Will the new Short-Term Rental Ordinance change the Downtown Charleston Real Estate Market?

As of July 10, 2018, the City of Charleston's new short-term rental ordinance goes into effect. After a proliferation of illegal rentals marketed via platforms like AirBnB and HomeAway, the City and neighborhood groups decided a set of rules and a structure to manage and monitor them would be beneficial to most who live here. I for one am glad. The term illegal seems a bit harsh, but the truth is, only a handful of properties in Downtown Charleston have been legally permitted for short-term rentals for years -

What to do in a Charleston SCORCHER

Gah!!! This June! Day upon days of temperatures over 90 with heat indices of 100 to 115! I usually depend on July and August for that level of torture. But it brings to mind a conversation I frequently have with people considering moving here from more Northerly Climes. Generally, it goes like this: Nice Northern Client: Hi Kristin – I...

Want to buy a lot and build your dream home in Charleston? Here’s what it will cost you.

I’ve been dreaming up my dream house for decades. Do you do that? My current daydreams swirl around a home with Contemporary Lowcountry architecture, L-shaped with a long view across something beautiful. And a pool. I must have a pool. So with these imaginings and my personal research, coupled with my experience working with developers and architects, I know what...

How much will you pay in Property Taxes in Charleston?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions by those of you who are thinking about moving to the Charleston Metro Area, or those of you who are moving from a rental in Charleston to your very first home! Not only are you seeing all kinds of numbers that don’t make sense online, but also you are hearing things...

All about Downtown Charleston’s Neighborhoods – a map, descriptions and more.

I created this Charleston neighborhood map years ago at the start of my ongoing project to eventually profile every single neighborhood on the Charleston Peninsula, including photos, videos, recreation, school, shops, restaurants and services. But since many of you ask ‘Which Charleston neighborhood is best for me?”, I thought I’d go ahead and give you a head start. You might...

Charleston Home Sellers – Here is What You Should Expect From Your Realtor®

I don’t expect this post to be very popular. I expect some real estate colleagues might get a little upset that I am pointing all this out. I expect that you as a Seller, might get a little upset if you are not receiving everything I outline below. Well, so be it. I cannot stand for mediocrity any longer. I...

What is the Job Market Like in Charleston?

People who are considering moving to the Charleston area ask me this question all the time. Can I get a job here? Will I make less money than I am making now? The answers to those questions are yes, and probably yes. Six years ago, I took my Great Big Leap and moved here without a job. The move was...

Appraising the Character of Cannonborough/Elliotborough, Windermere and Byrnes Downs

The City of Charleston recently released what they call “Area Character Appraisals” for three additional neighborhoods which are considered to have a distinct historic importance in the Charleston region – Cannonborough/Elliotborough on the Charleston Peninsula, and Windermere and Byrnes Downs just over the bridge in West Ashley – both well situated to be walkable and tightly knit (so of course...

Southwest Airlines is Now Gracing our Skies

The other day I looked up, and saw a bright orange and blue plane soaring across our Carolina sky. I smiled because that little bird of paradise is a sign of great things to come. Lower fares. More visitors. Better economy. The list goes on. Southwest Airlines officially launched their first flight on Sunday morning amidst much pizazz and hullaballoo Southwest-style,...

Useful Information