Ahhh…spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, the weather is nicer and the faint sounds of lawn mowers are filling the neighborhood. We all associate the spring season with renewal and that means change is on the horizon for many families as they are looking to move. The springtime is typically one of the best periods to find homes for sale in South Carolina because prospective homebuyers no longer have to traverse through winter weather and sellers can finally take advantage of the nicer conditions to prep their home for sale. However, the springtime may also be the starting point of a more stressful home hunt because you won't be the only one looking for new digs and that means the competition will rise and the inventory will quickly disappear.

If you are shopping for a new home in a seller's market, which is quite common during the spring season, there are a few things you need to get a handle on in order to survive! But, how do you know if you're shopping in a seller's market? Well, we know that the market varies from place to place, however, keep an eye out for these two red flags:

• Homes listed on the market are selling higher than their asking price
• Houses are selling very quickly and the inventory isn't keeping up with demand

According to some national statistics, the general consensus is that the market is starting to favor sellers instead of buyers. For instance, homes listed for sale in March were moving 16% faster off the market compared to last year. Properties stayed on the market for only 75 days in March, which is 19 days faster compared to February. Additionally, the median list price of $238,000 is 8.2% higher than last year and 2.6% higher than last month! As home prices creep up and majority of the inventory starts to fly off the market, you need to check out these tips to survive a seller's market.

Make It A Priority

You know that the old saying the early bird gets the worm? Well, it definitely applies to home hunting during a seller's market! To prove yourself successful in scoring the home you want, you need to make house hunting your number one priority – not something you just fit in here and there on the weekends. Treat the home hunting process like you were looking for a job – search real estate listings regularly, view homes at the earliest convenience of the seller and follow up immediately if you think it's a fit.  

Get Prequalified or Preapproved

Money walks and talk is cheap, especially in a seller's market. If you want to be taken seriously as a prospective homebuyer, than you need to get all your paperwork and finances ready to go. Having a prequalification or preapproval letter can show the seller you can put your money where your mouth is and shows them evidence you are ready to play ball.

Consider The Contingencies

It's quite common for a prospective homebuyer to have a few contingencies with their offer. For example, they will purchase the home if the inspection goes well or if the appraisal squares up. However, in a seller's market, you might make the consideration to drop some of those considerations. While it may be a little risky, sellers are looking for the offers that have fewer hurdles to jump to get to closing faster.

Go In With Your Best

There is very little room for negotiation during a seller's market because there are so many other buyers around willing to pay listing price or more for a home. With that in mind, you may need to put all your cards in on your first offer to snag the home you want. You could certainly start by offering the asking price the first time around, but be prepared to fork over a little more over asking if multiple bids have already taken place. Just keep in mind that you don't want to blow your budget, so make a strong offer but always put your financial stability first.

Expand Your Search

It can be challenging to find the perfect home at a price you can afford in your desired neighborhood but don’t let that stop you from moving. If you are focusing on one specific location, you could be making the home hunt harder than it has to be, so you should be willing to expand your search to nearby areas. Perhaps there's some great deals in another neighborhood or down the street. Don't be afraid to re-draw your search outside of the original area you were looking in.

Use A Realtor

Last but not least, use a realtor during the home hunt! Realtors can provide you with homes for sale in South Carolina that you may have not found on your own and they often have great insight and advice about the market. Connect with a realtor from the Carolina One Real Estate by calling (843) 202-2000 today! 

There are all kinds of homes for sale in Charleston, SC, from historic manors to brand new townhomes, suburban ranch houses to city bungalows. But one of the most distinctive styles of Charleston house—and one of the most misunderstood—is the "shotgun." Shotguns are by no means the most prevalent houses for sale today, but they are definitely on the market and few styles are so distinctly Southern as a shotgun.

Here is everything you need to know about Charleston's shotgun homes:

• They are a classic of Southern architecture – Shotguns aren't unique to Charleston. Probably most famous in New Orleans, the shotgun style home is found as far away as Texas. These homes are so named because each room opens onto the next, all in a single line, so you could fire a shotgun from the front door to the back door. This style of home was popular for two reasons: first, because it lets you make optimum use of a long, narrow lot (which is more affordable than a home with lots of street front); secondly, because the narrow construction does not require long timbers to build—the same reason that cottage-style properties are popular. For much of Southern history, the urban middle class preferred shotguns.

• Shotguns and privacy are compatible – To many people, the word "shotgun" conjures up the image of tip-toeing through one bedroom to get to another, or hanging sheets over the doorways for privacy. This dorm room style living is not the reality in most shotguns. In the olden days, there was some truth to this (with every room opening onto the next, it was inevitable). But these days, many shotguns have private side entrances installed, or have even been remodeled so the rooms no longer open onto each other.

