With 2017’s summer travel season about to reach its peak months, millions of Americans will soon go by plane, train or car to vacation destinations both at home and abroad. Moreover, tourism industry experts say this economic engine is a financial boost for local economies. Indeed, the massive annual influx for those few months where beautiful weather and inviting beaches really do perfectly complement each other. One such destination where guests can seek refuge from a bustling beach town while still have easy access to the sands and water is Isle of Palms, located in beautiful South Carolina. This city in Charleston County borders the Atlantic Ocean and is just a short drive from Charleston itself, which offers environmental, historical and leisurely opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. Those vacationing on the nearby Isle of Palms will appreciate the easy access to the ocean for fishing, swimming and boat tours.

Prospective travelers researching vacation rentals Isle of Palms SC should be pleased to hear that local government officials in the region are already getting ready for the tourist season by making much-needed repairs. According to The Post and Courier, beaches in the Charleston area are being rebuilt in the wake of last year’s Hurricane Matthew. Moreover, Isle of Palm’s mayor told the newspaper that beach renourishment is going on there, too, and is being boosted by $15 million in state financial aid. All told, the replenishment project will move some 1.4 million cubic yards of sand back into Isle of Palms beaches, according to the report, which adds that further improvement projects could be carried out in fall 2017.

Vacationing in South Carolina is both popular and profitable: Popular for tourists because of the variety of local attractions and amenities; profitable for local businesses and the state itself as outside dollars are spent in South Carolina and remain there to boost up the economy. According to a 2016 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism release, everything from admission tax collections to South Carolina State Park Service revenue and hotel occupancy were on the rise over recent years. For more information on renting a vacation property in Isle of Palms, visit carolinaonerealestate.com.

More people are looking for Isle of Palms real estate these days, and that means more competition when making a bid. So how do you make a bid that is high enough to get accepted, low enough to have no regrets, and leaves you with the money you'll need for repairs? Here are some tips from us at Carolina One:

Go with the facts, not your feelings

It's easy to fall in love with a house, and in theory that's the home you should buy. After all, you'll be happiest there, right? Well, that's not necessarily true if you overpay or turn a blind eye to expensive repairs that need to be done. When dealing with real estate, it's best to make decisions squarely based on the facts, and to tread very carefully if you find yourself falling head over heels from for a place. To make an intelligent bid, you have to be willing to (potentially) lose the house in question rather than overpay. There is enough beautiful Isle of Palms real estate that if you miss out on one house, you will find another.

Hire a home inspector—and ask them questions

For most buyers, hiring a home inspector is standard practice, and for good reason. An inspector represents a minor up-front cost for you (usually about $200) but can give you valuable information on the condition of the home and potential future (or existing) problems that you might not have noticed on your own. However, you'll learn more if you accompany your inspector on the walk through and ask questions as you go. Bear in mind that inspectors have a standard checklist, and it's as important to ask what they do and don't look for as it is to get the results themselves. All of this information will help inform a good bid.

Verify the property boundaries

One thing that can turn a dream house into a nightmare is if the property boundaries are wrong, if neighbors misunderstand them, or if there is a dispute. Take the extra time to go out and look for the property marker. Do fences or boundaries align with it? Do the real lot dimensions match what the listing says? Are there any active disputes with neighbors? These are things you can confirm before you offer a price.

Don't lowball (usually)

The big myth among home buyers is that you should start low. That's true, but go too low and you're just going to lose the house to someone else. Sellers know what the house is worth at least as well as you do, and in most market conditions they just aren't going to go for a lowball offer. That said, if you have good reason to go low (such as a major flaw found in the inspection) or if the house has been on the market a long time, it's worth a try.

If you have other questions about the bidding and buying process, contact us at Carolina One today! Our expert real estate agents have the experience to help you get the home of your dreams – for a price you can handle. 

Isle of Palms real estate is one of those few areas where you know you're making a good investment. With its close proximity to Charleston, SC, and yet its wide open spaces and fresh sea breezes, Isle of Palms is on the rise. However, while any property in the area is likely to appreciate strongly, that doesn't mean any old property will be right for you. Here are three big things to consider as you look at Isle of Palms real estate to make sure you get your money's worth and are happy with your purchase.

1. Age and condition

This is a major factor on the isle because there are a range of homes from different time periods, and they offer different pros and cons. Many of the homes on the islands were built in the mid-twentieth century, as far back as the 1940s. Obviously, buying homes of this age can have drawbacks because they will have started to show wear and tear and many have been through multiple phases of remodeling. They will also tend to be smaller. However, if you can find a mid-century home in good condition, it can be a steal, because houses back then were built with many quality materials and a lot of charm (they also tend to have more mature landscaping). Most buyers, however, will be looking at much newer constructions from the 1970s onward or even the past fifteen years. In these homes, it's important to look at the construction materials, including the walls, siding, roofing, and fixtures such as sinks. Were these chosen with quality and durability in mind or are they "ticky tacky"? A focus on high-quality construction may cost a little more now, but can help you to avoid major repair costs later. 

