Are you looking to buy a home in Summerville, SC or elsewhere in the Lowcountry? It's not too late to get started. Although many prospective home buyers prefer to close in the summer before school starts, the truth is that fall is a great time to buy a home for those who can manage it – especially in an area with a warmer climate like the Lowcountry. You don't have to worry about snow or freezing rain later in the season as you would with other places. If you're on the fence on whether or not you should continue your search into the fall, here are several points to keep in mind:

There's Less Competition: As mentioned above, fall is typically a bit slower than late spring and summer because many homebuyers want to get situated before the beginning of the season. This means that if you find a house that you fall in love with, you may have fewer buyers to compete with. Anyone who has participated in a bidding war over a house can understand the benefits here. However, always remember that quality is quality, and a really good home will sell quickly any time of the year.

Sellers Are More Serious and Looking to Make a Deal: In many cases, sellers will be more flexible if they're motivated to sell; if not, they may just wait until spring.  Those that are still in the market during the fall and winter months may be more willing to negotiate and work with you on repairs and closing costs. Easier negotiations make for a much more positive buying experience.

You Can Take Advantage of End of the Year Sales: In addition to there being less competition and more motivated sellers this time of the year, one of the biggest benefits of buying a home in the fall is that you can buy home goods on sale. Chances are that you will need some home goods; holiday sales may help alleviate those costs. In addition to that, you may be able to save money on other costs, like moving fees, as the demand isn't as high. After the down payment, closing costs, home inspection fees, and other financial requirements, it's best to save where you can. 

Although summer is winding down, we can count on many months of good weather left here in the Lowcountry. The favorable mild climate is one of the main reasons why Charleston, SC is such a great place to call home. Of course, it is just one of many. There's the robust downtown, picturesque beaches, and laid-back southern personality where everybody says hi and time moves just a little bit slower. Even Bill Murray is proud to call Charleston, SC home.

If you're looking for a little bit of quiet or just enjoy waking up every morning to a view of the ocean, you may want to consider checking out residential spots at some of the beaches and barrier islands outside of downtown Charleston. Each beach town and island has its own personality, history, and features that may draw you in. The best way to get a better idea of the community and houses for sale in South Carolina is to speak with a Carolina One real estate agent who can research potential homes based on your criteria, schedule viewings, and more.

However, here is a really quick guide on some of the spots you may read about in your research to find your dream home in the Lowcountry:

Sullivan's Island: This quiet barrier island is located between Charleston Harbor and Breach Inlet. It enjoys a famed military history, which was made more famous by Edgar Allen Poe's short story, "The Gold Bug," a story he wrote when he was stationed at Fort Moultrie.  Former military homes actually serve as residential homes today, and there are more than 2,000 people who live there. If you're looking for peace and quiet but still want to be a short drive away from downtown Charleston, Sullivan's Island offers a number of great real estate options.

Folly Beach: Also known as "The Edge of America," Folly Beach features a number of family-fun activities all-year round. Make no mistake about it – Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination, but it has its quiet spots as well, providing residents with the best of both worlds. If you're an avid fisherman, surfer, or birdwatcher, Folly Beach is a great place to call home. If you are on the fence, check out the 1,045-foot Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, which is the second-longest pier on the East Coast and offers a view you won't find anywhere else.

Isle of Palms: Located just north of Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms is seven-mile long barrier island that enjoys a rich military history as well – it was the departure point for the CSS Hunley. It is also known for its small-town feel, beautiful beaches, and proximity to other beach communities and the city of Charleston. Residents have several shopping centers and a grocery store for their convenience, and their children can attend school in nearby Sullivan's Island, which is known for its academic excellence. As a whole, Isle of Palms offers innumerable opportunities for people looking for coastal living in the Lowcountry. 

One of the main draws of living in the Charleston area is its proximity to the beach. There are a number of beaches and barrier islands that encompass the Charleston metropolitan area, and each has its own personality and charm. Whether you prefer the more laidback style of Folly Beach or the energy found in Isle of Palms, you'll fall in love with the Charleston beaches and barrier islands.

In addition to providing a picturesque view to wake up to, did you know that living by the beach could actually improve the likelihood that you'll enjoy good health? A study from the University of Exeter confirmed what many beach dwellers have already known. Researchers analyzed data obtained from England's 2001 census and research collected by Natural England and found that living near the beach improved exercise levels and overall wellbeing. This mirrored similar results from surveys in Australia and New Zealand.

So what makes the beach stand out as a great place to live for your health? If you have always wanted to live by the beach, here are several reasons why you might want to start looking at real estate near the beach in Charleston, SC today:  

You'll Stress Out Less: Do you feel more relaxed after you come home from the beach? This isn't just a coincidence. According to another University of Exeter study where participants were asked about their feelings on the beach in relation to other environments, the beach received more favorable reviews. In fact, when participants were put in stressful situations, like the dentist's office, and then later put in virtual ocean side settings, they reported feeling less stressed afterwards. Whether it's the sound of the waves gently hitting the shoreline or something else, the beach has the potential to make you feel calmer.

