Celebrating Billy Keyserling: A Beaufort Legacy Honored

Colleagues, family and members of the city of Beaufort staff and City Council pose with former Mayor Billy Keyserling after he received the Order of the Palmetto award during a June 10 City Council meeting. Issued by Gov. Henry McMaster, the state’s highest civilian honor was presented by state Sen. Shannon Erickson, right. Karl Puckett kapuckett@islandpacket.com

At Charter One Realty, we’re incredibly proud to work alongside people who don’t just sell homes—they help shape communities. That’s why we’re taking a moment to celebrate one of our own: Billy Keyserling, who was recently awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

And if you know Billy, you know…

27 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Wedgeworth Team Named #1 Small Real Estate Team in South Carolina by RealTrends


Hilton Head Island, SC – June 12, 2025Hilton Head Island, SC – June 12, 2025 – Charter One Realty is proud to announce that The Wedgeworth Team has been named the #1 Small Team in South Carolina by RealTrends, a prestigious honor recognizing the top-producing real estate professionals in the state as well as nationwide.

Based on closed sales volume, The Wedgeworth Team achieved over $194 million in sales, placing them at the very top of their category. This recognition highlights the team's tireless work ethic, client-first mindset, and unmatched knowledge of the Lowcountry real estate market.

“James Wedgeworth has consistently been one of top South Carolina…

83 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?




After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better.

Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise.

Here’s a quick rundown of the current inventory situation, so you know what’s happening and what to expect.

Significant Growth Across the Nation

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is rising – and that’s true in all regions of the country. That’s shown in this data from Realtor.com. In each of the four regions, inventory is up at least 19% compared to…

48 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective




Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.

It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):

While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. There were many market dynamics that were drastically different back then, too. From relaxed lending standards to a lack of homeowner equity, and even a large oversupply of homes, it was…

50 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help




If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan.

They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase.

Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just wanting a place that’s truly yours, an FHA home loan could be the path that gets you there sooner than you think.

Buying Your First Home Probably Doesn’t Feel Easy Right Now

While the…

67 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell




Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.

What Is Home Staging?

It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.

It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when…

34 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?




A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations.

Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a global pandemic. Now that the economy is in a different place, we’re seeing mortgage rates in the high…

33 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think




Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.

Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in):

You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you should know. You could be missing out on some of the best options in today’s housing market.

Why…

31 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment




Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now?

But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now.

According to the just-released annual report from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for the 12th year in a…

41 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?




You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?

With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you.

But here’s the thing you need to know about renting.

While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning – it can really cost you more over time.

In fact, a recent Bank of America survey found that 70% of aspiring…

34 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post