Mortgage Broker in Daniel Island, SC
Few purchases give you a sense of pride and accomplishment like buying a new home. From white picket fences and lush green grass to cookouts with neighbors and holidays with the family, owning a home is magical. Like most great things, though, enduring the home-buying process takes a lot of work. There are many steps to take and difficult decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions is what type of home loan and mortgage broker to choose. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you're a seasoned owner with multiple properties, you will need a trusted mortgage broker in Daniel Island, SC, with your best interests at heart.
If you're like most people, you need a mortgage professional whose top priority is their customers - an expert who can provide accurate advice and guidance so you can make educated decisions. That's where Mission One Mortgage comes into the picture.
DifferenceThe Mission One Mortgage Difference
Whether you want the best interest rates or don't know where to start in the home-buying process, Mission One Mortgage can set you up in the right direction. From getting you pre-qualified to buy a home to securing a veteran's loan, Mission One Mortgage is the trusted solution you need. As Daniel Island natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Daniel Island, SC, we bring years of high-level experience and insight to the table. Having worked with hundreds of clients during our time in business, we know you're probably going through a range of emotions right now. Buying a new home can be a scary process, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we make every effort to make ourselves accessible and available for clients. Our primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage for your family and your budget.
Our Services
- Mortgage Broker Daniel Island, SC
- The Mission One Mortgage Difference
- Why Should I Work with a Mortgage Broker in Daniel Island, SC
- Exploring the Benefits of Working with a Mortgage Broker
- Common Home Loan Options in South Carolina
- Home Mortgage FAQs
- Mission One Mortgage: Turning Dreams into Reality, One Mortgage at a Time
Service Areas
We know that many home loan officers have horrible reputations. Some brokers only see their clients as transactions, and a means to make quick money. They come off as impatient and pushy, failing to understand that this is a very big decision for you. At Mission One Mortgage, we take the opposite approach. We encourage our clients to take as much time as needed to ask us questions and review mortgage documents. We could say that our mission is to exceed your expectations, but we'd rather just show you. From assistance finding FHA, VA, or other loans to refinancing your current mortgage, Mission One is the team you can trust.
Here are just a few reasons why home buyers choose Mission One Mortgage:
No Additional Fees- Providing our client's services free of charge, using a mortgage broker like Mission One Mortgage can help you scout the best price on loans without a hefty price tag.
Access to 50 Lenders- With access to a range of loans and interest rates available, Mission One Mortgage can shop for the best loans for your unique needs.
Accessible to Our Clients- Providing a transparent and communicative service to all our clients, Mission One Mortgage ensures all phone calls are answered or returned in a timely manner.
Setting You Up for Success- Helping you prepare all your documents for pre-approval and the loan application, Mission One Mortgage will provide you with all the necessary information to secure the best loan.
Why Should I Work with a Mortgage Broker in Daniel Island, SC?
Most people simply don't have access to the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to purchase a home with cash. Instead, they take out a mortgage loan to buy a home. Unfortunately, many homebuyers are anxious to get the ball rolling and, due to their excitement, fail to shop around for the best mortgage rates. To some degree, avoiding this step makes sense, as it requires a lot of legwork and research to get the job done. For those not wanting to spend hours researching a reasonable mortgage, there's an alternative to consider - working with a mortgage broker.
To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.
What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?
Your mortgage broker is a third party that works to connect you with mortgage lenders. Essentially, a mortgage broker works as an intermediary between a person who wants to buy a home and the entities offering loans to buy a home. The mortgage broker works with both the borrower and lender to get the borrower approved. They also verify and collect paperwork from the borrower that the lender needs to finish a home purchase. Typically, mortgage brokers have relationships with several home loan lenders. Mission One Mortgage, for example, has access to 50 different lenders, which gives us a wide range of home loans in Daniel Island, SC, from which to choose.
In addition to finding a home loan lender, your mortgage broker will help you settle on the best loan options and interest rates for your budget. Ideally, your mortgage broker will take a great deal of stress and legwork off your plate while also potentially saving you money.
