It's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of houses for rent in Charleston, SC. That's why it helps to know what types of spaces are available and which one best suits your tastes and needs—this can help to narrow the pool substantially. Here are three major type of houses for rent and the pros and cons of each:

1.  A historic home – One of the great things about Charleston is that it has so many historic homes, which means lots of beautiful older houses for rent in the area. Several areas of downtown Charleston have historic homes, and the outlying communities have many historic homes both in the countryside and in small traditional downtowns. In Charleston, "historic" can mean anything from a colonial-era plantation home to a Victorian or an early 20^th century Craftsman style home. The pros of renting a historic house are obvious: they're beautiful, they're built to last, they have character and they will be the envy of all your friends. There are cons, too, however. For example, older houses are likely to have more problems and require more repairs (not that you'll have to pay for them!), and a fully restored and hassle-free historic home is going to carry a somewhat higher price tag.

2.  A suburban dream – In many ways, the suburban houses for rent around Charleston are the best value for your money. Charleston has a variety of suburbs, many with charming downtown areas of their own and all of them with a fairly easy commute to the city center of generally 45 minutes or less—often much less. Suburban homes are newer and usually have much more space, in every sense possible: more rooms, larger rooms, and a spacious yard where you can have cookouts or other events. They come in many styles, including those with much more modern floor plans and large open spaces inside. These perks come at a relatively affordable price tag, depending on which suburb you choose. The downside, of course, is that you are farther from the city life and will need to drive everywhere.

3.  A condo or townhouse – Sometimes, the best way to be close to the action is to rent a condo or townhouse rather than a full house. There are many city spaces that are appropriate for corporate rentals, and they can include some of the trendiest properties in Charleston. Condos and townhouses are more likely to have a modern look to them with an open kitchen, lots of light and sleek, minimalist décor—but there are many options available, including more traditional and "homey" places. The upside is being close to everything, whereas the downside is the more limited supply. But there are plenty of townhouses in the suburbs, as well!

What kind of house do you like the most?

Deciding where to move is a process that takes lots of research, planning, and forethought. But there are things about Charleston, SC that no Charleston real estate guide can tell you. But a city is much more than its property values – Charleston especially. It's a happening place worth living in for at least four big reasons:

1.  A great downtown – Charleston is often thought of for its historic properties and charming gardens. Those are definitely major draws, and something that every Charleston resident loves about their home. However, it's important not to overlook the fact that Charleston also has a large, bustling, modern downtown with lots to do and see. Much more than just a business district, the downtown area offers everything from amazing warehouse lofts to quaint bistros, and much more. There are trendy bars, excellent shops of all kinds, clubs, music venues and some of the city's best restaurants. Charleston is one of those rare cities that combines a true cosmopolitan vibe with a close proximity to nature and the countryside.

2.  The ocean – Speaking of nature, one of the biggest reasons people love living in Charleston is how easy it is to get to the beach. Numerous small beach communities are less than a 40 minute drive from the city, offering everything from sunning and swimming to sailing and surfing. Many of these communities have beautiful, carefully developed boardwalks and beachfronts where you can enjoy a drink with an ocean view or simply go for a walk, do some shopping, and enjoy the breezes. The Charleston area is also home to great fishing, hiking and bicycling.

3.  Terrific suburbs – Not everyone wants to live in the city proper, and there are few large metros that are better suited to a suburban lifestyle than Charleston. Charleston's suburbs are safe, known for their great schools, and have a strong community spirit that leads to all kinds of events and programs. They're also very accessible, with an easy drive (often of 20 minutes or less) for commuters who work in the city.

4.  It's a growing city – When choosing a place to live, you have to think about the long term. With Charleston, the future is quite bright: the city has a growing economy, is investing strongly in business and infrastructure, and has all the stats that make it a desirable place to live. Property in Charleston and its suburbs has seen an upward value trajectory and is likely to keep doing so, with no shortage of jobs in sight.

Have you been paging through a Charleston real estate guide? What got you interested in moving here?

South Carolina is home to one of the most stunning, charming, and historically quaint cities in the country—Charleston. It's no wonder that so many people make a point to put Charleston on their itineraries when planning trips or traveling down South. Not only is it a huge tourist destination, but many travelers fall so deeply in love with the place that they move there. Whether buying real estate in Charleston SC, selling Isle of Palms real estate, or relocating to Mount Pleasant, you can count on Carolina One Real Estate to assist you every step of the way.

