Benefits of Visiting Charleston, SC in the Fall

by carolinaone_marketing 6. September 2016 14:56


Although summer is just about over already, you still have plenty of time to make plans for a vacation down in the Lowcountry. In fact, Charleston and its surrounding beaches is a great place to visit in the early and even late autumn months. If you were busy in the summer or prefer cooler but comfortable temperatures when you vacation, there are few better places to check out than the Charleston, SC area.  Here are several things to look forward to if you rent a vacation home in Charleston during autumn:

 

Visit the Beaches When They're Less Crowded: Although the peak travel season in Charleston, SC can last all of the way into November, there is certainly a drop-off in September. The main reason for this is because kids go back to school, and many professions go back into full swing. If you have the opportunity to take time off in the fall, you'll experience mild temperatures (Charleston can be in the 70s into late autumn), beautiful beaches, and other amenities of any coastal destination in the southeast.

 

Enjoy the Perks of Major Metropolitan City: At the same, Charleston, SC is not like a shore town that may shut down once the summer season is over. Charleston, SC is a major commerce hub and features world-class restaurants, shops, entertainment centers, historical sites, and much. You won't have to worry about figuring out what to do when you get a Folly Beach rental or any of the other beaches and towns in the Charleston metropolitan area. In fact, you might not have enough time to do everything that you wanted to do. That's why there's always next year. We can guarantee you that you'll experience something new every time you visit Charleston.

 

Save Big on Vacation Rentals and Other Expenses: Experience the best of Charleston and its beaches without paying a premium for it. Although our realtors can certainly help you find great deals on rentals during the busiest time of year in Charleston, there's no question you will pay less when the height of peak season is over. As we mentioned above, the peak season of Charleston tourism begins to wane once school gets back into session. If you are on a budget but still want to experience an amazing vacation with family and/or friends, you might want to wait until the fall to find an affordable rate. 

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South Carolina real estate

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

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Mount Pleasant, SC

by carolinaone_marketing 6. April 2015 04:44

Charleston has lots of suburbs, but over and over Mount Pleasant is considered one of the best. Mount Pleasant, SC real estate is seen as a good purchase and the town has been named one of the 100 best places to live in the U.S. So what makes Mount Pleasant a great place to call home? Here are five of its best features:

1.  Charleston – Let's just come right out and say it: Charleston is one of the up and coming cities on the eastern seaboard, and it's one of the bestselling points of Mount Pleasant real estate. Charleston is a growing city with lots of culture and a great mix of history and modernity. It offers a strong night life, a strong arts scene, great food, and of course a growing economy that lifts up all the surrounding communities. The commute to Charleston is short and easy, with minimal traffic for such a large city.

2.  A safe, comfortable community – Mount Pleasant is accurately named. There's very little you'll find wanting about this wonderful community. With low crime rates, beautiful historic neighborhoods, and lots of mature trees and landscaping, it's simply a nice place to call home where your family can be happy and secure.

3.  Home values – One major draw of Mount Pleasant is that it's a good investment. It's nice when having your dream house in your dream location will also pay off fiscally, and that is the case here. With current home prices ranging mainly from $300-500k, houses are still affordable for a middle class family. However, as Charleston continues to grow, this inner ring suburb with its beautiful natural surroundings will only see increased demand.

4.  Nature – Mount Pleasant is situated along the Cooper River and surrounded by breathtaking tidal marshes. It has lot of trees, many natural streams, and tons of birds and wildlife. The area remains largely pristine and houses are developed to take advantage of views of nature.

 

5.  The beach – No one can say no to a day at the beach. While Mount Pleasant itself is not a beach town, it's a short drive to some of South Carolina's best beaches. You'll never lack for something to do on a warm summer day in Mount Pleasant.

These are just a few of the reasons so many people are interested in Mount Pleasant, SC real estate. What draws you to this community? Check out our site at Carolina One Real Estate for listings and find the Mount Pleasant home of your dreams!

