May 22, 2024

Today’s Forecast

85º | 9% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:14 a.m. | Sunset 8:18 p.m.
High tides 7:49 a.m. + 8:21 p.m. | Low tide 1:56 p.m.

🏡 Homebuying in the Lowcountry

This is a photo of Lyles Geer who works at William Means.

When buying a pre-owned home, inspections are crucial. | Photo by Adam Chandler Photography

Contingent, under contract, appraisals... oh my. If you’re new to the real estate world, it can be confusing — and let’s be honest, scary. But it doesn’t have to be. We sat down with Lyles Geer, President and Broker-in-Charge of William Means Real Estate, who is breaking things down.

Keep reading for some tips + a better understanding of what it takes to buy a home in the Charleston area.

What should people know about buying in Charleston?
Charleston offers an incredible lifestyle with people continuing to move here, creating a highly competitive real estate market. When starting your home search, it’s crucial to get your ducks in a row and get pre-qualified so you know how much you can comfortably afford. Then, be ready to move quickly when the right home becomes available.

The photo shows a white home with several windows tucked behind palmettos and bushes. — This home in Mount Pleasant is not far from Johnnie Dodds Boulevard.
|
Photo by Keen Eye Marketing

What are some of the hottest areas?
When searching for a home in Charleston, buyers usually consider proximity to work, schools, beaches, and downtown Charleston.

Historic Charleston remains popular for its incredible homes, architecture, and culinary scene.
Mount Pleasant has seen significant growth, with many buyers drawn to historic Old Village and the well-planned I’On neighborhood.
West Ashley also offers popular neighborhoods near downtown, such as Avondale, Byrnes Downs, South Windermere, and The Crescent.
Similarly, Riverland Terrace and Country Club I and II on James Island are highly desirable places to live.

This photo shows a white home with a dark gray door, and a large two-story porch. — This downtown home is a short walk from Colonial Lake Park.
|
Photo by Keen Eye Marketing

How would you describe the housing market in the Lowcountry?
Despite low inventory, there’s still high demand for Charleston real estate, even with higher interest rates compared to previous years. Inventory hasn’t risen to meet this demand. In the first quarter, activity picked up significantly at the end of February and March as many sellers prepared to list their homes for spring. Our buyers were ready, making quick, strong offers as homes became available.

Pre-owned home vs new construction

Asked

Ready to buy a new home?

A. Yes, I’m pre-qualified
B. No, I’m good with renting
C. I have no idea where to start
D. Nope, I already own + love where I live

Sold

Events

Wednesday, May 22

Yacht Rock Revue | Wednesday, May 22 | 6 p.m. | The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms | $45 | Don’t wait till the weekend to get your groove on, get the party started tonight with some yacht rock.
May Book Club: Hestia Strikes a Match | Wednesday, May 22 | 6:15-8:30 p.m. | The Junction Kitchen & Provisions, 4438 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | $65 | Enjoy a three-course dinner from The Junction while you discuss this month’s book.

Thursday, May 23

Lilla P Trunk Show | Thursday, May 23 | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | The Longevity Club, 163 Rutledge Ave., Charleston | Price of purchase | Explore the trunk show featuring luxurious and contemporary clothing.
Ghostburger Pop Up | Thursday, May 23 | Times vary | Meeting at Market, 205 Meeting St., Charleston | Price of purchase | Kick off the weekend with burgers, soft-serve ice cream, and mezcal cocktails.

Friday, May 24

Butchery Class with Chef Zach: Beef Tenderloin | Friday, May 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mercantile & Mash, 701 E. Bay St., Charleston | $100 | Join this demonstration to learn how to butcher a beef tenderloin and create filet mignon.
Spoleto Tango 2024 | Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Ballroom Dance Charleston, 2408 Ashley River Rd., Charleston | $15-$300 | Enjoy a weekend filled with Tango and all things art.

Saturday, May 25

Cast Off Fishing Tournament | Saturday, May 25 | 6 a.m.-2 p.m. | Folly Beach Fishing Pier, 101 E. Arctic Ave., Folly Beach | $5-$10 | There’s plenty of fish to be caught during the Cast Off Fishing Tournament Series.
F45 Workout In The Backyard | Saturday, May 25 | 11-11:45 a.m. | The Backyard at Little Palm, 237 Meeting St., Charleston | $15 | Join the F45 Training style class then relax with a complimentary cocktail or mocktail.

Start planning your weekend

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Shop

The Father’s Day gifts he’ll ask for every year

It’s not too late to order the Harlestons Seaside Hoodie, Seaside Pullover, or Seaside Pocket Polo for Father’s Day. | Photos by Drew Somerville

Calling all children, partners, and friends of dads everywhere: Harlestons’ Seaside Collection will have the men in your life wishing Father’s Day — ahem, coming up on June 16 — was everyday.

