Seabrook Island, SC as a Perfect Place to Live

Seabrook Island is about 45 minutes outside of Charleston, SC. It is a beautiful drive from Charleston, through Johns Island, which have the magnificent live oaks that drape over the road, and on towards Seabrook and Kiawah Island territory.

There are many obvious location destinations that surround the Charleston area. So why should someone choose Seabrook Island, over Kiawah, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Wild Dunes? The answer to me is simple: Seabrook is unspoiled and has a natural, lowcountry setting that is still evident, when the other areas are over developed and/or commercial and busy.

Seabrook has a quiet ‘feel’ to it. It has more natural mature trees, walking paths, tidal creeks, saltwater marshes, and unspoiled beach. It truly is the quietest stretch of beach surrounding Charleston. Are you a shell collector? Since Seabrook is private, sometimes you’ll be alone along the beach. And if you time the tide right- you’ll get your choice of shells. How about a horseback ride along the beach? As a club member, you have access to the equestrian center and can schedule a horseback ride along the ocean.

The island has a club atmosphere behind the gates with world class golf, tennis, swimming, and private clubs activities for residents. At the time of this writing, any home buyer looking to purchase a home in Seabrook must join one of the three club level memberships. Although some feel they’d rather have an options to join a club or not, there are three levels of club membership and the most affordable ‘community membership’ is much easier on the finances. Plus, many homebuyers are asking the sellers to pitch in for the upfront one-time capital fee (from 12K to 24K- as opposed to upwards of 150K on Kiawah). Monthly dues after that run anywhere from the $200’s to $700’s a month, depending on club level membership.

Speaking of the amenities, Seabrook has more for its club members than any other island that is comparable. Two challenging golf courses were designed by William Byrd and Robert Trent Jones. There is an incredible club house with restaurants/dining and a large bar, where owners come to relax after golf, or a bite to eat. The Racquet Club (15 tennis clay courts) has a full-service pro shop, professional tennis instruction, and even tennis camps for all ages. The Beach Club (outside restaurant overlooking the ocean) has great food, ocean views, a beach store, and surrounded by two pools. The large equestrian center offers rides for beginners and the advanced, and has an adopt-a-horse program to groom and ride a particular horse, twice a week. Don’t forget about the multiple swimming pools and restaurants for all members!

Seabrook Island villa prices start in the 100’s for a small, one bedroom condo. Average prices are in the 2-400’s for villas with more bedrooms. Cottages begin in the 300’s, and single family homes close to the ocean begin in the 700’s and get into the millions for beachfront property. Last question- what are you waiting for?

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your Seabrook Island real estate purchase. Find ideal Charleston real estate at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Which Area in Charleston, SC Should I Choose to Live?

People relocating to the Charleston, SC area have one major question I find. Which area surrounding Charleston is best to live in? Well, the short answer is quite simple. Why are you moving here? In real estate, I find that buyers are typically categorized into one type of group, “buyers”. However, there are a number of different ‘types’ of buyers out there. There’s the buyer relocating for a job, there are buyers moving to Charleston for retirement, there are those moving for college, and those looking for a second home along or near the ocean. Which type of buyer are you? Well let me explain the different areas that surround Charleston, and give you a brief overview of each.

Charleston Peninsula. This is ‘Downtown, Historic Charleston’. This is referred to as the ‘Holy City’ and is the anchor for all other areas. It is the focal point of the lowcountry, and most folks commute from other areas to Charleston to work. The Charleston Peninsula is beautiful, with historic homes from the 1700’s, great restaurants, and the ability to walk where you want to go (other areas surrounding Charleston you mostly have to drive to where you’re going). Pros: Historic city, restaurants, entertainment, short or no commute to work, location. Cons: Expensive to live, traffic during tourist season, not as ideal for families w/kids in school (less young kids).

