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        <title>Charleston Real Estate Market Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/2013-03/</link>
        <description>Get local info and tips from Charleston real estate agents on market trends, financing, new communities, upcoming events, and more!</description>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/the-family-circle-cup-and-cooper-river-bridge-run-in-charleston-sc.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/the-family-circle-cup-and-cooper-river-bridge-run-in-charleston-sc.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>The Family Circle Cup and Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The Bridge Run and the Family Circle Cup are two of the most popular annual events in Charleston It is a beautiful time of year to participate in these time honored Charleston traditions:




Cooper River Bridge Run: On Saturday, April 6, a world-class 10K foot race will take place from Mount Pleasant over the Ravenel Bridge into Downtown Charleston. This year the race will feature 21 bands stationed every quarter of a mile. Whether you are a marathon runner or just like a good walk, thousands of people from all over will come to experience running over Charleston’s iconic bridge. There are generally after parties all over downtown and in Mt. Pleasant where folks fuel back up after sweating it out. Registration is $45.


Family Circle Cup: If you prefer being an onlooker rather than an active participant, the Family Circle tennis tournament may be more your speed. From March 30 through April 7, you can watch the best women tennis players compete in the largest women-only tennis tournament in the world. This year’s lineup includes Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Venus Williams, Samantha Stosur, and Sara Errani, just to name a few. The Family Circle Magazine Stadium is located at 161 Seven Farms Drive on Daniel Island.




If you are wishing that you could enjoy Charleston’s wonderful weather, you aren’t alone. Relocaters and locals alike enjoy being active here year round and taking part in the steady stream of festivals and annual events that Charleston has to offer. I am glad to help you with your real estate options anytime. Just call or email if you would like my assistance in your move
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    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:41:36 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/mount-pleasant-neighborhoods-with-good-walkability.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/mount-pleasant-neighborhoods-with-good-walkability.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Mount Pleasant Neighborhoods with Good Walkability</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Many Mount Pleasant home buyers want to find a neighborhood where they can walk to local shops and restaurants. Since Charleston has a temperate climate, it’s the perfect place to utilize your two best assets year round – your feet There’s something about getting outdoors and in the sunshine that can put a little hop in your step. The Mount Pleasant area has a few neighborhoods that are quite conducive to this active, convenient, and environmentally friendly lifestyle.


Seaside Farms, Sweetgrass neighborhood, and Hidden Lakes in Mount Pleasant are within a short walk to The Shoppes at Seaside and a little longer walk to Towne Centre. Prices range from about $115k-500K for a condo or townhome, and $275-950K for a single family home. So, these neighborhoods meet a wide range of prices for homes buyers. Seaside Farms is the only one of these subdivisions that has a community pool. If you like to run or ride a bike, there is a path all the way to Isle of Palms Beach from the Isle of Palms Connector that is very close by.


Between the two shopping centers, you are sure to find everything you need and want. The Shoppes at Seaside offer delicious restaurants such as Gilligan’s Steamer and Raw Bar, Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, and Basil (a Thai restaurant), as well as everyday Piggly Wiggly grocery and Target shopping. The center also offers coffee shops, fitness studios, doctors’ offices, and everything you would need to pamper yourself from a massage parlor to salons. The Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is an outdoor Mall with many chain retail stores and restaurants along with unique independent retailers. There is also a stadium seating movie theater located in Towne Centre.


I’on subdivision in Mount Pleasant is another neighborhood to consider for active home buyers. There are sidewalks and paths which make it easy to stroll down to I’on Square for a hardy meal at O’Brion’s Pub and Grille, Langdon’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, Carter’s Kitchen, or The Square Onion. You’ll also find the occasional festival, concert, or farmer’s market taking place in the square. There are also charming shops and business offices in the square. I’on is set on the water, and residents can opt to join The Creek Club, the community boat ramp, dock, and clubhouse. I’on Club is a members only fitness club which includes swimming, tennis, fitness, and community functions for the whole family.


