The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Charleston, South Carolina as the no. 1 city in the U.S. and if that award wasn’t enough, it was also voted second-best city in the world. The accolades, which were released on July 11, 2017, mark the fifth consecutive year that the city has been named the best in the country. According to the Travel + Leisure article, Charleston is a “rare destination” that “totally lives up to the hype.” Among its attractions that keep visitors pleased are 18^th and 19^th century homes, cobblestone streets, eateries worthy of the hype as well as family-owned small businesses and boutiques. According to the magazine, factors that went into the judging process included sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. The readers of Travel + Leisure -- who have put Charleston in the top spot each year since 2013 -- were able to vote in the 2017 survey from November 2016 through March 6 of this year. Those looking to learn more about the results should pick up the August 2017 issue of the magazine.

According to The Post and Courier, this year’s honor comes amid an already strong tourism boom. More than five million people visited the historic South Carolina destination annually in recent years and the economic impact of all that foot traffic is $3.7 billion plus 41,000 jobs, the report adds. The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau told the newspaper that the rankings “continue to positively impact tourism, the number one economic driver to the Charleston area.” The report adds that Charleston in 2015 updated its tourism management plan to better address the "the equilibrium between residential life and tourism activity."

With such repeated successes on display, prospective homeowners looking for a Charleston real estate guide would do well to research the sections of the city or state that will best fit their needs. Whether you’re looking for property in Charleston proper or researching the relaxing confines of Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach, those looking to join the ever-growing population of this southern destination will certainly be pleased with their options. By trusting a local real estate company with your search for prime real estate, you’ll be aided by the many combined years of experience that local realtors have and are ready to share with you.

Each month, more than a quarter million Americans will turn the age of 65. This is typically the magic number when people start thinking about retirement, and some will also consider whether to downsize to save on space and money. Downsizing can offer tremendous benefits to a newly retired couple, especially if they are considering moving to a retirement hotspot like Charleston, SC.

One is obviously the amount of space needed. Ten or fifteen years ago, four bedrooms may have been necessary if there were a few children running around and others living at home. Now, all of that space may be unnecessary. Unused space requires maintenance and only forces an individual or couple to spend extra money on energy costs and taxes. In addition to that, those who are retiring may want to go somewhere else when they retire for lifestyle reasons, proximity of family, and cost of living.

If You Are Thinking about Downsizing Whether You Stay Nearby or Move, Should You Rent or Buy?

So you're ready to move out of the family home and get a small place on the beach in Isle of Palms or somewhere else to enjoy your retirement years. You'll now want to consider whether you would like to purchase the property or rent it out. In truth, there is no simple answer here, and each situation will be different. However, here are some questions you may want to ask your agent or accountant to help you make the best decision possible:

Do you like the idea of home ownership? If you have owned a home for many years, it may be a bit of shock if you start renting. You like to have complete control over your property, and you don’t mind taking care of small repairs. For others, though, the idea of never having to worry about a repair or upkeep costs can be a relief.  Each has its positives and negatives, and you should certainly consider these points as you make your decision

Which will be more expensive? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to expense. You usually have to put more upfront when you buy. However, you can also benefit from certain tax deductions, including mortgage interest and property taxes. When you rent, though, you don't have to worry about most repair expenses and some utilities may be free. However, again, you are not building equity and rent may be higher than a mortgage payment for the same home.

Do you plan on remaining in the new property for a few years? The initial costs of purchasing a home can be expensive depending on how much you want to put down as well as the closing costs involved. And don't forget about the home inspection and any initial repairs or upgrades you may need to make as well. Typically these costs are offset in a few years by the equity you build, but if you plan on leaving before then, you may want to rent instead.

Are you looking at houses in South Carolina? Contact one of our agents today, and we can help you find a fantastic place to call home –whether you decide to rent or buy. 

When you are moving to the Charleston, SC area and looking for real estate, you'll have a lot of decisions to make. You'll be trying to find a good value for your money, enough space for everyone, quality school systems, and many other things. However, the first thing you'll have to consider is whether or not you want to live in the city or in one of the many suburbs. If you have kids, don't like being kept up at night by loud city noises, like to garden, or appreciate fresh air and breathing room, then a suburb is the way to go.

