Charleston Real Estate Blog

Classic Charleston Homes in Belle Hall

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:47:00 -0400

Just four miles from Charleston is Belle Hall Plantation where you’ll find we have some of the best Belle Hall Charleston real estate to offer. If you are seeking new construction, the communities of Evian and Hibben are currently still building homes. The other communities have been built out to capacity following strict building guidelines and architectural details giving the homes a classic Charleston look.

When you purchase Belle Hall Charleston real estate you purchase more than just a fine home in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Belle Hall Plantation provides its own clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court and play park. Adjacent to the plantation is The Jones Recreation Center, a Mt. Pleasant recreation facility. There you’ll find an indoor swimming pool, athletic fields and a basketball court.

Belle Hall Charleston real estate consists of both tract homes and custom built homes. Prices range from $275,000 to $1,000,000+. Resale on the tract homes carries a premium to similar homes in other preferred communities. Convenience means a lot and this plantation is close to the Charleston Historic District, near Highway 526 and just minutes from the Isles of Palms Beach and Sullivan’s Island. It also has its own elementary school district and is right across the street from a shopping center offering 70 stores and restaurants within walking distance.

Affordable Mt. Pleasant, SC Real Estate

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 09:47:00 -0400

If you’re a history buff you’re going to love the historic village of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and the available Mt Pleasant homes for sale from both the colonial and antebellum periods. This area offers residents a large assortment of recreational opportunities, shopping, dining, and culture. There are a growing number of opportunities for education and employment in the area. Bolstered by a stable economy, beautiful natural areas, and ongoing development, the area continues to grow while Mt Pleasant homes for sale remain affordable.

We have a large range of Mt Pleasant homes for sale available right now starting at $68,000 and going up to $11,500,000. Regardless of if you’re looking for a single bedroom flat or a large deep water estate, we have properties that will meet and exceed your needs. With interest rates at an all time low, now is a great time to execute those relocation plans you’ve been putting off for so long now and invest in your own piece of Mt Pleasant real estate. You won’t find a better opportunity to get as much house for your money as you can right now.

The original heart of Mount Pleasant, the charming Old Village, is a National Register district. It features exquisite Mt Pleasant homes for sale from both the colonial and antebellum periods. The grand oak-lined streets are ideal for an evening stroll or bike ride. The Old Village offers a beautiful public park, a large crabbing and fishing area, and panoramic views of Charleston Harbor.

Give Me a Call - Let's Talk

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:43:00 -0400

If you haven't met with me, Mike Carrigan, to talk about what's going on in Charleston, SC, you're in for a big surprise. I know Charleston and the Charleston homes for sale like nobody else and I will spend the time to show you the most stunning properties you could imagine. I work in both residential and commercial real estate in Charleston and the surrounding areas.

Real estate is on many people's minds these days, whether you're buying or selling Charleston homes for sale. There's plenty to select from if you're in the market to buy a second home or are ready to relocate or retire here. This is a great time to be purchasing retirement or investment property. It's definitely a buyers market but it won't last forever.

Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful historic area. Founded in 1670 it is located on the South Carolina coast midway between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. The area offers excellent investment opportunities and spectacular Charleston homes for sale with Southern character and charm that you just won't find anywhere else. Whether you are relocating, investing, or purchasing a retirement property, give me a call and we’ll talk about Charleston and how I can help you find that perfect property you’ve been looking for.

If you’re looking for things to do while you’re in town checking out the real estate, I recommend playing any one of the professional golf courses in the area or taking one of the many charter fishing charters around Charleston.

Before You Purchase That Short Sale

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0400

Who could pass up the opportunity to purchase real estate at a fraction of it’s worth? There are some stunning properties on the market right now listed as Charleston short sales. We told you about the savings of buying foreclosed property but there is even more profit to be made on Charleston short sales.