• Shotguns are not the same thing as "railroad" homes. A railroad home has the same basic layout as a shotgun, but with a single hallway running the length of the property. This makes the house wider (and potentially makes the rooms narrower) but ensures privacy for each room.

• The kitchen is usually in the back. Originally, shotguns had outdoor back kitchens or an indoor kitchen at the rear of the house. The front of the house is typically a bedroom. Why does the front door open onto a bedroom? Explanations vary from getting the most fresh breeze on a hot night to Southern hospitality, entertaining guests in the most cherished room of the house. These days, most people use the front room as a living room.

• They're easily modified. Because shotguns have such a simple layout, they can easily be remodeled in all sorts of creative ways. Common choices include adding bathrooms, increasing privacy between rooms, expanding with more rooms in the back, or adding a large porch on the front.

Some of Charleston's most well-preserved historic districts are full of beautiful vintage shotgun homes just waiting to be purchased. They are not the only homes for sale in Charleston, but they are great investments. Check out our listings at Carolina One Real Estate to find shotgun homes or any other home in the neighborhood of your choice. 

When some people move, they end up looking for homes that are relatively close by. They may relocate to a nearby town, or they may end up moving to a different house a few blocks away. People like to be in familiar surroundings, but there are some that thrive on change and new experiences. Moving to a new state may be the change of scenery you need to make your next move a success, and if you're like many other Americans in the country, you may want to consider moving to Charleston or other areas in the great state of South Carolina.

An annual migration study conducted by United Van Lines showed that a lot of people moved to North and South Carolina in 2013. We could go on for days about why people choose to move to the Carolinas, but if you want to relocate, you can't just move because you have a good feeling about a new place. Life is always a bit different after a move, but living in a new state is going to require a lot of change. Before you start looking for homes for sale in Charleston SC, or another other state, make sure you ask yourself these questions:

How much do I really know about the state I want to move to?

Maybe you want to relocate to a certain state after spending a vacation there and falling in love with the area. Maybe you've read about the new state being the hottest place to move. It can be really easy to fall in love with an area when you're on a vacation or reading about it online, but actually living there can be an entirely different matter. Do you know about laws in the state that you're planning on living in? Have you mapped out what your daily work commute will look like? Will your kids be enrolled in a good school system? If all you can say about a state is that it's beautiful or that there is a lot to do, you aren't as ready to move as you may think that you are.

How will my financial situation change?

Let's say that you're lucky enough to not only find a home in your new state, but that you're also able to find a job that gives you exact same salary and benefits. It may seem like the move won't affect your bank account much, but a certain amount of money can only go so far in some areas. The cost of living can significantly affect your budget, and you may find that the tax situation in your new state is taking more out of your paycheck. Moving to a new state doesn't automatically mean that you'll end up having to spend more money, but even having a little extra cash can affect your budget.

How will I handle the moving process?

If you've only moved around to different local towns, you may have gotten away with renting a small truck for one day to handle moving your big items. You may have taken a day off of work to do some cleaning, but you were probably able to do everything in a short amount of time. If you're moving to a different state, you should expect the process to be a lot longer and a bit more complicated. You may have to hire professional movers to handle the majority of the work so that you can spend time cleaning your old place and packing. 

When people look for homes for sale in Charleston, SC they may be looking for a variety of things. Some people want a home with a spacious backyard, and other people want a house that's close to Charleston Harbor. Some people want to find a home in a historic district, and others want to find the most modern home possible. It's important to think about what features you want your dream home to have, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a very small aspect of what you should be looking for in a home. Whether you want a posh vacation home or a new house for a growing family, you'll be very happy with your choice if you make sure to look for these three important things.

Good structure

Good structure should be the goal for every homebuyer. Buying a home with major structural damage will end up costing you a lot of money in repairs, and can make it significantly more difficult to sell if you want to move. Never buy a home that has issues with the foundation. When touring the home, look for large cracks along the foundation outside and on the walls of the basement. Do a very thorough check for mold and water damage. Sometimes, people can see a few spots of mold on the walls, and then open them up to discover a significant amount of rot. Make sure that you find a trustworthy inspector to ensure that you're getting a home that is in good condition. 

Good plumbing

Plumbing problems are usually something people don't think about until they already have them – and buying a home that has plumbing problems is almost a guarantee that you will be spending a lot of money in the future. Plumbing issues aren't just bad news for your sinks, drains, and pipes; leaking water could cause mold that can lead to even more structural problems and health concerns. Take note of any leaking faucets you notice, and see how long it takes sinks and tubs to drain. 

