Schools in Charleston, SC

In this article we will explore some of the top public schools in Charleston to give you an idea of where to start looking when house hunting this fall.

House hunting in the Lowcountry can be tricky when looking for the perfect home AND the perfect school to send your little ones to. And there’s no question that having a home in a good school district is always a good investement that will provide steady ROI for years to come.

The top areas in Charleston for the best public schools are Mt. Pleasant and James Island. But there are a number of great school options throughout the Lowcountry. Below we’ve detailed a few schools to keep in mind while doing your research.

Top Public Schools in Charleston:

Buist Academy

Buist won the 2017 National Blue Ribbon School Profile and was voted #1 Elementary and Middle School in South Carolina by Schooldigger.com. Buist is located in downtown Charleston which makes it extremely desirable for those who live downtown but don’t want to pay private school prices. The school has a focus on advanced studies and is known for being “internationally-minded.” Thousands of families apply to the charter school every year but only a few get in–making it more and more competitive each year to get accepted.

Mount Pleasant Academy

Mount Pleasant Academy is another National Blue Ribbon School but is located in a suburb of Charleston, Mt. Pleasant. The school is nestled inside the Old Village neighborhood and has had a wonderful reputation for years. Mt. Pleasant has been a long time place for Charleston residents to raise families because of the proximity to downtown and the award winning school districts.

Stiles Point Elementary

Stiles Point is another award winning elementary school and is located only 10 minutes from downtown. James Island has long been a wonderful place to raise families and Stiles Point Elementary has recieved high marks over the past few years earning it recognition as a top school.

Wando High School

Wando High is currently the largest public high school in the state with over 3,000 students. Expanded in the 1990’s to accomdate the town’s rapid growth, Wando High School continues to expand as the town develops. According to Wando’s website it is one of the top performing schools in the state and offers over 250 courses including honor courses and courses for college credit.

Wherever you decide to send your child, it is most important that it’s a place you feel good about and is the right fit for your child. The increase in real estate value based on school district is always a bonus but obviously not the end game. Contact me today to learn more about the real estate market in Charleston and how I can help guide you to securing your next home!

July 16, 2018August 19, 2018

Staging Tips to Help Sell Your Home Fast

Staging Your Home to Sell in the Fall Market

According to the National Association of Realtors, for every $100 spent on staging your home, you have the potentional to earn up to $400 back. That’s too big of a return to ignore–especially since a few simple tweaks could make a huge difference.

What is Staging Your Home?

There’s no question that the real estate market on Charleston is on fire but if you don’t have your house properly staged…the house could sit for longer than it should on the market. Staging your home means getting it in the best possible showing condition which could mean power washing, fresh paint, new furniture or finally removing those popcorn ceilings because who actually WANTS popcorn ceilings anymore? Staging can seem daunting, but with a few tweaks–you could have your home looking market ready in no time.

Here are five tips you can use to get your house ready for the fall market.

1.) De-clutter your home

I cannot stress this enough. I tell my clients to rent a POD (to be removed before listing of course) or a storage unit if they have to but whatevery they need to do, they should remove about 50% of their clutter. Closets should be half empty and garages should be as neat as possible. The more space that a buyer can see, the larger your home will look. And simple furnishings allow the buyer to imagine the space as their own.

2.) Remove Any Family Photos

It’s hard for a buyer to imagine themselves living in a home when they have a full visual of the family that currently is living there. Also, just for privacy reasons it’s always a good idea to remove the family photos from walls and surrounding areas.

3.) Paint the entire interior one color

Research shows painting the interior of your home the same light color throughout helps the home to feel large and flow smoothly. Greyish white with white trim throughout the home will help open it up tremendously and be less distracting than the hot pink 5 year old’s bedroom.

4.) Landscaping

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal and a first impression. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, simply keeping the lawn mowed (especially during the summer) and the hedges trimmed will go a long way. Buyers can pick up on the fact that if the outside has been negelected–what else has been ignored in the home?

5.) Remove all curtains–especially dark ones

Natural light is your best friend. You want your home to look at bright as possible and with dark curtains (no matter how nice they might look) all of that will be taken away. Also, if the buyer doesn’t like the style of drapes it can be distracting. Invest in nice blinds and always have them open during showings.

