A home in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, is a perfect investment located in a prime vacation destination. Rental properties here are in high demand, as visitors flock to see the place that was voted the Top City in the U.S. in 2012. A summer vacation home in Charleston is a great investment that can be rented out easily when not in use, and with many exciting things to do in the area, there will be no end to the number of people interested.

Our knowledgeable agents can assist you in finding the right property in your preferred location, whether in a historic district or at the beach. Here are some reasons that purchasing Charleston, SC real estate makes sense:

Magnificent Historic District

As the site of the first shot fired at the beginning of the Civil War, as well as a place of strategic importance in the colonial era and the Revolutionary War, Charleston is full of historical significance. The city boasts many historic homes, such as the Middleton Place House Museum, the Nathaniel Russell House (built in 1808), the Heyward-Washington House (built in 1772), and the elegant Edmondston-Alston House (built in 1825), and welcomes the visitors who come to tour them.

Waterfront Park

People love the convenience, tranquility, recreation, views and lounging opportunities presented by this city gem and owning a residence close to the park gives vacationers the ability to walk, run, jog, and bike nearby. Lined by Palmettos and oak trees and sporting a central fountain and a pier from which some of the best sights in the city can be seen, this park offers lovely walks and a charm that suits the old city, despite its more recent construction (1990).

Beaches

Pristine beaches, golf courses and relaxation draw travelers to the area. Such local districts as Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are premier destinations and the perfect location in which to own a vacation home.

Plantations

• Drayton Hall- Built in 1738, Drayton Hall comprises the oldest unrestored plantation and grounds in the country that is open to the public. Surviving the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and the earthquake of 1886, this home is a marvel simply because it has remained standing in more or less the same condition as in the 18^th century.

• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens- Also founded by the Drayton family, parts of the house were built before the Revolution, but much of it was burned in a fire during the Civil War and rebuilt afterwards. Parts of the garden, however, date back as far as the 1680s and are famous for their design elements.

• Middleton Place- A residence and rice plantation, Middleton Place consisted of several buildings constructed throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries and famous formal gardens. The main house was burnt by Union soldiers during the Civil War, but one of the buildings still remains for viewing and the gardens have been restored, as well.

At Carolina One, we can help you find the best summer vacation home to enjoy, rent out, or both! With all of the many activities and attractions in the area, you or your renters will have plenty of reasons to come and to stay.

As agents specializing in Mount Pleasant real estate, we at Carolina One understand just how exciting the hunt for a new home can be. South Carolina real estate, especially in the Mount Pleasant region, is filled with exciting possibilities, but since home shopping can be an emotional experience, we try to keep our clients grounded even as we help them realize their dreams of home ownership. With so much to notice, touring a home can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled the following list of features that we think homeowners should keep in mind.

1. Proper Drainage

Check the ground around the base of the house. Does it slope away or toward the house? If it is flat or slopes toward the house, the basement may be subject to flooding and mold and mildew may also be concerns. It may be necessary to have a professional review the drainage and mold situation before you make an offer.

2. Plumbing

Water leakage or other plumbing issues can be devastating to a home, so it's important to check out the state of the fixtures: turn on faucets and shower heads to check water pressure; flush toilets and look under every sink for evidence of leaks or water damage; also, take some time to review the toilet and other bath fixtures. Are they good, quality items with recognizable brand names?

3. The Electrical System

Check out how many power receptacles are in each room. Are there enough to handle all of your electronics? Are they located where they can be useful? Open up the main circuit breaker box to make certain that it's rated for a minimum of 100 amps.

4. Roofing, Windows and Doors

These are the features that keep your family out of the weather, but also provide safety and security. Look for missing, cracked or curled shingles on the roof, and find out when it was last updated. Open and close every window and door to check functionality and make note of any stickiness or unevenness.

5. Insulation

South Carolina is popular in part because of the balmy weather. Nonetheless, Mount Pleasant SC real estate is only made perfect by having adequate insulation. Check out the R-value of the home's current insulation to ensure heat in the winter and coolness in the summer.