Some buyers love being able to walk to find entertainment, get a drink, or grab a bite to eat. Others enjoy living in a community that offers a range of options for an outdoors, active lifestyle. These four neighborhoods are great starting point if you’re looking for houses for sale in Mount Pleasant that are as close as possible to restaurants and shopping. Learn more about Mount Pleasant real estate
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    <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:56:38 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/west-ashley-neighborhoods-within-walking-distance-to-shops-and-restaurants.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/west-ashley-neighborhoods-within-walking-distance-to-shops-and-restaurants.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>West Ashley Neighborhoods Within Walking Distance to Shops and Restaurants</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Many home buyers ask us to recommend homes and neighborhoods that will keep them within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. West Ashley can be a great fit for these home buyers because – if you know where to look – it offers a convenient lifestyle for those wanting walkability. A few of these convenient neighborhoods in West Ashley are located near the revitalized Avondale district, the Coburg shopping center, and the South Windermere shopping center.


West Ashley’s Avondale commercial section has recently been renovated into a trendy district that has even started an Avondale Restaurant Week. Five area restaurants came together to put on this event that took place in February. Restaurant Week was organized by the Triangle Char and Bar General Manager Michael Lotz. He spoke with the owners of Al Di La, The Roost, Mellow Mushroom, and Pearlz Oyster Bar to provide “3 for $20” menus at each of the participating restaurants. Other area restaurants include Voodoo, Avondale Wine and Cheese, and Alchemy Coffee. The Avondale shops are known for their many vintage stores and gift shops, such as Poe Studio, a new antique shop called 17 South, and the Childrens Cancer Society Thrift Store.


You’ll know you’re at the Coburg shopping center when you reach what locals affectionately call “the Coburg Cow.” Inside the shopping center are a few large retail stores along with some independent retailers and restaurants. East Bay Deli, Jason’s Deli, Hubbee Dee’s, Your Pie, Harris Teeter, Stein Mart, Petco, and Massage Envy are just a few.


West Ashley’s South Windermere shopping center provides many of your shopping and dining needs. Some of the more popular stores are EarthFare (an organic/healthy living grocery store), Staples, Half Moon Outfitters, and Phillips Shoes. Med Deli, Osaka, Starbucks, Three Little Birds, and TCBY are favorite stops for a meal or a special treat. Holy Cow Yoga and the West Ashley branch of the Charleston public library system are also conveniently located here.


These neighborhoods in West Ashley are within walking distance to the Avondale shops and the Coburg shops: Byrnes Down, Moreland, Avondale, and West Oak Forest. The closest neighborhoods to the South Windermere shopping center are The Crescent, Byrnes Down, and South Windermere. (You can search West Ashley houses by neighborhood on our website.) These homes are mostly older single family brick or wood siding homes that were built from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Pricing ranges from just over $150K to over $600K. These subdivisions are also extremely close to downtown Charleston (only a 5 minute car ride). If being able to walk or ride your bicycle to local shops, restaurants, or bars is appealing to your lifestyle, then you may want to consider buying a home in the West Ashley real estate market.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:50:17 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/easter-events-in-charleston-south-carolina.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/easter-events-in-charleston-south-carolina.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Easter Events in Charleston, South Carolina</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Celebrate spring with your family by attending one of the many Easter events held in Charleston, South Carolina:




Easter EGGstravaganza: Saturday, March 30, 11 AM to 1 PM. Participate in the citys largest egg hunt. There will also be pony rides, a climbing wall, games, prizes, music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The age range for this free event is 12 and under. Located at Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Blvd in Downtown Charleston.


Middleton Place Easter EGGstravaganza: Saturday, March 30 at 10:30 AM. Hunt for eggs in the plantation gardens, then take the kids to the Stableyards to be dyed. Children can also play colonial games, participate in the Egg Roll and Egg Toss, hear classic stories, and make Easter crafts. $25/adult, $15/student, $10/child, Free/children 5 and under. Middleton Place (pictured) is located at 4300 Ashley River Road in West Ashley.


West Ashley Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 30, 2 to 4 PM. Children aged 10 and under can hunt for Easter eggs at this free event and also enjoy jump castles, arts and crafts, relay races, face painting, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Bees Landing Recreation Complex is located at Grand Oaks Plantation in West Ashley.


Easter Festival: Saturday, March 30, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy kids’ activities including a jump castle, inflatable slide, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, and Easter crafts. This free event will also feature live entertainment by John Cusatis. Freshfields Village is located at 149 Village Green Lane at Kiawah.




