You've bought a new home, congratulations!  But in all your excitement, are you missing something? Now that you're a bonafide homeowner, are there things you should know that you don't?  Probably. Here are six mistakes new homeowners often make, and why they're critically important to avoid.

It's fun to go shell hunting on the beach but there's so much more to see than just shells.  Here's is a shortlist of the things you'll find on the beaches near Charleston. Horseshoe Crab Their name indicates they're a crab but they are not in the crab family.  They are closely related to spiders an

In today’s real estate market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. In a realtor.com article entitled, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind,” the author highlights som

Know What to Expect at Your Home Inspection So you made an offer and it was accepted. Now, the next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing.  A contract should always be contingent on an acceptable home inspection. This contingency allows you to ask the sellers to do some repairs prior t

  Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize their financial reward when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive the maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensure that you get the highest price possible. 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW  This may seem counterintuiti

One Coast Design: Drawn to a Story The Coburn Hutchinson House in Summerville is both a studio and home to designer Michelle Woolley Sauter, owner of One Coast Design, specializing in custom interior design. After purchasing the home at 125 E. Richardson Ave. in 2018, Michelle and her electrical eng

Buying a home is an adventure!  If you’re a new home buyer the adventure can be exciting but also a little scary.  You may even be wondering what you don’t know that you should.  Many buyers start out on the internet looking at homes for sale and dreaming.  I recommend that's where everyone starts. 

Homeownership has some great financial benefits.  Here are three that come to mind immediately: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values. It’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Let's look at a couple o

Do you believe home purchase is out of your reach?  Do you feel overwhelmed just thinking about it?  Don't let these home buying myths overwhelm you.  They're not even true! Let’s demystify some of the most common myths about purchasing. Myth #1:  My Credit Score Isn’t Perfect Fact:  As of February

The Pine Forest Inn The Pine Forest Inn is a lost treasure in Summerville.  It sat on sixty acres and welcomed its first guests in 1891.  The internationally renowned hotel had four floors, elevators, and 150 sleeping apartments.  They hosted several famous guests, including U.S. Presidents Theodore

Below are some photos from the Camellia Walk at Middleton Plantation.  I went with my mom and husband so you'll see us in the pictures too.  I wish I was a professional photographer so I could better share the beauty of Middleton with you, but this, along with my recommendation to go, is the best I

When Covid caused hardships for homeowners, the government put into place forbearance plans to avoid a surge in foreclosures.  Homeowners were able to stay in their homes without making their monthly mortgage payments.  Today, almost three million households are actively in a forbearance plan.  If t

If you live here and have always lived here, what I’m about to write is second nature to you. But if you’ve moved here from somewhere else in the country, recently or a while ago, or you’re even thinking about living here, I’m sure you’ve asked these two questions; how far away is Summerville from t

February is the month of love and presidents.  Break out of the winter blues and go do something!!  There is a lot to choose from and I’ve compiled a shortlist of some Summerville events going on in town. Valentine Card Making for Kids - Feb 13, 10-11am Children ages 3-10 are invited to join Ms. Lau

Camellias are one way the Lord blesses us in the winter I’m convinced.  When it’s cold, they start blooming and give us flowers when almost all else is dormant.  On my way out to Holly Hill to show a home, I drove past this beauty!  I couldn’t help but stop, walk to the edge of these strangers yard

Summerville 2020 Real Estate Market Review Watch my 2020 review of the Summerville market and predictions for 2021. Summerville 2020 Stats for Single Family Homes Median Sales Price = $297,000 (8.3% increase from 2019) Percentage List Price to Sales Price = 98.9% Median Days on Market = 5 Months Su

  The New Year has arrived and with it, hopefully soon, the END of Covid19.  Vaccines will be available and 2021 will return to normal activities.  We will see smiling faces, give hugs, and attend the activities that were canceled in 2020. Events in 2021 Some activities we can hopefully look forward

It's January, a brand new year, thankfully and it’s time to get out and do some things around town.  I’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the things going on in Summerville that can be Covid safe.  Let me know if you go and how you enjoyed the event!! Summerville Skates – will be open through Januar

Shop Local and Show Summerville Some Love It’s here! It's here! It’s finally here! Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Christmas carols playing in the square, storefronts donning Christmas decor, twinkling Christmas lights, and a merry season of giving all make my spirit bright. Our l

What is a Christmas Star? Jupiter and Saturn Will Align to Create the First "Christmas Star" in Nearly 800 Years. As crazy as this year has been, we are going to witness a Christmas miracle. Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system, will be so close together in the night sky t