Summer will be here before we know it. Those of you who are looking for a beach house in the South Carolina area should start looking soon. So the question is:  where are some of the best beaches located? Look no further than the city of Charleston. It has everything you need and more. Charleston real estate offers many different styles of houses in various beach locations. Picking what area can be difficult since each one has so much to offer. To make things easier, we have chosen three of the best beaches in Charleston that you are sure to fall in love with:

Sullivan’s Island – This Island is as charming and picturesque as they get. It is packed with massive beaches, charming restaurants, and trendy shops. The location is full of history and folklore, adding to the island’s appealing quality. The activities are endless, no matter what age you are. From kite boarding and various watersports to visiting the historical site of Fort Moultrie and learning about the Revolutionary War, Sullivan’s Island promises an unforgettable stay.

Folly Beach- This beach area is known for its lackadaisical and easygoing atmosphere. This is the perfect beach to just lay back and relax without any worries.  If you are a surfer or want a more secluded beach to soak in the rays, then head up toward Washout. Folly Beach is also popular for its locally-owned shops and restaurants where everyone you meet exudes that famous southern hospitality. It’s easy to forget that there is a busy, bustling world outside when visiting here.

Isle of Palms- This irresistible location has everything that you could dream of in a beach town. The beaches, golf courses, parks, marinas, tennis courts, and more make it the perfect place to go for adults and kids alike. There is little that you can’t do in a place like this. Whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or just by yourself, The Isle of the Palms will provide you with endless entertainment and activity.

Now that you have an idea of what each beach has to offer, the choice is yours. The only hard part is choosing what type of real estate in Charleston you would love to get for your summer vacation. Proximity is key when choosing a beach house. So the question is – which is your favorite location?

Buying your first home is an enormous commitment. You and your family probably know the basics of what you’re looking for, like your approximate budget and how many bedrooms you need. You also have a sense of features and amenities that you do and don’t want in your new house. But how sure are you of what will make you happy or unhappy in a home? Here are some things to help you determine what will matter the most in the long run when purchasing Charleston real estate.

Have you checked out South Carolina real estate and found a home that you fell in love with? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of individuals from the Northeast, Midwest, West Coast, and in areas around the world decide to make the move to South Carolina to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, friendly people, warm weather and numerous historical attractions. However, once you find your home, your job is not over yet. You still need to make the move. And moving can be one of the most stress-inducing events in one’s life. Luckily, it’s very easy to make a seamless transition into your new home. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Clean Your Current Home: When it comes time to pack, it’s can be overwhelming if you have clutter everywhere. Make it a point to clean your home as often as possible in the lead-up before packing so your home will be organized when it comes time to pack. That way you won’t run around wondering where everything is.

Think like a Minimalist: When you live somewhere, it’s only natural to acquire stuff along the way. Now the question for you is do you need all of those belongings when you decide to move? If you think you can part with some of your things, it could make for a much easier move. A garage sale is a great way to get rid of that old couch or treadmill and make a little money to finance the move. You can also think about giving things away to friends and family as well as donate to your local charity or thrift store for a tax deduction.

Consider Getting Movers: A long distance move is not for the inexperienced mover. If you are intimidated by the idea of moving your goods across the country, it might be a good idea to consider looking into moving services. Movers can alleviate you from the heavy lifting, pack your furniture and belongings safely, and determine the best route to get you to your new destination. They’ll unpack for you as well.

Remember to Change Your Address: When you make it to your new home, remember to change your address on your driver’s license, credit cards, and contact information. You’ll also have to most likely open up new bank accounts and verify your auto insurance information. The sooner you take care of these details, the sooner you’ll be able to get comfortable in your new home.

There’s no question that choosing a place where you can remain active is a crucial part of choosing a place for retirement. That’s why so many people choose to take a look at Isle of Palms real estate. Isle of Palms is located roughly a half hour from the metropolitan Charleston area and offers beachfront views, great weather, historic landmarks, and a wide variety of attractions. Retirees have a wide variety of options to ensure they remain fit and healthy, so they can enjoy their time away from work and other responsibilities.  Here are just some ways retirees can stay fit during their Golden Years:

·         Enjoying the Sun: Feeling a little sluggish and depressed of late? You might want to take a look at your Vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles. It helps your body use calcium from your diet efficiently. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a host of debilitating illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, many forms of cancer and asthma. Because Isle of Palms is right by the beach, you’ll have ample opportunities to get some sun. Just remember to wear your sunblock.

·         Outdoor Recreational Activities: The American Heart Association recommends a half hour of exercise each day for healthy adults to retain adequate fitness levels. Because Isle of Palms enjoys a subtropical climate, it’s rather warm all year round. For those who  have lived further north, this could be a welcome break from the cold winters that frequently plague these areas. From hiking South Carolina’s unique landscape and walking along the beach to organized activities, there is no shortage of things to do in the Isle of Palms area. And we haven’t even talked about the abundance of local golf courses.

·         Social Activities: According to the Blue Zones, a book that investigated the longest living people in the world, staying socially active is so important. It detailed one woman from Okinawa who at over 100, still had a daily get-together with friends. The Charleston area has a large percentage of retirees in its population, so it’s very easy to make new friends with like-minded people. And let’s not forget the Southern charm. It’s not uncommon to get into a discussion with someone on the street and be invited to dinner that night. At Isle of Palms, you’ll surely meet new people with whom you can share your time with.

For more information on Isle of Palms real estate, contact us today. 

