When it comes to South Carolina Real Estate, nothing compares to the charm of Charleston. In December 2015, Charleston was listed as the second hottest real estate market to watch, and it's no surprise. From its booming job market growth to its unmatched low country dreamy appeal, anyone who visits, walks away with that "at home" feeling that Charleston provides so well. What makes Charleston the idyllic place that it is? You'll hear any reason, from the weather to the history, but we feel there is much more to it than that.

For starters, Charleston is home to a number of unique shops. When you venture away from the more tourist-centered areas, it is refreshing to see that Charleston has managed to sustain its unique shopping culture, despite the fact that it is a relatively small city. Taking a stroll through Charleston's historic Upper King Street, you'll find book stores, art galleries, and antique shops, just to  nae a few locations. No trip would be complete without visiting George C. Birlant & Co, the Southeast's largest and oldest antique shop.

The food scene in Charleston is unrivaled to other cities. We all love to eat and the people of Charleston know what good food is. This culinary epicenter is home to some of the best quality seafood and high end restaurants in South Carolina. Whether you're looking for French influenced cuisine or low country classics, this city is your one stop shop. Be sure to stop by Dave's Carry-Out for your Charleston staples.

The conversation regarding ideal South Carolina Real Estate locations can't happen without at least one mention of the beautiful Charleston beaches. The beaches surrounding the barrier islands emit their own Southern charm that attracts travelers, old and new. We believe it's the beaches that are one of the biggest selling points in turning visitors into residents. Just like our shops and our food, we have beaches to suit all tastes. Folly Beach is ideal for dolphin watching and free-spirited fun where Sullivan Island is the perfect mix of upscale fun.

Whether you're looking for a rental home or a new home, there's truly no better place than Charleston SC. So, stop looking for reasons to move and start looking for your new home today! Contact Carolina One to help you get started.

If you're looking for homes in Charleston, you have a lot of options available to you. You could easily find a nice condo in the downtown district, or you can find a reasonably priced family home in almost every neighborhood. People have their own reasons for looking for Charleston real estate, but some aren't moving to the city because they want to be closer to their job or to the downtown area. 

Charleston has been a prominent city for centuries and, as the years passed, more and more homes have been built. The city is full of historic homes for sale, and people that have always wanted to own a small part of history come to Charleston determined to find one of their own. Owning a historic home can seem very appealing, but before you commit to it, there are a few things you should know:

Limited exterior work

If you fall in love with a historic home, you should find one that you love "as is." Some people don't mind sprucing up a home with a new coat of paint and few new windows, but if you own a historic home, your improvement projects may be severely limited. The goal of every historic district is to preserve the character and look of a neighborhood, and the majority of them do this by having rules about how the exterior of the house looks. Depending on what neighborhood you live in, you may not be able to make any changes without getting approval from a committee.

Major inside repair work

You may not be able to paint your house a different color, but you may have to do some electrical or plumbing work to make the house habitable. This is one of the trade-offs of owning a historical home. Some homeowners have to pay a couple thousand dollars to have their homes re-wired for electricity because they current set up was dangerous. Others have had to install HVAC systems to make the homes more comfortable in Charleston's sweltering summers. 

Checking for dangerous chemicals

Today's builders wouldn't dream of insulating a house with asbestos or painting rooms with lead paint, but the home builders of the past wouldn't have given it a second thought. If you're looking into buying a historic home, you should have your home inspected for any potential dangerous building materials (especially if you have children or elderly tenants). Remember, it's possible to get these things removed, but it could cost extra money.

Potential tax breaks

There is a big difference between owning a home in a historic district and owning a home that is registered as a historic place. Local municipalities, state, and even federal authorities all have historic registries, and if your home happens to be on one, you could qualify for some property tax breaks from the state. 

