If you are retiring soon or simply trying to plan ahead, Charleston may be your desired destination. We're not surprised. Our city combines just the right amount of culture and comfortable climate with easy access to everything to attract seniors in droves. However, these are not the only things that you will be thinking about when buying a retirement home for yourself and your spouse. Here are some of the major issues that you should address before making any final decisions:

Mobility

Consider your mobility, now and in the future. You may be really active now but as you age, things that were easy to navigate may become more of a challenge. With that in mind, choose a home that will be easy to get around in once you start to slow down a bit.

This could mean buying a rancher or at least a home with a potential bedroom and full bathroom on the ground floor; it could also mean looking for a walk-in shower so that you don't have to strain yourself getting over a high tub, non-slip floors for safety, lever door handles to avoid arthritis pain, large doorways and open design in case you ever need a walker or other assistance, etc.

Also, give some thought to how you'll get around. Are there senior services or bus routes in the area that can transport you if driving becomes a problem? Make sure that your new home is either near some form of transportation or within walking distance of a number of shops, restaurants, and other locations.

Medical Facilities

Even if you are in perfect health at the moment, aging naturally involves extra medical attention. When the time comes and you need to visit a doctor, clinic or E.R. on short notice, it will be good to have some quality options in your immediate vicinity. Being closer could make a major difference in an emergency, but it will take a lot of the stress out of those regular checkups, as well. 

Friendly, Safe Neighborhoods

Finding a friendly, safe neighborhood is a big part of ensuring a happy, healthy retirement. As you become older, choosing a new community carefully, with safety in mind, will not only protect you from most threats, it will offer you peace of mind. And while, at Carolina One, we're proud to say that our city is a very safe one in general, no place is perfect. When looking for real estate in or around Charleston, SC, visit the districts you are considering and talk to your potential neighbors. They will give you a good indication of the general vibe of an area and how approachable and caring everyone is.

Money

It's important to calculate your post-retirement budget very carefully before you start to look at homes. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you be selling your current home, handing it over to your children, or keeping it to live in for some of the year?
• How much should you factor in for unforeseen expenses, like medical bills and repairs?
• What will the new cost of living be like in your new location? For instance, are groceries and gas more or less expensive where you will be?
• Does the home you are looking at have an updated heating system, or will you need to fix it? This applies to the roof, the electric, etc.
• Will the home be paid off by the time you actually hit retirement?

The answers to all of these questions, along with an estimated future income, will help you to determine your buying power, as well as how much cushion you'll have after retirement. Talk to a financial planner about your possible plans – they can help you to determine a budget based on all of these factors and more.

Visitors

If you're settling on Charleston in the first place, presumably you are doing so with family in mind. If your children and grandkids have a home nearby, that's great! On the other hand, maybe you picked Charleston more for your own convenience and your children are a bit further afield.  Or perhaps they are scattered and you're picking a convenient midway point. No matter what the case, you'll need to decide whether or not you'll be hosting them overnight when choosing a home. They may not want or be able to pay for a hotel every time they visit. Decide how much space you and they will need, how long they would be likely to stay, and whether or not you can afford the extra square footage in the first place.

Hobbies

One of the major problems that people have when they retire is finding things to do. Many seniors will tell you that after working a 9-5 job for 40+ years, doing nothing makes them stir crazy. Because of this, it's crucial that your new home offers some kind of outlet for your energies. This can be something like a large yard with a lot of space for planting a garden or perhaps a work shed in which you or your spouse can take up woodworking, sculpting or painting.

In addition to space for at-home hobbies, your neighborhood should provide easy access to other activities. For instance, look for places with bike paths and parks in the near vicinity, beach access, or perhaps a gym or yoga class that you can walk to. A local art gallery or movie theatre will give you a way to get out and enjoy the arts, or perhaps you can find a nearby bar or restaurant that features live musical acts every week. Look for a location that will keep you engaged with life!

Retirement is complicated, but living in Charleston provides enough rewards to be worth the effort. Contact us at Carolina One Real Estate to start your search!

When you are moving to the Charleston, SC area and looking for real estate, you'll have a lot of decisions to make. You'll be trying to find a good value for your money, enough space for everyone, quality school systems, and many other things. However, the first thing you'll have to consider is whether or not you want to live in the city or in one of the many suburbs. If you have kids, don't like being kept up at night by loud city noises, like to garden, or appreciate fresh air and breathing room, then a suburb is the way to go.

But which one? There are many suburbs around Charleston, each with its own unique personality and advantages. At Carolina One, we want you to make an informed decision when choosing a new home. In this blog, we'll go over the pros and cons of four of the most popular Charleston suburbs to help you narrow the search.

Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant has a lot going for it. It's a large town of over 60,000 people (big enough to be considered a city itself), most of whom commute to Charleston – and for good reason. Mt. Pleasant is the closest to Charleston of any of the suburbs listed here, at only about 3 miles at the shortest point (though it can be ten miles or more, depending on where you work in the city and what side of Mt. Pleasant you live on).

As such a large town, the area has many amenities and attractions, and offers easy access to the beach through smaller adjacent towns like Sullivans Island and Isle of Palms. However, the ease of commute and the fact that this town was named one of the top places to live in the U.S. does mean that it costs a bit more. The median home value here is about $382,000*, the most expensive of the four locations that we are detailing here. However, if you have the money, the varied community and ease of access are well worth it.

Goose Creek

Goose Creek is about 20 minutes northwest of North Charleston and about 30 minutes northwest of the downtown area, depending on traffic of course. It is a little over half the size of Mt. Pleasant, population-wise, at 36,000 residents, and offers a quaint, small-town vibe that it has retained despite its burgeoning population. The home values in this town are among the lowest of any Charleston area suburb, at a median of about $171,000, so if you are looking for an affordable place that's not too far from the city and offers a vibrant local community, Goose Creek is a great option! They also boast a highly-rated school system and a number of festivals and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Summerville

Summerville is known locally for its beautiful flowers and pine trees and, in the past, was a well-recognized summer retreat and spa town for city dwellers looking to escape the mosquitoes and heat. It's located just a bit further away than Goose Creek – taking about 35 minutes to get to from downtown Charleston – and has about the same population as well (about 3,000 fewer). The town boasts loads of historic buildings, easy access to plantations and gardens, and lots of shopping in picturesque village areas. Summerville is also similar to Goose Creek in terms of home value, as the median here is roughly $184,000, making it a good choice for new families or couples.

Johns Island

Johns Island is the least populous of the suburbs on our list, at only about 20,000 people. However, this lack of buzz means that the island is peaceful and has retained a great deal of its natural beauty. Many of the vistas are of tidal creeks and backwater, with the homes here nestled among them.

All of this is surprising, since Johns Island is located at a cozy ten to fifteen minute drive from the downtown area of Charleston. Again, however, the closer you are, the more you pay. While the median home values here are a little lower than those of Mount Pleasant, at about $227,000, they exist in less abundance. In other words, there are simply fewer homes here, but if you can nab one for a reasonable price, you will always love the view! Also, with a number of empty lots available here, the island is an ideal location in which to build your dream home.

If you want more information on these or the other suburbs of Charleston, contact us today at Carolina One Real Estate! Our expert real estate agents will guide you towards the right property for your budget and preferences.

*All median values as of 2013. 

Real estate in Charleston, SC is attracting a lot of interest at the moment and for good reason. But is Charleston really the right place to buy? At Carolina One, we think so, and it's paying off for many homebuyers already. Here are five advantages to buying in Charleston:

Great suburbs

Charleston is unique among major East Coast metropolises because it still has so many accessible, first-ring suburbs. Many of these suburbs grew up from what were originally holiday towns where wealthy Charlestonians would summer in the 1800s. That means many are still built around historic town centers and cute downtowns, while spreading slowly in careful, scenic developments. While price ranges vary from ultra-luxury manors to affordable middle class dream homes, all of these suburbs tend to be safe, have strong local schools and easy access to Charleston. Commute time is as little as ten minutes and rarely more than 30.

A thriving downtown

Charleston has a beautiful downtown with a mix of historic buildings, rehabilitated old industrial structures and modern structures that give it a very cosmopolitan feel. There's a thriving nightlife with lots of cultural centers, art events, bars and restaurants and music venues. Southern hospitality remains alive in Charleston and many of the restaurants mix traditional charm and warmth with bold new flavors and world influences. You're not going to get bored living in Charleston.

Close to nature

There are few cities in the U.S. where you can go from a bustling urban Downtown to an untouched forest or pristine beach in just fifteen minutes. The land around Charleston consists of rivers, tidal pools, traditional countryside, ancient pines and colossal live oaks. There are wildlife refuges, public parks, and scenic drives. Charlestonians never want for fresh air.

The job market

One of the most important things to consider when settling down in a city is future career prospects. While other Southern cities were floundering, Charleston was busy expanding into new markets including an ever-growing tech industry. Generally, Charleston enjoys a low level of unemployment and a continuous stream of new investment.

The home market

Of course, a home is an investment and the biggest financial factor to consider when buying is the value of the home itself. The general wisdom in the Charleston real estate market is "get in on the ground floor." The beautiful, nearby suburbs will not be affordable forever and properties in the developing downtown will only appreciate. Buying now means a great profit later.

There are many other reasons to buy in our beautiful area of South Carolina. If you think Low country life might be for you, check out our listings at Carolina One!