 

 

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Mount Pleasant SC Real Estate

3 Tips for Affording Your Much Needed Vacation

by carolinaone_marketing 18. August 2014 06:07

Summer should be the season for getting away from it all, but taking a vacation isn't as easy as it looks. If you work in America, you're getting far less vacation time than employees in other countries. The disparity in vacation time should explain why some people still haven't a chance to take some time off this summer, but a lot of people that aren't going on vacation made their choice because they can't afford to. You may be planning saving up for a big purchase, or you may think that you just aren't making enough at work to take any time off. It may seem like a vacation is out of your budget but, with the right planning, you could easily afford a week at a rental in Charleston or eventually your own Summerville, SC real estate to head to in the summer. If you need to get away this year, try out a few of these money saving tips.

Forego a summer vacation

If you aren't going on vacation because you can't afford it, you need to open yourself up to the possibility of going on an off-season vacation. Most rentals and hotels will be booked from May to August, and people who rent during those times will have to pay a lot more than people who go during the off-season. When most people think about the ideal time to vacation they think about the summer, but you can have just as much fun during the fall, winter, or spring.

Time your travel

If you have to fly to your vacation destination, you could save a significant amount of money if you plan your flight for the right day and time. A lot of people will try to fly during the weekend, or on a Friday or Monday. Simply booking your flight on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday could save you a couple hundred dollars. Also see if you can get a flight early in the morning or late at night. Since we're on the subject of travel, we should tell you to . . .

Avoid flying

When most people consider traveling for vacation, they immediately think of taking a plane. Airplanes can be expensive, but they take a lot less time than driving by car would. If you don't want to have to pay for a plane ticket, but also don't want to drive, consider getting to your vacation destination by train. Trains are bit more expensive than making your trek by car, but it's considerable less expensive than having to fly. Amtrak and other rail services offer great discounts for people that travel during weekdays, and you could save hundreds in travel expenses.

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South Carolina real estate

5 Reasons to Visit Summerville, South Carolina

by carolinaone_marketing 16. July 2014 03:27

When you think of South Carolina, what comes to your mind? Perhaps you think of its state nicknames; the Palmetto State, Keystone of the South Atlantic Seaboard, the Iodine State, and even the Rice State. Or maybe you think of its incredible vacationing opportunities, since it has so many beautiful beaches. It is also possible that you think of South Carolina’s spotlight locations, such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Magnolia & Cypress Gardens, and the Hilton Head Resorts. However, have you ever considered Summerville?

With summer here, it is only appropriate to live or vacation in a place called Summerville. This lovely part of South Carolina has much to offer its visitors and residents. Here are just a few:

1.       Summerville has been dubbed as “the Flowertown in the Pines” and for a good reason: there are plenty of beautiful flowers which only add the much-needed color every place needs. You will be delighted by the gorgeous display and will never be short of scenery that is aesthetically pleasing.

2.       There are plenty of arts and culture in Summerville. If you enjoy the arts or engaging in a rich cultural lifestyle, then Summerville is definitely a good choice for you. Take Sculpture in the South, for instance. This location allows you and whomever else you wish to bring to put you up close and personal with nationally known sculptors in the area. Here, you will also discover a broad range of original, fine art sculpture from western to wildlife, which is awe-inspiring (especially when it comes to the more abstract pieces).

3.       There are plenty of attractions in Summerville. No matter what reason you decide to visit—whether it is to seek out Summerville SC real estate or to take a vacation—this location has an attraction for you. You can easily take on the charm of the beautiful plantations along Highway 61. Take a trip on the Trolley down Summerville’s Sweet Tea Trail and explore the unique Southern dining, shopping, history, and cultural experiences.

4.       Summerville has an excellent amount of community events. There is the Summerville’s Farmer Market, a Red, White and Blue on the Green event, and even a Third Thursdays Downtown which is perfect for visitors and locals.

