Another Yankee (Brooklyn, NY) moving South to Charleston, with some questions please (Hanahan: HOA, new home)

[moneill]

The issue with the older neighbourhoods in MP is that some of them have lovely homes but not all neighbours keep up -- as previously stated.

In a hot real estate market -- buying a house in one of those neighbourhoods a good investment. People will buy anything. Problem now -- it is going to take time for those properties to become 'hot' again.

Cooper Estates is a perfect example. It has location, location, location and some of the homes seem great....but honestly, for the price others -- it is touch and go given the mix in the community.

Yeah there are two Hobcaws and one is nicer than the other.

Your best bet -- drive around -- have a look -- and drive around again on another day.

Each time we explore we find different things to like or dislike.

[MichaelNYC]

Hi Joe, question please on what you wrote...
...a bit of updating...
as in ???

minor renovation, major renovation.. (yes I know you said a bit and that does not constitute major
is it a new kitchen, bathrooms, painting
vs a new heating, cooling system ?

before our son was born I renovated our kitchen, new floor, countertop, appliances, refaced the cabinets etc and new bathroom as well.. so that I can and like to do.. but if older homes need heating, cooling.. out of my league but of course I will bring people in

So a bit of updating means.....

Thanks Joe

[/quote]If you prefer more established neighborhoods than some of the newer ones such as Park West, than Snee Farm, Longpoint, Brickyard, Wakendaw Lakes and possibly Hobcaw Creek Plantation are just a few in Mt. Pleasant you might want to consider. However, keep in mind that many of the homes in the older more established neighborhoods may need a bit of updating.

Longpoint Subdivision
Snee Farm subdivision
Wakendaw Lakes Subdivision[/quote]

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Hi Joe, question please on what you wrote...
...a bit of updating...
as in ???

minor renovation, major renovation.. (yes I know you said a bit and that does not constitute major
is it a new kitchen, bathrooms, painting
vs a new heating, cooling system ?

before our son was born I renovated our kitchen, new floor, countertop, appliances, refaced the cabinets etc and new bathroom as well.. so that I can and like to do.. but if older homes need heating, cooling.. out of my league but of course I will bring people in

So a bit of updating means.....

Thanks Joe

I've seen some of the houses he may be referring to... the thing is, a lot of the houses are "older" - 70s-80s, and not many people decided to update them to today's standards. You will see outdated kitchens, panelling/wallpaper on walls, that sort of thing. Also, in terms of major - these houses may be due for new HVAC, roof, windows, etc. A lot of them don't have their bonus room (FROG) hooked up to the HVAC ducts, that sort of thing.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Hi and thanks for stopping by

First of all, I want to say, this forum has been a HUGE help to someone like me trying to realize our dream of moving South. Everyone has been so very helpful and willing to offer advice; it just makes me want, even more, to move to an area where these hospitable people could be my neighbors someday!!


I have initially corresponded via other persons posts for Charleston.. but decided it was time to post my own.

Our lil' family, my wife, myself and our 6 month old son currently live in NYC, specifically Brooklyn (where I was born).

Not to worry, it will not be culture shock as some suggest to a New Yorker.. I lived in Upstate NY for 12 years before moving back to Brooklyn for family matters and crave that non-city, non-hustle, non-noisy, non-garbage strewn sidewalks and streets, relaxed and laid back simply enjoy family and life atmosphere/attitude. And a nice backyard with grass for my son to grow up with.
And will not bring any NY attitude with me...

I am Jewish, my wife of Muslim background,,, forget about the Middle East conflict.. just come to us
Our son is being brought up Jewish... and would look to join a synagogue when there.

We have a genuine and sincere desire by 2010 to move to Charleston.. more specifically its surrounding areas, as in Mt Pleasant, James Island or Daniels Island... no interest for Summerville nor W. Ashely, sorry.

My niece and her family live in Raleigh.. but our interest is S.C.
At least a lot closer than NYC to them.

We really liked what Charleston has to offer us. Besides of course moving south of the Mason-Dixon line... we truly liked and appreciated the fact that there is the City of Charleston that we can enjoy while living in its suburbs (James/Daniels Islands, Mt Pleasant). We appreciate the culture of Charleston and all it offers, its architecture, amenities, classiness and would really enjoy the City of Charleston while living so close by. Of course enjoying the weather, beaches etc of the area and everything else each area (James/Daniels Islands and Mt Pleasant) offers as we would spend the majority of our time in our community..

I can find work for myself in S.C. (I am a pharmacist and so far hear work opportunities are good, though I will specifically obtain a position before moving) and my wife works in finances but will give it up to be home full time with our son for awhile.