Are you close to reaching the point in your life where you don't have to work anymore and can retire? Congratulations! After all those years of effort, you deserve the opportunity to relax and enjoy your time off. Many people look forward to retirement, but hate to see all their hard earned money and savings disappear. South Carolina real estate is very affordable, which will leave you with plenty of money to enjoy during your golden years. Folly Beach is the perfect place to consider for your retirement years for the following reasons.

• Life's a Beach – Folly Beach is known to locals as "the Edge of America" and is a gorgeous town. There are numerous surf spots here, and they have become some of the most popular on the East Coast. Go fishing, hiking, and biking or just spend some time looking for the unique Lettered Olive seashells that dot the coastline. Living near the beach is a great way to entice your grandkids to visit, as well.

• Great Climate – When people retire, they often want to go somewhere with warmer temperatures.  South Carolina has fabulous weather and people love its humid, subtropical climate. Another great thing about this part of the country is that winters are short, while the summers are long and balmy. And if there's ever a day that seems too hot, you're only steps from the beach. Taking a dip in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is a great way to cool off.

• Proximity to History – Folly Beach is an ideal place for retirement because, while the town itself is quaint and quiet, you are very close to Charleston. Charleston is the oldest city in the state and is filled with tons of historical attractions. History buffs will love visiting spots like Fort Sumter, the Charleston Museum (the oldest museum in the country), and the many plantations nearby. In addition, the city is known for its eclectic mix of low country foods, which include southern, French, and Caribbean.

If you're looking to retire in an affordable beach town, with great weather and proximity to historical attractions, Folly Beach is the place for you. Get in touch with realtors that specialize in South Carolina real estate and start searching for your retirement dream home today. 

Those who are considering the purchase of a fixer upper in South Carolina are making a smart choice, if they do things properly. Purchasing a fixer upper can save you a lot of money, teach you a lot during the renovation process, and allow you to personalize the home. But what should you look for when buying a property that's going to need some TLC? Read on for advice that will help you make an educated and appropriate decision for your life . . . and avoid any money pits.

Calculate Cost of Repairs

Before making an offer on a home, you'll need to calculate the cost of repairs. Find a good home inspector in the area and have them look at the house to determine what needs to be repaired, and how much that would cost to do properly. When they walk through, go with them so that they can explain things along the way.

If the house in question is an older home, make sure that the inspector that you choose has adequate experience with and knowledge of structures in that age range. A person who only specializes in modern constructions may be inclined to think that everything in an old home needs repair. Also, have the contractor that you've selected walk through the home so that they can create a written cost estimate for the work they intend to do. If planning on doing the majority of the work yourself, you should calculate the cost of supplies that are needed to complete the project.

Always factor in an extra twenty percent for additional repairs, as unexpected problems have a tendency to pop up in old homes.   

Up for the Challenge?

You'll need to decide what you can do yourself and what needs to be handed over to professionals. Improvements such as painting and wallpaper removal are simple enough to handle, but other things like electrical work and plumbing may be over your head; these issues need to be considered before purchasing the home.

Do You Have the Time?

Also, you need to seriously consider whether or not you have the time to do the job. Are you in a position where you can take time off of work to fix the house up? If not, do you and your family mind living in a space that is being renovated for an extended period of time, since you can only work on the home on weekends? Lots to consider here.

Purchasing South Carolina real estate can be an exciting and fun process, but you'll need to make sure that the fixer upper you choose is worth your while. With the right purchase, your hard work will pay off and you can turn the lackluster house that you bought into a lifelong home. 

The cold winter months may still be upon us, but many people are even now deciding where to spend their summer vacations. But if you're like many others, you probably get tired of the yearly task of finding a place to spend your vacation, booking dates and paying a significant amount of money just to stay somewhere for a limited amount of time. Instead, why not save yourself the hassle and buy a vacation home?

Owning a vacation home can be a rewarding experience—both personally and financially: a vacation home is a great way to help boost your finances, as you can rent it out and make a profit when it's not in use; it's a great getaway spot at any time of the year; it can even be the place that you eventually retire to.

