Should you refinance your mortgage? 

That’s the question of the day! Word on the streets is the home loan interest rates are at historic lows so it’s safe to wonder if refinancing your home loan is in your future. 

In order to determine if you should refinance your mortgage ask yourselves these questions:

1. Do you know your home’s value? 

First and foremost, the most important aspect of refinancing is whether or not you have any equity in your home.  Luckily, at this time, the Charleston market and home values are still on the rise. The best way to know your home’s value is to speak with a lender and discuss your personal needs. Homeowners with at least 20% equity in their homes will...

These days the bright painted colors of Rainbow Row are associated with the whimsical charm of Charleston, but there are a few less conspicuous hues that can be found on nearly every historic home in the city. 

According to Charleston Magazine, the city’s paint palette is so unique the Historic Charleston Foundation partnered with Sherwin Williams to create “Colors of Historic Charleston” and “Carolina Low Country Collection” paint guides.

Charleston Green

The most famous of all the colors, of course, is Charleston Green which is a green so dark it appears black. However, if you look at it really closely, you’ll be able to see the dark shade of green the old Charleston folk created way b...

It’s the time of year when Charleston’s local farmers markets are opening up, but what are they all doing amid the novel corona virus pandemic? 

From essential goods mini markets to drive-thru service to undetermined opening days, we have an a 2020 update on all of Charleston’s local farmers markets.

Charleston’s Local Farmers Market Guide:

Charleston Farmers Market
Marion Square
329 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403
2020 opening day to be determined 
Saturdays
8am-2pm

Folly Beach Farmers Market
Folly River Park
Folly Beach, SC 29439
2020 opening day to be determined
Mondays
4pm-8pm

James Island Sunday Brunch Farmers Market
977 Maybank Highway 
James Island, SC 29412 (behind the Pour House) 
C...

Have you been waiting for the spring real estate market to take shape before putting your home up for sale? Worried Covid-19 may have put a damper on things? 

The novel Coronavirus has definitely changed the way the market is running, but the good news is the buyers are still out there….they’re just checking out your house in different ways. 

Make the best of this horrible situation and get your house ready to sell while social distancing. 

1. 
   Declutter. Ok, listen, we understand it is hard to declutter when the thrift stores aren’t open and the city isn’t picking up trash that isn’t in a can, but there are other ways to get rid of things. Places like the Kidney Foundation are still doi...

Most people have a spring cleaning regime they follow through and through. Spring cleaning chores like vacuuming under the couch cushions, wiping down the baseboards, and even cleaning out the gutters.

Here are 10 spring cleaning steps most people miss writing down on their lists but need to include...especially if planning to list their homes come spring. 

Before beginning to spring clean, you’ll need an arsenal of basic supplies: 

• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Glass cleaner
• Dusting wand
• Rags
• Scrubbing utensils

10 Spring Cleaning Steps Most People Miss Before Listing Their Home

1. Clean, wipe down and organize inside of cabinets and drawers. One of the first thi...

Finding your dream home is much like dating and falling in love. It takes patience, persistence, compromise, magical butterflies, and a little bit of elbow grease. Taking the time to research and laying out a blueprint for exactly what you want will make the process of buying your dream home easier than landing the partner of your dreams. 

What kind of home are you looking for? Take a look at some of the design styles around town. What calls out to you most? Do you prefer a one-story ranch style home, a small Craftsmen, a southern style country home, or something with a modern twist? 

Think about the future. Always consider what your life will be like in 5 years. Will you need extra roo...

Low competition, quality buyers, and great prices are all great reasons to buy and sell real estate in the winter and, though the weather may be warming up here in the south, all homes are prone to hide seasonal issues that could make or break a sale...or your wallet once the weather warms up for good. 

In areas prone to snow and ice, blankets of winter can cover a number of problems ranging from framing issues to deceptive landscaping to roofing problems to pests. That’s why a home inspection during the winter is an absolute must. 