We are simply seeking a nice, safe, interesting, family, friendly, fun area to live.
Would like to have family activities as in community pool, tennis courts and playgrounds.
The new outdoor track complex located in Mt Pleasant looks great... as my wife is a runner and was on her Country's national track team as a runner and might get into coaching.
We also enjoy biking, both mountain and road biking.

We would rent for the first 6 months or abouts and then purchase a home, after completely checking out all the areas, neighborhoods, sub-divisions, streets while renting there.
We are looking for a home up to let's say $400K range.

We really have no interest in night life (our current night life is our 6 month old crying and not sleeping :
No interest in fancy clothing stores, restaurants, video rentals, starbucks etc.... we are just seeking the basics as for local stores.
Taking walking tours of Charleston, parks, beaches are more for us.

We would like 'some' land and not have our neighbors right on top of us, nor us them. When living in Upstate NY I had 1 acre of land.. but I know I would tail that down for these areas, not a problem.

We have no interest in a gated community.
No interest in cookie cutter sub-divisions.
No new "pop-up" developments with 2-story houses built right on top of each other where they tell you ifyou can put up a fence and what kind and what color to paint your house...I see these on trips and it looks like a fake version of Disney World. Nice for some but not for us.
HOA we do understand and welcome them within limits... if we like that particular development, division, area and there is a HOA.

My wife is very interested in good schools as is everyone with children of course... and that is Priority !

As I mentioned we are looking at Mt Pleasant, Daniels Island and James Island.
Though Daniels Island might not be a fit, commute wise, as I would be driving to work in Charleston and Mt Pleasant and James Island weekly.. and as far as I see it on the map, commuting from Daniels Island to all the other areas (except Mt Pleasant) would be a hassle... you tell me please ?

Otherwise what I hear about Daniels Island appeals to us. Meaning Mt Pleasant might be a bit too set-up, established whereas Daniels Island is more up and coming and rural now and might be great to get in, though my wife would like the more established... sheesh... whats a person to do

I plan on driving down the beginning of June for a week for a look around myself. If all looks good, then the next trip in about another months time will be a drive with my wife and baby.

This trip will be a fact finding trip as I have done previously for other areas.
Speaking to real estate agents/brokers, job opportunities and driving in and out and all over Charleston and the areas mentioned.

Besides comments on living in these areas and what we are seeking about family, living, atmosphere, housing, communities, neighborhoods, amenities...
Please send me all tips, ideas on anything else you think I should check out when down there next month besides what I mentioned.

Thanks for stopping by... I deeply appreciate it.
Looking forward to corresponding with you and seeing you down there one day soon

Michael

PS feel free to e-mail me personally

.

Just one question with the locales you've mentioned:

Ever considered a little phenom called a "cyclone", or hurricane to use the popular venacular?

[USCJoe]

When I made reference to updating, for the most part I am referring to minor updating to include but not necessarily limited to replacement of carpeting, painting, counter and appliance replacement and possibly replacement of carpeting and vinyl with hardwoods and tile. Most of the light, door and cabinet fixtures and possibly cabinetry will probably require updating to reflect the current trends in new home construction and buyer preferences. You will find many of the homes with blown rather than smooth ceilings which can be changed relatively easily. Many of the homes in the older established communities may have overgrown landscaping which could be pruned back. In addition, resodding of the lawn may greatly improve the homes exterience appearance. Many of the homes built in the 70's and 80's have more formal floor layouts which a new owner might consider opening up, particularly in the family room kitchen area. A downside to many of the older homes is that many of the master baths and closets are relatively small by todays standards, so a home that might lend itself to a master bedroom/bath expansion might be something to take into mind evaluating a floor plan of a particular home. I think that location will always be a major attraction to potential buyers in the future and as long a home is open, bright and gives one a "new home feel" rather than a "tired" feeling, any money spent on a home with good street appeal and floor plan would be money well spent. It is also true that a new roof and heating and air system are two potential major expensives that one must take into account when considering a home for purchase.

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Hi Joe, question please on what you wrote...
...a bit of updating...
as in ???

minor renovation, major renovation.. (yes I know you said a bit and that does not constitute major
is it a new kitchen, bathrooms, painting
vs a new heating, cooling system ?

before our son was born I renovated our kitchen, new floor, countertop, appliances, refaced the cabinets etc and new bathroom as well.. so that I can and like to do.. but if older homes need heating, cooling.. out of my league but of course I will bring people in

So a bit of updating means.....