Mix and match any of the pieces in the Seaside Collection (including the hoodie, polo, and quarter-zip) to create a complete look perfect for Father’s Day. Wearable throughout every season, Harlestons’ easy-care, performance fabric keeps you both cozy and cool all year long.

Father's Day gifts that won't miss

News Notes

Biz

Problems at the ports stretched into another day. Officials say cargo pickup and drop-off operations were halted due to gate troubles that stemmed from a software issue. Read the latest. (WCBD)

Weather

Tomorrow morning, yes we said morning, May’s full moon will occur. And it’s not just any full moon; this one has been dubbed the flower moon (aka the budding moon + planting moon) because it coincides with wildflowers blooming. Also, with this full moon comes the risk of flooding; check out when King Tides happen. (WPDE)

Opening

Daniela’s Downtown is set to open at 132 Spring St., this summer. The Italian deli will offer a salad bar, produce, and packaged goods. (The Post and Courier)

Plan Ahead

Deciding where to grab your cup of coffee is about to get a whole latte harder. Summit Coffee opens on Saturday, June 15, at 565 Belle Station Rd. in Mount Pleasant. This new spot will also offer made-from-scratch seasonal baked goods daily. Check out other spots around town to grab a cuppa.

Ranked

You already knew this, but now the US News & World Report has recognized it. The Holy City was named one of the Best Places to Live in the US. Landing at No. 13, Charleston was celebrated for its blend of historic preservation and new development.

Try This

Gather your squad and make plans to make keepsakes. Little Bird now offers group workshops where attendees can make necklaces ($65 a person) or a pair of earrings ($59 a person) using stones like quartz, turquoise, black pear, and ruby.

Outdoors

The temperature is heating up, and to cool down many head to our oceans, lakes, rivers, and pools. But before you jump, in Charleston County is asking you to review 10 beach and water safety tips.

Trending

Business Insider named Henry’s on Market the most famous restaurant in the Palmetto State (Henry’s is also the oldest restaurant in the state… wow). The outlet says that even though the spot has changed over the years, it remains a staple for live music and gave a nod to its rooftop bar and dance space.

Try This

Want to get your brand in front of our readers? Check out our self-service advertising, a quick and easy way to get acquainted with our local audience through Display and Branded Content. Psst... Social Posts are now available. Get started today.

Eat

Enjoy a campfire treat minus the smelly smoke with these s’mores mug cakes — just pop them in the microwave for a warm and cozy dessert.*

Fun Fact

Did you know S.C. LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, S.C. HOPE, S.C. Needs-Based Grants, S.C. Tuition Grants, Lottery Tuition Assistance, and the National Guard College Tuition Assistance Program are all lottery funded scholarships? Meet six recent recipients and see what they’re using their scholarships for.*

Community

This Memorial Day, May 27, active-duty and retired military personnel receive free admission to the Aiken-Rhett House or the Nathaniel Russell House museums. Bonus: Up to four family members can join for free. Learn more.*

Health

Wild Health creates you a personalized 50-page report detailing your ideal nutrition, exercise, and recovery plan — all based off your genetics + biometrics. Get 20% off with code WH20.*

Correction

We jumped the gun and incorrectly reported Race the Landing dates. The event is returning next year, and as details are released, we’ll be sure to share them with you. If you’re still looking for a race, check out this list by the Charleston Running Club.

Travel

🎊 Celebrating the Holy City’s visitors

Folks will use the Ravenel Bridge to explore the Charleston area. | Photo by @loudhandleproductions

It’s no surprise the Holy City gets more crowded during the summer months. But did you know those out-of-town guests are helping our economy and causing you to pay fewer tax dollars?

Now through Saturday, May 25, is SC Travel and Tourism Week, which aligns with the National Travel and Tourism Week.

Quick facts

One in 10 people work in hospitality, supporting 200,000+ jobs
The estimated annual economic impact of the industry is more than $29 billion
Tourism-related tax collections reduce the annual tax burden for every resident by nearly $1,000

“Tourism helps us showcase what makes our communities, our traditions, and our people unique and vibrant, all while fueling jobs and attracting visitors and their out-of-state dollars,” said SC Department of Parks, Recreation + Tourism Director, Duane Parrish.

Get planning

The Buy

Lululemon’s everywhere belt bag, which you truly can take everywhere, from errands to hikes to shopping. Points for being hands-free.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Callie

From the editor

The Lowcountry is home to several wonderful farmers markets, including the Charleston Farmers Market. When you’re there loading up on all the fresh goodies, be sure to grab a bag of T&T’s Kettle Korn.

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