The cold winter months may still be upon us, but many people are even now deciding where to spend their summer vacations. But if you're like many others, you probably get tired of the yearly task of finding a place to spend your vacation, booking dates and paying a significant amount of money just to stay somewhere for a limited amount of time. Instead, why not save yourself the hassle and buy a vacation home?

Owning a vacation home can be a rewarding experience—both personally and financially: a vacation home is a great way to help boost your finances, as you can rent it out and make a profit when it's not in use; it's a great getaway spot at any time of the year; it can even be the place that you eventually retire to.

Ranked as one of the best family summer vacation spots, Charleston, SC and its nearby beach towns are an ideal location for people that are looking for a summer home. Understandably, buying real estate in South Carolina, or anywhere for that matter, is a huge financial commitment and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

If you're looking to buy a vacation home or are considering it, here are some pointers to keep in mind. 

1. Don't just pick the location, get to know it

Before you make an offer on a home, you should really get to know the area. Visit it several times to explore the neighborhoods, amenities and nearby shops, restaurants and activities. You'll want to know what the area has to offer during the summer, as well as the off season.

2. Does the property have rental potential?

Often, homeowners rent out their vacation properties to get some extra income. Since beaches are some of the most desirable locations, Charleston and its surrounding environs are the perfect option. If you decide to rent out your property, make sure that it includes amenities that renters expect, such as cable, Internet, dishwasher, and maybe even a pet-friendly designation, to name a few. Having these increases your chances of being able to rent the place out.

3. Add up all the costs

Mortgage rates can be higher for second homes and you may also asked for a larger down payment. Speak to a real estate professional to determine these costs. Also, if you'll be counting on rental income to help pay for the mortgage, make sure to ask renters to pay a price that's fair for them, but still benefits you.

4. Don't rush into making an offer

Like purchasing your first house, choosing a vacation home is a big decision and you shouldn't rush into making an offer. You want to be confident that the home not only meets your criteria now, but will later down the line. It's in your best interest to speak to a real estate professional to help you make a smart decision.

Moving to another state can be a daunting task. Whether you're looking for better job opportunities or simply want a new atmosphere, moving is not an easy process. While there are many things you have to consider when moving to a new state, the first question is which state to move to. With 50 to choose from, how do you know which state is best?

According to the United Van Line's annual migration study, which tracked 129,000 moves in the United States during the 2013 year, South Carolina ranked as the second most popular state to relocate to, with 60% of moves made for those coming into the state. Oregon ranked as to the top state to relocate to, with 61% of all moves made to this state. Other states that ranked favorably included North Carolina and Nevada.

Why are people moving to South Carolina?

For those who already call South Carolina home, it's no surprise that more people are moving to the beautiful Palmetto state. But for those not native to the state, they may not understand just how much this destination has to offer.

According to the study, a few reasons for moving to the South included a lower cost of living, more career opportunities, more affordable real estate, and the overall lifestyle that the climate promotes.

A lower cost of living

From sales taxes to property taxes, the bills add up. However, the South Carolina tax average is lower than the national average for property, sales and individual and corporate income. Also, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, in 2012 South Carolina had a lower cost of living than its neighboring states.

More career opportunities

With the sluggish economy, many are scrambling to find jobs with more opportunity for growth and economic development. If this is the case, then South Carolina is certainly the state to move to. In fact, Forbes.com ranked Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC as one of the top 10 best midsized cities for jobs in 2013.

More affordable real estate

Being a homeowner is the long-lived American dream, but today that dream can seem unreal. However, according to the Census Bureau, South Carolina is ranked as the fourth best state for home ownership. In fact, the price of homes in South Carolina is significantly lower than that of the national average. In 2012, data from the South Carolina Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors found that the average price in South Carolina was an estimated $25,000 lower than the national average.

The lifestyle

South Carolina has a lot to offer those of all walks and stages of life. The year-round beautiful climate and friendly people are just a few of the benefits. The lifestyle may be more laid back than other states, but this is one reason why so many love it. It's also certainly a popular vacation spot, since it borders the Atlantic Ocean with beautiful beaches to visit during the summer.

Whether you're looking for Summerville, SC real estate or Charleston real estate, South Carolina homes are a strong investment in your future. 

Many people who purchase a home in Charleston, SC are doing so for the purposes of owning a vacation home in the wintertime. If you live in the Midwest, Northeast or Pacific Northwest, look outside right now. December 21^st marked the beginning of winter, so we imagine there’s snow, ice or something indicative of the winter months. Those who are retired or can work remotely will often bypass these months and go somewhere with more approachable weather.

Because Charleston enjoys rather warm winters and has a location right off the Atlantic coast, it is a popular vacation home spot, and there are many homes available. If you’re considering purchasing a vacation home, here are some things to keep in mind as you search for South Carolina real estate:

You’ll need a pretty good credit rating: Obtaining a second loan often requires a bit higher of a credit score to get approval or a favorable rating. If you haven’t checked your credit score or gotten a credit report in a while, it might be a good idea to review these things to look for any mistakes or ways you can improve your score. You’ll generally need a score of at least 720 for a second/vacation home.

