Although summer is winding down, we can count on many months of good weather left here in the Lowcountry. The favorable mild climate is one of the main reasons why Charleston, SC is such a great place to call home. Of course, it is just one of many. There’s the robust downtown, picturesque beaches, and laid-back southern personality where everybody says hi and time moves just a little bit slower. Even Bill Murray is proud to call Charleston, SC home.

If you’re looking for a little bit of quiet or just enjoy waking up every morning to a view of the ocean, you may want to consider checking out residential spots at some of the beaches and barrier islands outside of downtown Charleston. Each beach town and island has its own personality, history, and features that may draw you in. The best way to get a better idea of the community and houses for sale in South Carolina is to speak with a Carolina One real estate agent who can research potential homes based on your criteria, schedule viewings, and more.

However, here is a really quick guide on some of the spots you may read about in your research to find your dream home in the Lowcountry:

Sullivan’s Island: This quiet barrier island is located between Charleston Harbor and Breach Inlet. It enjoys a famed military history, which was made more famous by Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, “The Gold Bug,” a story he wrote when he was stationed at Fort Moultrie.  Former military homes actually serve as residential homes today, and there are more than 2,000 people who live there. If you’re looking for peace and quiet but still want to be a short drive away from downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island offers a number of great real estate options.

Folly Beach: Also known as “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach features a number of family-fun activities all-year round. Make no mistake about it – Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination, but it has its quiet spots as well, providing residents with the best of both worlds. If you’re an avid fisherman, surfer, or birdwatcher, Folly Beach is a great place to call home. If you are on the fence, check out the 1,045-foot Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, which is the second-longest pier on the East Coast and offers a view you won’t find anywhere else.

Isle of Palms: Located just north of Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms is seven-mile long barrier island that enjoys a rich military history as well – it was the departure point for the CSS Hunley. It is also known for its small-town feel, beautiful beaches, and proximity to other beach communities and the city of Charleston. Residents have several shopping centers and a grocery store for their convenience, and their children can attend school in nearby Sullivan’s Island, which is known for its academic excellence. As a whole, Isle of Palms offers innumerable opportunities for people looking for coastal living in the Lowcountry. 

The New Year is a time for us to implement the New Year’s resolutions that we have been planning. Whether it’s quitting a bad habit or learning a new skill, the New Year is a time for us to wipe the slate clean and start anew. For many, preparing to buy a new home is their ultimate goal for 2017. To start the year on the right foot, we have put together a few tips or resolutions to help renters who are transitioning into homeownership get into their dream house.

Resolution 1: Raise Your Credit
Securing financing all starts with a good credit score. Your credit score is the key that unlocks the door to your dream home. A solid score affects your ability to lock down a reasonable interest rate for your mortgage and other financing.  It is one of the most important factors that banks consider when it comes to approving your financing and mortgage options. A good credit score that most banks accept is in the 700 range. If you know that your credit score is not within this range, then take this year to understand your credit history and raise your score.

Tip: Paying bills on time and eliminating credit card balances are great for helping you raise your score.

Resolution 2: Visualize Your Perfect Space
The biggest mistake many renters and prospective homeowners make is rushing to find a new place to live because they don’t like where they currently reside. They let the desire to move overtake the need for practicality. In order to find a perfect home or rental, you have to imagine what life would be like in that location. You can’t treat your requirements for a home the same way you treat the requirements for a rental space. The amount of time you spend and the nature of your life in both varies.

Tip: Visualize how you plan to utilize every aspect of the space and how feasible it is in the long run.

Resolution 3: Continue to Save
Finding the perfect Folly Beach rental, Sullivan Island home, or any other dream location you can imagine is not complete without making sure you have the proper financing in place. Credit fixing and space visualizing aside, you need to have access to cash, and savings your savings is your first step. What you save has great bearing on what your initial down payment on the home or rental space will be. Even if your initial down payment is calculated at $0, there is a possibility that you still need to show cash reserves and responsibility spending habits.

Tip: Resolve to save a little more each month to help build up your savings.