You'll Be More Active: The most recent University of Exeter study also highlighted the fact that beach dwellers reported being more active on the beach, which in return can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. The beach offers a wide variety of physical activities – in and out of the water – for every age and level of health. Obviously, you can go swimming in the ocean, which is good cardiovascular workout in its own right. However, there are many beachfront activities that you could participate in as well, including volleyball, playing Frisbee with friends or the dog, or just going on a stroll along the coastline by yourself or with a significant other. Exercise can encourage weight loss, manage stress levels, and potentially lower the risk of many chronic conditions that can affect physical well-being.

You'll Breathe Better: If you live in a congested area, you may not be breathing in the cleanest of air. From car exhaust to other irritants in the air, your lungs could be working overtime. Some researchers believe that the salty sea air could do wonders to help people breathe. They cite the idea that sea air may have minerals from the salt water, which are scattered into the air from the wind and waves. These minerals could stimulate immune reactions that could make it easier to loosen mucus and breathe. At the very least, the air around the coastline is usually devoid of other irritants like car exhaust or manufacturing pollution, making it a cleaner source for people with allergies or chronic breathing problems. 

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. 

Are you thinking about purchasing a vacation home to spend time with your family in a relaxing and picturesque setting? There are many factors that go into choosing a place to live – whether it's a primary residence or a home to vacation at during the summer. Location obviously matters, but so does the local economy. You'll probably want a place with good restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions indicative of a thriving economy.  So where you live will depend not only on the home but the community that surrounds it.

The Charleston Real Estate Market Boom

Many are choosing to buy real estate in the Charleston, SC area for these very reasons. Carolina One's own Will Jenkinson was featured in an article for Charleston's daily newspaper, The Post and Courier, about Charleston's real estate market. Will is the broker-in-charge of new homes at Carolina One, and he noted that how 'painful' the new homes market was for Charleston five years ago. Now it is seeing a comeback as 34% of home sales in 2016 for Charleston are new homes. He also said that the Charleston real estate market was on pace to beat last year's sales, which were just over 3600 homes.

According to the article, economists predict that the Charleston economy will see stable growth after several years of rapid expansion. In fact, a seventh year of expansion would be the best Charleston has even seen. They point to employment growth, especially in the construction industry, which means that more people will have money to spend on homes. In addition to that, low gas prices and other financial factors have enabled South Carolina residents to save and keep more money in their pockets.

So what does all of this mean for the prospective homebuyer who wants to find a home in the Charleston area? Homebuyers can expect a healthy real estate market, especially if they are planning on purchasing a new home. Construction is up and the demand for new homes is there, so you will be able to find a new home if that's what you prefer. Additionally, there are many different homes in downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and other popular Lowcountry destinations, so you may want to consult a Carolina One real estate agent to learn more about opportunities based off your budget and preferences.

Finally, a strong real estate market means that there is a lot of demand as well. If you have always thought about buying a home in the Charleston area, why wait? The home of your dreams may be out there, but it won't be out there forever. Charleston is a beautiful city with a rich history, wonderful beaches, state-of-the-art restaurants, and the friendliest people on the East Coast. It is also a great place to call home. If you are looking at Charleston real estate as we speak, do yourself a favor and speak to an agent to find that dream home for you and your family and friends.  

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. 

If you live anywhere in the Northeast for Mid-Atlantic, you are probably still digging yourself out of snow right now. These areas were hit hard by Jonas, and the snowstorm triggered heavy snowfall, high winds, and heavy flooding in some shore towns. Some areas got as much as 30 inches of snow. If you have tired of Old Man Winter's antics and are ready for summer, it is never too early to get started looking for a summer rental. There are many places to check out, but we are partial to Isle of Palms SC vacation rentals as they offer beautiful Southern architecture, pristine beaches, and a whole lot of Southern charm as well. Here are a few tips to help you find an affordable vacation rental. 

Book Early

Most vacation homes see spots filled up well before Memorial Day – in fact, it is not out of the question to see coveted times of summer booked months in advance. Therefore, if you have a specific time in mind for when you want to visit Isle of Palms, begin as early as possible. At the same time, if you have more wiggle room, it might be advantageous to book early as well as you might get a better deal. Some rental owners and their agents would prefer to get a spot filled than play the waiting game. This could mean that they're more willing to settle at a lower price.

Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate

It never hurts to negotiate. In many cases the owner or agent will have a number in mind that they're willing to go down to if needed, but you should be prepared to walk or pay the asking price as some aren't willing to budge. Still, if you can save money doing so, it can't hurt to try.

Book a Vacation Rental outside of Town or off the Beach

There's no question that beachfront property has its perks, but it comes at a price. If you don't need to have a place on the beach or right downtown and are just looking for a place to relax, you might be able to save a significant amount of money booking a vacation rental in a less sought after location.

Choose a Less Popular Week and Earn Extra Perks

Isle of Palms is a beautiful place to visit all-year round. If you're willing to visit at an off-peak time, you may be able to get extra perks as motivation for signing up for that week. It's not unheard of to have your pet fees waived or even have your groceries paid for to entice you to book an off-peak time that may not get as much interest.