But which one? There are many suburbs around Charleston, each with its own unique personality and advantages. At Carolina One, we want you to make an informed decision when choosing a new home. In this blog, we'll go over the pros and cons of four of the most popular Charleston suburbs to help you narrow the search.

Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant has a lot going for it. It's a large town of over 60,000 people (big enough to be considered a city itself), most of whom commute to Charleston – and for good reason. Mt. Pleasant is the closest to Charleston of any of the suburbs listed here, at only about 3 miles at the shortest point (though it can be ten miles or more, depending on where you work in the city and what side of Mt. Pleasant you live on).

As such a large town, the area has many amenities and attractions, and offers easy access to the beach through smaller adjacent towns like Sullivans Island and Isle of Palms. However, the ease of commute and the fact that this town was named one of the top places to live in the U.S. does mean that it costs a bit more. The median home value here is about $382,000*, the most expensive of the four locations that we are detailing here. However, if you have the money, the varied community and ease of access are well worth it.

Goose Creek

Goose Creek is about 20 minutes northwest of North Charleston and about 30 minutes northwest of the downtown area, depending on traffic of course. It is a little over half the size of Mt. Pleasant, population-wise, at 36,000 residents, and offers a quaint, small-town vibe that it has retained despite its burgeoning population. The home values in this town are among the lowest of any Charleston area suburb, at a median of about $171,000, so if you are looking for an affordable place that's not too far from the city and offers a vibrant local community, Goose Creek is a great option! They also boast a highly-rated school system and a number of festivals and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Summerville

Summerville is known locally for its beautiful flowers and pine trees and, in the past, was a well-recognized summer retreat and spa town for city dwellers looking to escape the mosquitoes and heat. It's located just a bit further away than Goose Creek – taking about 35 minutes to get to from downtown Charleston – and has about the same population as well (about 3,000 fewer). The town boasts loads of historic buildings, easy access to plantations and gardens, and lots of shopping in picturesque village areas. Summerville is also similar to Goose Creek in terms of home value, as the median here is roughly $184,000, making it a good choice for new families or couples.

Johns Island

Johns Island is the least populous of the suburbs on our list, at only about 20,000 people. However, this lack of buzz means that the island is peaceful and has retained a great deal of its natural beauty. Many of the vistas are of tidal creeks and backwater, with the homes here nestled among them.

All of this is surprising, since Johns Island is located at a cozy ten to fifteen minute drive from the downtown area of Charleston. Again, however, the closer you are, the more you pay. While the median home values here are a little lower than those of Mount Pleasant, at about $227,000, they exist in less abundance. In other words, there are simply fewer homes here, but if you can nab one for a reasonable price, you will always love the view! Also, with a number of empty lots available here, the island is an ideal location in which to build your dream home.

If you want more information on these or the other suburbs of Charleston, contact us today at Carolina One Real Estate! Our expert real estate agents will guide you towards the right property for your budget and preferences.

*All median values as of 2013. 

Real estate in Charleston, SC is attracting a lot of interest at the moment and for good reason. But is Charleston really the right place to buy? At Carolina One, we think so, and it's paying off for many homebuyers already. Here are five advantages to buying in Charleston:

Great suburbs

Charleston is unique among major East Coast metropolises because it still has so many accessible, first-ring suburbs. Many of these suburbs grew up from what were originally holiday towns where wealthy Charlestonians would summer in the 1800s. That means many are still built around historic town centers and cute downtowns, while spreading slowly in careful, scenic developments. While price ranges vary from ultra-luxury manors to affordable middle class dream homes, all of these suburbs tend to be safe, have strong local schools and easy access to Charleston. Commute time is as little as ten minutes and rarely more than 30.

A thriving downtown

Charleston has a beautiful downtown with a mix of historic buildings, rehabilitated old industrial structures and modern structures that give it a very cosmopolitan feel. There's a thriving nightlife with lots of cultural centers, art events, bars and restaurants and music venues. Southern hospitality remains alive in Charleston and many of the restaurants mix traditional charm and warmth with bold new flavors and world influences. You're not going to get bored living in Charleston.

