Charleston Condomiums For Sale

Best View of the Charleston Harbor in Town for $1,150,000

2010-12-01T08:33:51Z

Dockside condominiums was built along the Cooper River on the peninsula in 1978. A series of townhouses were put up alongside the 18 story tower. Luckily foer the townhouse inhabitants this is the case. The views are to die for pure and simple. And the ability to walk right out on to the concrete walkway along the river gives one a sense of being an integral part of the bustling harbor and its day to day life.I'm going to the Parade of Boats this weekend at this very same townhouse. You can almost reach out and hold the gaily decorated paddles that kayakers wield as they slide by. And the festive Christmas music coming from all of the brightly lit yachts, sailboats, and trawlers adds lots to the festivities, on sea and on shore.

This 3BR, 2/1BA house is 2 stories and 2100 sq ft. The house has been tastefully updated with crown molding, track lighting, and granite counters. The courtyard deck off of the back dining room is especially chic and ready for lush flowers and veggies. With our mild climate, you can eat al fresco nearly year round.

I love the location of Dockside. Hop on a bike and be at the latest gallery opening in the blink of an eye, then on to one of the untold number of stunning restaurants in the downtown area. Or if you feel a little lazy, call a rickshaw!

The community is gated. The renovations on the pool, library, and lobby are just finished, ever so elegantly. Run to this harbor townhouse. It's perfect for a couple who wants to jump in to the downtown charleston lifestyle and also be a part of the ephemeral, yet enduring harbor life of this fascinating city. Bring your boat to moor just in front of your abode.

MLS 1029696

Pros

Fabulous location
Security and Parking
Tasteful restoration
Manageable size

Cons

HOA fees $974 monthly
Always on the lookout for an assessment
Constructed 32 years ago

Very Chi-Chi High Rise Condo in Downtown Charleston

2010-11-08T05:22:42Z

The People's Building was a venerable fixture on office laden Broad Street when I was growing up. It was a bit seedy as time went on but continued on like someone's old frumpy buddy. Now, glory be, the old gent has a new face. Quite luxurious condos have replaced the creaky old offices and the views are nothing short of spectacular and unique on the peninsula. The People's Building was built in 1911, The first and almost only skyscraper in Charleston. Some worried about this trend, needlessly so. “I don’t believe that this lovely building ruined the skyline, but if it did, the view was well worth it,” President William Howard Taft pronounced from the rooftop at the opening celebration.

Now's your chance to own one of these luscious dwellings. This 7th floor 2900 sq ft, 3BR, 2.5 BA abode offers sublime views of Charleston's gorgeous harbor. Naturally it has the marble, granite and custom built this and that. But the stunning features are in the structure, like the 11' ceilings and a dramatic entrance hall. Add to this the 50 sq ft storage unit and the 2 off street parking spaces and you have a sweet pad. The location is the best in town with lots of multi star eating establishment nearby.

It's been on the market for ovwer a year, and the price has only been reduced $100,000 tp $2,398,000. Maybe they'll come down some more.

Pros

Location
Fab view
Elegant interior
A little history

Cons

At $826 a sq ft, maybe a little pricey
Regime Fee at $1100 monthly
Property Taxes at $13,288 annually

MLS 1024819

Freedman's Cottage for Sale for $150,000

2010-10-12T02:17:31Z

hen is a Charleston Condo not a Charleston Condo? When it is one of Freedman's Cottages of course. Freedman's Cottages dot the downtown peninsula from just above the crosstown down to midtown at Calhoun St.

This area is in the throws of becoming the most desirable and affordable place to hang your hat in on the peninsula. These fascinating cottages were built largely by African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th Century. Some say that the style has value in the architectural history of South Carolina in the free black identity it came to represent. The original floor plan featured one room to either side of a central fireplace and chimney, oriented with the gable and to the street, entered through a piazza. Because of their small size, they have been added on to and altered over the years.

I came across one of these charming cottages recently. The original house has 965 sq ft with 3 BR and 1 BA and is full of original beadboard. It is quite charming and currently is rented for $895 monthly. The plus is that there are two more buildings behind that could be restored with as well. And room for a lovely little garden. This is just above the crosstown on a very active street, restoration wise. Sidewalks, trees, and a park add to the neighborhood appeal. Of course there is lots of restoring to do, but at the price, why not? It has been dramatically reduced from $220,000 just recently. I think this is a great opportunity to own a piece of history and have lots of fun with your imagination.

For more information on other Freedman's Cottages for sale and their history, just contact me.

Condo Living on the Golf Course

2010-06-29T02:07:58Z

The Retreat at Charleston National is offering some incentives if you buy directly from the developer, like the first three years regime fees. Here's a run down on the fees. HOA monthly fees are $172. The annual community Association fee is $316 annually. And the monthly fee to belong to the Country Club with golf, tennis, pool, and clubhouse privileges is $40.50. Now thet's very reasonable in my opinion.