Ready to Sell

If all of this seems overwhelming, hiring a professional to come stage your home may be the route to go. I work with several stagers and would be happy to recommened a few to help you get your house ready to sell fast. Contact me to today for a free estimate of what your home is worth and how we can get it market ready together– email frank@askfrankrealestate.com or call 843.224.7997.

June 11, 2018July 16, 2018

Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Charleston, SC

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s critical to patron the cooler parts of Charleston for happy hours and rooftop bars are the place to go. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 rooftop bars in Charleston that will provide refreshing sea breezes and cocktails to get you through the dog days of summer.

Vendue Rooftop
19 Vendue Range St
Charleston, SC 29401

Located on the corner of East Bay and Vendue Range Streets above The Vendue Hotel. This classic rooftop bar is in the heart of the historic district in Charleston and is a long time Charleston Favorite. With stunning views of the sun setting over the Ravenel Bridge and only 1 block from Waterfront Park–this rooftop bar is the perfect spot for a cool refreshment after a long day of sight-seeing!

The Watch at The Restoration Hotel
79 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401

The Watch is a fairly new rooftop spot located on Wentworth Street above the trendy Restoration Hotel. Just off the very popular shopping district of King Street–this is a great spot to stop for a snack and cocktails between boutique visits. The sleek modern design offers a delicious menu with curated craft cocktails and menu favorites like the truffle fries.

Stars
495 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403

Stars is located in the Upper King Street district known for its vibrant restaurant scene and nightlife. Once upstairs, you will feel like you are on a rooftop of a friend’s apartment in NYC with intimate seating areas and close up views of neighboring rooftops. Stars is a great spot for an after-dinner cocktail and to soak in the social scene.

The Market Pavilion Hotel Rooftop
225 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401

The rooftop bar at the Market Pavilion is located atop The Market Pavilion Hotel and is another Charleston classic with a pool and fountain, lights and breathtaking views of the Charleston Market, Customs Building and city skyline. This is great spot if you’re looking for an almost panorama view of the city since you can clearly see the harbor and the city.

Revelry Brewing Company
10 Conroy Street
Charleston, SC 29403

If you’re looking for a more laid-back scene—Revelry Brewing Company located in the up and coming “No Mo” (short for North Morrison Avenue) district is a must. Offering unique views of the Charleston Peninsula and Ravenel Bridge with an extensive beer list, live music on the weekends and sushi menu offerings every night.

May 7, 2018May 9, 2018

May Events in Charleston, SC

The 70 degrees and sunny days that Charleston is known for are finally here! Right now the weather is absolutley perfect in Charleston with zero to little humidty so it’s prime time to get outside and enjoy the Lowcountry. We’ve rounded up some events for you to check out over the next few weeks.

Wine Wednesdays at Middleton Place. Every Wednesday now through May 30th, Middleton Plantation is offering a private garden stroll and wine tasting. Each week a different garden will be showcased. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Every Friday in May. Party at the Point is a great way to unwind in the Lowcountry after a long week! A younger crowd, but still fun, go and enjoy food trucks, live music and breathtaking sunset views over the Cooper River.

May 10th & May 24th Hops and Vines at McCloud
Plantation. Recently opened to the public, McCloud Plantation is located only 5 minutes from downtown and features a beautifully restored plantation house and grounds. Tickets to the event are only $15/person and that includes 2 drink tickets; enjoy food trucks and live music in a historic plantation setting. 5:30pm-7:30pm.

May 12th Shaggin on the Cooper River Mt. Pleasant Pier Shagging is a Lowcountry tradition and what better way to do it than under the stars on the Mount Pleasant Pier! With the Ravenel Bridge as the backdrop, it makes for a perfect date night.

May 13th Second Sunday on King is a great chance to enjoy the restaurants and shops on Lower King. The city closes King Street to cars from Calhoun Street to Broad Street and allows pedestrians to leisurely stroll.

May 17th Joseph Manigualt House Tour- A wonderful way to experience Charleston architecutre and history up close is to tour the Joseph Manigault House — don’t miss this limited evening tour that is sure to be enchanting!