Mount Pleasant. This is a favorite for families relocating here. It borders downtown Charleston and the beaches. Mount Pleasant has large, planned communities with swimming pools, golf, tennis, schools (inside the neighborhoods), and plenty of shopping. This area is more progressive, having quite a good number of businesses based there. We’re seeing more growth in the Mt. Pleasant area and the area holds property values better than all other areas. Pros: Location (close to town, close to the beaches), best public schools in Charleston, active community, shopping & restaurants. Cons: Heavy traffic at times, most neighborhoods have CCR’s which brings HOA dues, higher housing prices.

Daniel Island. What a wonderfully planned community. They say you don’t need to leave the island if you don’t have to, and that’s true. A large, master planned community with meticulously designed streets and shopping. This area is more expensive, but has a great ‘small town’ feel and good for the discriminate buyer. Tennis is a big draw here, as is walking and neighborhood biking. Two of Charleston’s larger technology companies reside here. Bishop England High School lives here, and the community really supports the school. A lot of young professionals, families, and retirees live here. Pros: Small-town America. Streets with walkways, great downtown spot, very safe. A great tennis community. Cons: More expensive than most areas, a drive to downtown Charleston, may need to leave the island for nightlife.

James Island. This is a little quieter ‘bedroom community’ that borders downtown, Charleston. Location is great for this area, being 5 minutes to downtown Charleston and 10 minutes to Folly Beach. James Island is laid back, with one main busy Folly Road that has restaurants and shopping. It has a very good elementary and high school public school system. Most of the neighborhoods are made with brick-ranch style homes, with pocket neighborhoods of new construction. This area has a lot of live oaks and homes on tidal creeks. It has a more “outdoor” feel. Pros: Location! Less expensive than downtown or Mt. Pleasant or Daniel Island. Cons: Not many neighborhood amenities, bad traffic sometimes on Folly Road, not as many new homes.

I hope that these brief descriptions on these areas help you out. Really, if you’re moving to Charleston- you will be just fine in any area you end up!

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for finding Sullivans Island real estate. Find ideal Wild Dunes Real Estate at www.BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Dunes West- A Popular Mount Pleasant Community

If you’re considering a move to Mount Pleasant, then you ought to consider the popular neighborhood of Dunes West. This is a great community located just outside of downtown historic Charleston, with a great location to the beaches. As one of the more popular areas to live (Mt. Pleasant), Dunes West offers many things that are important to many people. I’ve developed a list of reasons why Dunes West is a popular relocation destination for those moving to the greater Charleston area.

1.) Location. It’s hard to argue that Dunes West has one of the better locations in all of Charleston. A short 15 minutes to downtown, historic Charleston and 15 minutes to the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you want to get away and dine in some of the Lowcountry’s finest restaurants, or walk the cobblestone streets near the market- downtown is an easy escape from everyday life. Beach living is also a treat for Mount Pleasant and Dunes West residents. Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island (arguably the area’s best beaches) are only a short 15 minute drive. Instead of planning a day at the beach, you can go for a morning walk to explore new shells that the waves have brought in, or go for an evening run. Either way you slice it, Dunes West has a great location.

2.) Dunes West enjoys some of the best builders in the southeast, namely John Weiland. With so many home styles and options to choose from, purchasing an existing home or seeking new construction is a pleasure. Charleston-single styled homes or traditional southern style homes with wrap-around porches are plentiful. Don’t forget when choosing a home- this neighborhood has plenty of natural surrounding habitat so take into account your view from the screened porches or back decks.

3.) Wonderful amenities, and a great family atmosphere. The neighborhood has two areas, inside the private gates, and outside the private gates. Most of the community is inside the private gates, which will cost the homeowners more in their HOA dues. The amenities for residents inside the gate include: golf, tennis, pools (zero-entry pool and water slides!), fitness, boat ramp, and social club house privileges.

4.) Some of the best public schools in the entire Charleston area. Park West is the adjoining neighborhood and the schools are located in Park West, which can be a bike ride away. Elementary schools and middle schools, plus a large sports facility with baseball fields, lacrosse, football, etc. Bringing your child to school in the morning is easy without even leaving the neighborhood!