However after looking at the inventory the developer has, and the resales out there, I would be remiss in not pointing out a resale at 2103 Hopeman Lane at $279,999. This 2BR, 2.5BA unit has its own three stop elevator! Lots of upgrades including stainless appliances, granite counter tops, new Rinnai tankless hot water heater, and huge great room with a gas fireplace. The comparable units on the market go from $289,900 to $339,000.

The view overlooking the golf course makes these units pretty darn exciting. I play golf at Charleston National (poorly!) and can vouch for the great pros and lovely Rees Jones course. Throw in the tennis, pool, and club and you have a very nice place to retire! Downtown Charleston is around 25 minutes away, so you can scoot down for a Spoleto event and great dinner.

Charleston National is located on Highway 17 North going from Charleston toward Myrtle Beach. A new Walmart Supercenter has just opened close by. 17 North,a three star restaurant owned by the well known Brett McKee of Oakhouse Steakhouse in downtown Charleston, is thriving nearby. So HIghway 17 is growing up and the sophisticates in the area don't have to endure the trek downtown anymore.

Pros

Good pricing, especially amenities
Golf, golf, and more golf
Elevator

Cons

Highway 17 can be very congested

Midtown Condos are Coming Down to Street Level

2010-06-29T01:56:06Z

I have written several times about the development called Midtown in the "midtown uptown" part of the peninsula. I think it's time to revisit. The prices are now 21% to 27% off the original high water mark.

36 Cannon is a 3BR,2.5BA unit that has 2072 sq ft. The current price is $549,000, down from the original $699,000. This is alot of space for downtown Charleston. I'm still really keen on their contemporary architecture with great light and interesting stained cement floors.

Some snappy new restaurants have opened in the surrounding area, like "Closed for Business", owned by some savvy guys who already have several successful eateries. And two of my favorites in the entire city, Traitorria Lucca and Hominy Grill, are a nice walk from 36 Cannon. Certainly worth taking a look now!

Pros

Pricing is getting close to normal (whatever that is)
Location is very attractive
Streetscape in the works around there
Great feeling inside with lots of good lighting

Cons

Don't know where the bottom is, but I would think they're considering offers
Neighborhood still a little "mixed"

Factsheet

Download a Price List

SOLD - Etiwan Pointe Condo Way Under Market Value

2010-04-27T05:20:26Z

Etiwan Pointe Condo Way Under Market Value - In my humble opinion!

This 3BR 3BA condo is located on the Wando in Mt Pleasant. It's a short hop skip and jump to Daniel Island, the beaches, Mt Pleasant's sprawling Town Center, and downtown Charleston. These units were well built in 2002 and should not be compared to the newer units next door as far as quality and privacy goes. Three years ago this same unit was selling for $315,000 and now this one is on the market for $240,000. This is NOT a short sale.

The very private screened porch overlooking the live oaks and marsh is fabulous.The deep tidal creek is accessible by a community dock. Drop your kayak in and paddle away! Enjoy the spacious living area with 10' ceilings and crown molding. A third bedroom on the first floor can easily be used as an office. Three large windows in the master bedroom allow you to kick back in your king sized bed and enjoy nothing but grand oaks, birds of all descriptions, and marsh. And did I mention the giant garage that streches from the front all the way to the back of the house? Lots of room for lots of toys!

There is another unit in this section that just went on the market for $293,000. Hmmmm.....lots of bang for your buck here!

Pros

Privacy
This unit was not lived in much
Well maintained
Convenient location for access plus for Boeing employees
PRICE!!!!

Cons

Slight noise from Hwy 526 but only on the front of the house
This section may have to pay a small monthly fee to use the pool, workout facility, and dock

Daniel Island New Condos at a Hefty Discount

2010-02-15T02:03:01Z

I visited Pier View last week and was mightily impressed. The open floor plans, the 10' ceilings, the plentiful molding, and the well thought out landscaping and pool make for a super place to call home. Or an investor's dream. Since the developer got a bit caught in this untimely squeeze, the original prices have come down and there are a good amount of short sales to pick over.

This two building complex is wonderfully located right smack in the middle of the island, near the chic restaurants that are cloning at a good pace now, and within walking distance to the Family Circle Cup tennis center. I can just see myself wandering over to catch a Serena Williams-Vaidesovsa match in April, and avoiding the off site parking and boring shuttle bus.

Here are some other highlights that appealed to me: granite countertops (what else?), storage units in the parking area underneath the buildings, 1 to 3 bedroom units with 2.5 bathrooms, oversized three section windows with luscious views of marsh and water, a huge park out back, and plenty of square footage.