As experts who have an abiding love and familiarity with the area, we've compiled a list of the top four things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, and here they are . . .

1.  Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: The beautiful Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects the city of Charleston to Mount Pleasant and sports wonderful views of the Cooper River. It is best enjoyed by walk or bike ride – it's easier to pull over or stop to snap a photo!

2.  Fort Sumter National Monument: If you are a history buff, Fort Sumter is a must! The fort was originally founded in 1829, after the War of 1812 made it evident that further defense of southern harbors was needed. However, its big claim to fame came when, in the early hours of April 12^th, 1861, the Confederacy fired shots at federal soldiers in the fort, starting the Civil War. In order to visit the fort, you'll need to catch a ferry, and it's wise to buy tickets ahead of time.

3.  The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon: Another history-rich attraction, the Provost Dungeon was founded in 1767. It went on to serve as a prison for pirates and then revolutionaries, a place to sell slaves, and an area for public gathering, where the new president (Washington) would address the citizens in May of 1791.

4.  Isle of Palms: Isle of Palms, located a little less than half an hour from downtown Charleston, is the perfect place for a fishing or sailing break, a game of golf on a world-class course or a summer getaway – all close enough to everything you want to do in the city.

Locally owned and operated, Carolina One Real Estate serves all of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, with convenient sales offices located throughout the area. We are the local real estate market leader, responsible for one out of every three homes sold through the Greater Charleston, SC, area. For anybody interested in visiting or living in this beautiful area, look no further than our Charleston Real Estate Guide to provide you with ideas.

There are lots of houses for rent in and around the beautiful city of Charleston, SC. But finding a good rental home can be even harder than finding a good apartment, and you want to make sure to avoid getting a lemon. Here are five tips to make sure you get the rental home you really want:

1.  Know what you're looking for – There are many different kinds of houses for rent in Charleston. From gorgeous historic homes to large suburban options, from loft style condominiums to townhouses with private gardens, Charleston has it all. But that doesn't help you unless you know what kind of home you prefer to live in. Think carefully about your preferred location, how much space you need, whether you want something new or old, and your budget. It's easy to be dazzled by a particularly beautiful house only to realize after signing the lease that it doesn't really meet your needs. 

2.  Does the landlord have a "to do" list? – One of the most important things you should look for in any rental home is that it is, more or less, completely ready for you to live in comfortably. It's normal for a landlord to have one or two small projects planned for a unit—perhaps they're waiting on a new set of blinds to come in before they update all the window dressings—but if the landlord has a long to-do list that they promise they're getting to, it's a bad sign. Projects that aren't done by the time you sign the lease have a tendency of getting put off and, even if they are completed after you move in, it can be a hassle to have workers in your home. If the landlord is still getting a unit in order, keep looking.

3.  Check appliances and plumbing during the walkthrough – It might feel silly to go turning on stoves and flushing toilets as you walk through a house, but it's worth it. If a burner doesn't turn on easily and the landlord has to show you "the trick" to get it to work, remember that this will be the stove you use for every meal while you live here. Similarly, turn on faucets and showers to check water pressure and see how well the toilet flushes. No house is perfect, but if one thing after another seems faulty you may want to scratch this property off your list.

4.  Talk to other tenants – The power of talking to other tenants cannot be overstated—but you really need to do this when the landlord isn't hovering over your shoulder. Try arriving at a walkthrough 20 minutes early to catch a tenant for a quick one-on-one, or if you are introduced to a tenant by the landlord ask if you can e-mail them with more questions later. An objective opinion from someone who knows the property is priceless.

5.  Go with a pro – While there are lots of dedicated small-time landlords renting independently, it pays to hedge your bets and go with a management company that rents houses on a larger scale. They will have the resources to handle maintenance needs and emergencies in a quick, professional manner.

What else do you look for in a rental home?

Charleston has really started to boom and more people are looking for real estate in and around the city, either to move to the area for the first time or to simply take advantage of the up-and-coming property market before prices jump. If you're trying to find a home in or near Charleston, here are four areas to consider:

1.  South of Broad – When people think of historic Charleston, chances are good that this is what they're picturing. The area south of Broad Street comprises the tip of the peninsula that makes up downtown Charleston. This neighborhood was actually the site of the first historic zoning law in the country, and it shows. Historic gems have been well-preserved and gardens are ornate and beautiful. Walking through this neighborhood is like strolling the streets of the past. Prices aren't cheap, but you won't find better Charleston real estate.