If you are house hunting in Charleston and would like some guidance on which neighborhoods and homes might suit your needs, please give me a call. I am always glad to help
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    <pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:54:37 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/sweetgrass-village-new-homes-by-dr-horton-in-mount-pleasant-sc.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/sweetgrass-village-new-homes-by-dr-horton-in-mount-pleasant-sc.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Sweetgrass Village:  New Homes by DR Horton in Mount Pleasant, SC</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Sweetgrass Village is one DR Horton Homes’ newest neighborhoods in the Charleston real estate market. It is located in Mount Pleasant, just north of the Isle of Palms connector on Six Mile Road between Highway 17 and Rifle Range Road. It takes about 2 minutes to drive to the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and The Shoppes at Seaside Farms, and it takes only 5 minutes to get to Isle of Palms beach or Sullivan’s Island beach. Downtown Charleston is just a short 20 minute commute, and if you get onto the new Hungryneck Boulevard, you could be on Interstate 526 in just 5 minutes. Also, a new Harris Teeter grocery store is on Six Mile Road for the convenience of Sweetgrass Village residents.


DR Horton has been building homes across the nation on a large scale for 35 years. Some of the exterior features on the Sweetgrass Village homes include raised slab foundations, hardy plank boards for siding, architectural shingles (30 year warranty), lawn irrigation, and a tankless water heater. Interior home features include hardwoods in the foyer, dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, and powder room. The bathrooms and the laundry room are tile flooring. In the dining room and foyer, there will be chair rail moulding, crown molding, and wainscoting. DR Horton’s kitchens boast 36 inch glazed panel birch or staggered flat panel maple cabinetry with crown molding; GE stainless steel microwave, dishwasher, and range; and gorgeous granite countertops.


Home designs start from 2,354 square feet and go up to 4,200 square feet for the largest floor plan. The plans have anywhere from 3 to 7 bedrooms and range in price from approximately $330K to about $455K. Homeowners annual dues are approximately $200 per year which helps maintain the common areas. Other DR Horton communities currently under construction are Preston at Park West and Kingsbridge at Dunes West. These are both higher end townhome communities.


Sweetgrass Village is a small community with only about 33 homes planned. It’s zoned for great public schools, which is a major draw for home buyers: Jennie Moore Elementary, Laing Middle, and Wando High School.


If you’re looking to purchase a new home in the Mount Pleasant real estate market and your budget allows for $330K plus, you may want to consider Sweetgrass Village. Its high-ranking schools and its superior convenience to downtown, shopping, and the beaches make it a very popular community among home buyers right now. Learn about more Mount Pleasant neighborhoods or view just Mount Pleasant new construction homes
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    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:49:18 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/young-professionals-in-the-charleston-sc-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/young-professionals-in-the-charleston-sc-market.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Young Professionals in the Charleston, SC Market</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Charleston, SC has a range of things to offer young professionals – from outdoor activities to shopping, movie theaters, nightlife, and some of the best restaurants in the country. Although many of these entertainment options are in Downtown Charleston, the real estate is generally too expensive for young professionals and first time home buyers. The nearest suburbs of Charleston (James Island, Mt. Pleasant, and West Ashley) offer more affordable homes without sacrificing a great location.


James Island’s laid back atmosphere and local eateries make it a prominent suburb to live. And, its prime location makes it easy to commute to Downtown Charleston (10 minutes or less, usually) for work or entertainment. Folly Beach is also just a 10 minute drive away. (North Charleston is a little bit farther, about 30 minutes, so be sure to talk with us about where you’ll be working so that we can recommend communities for you.) If you are a fitness fanatic, you may enjoy a workout at Gold’s Gym, biking along the roadways, swimming in one of the neighborhood pools, kayaking in the many marshes surrounding the island, or jogging or wall climbing at the James Island County Park. If you have a dog, the dog park at the James Island County Park may be a place you will frequent. James Island has two movie theaters, a Super Wal-Mart, Lowes, and a variety of local grocery stores. On Sundays, there is a local farmer’s market in the Riverland Terrace area with plenty of fresh produce and arts and crafts for the community. Everything you need is right on the island, so you don’t have to leave unless you want to explore the rest of Charleston. More on James Island homes for sale…


Mount Pleasant is another great suburb that’s known for its upscale feel. The commute to downtown is usually 5-25 minutes, and to North Charleston it is about 25 minutes. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island beaches. Whatever you need, Mount Pleasant has it There are plenty of grocery stores including a Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, large retail stores, specialty shops, and boutiques. Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and The Shoppes at Seaside Farms are just two of the outdoor shopping complexes Mount Pleasant has to offer. There are two movie theaters, as well. The restaurants range from fast food to sit down cafés to delicious nationally recognized fine dining. Boating is a very popular activity amongst young professionals. Most put their boat in the water at a public boat ramp, and head out for the day to Morris Island or Capers Island with a few friends. You can also rent jet skis at the Isle of Palms Marina for an hour or two. Mount Pleasant has its own farmer’s market, where local farmers and artists display their masterpieces for residents to purchase. Search Mount Pleasant home listings…