Before you consider purchasing a short sale property, it's important to research the title to see how much is owed to the lender. This will help you determine how much you would need to offer in order to purchase the property. If there are multiple mortgage loans on the property the process is more complicated. The mortgage lender would be looking to have both paid off by selling the home.

Be sure to meet with your lender to qualify for a loan to purchase a short sale before making your offer. Your mortgage lender will want to be sure you have the ability to pay the loan off so you may need to pre-qualify for the loan amount before the seller’s mortgage holder will approve your offer.

Once the seller accepts your offer and the lender approves of your mortgage, then you are able to purchase the home. Be sure to make the purchase contingent on an inspection of the property so you have the chance to back out of the sale if you find out there are major damages to the house that will need to be repaired. Keep in mind that Charleston short sales are sold "as is" and the fact that it's a short sale means the homeowners were struggling financially and may have neglected to repair serious problems with the house.

Score Big with Charleston Foreclosures

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:21:00 -0400

There’s no better way to score really big in real estate than with Charleston foreclosures. It’s the number one way to buy property at prices significantly below the appraised values. This type of deal doesn’t come around very often so you should be giving serious thought to investing in real estate at this time. If you think you can’t afford it, you might want to think about it again.

Banks and other lending institutions are inundated with properties that have become Charleston foreclosures when mortgage holders default on their loan. These Charleston foreclosures are being sold at far less than their appraised value so the lending institution recovers its original investment.

Many of these properties the homeowners simply walked away from, leaving behind pristine turnkey ready homes. These are golden real estate opportunities for you to purchase second homes, vacation homes, or investment property to use as rental income. Charleston, South Carolina, is a popular place for vacations and with the large influx of visitors the business district brings in, vacation rental properties are easily kept full.

Charleston is both a beautiful place to visit and an awesome place to live. In 2011, Travel and Leisure Magazine named Charleston "America's Sexiest City", as well as "America's Most Friendly." Subsequently, Southern Living Magazine named Charleston "The Most Polite and Hospitable City in America." And that, my friends, pretty much says it all.

Make An Offer They Won't Refuse

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0400

Once your loan preapproval is behind you and you’re looking at Charleston condos, in a short time you will find a property that you want to buy. The offer is the first step in the negotiation process. An appropriate offer includes the price you're offering to pay for the Charleston condos that you want to purchase, your financing terms, and any contingencies.

Begin with a realistic offering price. You want to come up with a price based on similar Charleston condos sold in the neighborhood in the past six months. You'll also want to keep the local conditions in mind. In other words, if houses are selling quickly and many houses are receiving multiple offers, you'll need to bid competitively. Higher bids will take priority and get noticed.

The second option to include in your offer is realistic financing terms. If you're pre-approved for a loan, be sure to include that in the offer so the seller knows you're serious.

And finally, include a Charleston condos property inspection clause. This gives the buyers and sellers a certain amount of time to either fix what needs fixing, agree to proceed without having it fixed, or allowing the buyer to walk away with his deposit (but not his property inspection fee). Property inspections are critical for peace of mind and if a bank is providing a mortgage they will require one be done.

Most offers include a deadline for a response, perhaps three days. Counter offers often have 24 hours to respond so be able to be reached during this critical time. Everything needs to be put in writing. Don't rely on verbal agreements for anything.

5 Indicators That You're Ready to Buy

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0400

So you’ve found the perfect Awendaw real estate but you’re not sure if you have what you need to purchase? Determining whether you're ready to buy a house can be a daunting task. Here are 5 indicators that will tell whether you're ready to take the plunge on that South Carolina Awendaw real estate.

1. You are familiar with the market. If you have a realistic view of how much a house will cost you, you're in good shape.

2. You have the money for a down payment. Freddie Mac says the percentage will be determined by the type of mortgage you select. Down payments usually range from 3 to 20 percent of the property value.

3. Know how much you can afford. Your monthly mortgage payment should be less than or equal to a percentage of your income, usually about a quarter of your gross monthly income.