2. Is this enough space? 

One error that many buyers make, especially young couples, is to buy something on the small side in order to keep costs down. While you always want to stay within your budget, bear in mind that your need for space will only grow over time. For most couples, this will mean having kids (or more kids than you currently have), which will require more space. Today's toddlers will also grow up to be tomorrow's teenagers, and the whole family will be thankful for a little more space and privacy. 

3. Location

It's hard to go wrong with location on Isle of Palms, since it's a safe community with a lot of beautiful spaces. However, do consider your interests when buying. If you love windsurfing or kayaking, a five minute walk to the beach is a lot better than a fifteen minute drive. If you have a family, you may want to be within walking distance of the local school and playgrounds.

What draws you to Isle of Palms? What are you looking for in a home there? Call or contact us at Carolina One Real Estate for more information about our listings in beautiful Isle of Palms!

Ask anyone who has ever visited South Carolina and they will tell you what a remarkable state it is. People fall in love with this state because of its southern charm, long and varied history, and perfect climate. South Carolina has many great cities to consider relocating to, but below are the top places to call home. Check out Charleston, Columbia, Goose Creek, and Isle of Palms real estate to find your next home sweet home.

• Charleston – Charleston is famous for its rich history and beautiful architecture. While people visit for the weather and sightseeing, they stay for the incomparable shopping, restaurants, and friendly people. This is such a great place that it has ranked time and time again as a top United States city by Condé Nast Traveler. Check out one of the many plantations in the area, dine on shrimp and grits at a local eatery, or check out the spectacular views of the bay from the Battery. You'll fall in love with everything from the neoclassical columns to the palmettos.

• Columbia – The capital of South Carolina, the city houses the University of SC, the largest University in the state. This city is also known as the business hub of the state, as a large number of companies call it and its environs home. The city also has an interesting history, having been the place of the state's official succession from the Union during the Civil War. A great deal of the city was burned down by Sherman during the conflict.

• Goose Creek – If you are relocating to South Carolina with a family, then you should check out Goose Creek. This town is well known for their great schools, gorgeous landscapes, and family-friendly vibe. Goose Creek is also great for those who love the outdoors, since it features many biking and hiking trails.

• Isle of Palms – If you are looking for property that is some of the most beautiful and exclusive in all of South Carolina, then Isle of Palms is for you. This lovely beach community is located only 20 miles from historic Charleston, and offers famous sports clubs, hiking and biking, a public park, and pristine seclusion formed by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic. If you do choose to relocate here, remember to invest in a home with at least one guest room -- you know people are going to be visiting you in this seaside haven. 

If you are looking for the perfect place to explore and relax, South Carolina is for you. The state is one of the few in the nation that hasn't been negatively hit by the economy and, as a result, there are many jobs and beautiful homes for the taking. After thinking about what you're looking for, decide what area interests you the most and look into Charleston, Columbia, Goose Creek, or Isle of Palms real estate. All of these towns have something for everyone and you will be able to relocate easily.

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. 

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. 

With a scenic setting and an abundance of things to do, Isle of Palms real estate presents a unique option for leisurely living on the central coast of South Carolina. Resale values are holding steady due to the high quality and lovely setting of this real estate. Let us help you to learn more about this friendly and engaging community on the Atlantic!

Location

Just 20 minutes away from Charleston, recreation and scenic views add to this picturesque and unforgettable island setting.

History and Geography

As a barrier island circled by a salt marsh, nature abounds in this historic landscape. The first European settlers here were the English; they were preceded by the Seewee Indians, who were there to greet them upon their arrival. Pirate legends are also are intricately woven into the fabric of the island. Originally called Hunting Island, Isle of Palms got its present name after a purchase by J.S. Lawrence in 1899. After this time, wealthy citizens flocked to the island and, in 1972, Wild Dunes resort was built to cater to visitors.

A haven from the busy city, the Isle of Palms area offers its unique charm and history to those who choose to live there.

Recreation

Ball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, biking and hiking paths and beautiful sandy beaches offer a wealth of recreational opportunities to residents. Six miles of beach and Front Beach County Park provide endless days of family fun by the sea.

Small Town Community

With the ambiance of a small town, this picturesque community attracts visitors as well as residents. Two shopping centers and a grocery store serve the needs of all, and a hospital and bank can be found at nearby Mount Pleasant. Sullivan's Island is just across the inlet and offers fine schools to the children of the area.