Help with the Pre-Approval Process
If you're ready to buy a home, getting pre-qualified is a great choice that will streamline the entire process. Your mortgage broker makes getting pre-approved easy by obtaining all the documents needed to get you pre-qualified. In taking a look at your application, they will determine if you're ready for the pre-approval process. If your application needs additional items, the mortgage company will help point you in the right direction to ensure your application is as strong as it can be. Your mortgage broker will also walk you through the different types of loans, from Conventional and FHA to VA and USDA.
In order to be pre-approved for a home in South Carolina, you must have the following:
- Two Years of W2 Forms
- 30 Days of Pay Stubs from Employer
- 60 Days of Bank Statements
- A Valid Driver's License
BenefitsExploring the Benefits of Workingwith a Mortgage Broker
Most people choose to use a mortgage broker because they have access to different lenders and interest rates. But a great mortgage broker brings more to the table than a choice of lenders.
Save You from Unneeded Stress:One of the biggest advantages of hiring a mortgage broker is that they can find and vet loans while managing the mortgage process on your behalf. The best mortgage companies, like Mission One Mortgage, hire brokers who are experts at keeping underwriting on track, coordinating with relevant parties, and handling all paperwork involved. At the end of the day, mortgage brokers save you stress and time and often expedite the closing process.
More Access: We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: A mortgage broker provides access to a range of loans, rates, and lenders. In fact, many mortgage brokers can get rates lower than what the average person could get from a lender.
Save You Money: There's a chance that your mortgage broker can get your mortgage fees reduced or waived by the lender, which could save you a good deal of money.
Help with Unfavorable Financial Situations: Expert mortgage brokers can often assist in challenging financial situations, like when a buyer has inconsistent income or less-than-perfect credit. Experienced brokers, like those at Mission One Mortgage, are often aware of lenders willing to will work with nontraditional borrowers.
Provide Key Insights: Mortgage brokers share important insights, such as your chances for a home loan approval and exactly how much house you can afford. They can also save you from making costly mistakes based on their years of expertise in the mortgage industry.
Home LoanCommon Home Loan Options in South Carolina
While settling on the best type of home loan isn't as exciting as searching for the home of your dreams, it's equally important. Yes, your Mission One Mortgage loan officer in Daniel Island, SC, will be happy to help explain the differences between home loans. But understanding the basics ahead of time will save you stress and time in the long run.
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(843) 822-5685
Conventional Mortgages
Conventional loans can be used to purchase a new home or refinance your current one. Conventional loans include fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. Generally, borrowers must put down a 3% down payment for owner-occupants, 10% for a vacation property, and 20% for an investment home. If you are able to pay 20% of the total cost of the home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance, which is otherwise required. Conventional mortgages are often preferred by buyers with good credit or people needing a non-owner-occupied mortgage.
FHA Loans
FHA mortgages are issued by the U.S. government and backed by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This loan is often preferred by first-time homebuyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment and offers more flexibility with credit requirements and underwriting standards. FHA loans have several requirements you must meet to qualify. Contact Mission One Mortgage today to learn more about FHA loans and whether or not they're best for your financial situation.
USDA Loans
Also backed by the government, these loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don't require money down. These loans have lower insurance requirements when compared to FHA loans, offer 100% financing if you qualify, and allow for closing costs to be covered by the seller. In order to qualify for a USDA loan, you must live in a rural area, and your household income must meet certain standards. These loans are often preferred by low-income citizens who live in rural parts of South Carolina.
Veteran Mortgages
Also known as VA or Veteran's Affairs loans, these mortgages are reserved for the brave men and women who served in the military. VA loans help provide our military members, veterans, and their families with favorable loan terms and an easy home ownership experience. Often, those who qualify are not required to make a down payment on their home. Additionally, these loans often include less expensive closing costs.
If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, contact Mission One Mortgage today to speak with our Vetted VA Professional, Debbie Haberny. Debbie helps our military members, veterans, and their family members obtain home loans utilizing veteran benefits and would be happy to help as you search for a home.
