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. 

Now that we’re in the middle of fall, many of us in the Northeast and Midwest are beginning to prepare for colder weather and some of the problems that come from this. They include higher frequency of illness, icy roads, snow shoveling, and seasonal affected disorder.  To avoid this, many people who can (such as retirees and those who work from remote) will look into purchasing a vacation home to divide the time this year.

One of the best places to shop for a second home is in the Charleston, South Carolina area. With warm temperatures and a perfect view of the Atlantic all year round, many tourists have come to call Charleston home. And it can be affordable as well. While certainly a luxury, there are many incentives out there to purchase a second home. Let’s take a look at a few of them to show why owning your own piece of Charleston real estate is a great idea.

·         Your loan rate will essentially be the same: According to a Washington Post article published last year, real estate experts who were asked about second home rates said that you could easily get the same rate you would from a principal home. The difference is in the down payment.  While you can put as little as 3.5% down using FHA financing or 5% for commercial financing, you must put at least 10% down for a second home using commercial financing. However, as long as your loan rate is good, your loan rate can be just as low as that of your principal home loan.

·         You’ll get to avoid terrible winters: Depending on where you live, you probably experience winters that aren’t favorable. When you purchase a home in Charleston, you have access to a home that won’t be hindered by many of the bad parts of winters. Charleston winters are generally warmer than other parts of the country, so you can enjoy tennis, walks along the beach and other leisurely activities that require better weather.

·         You’ll experience some of the benefits of a friendly hometown: Most everyone who comes to Charleston, SC will experience friendliness they won’t experience anywhere else. Southern charm isn’t a myth. In addition to great restaurants and beautiful beaches, one of the best benefits of living in Charleston will be knowing who your neighbors are. Those who come call Charleston, SC their second home. You will often find that every person you come across will greet you with a wave and a hello.

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. 

If you're like most people, you want a house that you can call a home. This means having the bare essentials along with a little land for a garden or pool, low property taxes, nice neighbors whom you can invite to barbeques, block parties and birthday celebrations, a quality school system and terrific weather. It's because of this mindset that many prospective homeowners look at real estate in Charleston, SC.  Charleston offers comfortable weather, close proximity to the beach, warm hospitality and low property taxes. However, before you start looking at MLS listings, there are several things you might want to consider first:

How long do you plan on living in the area? If you're thinking about purchasing a home, the first question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you plan to stay for the long-run. While purchasing a home can certainly be a great investment, you should plan on staying a while to make the down payment and moving costs worthwhile.

How much house can you afford? Before you begin looking at Charleston homes, it's important to have an idea of what your price range is. Part of the equation will be the amount of your down payment. Another factor will be property taxes. You generally should not be spending more than 35 percent of your income on your mortgage payments. Although Charleston homes can be very affordable, it's still good to know, so you can pinpoint your search.

When was the last time you checked out your credit? Not knowing your FICO score is a recipe for disaster when you're looking for a new home. Several months before you decide that you want to start a home search, make it a point to look into your and your spouse's credit reports to make sure there aren't any mistakes. Also get your credit score updated. If it's lower than you wish, now is the time to fix it as a lower score will equate to a higher rate.

There's no question that a move to the state of South Carolina can be a terrific transition to the next part of your life: great weather, beautiful beaches and did we mention delicious peaches? By considering these things before you start your search, you'll be able to find the home that you want at a price that you can afford.

Are you ready to purchase a home in the Charleston area? Whether new to the area or a seventh-generation resident, whether this is a first home or just the latest, the things to consider in home buying are similar. After reviewing the newspaper and online listings for Charleston SC homes, one way to narrow down your options is to choose homes of a certain age. Here are a few pros and cons of historic versus new homes.

Landscaping: Different ages of home also come with different landscaping choices. Often, newer properties come with low-maintenance, planned gardens that can even have built-in sprinkler systems on a timer. Older homes can come with stately, mature tree cover. This can shade the home and help keep air conditioning bills down in the summer, and create a pleasant place for kids to play outside during the hot summer months.

History: Historic homes can come with a story that stretches back centuries. As one of the oldest communities in the nation, this means unique building features, potential antiques to be found in basements, attics, and even buried in the yard. Charleston SC homes for sale may have been lived in by statesmen or pirates, belles or scoundrels. It can be great fun discovering the secrets a new historic home can share.

Comforts: What historic homes have in history they may lack in comfort. Air conditioning or even the wiring to install it, grounded electrical wires, leaking pipes, degraded foundations, and crumbling roofs are all risks of a home that hasn't gotten upkeep. Worriers and people who aren't handy may want to consider the security of buying a new home, and knowing things will work.

Uniqueness: Architects tend to build communities these days, and the styles are complementary of all homes in an area. For those who like this, newer communities make a lot of sense. For those who prefer each house to have its own unique style, color, and decorations, an older neighborhood and home will guarantee a home no one will mistake for the neighbors' place.

Renting a vacation property for the summer in South Carolina is a great idea for families and couples who are looking for a great trip that doesn’t cost a lot of money. The following five reasons should be read by anyone thinking about renting real estate in Charleston SC.

