Another Yankee (Brooklyn, NY) moving South to Charleston, with some questions please (Sumter: for sale, rent)

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Originally Posted by joyeaux

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.

I suspect no one painted the popcorn in this house, so hopefully it will be easy to remove for us I did see an interesting video on youtube for removing popcorn using water... the popcorn bubbled right off the ceiling and fell off in a huge piece.

Keeping my fingers crossed for that!!!

[MichaelNYC]

Originally Posted by moneill

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.

So true........

Drive same area, same blocks on a different day and bam you can get a whole different atmosphere !!

I would drive any perspective areas daytime/nighttime weekdays and weekends

And yes as well........ explore more and more and you will find more to like and maybe not care for !

Did that in our fact finding expedition in Florida in some neighborhoods.. the more we drove it the more we realized... hmmm... not what we felt when we first saw it.

Thanks *M* for the feedback it is very much appreciated !

C'Ya in June for my drive-bys

[MichaelNYC]

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.

Yes certainly SES.. if in an older home I would have the 'stucco' checked out.. though it could be simply sand mixed in with the ceiling paint.. but depends upon the size of the 'lumps'...

Include that in the purchasing contract and if turns out positive, seller being responsible for removal.. or simply money is deducted for this job.

[MichaelNYC]

Originally Posted by 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.

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Understood USC.
Point I am getting is....
While yes an older 70's, 80's home can be remodeled.. the floor plan can still be limited as you pointed out the master bathroom, kitchen area etc.
No matter what you update.. you cannot get floor space without expanding.
Something to consider... meaning remodel all you want.. but you cannot get the 'modern' floor space, the room size and openess of one. After all the work it might look small/tight... it will look cute/nice but not the roominess you desire.

And YES, Location, Location, Location past, present and future, that is the ballgame... along with fresh, open and bright.

Thanks for your input USC.

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Originally Posted by USCJoe

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.

This is what we chose to do. The house is older, but the neighborhood is one of the only ones in the area with mature trees, space between houses, not cookie-cutter houses... sure, we'll have to do some renovating, but it's so worth it to not live on top of your neighbors in a monstrous house that takes up almost the entire property, with no trees taller than 6 ft.

Now to decide if we should expand the master bed/bath into the FROG... the bedroom is a nice size, but the bathroom and closet are... well, I might be appropriating one of the other bedroom's closets in the meantime. And why did they think that putting the sink into an exposed "alcove" in the bedroom was a good idea

[mrpeatie]

I think you have to look at houses individually to see if the floor plan suits you or can be adapted. I actually think a lot of the 70s-ish ranches with vaulted ceilings are are easier to adapt to current tastes aesthetically than some of the more formal homes people built in the 80s since it is costly to move stairs and there is nothing you can do about an 8ft ceiling. I'm fine with lower ceilings in some rooms but when people blow out walls for the full on open floor plan in some homes it is just odd since the space feels squat.

Starry have you looked at closet organizers or even finding an armoir if there is space. I've had to find some strategy in almost every place I've lived. I have friends downtown who literally switch out clothing every season to make the closet situation liveable. I remeber older women doing this in my home town and I realize they too were probably more space than fashion oriented looking back.

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Originally Posted by mrpeatie

I think you have to look at houses individually to see if the floor plan suits you or can be adapted. I actually think a lot of the 70s-ish ranches with vaulted ceilings are are easier to adapt to current tastes aesthetically than some of the more formal homes people built in the 80s since it is costly to move stairs and there is nothing you can do about an 8ft ceiling. I'm fine with lower ceilings in some rooms but when people blow out walls for the full on open floor plan in some homes it is just odd since the space feels squat.

Starry have you looked at closet organizers or even finding an armoir if there is space. I've had to find some strategy in almost every place I've lived. I have friends downtown who literally switch out clothing every season to make the closet situation liveable. I remeber older women doing this in my home town and I realize they too were probably more space than fashion oriented looking back.

I will probably have to store clothes as it is - the main problem is that the closet is over the stairs, so there is a ramp (which the previous owner made into step-ledges, which helps a bit) which takes up 2/3 of the closet. I could possibly live with it (though my husband's clothes would never fit if I used it). The area is about 4'x5', with a sloped ceiling, and floor.

