If you are retiring soon or simply trying to plan ahead, Charleston may be your desired destination. We're not surprised. Our city combines just the right amount of culture and comfortable climate with easy access to everything to attract seniors in droves. However, these are not the only things that you will be thinking about when buying a retirement home for yourself and your spouse. Here are some of the major issues that you should address before making any final decisions:

Mobility

Consider your mobility, now and in the future. You may be really active now but as you age, things that were easy to navigate may become more of a challenge. With that in mind, choose a home that will be easy to get around in once you start to slow down a bit.

This could mean buying a rancher or at least a home with a potential bedroom and full bathroom on the ground floor; it could also mean looking for a walk-in shower so that you don't have to strain yourself getting over a high tub, non-slip floors for safety, lever door handles to avoid arthritis pain, large doorways and open design in case you ever need a walker or other assistance, etc.

Also, give some thought to how you'll get around. Are there senior services or bus routes in the area that can transport you if driving becomes a problem? Make sure that your new home is either near some form of transportation or within walking distance of a number of shops, restaurants, and other locations.

Medical Facilities

Even if you are in perfect health at the moment, aging naturally involves extra medical attention. When the time comes and you need to visit a doctor, clinic or E.R. on short notice, it will be good to have some quality options in your immediate vicinity. Being closer could make a major difference in an emergency, but it will take a lot of the stress out of those regular checkups, as well. 

Friendly, Safe Neighborhoods

Finding a friendly, safe neighborhood is a big part of ensuring a happy, healthy retirement. As you become older, choosing a new community carefully, with safety in mind, will not only protect you from most threats, it will offer you peace of mind. And while, at Carolina One, we're proud to say that our city is a very safe one in general, no place is perfect. When looking for real estate in or around Charleston, SC, visit the districts you are considering and talk to your potential neighbors. They will give you a good indication of the general vibe of an area and how approachable and caring everyone is.

Money

It's important to calculate your post-retirement budget very carefully before you start to look at homes. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you be selling your current home, handing it over to your children, or keeping it to live in for some of the year?
• How much should you factor in for unforeseen expenses, like medical bills and repairs?
• What will the new cost of living be like in your new location? For instance, are groceries and gas more or less expensive where you will be?
• Does the home you are looking at have an updated heating system, or will you need to fix it? This applies to the roof, the electric, etc.
• Will the home be paid off by the time you actually hit retirement?

The answers to all of these questions, along with an estimated future income, will help you to determine your buying power, as well as how much cushion you'll have after retirement. Talk to a financial planner about your possible plans – they can help you to determine a budget based on all of these factors and more.

Visitors

If you're settling on Charleston in the first place, presumably you are doing so with family in mind. If your children and grandkids have a home nearby, that's great! On the other hand, maybe you picked Charleston more for your own convenience and your children are a bit further afield.  Or perhaps they are scattered and you're picking a convenient midway point. No matter what the case, you'll need to decide whether or not you'll be hosting them overnight when choosing a home. They may not want or be able to pay for a hotel every time they visit. Decide how much space you and they will need, how long they would be likely to stay, and whether or not you can afford the extra square footage in the first place.

Hobbies

One of the major problems that people have when they retire is finding things to do. Many seniors will tell you that after working a 9-5 job for 40+ years, doing nothing makes them stir crazy. Because of this, it's crucial that your new home offers some kind of outlet for your energies. This can be something like a large yard with a lot of space for planting a garden or perhaps a work shed in which you or your spouse can take up woodworking, sculpting or painting.

In addition to space for at-home hobbies, your neighborhood should provide easy access to other activities. For instance, look for places with bike paths and parks in the near vicinity, beach access, or perhaps a gym or yoga class that you can walk to. A local art gallery or movie theatre will give you a way to get out and enjoy the arts, or perhaps you can find a nearby bar or restaurant that features live musical acts every week. Look for a location that will keep you engaged with life!

Retirement is complicated, but living in Charleston provides enough rewards to be worth the effort. Contact us at Carolina One Real Estate to start your search!

Are you thinking of buying real estate in Charleston, SC but aren't sure where to start? Charleston is a big city with a vibrant culture, lots of historic buildings, great southern cuisine, and famed parks dotted with palmettos. But every city including this one has its different districts, neighborhoods, and suburbs, and you'll want to have an idea about them before you think about actually moving. In order to narrow your field of research, here are three major things to consider:

Do you want a historic home, or a new one?