May 20th- Lowcountry Boil on Morris Island- Another great Lowcountry tradition is the “Lowcountry Boil” which corn, shrimp (local of course) and red skinned potatoes all boiled in water with Old Bay seasoning. Then, once fully cooked, the spread is dumped on a long table and people crowd around and peel and eat their way through dinner!

May 22-26th The Atlantic Cup As an avid fisherman myself, this event is not one to be missed!

May 25th – June 10th- The Spoleto Festival with ties to Spoleto, Italy, is a world class arts and music festival with more than 180 events taking place at different venues throughout the Charleston area! The grand opening day at City Hall on Broad Street with the Mayor speaking and confetti swirling about, is a wonderful sight to see.

For more Charleston events, visit The Charleston Visitor’s Bureau website.

March 28, 2018March 29, 2018

Edisto Island: A Local’s Best Kept Secret

Edisto Island is a secluded beachfront community located about 45 minutes south of Charleston, South Carolina.

For centuries, Charlestonians have been escaping to Edisto in the summer months to escape the city and soak up the sun on the pristine beaches of Edisto Island. Many locals have second homes on the island and consider it a true retreat for the fact that it hasn’t pushed for major development. There aren’t any motels or hotels, gift shops or beachwear stores lining the island as you enter. Avoiding development hasn’t been easy but it’s what keeps Edisto the charming, close-knit beach community that it is.

Edisto Island offers a variety of things to do whether you choose it as a summer destination or for a day trip.

Where to Eat

Whaley’s Restaurant
2801 Myrtle Street
Edisto Beach, SC 29438
A self proclaimed dive seafood restaurant. Locally owned and operated. Go for the fried seafood and sushi nachos.

McConkey’s Jungle Shack
108 Jungle Road
Edisto Island, SC 29438
Tropical themed cafe with outdoor seating and casual fare including burgers and hot dogs. Open from 11am-8pm most days. Is a popular spot for brunch on the patio.

Pressley’s at the Marina
3702 Docksite Road
Edisto Island, SC 29438
Classic seafood fare with water views makes the perfect spot for happy hour and sunset watching.

What To Do

Bike Riding
A paved 5 mile bike path trails the island. The flat terrain makes it easy to bike and a perfect afternoon activity.

Golf
The Plantation Course
19 Fairway Drive
Edisto Beach, SC 29438
The Plantation Course at Edisto offers views of the ocean and lake. Private and quiet spot surrounded by nature and wildlife.

Beach
37 public access points to the beach make Edisto very easy to visit. you can find parking alongside the streets at no charge.

Where To Live

Dreaming of island life yet? Check out my listing on Edisto Island and see if this little beach community if the right fit for you! Contact Frank Thornhill at frank@askfrankrealestate.com or 843.224.7996 for any questions or to schedule a showing.

February 27, 2018February 27, 2018

How To Live in Your House – and Maintain Your Sanity – While Showing It

House Picture

There are a few key things that you can do to keep your house ready for showings so that it sells faster while ensuring it’s still comfortable to live in at the same time. “The real balance is having what you need while making sure your home actually looks ready for a new owner,” says real estate news source Redfin. “Once you figure that out, it’s a sure bet you will get your home sold without sacrificing too much comfort.”

With some hard-won tips from my years helping clients and some expert-approved tips from Realtor.com, here’s a guide for how to live in your house (and maintain your sanity) when you can’t really live in your house.

1. Declutter by at least 50%

Look at this a good time to get rid of things you don’t use; plus, you’ll have less stuff to move once your home sells! Whitney Parrott, lead designer at Everything Creative Designs, suggests this 50% decluttering rule for her clients who choose to stay (at least part of the time) in a staged or listed home. You want your place to look inviting, but not necessarily lived-in. “Take you out of the home,” she says. “Remove your emotional attachment and look at the home as a product you’re selling, which I realize is easier said than done.”

2. Rent storage space.

Even if you aren’t going to have your home professionally staged, you’ll likely need a storage unit for your excess belongings. Get a slightly larger unit than you think you’ll need (we all have more stuff than we think). Plus, it’s a good idea to save yourself the headache and hire professionals to maximize your storage space with their expert packing hacks.

3. Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it.