Consult an Agent

Various vacation rental sites will only provide you with the listings; they will not give you recommendations, inside information, and details about Isle of Palms vacation rentals as an agent would. An agent could keep an eye out for special deals and good owners whom they've worked with in the past. It might be a good idea to consult one, especially if you're not from the area. 

If you have visited the Charleston, SC area, you may have fallen in love with it. We have, and we know many homeowners who knew they had to have a home in the Charleston area after visiting it a few times. The beaches are beautiful, the weather is great all year round, and the food is fantastic. Plus, there is a ton of history here, and the people are so friendly. They don't call it Southern Charm for nothing!

However, before you immediately go out and buy a second home in Charleston, SC, we wanted to provide you with a few words of wisdom. As experts in real estate in Charleston, SC, we have sold homes to many people who were using them as a second vacation home. Most have not regretted the decision for a second, but all of them had a clear understanding of what went into home ownership before they agreed to a contract. Here are five things you think about before looking at homes:

Get a Real Estate Agent that Is Local: If you don't live in the area that you want to move to, no matter if it's Charleston or anywhere else, you will definitely want to find a local agent who can help you find homes in the area that meet your individual needs. An agent can provide you with up to date information on new homes on the market that you may not be able to get if you're hundreds of miles away. He or she can also make you aware of any local information that you should know before you schedule a visit.

At the Same Time Get to Know the Area as Well as Possible: Like we said, we haven't encountered anyone who has had buyer's remorse purchasing a second home in Charleston, SC. Still, if you have only been to Charleston once or twice, we would recommend coming out for an extended visit. Make sure that this is really the place you want to spend your summers or winters, depending on where you are. Talk to the locals too. We're pretty sure they'll sell you on the area, but insider information can really help you know if Charleston is right for you.

Figure Out What Kind of House You Want to Buy: If you're purchasing a second home to spend time in occasionally, you may not require a lot of space. A smaller home or condo will certainly save you money on maintenance costs. However, at the same time, if you will have friends and family over when you do come to Charleston, space could be tight. Then there's the question of whether you're going to retire there. What kind of a home do you want to retire in? It's crucial to do an evaluation of what your needs are in order to make an educated decision.

Are You Going to Rent Out Your Home? If so, you will need to learn more about what your tax benefits and obligations are. For example, if you rent out your home less than 15 days out of the year, then you don't have to report that rental income. However, you can't deduct any rental expenses like upkeep, cleaning costs, etc. However, if you rent more than 15 days out of the year, you do need to report that income. However, you do get to deduct your rental expenses on your tax bill. If you wish to make a little money on your home when you're not there, renting is an option.

Examine Your Plan, Both Short Term and Long Term: If you are planning to retire there, is the home near quality healthcare facilities and does it have reliable transportation options? Obviously, if you are going to choose a home in Charleston, SC, the answer to that question will be yes. Is your second home close enough where getting there won't be a hassle if you plan on making a weekend trip? Why do you want a second home in the first place? By examining your goals and reasoning to purchase a second home, you should be able to make the right decision.

Carolina One real estate associates can help you find the home of your dreams in Charleston, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant, and many other parts of the Charleston metropolitan area. If you fell in love with Charleston and want to make your home here, contact us today at (800) 342-2105.

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?

For many South Carolina home buyers, the first step to a dream house is getting your hands on a Charleston real estate guide. This guide can be an invaluable tool, but you also want to make sure you get the most out of it. How do you do that? Here are four tips:

1.  Ask a realtor to help you – This may sound funny since, to many people, the whole point of getting a real estate guide is to do research on your own. But realtors can be a valuable resource, and asking for their help will mean getting the most out of any printed or online guide. Often, realtors will know details about the specific properties in question—details that do not show up in the guide and that would be hard to find out otherwise. Plus, they will have a much better sense of the local market in general, including how well property values hold up in a given neighborhood and what other similar properties might be available. Do your own perusing as well, but consider asking your realtor to go over the listings with you.

2.  Look above and below your budget – One mistake that many home seekers make is to look only at homes that fall within their budget. This isn't always to your advantage. That isn't because you should give in and buy a home that's above your means; it's because scouting out higher- and lower-priced homes can help inform your search and make you a savvier buyer. For example, if you notice that higher priced homes tend to have an open kitchen design or granite countertops, and you find a property in your price range with those features, you know it will probably appreciate well and be a great investment. On the other hand, if you notice a feature that's common to lower priced homes and find it in one that's otherwise perfect for you, you have a bargaining point. Plus, you never know when you'll find a gem that's priced lower than it should be.

3.  Make a "drive by" list – A real estate guide should be a first step to taking action. Once you have five to ten favorites, take an afternoon and drive by each one. There is no substitute for seeing the home and its neighborhood for yourself.

4.  Don't over-commit to a neighborhood – One last mistake that many buyers make: don't get too hung up on buying in a certain neighborhood. You may miss out on amazing properties in other great locations, or you may overspend by choosing an in-demand area, when a cheaper neighborhood down the road is just as good. 

What kind of Charleston home are you looking for? Ask one of our real estate agents at Carolina One about our MLS listings and see when they can schedule a showing!