This is a big question here because, unlike most cities, Charleston has a lot of both to offer. At first glance, the idea of owning a historic home sounds expensive, but bear in mind that you don't need to own a giant plantation house to live in a historic home. Charleston offers a wide variety of historic properties, including many smaller homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. Expanding your search to the outlying communities will only increase the number of historic structures available, and many of them will bear a lower price tag.

Of course, there are drawbacks to older homes. Many may need substantial renovations or repairs, and the maintenance on a home from the 1800s can simply be costly. The advantage is that you get not only the charm, but also the durability of these old buildings. For instance, plaster walls are sturdy, look nicer, and hold sound and heat better than more modern walls—plus they're more resistant to water damage.

To keep within your budget, you could also split the difference with an early 20^th century home from the 1910s to 1930s. These homes have many of the advantages of older homes in general without the massive upkeep.

Do you want to be close to the night life?

There's a small amount of coveted real estate near Charleston's very active downtown. Increasingly, this consists of condos, lofts, and townhomes. These options can be a great choice for someone who truly enjoys being "in the thick of it" and being able to walk or cycle to work, restaurants, shopping, and cultural events like concerts or gallery openings. Bear in mind, however, that you're paying largely for location and image: the same price tag could get you something much bigger in a different neighborhood.

Do you prefer the suburbs?

Charleston may be the ideal city for the couple or family who want the security and quiet of the suburbs with the close proximity of city life. There are numerous mid-range and high-end suburbs surrounded by rivers, streams, and tidal marshes, often with historic downtowns of their own.

What sort of Charleston area home are you interested in?

Summer is here, and that means one important thing: it's time for vacation! Many of us take the opportunity to go someplace new and fun, and if you are planning to take a trip this year, there is one state you definitely have to go to – and that state is South Carolina.

South Carolina has numerous areas that are worth taking a trip to. After all, Myrtle Beach is known as an exciting city with a pristine Oceanside location that makes it great for seashell enthusiasts and partygoers alike. Ripley's attractions are a blast that many families go there particularly for. Oh, and let's not forget about the famous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. But then, there's Charleston.

Charleston is one of the quintessential centers of culture in the south. Founded by English colonists in 1670, the city grew from a colonial seaport to a wealthy metropolis by the mid-eighteenth century. During the 19^th century, Charleston's economy prospered due to its busy seaport and cultivation of rice, cotton, and indigo.

Things to Do – Golf

If you enjoy golfing, then Charleston is definitely for you (as well as your family members and friends). The Municipal Golf Course is a great way to play 18 holes in less than four hours. The design of this golf course is similar to a traditional early twentieth century course, but with modern upgrades.

Nearby Beaches – Isle of Palms

One of the most popular destinations in Charleston is the Isle of Palms, which is only twenty-four minutes away from downtown Charleston. The Isle of Palms offers excellent beaches and is perfect for a stroll or a swim. After a refreshing swim, you may find yourself getting a bit peckish, so take this opportunity to try some of the great cuisine that the island has to offer. Head to the Boathouse at Breach Inlet and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen to enjoy the best local seafood!

A Cook's Dream

Speaking of which, if the foodie life appeals to you, then Charleston will not disappoint. Sure, there are tons of fabulous restaurants, but the Charleston City Market is the perfect place to find handmade baskets and southern spices for cooking. If you look for houses for rent in Charleston SC, you will love testing your cooking skills with the ingredients found in this part of the city.

The History

For the history lovers, Charleston is home to the Fort Sumter National Monument, which is the location of the official beginning of the Civil War. This is accessible through the Fort Sumter Ferry Terminal on Sullivan Island, which is roughly twenty minutes from downtown Charleston. And don't forget about the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the country (founded 1773), or the many historic plantations in the area.

There is no doubt about it: Charleston is a wonderful vacation location. If you want to take your kids or friends on a trip somewhere, then you should definitely consider Charleston.

Everyone loves Southern Food, but many would argue that no one does it quite like the chefs in the Golden City. After all, it was the first place in the United States to see ingredients like Carolina Gold rice, field peas, sesame seeds, and fried okra, and we all know that traditional recipes are the best ones. Whether you're vacationing in Charleston, new in town, or just looking for a new place to take the family for dinner, we've got some recommendations for you.