1. Strength & Framing: Freezing temps and heavy storms can all wreak havoc on the structure of a home. A certified home inspector will check a home’s found...

First-time homeowners are the most fun clients to work with around the holidays because their joy and enthusiasm are filled with the magic of the season. They’ve saved up their money, their efforts have paid off, and they’ve finally purchased the home they’ve always wanted. Because they’ve had their sights set on this prize for weeks, they’ve had their own visions of exactly where they want their sugar plums and candy canes to go. Because of this, we tend to steer clear of gifts that include decor. 

Instead, we love to gift first-time homebuyers with practical items they usually don’t have in their arsenal. Items they will absolutely need at some point in their homeowning journey, but wo...

Why Listing Your Home During the Holidays Could Pay Off

Most seasoned real estate pros will tell you that selling during the winter months, especially during the holidays, is a bad idea, because you won’t get into bidding wars and you won't have showings every day. 

While that may be true, we believe listing your home during the holidays could really pay off:

Less Inventory Means Less Competition: Springtime is the most popular time of year for both listing and buying a home, but studies have shown that homes sell quicker and for money in the offseason because there are fewer homes to choose from. Less inventory means less competition. 

Neighborhoods are Dressed to Impress: Entrances ...

Looking for fun, family-friendly, fall activities in Charleston?  We've got the hookup! Check out this list of some of our favorite things to do this time of year! 

1. The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze - Through October 31

This awesome event includes a corn maze, hay mountain, play areas, rock climbing wall, goat walk and more. Plus, visit the pumpkin patch to buy pumpkins by the pound. At the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch choose from a vast field of juicy pumpkins to take home for all your pumpkin carving needs.

2. Home, History, and Architecture: By the Charleston Historic Preservation Society - Oct. 3- Nov. 2

Visit some of the most historic homes and gardens in America on these...

Hurricane season is now upon us, and it never ever hurts to be prepared!

We have several real estate clients moving to the Charleston area from other states that have lots of questions. We love to share our experience and tips on any aspect of Lowcountry Living.

Over the next few weeks, we will be doing a quick series on Hurricanes - How to....

Below is a great list we brainstormed on about documents to gather when a hurricane is threatening.

Documents to gather, have copies of, and protect in a waterproof container:

• health insurance cards
• drivers license/passports
• birth/marriage/death certificates
• homeowners insurance policy and agent contact number /renters insurance policy
• l...

Moving is an exciting and stressful time for everyone, including your pet.  Since your pet can’t speak English, there is no way to tell them exactly what is going on.  Thus, you must do whatever you can to reduce their stress during this transition.  Here are a few tips for keeping your pets and yourself, sane!

Chat with your vet ahead of time

 Let your vet know that you are moving away so they can send prescriptions and records with you.  They may even be able to recommend a vet in your new neighborhood.  This is also a great opportunity to ensure your pet has an extra supply of their medicines so you don’t have to worry about them in the first few weeks. 

Avoid the action

On moving ...

In the Lowcountry, we are blessed with a variety of salty destinations! From surfing and sand castles to the best eats around, you are sure to find your own little slice of heaven.

Folly Beach

Have you always dreamed of living the life of a surf bum?  Folly beach is calling your name.  Sign up for a surf lesson and hang ten!

After hours of fun in the sun, chill out on the deck at Tides with a cold beverage in your hand.  Grab some street corn at Taco Boy.  Refresh your beach wardrobe at our local shops or rent a bike to explore. 

Isle of Palms

If a family friendly, classic Charleston beach is more your vibe, head across the bridge to Isle of Palms.   This beautiful beach is lined w...

Aside from historic sites and beautiful beaches, Charleston is known for notoriously sweltering summer weather.   Many home buyers moving to the Charleston area are concerned about their summertime utility bill.

Here are a few ways to reduce the cooling cost for your Charleston home:

Have your HVAC system serviced regularly.