I picked up on a short sale for $229,000, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, 1808 square feet. This makes for an astounding $149 a square ft. To be on Daniel Island for that price is nuts! In addition, the unit can be bought furnished. Talk about an investor's dream.

Take a look at the photos and see for yourself. There are 27 units on the market, so the choices are certainly there.

Pros

Very well laid out and well built
Fine location
Pool and grilling area to die for
Prices from $195,000 to $439,000

Cons

None that I can see

New Townhome Community from the low $130,000 range

2010-01-15T00:52:30Z

I wrote a blog recently about The Navy Yard in North Charleston. This new development, The Towns at Oak Terrace Preserve, will be located very close to this and in an area where walking and biking to shopping and dining is very possible. This is a Earthcraft Certified Green project with materials and building plans very environmentally friendly...oak, bamboo, insulated windows, tankless hot water heaters, and streets made from recycled tires, and more. The charm of a traditional neighborhood marries green thinking.

Since it is built where an old development used to be, there are plenty of great live oak trees. Sidewalks and porches add to the ambiance. The wonderful new restoration of Montague Street very near by is a delight with pubs and galleries. And this location is within 20 minutes of downtown and Mount Pleasant. And very near to The Charleston County School of the Arts and the, now under construction, Academic Magnet High School.

There are four plans to choose from, the size ranges being from 917 sq ft to 1456 sq ft. The bedrooms range from 2 to 4 and the bathrooms 2.5 in all. North Charleston in this area is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live for terrific prices. This is definitely something to consider now in the pre-selling stage.

Pros

Very trendy area
Good pricing
Green neighborhood

Cons

North Charleston still has a bit of a "redneck" reputation but this area is far from it!

Floorplans

Download a Cyprus Floor Plan | Download a Magnolia Floor Plan

SOLD - Huguenot Court in Historic Charleston. Oui, Oui, Oui!

2010-01-14T01:12:39Z

Huguenot Court is comprised of a small grouping of 1740's French houses. Many Huguenots, the members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France, came to Charleston, as they were escaping the wrath and destuction by the Catholics. Being well educated, they were able to adapt new roles as entrepreneurs and professionals. One sees the evidence of these great people in the names of streets, buildings, and developments around Charleston. Manigault, Calhoun, Gaillard, Poinsette, Legare, Bedon, and Beaufain to name a few.

This 1742 house features high ceilings, Georgian molding, heart pine floors, and a secluded south facing roof garden. Tres bien! There are 3 BR and 2.5 baths and of course marble and granite. Two deeded parking spaces round out this treasure of a house. Enjoy a French lifestyle in this city, which in some ways mirrors some of Paris' ambiance!

The even better news is that this Little maison has been reduced from $2,200,000 to $1,599,999. Pas trop chere! As we say, "Location,location,location" and the French say "Situation, situation,situation!"

Pros

Very historic house
Perfect location in downtown Charleston
Private roof garden and exquisite shared walled garden
Good price

Cons

I really can't think if any. If it were me, I'd jump on it!

MLS number 2902619, 96 King St.

Creek Living at a Knock Out Price

2009-11-30T23:58:34Z

The Charleston Condominium market is alive and well in Etiwan Pointe in Mt. Pleasant. Stuck away under the connector highway 526, is this gem of a charleston condo development that is rising from the recession ashes. The original development of 35 units was built in 2001. These well built units weathered financial storms and are now 90% owner occupied.

Along came an Atlanta developer in 2007 with great plans for a new charleston condo "Etiwan Pointe" adjacent to the older group. Even though these charleston condo's have nothing to do with the older ones ownership wise or regime wise, they carry the same name. Along comes the slowdown and the Atlanta developer goes belly up with a large number of new condo's completed and a huge field adjacent with half finished infrastructure.

Enter Blanchard and Calhoun, knights on white horses with their swords drawn to slash prices and we have a lovely turnaround. The "new" charleston condominium development at Etiwan Pointe is quite worthy of the price. This particular condo overlooks a wonderful tidal creek and large expanse of marsh. With two bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and 1888 sq ft, the price of $274,990 looks great. The ceilings are 9' and there are some nice details and open floor plans.

The clubhouse is large and could be great for renting for parties and receptions. Right in front of the clubhouse sits the pool and work out facility. Take a short hike down the dock just 50 ft from this town house and fish your heart away, drop your crab trap over or hop in your kayak for a late afternoon paddle.

This townhouse originally was out on the market at $379,000. The prices are right, for sure.

Pros

Price, price, price
Nice spacious floor plan
Unique opportunity to own a home overlooking the gorgeous creek and marsh at this price
Away from the overpass noise
Quiet neighborhood;

Cons

Highway 526 passes by overhead at Etiwan Pointe with truck traffic
Monthly regime fee of $325
Townhouses not as "elegant" as the older Etiwan Pointe development

122 Winding Creek Ct - MLS 2922129