The bigger issue is the bathroom... I think it is 5'x6'', with just enough room for a toiler and very small shower. The roof by the shower is also sloped, ok for me since I am 5'nothing, but my 6' husband... I don't think he can actually use the shower there. The sink is next to this, on the other side of the door, open to the bedroom, and that area is under 6' long, so if I knocked out the wall, and built a door from where the sink is to the bedroom, it would still be an weird space... 5' x 12'..... no idea what to do with that, don't think I can do a tub/shower combo which my husband wants lol...

[MichaelNYC]

Hi Starry.. Hi Mr P

Yes Starry, to certain locales, developments, neighborhoods...you might have to get a different home than what you might prefer... as in getting an older one etc and some renovating hopefully.
But to get a more mature block, not the cookie cutter, typical home on the block.. and as you said a massive home covering the entire lot is not our cup of tea. We also have no problem sacrificing size for location... and as my wife says we would sacrificing anything for the school system, neighborhood for our son to grow up in.

But your shower area etc...
My wife is 5'8, I am 6'2 and would be nice to be able to stick our heads under the shower head
Certain plans, items we can live with and adjust and remodel over time.. but some cannot.

So yes Mr P.. you have to look at each house individually....

Some older floor plans might work, some might not... it is an individual basis.

Thanks for your comments... all are very appreciated

Ranches we have no interest... we like a duplex/colonial home only... no sacrificing there

Also now we will not have a basement to toss our winter/summer items back and forth... so closet space is premium.

[MichaelNYC]

Originally Posted by 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).

Hi Beth,

Thanks for the comment on DI.. can I ask you some more please ?
Where are you in MP and why did you choose that area ?

What grabbed you for DI that you do not have in MP ?

How are the schools in DI compared to MP ?

I have heard a wide range of comments about DI...
(let me mention the negatives, comment back on the positives please)

1. HOA is strict and controlling and not making wise choices with growth
2. For our 400K house we would get a start home
3. People need to relax and get laid back a bit
4. People driving around with Mercedes, BMW's and Range Rovers
(or is that MP :P)

Any comments back Beth and/or anyone... on the negatives/positives compared to MP as well.

* everytime I think I am done thinking about moving to DI... I see a comment from Beth that makes me ask about it again

[guttata]

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Hi Beth,

Thanks for the comment on DI.. can I ask you some more please ?
Where are you in MP and why did you choose that area ?

What grabbed you for DI that you do not have in MP ?

How are the schools in DI compared to MP ?

I have heard a wide range of comments about DI...
(let me mention the negatives, comment back on the positives please)

1. HOA is strict and controlling and not making wise choices with growth
2. For our 400K house we would get a start home
3. People need to relax and get laid back a bit
4. People driving around with Mercedes, BMW's and Range Rovers
(or is that MP :P)

Any comments back Beth and/or anyone... on the negatives/positives compared to MP as well.

* everytime I think I am done thinking about moving to DI... I see a comment from Beth that makes me ask about it again

I'm not Beth, but hopefully can help. I initially answered your question about DI. DI elementary/grade school is suppose to be good, but will have problems with overcrowding very soon (if not already). There is some talk about restricting the school to island residents - I think this may happen as more families move in. I do not have children old enough to attend the school, so my opinion is based on general consensus. DI feeds into Hanahan high school (off island). I have heard so-so comments regarding this school. My understanding is that it is not as "good" as Wando High School. I suspect there will be a public high school built on the island in the next decade. Your other option for high school is the private Catholic school - Bishop England, located on the island.


My neighbors are laid back but definitely upper middle class. We live on the south side of the island (less extravagant homes). Under 400k, you will be in a "starter" home. There are a few homes in the 1400-2000 sq ft range around 400k now. Avg cost per sq ft varies from $150-250 - avg close to $200. You pay at least a 20% premium to live on the island - from what I have seen (builders put up the exact same home here as in some Mt Pleasant subdivisions).

It's not Mercedes, BMWs and Range Rovers - it is more like Mercedes, BMWs and Volvos. But, you would get the same with some MtP subdivisions.

DI is just a ten minute drive from MtP. You should at least drive through it when you are here. I think it would be easier to answer your questions once you have a few communities in mind, rather than trying to compare 10-20 communities at the same time. You'll drive yourself crazy. Some issues may not be relevant (high school) at this time unless you plan on staying in the same house for 10-12 years.