4. Fully understand what additional expenses will come with owning a home. This includes homeowner insurance, property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance costs such as roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling.

5. Have good credit and make sure your credit report is accurate. You should get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

When you’re ready to make the plunge on that Awendaw real estate give me a call and I’ll be happy to help you with all of the purchase details.

Planning Ahead for Wise Investments

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:01:00 -0400

Buying real estate is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. It's important to remember not to get carried away by your emotions when purchasing Charleston investment property. Making a decision on investment property requires sufficient time to know what you're going to get and what you can expect in the future for this property.

Plan ahead. Did you know that many people plan their purchase of Charleston investment property for sometimes more than a year? The experts recommend planning ahead at least three months and taking into consideration the factors including interest rates in your location that might affect your buying decision. It's beneficial to always be on alert with regards to newly-listed properties in the best neighborhoods and in the locations that you can afford.

Consider the location. You have probably heard this many times but location is very important. This means you will have to find property in a good neighborhood that is easily accessible to the grocery store, utilities and schools. Doing this will give you a good return in the event you want to sell the property in the future.

Determine your budget. The financial aspect is an important consideration. You need to set a budget for the Charleston investment property you're targeting to buy and not just the mortgage. Project your long range costs so you can set a specific budget.

Consider your situation. Assess your situation very well. Are you selling your existing home and buying a new one? Do you require certain features in a home that will make it easier to do your work or business? Is this property going to be used as a vacation rental or used as your primary residence?

Work closely with your agent so you will be able to make a guided decision. Remember, take the time to plan ahead so you will know the right time to buy that investment property you desire.

From our family to yours, we'd like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

Traveler Magazine?s Top City: How Charleston Could Benefit

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:58:00 -0400

According to the readers of Conde Nast and Traveler Magazine, Charleston has just recently been ranked as the top travel destination in the United States. Coming in at number two on last year’s list, the top spot for the city is quite an accomplishment, when you start to think of some of the other great destinations around the country.

The award was presented back in October at an event for the Reader’s Choice Awards in New York City. Stephen Colbert, native of Charleston and television star, was on hand to give out the award to the city’s tourist representatives. Colbert touched on the city’s beauty, recalling vivid imagery from his childhood and telling stories of his youth.

Charleston has been in the magazine’s list of travel destinations for 18 years straight before achieving the top spot this fall. Certainly hitting number one is quite an achievement, but what could it mean for tourism and the city in general?

The ranking atop Traveler Magazine will certainly have an effect on tourism, with grown awareness and the brand of being number one in the readers’ eyes. It could also have a small effect on long term residents as well. Certainly every time a new visitor comes into town, the possibility of adding another future resident is on the table.

A visit to the area is often highlighted by not only the beautiful scenery, but excellent architecture in the beautiful versatility of Charleston apartments, condominiums and homes. The waterways are an attractive feature to many, as well as the weather in the southeast. Charleston is located in an area that perfectly mixes cool weather during the winter months, with enjoyable warmth throughout the spring, summer and some of fall.

A visit also allows guests to take in some of the excellent culinary culture that Charleston has to offer. The city has already been recognized as a Traveler’s Choice winner for food and wine in the past. The city offers so many excellent culinary options that certainly leave visitors wanting to experience more.

Look for this ranking to have two pronged effect in the Charleston area. It should serve to directly bring some more visitors into town, even with the area already being a prime tourist destination in the United States for some time. Secondly, increased visitors could certainly affect long term moves into the Charleston area. Just as is the case with many people who visit the city and its surroundings, the beauty and culture is hard to leave behind for long.

The Area Lights Up for the Holidays

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:00:00 -0400

The beautiful city of North Charleston is the third largest city in South Carolina. It is a mature, gracious city, the balmy sub-tropical climate and coastal lifestyle adds to the quiet, low-bustle ambiance. No wonder that it is a popular destination for visitors and those looking to relocate to the south. North Charleston real estate consists of sprawling colonial homes and bungalows plus plush condos. New home communities are also popular and are being developed, contributing to the North Charleston real estate, while not conflicting with the quiet charm of the city. It’s a beautiful time of year to be looking at North Charleston real estate.