FAQsHome Mortgage FAQs
Do you have questions about the complexities of mortgages and home loans? As your advocate, Mission One Mortgage is here to answer any questions you have about mortgages and the home-buying process. We encourage you to call our office to speak directly with one of our mortgage experts or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. I was talking to my spouse about mortgage brokers, and they mentioned the phrase home loan originator. What's the difference between a broker and a loan originator?
A. The mortgage industry is full of confusing jobs and titles, making it easy to confuse roles and responsibilities. Such is the case with mortgage brokers and home loan originators. Though their roles share similarities, a home loan originator in Daniel Island, SC, works for a bank or credit union, while a mortgage broker works for a brokerage company. Home loan originators and mortgage brokers are both licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Q. I've heard from everyone that you must have mortgage insurance to buy a home. What is mortgage insurance?
A. Essentially, mortgage insurance helps protect lenders if a borrower forecloses on the home they bought. One advantage of mortgage insurance is that when borrowers pay it, lenders can often grant loans to buyers when they might not have otherwise. Though not always required to buy a home, mortgage insurance is often needed for down payments of less than 20%.
Q. I have just been pre-approved to buy a beautiful home in South Carolina. Is there anything I shouldn't do now that I'm pre-qualified?
A. Mortgage companies like Mission One Mortgage, make getting pre-qualified for a home easy. However, as your loan process continues, your lender is required to run a new credit report before closing on a home. For that reason, it's to avoid any activity that might affect your credit score, such as:
- Do not become a co-signer on a loan with someone else.
- Do not quit or change your job.
- Do not apply for new credit cards, automobile loans, or any other lines of credit.
- Do not use your credit card to pay for large purchases, like furniture for your new house.
- Do not avoid payments on current lines of credit, loans, or utility bills.
Q. My brother-in-law recently refinanced his home in South Carolina. What is refinancing, and should I consider refinancing my home too?
A. Refinancing your home basically means you're swapping your current mortgage for a new one, most often with a lower interest rate. If you would like to reduce the term of your loan, lower your monthly mortgage payments, or consolidate debt, refinancing may be a smart option. Many homeowners also choose to refinance if they want to switch from adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate mortgages or to get cash back for home renovations. To learn whether refinancing is a viable option for your situation, contact Mission One Mortgage ASAP, as loan rates change frequently.
Mission One Mortgage: Turning Dreams into Reality, One Mortgage at a Time
Here at Mission One Mortgage, we believe that the best communities begin with the dream of home ownership. Our mission is to make those dreams come true, with personalized service, expert guidance, and good old-fashioned hard work. As one of the most trusted mortgage companies in Daniel Island, SC, we have years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time buyers and investors to self-employed borrowers and non-native English speakers.
Though every mortgage situation is different, one thing never changes: our commitment to clients. Contact our office today to get started on an exceptional home-buying experience.
Contact Us For Service !
(843) 822-5685
Latest News in Daniel Island, SC
Mixed-use building at 211 Seven Farms Drive under review
thedanielislandnews.comhttps://thedanielislandnews.com/news/mixed-use-building-211-seven-farms-drive-under-review
This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.UPCOMING: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEENov. 2: Restore at Point Hope Ph. 1 (Point Hope Mixed Use – North) – Site plan for 158 single-family attached and detached residential homes on ...
This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.
UPCOMING: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Nov. 2: Restore at Point Hope Ph. 1 (Point Hope Mixed Use – North) – Site plan for 158 single-family attached and detached residential homes on 91.82 acres at 1236 Clements Ferry Rd. TMS: B2620000028. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Domonic Jones, jones.d@tandh.com.
Nov. 9: 211 Seven Farms Drive Mixed-Use – Site plan for 3-story mixed-use building with parking, retail, commercial and residential uses on .34 acres at 211 Seven Farms Dr. TMS: B2750000196, Applicant: C Baker Engineering. Contact: Bret Jarotski, bret@cbakerengineering.com.