Easy to improve internal aesthetics

Some people pass up perfectly good homes because the interior décor isn't to their liking. Don't just look for a home that already fits your aesthetic tastes; you'll be much better off if you buy a home that can be improved with easy and inexpensive DIY and decorating work. If you see a home that could be improved with a simple coat of paint or refinished hardwood floors, you should go for it. You also don't have to worry if your home doesn't have an ideal AC system or energy efficient appliances. You can easily pick those up without having to overspend. 

For all of you history buffs, Charleston, South Carolina is a dream come true. This enchanting, southern city is historically rich, with its antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets, and stately gardens. You will be charmed by the locals' southern hospitality and their slow-paced lifestyle. It’s easy to see why people love living and vacationing here. Whether you are looking for homes for sale in Charleston or just a vacation rental, here are some fun historical facts about this beloved Southern city:

• If you go downtown in Charleston, take a close look at the buildings and notice the dark metal disks on the exterior walls, each of which is about the size of a plate. These are actually the ends of earthquake rods that were built into structures after the 1886 Charleston Earthquake caused massive damage and many deaths.

• The Dock Street Theater is known as the oldest theater in America. Charleston was the first city in the United States to build a structure strictly for theatrical use. It was built in 1736 and is believed to be haunted.

• The White Point Garden, located in downtown Charleston on the Battery, has a story behind its name. When the English sailed along the coast of Charleston in 1670, all they could see were huge amounts of white oyster shells in every direction. They chose to call the locale “White Point” from there on out.

• John’s Island, which is right outside of Charleston, is home to one of the oldest living things east of the Rockies – the Angel Oak Tree. This ancient towering tree stands 65 feet high and is estimated to be at least 400 years old, but could be as much as 1500 years old. The latter would mean it sprang up 1,000 years before Columbus discovered the New World!

• The oldest museum in America was founded in Charleston in 1773. It was established right before the American Revolution and is simply named “The Charleston Museum.” Here you can find haunting, one-of-a-kind relics of the city’s wartime past.

Although these are just a few fun facts, there are tons of attractions that make this city incredibly unique. If you are looking at homes for sale in Charleston, SC , then you probably already have a good idea why this is such a special place to live. The historical significance and southern hospitality of this quaint city will make you never want to leave.

If you were to look at our MLS listings page, you would notice that one of the things that you can search for is the number of bathrooms you would prefer for your home. This is not something that you should take likely. The number of bathrooms you have in your home can greatly affect the amount of happiness you have – don’t agree, just ask any parents with children and only one bathroom. But how many bathrooms do you need for your SC home? When you’re looking for homes for sale in Charleston, SC, here are some things to keep in mind in regard to the number of bathrooms you’ll need:

·         How much can you afford? The  number of bathrooms you have in your home will greatly affect the listing price of the home. Quite frankly, the more bathrooms in the home, the higher the value of the home. When looking at features you might want for your home, the number of bathrooms should go in your analysis of how much you can afford.

·         You’ll be better able to sell your home: If you are looking for a home that you’ll eventually resell, you might want a home with more than one bathroom. According to real estate figures released in 2010, less than 25% of the homes out there sold had one bathroom. Homeowners who did sell were able to get 84% of their asking price when they had two or more bathrooms as opposed to those with one bathroom who only received 77%.

·         You’ll have better relationships with other people in the home: A couple with separate bathrooms is a happy couple. While it’s certainly a luxury to have more than one bathroom, if you can afford it, it might be worth it to maintain the peace. Between people rushing to getting ready in the morning to the mystery of who left the toilet seat up, sharing a bathroom can be tough.

As you look at SC homes, consider the number of bathrooms you’ll need to make your living experience optimal. For more information about SC real estate, contact us today. 

Have you checked out South Carolina real estate and found a home that you fell in love with? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of individuals from the Northeast, Midwest, West Coast, and in areas around the world decide to make the move to South Carolina to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, friendly people, warm weather and numerous historical attractions. However, once you find your home, your job is not over yet. You still need to make the move. And moving can be one of the most stress-inducing events in one’s life. Luckily, it’s very easy to make a seamless transition into your new home. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Clean Your Current Home: When it comes time to pack, it’s can be overwhelming if you have clutter everywhere. Make it a point to clean your home as often as possible in the lead-up before packing so your home will be organized when it comes time to pack. That way you won’t run around wondering where everything is.