If you can afford it, invest in a weekly cleaning service. Before each showing, vacuum the floors, dust all furniture, and wipe down all kitchen and bath surfaces.

4. In the kitchen…

Keep countertops clear. Stash paper towels, sponges, and dish soap under the sink when they’re not in use. Make a habit of placing dirty dishes immediately in the dishwasher, and keep most appliances off the countertops. Buyers will open cabinets. Be sure your glasses, plates, pots, and pans are well organized and stacked neatly.

5. In the bathroom …

Use totes or bins to keep daily bathroom items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap out of sight.

6. Mail.

Immediately sort mail when it arrives at your house, and dispose of anything that isn’t vitally necessary. Have a designated (and hidden) place to put magazines, newpapers and bills that need to be paid.

7. Block showings.

Ask your agent to schedule showings in large blocks of time a few afternoons a week to ensure you can get everyone out of the house.

8. Don’t forget the pets.

If you have work outside of the house and have pets, consider boarding the pets on weekdays when showings might occur.

For sure, living in a staged home is not quite easy, especially if you’re juggling children, pets, careers, and more. But it’s most definitely worth the time and investment. The key is to get organized and stay vigilant about keeping it in that way all the time so that it’s ready for showings.

January 29, 2018January 28, 2018

Ready to lighten your load? What it takes to hold a wildly successful yard sale

There are many good reasons to have a yard sale: you’re getting ready to put your house on the market or move into a new home and you want to clear out the clutter. Maybe “getting organized” was at the top of your New Years Resolutions list. Or perhaps you’re afraid that if you don’t tackle that spare room soon, you’ll wind up on an episode of “Hoarders.”

No matter what your motivation, a yard sale, when done right, can help you lighten your load and fatten your wallet. With some insights from Wholefully (who made $1549 in a two day yard sale) and HGTV, here’s some “best of” advice to help you hold an effective yard sale

1. Gather and price your goodies

Simply getting started can be the most intimidating part of the process. Make it easier by taking it room-by-room: sort things into three piles—donate, sell, and keep. When you’re finished with a room, put those three piles into three separate marked boxes. One more thing before you’re done: before you place items in your “sell” box, put prices on them now.

2. Why you should price things.

It might seem easier to not price things and just let people come up and ask about prices, right? Ask most yard sale regulars and they’ll tell you that if they don’t see prices on items at a sale, they’ll turn around and leave. Here’s why: the thought of asking a price or haggling for every single item is just too much work. So price things. You’ll be more successful and make things easier for your customers, too.

3. What you should price things.

Use whole numbers. Most people don’t carry around a lot of change, so keep items priced in single dollar increments ($1 instead of $1.50).

4. Location, location, location

As a realtor, this is concept I am quite familiar with. As with a home, a yard sale’s location is absolutely everything. But what if you are located in an area that doesn’t receive a lot of foot traffic? Does a family member or friend live near a major road? See if you can “borrow” their yard for your sale and offer a percentage of your profits in return. Even better, combine your efforts and host a two (or even three) family yard sale!

5. Get the word out wisely

Yes, some people will learn about your yard sale on Craigslist (and I do recommend advertising your info on the site), but most people will find out about your sale the old fashioned way: by driving by one of your signs. I believe that signs will be your best marketing tool; but not just any sign will do. You can’t just jot down the details on a piece of paper and staple it to a telephone pole in your neighborhood the morning of your sale. Make sure your signs are simple and easy to read (usually the words “Yard Sale” with an arrow, address, days and times are enough) and can be found on every corner in your neighborhood a week before your sale.

6. Split your sale into two shorter days.

Sell everything half-off the second day – and make sure to advertise your second day sale! You’ll probably end up selling more items and making more money by the time the weekend is over.

Yard Sale Display

I wish you the best in your yard sale. If you have any tips or advice that has worked for you in the past, or if you’ve seen an unbelievably creative idea at a yard sale, please share. I would love to hear your thoughts!

October 2, 2017

Your Invitation for a Slice of Charleston Heaven

Beginning next week, the Preservation Society of Charleston gives you unprecedented access to the homes and gardens that make Charleston such a unique and memorable piece of heaven.