Nov. 9: Credit One Pickleball Additions – Site plan for pickleball court additions with associated check-in and restroom buildings and maintenance building relocation at 155 Seven Farms Dr. TMS: B2750000078. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Paul Peeples, ppeeples@seamonwhiteside.com.
UPCOMING: BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS – SITE DESIGN
Nov. 1: Request for a variance to remove 2 grand trees at 1995 Daniel Island Dr. TMS: 275-00-00-080, 311 & 312. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc.
RESULTS: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Oct. 26: Cainhoy Sports Park Amenity – Site plan for amenity, swimming pools, sports parks, parking lot, and stormwater pond on 23.5 acres at 3050 River Village Dr. TMS: B2620000008. Owner: Cainhoy Land & Timber, LLC. Contact: Steven Roach, roach.s@tandh.com. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.
Oct. 26: Towne at Cooper River Phase II - Road and infrastructure – Three separate items for road improvements to Enterprise Blvd, Beresford Run, and Clements Ferry Rd. and R/W extension, roadway construction, and master infrastructure to serve future development on 30.1 acres at 2620 Clements Ferry Rd. TMS: B2710001035. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Spencer Plowden, splowden@seamonwhiteside.com. Results: Revisions, pending zoning and SW comments.
Oct. 26: Woodfield Cooper River Farms – Site plan for 71 multifamily units on 2.7 acres at 700 Silo Acres Dr. TMS: B2710001035. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Malcolm Glenn, mglenn@seamonwhiteside.com. Results: Pending zoning and SW comments.
Oct. 26: Tuxbury Farm Tract - Concept plan for an 82-unit mixed-use development on15.1 acres at 2686 SC41. TMS: B2630004006. Results: Pending SW comments and final documentation to zoning and planning.
Compiled by Suzanne Detar, sdetar@thedanielislandnews.com.
All meetings are open for public comment except the City of Charleston Technical Review Committee meetings.
For more information, contacts for specific projects and on location and time of the meetings or to learn more, visit charleston-sc.gov/AgendaCenter/.
Gamecocks Second at Daniel Island Intercollegiate
University of South Carolina Athleticshttps://gamecocksonline.com/news/2023/10/30/gamecocks-second-at-daniel-island-intercollegiate/
Select Sport All sports Baseball Beach Volleyball Equestrian Football Men's Basketball Men's Golf Men's Soccer Men's Swimming and Diving Men's Tennis Men's Track and Field Softball Swimming and Diving Track and Field Women's Basketball Women's Cross Country Women's Golf Women's Lacrosse Women's Soccer Women's Swimming and Diving Women's Tennis Women's Track and Field Women's VolleyballFri, Mar 15 / All Day Schenkel Invitational R1 Men's ...
Select Sport All sports Baseball Beach Volleyball Equestrian Football Men's Basketball Men's Golf Men's Soccer Men's Swimming and Diving Men's Tennis Men's Track and Field Softball Swimming and Diving Track and Field Women's Basketball Women's Cross Country Women's Golf Women's Lacrosse Women's Soccer Women's Swimming and Diving Women's Tennis Women's Track and Field Women's Volleyball
Fri, Mar 15 / All Day
Schenkel Invitational R1
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Sat, Mar 16 / All Day
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Hootie at Bulls Bay Intercollegiate R1
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Conservation-minded projects set to protect DI’s shoreline
Elizabeth Bushhttps://www.thedanielislandnews.com/news/conservation-minded-projects-set-protect-di%E2%80%99s-shoreline
The trails and waterways along Daniel Island’s Wando River shoreline have long been a beacon for walkers, bikers, kayakers and other nature enthusiasts.Within a few years, new opportunities for residents and visitors to partake in recreational pursuits on the island’s Cooper River waterfront may be available – thanks to a trio of conservation-minded projects on land owned by the S.C. State Ports Authority (SPA).CONSERVATION EASEMENT – SALTWATER MITIGATION BANKThe SPA recently ente...