2.  Wagener Terrace – Wagener Terrace is, in many ways, the opposite of the South of Broad neighborhood, while still being completely charming and beautiful. This district, on the northwest corner of the peninsula, has become a hip and artsy community with a lot of culture. Houses tend to be smaller than SOB but nonetheless beautiful, with a good number of Craftsman bungalows. The area has a decidedly intellectual vibe to it, with coffee shops, art events, and yoga studios in ready supply.

3.  John's Island – If you're looking to enjoy all the culture of Charleston without living in the city itself, John's Island is a great choice. Of all of Charleston's commuter towns it's one of the closest, at a drive of just about ten minutes from downtown to the island. But that's not the only thing working in its favor: John's Island is also one of the most naturally beautiful communities you'll find in the area. True to its name, it's an island straddled between the rivers and the Wadmalaw Sound and, until recent years, much of the island was farmland that has only lately been opened up for development. Expect green surroundings, tidal creeks, and lots of fresh air if you move to John's Island.

4.  Goose Creek – If you're willing to have a slightly longer commute, Goose Creek is one of the better surrounding communities and offers a great balance of beauty, value, and affordability. Located about 30 minutes north of downtown Charleston, Goose Creek is a separate city, but home to many people who work in Charleston. It has a somewhat more rural feel, with great schools and a strong economy thanks to nearby Navy facilities.

What part of Charleston are you looking at? Contact us at Carolina One Real Estate with any questions or to set up a tour!

Many people looking for houses for rent in Charleston, SC never think of talking to a realtor. After all, we think of realtors mainly when planning to buy or sell a home. But the truth is that some real estate companies also have a large selection of rental properties, including places you won't find anywhere else. Here are four reasons you should talk to a real estate company about renting a house in Charleston:

1.  More selection – Finding the perfect rental is hard. While listings on Craigslist may seem limitless, most are by landlords with only one or two properties. If you take the time to go and see the unit and it isn't right for you, they often have nothing else to offer. Real estate companies manage dozens or even hundreds of properties. They will listen to your exact needs and line up a number of units to look at all in a single afternoon. This gives you the advantage of more options while taking up less of your valuable time.

2.  A better price – One of the best reasons to ask a realtor about renting homes is price. The price you pay is one of the biggest determining factors for most renters, and successful real estate companies often deliver more value at the same price range. This is because they hold more properties and can afford to price a unit competitively, whereas small-time landlords cannot. That translates to more square footage, a better location or more amenities in your price range.

3.  Luxury options –If you are looking for a luxury rental, then you should only talk with experienced real estate/property management companies. These companies understand the luxury market and know what amenities and security to expect in a luxury unit. They show you only the finest and most well-appointed units and will work to find the home that fits your needs.

4.  Professional and reliable management – The bottom line with any property rental is that a bad manager or landlord can mean months or even years of aggravation. It's always best to have a large professional management company that has the resources to respond to calls immediately and do repairs the right way the first time.

There are lots of charming house rentals in Charleston, both for short and long-term.  A real estate agency can help you find the best ones for your price range and save you time and money along the way. Have you ever used a realtor to find a rental?

If you're reading this, it's safe to assume that you're interested in moving soon. There are about 4.7 million people that call the Palmetto State home, and a couple hundred thousand people reside in the greater Charleston area. Why have you been looking at Charleston real estate? Are you interested in living in a small city with a lot of Southern charm? Do you want a place that feels like a tropical paradise, such as the Isle of Palms? Are you drawn to areas with a booming military industry like Goose Creek, SC? Are you drawn in by the area's excellent school districts?

There are a variety of reasons to move to the greater Charleston area, but even some Charleston lovers may not know some interesting facts about the place they love. For example, did you know that…

Bill Murray is the Director of Fun and Co-Owner of the Charleston Riverdogs

Is there any celebrity that's more universally beloved than Bill Murray? Almost everyone reading this will have a favorite that immediately comes to mind. Bill Murray is a huge fan of minor league baseball clubs, and has co-ownership of teams in St. Paul, Fort Myers, and Hudson Valley. And don't assume that he's like the average team owner that rarely shows up to games and spends their time isolated from fans in skyboxes. He has thrown out first pitches, and has even coached first base!