The New Year is an exciting time to get started on new tasks and achieve great things. As renters and prospective home buyers, consider these helpful resolutions to take make 2017 your best year yet.

The holidays are just around the corner, and husbands, wives, girlfriends, and boyfriends are trying to think of the perfect gift to get their sweetheart.  You’ve already given them jewelry, they seem to have every Blu-ray and DVD they could want, and it seems like as soon as you give them an electronic it’s already out of date.  Did you know that there’s a perfect gift you give your special someone that’s guaranteed to be something they’ll want?  Instead of giving them A materialistic item, think about getting them a getaway for the holidays.  A vacation, whether you take it during the holidays or a different time, can be the ideal gift for your partner.  It can to their favorite vacation destination, somewhere new, or even local.  It doesn’t matter where you go, because vacation gifts have these characteristics in common.

They’ll have a gift that will last

Novelty is something that almost every gift comes with, but it’ll eventually wear off.  Your boyfriend or girlfriend may love the video game that you got them, but they’re going to eventually beat it and move on to something else.  Jewelry can last for years, but rings and necklaces can eventually go out of style.  The memories from their vacation will last for a lifetime.  They won’t get bored with them, they won’t go out of style, and they can’t return it.

They can make it their own

If you’re worried about your loved one not liking their vacation, you don’t have to plan it all out before you start booking flights and rentals.  You can easily say that you’ve set money aside, and then you can both go about planning their perfect vacation.  If they want to lie on the beach all day and read a book, they can plan a getaway to somewhere peaceful and tropical.  If they always wanted to see the Carolinas, you can look for houses for rent in Charleston, SC.  Whatever they want, you can make it possible. 

It’s a gift you can share

There’s something to be said about sharing experiences with somebody that you love.  You can buy your wife a diamond bracelet, but you both can’t wear it.  You could take turns reading a book or playing a game, but one of you will always be ahead of the other.  A vacation is the ultimate gift you both can share.  You’ll be able to plan the ultimate vacation, and then spend it with the one you love.  What could possibly be a better gift than that?

Have you made plans for Christmas break? If not, December is a great time of year to come down to the Lowcountry and the Charleston beaches. Although last year saw extremely mild temperatures on Christmas, this year will prove to be more seasonal in much of the United States, especially if you live on the East Coast. That means cold temperatures, snow, ice, and other not so favorable conditions.

We’re happy to report that Charleston is usually relatively mild around the time of Christmas, so you’ll more likely than not enjoy great weather as you celebrate the season with family and friends. If you’re looking for a milder Christmas vacation with ample opportunities for relaxation and fun, you can’t go wrong with Charleston, SC.

What Kind of a Vacation Would You Like?

Carolina One is proud to offer vacation rentals in Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. Isle of Palms features an oceanfront county park, pristine beaches, and a small-town feel. It also includes the world-famous Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club. If you’re looking for a quiet time spent with friends and family where you can enjoy the perks of community living, Isle of Palms may be the choice.

Folly Beach, on the other hand, is incredibly family-oriented, offering many different activities geared to a wide variety of interests. You can go surfing, fishing, swimming, and more. In addition to that, no Folly Beach vacation is complete without walking and birdwatching along the 1,045-foot Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier.

And remember, both locations are incredibly close to downtown Charleston where you can enjoy all of the amenities of a major metropolitan city.

Contact Us Today to Learn More about Available Rentals 

Are you thinking about looking at vacation rentals in Isle of Palms, SC or Folly Beach, SC? Contact us today toll-free at (800) 342-2105. Rentals are going fast. Take advantage of off-season prices and enjoy a Christmas like no other when you choose to stay at the beaches of Charleston. 

Many people place a premium on being close to everything, but remaining far away from it all. That’s because there’s something to be said about easily experiencing the attractions and events of a major cultural hub, but being able to escape the hustle and bustle by way of a short drive home. This is the unique position that Charleston, South Carolina falls into. Recently voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine as the no. 1 place to visit in the U.S., Charleston has seen upwards of 5 million tourists annually. Such popularity has prompted city leaders to update its tourism-management plan to better address “the equilibrium between residential life and tourism activity,” according to The Post and Courier newspaper.

