Lowcountry summer seasons bring with them a desire for affordable home upgrades. As we spend more time outdoors, sprucing things up on the exterior becomes a focus. 

The great news is, many improvements are easy, cheap ways to update your home. You can make a big impact with a small budget. We’ve gathered some of our favorite affordable home upgrades to consider this summer.

From a fresh coat of paint to new drawer pulls, flower pots to light fixtures...there are lots of options to consider when upgrading on a budget. If you are going for a southern-inspired style, we have lots of examples for you below.

Affordable Home Upgrades: Outdoor Ideas

1. Add Flower Pots
   
   Treat yourself to new pots for your flowers and shrubs. Whether placed

When Charter One Realty agent, Judd Tracy moved to the Lowcountry in 2006, he had a brief stint in the mortgage industry before pivoting to real estate in 2009. In the years since, Judd has built up a thriving real estate business — assisting buyers, major investors, and sellers.

Charter One Realty sat down with Judd to learn more about how he got his start, his partnership with the Reed Team, and some of his favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry.

Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?

Judd Tracy: Back in 2009 the local bank that I was a loan officer for closed their doors late September. I knew it was coming so I had gotten my Real Estate license beforehand so I could transition to

Hilton Head Area Real Estate Market Report

Housing Supply Outlook - April 2020

In April, the stock market pared some of its March losses while overall economic activity nationally continued to slow. With more than 20 million initial unemployment claims filed nationwide in April on top of more than 10 million initial claims in the last two weeks of March, suddenly much of the country is out of work, at least temporarily. This dramatic economic slowdown is reflected in this month’s real estate activity, which is down significantly. For the 12-month period spanning May 2019 through April 2020, Pending Sales in the Hilton Head region were up 1.8 percent overall. The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $650,001 and Above range,

Summer is here and it is time to enjoy sun and sand with Hilton Head beach rentals. Whether you are traveling in from out of town or booking your “staycation” right on the beach, this article features how rental properties are taking extra steps to ensure guest safety this summer plus the different ways you can enjoy your vacation during COVID-19.

Hilton Head and surrounding areas like Bluffton and Beaufort are all open for business with some limitations. The Lowcountry is ready to welcome our cherished out of town guests once again!

Hilton Head Island Beach Rentals

There are a few fabulous companies providing Hilton Head beach rentals, including Beach Properties of Hilton Head. 

Like them, many companies are proud to have taken a pledge

With Summer officially in full swing, Hilton Head restaurants are reopening their dining rooms to serve locals and tourists once again. While outdoor seating remains the preferred location based on COVID-19 safety recommendations, many Lowcountry restaurants are opening their doors with certain precautions in place.

For example, some restaurants are maintaining a 50% capacity protocol to maintain social distancing. Others are limiting party size, so we recommend calling ahead to find out if they can accommodate larger groups. Additionally, many are requiring reservations so there is no congregating while waiting for a table. 

As we continue our coverage of the ways Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort are coping with COVID-19, today’s

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

Katie Gambla: When I was younger I wanted to be an architect but ended up heading in different directions. Being from Beaufort, there are so many different kinds of properties that have fascinated me, and I always knew I was interested in knowing about as many properties in the Lowcountry as I could and I wanted to know how real estate works. I knew I wanted firsthand knowledge of the business for myself and my family and friends.

Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?

Katie Gambla: Real estate is the most challenging career I have ever had and most of it you learn on your own as you go. My first year I just

Locals and visitors alike know that the best part about the Lowcountry is being outside. Whether you spend an afternoon on the water, the links of exploring one of our many public parks, Hilton Head outdoor activities offer views and terrain unlike anywhere else. 

As we continue our coverage of COVID-19 in the Lowcountry, this article focuses on safe ways to enjoy outdoor activities in Hilton Head and Bluffton.

If you aren’t sure about what’s open, what regulations are in place, and other possible changes, we have you covered! Check out our top five list of Hilton Head and Bluffton outdoor activities below: 

Hilton Head Island Outdoor Activities

1. Pinckney Island Wildlife Preserve

Looking for something steeped in nature and

Originally from Cincinnati, Diana Sroufe and her husband fell in love with the Lowcountry and decided to make it their home in 2000. Outside of helping clients find the perfect Lowcountry property, Diana enjoys golfing, kayaking, boating, and finding treasures at local thrift stores. Catch up with Charter One Realty agent, Diana Sroufe describes her path to real estate, what makes her neighborhood special, and some of her favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry. 

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

Diana Sroufe: Having been in the mortgage business in Ohio for years when I moved to the low country I wanted to remain involved with real estate but with the buying and selling process.

Charter

After more than 45 days of closures, the close-contact businesses in the Lowcountry are preparing to open on Monday, May 18th. Our community is wondering how we can safely patronize the small businesses that desperately need our support. 

While some can’t wait to get out, the majority of residents are hesitant. White House coronavirus task force medical expert Dr. Fauci testified this week on the consequences of reopening too quickly. Increased human contact will increase the spread of COVID-19; it’s inevitable. We cannot stay closed forever, so venturing out with proper precaution can help our community slowly get back to work. 

So, how do you keep the Lowcountry on the up and up while also keeping safe? With great care, it IS possible to ease

Charter One Realty agent, David Carroll, got hooked on real estate early and set the record for first-year real estate sales at $5.5 Million. After that first year, it was clear that David had found his calling. We spoke with David about his path to real estate success, life in the Lowcountry, and the changes he has seen in Hilton Head over the years.

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

David Carroll: I spent my first 5 years on the Island in the Regime Management Business, learning hands-on about every aspect of property ownership, as well as the characteristics of all the areas. My evolution from management to sales seemed to be predestined.

Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the