All of us get stressed out every now and then, but did you know that where you live matters in regard to stress? In one study conducted in 2008 by the American Psychological Association, 2000 adults were polled across the country, and the differences in stress levels were amazing. It makes sense given the characteristics of some cities. A resident of New York City or any other quick paced Northeastern city will have a different personality than say someone from Atlanta or Portland. And having as little stress in your life is important.

High stress levels are linked with a whole host of different ailments, including a damaged cardiovascular system, high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression and more. Stress produces inflammation in the body. While a little bit of stress is necessary, too much can prematurely age you and put you at risk of all of these conditions. For these reasons and more, you want to pick a location to live where you can relax and maximize your happiness. Here's why you might want to look into Charleston real estate:

It's right by the beach: If you were to download a meditation app or view a guided meditation video, one of the images you'll often see is that of the beach. There's nothing like a day on the beach, and the calming waves and cool breeze can do wonders for your stress levels. Bonus points if you run on the beach. Exercise has constantly been shown to reduce stress levels.

It's relatively cheap to live: Compared to the cities in the Northeast or West, Charleston is a relative bargain. If you're talking about causes of stress, money is surely up there on the list. In Charleston, you can live like a king in comparison to Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York or Chicago.

There's hardly any traffic: Researchers can indicate how stressed you are by how long your commute is. If you're on the road for more than an hour a day, you're more at risk for all of those bad conditions mentioned above. Charleston is less congested than most cities in the country, so you won't have to spend all of your free time in your car.

A Wave and a Smile: More than anything else, people find relaxation when they move to Charleston because of its residents. You won't find a friendlier bunch than the people you'll meet in Charleston. Anyone you come across on the street will greet you with a smile and hello, and they're always looking to extend a helping hand.

If you're looking to relax, there are few better places than the city of Charleston. 

It's never too early to get started looking for things to do in the holidays. Now that summer is over and we can officially celebrate pumpkin lattes and the return of cardigans, we can now get ready for the best time of the year: the holiday season. If you're a fan of the holidays and you're looking for a place that fosters the wonderment and joyousness of the time, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place than Charleston, South Carolina. Here are some jolly good reasons you might want to look into real estate in Charleston, SC.

Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble: You know you're going to eat a lot on the big day, so why not get a little exercise with friends beforehand? Located each year at Marion Square, the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble is ran by over 6,000 runners on Thanksgiving to give them the opportunity to burn some calories before they gorge themselves on stuffing and gravy a few hours later. It's also a great time spent with friends, and there are a variety of activities for non-runners, including face painting, live music and a beer tent.

Buy Local Month: The heart of Charleston, South Carolina is our small businesses. Therefore, to support and celebrate them, Low Country created Buy Local Month, a month-long series of events and promotions designed to encourage people to shop and eat locally. Some of the events include the King Street Holiday ShopMob and the Buy Local Bash. You can start your shopping on November 15^th and it runs all of the way until December 15^th, so you'll have ample time to get your Christmas shopping done.

Holiday Festival of Lights: If you live or are planning to move to the Charleston area, you cannot go through the Christmas season without visiting the Holiday Festival of Lights at least once. Located in James Island County Park, there are over two million lights lit around the three mile drive through the park. If you're not in the mood to drive, you can climb aboard the train that goes around the park for a small fee. In addition to the lights, there are gingerbread homes, marshmallow roasts, photos with Santa and more. The Holiday Festival of Lights runs from November 8^th to the end of the year.

Getting excited about the holidays yet? This is just a small sample of the events that make Charleston, SC a great place to live, especially during the holidays. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Charleston is the type of city that people visit once and can't wait to go back to and stay at – forever. As a result, Charleston real estate is consistently booming. There are, as with all cities, many different neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics and personality. If you're looking to purchase a home in Charleston, use this guide to help pick the perfect area for you.

Historic District

Any picture you've ever seen of Charleston has most likely been taken in this part of the city. It is filled with vibrantly painted row homes, breathtaking parks, and cobblestone streets. The city's best restaurants are also located here. So, if your wallet can handle it and you don't mind bumping into some tourists, then the Historic District might be a great place to purchase a home.

North Charleston

If you're looking to be a part of Charleston without being in the middle of it all, then North Charleston is a great place to start your search. This section of the city is becoming very popular with people in their late twenties to early thirties, as well as young families. People that aren't able to afford the Historic District of the city usually turn to North Charleston, due to the proximity. 

French Quarter

Technically, the French Quarter is a part of the Historic District, though some people aren't aware of this because of the decidedly unique character of this sub-section. As with the rest of the district, you are still going to get a home near great restaurants and beautiful sites. The best part about the French Quarter is that there isn't as much foot traffic and it's much quieter. This is a great option for people looking to remain a few blocks away from all of the Charleston action.

Mount Pleasant

Located on the "other side" of the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant is predominately residential, making it a great place to raise a family. Located just outside of the attractions of the city, the area is not far enough away to make the commute a nightmare, but offers some space for people who want to let their kids play outside.

Upper King

This is the trendiest section of the city and is best known for being the home to many of the hottest bars, boutiques, and coffee shops. Since the College of Charleston is located here, this area is filled with all of the traditional college town accoutrements. 

Since Charleston real estate can be vastly different in each section of the city, be sure to check out a couple of the neighborhoods. There's certainly a home for everyone in this great South Carolina town, so don't rest until you've found a place that you can call home!