It’s an opportunity that comes only once a year – and it all begins next week. The Fall Tours: Homes, History & Architecture, which runs from October 5-29, extends a rarefied invitation to go beyond the wrought iron gates and behind the columned doors of some of Charleston’s finest privately-owned Antebellum homes and gardens.

Architecture Unlike Any Other City

As the oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston is one of the few places where you’re likely to meet someone who lives in a home built around 1750. The astounding residential architecture of the Holy City has defined both on daily life and the legendary lore of Charleston.

That level of tangible, physical history is integral to Charleston – but usually not available to the public. That’s why The Fall Tours are such a coveted opportunity for tourists and locals alike.

There’s a tour dedicated to practically every neighborhood, taste and interest. Here are some of the highlights:

The South of Broad tour showcases some of the city’s most architecturally significant properties – and the area of the city you see depicted in many famous etchings, pastels, and watercolors. The remarkable craftsmanship of local artisans and the enduring stewardship of early preservationists, made this one of the most renowned residential districts in the city.

Private Garden Tours. Whether you’re a budding horticulturist or a nature lover, you’re invited to go through the iron garden gates and enjoy some of the finest private gardens in the Historic District on this tour.

The Battery Tours. Walk through some of Charleston’s most stately private antebellum residences along East and South Battery. From the rooftops and piazzas of these grand houses, built just a few years before the start of the Civil War, Charlestonians watched the firing on Fort Sumter that began the Civil War in 1861.

Up Close and Personal. Led by an expert in their field, these tours live up to their name, treating guests to in-depth interpretations and access to the Holy City’s most iconic homes and gardens.

Walking Tours. A family-friendly introduction to Charleston’s remarkable architecture, these walking tours are both fun and educational for all ages. You’ll learn to identify the iconic physical elements of historic homes and how they relate to the various periods in history.

The Grimke Sisters. If you’re a fan of Sue Monk Kidd’s Invention of Wings, this tour was made for you: follow in the Grimke sisters’ footprints to see, feel and hear how life in Charleston was for both whites and blacks during the 1800s.

For tickets and information, visit https://www.preservationsociety.org/falltours/

September 20, 2017

Shagging in Mount Pleasant?

For those looking to move to Charleston and thinking about Mount Pleasant, here’s yet another reason to love this community: Shaggin’ on the Cooper.

This popular live beach music and dance event series marks the summer months in the Lowcountry. Locals see it as an opportunity to dust off their dancing shoes and kick up their heels – and invite you to join in on the fun.

But it gets even better, because Shaggin’ on the Cooper combines two things that can only be found here in South Carolina’s Lowcountry: shagging and the Mount Pleasant Pier.

1. The Mount Pleasant Pier

Part of the Memorial Waterfront Park complex (aka “the Crown Jewel of Mount Pleasant”), the 1250-foot long Mount Pleasant Pier stretches out into picturesque Charleston Harbor under the foot of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge.

One end of the pier, you’ll find the 8,100-square-foot covered pavilion that hosts Shaggin’ on the Cooper. In addition to the sound of live music performed by local bands, you can enjoy magnificent views of the bridge and harbor.

While you’re here, take advantage of the opportunity to soak in the other highlights of Waterfront Park – there’s a manicured lawn perfect for family outings, a nautical-themed playground, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion, War Memorial, and, of course, soft-serve ice cream at the River Watch Café.

2. Shagging

Shagging – the dance style otherwise known as the Carolina Shag – has been the official state dance of South Carolina since 1984. The “original” Carolina Shag was born in the mid 1940s along the coasts between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Wellington, North Carolina.

Dancing on the sands of the Carolina beaches helped define the Carolina Shag and give it its nickname: shagging. And with the lovely and easy to learn shag comes the nostalgia of cool winds and ocean waves on a warm South Carolina summer’s night.

Remember, this is the South and Southern hospitality lives on: at Shaggin’ on the Cooper, the dance floor is open to all ages and all levels. Here, everyone is invited to relax, breathe in the harbor breeze and dance the night away under the stars.

For tickets and additional information about Shaggin’ on the Cooper in 2018, visit http://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/shaggin-on-the-cooper~9210/?search=&end_date=09/30/2017&category=&start_date=09/01/2017

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