Charleston has old "earthquake proof" buildings

If you go into downtown Charleston, you may notice that some of the older buildings have black disks or crossed bolts on the outside. Those iron pieces aren't there for decoration; they're there to help protect the buildings from earthquakes. When most people think about earthquakes in the United States, they are usually imagining events out west. Although it isn't common, earthquakes do occur on the east coast. In 1886, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake devastated the Charleston area. After the quake, structures were built with earthquake tension rods to strengthen them. The black circles and crosses you see are the ends of the rods that were put in more than century ago!

Old Charleston homes were built for optimal comfort

Charleston summers can be brutal, even if you have an air conditioner or fan. In the past, Charleston residents dealt with the heat the best way they could: by designing their houses so that they were as comfortable as possible. Traditional homes and buildings in Charleston had decks and piazzas that faced south or west to make sure that residents got ample cooling breezes. Some of the older buildings even had their entertaining rooms on the second floor to avoid mosquitoes, which can't fly that high.

What made you choose the neighborhood you're in right now? Did you like how close it was to your job, or was it close to a major transportation hub? Were you drawn in by how many families live on the block, or did you love how many young professionals and hip 20-somethings lived in the area? We all have different reasons for why we chose where we live today, but some of them may not have been good ones. Some people claim that their neighborhood just "felt right," but choosing your next living location based on how you feel isn't very smart. If you're looking for houses for rent in Charleston, SC or in the greater Charleston area, don't make these mistakes.

Ignoring unpleasant facts for a few positives

You have found a house that you are absolutely in love with. It's everything you've ever dreamed of and it's close to your friends, but there are a few small things. The neighborhood has a slightly high crime rate, traffic can be a nightmare, but you are just so in love with the house! Don't make the mistake of ignoring some of those glaring problems. Eventually the newness and novelty of your new home will wear off, and those "minor" problems will start to seem much bigger.

Making assumptions from word of mouth

You may have heard that a certain neighborhood has very low crime rates, or that it has the best school district in the country. You've read article after article about how great the nightlife is, and how low the town's taxes are. Too many people make the mistake of basing their decision off of a positive write-up in a travel magazine or a few positive anecdotes from friends. However, until you see definitive proof of any of the "positive" aspects of your new neighborhood, don't assume that all of this hearsay is true. Check out educational statistics and scores, tax rates, and crime rates from reliable government websites.

Not learning about the neighbors

Your neighbors may not seem like that major of a factor when you start to pick out your home. After all, it's not like you have to live with them or spend time with them. Ignoring the people you'll have to live near and talk to is a huge mistake, though. Obnoxious or inconsiderate neighbors have caused people to move in the past, and they could make your new home seem unlivable. If you want to get an idea of what your neighbors are like, just walk or drive around the area a few times and talk to a few people about the neighborhood. When you look through the eyes of a casual observer and not a homebuyer, you'll have a much better idea of what your neighbors will be like. 

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. 

Charleston real estate is an attractive choice for an increasing number of people, especially first-time homebuyers. Many people boast that Charleston is the "jewel of the South," but if you've never visited this southern city, you may be wondering why people are jumping at the chance to live here. Below are just some of the reasons why Charleston is the place to search for a home.

• Affordable Prices – The housing crash is a thing of the past and there is once again stability in the real estate market. Further, mortgage rates are still considerably low, which makes your overall purchase price even more affordable. The median price for a three bedroom, two-bath home in Charleston last year was just over $200,000. Obtaining a mortgage for this amount and putting 20K down makes a mortgage payment of $1,200 affordable for many singles and families.

• Cozy City with Character – Once you've visited Charleston, you will agree that it is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The area is famous for historical attractions like Fort Sumter and Drayton Hall, as well as its year-round perfect weather. People who visit Charleston talk at length about the gorgeous homes, friendly people, and delicious low country cuisine (featuring everything from staple soul food like fried okra and collard greens to Cajun classics like gumbo, southern favorites like shrimp and grits, and French coq au vin). This city is so wonderful that it is constantly featured on television shows and in travel magazines, and has dominated the "best cities" lists for the past several years.

• Wise Investment – One look at Charleston real estate and you're sure to realize that these low prices aren't going to stick around forever. Homebuyers snatching up properties in Charleston are certain to see their home values rise quickly over the next several years. With Charleston getting so much nationwide attention, choosing this city as home is a very wise investment.

These are just a few of the reasons that Charleston homes are in demand and the city continues to dominate "best cities" lists. Charleston is the perfect place for any and everybody and, as more and more people catch on to that, home prices will begin so rise. It's important to move quickly so you don't miss out on living in this special place!