Close to nature

There are few cities in the U.S. where you can go from a bustling urban Downtown to an untouched forest or pristine beach in just fifteen minutes. The land around Charleston consists of rivers, tidal pools, traditional countryside, ancient pines and colossal live oaks. There are wildlife refuges, public parks, and scenic drives. Charlestonians never want for fresh air.

The job market

One of the most important things to consider when settling down in a city is future career prospects. While other Southern cities were floundering, Charleston was busy expanding into new markets including an ever-growing tech industry. Generally, Charleston enjoys a low level of unemployment and a continuous stream of new investment.

The home market

Of course, a home is an investment and the biggest financial factor to consider when buying is the value of the home itself. The general wisdom in the Charleston real estate market is "get in on the ground floor." The beautiful, nearby suburbs will not be affordable forever and properties in the developing downtown will only appreciate. Buying now means a great profit later.

There are many other reasons to buy in our beautiful area of South Carolina. If you think Low country life might be for you, check out our listings at Carolina One!

These days it's increasingly possible to get access to a Charleston, SC MLS, especially through your realtor. That means you have unprecedented browsing power as a buyer—but also way more options to dig through. Here are three tips for getting the most out of our MLS at Carolina One:

1.  Keep an open mind

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they browse the MLS is to go in with a very strict idea of what they want and stick to it. Your budget may be firm, but other factors don't have to be. One of the great things about modern MLS systems is that they let you browse and search using a variety of factors, such as neighborhood, number of baths, asking price, etc. This adds convenience, but it can also trip you up if you never see the home of your dreams because it was missing that extra half bath or had one bedroom more than you expected. Try relaxing your parameters and check as few boxes as possible—or look in neighborhoods outside your number one preference. It may also help to relax your price consideration, since it will give you a better idea of what kinds of houses go for different prices in your market. And remember, price can always be negotiated.

2.  Combine with Google Maps

The MLS will give you anywhere from over 50 pictures of a home to none at all, and the pictures you get can be of varying quality, depending on the way that they were taken. While most will have a lot of images of the outside of the home, the inside, and the property at large, a few might not include a certain feature that is really important to you; others may simply be too dark to show you some of the details. But the biggest problem with some MLS pictures is that they rarely show you the surrounding neighborhood—which is what you will see every day as you come home. For a better look, open up Google Maps and look at each address first in Map view (to see surrounding businesses) and then in Street View mode. Street View will let you get a glimpse at your neighbors' houses, the front of the house in question, and the general vibe of the area. Just remember that Street View images can be several years out of date.

3.  See it in person

While browsing the MLS helps you to prepare, only a walk-through really tells you whether a house is right for you. Use the MLS to make a short list—ideally at several price points—then ask the realtor to do a showing of each one. They may also have further recommendations based on the type of property you like.

How do you look for Charleston property? Call or contact us at Carolina One for additional information about any of our properties and the neighborhoods surrounding them!

Are you ready to find your dream home in the Charleston, South Carolina area? Maybe you've recently gotten engaged and are now searching for the perfect home to settle down and raise a family in. Or perhaps you've landed your dream job in Charleston and need a home that's closer to work. Whatever the case, you'll find that Charleston has a home for everyone and Carolina One can help you find it! Here are some of our recommendations for simplifying and speeding up the search process:

1.  Set a budget – Before you even begin looking at homes for sale in Charleston, South Carolina, you should set a budget. What is the absolute maximum amount you are willing or able to spend? Chances are, you won't be able to pay the full cost of the home up front, which means that you will have a mortgage to pay. Make sure that you can afford the mortgage and all that comes with it, in addition to your other bills. For instance, you'll have to pay for homeowner's insurance, all of the utilities, the Internet/cable package, any repairs, any new fixtures or appliances, etc. – and we haven't even mentioned your car payments, grocery bills, and other life expenses. Remember to factor all of these things in when coming up with a budget. Once you know what you can afford, you'll be able to search specifically for homes that fall directly within your range.

2.  Identify your needs – Sure, that home with four bedrooms may look beautiful but, if there are only going to be two people living in the home, is it really necessary? The answer could be yes or no: if you're planning to expand your family in the near future, then it could still be viewed as a wise investment; however, if you have no intentions to expand your family, it may be more space than you need. Remember, the bigger the home, the more it will cost. On the other hand, don't purchase a home that is too small for your current and future needs simply because it is cheaper. You'll never be able to really enjoy your home if you're constantly crammed for space. Be sure to carefully analyze your living situation and plans before making a final decision about which home to purchase.