5.) Dunes West is in one of the strongest areas/markets that surround Charleston. While some of the other areas surrounding Charleston may be in a depreciating state, Mount Pleasant is breaking even, if not increasing in value in areas of Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant has always been a popular, strong area, and this is mainly due to its location, schools, and upcoming area.

Contact us for more information on Dunes West Homes. Find ideal Mount Pleasant mls at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Mount Pleasant SC Popular Neighborhoods

Mount Pleasant holds some of Charleston’s most popular neighborhoods. There are many reasons for this, but mainly it is due to the close proximity to downtown Charleston, its location to the surrounding beaches, and arguably the best public school system in the Charleston area. I’d like to give a brief summary for some of the more popular neighborhoods in Mt. Pleasant, so that it might be a helpful tool for those out of towners not familiar with the area.

Belle Hall- Belle Hall is great neighborhood with many subsections and a great location. It sits right off of I-526, giving it a great location to the airport, North Charleston, Daniel Island, and the beaches. A visit to downtown is easy via Hwy 17 south. Most of the homes for sale in Belle Hall are anywhere between 1,400 and 5,000 square feet in size. Prices start in the upper $200’s and typically top off at just under $2 million. ‘Hibben’ is a much acclaimed subsection of Belle Hall that gets a lot of attention due to the quality of materials used there. Belle Hall also has an elementary school for those looking for a quick commute to school for the kids!

Charleston National- A great golf community located close to the Isle of Palms beach and walking distance to the hospital, grocery store, and shopping. Charleston National is the perfect golf community, that also has tennis, and two swimming pools. Most of the homes in this neighborhood range between the 300’s and 400’s, however homes in the Victory Pointe subsection get into the millions.

Dunes West- Dunes West is a popular neighborhood up Hwy 41, and 20 minutes to downtown Charleston. This is a large neighborhood with a golf course, and multiple subsections with varying prices and builders, and plenty of walking paths/trails. One of the draws for this neighborhood is the fact that it is secured by a manned gate. Dunes West has much to offer including tennis, pool with water slide, play park, clubhouse, fitness, golf and gated access. Dunes West also offers boat storage and a boat ramp and dock. Homes behind the gate begin in the 300’s and get close to 2 million for deepwater on the Wando River.

I’On- I’On is a wonderful community that reminds one of living in downtown Charleston, but in Mount Pleasant. The community is divided into six smaller neighborhoods (“boroughs”), each planned around a preserved civic space such as a lake, park or square, and each containing 80 to 150 homes. The boroughs are Eastlake, Ionsborough, Shelmore, Westlake, Ponsbury and Montrose. Eight sites in I’On have been reserved for civic buildings, such as small churches or other community buildings. The homes and buildings in I’On bear the stamp of Lowcountry vernacular design, which usually includes most or all of the following elements: vertical scale (homes are taller than they are wide); natural exterior finishes such as wood clapboard, brick or stucco; spacious, raised porches; balconies; shuttered windows; simple and/or symmetrical rooflines; fences, walls and gates; and outbuildings such as garages, potting sheds, workshops or home offices.

The Old Village- The Old Village is Mount Pleasant’s premier neighborhood. Known for its history and location to downtown Charleston, this community is quite high in demand. Homes and cottages over 100 years old are found here. Oak-lined streets, salt in the air from the Charleston Harbor, and its premier location are all reasons why people enjoy living here. Homes here can be found in the 400’s, but typically priced starting in the 600’s and can get into the many millions for deepwater on the Charleston Harbor. Walk to parks, dining, and shopping.

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent to search Mount Pleasant SC real estate. Find ideal Charleston SC Homes for sale at www.BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

The Art of Negotiating a Real Estate Contract

Negotiating a real estate contract can be a lot of fun, or it can make for a painful, sour experience. It all boils down to how prepared you are. Some Realtors have a knack for it, others don’t. Some real estate agents embrace the art of a good old fashioned debate, while others would just prefer to let the contract speak for itself. Either way, there are tactful and not-so-tactful approaches to doing the right things for your sellers or buyers.