Save up for a larger down payment:  On traditional home loan mortgages, the rule of thumb is generally 20%. With a second home, many lenders will require a larger down payment up front –usually in the range of 25%-35%. Take this into account when reviewing to see how much home you can afford. Plus, it’s best to have as large a down payment as possible to ensure the bank’s confidence in giving you a good rate.

Figure out why you’re getting a second home in the first place: On the top of the financial considerations you must make, it’s also a good idea to take a look at why you’re buying a second home in the first place. Is it just the weather? Are you looking to explore new interests? Do you want to be around family? All of these social considerations will help you determine where would be the best place to purchase a second home. The Charleston area offers many social opportunities and is highly accessible, so you’re only at most a flight away from children, grandchildren and friends.

If you’re interested in purchasing a second home in the Charleston area, please contact us today to find the right home for you.

Summerville, South Carolina, is located within the historic boundaries of Dorchester County and, while the county's origins technically date back to 1696, the city came into being nearly a century later. The town was originally known as Pineland Village because of the abundance of the trees that surrounded it. The city gained notoriety after being named one of the top two places to live for people suffering from lung and throat disorders by the 1899 Tuberculosis Congress. This distinction quickly brought about the construction of several inns to accommodate the increasing number of visitors that rushed to the city.

Today, Summerville is a beautiful place to live with a variety of historic and contemporary sites to delight both residents and visitors. Many newcomers are looking to own a piece of Summerville SC real estate, so that they can enjoy the fresh air and friendly community. History enthusiasts can relish the area's rich past by touring one of the 700 homes and buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Another nearby treasure, the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, was the place that residents of the area gathered to defend their town in the years preceding the Revolutionary War.

In addition to the monuments of the city's past, Summerville also has a variety of current cultural and community events that are drawing more people to the area. The city has three different golf clubs, an assortment of fine art known as the Summerville Collection, and their very own Summerville Community Orchestra. Each spring, the city hosts the YMCA Flowertown Festival, which brings in over 250,000 visitors. The festival features food vendors, local historic tours, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and a children's carnival.

Located just 24 miles from Charleston, Summerville provides the ideal location for visitors and residents alike. With a small-town feel, friendly people, community events, cultural opportunities and a variety of historic sites, it remains one of the most charming locations in the South.

Summerville is one of South Carolina's most beautiful and historic cities. Known for its plentiful pine trees and friendly atmosphere, the city is nicknamed the "flower town in the pines" and is located less than twenty-five miles away from the major urban center of Charleston. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Summerville, SC real estate is a hot commodity.

Summerville residents have plenty of attractions to enjoy. Follow the Sweet Tea Trail and visit the area's collection of eclectic antique shops, or take a tour of the many antebellum era buildings. The town features several hundred structures that are listed on the official National Register of Historic Places, many of which date back before the Civil War.

One of Summerville's most famous events is the Flowertown Festival. Held each year since the 1940s, it is the largest festival in the state and features arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and local tours. Golfers will love Summerville, as well. It has a wide array of excellent courses, including greens at Coosaw Creek Country Club, Legend Oaks Plantation Golf Club, and the Miller Country Club.

Families looking to buy a home should strongly consider Summerville. It has a high quality school system and excellent healthcare. For over a century, the city has built a reputation as a place that is excellent for pulmonary health due to its pleasantly mild climate.

Summerville is large enough to provide easy access to many events, activities, and sights, yet small enough to retain a friendly, intimate atmosphere. It pays to do some research into Summerville, SC real estate, as many of the houses on the market are surprisingly affordable and finding one to live in will undoubtedly change one's life for the better.

The long economic crisis seems to be finally nearing its end, and that means it's a buyer's market for real estate in many locations in the United States. Additionally, since the monetary slowdown affected upscale purchases and holdings more dramatically than other kinds of economic activity, it is doubly a prime time to buy a second or vacation home. The South Carolina real estate market is a great example of this trend.

The best way to enjoy a vacation area like Charleston is to own a home there, from which all leisure activities can be based. In South Carolina real estate prices in areas like these and Folly Beach or Kiawah Island are at historically low levels - meaning there's never been a better time to live the dream and buy that vacation home in the Palmetto State.

The South Carolina beach is a pretty popular college break spot, so how great would it be for kids to have a place to crash safely? And while golf vacations are always fun, how much better would it feel for a duffer and his friends to relax afterward at the "19th hole" at his second home? No designated drivers will be needed!

If Fripp Island or Lake Marion has always been the spot that one loves to visit and relax -- maybe fish, swim, soak in the sunshine, or just get away from the workaday world -- then this could be the best and most convenient opportunity to make it happen. Buyers are still eagerly being sought by owners in the area who are still reeling from the 2007 crisis.

Or maybe the South Carolina real estate that really interests a buyer is on Edisto Island or at Summerville. No matter where the home that one has been dreaming of is located, there is a good chance of finding it now at a good price. With all of the stress that people have to endure in their day to day lives, maybe a vacation home is something they can't afford to miss!