3.  Browse a good Charleston real estate guide – After you set your budget and identify your needs, you'll be ready to search through our Charleston real estate guide for the right home. Our superior guide will offer a comprehensive listing of the available homes in the area, and detailed information about each property. Most of the listings should also come with photos, so that you can get a feel for the house before you visit or request a tour. Lastly, our real estate guide includes easy contact information so that you can get more details and schedule a showing.

Trying to find your dream home in the Charleston, South Carolina area or have you recently been through the process? What are your thoughts?

Finding houses for rent in Charleston, SC has gotten easier but there’s still a big difference in quality from one to the next. If you’re looking at renting a house, it’s important to get one you’ll be happy with—including the home itself and the people running it. Here are a few aspects to look for to find a rental house you’ll love:

Location

Renting a house is a great chance to try out a new neighborhood or to get closer to the center of Charleston’s night life. Good house rental companies should have a variety of properties in all kinds of neighborhoods, from trendy areas to quiet suburbs. This means you have a wide selection to choose from and should take the time to decide which area is right for you. Consider also how long of a commute you want—saving even 30 minutes a day is a good way to give yourself more free time for relaxing, socializing with friends, or working on projects that matter to you.

Air Conditioning

This may seem like a minor point, but if you’ve been through a Charleston summer, you know it’s not. It’s surprising how many houses in Charleston still don’t have central AC or any AC at all. If there’s even a chance you’re going to be renting through the summer then consider it a priority to get a rental house with air conditioning. You’ll be glad you did.

Professional management

Now we’re getting into the nitty gritty. Houses for rent in Charleston, SC come in all different shapes and sizes, and so do the companies that run them. Generally, if you want a trouble-free experience you’re going to want to rent a house that is run by a professional management company. Real estate offices often rent houses and typically contract reliable management to make it hassle free for everybody on both sides. This can be a good place to start your search, but no matter how you find your rental house, make sure there is a dedicated building manager whom you can easily contact when needed.

A focus on amenities

Not everybody wants the same amenities in a rental house, but a good rental company will have a focus on providing as many as possible. High speed wireless Internet may be a must for some people, while a luxurious bathtub might matter to others. Look around a prospective rental house and ask yourself: are they putting my comfort first?

What else do you look for in a rental house?

Charleston’s real estate market is strong again but as in any market, a little bit of prep and TLC can dramatically increase the value of your home. Unfortunately, it can also seem overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Before you get your house listed in the Charleston real estate guide, here are the steps to take to get it ready (without making yourself crazy):

Start with landscaping. We all know about curb appeal and yet homeowners often save landscaping upgrades for last. However, these are the first things you should tackle because even just a few weeks of growth can help new landscape elements look at home in your yard. Likewise, many landscaping treatments will take multiple applications over several weeks to take effect. Give the yard what it needs and watch it green up while you take care of other projects inside.

Consider repairs based on cost and benefit. Chances are good that you can come up with a long list of dream repairs that would really add value to your house. But remember, you have lived there for years without having all these improvements, which means they can’t all be mission critical—and repairs or upgrades can be very costly. To narrow down the list, consider the estimates cost of each (get multiple quotes for big projects) and the impact it will have on the perceived value of the home. In other words, putting in a heated floor in the bathroom may not be that important if you’re selling your home in August, but getting that central AC sure will be.

Limit repainting. Repainting is inexpensive compared to other repairs and it can have a big effect on how the home looks. However, it’s also time consuming and stressful, and heavily depends on personal taste. No sooner do you get rid of that bright orange room to make it a nice neutral white than a buyer comes through considering which shade of green to repaint it to. Ask your realtor for their opinion on which rooms absolutely need a paint job, and leave the rest alone.

A thorough cleaning/decluttering is a must. Decluttering is something you’re going to need to do before moving anyway, so get an early start and make your house look spacious and breezy.

What else would you do to prep your house for sale?