The trails and waterways along Daniel Island’s Wando River shoreline have long been a beacon for walkers, bikers, kayakers and other nature enthusiasts.
Within a few years, new opportunities for residents and visitors to partake in recreational pursuits on the island’s Cooper River waterfront may be available – thanks to a trio of conservation-minded projects on land owned by the S.C. State Ports Authority (SPA).
CONSERVATION EASEMENT – SALTWATER MITIGATION BANK
The SPA recently entered into a partnership with the Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust to place about 135 acres of marsh, tidal creeks and former farmland into a conservation easement that will be held by the trust in perpetuity.
Used prior to 1970 as a dredge disposal site, and once destined to be part of a Global Gateway Port on Daniel Island, the property is slated be restored to its original state and become a saltwater mitigation bank.
According to the SPA website, the bank will “provide companies the ability to purchase tidal saltwater wetlands credits for their mitigation projects, supporting economic growth and job creation, while also protecting and enhancing environmental assets.”
“A mitigation bank works by creating or restoring wetlands,” said Mark Messersmith, environmental manager for the SPA. “Based on quality of the improvements that are made, the Army Corps of Engineers gives you ‘credits’ that can be used to mitigate future impacts from other projects.”
Working with Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust to preserve the property seemed like “a great fit,” Messersmith said. And it means that the area can be environmentally protected and utilized by community members.
“The effort will create habitat, and the area can expect to see water quality improvements,” he said. “There will also be public access around the perimeter.”
An original creek filled in with dredging materials more than 50 years ago will also be restored as part of the project. The overall initiative, which includes the clearing of brush and replanting of marsh grasses, will cost around $1 million, Messersmith said, and will take about a year to complete once construction begins.
The project is quite possibly the largest saltwater restoration effort in South Carolina history.
“The only other saltwater mitigation or restoration that is occurring is at the Savannah River basin in the tidal areas,” District 37 State Senator Larry Grooms said. “It’s an island that was purchased for conservation as part of mitigation for the Savannah River dredging project. But this one is much larger.”
Active work on planning for the Daniel Island project began in 2016, but talks about how to properly preserve the land for public use started long before then, according to Grooms, who has been involved from the start.
“It’s been a start and stop process from the initial conversations we had with the port…when the idea first surfaced that this could be a wonderful asset for the community,” he said. “This is truly one of those win-win situations.” But before the project could progress, there were hurdles to overcome, Grooms said.
Site assessment work had to be completed, and then legal issues with a contractor hired to do the work held things up, followed by a complete shutdown due to COVID from about 2020 to 2022. Now things are finally moving forward, said Grooms, who envisions the saltwater mitigation bank site offering public access for passive recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.
BERKELEY COUNTY PARK & STATE LEASED LAND
As previously reported in The Daniel Island News, Berkeley County plans to purchase a separate 115-acre parcel of the SPA’s Daniel Island land, known as the North Island Tract, to create a new park.
“When you combine it with the North Island property, which can have more active recreation activities, you’ve got one of the best amenities that a community can have,” Grooms said.
Another 50 acres, set aside in 2015 by the SPA in a lease to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, can also be utilized for public recreation. Exact uses for the state’s PRT property have not yet been determined, but the public will be asked to weigh in.
“I think a lot of that would be driven by what the community wants to see there,” Grooms said. “The PRT doesn’t want to hold the property, but that’s where it’s parked right now, until the city and county can come together to decide what they want to see there. When you add that land with the other two parcels, you’ve got the makings of a very unique park. And I think they should all be tied together and the various usages mapped out.”
The end result would set aside some 300 acres and create 2.5 miles of protected shoreline along the Cooper River – giving Daniel Island residents and visitors new opportunities to enjoy a prized stretch of land they simply could not access before.
“We’re proud to be involved in holding the conservation easement (for the saltwater mitigation bank) and protecting that 135 acres in perpetuity,” said Chris Vaughn, executive director of Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust.