Now is the time to consider Isle of Palms real estate and discover why this extraordinary barrier island holds such universal appeal. At Carolina One, we can assist you in finding the ideal property here, so contact us today!

Isle of Palms is a gorgeous, upscale community located about 10 miles outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Waterfront locations and gracious floor plans make Isle of Palms real estate an excellent investment option as a second home. In order to select the ideal property for your unique needs, carefully weigh all of the options that vacation homes in this distinctive area provide.

Isle of Palms real estate includes both condominiums and single-family homes: either can be a smart choice and deciding based on your personal preferences can help you to make the right decision. A condominium features smaller square footage, but maintenance will be easier, especially since the grounds are usually handled by the staff; a single-family home grants more privacy and increased square footage, but you will be completely responsible for the property.

You should plan to visit at least ten to fifteen properties before coming to a decision. Looking at homes that are within, above, and below your target price range can even be a good idea, as it will provide you with a thorough picture of the value of real estate in the area. From there, you can narrow the choices by setting aside some time to talk to the current residents in each potential neighborhood. Locals can typically provide valuable insight about what living in Isle of Palms is really like and may also be in the know about any changes that are coming to the community.

Before making a purchase, consider how the property will be utilized in the off season. If the property will be a vacation retreat for you, will it be rented out at other times? Isle of Palms is such a popular destination that a rental property can help to turn a tidy profit for you or at least pay the mortgage. Also, whether the home will be a rental for part of the year or not, you will have to decide how to care for the home when you are not in residence.

Isle of Palms real estate often comes with nice perks like community swimming pools and on-site gyms. Call or e-mail us at Carolina One today to learn about the beautiful and distinctive properties that are available in this seaside retreat.

Isle of Palms is an ideal location for a purchase in the current market, and the resort community has long been known for its friendly atmosphere and inviting weather. Supposedly, when the area was first visited by the English, the native Seewee tribe swam out to the waiting ships and invited the newcomers to shore. The city is still known for its hospitality, and numerous vacation homes and permanent residences dot the surrounding landscape. Buyers are sure to find the luxurious house or condo that meets their family's needs, and all of the modern conveniences are standard in most properties.

Since the barrier island is located just off the coast from Charleston, residents can take advantage of a relaxed atmosphere that provides the best of city living. Isle of Palms real estate is a great investment buy, and many owners rent their vacation homes out during the summer while enjoying holidays at the beach during the winter. This allows them to pay their mortgage and have a free place to stay during the offseason.

While many property owners rent their properties out, others fall in love with the warm, sandy beaches and decide to make the Isle of Palms their new place of residence. In addition to the barrier island's numerous beaches, the city has lots of parks and public recreation areas that are ideal for parents with young children. During the Christmas season, the Holiday Festival of Lights is a unique event and source of community pride. The spring draws visitors from around the area to the East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival, and the summer provides ample outdoor concerts in a warm and friendly setting.

Since the housing market is showing signs of recovery and interest rates are at historic lows, purchasing Isle of Palms real estate is a great way to relocate, buy a first home or take advantage of investment property in a world-class destination.

Unlike many other popular seaside communities on the East Coast, here in Isle of Palms, we take great pride in the natural splendor we've been blessed with. Of course, that's not to say that other areas don't feel similarly about their own communities. It's just that we really put our money where our mouths are by taking responsibility for our hometown environment.

Isle of Palms real estate has long provided the perfect hidden getaway community for people who love nature, and our shared attitude is a big part of the reason why. Sure, we feel that tourism is important, and we know it helps our local economy, but it nonetheless comes secondary to the fact that we know we're not the only ones living here. In addition to the many humans who call the area home and love to visit, there are millions of different creatures who all depend on the stability of the natural environment for their survival.

The beautiful sand dunes here aren't just popular with sightseers. Every year, thousands of loggerhead sea turtles make their nests in our welcoming sands, and recent numbers are higher than they've been for decades. This is a direct result of the fact that local communities have begun taking greater interest in the areas around them.

We recognize that the things we do here affect many creatures large and small, so we take steps to ensure we have a positive influence. Even though the area is home to huge industrial centers and manufacturing firms, it remains clean because we're huge lovers of community stewardship and educational programs. These efforts help ensure that even the youngest children who live here understand how they can make a difference in the world. Our communities grow stronger because their members take pride in the good work they do, and we all get to enjoy nicer surroundings as a result. Isle of Palms real estate is situated in a place like no other, and whether you move here or just visit, you'll quickly see why we work so hard to maintain its natural beauty and take great pride in the area.