Ranked as one of the best family summer vacation spots, Charleston, SC and its nearby beach towns are an ideal location for people that are looking for a summer home. Understandably, buying real estate in South Carolina, or anywhere for that matter, is a huge financial commitment and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

If you're looking to buy a vacation home or are considering it, here are some pointers to keep in mind. 

1. Don't just pick the location, get to know it

Before you make an offer on a home, you should really get to know the area. Visit it several times to explore the neighborhoods, amenities and nearby shops, restaurants and activities. You'll want to know what the area has to offer during the summer, as well as the off season.

2. Does the property have rental potential?

Often, homeowners rent out their vacation properties to get some extra income. Since beaches are some of the most desirable locations, Charleston and its surrounding environs are the perfect option. If you decide to rent out your property, make sure that it includes amenities that renters expect, such as cable, Internet, dishwasher, and maybe even a pet-friendly designation, to name a few. Having these increases your chances of being able to rent the place out.

3. Add up all the costs

Mortgage rates can be higher for second homes and you may also asked for a larger down payment. Speak to a real estate professional to determine these costs. Also, if you'll be counting on rental income to help pay for the mortgage, make sure to ask renters to pay a price that's fair for them, but still benefits you.

4. Don't rush into making an offer

Like purchasing your first house, choosing a vacation home is a big decision and you shouldn't rush into making an offer. You want to be confident that the home not only meets your criteria now, but will later down the line. It's in your best interest to speak to a real estate professional to help you make a smart decision.

With spring here, it won't be long until summer arrives. With the change in temperatures, everyone's thoughts are moving towards warm weather and, more particularly, vacation.

While there are many prime spots for vacationers to spend their summers, one popular place is South Carolina. Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and featuring cities rich with tradition, unique state parks, famous beach resorts, year-round festivals and incredible shopping, entertainment and attractions, the Palmetto State is made for vacation.

Although it may be a vacation home that you're searching for, it's still important to carefully weigh your decision to buy. As your South Carolina real estate professionals, we've provided some tips to help you find the perfect summer home.

What's the history of the home?
A lot of people forget about checking out the integrity of a home when they are only planning on using it for vacation. While you may like the layout of a home and it may suit you financially, don't let your desire to close the deal leave you blinded. You should find out the age of the house, any major changes, repairs or additions it underwent, and if the heating and air system is in working condition. If you're not sure what to look out for, that's what we're here for. We'll ask the questions for you and find out what you need to know.

How many people will be staying there?
This is important, as it will determine the size of home that you need. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What about a garage or driveway?

How much will it cost to maintain the property?
In addition to the selling price, take the costs associated with maintaining the property into account. These include heating and air conditioning, water and utility bills, as well as any repairs and upgrades you decide to make.  

Does it have rental potential?
Most second homeowners rent out their beach houses in an effort to pick up extra income and cover some maintenance costs. If you decide to rent out your home, you need to be certain that it has the amenities that renters expect. How far are you from the beach? Will free Internet be included? Don't use the home as a way to help pay off your mortgage. You should aim to do this yourself and think of the rental income as the icing on the cake. 

Many people who purchase a home in Charleston, SC are doing so for the purposes of owning a vacation home in the wintertime. If you live in the Midwest, Northeast or Pacific Northwest, look outside right now. December 21^st marked the beginning of winter, so we imagine there’s snow, ice or something indicative of the winter months. Those who are retired or can work remotely will often bypass these months and go somewhere with more approachable weather.

Because Charleston enjoys rather warm winters and has a location right off the Atlantic coast, it is a popular vacation home spot, and there are many homes available. If you’re considering purchasing a vacation home, here are some things to keep in mind as you search for South Carolina real estate:

You’ll need a pretty good credit rating: Obtaining a second loan often requires a bit higher of a credit score to get approval or a favorable rating. If you haven’t checked your credit score or gotten a credit report in a while, it might be a good idea to review these things to look for any mistakes or ways you can improve your score. You’ll generally need a score of at least 720 for a second/vacation home.