Husk
For some genuine Southern American cuisine, you have to take a trip to downtown Charleston to dine at Husk. It's moderately priced, running about $25 per entrée – and after you taste the cornbread, it'll become an instant favorite. With bits of smoky Benton's bacon throughout and served in a hot cast-iron skillet, there's nothing quite like it around. Any of Chef Sean Brock's signature dishes are winners, but be sure to try some of the house-cured ham or the Geechie Boys grits, if you want something traditional yet unique.

Charleston Grill
This is the place to go if you're looking for a special night out. The entrées will run a bit more high-end in terms of cost – about $30 per main course – but it's worth every penny. The atmosphere, as well as the service, is divine and the chef, Bob Waggoner, is award-winning. The contemporary Southern cuisine includes Frogmore stew, grilled wild salmon shine, Maine lobster, and other unexpected twists on classic dishes.

Pearlz Oyster and Raw Bar

If you're looking for an affordable meal, a late-night snack, or plain amazing seafood, Pearlz is the place to go. You can get some oyster shooters after a night out at the bar, as well as other seafood favorites like Crispy Ahi Tuna Rolls, Crab Bruschetta, and Tuna Tacos. Entrees will cost you about $13 per plate.

Slightly North of Broad
Located exactly where it says it is, this restaurant is another moderately-priced establishment for downtown dining. Slightly North of Broad offers "New American" cuisine such as award-winning shrimp and grits, which is peppered with country ham and Andouille sausage. Lunches at this restaurant are particularly affordable, especially if you're looking for something filling and inexpensive. An Express Lunch will get you an entrée plus a soup or salad at fewer than 11 bucks.

Peninsula Grill
This place is worth going to just for their famous dessert: the Ultimate Coconut Cake. Layers upon layers of coconut and cream make for one of the most decadent coconut dishes out there. Dinner runs at around $28 per entrée, and offers outdoor dining and seafood dishes like oysters, caviar, and rainbow trout.

Needless to say, for many, dining is reason enough to opt for some real estate in Charleston, SC. These are just a few of the popular restaurants located within the city limits!

At Carolina One, we deal with people that are looking for different things in the real estate they're interested in. Some are looking for family homes, and others are looking for vacation houses. We have people that are interesting in buying historic homes and others that want the newest structures possible. But despite the differences, there are some mistakes we see across the board. If you're looking for Charleston, SC real estate, try to avoid making some of these common home buying mistakes.

Listening to advice from non-locals

"My father has sold real estate in Virginia for 20 years, and he says that paying any more than _____ for a home is a rip off."

"My friend just bought a home in Columbia, and they only had to pay _____."

We hear variations of these phrases constantly during the home buying process, but a lot of the advice you get from well-meaning, non-local friends and family isn't applicable to the real estate you're looking at. Markets can vary drastically within the state, but the differences in price and expectations in out-of-state areas are staggering. Even people you know that have homes in Charleston might have paid very different prices, since there are a lot of different factors. When you're buying in Charleston, the only advice you should be listening to is from an experienced realtor.

Shopping before you get pre-approved

There is nothing worse than talking to a client that has a dream home in mind, and then seeing them crushed when they realize that they over-estimated the amount they would be approved for at the bank. Falling in love with a property you can't afford isn't just emotionally draining – it can also persuade you to try to take a big financial gamble on a house that isn't practical because you've already decided that it's the home that you want. Wait until you know what you're getting from the bank before you set your heart on a home, and while we're on that topic, we should talk about…

Going for the most expensive home you "can afford"

Your bank may have approved you for a half-million dollar mortgage, but that doesn't mean that you should get a home that requires the maximum amount. We don't have to tell you that banks can be very irresponsible when it comes to lending and mortgages, but too many people believe that if their bank approves something, they have to take it. Before you even talk to someone in the mortgage department, sit down and take an honest look at your financial situation. Base what you can afford off of what you're making now, and not what you hope to be making in a few years. That mistake is what gets people in over their heads on home costs. If you can't afford the mortgage now, then don't gamble on it.

Charleston, South Carolina is renowned for its friendliness and good old fashioned southern hospitality. Its restaurants, fascinating history, and colorful culture have made it a very popular place to live. It is a very common travel destination as well. It's no wonder that there is so much interest in real estate in Charleston, SC.

Charleston features numerous major attractions. The Calhoun Mansion is a huge Victorian home that is open intermittently for tours. It offers a fascinating peek into Charleston's antebellum past. Civil War buffs won't want to miss Fort Sumter, the location where the first battles of the war took place. Charleston also has a lively theater scene. The Dock Street Theater is famous for being the longest running theater in the United States. It was built in the 18th century and has hosted an amazing variety of plays over the years. The city also has a vibrant and unique music scene. Charleston musicians played a key role in the development and popularity of jazz during the 1920's. In addition, Charleston is home to numerous historic churches, adding stunning architectural monuments to the city's rich history.