Think like a Minimalist: When you live somewhere, it’s only natural to acquire stuff along the way. Now the question for you is do you need all of those belongings when you decide to move? If you think you can part with some of your things, it could make for a much easier move. A garage sale is a great way to get rid of that old couch or treadmill and make a little money to finance the move. You can also think about giving things away to friends and family as well as donate to your local charity or thrift store for a tax deduction.

Consider Getting Movers: A long distance move is not for the inexperienced mover. If you are intimidated by the idea of moving your goods across the country, it might be a good idea to consider looking into moving services. Movers can alleviate you from the heavy lifting, pack your furniture and belongings safely, and determine the best route to get you to your new destination. They’ll unpack for you as well.

Remember to Change Your Address: When you make it to your new home, remember to change your address on your driver’s license, credit cards, and contact information. You’ll also have to most likely open up new bank accounts and verify your auto insurance information. The sooner you take care of these details, the sooner you’ll be able to get comfortable in your new home.

The city of Charleston, South Carolina is known for its architecture, deep history, and mannerly people. These are just some of the reasons tourists flock to Charleston each year for vacation. They come to see the sites, sample the fine foods, and interact with the friendly, smile-wearing locals. If you're not a Charleston native why would you choose to relocate to this wonderful city? It's clear from several publications that the area is best known for the Southern charm it exudes. Travel + Leisure Magazine honored Charleston with the "America's Most Friendly City" Award in 2011. Further, Southern Living Magazine refers to Charleston as the "most polite and hospitable city in America." These prestigious accolades are only some of the reasons that people visit this great city and then begin searching for homes for sale there.

The European-American City

Many people feel that the reason Charleston is such an enchanting city is because of its perfect blend of French, English, and Southern cultures. There aren't many cities in the United States that people feel like they've been transported back in time while visiting. This is because the city is full of breathtaking architecture, beautifully preserved historical buildings, and entertaining museums that are unique to Charleston. Combine these things with wonderful weather year round, and you've got yourself a slice of heaven.

Something for Everyone

Charleston is the type of city that truly has something for everyone. If you're a history buff, then you will be able to leave your home and visit a historic fort or extensive plantation on weekends. If the shopping scene is more your thing, you will never get tired of visiting the countless boutiques and antique shops that are constantly refreshing their inventory. Since the weather in Charleston is so close to perfect, people who enjoy the great outdoors will never grow tired of biking on the trails, kayaking in the creeks, or chilling on the pristine beaches. The restaurants are also top-notch and Charleston is known as one of the great eating cities of the South. Again, these are the reasons tourists flock to the city, but also the reasons that so many stay.

People are motivated to relocate to the great city by a certain feeling that they get when setting foot here that could almost be described as magical -- and that same feeling gets people looking for homes for sale in Charleston, SC so that they can always experience it. The locals take pride in being known as America's friendliest city and always welcome to new residents.

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. 

Charleston, South Carolina is a historic vacation destination, but it is also a popular place to live and work. Thousands of people each year decide to move to the city, and with its distinctive cultural heritage and lovely selection of both old and new homes, it's easy to see why.

If you are interested in buying one of the many homes in and around Charleston, we can help you to navigate the market and find something that suits your budget and needs. Here are the top five things to look for when buying a home here:

1. Ample Space for Your Family

The first thing to look for in a new home is adequate space for your family. Whether you are single (but hope to start a family in the coming years) or are a member of an older couple whose children have already moved away from home, you will want a home to be large enough to fit your future.

2. Access to the Amenities that You Need the Most

The location of your home is also very important and can be chosen based on need and preference. Some families, for instance, will seek out quiet neighborhoods just outside of Charleston so that their kids have more space, while others will want homes right in the heart of town for access to the nightlife and shopping.

3. Curb Appeal

The way your home looks from the outside is important when you are living there, but it is also a key part of raising the value of the property. Look for a home that can be improved from the outside as well as the inside so that if you ever need to sell, it will not be difficult.

4. Style and Décor

Since any home that you purchase could be the place where you live for many years in the future, you will want to ensure that the style of the home suits your own. A dimly-lit space with small windows, for example, might not fit your bright personality or perhaps the rustic appearance of an old home will appeal more to your sense of aesthetics.

5. Something That Fits Your Budget

Perhaps the most important aspect of home buying is price. Even the nicest home isn't worth overstretching your budget and an unrealistic spending limit is a recipe for disaster. Take the time to go through your finances and determine exactly what you can afford so that you don't waste any time or money on something that you can't have.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of homes for sale in Charleston SC, we can help you weed through the choices and find the perfect place to call your own. At Carolina One, our experts will help you to find smart home options that suit your life and needs, so give us a call today!