It's worth investing in a contractor to clean and inspect your HVAC system once or twice a year. Things like dirty coils, low refrigerant levels and air leaks in duct lines can all add up on your electric bill. If you aren’t sure who to call, ask about one of our trusted local partners, like Fogel Services.

Upgrade your water heater.

Tankless "on-demand" water he...

Spring and Summer Events in Charleston

From amazing art walks, to music filled evenings, to meandering strolls soaking up the history of colonial homes, the list of Spring and Summer events in Charleston is nearly never ending.

Between the paid events like High Water Music Festival to free activities on the beach, it’s easy to understand why Charleston has been named The Best City in the World for several years running.

10 Free Activity Ideas

Visit the Angel Oak
Dolphin watch at Waterfront Park, Fort Moultrie, or the Battery
Walk the Bridge
Spend the day on one of the areas stunning beaches
Have a picnic in a parks
Tour the Charleston Tea Plantation
Attend the Charleston Farmer’s Market
Catc...

Charleston, SC always sparkles with southern hospitality. Its deep roots and antebellum architecture embrace the spirit of locals and tourists year round, but spring in Charleston is when the city truly comes alive.

Bursting blooms in bright colors, local artisans old and new, salty sea breezes, farm fresh produce, and waddling goslings crossing the cobblestone streets add to the award winning ambiance of this thriving coastal town.

Weather

Charleston’s spring thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature of not too hot and not too cold. The classic flip-flop, t-shirt combo worn by locals is perfect for an afternoon full of activities and adding a simple light jacket at the end of the day m...

Buying a fixer upper and cutting back on finances is a great investment, but purchasing a home fraught with problems can lead to major dollar signs...if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fixer uppers can transform into lucrative profitability and wallets laden with cash, or shapeshift into money hungry pits of despair, riddled with flaws that can’t be fixed and draining wallets faster than a first time home buyer in a checkout line at Ikea.

So how do you know what to buy?

Buying a Fixer Upper

Ideal Property

You’ve heard it before, and you’ll continue to hear it until the world ends. Real estate is all about location, location, location. Finding a low priced property or foreclosure in ...

Park Circle in North Charleston is one of the most eccentric and sought after neighborhoods in Charleston.  

 Originally comprised of rice plantations then developed into a community focused on green space and parks, the Marquis style design of Park Circle became one of the first English Garden style communities in the US.    

With its perfect location, STEAM schools, diverse dining and love for local fare, it’s easy to see why Park Circle has become so beloved by both natives and newcomers in the present day:  

1. Location, location, location: First and foremost, it’s all about location in real estate. Park Circle is centrally located to the entire town of Charleston, and it’s easily a...

The holidays are swinging into gear! Menus are planned, presents are wrapped, and friends and family will soon be near. Before they come, take some time to accomplish these quick outdoor touch ups that’ll boost your curb appeal for the holidays and get buyers to the door in the new year:

1. Repaint the shutters and front door: A bright and beautiful coat of paint will catch people’s eyes and draw them straight onto your property. Be sure to choose a matte, one coat outdoor paint that’s easy to wipe clean. Don’t forget to use painters tape to avoid getting paint lines on the house.
2. Change the address #s: Take a step back, put yourself in the mind of the buyer. Gauge the easiest, most nota...

The verdict is still out on home staging during the holidays.

Some real estate pros believe holiday decorations should be sacrificed all together. Because, let’s face it. It’s pretty hard for buyers to picture themselves living in a home if a blow up Santa is ho, ho, ho-ing on the front lawn, and a choo choo train screams along the skirt of a ginormous evergreen.

Flip the coin, and other pros swear by the comforting spirit of glittering lights, gingerbread houses, and cinnamon scented candles.

If the decision is made to decorate a home during its sale, be sure to understand these key factors when home staging during the holidays:

1. 
   Classic curb appeal is key. A simple wreath, flower b...