The largest mistake one can do is simply talk too much. Silence is your best friend. You’d be amazed how much information I can get from a buyer simply by asking the agent, “So why are the buyers choosing to move here?” Some agents divulge far too much information in everyday conversation. I mean let’s be frank here…Most agents love talking. It’s a fact; the more you talk, the more you’re likely to give away information. Most new agents feel the need to talk if there’s a silence in conversation. Don’t let that be you!

Don’t let your emotions get involved. If you get into a heated discussion with the other agent, don’t let your emotions show. Be logical, be assertive, be precise…but don’t get emotional. When you let your emotions get the best of you, you won’t make succinct and beneficial points for your buyer or seller.

Take control of the situation by asking questions. If you are asking the questions- you are controlling the conversation and allowing the other agent the opportunity to talk and talk (see second paragraph). If you are asking questions, chances are you can still make your point and all the while the agent doesn’t realize that you are in complete control. Ask prying questions that keep the other agent having to give excuses for their seller/buyer or explanations as to why they “haven’t done this or that”. Point out the things that the other party is lacking in, or things that they need improvement on. You are building a case for your buyer as to why you’ve asked for x price, or why your seller can’t possibly sell that low.

Make sure you have all of your information. Do you think an attorney is prepared before he/she goes into court? Of course. They might spend months on research alone. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” You had better be prepared before going in to the ring. If you’re not prepared, then you’re dead in the water. I’ve always been the most confident in anything I’ve done when I’ve done the research, had my information, and was well educated on the subject. If you are prepared, then you are confident…and if you are confident, then you normally convey your case in an informative, convincing fashion.

Now get out there and negotiate a winning million dollar contract for your clients!

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent to search Mount Pleasant SC Homes for Sale. Find ideal Charleston Real Estate at www.BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

A Brief History of the I’On Community in Mount Pleasant, SC

Holding to the precepts of the New Urbanism, I’On is composed of an interconnected network of streets and blocks. Street widths are reined in to encourage walking and buildings and public spaces are carefully arranged to be in harmony with their surroundings. The community is divided into six smaller neighborhoods (“boroughs”), each planned around a preserved civic space such as a lake, park or square, and each containing 80 to 150 homes. The boroughs are Eastlake, Ionsborough, Shelmore, Westlake, Ponsbury and Montrose. Eight sites in I’On have been reserved for civic buildings, such as small churches or other community buildings.

There is a reason the I’On tract of land has been popular through the centuries. It is in itself an amenity. Lakes and oak trees, marshy areas abound. Palmettos dot the landscape. It is a lush stage upon which humans and animals interact. Migratory birds and other wildlife abound in the rookery, a nesting area located at the south end of Ionsborough. A “marshwalk” meanders along almost two miles of Shelmore and Hobcaw Creeks. I’On Square, a commercial square that will eventually house just over 30,000 square feet of commercial interests, already boasts its first completed building (see photo at right). This building houses a salon, an interior design store, the neighborhood sales office and The I’On Company. Other amenities include a multipurpose athletic field; numerous playgrounds and parks; the boathouse on 12-acre Eastlake; and the I’On Club, a private swim and tennis club scheduled for completion during summer 2000. Largely because of its geographical location, I’On residents also have access to superb amenities outside of their neighborhood. These include historic sites, beaches, the region’s highest-ranked public schools, excellent healthcare, public libraries and, of course, shopping and fine dining.

The homes and buildings in I’On bear the stamp of Lowcountry vernacular design, which usually includes most or all of the following elements: vertical scale (homes are taller than they are wide); natural exterior finishes such as wood clapboard, brick or stucco; spacious, raised porches; balconies; shuttered windows; simple and/or symmetrical rooflines; fences, walls and gates; and outbuildings such as garages, potting sheds, workshops or home offices.