The area will be celebrating the holidays at the following venues.

Charleston Sleigh Ride
Dec. 8 – 10, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 15 – 16, 5 p.m., Dec. 17 – 31, excluding Christmas, 3 p.m. and 5 p,m.
Charleston Harbor, SC (843) 276-4203

Charleston Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 3, 2011, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Marion Square (843) 724-7305

Annual Charleston Parade of Boats
December 3, 2011
Charleston Harbor (843) 724-7305

The Low Country Singing Christmas Tree
December 9-12, 2011
Summerville Baptist Church (843) 873-2440

The Nutcracker Ballet
December 10, 11, 16, 17, 2011
North Charleston Performing Arts Theatre (843) 723-7334

Live Manger Scene
December 22-24, 2011
James Island (843) 795-3527

Holiday Festival of Lights

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:42:00 -0400

If you’re in the area looking at James Island real estate take my advice and check out the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island. It’s a wonder to be seen for sure!

It’s the season for the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island, South Carolina. See more than 500,000 lights illuminate the James Island Park in the evenings of November 11, 2011 - January 1, 2012. You can tour the Holiday Festival of Lights for $12/car then take a ride on the 54 passenger train for $3 each.

This is a great event made for the whole family! The Holiday Festival of Lights first got started in 1989. It’s since been a long standing Charleston event that many look forward to around the holidays. It really does fill the air with Christmas and all the holiday season brings. This 3 mile driving tour takes you throughout the James Island County Park with over 600 displays and 500,000 lights. It’s a splendid way for the entire family to get into the holiday spirit.

Admission is always affordable with the following; 1 - 15 Guests = $12 per vehicle, 16 - 30 Guests = $40 per vehicle, 31+ Guests = $100 per vehicle. Pretty good deals! Receive a $2 discount per vehicle with the donation of a canned food item to benefit a local charity Monday – Wednesday. Such a great thing to do around the holidays! Some other features at this years event are photos with Santa Clause, two gift shops, marshmallow roasts, musical concerts, carousel rides, an enchanted forest walking trail, and much more. Don’t leave before savoring some hot chocolate!

If you’ve found some James Island real estate you’d like to take a look give me a call. I’d love to hear from you!

Get Your Boo On But Be Safe!

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 06:00:00 -0400

I can't think of anything more fun to do to get your Boo! on than going to Boone Fright Nights at Boone Hall Plantation. With tomorrow being Halloween you won’t want to miss this and it's your last chance! There are several different "scare factors" for 2011 Halloween in Charleston goers to enjoy: Nightmare Manor - $10; Psycho Clowns 3D - $6; Terror Trail Hayride - $12; and Chaos Quarentine - $8. You can get an All You Can Dare Scare Pass, which includes all four (4) events for $25. Call 843.884.4371 for more information.

If you haven't met with me lately to talk about what's going on in the world of commercial real estate in Charleston, SC, it’s about time you do. I know Charleston commercial real estate well and will spend the time to show you the best investment properties you could imagine. Working in both residential and Charleston commercial real estate I’m fully knowledgeable on what is available in the area and how it can benefit you and your business or investment ventures long term.

This continues to be a great time to be purchasing any real estate whether it be residential, commercial, or investment property. It remains a buyers market but it won't last forever. The best prices to be had are right now so don’t wait. The real estate available in Charleston and the surrounding areas are residential homes, condos, land, investment property, as well as Charleston commercial real estate. Give me a call soon!

Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone!

Enjoying the Arts in Charleston

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:11:00 -0400

Boasting a rich history, an expansive culture and great economic freedom are all motivating factors in deciding to make a purchase of Charleston waterway real estate. If you are looking for fresh opportunities in a city as old as the nation itself, yet young and forward-looking, give me a call and I’ll be happy to show you our Charleston waterway real estate as well as any other properties you’re interested in. Be sure to check out the following events taking place in the area.