Any good Charleston real estate guide will tell you that finding the right home is all about making a good investment. That doesn't mean it's easy to make the final choice, however. After all, any monetary advantage that you get will mean nothing if you are miserable in your own house. Here are three tips from Carolina One to guide you in the home-buying process—and help you end up with a place you'll be happy with in the long run.

1.  Location is still everything – The old adage never fails in real estate because, over time, the homes in the best locations tend to appreciate more than the rest of the market. But choosing a good location is about more than just making a great investment (as important as that is): it's about your happiness. If you want seclusion and a view of nature, you're not going to be happy surrounded by a bustling neighborhood, but Isle of Palms might be for you. And similarly, if you want access to great shopping and restaurants, you won't be happy with a 30 minute drive to get to them, but the Wagener Terrace neighborhood might be ideal. What counts as a good location will depend very much on your preferences—do you want to live in a hip neighborhood, or a peaceful suburb?—but once you know what kind of neighborhood you'd love to live in, you shouldn't compromise. It's better to get a slight fixer-upper in a great locale than a perfect house somewhere you don't like.

2.  Have enough room to grow – In recent years, people have really pared back how much space they look for in a new house, and all in all this is a smart move. However, you should think about both current and future needs when shopping for a home. Obviously, the most common example of this is having enough space for a growing family. That doesn't just mean having enough bedrooms for everyone, but also multiple bathrooms (this makes a huge difference for a family) and a room that can be used for play or family time. Storage needs will also grow along with your family. Remember, an addition or expansion is perhaps the most expensive upgrade you can make to a house, so finding a home that will suit your needs long-term is a must.

3.  Remember that most problems can be fixed – Home buyers, especially first timers, have a tendency to set high expectations that don't always survive the walk-through. Unless you're able to increase your price range, chances are good that you'll have to make at least some compromises in the search for a dream home. Remember that virtually any problem, from kitchen layout to wall color to foundation settling, can be fixed. That doesn't always mean it's cost effective, of course, but if you find yourself saying, "This home would be perfect if only…" it's time to get a quote on making that "if only" come true. If it's less than the cost of seeking a bigger or better home, then it may be worth making the upgrade.

Ready to find your own dream home? Check out a Charleston real estate guide and let the hunt begin!

In the past few years Charleston SC, real estate has gotten a lot of attention, and for good reason. Charleston isn't just a good place to invest; it's a great place to live and work. With an abundance of art and culture and southern hospitality to seal the deal, there's almost nothing about this city that you won't like. Here are five reasons you'll love living in Charleston.

Metropolitan, but charming

With less than 150,000 people in the city proper, Charleston is the king of big but not too big. The soaring downtown, strong local culture and endless nightlife opportunities would have you thinking you're in a giant metropolis, except that this city is cleaner, safer and more affordable than most big cities can dream of. Maintaining its historic charm, Charleston combines the best of old and new, which makes Charleston, SC real estate an excellent option for those who want city living plus peace and quiet.

Great food and drink

Charleston is a food lover's paradise. With both fresh seafood and a strong history of mouth-watering Southern cooking, Charleston has almost endless options for dining that always seem to combine classic ideas in new ways. Shrimp and grits are an undeniable favorite that every local place has their own take on, and South Carolina style barbecue seems to perfectly sear in the flavor of meat without drying it out. There is also a strong trend toward creative new fine dining spots as well, with a New American movement that won't leave you disappointed.

A fabulous art scene

Charleston has become a more sophisticated and vibrant place over the past decades and that includes a burgeoning art scene. Aside from the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art and other fine museums, you'll also discover galleries, local artists, and tons of art events.

The ocean

Charleston enjoys a prime location on one of America's finest sections of shoreline. Aside from the inland beauty of the Low Country, you get all the majesty of the ocean. That includes the aforementioned seafood, as well as a large harbor with options for fishing and boating. But the real lure are the gorgeous white sand beaches just minutes out of town, that offer seemingly endless fun with a very long sunny season.

Property values

While everyone comes to Charleston for a different reason, one thing we can all agree on is that we want our homes to be investments that will pay off. With a number of up-and-coming neighborhoods and a strong economy, Charleston offers amazing opportunities to buy low and one day sell high.

Are you considering buying real estate in Charleston?