I’On’s Lowcountry vernacular is upheld by the I’On Code, a set of architectural guidelines that address the neighborhood plan, thoroughfares, lot types, neighborhood standards, architectural standards and landscape standards. The Code is not overbearing; rather, it exists to “create a social neighborhood; offer a range of house designs which are carefully placed to make the most of public and private realms; and assist the resident, builder and architect with the design of houses within I’On,” according to The I’On Company.

All building plans are submitted to the I’On Design Committee for review, comments and approval. This committee’s “playbook” is the I’On Code. Where do the building plans come from? They come from the I’On Guild, a select group of 15 of the area’s most distinguished builders, as well as tradespeople, craftsman and nationally recognized architects. The builders were recruited to be I’On’s exclusive builders- based on craftsmanship, client and trade references, experience, financial stability and enthusiasm. Guild members combine high quality, sustainable construction. They communicate well with the developer and homeowners. They favorably shape the public and private realms within I’On, and it shows.

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your Johns Island SC real estate purchase. Find ideal Charleston real estate at www.BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

How to Use Real Estate Trends for Optimized Profit

When it comes to investing in real estate, the main aim for any investor is to buy a property at a low price, with the intention to sell it at a higher price on order to gain a considerable amount of profit. For many experienced real estate investors, they will adopt certain strategies such as purchasing properties which will show their potential earnings per year at a gradual increase, which is called a growth strategy. Other investors may choose to invest in undervalued properties and hold on to these as a long-term investment, or until the market is at a more stable pace that they will be able to make a successful sale with them. This is referred to as value investing, which is another type of investment trend. Being aware of different trends is crucial for any investment-even those which are away from the field of real estate as it can be the main factor which enables you as the investor to profit from buying low and selling high.

The first step to using real estate trends to your advantage is to firstly prepare yourself for investing. Take at look at your finances and cash flow situation, as well as looking at loans, etc for your mortgage payments, etc. Next, you should search and investigate the many trends which are in the field of real estate at the moment. These can be found in a wide range of places such as newspapers and the internet-the key is to look in the right place. Newspapers will give you an indication of the trends in your local market, which is extremely beneficial for those just starting out in real estate investment and are looking to invest somewhere close to their current residency. For the more experienced investor, there are a wide variety of real estate publications which will state the current trends and the increases and decreases in property prices at the moment. The more research you do, the better chance you have of making a sound investment and using the trends to your advantage. Once you have identified the different trends, you should look at properties which will provide you benefits based on the trends. Family homes are always in demand, even at times where the prices are slightly lower. However, when choosing a type of home you wish to purchase in, for example a family home; take into consideration what different factors will help the sale of the house such as size, garden and any add-ons which may be included with the sale.

It is an obvious fact that real estate investment is all about making a profit on what you originally invested the property for. For this reason, it is imperative that you sell your property for a higher price than you originally paid for it, or you will have a loss rather than a gain. Research into the way the current market is to see when the right time will be to place your property on the market as attempting to sell whilst the prices are considerably low not only waste money in terms of advertising, etc; but will also mean that your property could be on the market for a considerable amount of time. One of the ways in which you can optimize on the current trends without having to lose any money as such is by leasing your property. This will allow you to still gain some form of profit, but still allow you to watch the current trends, waiting for the perfect time to place the property back on the market.

Being successful in real estate is not just about having the right knowledge, but is also about preparing yourself. Taking into consideration the different trends within the field is extremely advantageous for any investor-whether a novice or an expert. So start researching and see how you can work the trends to optimize your overall profit.

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent to search Mount Pleasant SC homes for sale. Find ideal Charleston SC Homes for sale at www.BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Educating Yourself before that First Real Estate Investment

For those who see themselves as a novice in real estate, the idea of taking that first step into real estate investment can be an extremely confusing and daunting time. Many of those who look to join this field may have found the perfect investment to get them on the real estate ladder, but will be unsure of how the whole process works, resulting in their dream investment never being made a reality. In order to become successful within real estate investing, the first thing you should do is educate yourself on how the process of investing works. Once you have educated yourself on the field of real estate, there really is no reason to hold back on your dream investment.