The Eleganat Four
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, 2011, at 8 p.m.
The soulful sounds of The Elegant Four can be heard at Gullah Theatre on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, 2011, at 8 p.m. Be enchanted as the energetic, all-female musical reveals personal stories through songs of inspiration. A guaranteed hand-clapping, toe-tapping, and head-bopping celebration. Ticket price is $15. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Greater Charleston Fine Art Festival
October 29-30, 2011
Experience the most amazing and exquisite collection of hand-crafted original artwork created by over 100 of the nations top artisans as Patriot’s Point and Mount Pleasant host the inauguration of the Greater Charleston Fine Art Festival on October 29-30, 2011. Find that perfect piece for your home, your office, and your life from over 10,000 pieces of extraordinary original art, including works by painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, digital artists, glass, fiber and ceramic artists along with creations in mixed-media, metal, wood and more!

The art festival opens Saturday October 29th with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continues Sunday October 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the festival is free. Parking at Patriot’s Point is $5 with additional free parking outside Patriot’s Point. The festival is directed by Paragon Fine Art Events, the premier organizer of fine art festivals in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.

Park West Real Estate

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:00:00 -0400

In the family community of Park West you’ll discover a wide array of distinctive home types and styles of living. Park West real estate ranges from detached single-family homes, to townhomes, traditional homes, condominiums, live-work residences and a rising adult-community including assisted living care. All offer families choices that vary in style, size and price range to suit life's many stages.

As the largest residential neighborhood in Charleston, Park West has the largest variety of homes at any given time. You'll get a lot of home for the money in Park West, especially compared to some of the other neighborhoods in this same general area. Homes range from condos currently priced at $85k to multi-million dollar houses.

Park West real estate offers an abundance of family-centered amenities. There’s a swimming pool, club house, fitness center, tennis courts, and a children’s play park. In addition, some subsections of Park West have additional benefits. For example, The Battery also has a dog washing area, an elevator in each building, and outdoor kitchen with an oyster pit.

You’ll find some of the best public schools in all of Charleston are in Mt. Pleasant. From K-8, kids can go to school without leaving the neighborhood. Laurel Hill Primary teaches children from K-2. Third to fifth grade kids go to Charles Pinckney Elementary, and sixth to eighth graders attend Cario Middle. The new Wando High School is about a 5 minute drive from Park West (just off Hwy 17).

The majority of the homes in this neighborhood have been built since the year 2000. So, whether you're looking for newer pre-owned Park West real estate or a new construction home that's never been lived in, this neighborhood may have the home you're looking for.

I'on Real Estate

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:00:00 -0400

With its Charleston-style homes, I'on is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the area. Both its exclusive amenities and its close proximity to downtown Charleston and the beaches make this a highly desirable place to live. As you drive through this neighborhood looking at I'on real estate, you'll feel like you're in historic downtown Charleston.

All of the details that make Charleston architecture so unique are details you'll find in I'on real estate. We don’t mean just the double front porches, but also the brick work, wrought iron fences, immaculate landscaped courtyards, heavy columns, metal roofed dormers, and European-style piazzas. In a neighborhood where the average home price is just under $1 million, no expense is spared in recreating the classic Charleston style that is so popular among homebuyers. With I'on real estate you can have Charleston charm along with an upscale suburban lifestyle.

I'on has some of the most impressive amenities in all of Charleston. They provide a zero entry swimming pool, 3 club houses, dock facilities, a boat ramp, a fitness center, some of the best tennis facilities in Mt. Pleasant, and a children's park.

Located off Mathis Ferry Road, I'on is in the section of Mt. Pleasant that's inside I-526 — the closest section to downtown Charleston). Less than a 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston it’s equally as close to the beaches, Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. I'on is one of the few new construction communities in Mt. Pleasant with this close of a proximity to Charleston.