More people than ever are looking for real estate in Charleston, SC right now. But a big part of finding the right home is finding the one that will be the best investment over time. So how can you get a house that will increase in value? Here are four tips to help you succeed:

1.  Neighborhood really does matter – There are few things that make such a big impact on a home's lasting value as its neighborhood. While every city will develop new trendy spots in time, it's much rarer that a previously desirable neighborhood will become completely unwanted. There are many kinds of "good" neighborhoods, from those that have a 40+ year history of being desired for their safety and tranquility, to those that are near all the hot spots, to new bohemian neighborhoods that are about to explode with hip businesses. But no matter what kind of lifestyle or neighborhood you want, if you can focus your search on the streets or areas that are most popular, you will find that your property value rises continuously—sometimes dramatically. 

2.  Look for quality building materials – Within any given neighborhood, there will be a wide variance in the quality of building materials, craftsmanship, and fixtures. Remember that higher-end building materials are a good sign not only of a home's durability, but also of its lasting appeal. For example, cedar siding doesn't just look better than aluminum, it will also draw more buyers and be a major selling point when you put the house on the market. Similarly, kitchens with real granite counters or hardwood fixtures will catch future buyers' interest, regardless of current trends.

3.  Smaller and nicer is better than bigger and cheaper – Many buyers make the mistake of looking for the biggest house in their price range. Unfortunately, this often means the lowest quality house in your range, too. As long as a home is not too small for you to live in, sacrificing square footage to get a better location or a more beautiful or well-designed structure is generally a plus (and your energy bills will also be lower). This may allow you to go up a level in terms of how nice the house is, and there will never be a shortage of couples or new families looking for smaller homes.

4.  Look above and below your price range – It's good to stick to a budget when buying a house, but don't stick to it too closely. Looking outside of your range can yield some surprising finds, and will also give you a better sense of the market overall and what will appreciate well.

What would your Charleston dream house be like? What neighborhood would it be in?

Are you thinking of buying real estate in Charleston, SC but aren't sure where to start? Charleston is a big city with a vibrant culture, lots of historic buildings, great southern cuisine, and famed parks dotted with palmettos. But every city including this one has its different districts, neighborhoods, and suburbs, and you'll want to have an idea about them before you think about actually moving. In order to narrow your field of research, here are three major things to consider:

Do you want a historic home, or a new one?

This is a big question here because, unlike most cities, Charleston has a lot of both to offer. At first glance, the idea of owning a historic home sounds expensive, but bear in mind that you don't need to own a giant plantation house to live in a historic home. Charleston offers a wide variety of historic properties, including many smaller homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. Expanding your search to the outlying communities will only increase the number of historic structures available, and many of them will bear a lower price tag.

Of course, there are drawbacks to older homes. Many may need substantial renovations or repairs, and the maintenance on a home from the 1800s can simply be costly. The advantage is that you get not only the charm, but also the durability of these old buildings. For instance, plaster walls are sturdy, look nicer, and hold sound and heat better than more modern walls—plus they're more resistant to water damage.

To keep within your budget, you could also split the difference with an early 20^th century home from the 1910s to 1930s. These homes have many of the advantages of older homes in general without the massive upkeep.

Do you want to be close to the night life?

There's a small amount of coveted real estate near Charleston's very active downtown. Increasingly, this consists of condos, lofts, and townhomes. These options can be a great choice for someone who truly enjoys being "in the thick of it" and being able to walk or cycle to work, restaurants, shopping, and cultural events like concerts or gallery openings. Bear in mind, however, that you're paying largely for location and image: the same price tag could get you something much bigger in a different neighborhood.

Do you prefer the suburbs?

Charleston may be the ideal city for the couple or family who want the security and quiet of the suburbs with the close proximity of city life. There are numerous mid-range and high-end suburbs surrounded by rivers, streams, and tidal marshes, often with historic downtowns of their own.

What sort of Charleston area home are you interested in?

At Carolina One, we deal with people that are looking for different things in the real estate they're interested in. Some are looking for family homes, and others are looking for vacation houses. We have people that are interesting in buying historic homes and others that want the newest structures possible. But despite the differences, there are some mistakes we see across the board. If you're looking for Charleston, SC real estate, try to avoid making some of these common home buying mistakes.

Listening to advice from non-locals

"My father has sold real estate in Virginia for 20 years, and he says that paying any more than _____ for a home is a rip off."

"My friend just bought a home in Columbia, and they only had to pay _____."

We hear variations of these phrases constantly during the home buying process, but a lot of the advice you get from well-meaning, non-local friends and family isn't applicable to the real estate you're looking at. Markets can vary drastically within the state, but the differences in price and expectations in out-of-state areas are staggering. Even people you know that have homes in Charleston might have paid very different prices, since there are a lot of different factors. When you're buying in Charleston, the only advice you should be listening to is from an experienced realtor.