Firstly, you should think about why you want to invest within the real estate market. Some may be looking to make a profit, and in this, creating a new career path for themselves. Others may be looking to simply take advantage on a new development which has been built near their residing area; whilst others may be looking for a way in which to optimize their existing money and savings for their future, or the future of their family. Once you have decided what your reason for investing is, you need to ensure that you do not over stretch yourself in terms of what you can realistically afford and ensure that you have the necessary cash flow in order to keep your investment and you other financial areas safe.

Next you should think about the area in which you wish to invest in. The different areas in which you look to invest in can heavily determine what kind of prices you can expect to find in terms of your initial investment, as well as what kind of profit you can hope to make once you have placed your property back on the market. These prices can vary from area to area, so educating yourself on these different rates is extremely beneficial before you start investing your money. When it comes to your first investment however, it is more advantageous to choose a location close to your current location so you are able to watch your investment more closely. Before taking the plunge with your investment, you should also educate yourself on the current real estate cycle. Due to the current recession, property prices have decreased due to the lack of interest. However, as this ceases, prices will grow to a much higher rate, providing you with the chance to optimize your profit. For this reason, you should think about when the best time to invest will be in case you are left with no option but to hold on to your investment for a set period of time while you await the change in the cycle. This is extremely important if you are worried about your financial situation in the future.

Once you have taken these points into consideration, you should then make a plan of action. Take into consideration what you ideally can afford and what the most desired types of property are at the moment. In most cases, family homes are usually the best way to start, but take into consideration the amount of space offered in the property and the size and quality of the garden as this will be key for many potential homebuyers. Look at the different price ranges, property types and how you hope to sell your property in regards to a long-term investment in order to gain more profit, or a quicker sale in order to get the property off your books. You should also think about the benefits of renting your property whilst looking to sell it. This will not only help you financially, but will also provide you with the opportunity to hold on to your asset while you await the changes in house prices, making it a much more sound investment. However, when looking at tenants, take into consideration the changes in the cycle as a lease for 12 months may take away your chance to take advantage of increased property prices if this occurs during the lease.

When it comes to investing your money wisely, real estate is a great way in which to actually see your money and make a great profit from it. By educating yourself on the way in which the system works and the different factors you should take into consideration, you will be on your way to gaining great real estate knowledge and making any future investments more successful than the last.

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your Wadmalaw Island real estate purchase. Find the ideal Charleston S.C. home at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Looking for a New House? Key Points to Take into Account

Looking for a new home whether it is your first home or you are simply looking for a new family home, is a large commitment. It can cost a considerable amount of money and time, which can be frustrating and at times, disheartening. Unlike renting a property where you are only tied to the property for a set period, purchasing at home requires a lot more care and thought as the idea is that you will reside in the property for a significant amount of time. It is for this reason that when viewing any potential properties that you take the following points into consideration.

The age of a property can tell you many things in terms of how much money it is worth, and also how much money it can cost you in the long run due to maintenance requirements. A newly built home will be much more efficient than an older property, but will often cost much more money. If you are looking to purchase a newly built home, you should also take into consideration the area in which is has been built as many new homes may have been built on land which has defects which you will be made unaware of but can affect the structure of the property with time. You should also take into consideration if the house is energy efficient which you can test through the use of an auditor. This is extremely beneficial for you financially as being made aware of the property’s efficiency now can save you money in the long run.