Thanks Joe

If you prefer more established neighborhoods than some of the newer ones such as Park West, than Snee Farm, Longpoint, Brickyard, Wakendaw Lakes and possibly Hobcaw Creek Plantation are just a few in Mt. Pleasant you might want to consider. However, keep in mind that many of the homes in the older more established neighborhoods may need a bit of updating.

Longpoint Subdivision
Snee Farm subdivision
Wakendaw Lakes Subdivision[/quote][/quote]

[MichaelNYC]

When I made reference to updating, for the most part I am referring to minor updating to include but not necessarily limited to replacement of carpeting, painting, counter and appliance replacement and possibly replacement of carpeting and vinyl with hardwoods and tile. Most of the light, door and cabinet fixtures and possibly cabinetry will probably require updating
* I had that here in my current home, built 1962 and the kitchen and bathrooms showed it.
I refaced the kitchen cabinets as the boxes were a-ok, new laminate floor, countertops, appliances, fixtures, removing wallpaper etc and it is updated now.
We look back at the old kitchen and we are in shock... we had that, much drastic change.
What I am trying to say is... that work I can do not a problem and glad to hear that is what is needed. Of course HVAC might have a need to update and modernize and that would be done by appropriate parties. I have replaced hot wanter heaters.. but tackling a boiler etc.

New roof and windows understood...

I guess to go with a home, an older home in an established block, neighborhood all comes with the above work... so to get what we want, we would update.

It is the old.... do you want to walk into a turn-key home or an 'older' home that needs some work ?

I have no problem with turn-key believe me.. but not a problem to do the work and the expense.

You will find many of the homes with blown rather than smooth ceilings which can be changed relatively easily.
** What is meant by blown ceilings please ?
do you mean the 'stucco' texture ceilings ?

Many of the homes in the older established communities may have overgrown landscaping which could be pruned back.
** understood as well...
simply pruning back... space does look nice

I used to fill in every space in my house and outside.. but my wife 'educated' me to empty spaces are nice and she is right !

Thanks USC for your comments, truly finding it very helpful.

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Again, from what I've seen... blown = popcorn. I wouldn't exactly call it "easy" to remove. I anticipate a huge mess and lots of aggravation when we tackle this, lol. However, there is no way that stuff is staying up there, so be it.

If you don't know what popcorn is... well, stucco from what I remember in NY is "hard." If you touch popcorn, the stuff can flake off. Another concern is, if the house is older (70s and prior) the popcorn might have asbestos in it, which means asbestos abatement. You can't do this yourself, and to pay to fix it can be pricey - so, if you do find a house you like, you should send a sample of the celiing to a lab.

[jesposito]

i posted this on Paris's thread...was meant for you Mike...


We looked at a bunch of communities...Hibben, Ion, Dunes West, Rivertowne, Hamlin Plantation, Belle Hall, and Watermark. I've been in Real Estate for 10+ years now and DI is in my opinion has the perfect balance of shopping, amenities, housing, etc. I've ever seen. There is just a tremendous amount of stuff to do that is literally at your doorstep. For instance this weekend the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will be playing in the park right across the street from our house and they do a killer fireworks show at the end of the performance. So saturday we dont have to look at each other saying "what do you want to do? I dont know what do you want to do?" My wife and I both agree we would do a house 1/2 the size of the one we're in rather than move based on what we know now that we've been there for awhile. you can find some deals in the low/mid 400's on the island. i would do some research and just check it out one weekend. drive down to the Smythe Park section on a Saturday and you'll see what i mean.

[beth1104]

Every time I go to D.I., I wish that's where we chose initially. My daughter is too involved at Wando now to change, but may consider after she graduates next year. Warning: if you visit there, you won't want anything else, (IMO).

[joyeaux]

Originally Posted by StarryEyedSurprise

Again, from what I've seen... blown = popcorn. I wouldn't exactly call it "easy" to remove. I anticipate a huge mess and lots of aggravation when we tackle this, lol. However, there is no way that stuff is staying up there, so be it.

If you don't know what popcorn is... well, stucco from what I remember in NY is "hard." If you touch popcorn, the stuff can flake off. Another concern is, if the house is older (70s and prior) the popcorn might have asbestos in it, which means asbestos abatement. You can't do this yourself, and to pay to fix it can be pricey - so, if you do find a house you like, you should send a sample of the celiing to a lab.

Our handyman used drywall to cover the ceiling instead of scraping away the "popcorn". In another home, we were told that since the "popcorn" had not been painted, it was easy to remove & so the crew did that.