“It’s wonderful that it’s going to be connected to this new Berkeley County park and then the (State) Parks, Recreation and Tourism lease area,” Vaughn said. “I think it all ties together neatly for open space and the benefit of residents of Daniel Island, as well as folks who enjoy the Cooper River.”
Grooms, who has worked for more than two decades on finding uses for the island’s port land, sees an even bigger picture.
“Something that was once going to be the largest container terminal on the East Coast is now going to be one of the best natural preserved parks on the East Coast.”
Island resident organizes Spooky Tour
thedanielislandnews.comhttps://thedanielislandnews.com/news/island-resident-organizes-spooky-tour
Ghosts, ghouls and goblins have found a home on Daniel Island, all thanks to the spirits of one islander family – Scott and Heather Engler.Some call this month October, others view it as Halloween time. Scott and his family only know it as spooky season, a time for haunted houses and eerie specters to roam the streets.In 2021, he took it upon himself to transform the neighborhood into a thrilling maze of ghostly abodes, all for the pleasure of fellow neighbors and Halloween fanatics. The Daniel Island Spooky Tour was born...
Ghosts, ghouls and goblins have found a home on Daniel Island, all thanks to the spirits of one islander family – Scott and Heather Engler.
Some call this month October, others view it as Halloween time. Scott and his family only know it as spooky season, a time for haunted houses and eerie specters to roam the streets.
In 2021, he took it upon himself to transform the neighborhood into a thrilling maze of ghostly abodes, all for the pleasure of fellow neighbors and Halloween fanatics. The Daniel Island Spooky Tour was born out of a simple desire: to bring the spine-chilling joy of the spooky season closer to home.
Engler, the mind behind this frightful festivity, was inspired by the excitement his daughter Austen found in exploring haunted houses on James Island.
“When we first moved here in 2019, we saw the [James Island] houses and said, ‘Oh my gosh, this is better than Disney,’” Engler said.
Determined to create the same magic within Daniel Island (and tired of driving 30 minutes away), he organized a group of willing neighbors in transforming the island into a haunted wonderland, a place where families and friends can experience the thrill of the spooky season without venturing too far from home.
“At first it was just for friends, but then it blew up. Now I feel like I have an obligation.”
Now in its third year, the Daniel Island Spooky Tour invites all islanders and visitors to cruise around the neighborhoods and explore the front yards of 31 haunted houses – and counting.
In addition to the hair-raising tour, each haunted house is named in relation to their Halloween decorations. The creativity of the residents knows no bounds, as each house boasts its own unique theme. Residents can expect to see spine-tingling displays at houses such as “House of Skulls,” “Tarantula Lair,” “Web of Death” and more.
Lisa Strehmel, who has her “House of Dragons” on display, says she chose her theme based on her daughter’s love for dragons from a young age. “Our girls are out of high school now but we love continuing to decorate every year because the kids in the neighborhood love seeing the dragons so much!”
Fellow resident Joanna Loiselle has found the seasonal house transformation to be a family tradition. “We absolutely love Halloween on Daniel Island! The kids look forward to golf carting around to see the decorations each year. This is such a special community!”
Brace yourselves for a hauntingly delightful experience. This year, the Spooky Tour is taking it up a notch. Engler said since there will be so many people, it will have to be a “shotgun” or “choose your own adventure” kind of tour where everyone can start at different places and drive to see all 31 houses on their golf carts or cars.
This year’s tour will also include a contest of four categories, judging the houses on the spookiest house, most creative, most fun and overall best haunted house.
Residents and visitors are invited to decorate their golf carts and ride along the haunted houses on Sunday, Oct. 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and vote for their favorites. Post your photos and comments in the DI Spooky Tour 23 Facebook group.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a handy map of the participating houses has been made available. Whether you travel by foot, golf cart, car or bike, Engler has created a self-guided tour of each participating house that has decked out on decorations. Each house can be found on the Maps app by visiting tinyurl.com/a336d5f3.