West Ashley offers young professionals a little more home for the money since it’s one of the most affordable suburbs in Charleston County. The trendy South Windermere Shopping Center offers an Earthfare grocery, Starbucks, Urban Nirvana, Half Moon Outfitters, Phillip’s Shoes, and Holy Cow Yoga. You’ll find several more shopping centers in West Ashley including the Citadel Mall (which has an IMAX movie theater). Like James Island, West Ashley also has a great selection of locally owned restaurants like Sesame Burgers, Red Orchid (Chinese cuisine), and Home Team BBQ. The West Ashley Greenway is perhaps the best place to run, bike, or walk the dog – but you’ll find several other parks throughout the area. West Ashley real estate is about 5-25 minutes from Downtown Charleston and 15-30 minutes from Folly Beach.


If you’re a young professional looking to purchase a home in the Charleston area, contact us to get started We’d be happy to talk with you about everything that Charleston has to offer. We can also guide you through the home buying process, recommend areas and neighborhoods based on your needs and wants, and also answer any questions you might have. Learn more about Charleston real estate
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    <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:28:36 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/charleston-sc-a-family-friendly-place-to-live.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/charleston-sc-a-family-friendly-place-to-live.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Charleston, SC: A Family Friendly Place to Live</title>
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Charleston, SC is one of the most family friendly places to live in the southeast. There are plenty of fun indoor and outdoor activities and recreation options for families year round. Parks, beaches, plantations, restaurants, shops, annual festivals, and water sports are just a few of the many exciting things Charleston has to offer. Charleston has something for everyone’s interests and lifestyle, which is why over 120,000 people call Charleston home. Whether you choose Mount Pleasant, James Island, or West Ashley, you will find a warm welcome in every community in our city.


Mount Pleasant is a suburb just across the Aurthur Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston. There are currently about 40,000 people who reside here. Mount Pleasant has many family friendly neighborhoods with amenities that most families look for such as pools, tennis courts, jogging trails, and play parks. The beach is only 5 to 15 minutes away depending on where you live in Mt. Pleasant, and downtown is 5 to 25 minutes away. Mount Pleasant is also known for its many retail and boutique shops, restaurants, and two movie theaters. It’s easy for families to get everything they need without driving to another part of the city. The schools rank among the highest in the Charleston area, which is a major driving force for many families considering Mount Pleasant real estate.


Families who choose James Island real estate enjoy the close proximity to downtown Charleston and to Folly Beach – both are only a 5 to 10 minute commute, which is less than any other suburb in Charleston. If you enjoy a small town feel, but also want to be within a quick drive of a city, James Island is a great option. There are many family friendly activities all year long at the James Island County Park. The most popular tends to be the Festival of Lights, which features several miles of holiday lights in addition to roasting marshmallows, riding the train or merry-go-round, wall climbing, and more. The park also has a huge children’s playground and a water park which is wonderful for kids of all ages. James Island is also very pet friendly. There are special small-dog and large-dog parks which offer lots of grassy space for dogs to play off the leash. Some of the James Island schools like Stiles Point Elementary, Harborview Elementary, Fort Johnson Middle, and James Island Charter High rank highly in Charleston County (and in South Carolina), which enters into the decision making for most families. There are a variety of excellent private schools all over Charleston to send your children to, as well.


West Ashley is another popular suburb with a good location in Charleston. The West Ashley Greenway runs all the way through West Ashley, providing a place for families to ride bikes or take a stroll. There are also many public parks where families can ride bikes, walk, or play soccer or Frisbee. Charles Towne Landing located off Sam Rittenburg Boulevard and West Ashley Park off Glenn McConnell Parkway are some of our favorite parks. There are shelters, picnic tables, wetlands, hiking trails, and sports fields at these facilities. The brand new Bees Landing Recreation Center features camps, fitness classes, educational classes, junior and adult sports, and more. The Citadel Mall is a popular stop in West Ashley for retail goods, and there are a variety of mom-n-pop restaurants along Highway 17 and Highway 61 for the local taste buds. West Ashley homes for sale offer a convenient location because most are 5 to 25 minutes to downtown Charleston and about 15 to 35 minutes to Folly Beach.