Shopping before you get pre-approved

There is nothing worse than talking to a client that has a dream home in mind, and then seeing them crushed when they realize that they over-estimated the amount they would be approved for at the bank. Falling in love with a property you can't afford isn't just emotionally draining – it can also persuade you to try to take a big financial gamble on a house that isn't practical because you've already decided that it's the home that you want. Wait until you know what you're getting from the bank before you set your heart on a home, and while we're on that topic, we should talk about…

Going for the most expensive home you "can afford"

Your bank may have approved you for a half-million dollar mortgage, but that doesn't mean that you should get a home that requires the maximum amount. We don't have to tell you that banks can be very irresponsible when it comes to lending and mortgages, but too many people believe that if their bank approves something, they have to take it. Before you even talk to someone in the mortgage department, sit down and take an honest look at your financial situation. Base what you can afford off of what you're making now, and not what you hope to be making in a few years. That mistake is what gets people in over their heads on home costs. If you can't afford the mortgage now, then don't gamble on it.

With an irresistible combination of historic charm and cosmopolitan sophistication, Charleston, South Carolina has been drawing new residents for decades with its beautiful beaches, lively cultural scene and gorgeous weather. Real estate in Charleston ranges from exquisitely restored historic homes to contemporary beachfront houses and luxury condos, and the following are a few of the reasons so many have chosen to settle here.

Beaches and Boating

Folks who love beaches, boats and sunshine flock to find real estate close to the popular waterfront. The area beaches are justly famous, and are great places to relax or play. Head to Folly Beach for surfing, to Isle of Palms for some cool kite-boarding or to Sullivan's Island for a lively beach bar scene. Boat-lovers appreciate the myriad of marinas and clubs catering to every water-borne interest from sailing to fishing, and the city hosts many local and international regattas.

Festivals and Events

The people of Charleston love a celebration, and many are drawn to the friendly small-town vibe of this southern charmer. Join old friends, new friends and neighbors at annual festivals, downtown carriage tours and elegant events at the city's historic plantations.

Art and Cuisine

Rich in theater, art and fine cuisine, Charleston boasts loads of excellent restaurants, intriguing art galleries and fine musical and theatrical venues. The city is home to a vibrant art scene, and gallery openings, open air installations and performances abound. Foodies flock to Charleston for its amazing chow, from haute cuisine to country shrimp and grits.

Awesome Outdoor Activities

Head off to a round of golf, a scenic hike or a wonderful ride through the enchanting Low Country, home to many of South Carolina's most beautifully preserved historic towns. The area around Charleston is a legendary golfing destination, and living here means that some of the nation's finest private and municipal courses are just a short drive away. Surrounded by natural and architectural beauty, Charleston residents love to stay fit by walking, whether through the town's grandly historic South of Broad neighborhood or along its sweeping beaches.

Diverse Communities

Charleston truly has something for everyone, resulting in an exciting, diverse group of residents, from retirees to young families to singles of every age. With its many draws and year-round temperate weather, this fine little city is a great place to raise a family, retire or just enjoy a beautiful community. Check out the real estate in Charleston SC today and see why so many people love this city!

Families seeking a new home in Charleston, South Carolina have plenty of real estate from which to choose; from condos and townhomes to single family detached residences, there is an option for every requirement and preference. Charleston is known as a welcoming, friendly community for children of all ages, with plenty of places to go and activities to enjoy. Our real estate professionals offer all of the services that a family could need for finding just the right home.

Kid Friendly Attractions and Amenities in Charleston

Children who enjoy art can visit the annual Spoleto Festival USA, which is a 17-day long art festival in the heart of the city. Kids who like fish and all things water-related will have a fantastic time at the South Carolina Aquarium. The city also has a lot of parks and playgrounds located throughout the residential neighborhoods and these fun-filled areas provide families with small backyards and their children a place to explore, participate in sports, and get some physical activity. Charleston is served by several public and private school systems, some of which date back more than 150 years.

Options for Real Estate in Charleston for Families with Children

Families seeking real estate in Charleston SC will find many options that are child-friendly. Most homes offer two or more bedrooms, so children can have their own rooms or share with siblings, if that is the family's preference. Kids will have plenty of space for homework in kitchen and dining areas and can enjoy downtime with friends, siblings, and parents in the living and recreational rooms that many properties feature. Outdoor play will be a regular occurrence thanks to the mild climate of Charleston and the expansive yards that many homes have to offer.

With so many things to do in the area and so many ideal family homes, Charleston is truly a kid-friendly city. Check out our local listings at Carolina One today!