One main factor for many potential buyers will be how much space is provided within the property. If you have a family, this will be an extremely important factor as you will require more space than say a couple with no children. You should take into account any large appliances, pieces of technology and other personal belongings you have and how you would fit this into the home using existing and additional storage. When thinking about this, you will want storage facilities which will not only help store your belongings, but will also allow for comfortable living space. You should also look at added storage such as the attic and garage as these will help optimize the level of space you have. Taking a close look at the layout of the home will also help you determine the space and how you will store your belongings. The layout will also be a good indication of how suitable the home is for your everyday lives. For example, you may not want to purchase a home which has your bedroom close to your children’s, taking away your privacy-or one where your children will be situated too far away.

Comfort is extremely important as an uncomfortable home will often lead to unhappiness. You want a home which will help keep you warm and sheltered during the cold months of the year, whilst also providing ventilation during the hotter times of the year. Look at the heating system which is provided as well as the condition of the windows and whether they are double glazed or not. You should also look at any air conditioning systems which are included, and where necessary have these tested for efficiency. For those who have children, safety is as important as comfort. It is an unfortunate fact that accidents can happen, but by ensuring that your child’s home is as safe as possible you can help eliminate these accidents. Look at areas of the home which can cause an incident such fireplaces which stick out with sharp corners or cupboards which are in an unsafe place. You should also look at the safety of the perimeter of the home such as whether you are provided with fences which not only provide safety but also privacy from your neighbors.

Purchasing a home can be tricky and often we may find that we are lost in terms of what to look for in the ideal home. However, by taking these points into consideration, you will not only be provided with a more educated opinion of what type of home is best for you, but will also be equipped enjoy a happy and comfortable life in your new home.

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your Mount Pleasant real estate purchase. Find ideal Charleston SC Homes for sale at www.BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Inexpensive Updates to Sell Your Kitchen

It’s no secret that kitchens sell homes, so if you’re looking to put your home on the market take a look at your kitchen and see what kind of updates you can do to make it more appealing to prospective buyers.

Painting is the easiest way to give your kitchen a clean new look. Make sure that you use a good degreaser on the walls in the kitchen before painting as years of cooking can leave your walls sticky with old oil. It’s also not a bad idea to prime the walls before painting to leave the best possible finish for the paint to grip to. Paint the kitchen with a good washable paint; consider bright or off-white with a colored accent wall or strip.

When you’re done with the painting, you may want to add a back splash to your kitchen; back splashes protect the paint above the counter tops from cooking residue and getting banged up from appliances getting moved around on the counters. Backsplashes can be made from the same material as your counters or different types of tiles like ceramic, stone, marble, or metal. Try to stick with materials and colors that are fairly neutral; many prospective buyers don’t want to buy anything too outrageously decorated and a nice neutral palette allows them to customise it to their liking.

If your kitchen is large enough, consider adding a stand-alone workstation; a workstation that isn’t built in gives a prospective buyer the option of using that space however they like, while showing them that a kitchen island is a viable addition to the room. To give yourself an extra special workstation, get a workstation with a butcher block top for cutting on.

Another great way to perk up a kitchen is to add updated lighting; many kitchens have inadequate lighting for working. All the work areas in your kitchen should be lit: sink, food prep areas, and stove. There are a variety of products that work well for under-cabinet lighting which can really brighten up your counter top work space. Adequate lighting by the sink is essential; even if your sink is by a window it’s important to have an artificial light source for washing up when it’s dark outside. Pot lights that are set into the ceiling are nice and bright and are less obvious than other styles of light fixtures.

For those homeowners willing to put more time and money into increasing their kitchen’s appeal, there is also the option of cleaning up or changing the cabinetry. The most simple options for the cabinets: include giving them a good thorough cleaning with a degreaser, paint or refinish them, replace the hardware or cabinet doors, or even just take off the doors and painting the shelves for an open shelf style. If you want to spend a little more you can install new cabinets or custom open shelves in your kitchen.

The limits to what you can do to perk up and update your kitchen are almost endless and mostly depend on how much time and money you want to invest in prepping your home to sell; if you have any questions about which of the available options might give you the most return for your effort, try consulting with a kitchen designer or a realtor for advice.

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your James Island real estate purchase. Find the ideal Charleston S.C. home at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.