For fans of the island’s decorative tour, fear not. Engler is also the driving force behind the Cheer Tour, a festive neighborhood decoration tour featuring houses adorned with dazzling Christmas lights and ornaments.
Engler’s dedication to fostering a sense of community through these projects has evolved Daniel Island into an ever-vibrant hub of seasonal celebration.
“It gives you something to look forward to and feel like part of the community,” Engler said of his decoration tours. “It also gives people recognition of their homes. They put a lot of work into this.”
Engler and each Spooky Tour resident invite all islanders and visitors to stroll through the haunted streets of Daniel Island, a realm where the spooky and the spectacular collide. Happy hauntings, everyone!
The Spooky Tour houses are available to view from now until Halloween. Engler’s Christmas Cheer Tour will begin shortly after Thanksgiving.
Daniel Island Recreation Center redefines senior engagement
Emma Slavenhttps://thedanielislandnews.com/news/daniel-island-recreation-center-redefines-senior-engagement
What do you think when you hear the words “senior center?”If you picture elderly people playing shuffleboard, eating bland meals in front of a blaring TV, think again.The Daniel Island Recreation Center is a vibrant, action-packed hub for seniors, offering an array of daily activities designed to foster social connections, promote physical well-being and keep the mind sharp. Located at 160 Fairbanks Drive, the center can provide an outlet for local seniors to look forward to, with indoor and outdooractivities...
What do you think when you hear the words “senior center?”
If you picture elderly people playing shuffleboard, eating bland meals in front of a blaring TV, think again.
The Daniel Island Recreation Center is a vibrant, action-packed hub for seniors, offering an array of daily activities designed to foster social connections, promote physical well-being and keep the mind sharp. Located at 160 Fairbanks Drive, the center can provide an outlet for local seniors to look forward to, with indoor and outdoor
activities to enjoy every weekday.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here,” Ray Daoi said with a smile after a recent game of pickleball.
Fellow pickleball aficionado, Teresa Donohue, added, “It’s all about the friendships and the sense of community.”
Jennifer Nelsen, the facility manager, explained, “The Daniel Island Recreation Center provides opportunities for our seniors to learn new skills and meet new people with common interests.
Many of the people who participate in our classes have met friends, and it’s great to see them chatting about their lunch plans or what their next activity together is.”
MJ Mascarin, a regular at the Cards and Coffee sessions, highlighted the effects of the center’s daily activities for seniors. “I think it’s good for our brains!”
Friendship and staying active is the essence of community felt at the Daniel Island Recreation Center. Here, the activities aren’t just games; they’re avenues for forging connections, uplifting spirits and promoting physical and mental health.
“Some of the best programming that we have been able to bring here has been from the ideas or connections from our participants,” Nelsen encouraged. “We hope to continue to foster those opportunities!”
From card games and coffee to instructor-led fitness classes, here is what seniors can expect to find at the Daniel Island Recreation Center.
Cards and Coffee (Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $1): Seniors can enjoy a friendly game of canasta, mahjong, scrabble or pinochle in an open play setting. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games, fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
Bridge (Wednesdays, 12-3 p.m., $1): Enthusiasts of bridge can reserve their spot for an engaging session by calling 843-216-6366. The game brings together strategic thinking and camaraderie.
Senior Social Group (Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Free): Seniors gather in the large conference room to socialize, discuss current events, share family stories and enjoy snacks. This group provides a warm and welcoming environment for social interaction.
Senior Fitness (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Various Times, $5 per class): Led by experienced instructors Erica and Carla, the chair-based fitness class focuses on upper body strength, lower body exercises and core strengthening. The classes help seniors maintain their physical health in a supportive environment.
Pickleball (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $2 resident/$4 nonresident): Pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy open play sessions on the center’s two basketball courts. Equipment is available for borrowing, ensuring everyone can participate.
Looking ahead, the Daniel Island Recreation Center plans to introduce a line dancing class. The center invites individuals interested in instructing a class or proposing new activities to get in touch with Jennifer Nelsen at nelsenj@charleston-sc.gov or by phone at 843-216-6366.
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