I have always loved the tranquil, rural feel of Johns Island, SC.... as soon as you see the majestic canopy of grand, live oaks as you enter the Twelve Oaks Subdivision in Fenwick Hall Plantation, I know you will fall in love with Johns Island too! 

This well maintained, spacious 3BR/2B ground floor condo with one-car garage is tucked away in a lush, tropical setting and just across the Maybank Bridge.  And, you cannot beat its centralized location as historic Downtown Charleston, beautiful, sandy beaches, shopping and dining are easily accessible.

Features include BRAND NEW flooring in all bedrooms.  Enjoy entertaining guests in the kitchen which is open to the living, dining and sunrooms.  Dual masters bedrooms are on opposite ends of the living area which offers nice privacy along with ample storage with all three bedrooms having walk-in closets.  And, you will have awesome amenities including a Clubhouse, BBQ area, gym, pool and gorgeous walking trails. 

For details of this lovely home, you can go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19008186

Contact us for your exclusive showing!

Are you looking for low maintenance living with boating access to the Ashley River?  Look no further than this lovely first floor condo in the West Ashley burrough of Charleston, SC 

As you enter the home, you an updated galley kitchen with granite counters will be on your left and then you will proceed into the open family room which includes a coastal inspired wood-burning fireplace and crown molding.  Enjoy a separate dining area and well as a breakfast bar off of the kitchen.

Both bedrooms lead out to a private patio where you can enjoy the lowcountry breezes, gardening or an evening BBQ.  And, flooring throughout is all upgraded wood and tile in the bathrooms.

Unwind after a long day on your screened porch leading out to a lovely park-like green space to enjoy those summer nights.  

Ashleytowne Village is a quiet community that offers a neighborhood swimming pool, dog park, gazebo, boat storage, as well as a boat dock and ramp into deep water on the Ashley River!  And, of course, you will love being close to shopping, dining, entertainment long with easy access to Bees Ferry and interstate 526 providing easy access to Boeing and the Charleston International Airport.

Welcome Home!  

For details, go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19007380

If you are like me, you probably have years of tax returns stored in your closets or other once-important documents that you no longer need.  Well, you can start your Spring Cleaning by getting rid of your unwanted, no longer needed documents the safe way.

The KW Cares Dragon Boat Festival Race Team of Keller Williams Charleston-Mt Pleasant is hosting a FREE document shredding event next Thursday, March 14th, 2019 from 3:30 to 6pm at Brittlebank Park, located at 185 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC

Our Team is working with Shred360 and Palmetto Mortgage to aid our supporters and the public in the fight against identity theft and fraud while raising money for Dragon Boat Charleston.

How to Get Started with Your South Carolina Vacation Rental

When it comes to the Charleston Tri-County area, there are numerous options for condos or single-family homes. With the diverse neighborhoods available, you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and must-have list. If your overall goal, however, is to purchase a vacation property or turn your current property into a vacation rental, there’s a laundry list of considerations to keep in mind, particularly if you hope to offset some of your costs. If you’ve got your sites set on creating a vacation rental in this region, read on for tips on how to approach the process and what to consider to make your rental shine.

Location is Critical

As a top tourist destination, Charleston draws millions of visitors every year. And with more people choosing vacation rentals, this paves the way for many of those visitors to enjoy your well-appointed space. Consider too how nearby cities can boost your allure. For example, despite it's two-hour distance, people visiting Myrtle Beach will most likely be drawn to the Charleston area as well. Whether you want to cater to families, couples, or golf pros, you'll find no shortage of guests to stay in your property. And high demand for short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach means you’re providing other options for travelers who want to visit South Carolina.

Before you start accepting guests, there a few logistics to handle. This guide will help you transform your home into a vacation property that guests can't wait to stay in.

Furnishing a Vacation Rental

The rules of furnishing a vacation rental are different from furnishing a home. Rather than reflecting your personal tastes, furnishings and color schemes should appeal to a broad range of travelers. Furnishings should also be easy to clean and maximize the number of guests your property accommodates.

Living Areas

Less is more in living rooms. Living rooms should offer ample seating, entertainment, and surfaces to set food and drink. They're not the place to showcase your unique taste in artwork, antique furniture collection, or trinkets collected on travels.

If catering to families, washable slipcovers are your friend in the living room. Try to add at least one sofa bed so your property can sleep additional guests.

Bedrooms

Queen- or king-sized beds dressed in simple, clean linens offer hotel-quality appeal, while an empty dresser or closet invites guests to settle in. If your property has multiple bedrooms and you want to attract families, install bunk beds in one room. A portable crib stashed in a closet is another amenity family travelers will appreciate.

Bathrooms

Clean and well-stocked are the most important things for a vacation rental bathroom. Get rid of old, tatty towels and replace them with color-coordinated sets, stock travel-sized toiletries, and always make sure there's more than enough toilet paper.

Kitchens

Travelers choose vacation rentals for the ability to cook their own meals, and your kitchen should reflect that. Avoid a cluttered appearance by storing items in cabinets, rather than on counters, but leave guests instructions on where to find pots and pan, oil, spices, and other kitchen essentials.