Naturally, many people will want to be a part of this great time of resurgence for Charleston – they just don’t want to live at the epicenter of it. It’s at this intersection where Folly Beach rentals play a pivotal role in keeping the growth that Charleston is currently experiencing in check. That’s because Folly Beach, often called “The Edge of America,” is located a little more than 10 short miles and a 20-minute car drive from Charleston proper. For those looking to enjoy warm breezes, sandy beaches and a slower way of living, this city of about 19 square miles has a population of a little more than 2,500. Whether you’re coming to Folly Beach for its easy access to the Atlantic Ocean for surfing and swimming, amazing vistas viewed from the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier or to immerse yourself in its community of small businesses and restaurants, there’s always plenty to experience. Take a trip out to the Morris Island Lighthouse and get lost in the immersive — but never overwhelming — seaside experience offered by this town first founded in the late 1930s.

One of the smartest moves a potential homeowner or investor can do is enlist a local real estate company  to help in the hunt for property. These knowledgeable folks have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of others find the dream home in many locations across South Carolina – from historic areas of Charleston to the picture-perfect escapes of places like Folly Beach. Their combined years of experience also offers a thorough knowledge of not just where to live, but which home in a specific neighborhood may be the best fit for you.

It won’t be long before summer 2017’s vacation season is in full swing. As travelers crisscross continents in search of somewhere new to call home — at least for a week or two — many will mull coastal destinations. The perks are obvious: easy access to the ocean as a way to beat the heat during summer months, nearby tourist destinations, fresh seafood and unrivaled views thanks to beachfront vistas. According to U.S. Travel Association, four out of five vacationers and travelers do so for leisure purposes. For those considering such a trip, vacation rentals in Isle of Palms SC offers all of the above and more thanks to a perfect combination of geography and amenities.

Isle of Palms is conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of Charleston, South Carolina, and offers a variety of nearby historical sites, landmarks, fishing and boating options, a golf course as well as family-friendly activities such as the South Carolina Aquarium. If you’ve already decided to visit South Carolina or the Isle of Palms community, then another key consideration is on the horizon: where will you stay? Travelers who plan ahead are going to benefit from vacation rentals over traditional hotels or motels for many reasons, ranging from size to cost to convenience.

Specifically, travel experts say opting for a vacation rental home will offer you most of the amenities of your own home. Think washers, dryers, dishwashers, television and Internet access as some of the more basic — yet absolutely required – perks of temporarily moving into someone else’s home for a few days. The catch here is that you’re likely going to have to book the property for more than few days but given the length of the average vacation, this should come as no problem to most travelers. As for location, a vacation rental property is more likely going to be located in a residential area that naturally provides better proximity to attractions and culture than a major hotel that’s going to be a car or bus ride away.

By trusting a vacation home real estate agency, you’ll be provided with fully-furnished properties that won’t leave you waiting for an elevation in a lobby or having to consult the front desk for your every want and need. With summer not more than a few weeks away and travelers from all over looking for the best bang for their buck, now is the time to start planning for your annual outing. For more information on vacation rentals in Isle of Palms SC, visit carolinaonerealestate.com.

When most people think of “summer vacation,” it’s typically an immediate family affair. That means no more than four or five people hopping in the family car and setting off toward their destination. There are those special occasions, however, when extended families plan a summer stay that has been in the worksfor quite a while.

These are the summer vacations that will yield memories to last a lifetime as generations from the same family tree finally get together. The planning process to pull this off is often quite involved and it requires everything from finding the right vacation rental property that can house most or all of the clan to everyone agreeing on arrival and departure dates.

In South Carolina, where the tourism sector has turned into a billion dollar economic engine for the Palmetto State, destination vacations are all the rage. This is especially true for those looking into Folly Beach rentals, as the “Edge of America” is one of the more scenic sites in the state. Still, the all-important Isle of Palms rentals where you’ll lay your head at night is a prerequisite before any other planning takes place. For those considering a journey to the shoreline of South Carolina, please keep reading to learn more about booking advice for vacation rentals.

