Photos online only tell half the story of a home. You need to walk through the front door to really understand a property. An open house lets you smell the air and check the floors. You can hear the traffic noise from the front porch. It is the best way to see if a neighborhood feels right.
Most open houses in the Lowcountry happen on Sunday afternoons. You will find the most options between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Saturdays are becoming more popular for these events too. Agents list these times on local websites early in the week. Plan your route to hit neighborhoods that are close together. This saves you from sitting in traffic on Highway 17.
Charleston homes have unique quirks that photos hide. Always look at the ground when you walk around the exterior. The soil here is soft and sandy. This causes many houses to settle over time. You might feel a slight slope in the floorboards indoors. Ask the agent about the flood zone for that specific address. Flood insurance costs vary wildly from street to street. A high elevation can save you thousands of dollars a year.
Each part of town offers a different vibe for weekend house hunters.
Walking into someone's home requires respect. The hosting agent works for the seller. You should sign in when you arrive. Be honest if you are already working with a buyer's agent. This prevents awkward phone calls later. Wear shoes that are easy to slip off at the door. Ask questions about the age of the roof or HVAC system. These are big-ticket items in our humid climate.
Take notes on your phone after you leave each property. Details start to blur after seeing four or five houses. Drive through the neighborhood again at night. You want to see how quiet the street is after dark. Check for convenient grocery stores or coffee shops nearby. Real estate is about the lifestyle as much as the building.
Check the Charleston CVB events calendar to see what else is happening nearby. You might find a farmers market or festival to visit after your tours. Always verify flood maps on the FEMA website before falling in love with a home.