have even been remodeled so the rooms no longer open onto each other.

• Shotguns are not the same thing as "railroad" homes. A railroad home has the same basic layout as a shotgun, but with a single hallway running the length of the property. This makes the house wider (and potentially makes the rooms narrower) but ensures privacy for each room.

• The kitchen is usually in the back. Originally, shotguns had outdoor back kitchens or an indoor kitchen at the rear of the house. The front of the house is typically a bedroom. Why does the front door open onto a bedroom? Explanations vary from getting the most fresh breeze on a hot night to Southern hospitality, entertaining guests in the most cherished room of the house. These days, most people use the front room as a living room.

• They're easily modified. Because shotguns have such a simple layout, they can easily be remodeled in all sorts of creative ways. Common choices include adding bathrooms, increasing privacy between rooms, expanding with more rooms in the back, or adding a large porch on the front.

Some of Charleston's most well-preserved historic districts are full of beautiful vintage shotgun homes just waiting to be purchased. They are not the only homes for sale in Charleston, but they are great investments. Check out our listings at Carolina One Real Estate to find shotgun homes or any other home in the neighborhood of your choice. 

When some people move, they end up looking for homes that are relatively close by. They may relocate to a nearby town, or they may end up moving to a different house a few blocks away. People like to be in familiar surroundings, but there are some that thrive on change and new experiences. Moving to a new state may be the change of scenery you need to make your next move a success, and if you're like many other Americans in the country, you may want to consider moving to Charleston or other areas in the great state of South Carolina.

An annual migration study conducted by United Van Lines showed that a lot of people moved to North and South Carolina in 2013. We could go on for days about why people choose to move to the Carolinas, but if you want to relocate, you can't just move because you have a good feeling about a new place. Life is always a bit different after a move, but living in a new state is going to require a lot of change. Before you start looking for homes for sale in Charleston SC, or another other state, make sure you ask yourself these questions:

How much do I really know about the state I want to move to?

Maybe you want to relocate to a certain state after spending a vacation there and falling in love with the area. Maybe you've read about the new state being the hottest place to move. It can be really easy to fall in love with an area when you're on a vacation or reading about it online, but actually living there can be an entirely different matter. Do you know about laws in the state that you're planning on living in? Have you mapped out what your daily work commute will look like? Will your kids be enrolled in a good school system? If all you can say about a state is that it's beautiful or that there is a lot to do, you aren't as ready to move as you may think that you are.

How will my financial situation change?

Let's say that you're lucky enough to not only find a home in your new state, but that you're also able to find a job that gives you exact same salary and benefits. It may seem like the move won't affect your bank account much, but a certain amount of money can only go so far in some areas. The cost of living can significantly affect your budget, and you may find that the tax situation in your new state is taking more out of your paycheck. Moving to a new state doesn't automatically mean that you'll end up having to spend more money, but even having a little extra cash can affect your budget.

How will I handle the moving process?

If you've only moved around to different local towns, you may have gotten away with renting a small truck for one day to handle moving your big items. You may have taken a day off of work to do some cleaning, but you were probably able to do everything in a short amount of time. If you're moving to a different state, you should expect the process to be a lot longer and a bit more complicated. You may have to hire professional movers to handle the majority of the work so that you can spend time cleaning your old place and packing. 

When people look for homes for sale in Charleston, SC they may be looking for a variety of things. Some people want a home with a spacious backyard, and other people want a house that's close to Charleston Harbor. Some people want to find a home in a historic district, and others want to find the most modern home possible. It's important to think about what features you want your dream home to have, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a very small aspect of what you should be looking for in a home. Whether you want a posh vacation home or a new house for a growing family, you'll be very happy with your choice if you make sure to look for these three important things.

Good structure

Good structure should be the goal for every homebuyer. Buying a home with major structural damage will end up costing you a lot of money in repairs, and can make it significantly more difficult to sell if you want to move. Never buy a home that has issues with the foundation. When touring the home, look for large cracks along the foundation outside and on the walls of the basement. Do a very thorough check for mold and water damage. Sometimes, people can see a few spots of mold on the walls, and then open them up to discover a significant amount of rot. Make sure that you find a trustworthy inspector to ensure that you're getting a home that is in good condition. 

Good plumbing

Plumbing problems are usually something people don't think about until they already have them – and buying a home that has plumbing problems is almost a guarantee that you will be spending a lot of money in the future. Plumbing issues aren't just bad news for your sinks, drains, and pipes; leaking water could cause mold that can lead to even more structural problems and health concerns. Take note of any leaking faucets you notice, and see how long it takes sinks and tubs to drain. 

Easy to improve internal aesthetics

Some people pass up perfectly good homes because the interior décor isn't to their liking. Don't just look for a home that already fits your aesthetic tastes; you'll be much better off if you buy a home that can be improved with easy and inexpensive DIY and decorating work. If you see a home that could be improved with a simple coat of paint or refinished hardwood floors, you should go for it. You also don't have to worry if your home doesn't have an ideal AC system or energy efficient appliances. You can easily pick those up without having to overspend. 

For all of you history buffs, Charleston, South Carolina is a dream come true. This enchanting, southern city is historically rich, with its antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets, and stately gardens. You will be charmed by the locals' southern hospitality and their slow-paced lifestyle. It’s easy to see why people love living and vacationing here. Whether you are looking for homes for sale in Charleston or just a vacation rental, here are some fun historical facts about this beloved Southern city:

• If you go downtown in Charleston, take a close look at the buildings and notice the dark metal disks on the exterior walls, each of which is about the size of a plate. These are actually the ends of earthquake rods that were built into structures after the 1886 Charleston Earthquake caused massive damage and many deaths.

• The Dock Street Theater is known as the oldest theater in America. Charleston was the first city in the United States to build a structure strictly for theatrical use. It was built in 1736 and is believed to be haunted.

• The White Point Garden, located in downtown Charleston on the Battery, has a story behind its name. When the English sailed along the coast of Charleston in 1670, all they could see were huge amounts of white oyster shells in every direction. They chose to call the locale “White Point” from there on out.

• John’s Island, which is right outside of Charleston, is home to one of the oldest living things east of the Rockies – the Angel Oak Tree. This ancient towering tree stands 65 feet high and is estimated to be at least 400 years old, but could be as much as 1500 years old. The latter would mean it sprang up 1,000 years before Columbus discovered the New World!

• The oldest museum in America was founded in Charleston in 1773. It was established right before the American Revolution and is simply named “The Charleston Museum.” Here you can find haunting, one-of-a-kind relics of the city’s wartime past.

Although these are just a few fun facts, there are tons of attractions that make this city incredibly unique. If you are looking at homes for sale in Charleston, SC , then you probably already have a good idea why this is such a special place to live. The historical significance and southern hospitality of this quaint city will make you never want to leave.

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!

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!