Head Count: Let’s say grandmom, grandpop, their two children, their children’s spouses and two kids each are all getting together for the long-overdue summer vacation. That’s 10 people and they can all comfortably stay in Folly Beach rentals granted the search and booking process was started early enough to find such a desirable property. If you’ve got a few fewer than 10 coming to stay, “The Loggerhead” is one of the more desirable Folly Beach rentals that has seven bedrooms. It also boasts flat-screen TVs in every bedroom, six bathrooms and allows pets so you won’t have to find a dog or cat-sitter for your extended stay away from home.

Walking Distance: Isle of Palms rentals that boast 10 bedrooms and sleep up to 22 guests are in high demand among those planning group get-aways. However, local attractions near these rentals are often of equal consideration. On Isle of Palms, for example, guests can take in seven miles of local favorites that include fishing, kayaking, sailing, golf, surfing, photography opportunities and much more. In these barrier island communities, there’s always plenty to discover after just walking out the door of your rental and heading off toward destinations unknown.

Map Quest: No matter if you’re looking for Folly Beach rentals or Isle of Palm rentals, the exact location of the home is going to be of great consideration. Fortunately, local companies like Carolina One Real Estate have a property portfolio that offers oceanfront homes and others well within close proximity to the beach or others that offer views of the coastline. The best real estate companies in the area recognize that not every guest wants to be as close as possible to the surf and sand. That’s why there are plenty of places in Isle of Palms and Folly Beach that are near the action; not in the middle of it.

With spring in full swing once again and the promise of summer starting to resonate among those who love the beach, it’s time to get outdoors once again. It’s also easily argued that nowhere is this more satisfying than in scenic South Carolina, where natural beauty meets historical significance. However, it always helps to have a team of local experts on your side who can guide you to the best sites across South Carolina as well as find Folly Beach rentals that are going to make your stay that much more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a coastal area of South Carolina that’s going to appeal to everyone in your group, the city of Folly Beach is hard to beat. That’s because this barrier island of about 2,700 residents runs for about six miles along the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a reason why it’s called “The Edge of America” and the prime location alone should be enough to entice those looking for Folly Beach rentals as a way to secure their summer stay. If not, we encourage you to learn more about some of the hottest destinations in the city of Folly Beach as well as nearby. With this guide as a map for your upcoming summer excursion, you are guaranteed to have a memorable time in South Carolina.

Making Waves: Since we’ve already established the proximity of Folly Beach rentals to the wide open ocean, it would make sense that travelers would want to get out in the water. According to TripAdvisor.com, there is no shortage of companies offering kayaks, canoes and other watercraft that are going to propel your adventure. Once such company, Coastal Expeditions, is headquartered in nearby Charleston and reviews show that guided tours of Folly Creek are one such route you can take.

Shop like a Local: We’ve previously covered Folly Beach’s proximity to the historic Fort Sumter site and its significance as it pertains to the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War. We highly encourage a visit, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend some time relaxing through shopping. According to VisitFolly.com, the city offers surf shops, beach stores and places for souvenirs. However, local favorites such as Bert’s Market, which was previously voted best market in the Charleston region, awaits prior to your relaxing day on the beach.

Gone Fishing: Again, the ocean plays a pivotal role in things to do at Folly Beach. The historic Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, at 24 feet wide and 1,045 feet long, is “perfect for fishing, strolling and bird and dolphin watching,” according to TripAdvisor.com. We couldn’t agree more and as such, suggest a trip here for those who’d like to venture into the ocean without ever having to get their feet wet.

Imagine waking up, throwing open the windows and taking in the fresh breeze coming off the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Sounds pretty peaceful, right? It’s also easily-attained if you know where to look and how to secure the best rental homes on the market. When it comes to Edisto Island beach rentals, this coastal town just far enough from Charleston to keep it free of excessive tourism traffic is the haven you’ve been looking for. The town describes itself as “gently-developed” and those who live there, as well as seasonal visitors, will certainly agree. That doesn’t mean your stay will be bookended by trips to heavily-populated neighboring towns for dining and entertainment options. Below, you’ll see why Edisto Island beach rentals are the prerequisite for a memorable get-away on one of South Carolina’s crown jewels.