5.       The parks are incredible. If you are eager to get more in touch with nature, then let Summerville help. There are multiple parks, such as the Azalea Park, Huger Playground, Doty Park, and much more.

 

If you are thinking of a nice place to live or vacation, then don’t forget about Summerville. This place is a true gem, which is worthy of taking a visit to. 

What You Need To Ask Yourself before a Move

by carolinaone_marketing 14. July 2014 07:46

We may move for work, we may move for family, but some people move just because they want a change of scenery. The annual migration study conducted by United Van Lines showed that a lot of people moved to the Carolinas in 2013.  With cities like Charleston and Raleigh, and unique areas like Johns Island, SC and Ashville, NC, it can be easy to see why people can’t wait to get to the Carolinas. Sometimes, it takes more than a general good feeling to move to a new area. Before you set your sights on a new place, make sure you know the answers to these important questions.

How much do I really know about where I want to move?

Maybe you want to move since you vacationed in the Carolinas and loved it. Or maybe you’ve read about the 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 much different from what you expect. Do you know about laws in the area that you’re planning on moving into? Do you know what your commute will look like?  How much do you know about the local school district? If all you can say about a state is that it’s beautiful or that there is a lot to do, you should start to re-think your decision to move.

How will this affect my bank account?

When we’re talking about your financial situation, we aren’t talking about financing the move. The cost of living can be dramatically different from town to town, and local and state taxes may be different from what you’re used to. A lot of people end up relocating to the south because the area is usually less expensive than most northern states and cities. Moving to a new state area doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll end up living somewhere cheaper, if anything many people overestimate the amount they’ll save and end up with much less extra money that they’d originally hoped. 

Am I ready to devote time to this move?

Moving from town to town in the same general area can be stressful and can require a lot of planning, so you can imagine how long moving to a different state can take. You won’t be able to take a single day off of work and get everything done in one weekend. Think of this move as a process that will have to unfold overtime. You may have to hire professional movers to handle the majority of the work so that you can focus on cleaning, unpacking, and setting everything up in your new place.

 

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General | South Carolina real estate

Relive American History with Your Next Home Purchase

by carolinaone_marketing 31. October 2013 04:11

What are some things that you look for in a home? Of course, you’re looking for a home that has the amount of rooms you need as well as a quality kitchen, beautiful bathrooms and a nice backyard. However, what are you looking for besides the bare essentials? For many, they choose to live in an area where history comes alive all around them. Such is the case for those who choose to live in Summerville, SC. More and more people, who are looking for a new place to live, choose this historical treasure right in the heart of South Carolina. Here are some reasons you might want to choose to look at Summerville, SC real estate.

 

History is all around you: Do you want to live in a place where history is literally everywhere you go? Summerville, South Carolina has over 700 buildings listed in the National Historic Register. There are buildings that housed some people who were responsible for American as it is today. South Carolina served as the backdrop for some of the most dramatic events in American history. The town was founded in the late 1700s.

 

You’ll breathe better: Did you know that people from all over South Carolina with lung disorders went to Summerville to seek treatment? That’s because of the abundance of pine trees in the area. Apparently the turpentine scent of the trees gave settlers the impression that there was healing powers in the trees. However, even if the scent offers little in terms of medicinal value, the trees do provide much needed oxygen for those who have lung disorders.

 

You’ll enjoy all of the luxuries of a modern vacation spot: Today, people come from all over to vacation in Summerville, South Carolina. Because of the influx of tourism, the town has welcomed new restaurants and other establishments conducive to a tourist town. Anyone who decides to live in Summerville can enjoy fantastic Southern cuisine, shopping and more. And don’t forget to attend the Flowertown Festival, a town fixture since 1941.

 

 

You’ll have great weather to walk out the door to: One of the best parts of living in South Carolina is the weather. Summerville, South Carolina is in Dorchester County and only a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and Charleston beaches. The weather is warm and perfect for those who are or want to be active. If you’re looking for a home where you don’t have to worry about wearing your parka, Summerville is it. 