Charleston is an excellent place for families. Families will love living among a culture that prides itself on friendliness and generosity. Crime has dropped steadily since the 1990's. Today, Charleston is much safer than most other large cities. Parents have plenty of options when making decisions about their children's education. The Charleston area features a wide variety of schools, including public, private and independent institutions. Several institutions of higher learning make their home in the area as well.

Obviously, there are many reasons to consider purchasing real estate in Charleston, SC. From educational opportunities to fun entertainment venues, Charleston has it all and real estate in Charleston, SC is surprisingly affordable. Prospective homeowners should spend some time researching real estate opportunities in the area – they are likely to find a deal that is a great fit for them and their family.

We've all heard the story: an eager buyer purchases the home of his dreams only to be blindsided by a bevy of expensive problems. Here at Carolina One, we'll help you to avoid this common drama by advising you on the most important things to watch for when touring a Summerville property.

1. Neighborhood Specifics

Though Summerville is filled with safe and charming neighborhoods, be sure the home's location makes sense for your needs. For instance, houses situated next to a playground might be great for families, but someone who works from home could find the noise a little disconcerting. Conversely, young couples may love being close to a vibrant main strip, but Mom and Dad might want something slightly more peaceful. Drive around the area to get a feel for the local atmosphere.

2. Exterior Elements

This is one time when it's completely acceptable to judge a book by its cover. Before you begin touring a home, walk around the exterior to take a look at its structure. Pay special attention to anything that looks rotted, cracked or otherwise damaged — especially the roof and foundation — and keep your eyes open for materials that are designed to stave off rot and insects.

3. Interior Structure

SC real estate tours start with a peek at the interior rooms, but you'll want to watch for more than just the layout. Check that the walls aren't bowed, the floors aren't flexible and the stairs aren't cracking. Don't forget to spend a little time examining the craftsmanship of any tile work and moldings; these may seem like small details, but repairing several damaged elements at once can eat into your renovation budget.

4. Small Furniture (or Big Mirrors)

Worrying about furniture isn't usually necessary, but make note of anything that seems especially small, as it could be an attempt to disguise a tiny room. Similarly, look for oversized mirrors -- they create the illusion of width, and you might not realize how little space the room has until you try to furnish it.

5. Utilities

Water, heat and electric are crucial elements in every home, and you'll need to understand the specifics of each before signing on the dotted line. Make sure the house has adequate drainage and that nothing is water damaged. Then, inspect the attic's insulation, ask about the age of the heating and air-conditioning units, and check that the electrical wiring is in good condition.

If you're especially diligent about these details, you can avoid any surprises after you purchase a piece of Summerville SC real estate. Keep your eyes peeled, and don't be afraid to ask the tough questions -- they might just help you save thousands of dollars in the future.

Families seeking a new home in Charleston, South Carolina have plenty of real estate from which to choose; from condos and townhomes to single family detached residences, there is an option for every requirement and preference. Charleston is known as a welcoming, friendly community for children of all ages, with plenty of places to go and activities to enjoy. Our real estate professionals offer all of the services that a family could need for finding just the right home.

Kid Friendly Attractions and Amenities in Charleston

Children who enjoy art can visit the annual Spoleto Festival USA, which is a 17-day long art festival in the heart of the city. Kids who like fish and all things water-related will have a fantastic time at the South Carolina Aquarium. The city also has a lot of parks and playgrounds located throughout the residential neighborhoods and these fun-filled areas provide families with small backyards and their children a place to explore, participate in sports, and get some physical activity. Charleston is served by several public and private school systems, some of which date back more than 150 years.

Options for Real Estate in Charleston for Families with Children

Families seeking real estate in Charleston SC will find many options that are child-friendly. Most homes offer two or more bedrooms, so children can have their own rooms or share with siblings, if that is the family's preference. Kids will have plenty of space for homework in kitchen and dining areas and can enjoy downtime with friends, siblings, and parents in the living and recreational rooms that many properties feature. Outdoor play will be a regular occurrence thanks to the mild climate of Charleston and the expansive yards that many homes have to offer.

With so many things to do in the area and so many ideal family homes, Charleston is truly a kid-friendly city. Check out our local listings at Carolina One today!