According to Charlotte Magazine, Edisto Beach is a way to “skip the crowded shorelines” while “not fighting for a small square of space on the sand among hundreds of other people who had the same idea.” That aforementioned note is aimed squarely at popular South Carolina beaches where you could be sharing a bit too much sandy real estate with the person next to you. Per the magazine, “serene, crowd-free shorelines are a guarantee” at Edisto Island. Given that the approximate population of Edisto Beach is under 500, it’s no wonder that people looking for peace and quiet from their Edisto Island beach rentals are coming here.

Charlotte Magazine goes on to laud the town for its commerce and culinary offerings. For the former, “artisan” shops are loaded with “locally-made pottery, jewelry, and art” while the latter is seafood-based year-round. Crab is prevalent during the summer while fall and winter – which is when those currently looking for Edisto Island beach rentals may end up staying – is mostly marked by oysters and shrimp. As you explore the local economy, you’ll soon come upon the boat, kayak and other waterway tours that don’t involve the Atlantic Ocean. By chartering one of these vessels or hopping aboard boats that travel the creeks and marshes, those with Edisto Island beach rentals will really be able to explore the natural beauty of the region.

For those ready to come to South Carolina and stay somewhere off the beaten path, Carolina One Vacation Rentals can help you with that goal. Searching through available properties that are listed by location, bedrooms, bathrooms and other amenities gives you a good initial idea of if this home is going to be a good fit for your vacation party. Once you do find that perfect fit, however, trips to South Carolina and Edisto Island will likely become an annual family affair.

With spring right around the corner, many minds may start wandering toward summer and the pleasurable escapes that the season offers. Sunsets over the ocean, boardwalks bustling with lively crowds, relaxing mornings on the deck and appreciating the general peace that beach excursions bring are just some of the reasons why right now is prime time to start researching Isle of Palms vacation rentals. This South Carolina city has for decades been a premier destination for those in search of rest and relaxation that is always boosted by ocean-front living.

Finding the right vacation rental to fit the needs of your family is an essential consideration when planning your break from work, school and other regular responsibilities. That’s why we’d like to offer the following tips for those ready to escape the daily grind and head down to the beach for a much-deserved outing.

According to Coastal Living magazine, appearances are important for tenants looking for the best Isle of Palms vacation rentals on the market. Not only will tenants likely require extra rooms and play space for children, but a well-manicured lawn is something that’s also often sought after when shopping around. To that end, the magazine notes that truly desirable beach rentals should offer a one-of-a-kind experience that your family will talk about for years to come. This also means you may find Isle of Palms vacation rentals that keep you coming back every season. SmarterTravel.com goes on to suggest that those in search of seaside rentals may also want to investigate the local business climate to see if grocery stores, restaurants and other stores frequently visited at home are nearby; you never know when an emergency is going to crop up.

Founded in 1938 and home to approximately 4,000 residents, Isle of Palms is known for its vast real estate that fronts the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by salt marshes and home to the 1,600-acre Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club, the city offers plenty to do along its seven-mile-long footprint. Such Isle of Palms attractions that offer options for guests of all ages includes local restaurants, top-of-the-line public parks, a marina at the southern end of the strip and plenty of the aforementioned shopping options when you need to pick up a few things for your Isle of Palms vacation rentals.

The only thing standing between you and a summer excursion you’ll never forget is locating the rental property that’s a perfect fit for your family. This is where premier companies like Carolina One Real Estate come into play. By entrusting a real estate operation with decades of combined experience and ties to the local community, you’ll be sure to be paired up with a home on the Isle of Palms that puts you as close to the sandy beaches as you want to be but a mere 20-minute drive outside of bustling historic Charleston — it’s truly the best of both worlds.