Four Things to Look for When Purchasing a Home for Retirement

by carolinaone_marketing 29. October 2013 04:59

Charleston, South Carolina has earned high accolades for its status as a great place to retire. For example, did you know that Charleston was named as a top place in the South to retire by the Wall Street Journal? The Journal gave Charleston high marks for its warm weather, public transportation, walkability, history, beaches and friendly residents. In addition, there are a wide variety of restaurants, shops and events to fill up residents' calendars. If you're looking for a great place to retire, you can't go wrong with looking at Charleston, SC real estate.  Here are several things to consider before you move in.

 

·         What will your neighbors be like? Chances are you'll be spending a lot of time at home, so you'll want neighbors who won't ruin this experience. Before you decide on purchasing a home, take some time to walk around and see who these people are. Will these be people you'll have over for a Sunday afternoon party, or will these be people who you argue with over the height of their bordering trees?

·         How much home do you really need? When you purchase your first home, it’s okay to go a little big because you'll probably be looking at building a family. When retiring, though, it makes sense to take inventory of how much space you really need. This will make it easier to clean and allow you to make the best use of your space.

·         What do you want to do during retirement? A community like Charleston, SC has a wide variety of activities to fulfill many different interests and hobbies. What do you want out of retirement? Now that you have the time to do whatever it is that pleases you, look for a spot that offers the things you've always wanted or want to continue to do.

 

·         Will you be near family? Retirement is the time to be with those you love. You'll want to see your children, grandchildren, siblings and other people who mean something to you. Therefore, it's probably a good idea to choose a place that will put you in proximity of family members or just be a plane ride away. Charleston International Airport, located in North Charleston, is the busiest airport in all of South Carolina and has flights to destinations all over the country. 

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Charleston Real Estate | Charleston SC Real Estate

Find Your Perfect Retirement Spot by Answering These Three Questions

by carolinaone_marketing 13. August 2013 04:15

 

Each year, magazines and news outlets across the country usually take some time to help retirees find the best place to retire. Charleston, South Carolina usually makes it to the top of the list because of its beautiful beaches, townhouse-lined streets, delicious sweet tea and Old Southern charm. You won’t find a better place to retire if you enjoy warm weather and a slower pace of living. Perhaps that’s why many retirees are looking into real estate in Charleston, SC. Is Charleston, South Carolina the right spot for you? Here are some things that might factor in your decision-making process on where you retire:

 

Do you need public transportation? As we age we might not be as willing or able to get behind the wheel as we once were. Most of us surely would prefer to avoid sitting in traffic whenever possible. That’s why, for some, it might be advantageous to take a look at the public transportation system the spot you’re looking at offers. Because Charleston is a major city of the South, it has all the public transportation options you would expect from a city its size.

 

What kind of weather are you looking for? Now you shouldn’t base your entire decision on the climate, but it should be on the top of the list. If, for example, you’re not a fan of the cold weather, why would ever consider retiring up north. Your retirement is the time to sit back and enjoy yourself, and there’s no question that you should pick a place that has a favorable climate. Charleston, SC enjoys a milder climate than most, but you do still get four seasons, which is a major benefit for those who get bored of the heat all-year round.

 

What is the local community like? One of the things that many people don’t consider when moving into an area is the demographics. Now if you’re looking to move in with people of the same age, you probably wouldn’t want to move into a big college town. However, if you’re looking to feel young or keep up with the latest in alternative culture, a college town or other major metropolitan area might make sense. Charleston is a decently-sized metropolitan area and has seen a major influx of younger people move in over the past decade. In fact, nearly 35% of Charleston’s population is under the age of 45, so if you want to feel young at heart, you might want to consider looking into Charleston real estate.

 

 

 

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Charleston Real Estate

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