1. Save money on meals. One of the main advantages to getting a vacation rental is access to a kitchen. Instead of spending money on meals in restaurants, it will be possible to cook a few simple meals.

2. Get more space than a hotel. In addition to a kitchen, most rentals come with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Put each family member in a separate room.

3. See Charleston at a self-determined pace. Unlike a hotel, most vacation rentals have flexible check-in and check-out times. Families that want to spend all day at the beach don’t have to worry about leaving early or arriving late to get in or out of their hotel on time. There are also no housekeeping services to schedule around, making them ideal for families that have small children who want to take a nap in the middle of the day.

4. Take advantage of the amenities of a rental. Just like many hotels, most vacation rentals provide access to pools, private beaches and a variety of other entertainment activities.

5. Save money over renting a hotel. In the middle of summer, finding a reasonable-priced hotel can be next to impossible. A lot of vacation rentals, however, lower their prices to attract first-time renters.

Renting real estate in Charleston SC is a great way to save money on a vacation while having a great time. It’s possible to have a much better vacation, and most people find they can save a lot of money with a rental.

Selling Charleston SC real estate for the highest price is any owner or investor's goal, and several easy tricks can transform an average property into a stellar home that attracts buyers and commands the highest price. The exterior is the first thing that prospective buyers see, and curb appeal is an integral component of total sale price. Bathrooms are another key draw for most buyers, and a new floor, tub and vanity are cost-effective ways to add value to a home.

Updating Appliances
New appliances that are designed for energy efficiency are another way for sellers to make their Charleston SC real estate more attractive. Today's fridges, freezers and stoves are also designed for maximum usability, and updating a kitchen with matching products is a great way to improve the likelihood of a sale. During the currently tight market conditions, standing out from the competition is essential, and a totally redone kitchen is a great way to meet this challenge. With a host of different textures that work well with any theme, owners and investors can also use appliances to enhance any interior renovations.

Renovating Bathrooms
The home's interior may not be as crucial to a first impression, but an updated bathroom improves a home's resale value and makes it more attractive to all types of buyers. Investing a few dollars in new tile floors is an affordable way to add value to a home, and many handy homeowners finish their own projects over a weekend or two. In addition, new tubs, vanities and counters all complement each other to create a quality look that is sure to sell in any market conditions.

Improving Curb Appeal
Having a crisp exterior is easy for Charleston SC real estate, and the inviting environment is conducive to verdant growth that adds color, height and shade. With an updated landscape, homeowners also create the lasting first impression that attracts buyers and wins them over.

A few easy projects make Charleston SC real estate more desired by buyers, raise the resale value and let buyers seal a quick sale in tumultuous times.

A home in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, is a perfect investment located in a prime vacation destination. Rental properties here are in high demand, as visitors flock to see the place that was voted the Top City in the U.S. in 2012. A summer vacation home in Charleston is a great investment that can be rented out easily when not in use, and with many exciting things to do in the area, there will be no end to the number of people interested.

Our knowledgeable agents can assist you in finding the right property in your preferred location, whether in a historic district or at the beach. Here are some reasons that purchasing Charleston, SC real estate makes sense:

Magnificent Historic District

As the site of the first shot fired at the beginning of the Civil War, as well as a place of strategic importance in the colonial era and the Revolutionary War, Charleston is full of historical significance. The city boasts many historic homes, such as the Middleton Place House Museum, the Nathaniel Russell House (built in 1808), the Heyward-Washington House (built in 1772), and the elegant Edmondston-Alston House (built in 1825), and welcomes the visitors who come to tour them.

Waterfront Park

People love the convenience, tranquility, recreation, views and lounging opportunities presented by this city gem and owning a residence close to the park gives vacationers the ability to walk, run, jog, and bike nearby. Lined by Palmettos and oak trees and sporting a central fountain and a pier from which some of the best sights in the city can be seen, this park offers lovely walks and a charm that suits the old city, despite its more recent construction (1990).

Beaches

Pristine beaches, golf courses and relaxation draw travelers to the area. Such local districts as Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are premier destinations and the perfect location in which to own a vacation home.

Plantations

• Drayton Hall- Built in 1738, Drayton Hall comprises the oldest unrestored plantation and grounds in the country that is open to the public. Surviving the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and the earthquake of 1886, this home is a marvel simply because it has remained standing in more or less the same condition as in the 18^th century.

• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens- Also founded by the Drayton family, parts of the house were built before the Revolution, but much of it was burned in a fire during the Civil War and rebuilt afterwards. Parts of the garden, however, date back as far as the 1680s and are famous for their design elements.

• Middleton Place- A residence and rice plantation, Middleton Place consisted of several buildings constructed throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries and famous formal gardens. The main house was burnt by Union soldiers during the Civil War, but one of the buildings still remains for viewing and the gardens have been restored, as well.

At Carolina One, we can help you find the best summer vacation home to enjoy, rent out, or both! With all of the many activities and attractions in the area, you or your renters will have plenty of reasons to come and to stay.