Each year around this time, you’ll usually find a number of different publications that feature an article about the best places to retire. Because it’s summertime, many individuals are traveling and partaking in leisurely activities, causing some to question where they’ll retire. Summer gives a preview of what to expect when you do retire, so it’s worth thinking about – whether you’re retiring soon or twenty years from now. One city that constantly makes the list is Charleston, South Carolina, and there are many other great cities and small towns to consider as well. Here are some reasons you may want to consider retiring in South Carolina:

The food: Many people who look into South Carolina real estate as a possible retirement location probably aren’t considering the cuisine right away, but it quickly becomes a deciding factor when they sample some of Charleston’s delicious restaurants. You would be hard pressed to find better dining options than in Charleston. Famed chef and food writer, Anthony Bourdain, wrote that the cuisine in Charleston is underrated, and retirees from all over the country have remarked about the quality of the food. If you aren’t in the mood to cook every night and need a place where you can always count on a delicious bite to eat, Charleston is certainly a place to consider.

The cost: Depending on where you want to move in South Carolina, you could find housing prices and costs of living that are far below the national average. Perhaps that’s why the state slogan includes seeing smiling faces. In many of the coastal areas and larger cities of South Carolina, you’ll find many Northern transplants who have escaped the high property tax rates they faced living in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast. Homeowners who are over the age of 65 also qualify for special tax exemptions that could make living in South Carolina even more welcoming.

The climate: If you’re enjoying the warm weather this summer, you might love living in South Carolina. South Carolina offers warmer temperatures than many other parts of the country, but there is still a change in seasons, which is important for many who don’t want a tropical Christmas. The weather offers ample opportunities for many outdoors activities – including golf, which South Carolina is known for – helping you to stay young. If you want a welcoming climate that will encourage you to stay active, South Carolina is certainly a place to consider.

The state of South Carolina offers so much for residents to enjoy. From spectacular mountains to fantastic ocean views and metropolitan life to a quiet country cottage, there is something for everyone seeking to live in South Carolina. Below is a quick look at some of the best areas in the state for South Carolina real estate.

Mountains and Hills

In the northwest corner of the state are the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer amazing scenery, plants and wildlife. For individuals or families seeking opportunities for space, views and outdoor recreation, there are real estate properties in the mountains and hilly Piedmont areas.

Coastal Areas

The coastline of South Carolina has diverse ecosystems ranging from salty marshes to sandy beaches. There is a perfect South Carolina real estate option for anyone looking to enjoy the mild weather and abundant sunshine in this part of the state. We have apartments, townhomes, condominiums and family homes of all sizes. From cottages on the beach to extensive estates with luxurious amenities, we can help you find what you are looking for in the coastal area of the state.

City Versus Country Life

South Carolina real estate is widely available in the diverse metropolitan areas. Columbia is the state's capital and largest city in terms of population. Its north central location within the state offers easy travel to the mountains or the beach. Charleston is the state's next largest city and has a prime coastal location perfect for those who like the perks of city living and the relaxation of sandy beaches. In addition to our city properties, there are also homes and apartments available in smaller towns as well as in rural areas for those who are looking for a little more space or a quieter atmosphere.

Southern hospitality is at its best in the state of South Carolina; finding a friendly and diverse community is easy in this easygoing state.

South Carolina - The Jewel Of The South

The history of South Carolina is steeped in the richness of unique, genteel tradition. Though the modern world makes it a convenient place to live, Charleston, South Carolina has lost none of its tradition. You know you are in the South when you visit Charleston: this is a region with an attitude of grace, charm and bygone days of life in the south. Because of its amazing atmosphere, South Carolina real estate, particularly in Charleston, is in high demand.

Architecture and Grandeur

The Charleston area projects a tranquil respite from the chaos encountered in some urban locales. It's difficult to ignore the hospitality for which South Carolina is famous. For home buyers, enjoy what Charleston has to offer before you buy. Study the architecture of the homes and bask in the glow of grandeur of architectural detail. Choose from among several classic or modern home styles. Plus, there's no pressure or hurry from real estate agents in South Carolina. We know how important decisions on home purchases are, and we want our clients to be totally satisfied with their final decision.

Relocate to a Social Treasure Trove

The people of South Carolina are pragmatic souls. When you choose South Carolina real estate, you have a treasure trove of interesting nuances to discover. Most new home buyers find their first foray into this mystical world begins with ghost tours for which the Charleston area is famous. Here, ethereal spirits wander amidst the lovers of the casual yet beautifully appointed lifestyle only Charleston can offer. Dig deeply into South Carolina history and the trail leads to pre-Civil War and early settlers.

Inland or Coastal South Carolina - A Perfect Choice

Think seriously about the many advantages South Carolina offers. Lovers of the sea find South Carolina's coast one of the USA's most popular resort areas. Choose real estate inland and you get an entirely different view of the rural Charleston area, with resemblances as if from a fairy tale.

No matter what type of property you end up selecting, we are confident you will be thrilled with your decision to live and grow in South Carolina.