Whether you live in Mount Pleasant, James Island, or West Ashley, you will find that there is no lack of southern hospitality. Families have a multitude of activities to help integrate them into their community. Read more about your family’s options forCharleston real estate
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    <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:20:37 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/charleston-sc-one-of-the-best-places-to-retire-in-the-us.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/charleston-sc-one-of-the-best-places-to-retire-in-the-us.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Charleston, SC:  One of the Best Places to Retire in the U.S.</title>
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Charleston, SC is one of the country’s best places to retire for a multitude of reasons. The taxes are some the lowest in the nation, the weather is gorgeous year round, the city is full of history, the restaurants are amazing, and there are more than enough activities to keep up an active retired lifestyle. AARP has named Charleston as one of the top places to retire in the country. Also, Forbes magazine has written that Charleston has the lowest tax bite of all, a general low cost of living, and plenty of physicians. Other recent rankings for Charleston include Most Mannerly City, Most Livable Cities, America’s Friendliest Cities, and Best Shopping Districts.


The population of Charleston is about $120,000, and the median home price is $199,300. Most of Charleston’s real estate is starting to see healthy increases in pricing (which is a good trend to keep in mind for buyers if retirement is still several years away).


Activities abound throughout the Charleston area. Incredible restaurants and shops of all kinds fill downtown and spill over into the Mount Pleasant, James Island, and West Ashley suburbs. The College of Charleston offers courses to retirees along with field trips, lunches, and weekly study groups. Festivals take place all over Charleston every week. One of the most popular festivals is Spoleto, which celebrates the arts and usually takes place in May.


In Mount Pleasant, you’ll find no shortage of golf courses waiting for your tee time to be set. There is Dunes West Golf Club, Rivertowne Country Club, Patriot’s Point, and Charleston National Golf Club. Almost all of the neighborhoods have amenities such as golf, pools, tennis courts, play parks, and walking trails. There are two very nice hospitals in Mt. Pleasant: East Cooper Medical Center and Mt. Pleasant Roper Hospital. Real estate in Mt. Pleasant is mostly newer construction in the $220K plus range.


James Island is just a hop, skip, and a jump to Folly Beach. James Island is known for being relaxed and providing a smaller town feel. MUSC (the Medical University of South Carolina) and Roper Hospital are located downtown just across the Ashley River Bridge from James Island (a 5 to 10 minute drive from most of the homes on James Island. The island offers the Lowcountry Senior Center, which has many classes and events to take part in. The Lowcountry Senior Center and the James Island County Park combine efforts to put on a spectacular light show each winter. Volunteers as well as locals take pride in the Festival of Lights, which is a 3 mile light display and attracts people from all over South Carolina.


West Ashley has a proposed Senior Center in the works, and hopefully it will be available to seniors soon. West Ashley offers many beautiful homes – new construction as well as houses built in the 1950’s to 1970’s that are in lovely established neighborhoods. There are also townhomes and condos that take little to no maintenance, which is ideal if you’re wanting to buy a home now and use it for vacations until you’re ready to retire. West Ashley is also home to Charles Towne Landing, a gorgeous preserve that is open for the public to explore. Also in West Ashley are three of the main plantations in Charleston: Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Plantation, and Drayton Hall. They are open to the public for a small fee, and they host a number of events throughout the year. Homes for sale in West Ashley are some of the most affordable you’ll find in Charleston County.


The Charleston metro area had the seventh largest climb in the number of residents less than 45 years old. They now make up 35 of Charleston’s population. We’ve worked with many current retirees as well as clients who have taken advantage of the good prices and rates right now to secure a home for retirement in the coming years. We often hear that these buyers chose Charleston because it’s not solely a retirement destination. Instead, Charleston offers a wonderful mix of young adults, families, retirees, college students, and singles of all ages. Charleston may well be one of the best places to stay feeling young and vibrant with its allure of entertainment, mild weather, low costs, entertainment, cultural offerings, good healthcare, history, and scenic beauty.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:16:53 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/recent-changes-in-the-charleston-real-estate-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/recent-changes-in-the-charleston-real-estate-market.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>Recent Changes in the Charleston Real Estate Market</title>
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Most areas within the Charleston real estate market have undergone significant changes over the past month. In the most popular areas, we’re now commonly seeing listings get multiple offers within just a few days of coming onto the market. The inventory of homes for sale has been slowly diminishing over the past year, but only recently has the number of MLS listings reached the 4,000 mark. Some areas are seeing less than a 2 months’ supply of homes, which shows a strong sellers’ market.