Save up for a larger down payment:  On traditional home loan mortgages, the rule of thumb is generally 20%. With a second home, many lenders will require a larger down payment up front –usually in the range of 25%-35%. Take this into account when reviewing to see how much home you can afford. Plus, it’s best to have as large a down payment as possible to ensure the bank’s confidence in giving you a good rate.

Figure out why you’re getting a second home in the first place: On the top of the financial considerations you must make, it’s also a good idea to take a look at why you’re buying a second home in the first place. Is it just the weather? Are you looking to explore new interests? Do you want to be around family? All of these social considerations will help you determine where would be the best place to purchase a second home. The Charleston area offers many social opportunities and is highly accessible, so you’re only at most a flight away from children, grandchildren and friends.

If you’re interested in purchasing a second home in the Charleston area, please contact us today to find the right home for you.

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. 

Home buyers who are in the market for South Carolina real estate might feel a little panicked right now. It appears that housing prices are going up as inventory diminishes. Pending sales were up nearly seven percent in August, days on the market were down to 111 days, and the prices of the average home in South Carolina rose to 6.5 percent to $165,000. While this is great news for sellers, home buyers may feel the need to snag a home before it's too late.

We're here to tell you to take a deep breath and sit back for a moment. There's no reason to get all panicky for something that isn't an issue if you put in a little bit of effort and preparation. There are still plenty of homes in the South Carolina real estate market, and you can find MLS listings for homes in Goose Creek, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant and more here, but here are a few ideas to help you find the South Carolina home you want at a price you can afford.

Have a large down payment: While a growing number of people are paying cash for their homes, this isn't a viable option for most people. However, by having a down payment of at least twenty percent, you may be able to get a better price for the home you want.

Sure up your credit: Speaking to that point, another must you should certainly do before you begin looking at homes is fixing your credit. Get a free credit report and see if there are mistakes anywhere. If there are, write to get them fixed. If you think your score is a little low, aim to balance your debt to credit ratio, which has a major impact on your score. A higher score will get you a better interest rate and allow you to afford more homes.

Research home values around the area: If you're looking at a particular area in South Carolina, it's a good idea to look at what prices other homes are selling at to come up with a good offer. And do make sure to give a fair offer to the owner to show that you're serious.

Get the home inspected: A home inspection will tell you a lot about a prospective house and will let you know if whether you're getting a good deal on that below market priced home or not. 

The long economic crisis seems to be finally nearing its end, and that means it's a buyer's market for real estate in many locations in the United States. Additionally, since the monetary slowdown affected upscale purchases and holdings more dramatically than other kinds of economic activity, it is doubly a prime time to buy a second or vacation home. The South Carolina real estate market is a great example of this trend.

The best way to enjoy a vacation area like Charleston is to own a home there, from which all leisure activities can be based. In South Carolina real estate prices in areas like these and Folly Beach or Kiawah Island are at historically low levels - meaning there's never been a better time to live the dream and buy that vacation home in the Palmetto State.

The South Carolina beach is a pretty popular college break spot, so how great would it be for kids to have a place to crash safely? And while golf vacations are always fun, how much better would it feel for a duffer and his friends to relax afterward at the "19th hole" at his second home? No designated drivers will be needed!

If Fripp Island or Lake Marion has always been the spot that one loves to visit and relax -- maybe fish, swim, soak in the sunshine, or just get away from the workaday world -- then this could be the best and most convenient opportunity to make it happen. Buyers are still eagerly being sought by owners in the area who are still reeling from the 2007 crisis.

Or maybe the South Carolina real estate that really interests a buyer is on Edisto Island or at Summerville. No matter where the home that one has been dreaming of is located, there is a good chance of finding it now at a good price. With all of the stress that people have to endure in their day to day lives, maybe a vacation home is something they can't afford to miss!