Maintaining a Vacation Rental

You have two options when it comes to maintaining your vacation rental:

1. Hire the jobs out.
2. Do it yourself.

Many vacation rental owners try to clean and maintain properties themselves to save money, only to realize they can't keep up with the work. However, there are a few strategies you can use to keep maintenance manageable:

●      Keep counters, tables, and other surfaces clear of clutter to speed up cleaning.

●      Stock extra bedding and towels so linens can be changed out without waiting for washing.

●      Automate air filter changes by using a subscription service that delivers filters on schedule. (Letting this task lapse could land your HVAC system in trouble.)

●      Schedule preventive HVAC maintenance to avoid inconvenient air conditioner breakdowns.

●      Use machine-washable duvet covers, slipcovers, and rugs to simplify stain clean-up.

●      Replace lawn and bare ground with low-maintenance plants and hardscaping.

●      Pay a cleaning service for monthly or quarterly deep cleanings.

Upgrading the Vacation Rental Experience

The above tips cover the basics of operating a vacation rental, but a few extra touches elevate the guest experience and encourage positive reviews. Consider adding these amenities to your vacation rental:

●      Keypad-entry lock.

●      High-speed Wi-Fi with a guest network

●      Cable TV or a Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video subscription

●      Multi-port USB chargers

●      Complimentary coffee and tea

●      Toys and games for kids

●      Guidebook with information on local attractions, transportation, and dining recommendations

Starting a vacation rental is a fantastic business venture, especially when you own property somewhere as desirable as the Charleston area. However, running a successful short-term rental also requires a lot of work! Whether you do it all yourself or turn to pros for a hand, the most important thing is making your vacation rental a clean, comfortable, and safe space for travelers to stay. When you show guests you care about their experience, you can rest assured they'll return for another visit.

Image via Unsplash

JUST LISTED!!  If you love the sought after neighborhood of Park Circle, in North Charleston, SC, you will want to check out this lovingly updated home which is located on an oversized corner lot. Located just a short bike ride to all the restaurants, shops and bars that Park Circle has to offer as well as an easy walk to the Mixon Club, you will enjoy the surrounding area which is loaded with options for residents, including the Danny Jones Aquatic Center, North Charleston's Riverfront Park and only blocks away from Felix Davis Community Center, home of the North Charleston Farmers Market from May through October.

The owners did some wonderful updates including a spa-like Master shower, quartz counters in the kitchen and baths, shiplapped walls and barn doors to create a true Southern feel to this home.  And, the lot size qualified for two separate dwellings which offers lots of potential for a mother-in-law suite or Airbnb-style tiny home to be built!

For details on this awesome home, go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19002926

Contact me for more information!

Horse lovers and gentlemen farmers look no further! Just across the street from the Santee Cooper owned forest where you can ride your horses, this lovely property, located on a quiet country road, features a 2-stall 48'x48' +/- horse barn with wash-down area, large open area and apartment/lounge/tack room with brand new tankless water heater, offering lots of potential. Multiple fenced pastures with run-in sheds make this a perfect opportunity for boarding horses!

The 1456 sq ft 3BR/2B main residence, built in 2017, features an open concept floorplan, smooth 9' ceilings with recessed lights, master ensuite with tray ceiling, quality laminate flooring and crown molding throughout. Enjoy summer nights in your above-ground pool. The smaller barn, perfect for chickens, goats, or extra storage can hold 125 bales of hay and the container will hold an additional 300 bales of hay.  This turn-key farm includes a new septic system, Hot Walker, zero turn lawn mower and a John Deer Gator - all you have to do is bring your personal belongings and horses and move right it!  If relocating to the area, the new Volvo plant and Boeing are just a 30 minute drive and this country home is close to shopping, beaches, boating and all that Charleston, Summerville, Moncks Corner and the rest of the Lowcountry has to offer! 

For details, go to: http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=18028688

Cane Bay Plantation, located in Summerville, SC, continues to be a very popular neighborhood, especially for the employees of the brand new Volvo plant which is located in Berkeley County.  Whether moving to the area for Volvo, Boeing or the Military, you don't want to miss this home that just came on the market - no need to wait for new construction with this gorgeous, like new home which is situated on a premium, wooded lot, offering plenty of privacy for years to come. 

Features of this desirable Marion floor plan include a HUGE DOWNSTAIRS MASTER EN SUITE with deluxe closet organizer and upgraded bathroom.  The DREAM KITCHEN has all the bells & whistles that a cook will love, including wet bar with built in wine rack, granite, island, high end cabinets, double ovens, soft close drawers and so much more.   As you cook, guests can be entertained in the spacious, open family room with vaulted ceilings,  You will find gleaming hardwood floors throughout first floor.  And, a study with french doors, ideal for playroom or 5th bedroom and separate dining room with crown moldings are located off of the 2-story foyer. Upstairs features include loft which walks out to 2nd floor porch, three additional bedrooms, one of which is presently used as a game room with access to the 3rd full bathroom.