If your time frame is more than 2 months, know that most of the homes we’re sending you will not be available when it comes time for you to purchase. However, these homes can certainly help you to keep an eye on the Charleston real estate market, learn what you can get for the money, and hone in on neighborhoods, etc. that fit what you’re looking for.


If you plan to purchase within the next 2 months, it’s important to go ahead and speak with a lender so that you have time to get your financing in order. When competing in a sellers’ market – and especially multiple offer situations – it will give us (and you) a much better advantage to include a prequalification letter with our offer to the sellers. If you’re looking for a trusted lender, Joel Greer is our in-house lender with Carolina One Mortgage. Feel free to email him at Joel.Greer@gbmail.com or call him at the office at 843-414-2489 to get started. Also, if you’re within this 2 month time frame, touch base with me so that I know exactly what you’re looking for. Not only can I adjust your saved search so that you see new homes as soon as they come onto the market, but I can also check for homes that are not yet listed on the MLS. That way, when you’re ready to see homes, we can be sure to consider all your options and get a head start in securing that top pick for you in Charleston real estate.
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    <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 12:04:28 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/school-rankings-and-charleston-real-estate-which-public-schools-are-best.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.searchforcharlestonrealestate.com/blog/school-rankings-and-charleston-real-estate-which-public-schools-are-best.html</link>
        <author>keadle@thekeadlegroup.com (Lee and Katherine Keadle)</author>
        <title>School Rankings and Charleston Real Estate:  Which Public Schools are Best?</title>
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When searching for the perfect place to make a home, many buyers want to know where the best schools in Charleston are located. Whether you have children or work as a teacher/staff member – or whether you simply want the quality of schools to help with future resale value of your home – know that Charleston has wonderful public and private schools throughout. Two great areas to start your search will be Mount Pleasant and James Island. According to SchoolDigger.com, here is how the Mount Pleasant and James Island area schools ranked in 2012:


Mount Pleasant real estate: This community has many master planned neighborhoods which include amenities such as pools, walking trails, tennis, golf, play parks, grocery stores, shops, and even schools inside the community. Some of the most popular communities are Park West, Rivertowne, Dunes West, Brickyard Plantation, and Charleston National.


Elementary Schools in Mt. Pleasant (out of 550 elementary schools that were ranked in SC)


Mt. Pleasant Academy: 7


Charles Pinckney Elementary: 14


East Cooper Montessori: 36


Belle Hall Elementary: 37


Jennie Moore Elementary: 42


Mamie Whitesides Elementary: 80


James B. Edwards Elementary: 123


Middle Schools (out of 244 in SC)


Thomas C. Cario Middle: 6


Moultrie Middle: 12


Laing Middle: 36


High School: (out of 209 in SC)


Wando High: 8 (this is the only public high school in Mt. Pleasant)


James Island real estate: This is a smaller community that’s known for its easy going atmosphere and great selection of independently owned shops and restaurants. Also, the beach and downtown Charleston are both within a very short drive. The James Island County Park is a wonderful asset on the island for people who love the outdoors. It features trails, a water park, paddle boats, a large children’s play park, open fields, a dog park, fishing, and a climbing wall.


Elementary Schools on James Island (out of 550 in SC)


Stiles Point Elementary: 26


Harborview Elementary: 40


James Island Elementary: 212


Murray Lasaine Elementary: 242


Middle Schools (out of 244 in SC)


Fort Johnson Middle: 26


James Island Middle: 97


High School (out of 209 in SC)


James Island Charter High: 20 (this is James Island’s only public high school)


More detailed information on each of these schools in Charleston can be found at http://ed.sc.gov/data/report-cards/2011/district.cfm?ID=1001. School report cards are organized by district and are put together by the SC State Department of Education. You can view, save, and print reports on all schools in your district. Another good resource we’ve found for comparing Charleston schools is http://www.greatschools.org/.


All schools in Charleston will allow parents to tour the facilities and speak with the principles, so do not hesitate to visit any schools that you are considering. Experiencing the educational environment firsthand is often just as helpful as researching school rankings. If you’re considering buying Charleston real estate – and schools are an important factor in making your decision – contact us for more information
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