Outside offers your own private oasis with plenty of space to entertain and enjoy an awesome seating area and fire pit! Other features to round out this incredible home include hard wiring for generator, outside coax for TV, LED lights throughout - and, of course, wonderful amenities and an easy ride to schools, shopping and dining. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

415 Spectrum Road, Summerville, SC

For details on this home, go to: http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=18026488

If you are looking for location, location, location, than you don't want to miss this adorable furnished condo on James Island, SC!  Located in the very popular Peninsula subdivision, this 1BR/1B condo, which backs up to the marsh with views of Charleston Harbor, comes furnished which makes it ideal as a weekend getaway!  Its location also attracts investors or parents of college students as it is just minutes from MUSC, College of Charleston and the Citadel.  And, Folly Beach is a super easy jaunt down Folly Road.  And, don't forget the wonderful amenities!  Pool, Clubhouse with exercise room, tennis court and a neighborhood car care center where you can wash and vacuum your car!

For details on this awesome condo, go to: http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=18022403

Moncks Corner, Berkeley County, and Charleston, South Carolina

Berkeley County, South Carolina is growing rapidly for plenty reasons, and not just because it’s a comfortable and all-American place to call home. In the last few years there has been a large amount of investment in the communities, especially around Moncks Corner and the Charleston area. This development is helping the communities thrive and create new jobs and opportunities for locals.

For example, the car company Volvo just finished building their first American-based vehicle manufacturing plant here - Fortune reported that Volvo created 2,000 new jobs in the area for the factory. In addition to this, the nearby Navy Weapons station and the military base, as well as other major factories and companies operating in the area, have helped to bolster this area.

New Construction and Real Estate

As mentioned previously, the car manufacturing giant Volvo constructed a huge plant in Berkeley county in 2018, giving a huge boost to manufacturing job availability for cities in the area.

In addition to this, new businesses and homes have been built more rapidly to accommodate the incoming population. Charleston saw a nearly two-percent increase in population in the last year, while Berkeley County as a whole saw about a three-percent increase in population - huge increases over previous years, and mostly attributable to the recent boost in the local economy.

Housing prices increased about $5,000 on average in the last year, with about 1,000 new houses being constructed in the last year in the county.

Local Economy

Income averages have increased as well alongside this increased demand for housing, and quite significantly. Last year, the average income for a person living in Berkeley County was $52,506. This year, it is about $54,484.

In Moncks Corner, the average income was $42,000, while in Summerville and Hanahan, these figures were at about $62,000 and $84,000 respectively.

The most popular jobs in the county are related to management, business and financial operations, administrative work and sales, and food service. This is about normal for any county, but some other slightly more specialized job markets have been steadily gaining traction and growing in the last few years too.

Architecture and engineering jobs have been steadily rising in recent years, from 2.3% to 2.7% of the total job share. Construction jobs and installation and maintenance jobs have risen too, gaining about .5% of the job share each in the last year.

Employment as a whole is booming. In the last year, about 1,500 jobs were added to the local economy, more than a 5% increase in employment, for a total of about 84,500 employees in the county.

Reasons to Love Berkeley County

Berkeley County, South Carolina is a surprisingly intriguing and interesting place to live. While you may at first think that you know what to expect from the average American city, there is a lot more to love here than you at first realize.

There is, for example, an active Roman Catholic Trappist monastery that has been operating since the late 1940’s in the grounds of a locally historic plantation. The monastery is open for tours of its grounds, which is also home to a county museum with artefacts dating back up to 12,000 years.

There are intricate and beautiful gardens spread throughout the county, such as Cypress Gardens. Here you can rent boats to take you around the gardens and swampy marshland of this natural area, witnessing indigenous and rare fauna as well as animals of the swamp - watch out for alligators! It is also home to a butterfly garden and a museum of swamp animals and swamp life, which is always rotating exhibits and attractions.

Aside from these two attractions (out of the many more out there), Berkeley County is a great place to set roots and create a place for yourself in the local community. With the local economy, wealth, and investment in the people of the county, it is sure to only continue to grow rapidly.

Looking to live in the highly desirable Cane Bay Plantation of Summerville, SC? Transferring to the area for the new Volvo facility?  No need to wait for new construction when this lovely 1-story, move-in ready home in the Old Rice Retreat section is ready to go!  

This wonderful open floor plan is perfect for entertaining family and friends!  Features include a formal dining room, spacious kitchen with upgraded cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, island, pantry and ample counter and cabinet space.  Enjoy hardwood floors throughout the main living area into the sunroom which has lovely pond views and leads out to a large patio.

The privately nestled master en suite has a large walk-in closet and bathroom with dual vanities, large soaking tub and separate shower.  The two additional bedrooms are situated separately from the master bedroom and has a full bath as well.

Cane Bay is a wonderful Master Planned Community with awesome amenities, 3 schools, shopping and dining within a golf cart ride distance.  And enjoy miles of walking trails, a community pool, playground and resort-style pool.  Schedule your showing today!

515 Stafford Springs Court, Summerville, SC

For details, go to: http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=18019011