Los préstamos VA se establecieron antes del final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y desde entonces han ayudado a numerosos veteranos, miembros del servicio y familias de militares a cumplir su sueño de ser propietarios de una casa. En los últimos tiempos, el programa se ha vuelto cada vez más importante, ya que el volumen de préstamos del VA se ha disparado y ofrece importantes ventajas financieras que permiten a innumerables veteranos comprar viviendas, lo que hace que la propiedad de vivienda sea una posibilidad para aquellos que de otro modo no habrían calificado.
Si sacrificó la comodidad y la seguridad para ayudar a proteger nuestra gran nación, Mission One Mortgage le agradece su servicio. Creemos que no hay mayor honor que servir a quienes han servido a nuestro país. No tenemos miedo de hacer todo lo posible por nuestros veteranos porque eso es exactamente lo que ellos hicieron por nosotros.
Un préstamo VA es una opción hipotecaria respaldada por el gobierno y disponible para veteranos, miembros del servicio y cónyuges sobrevivientes. Lo ofrecen prestamistas privados como bancos y compañías hipotecarias y no directamente el Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos.
Los préstamos hipotecarios del VA tienen tasas de interés y términos competitivos y se pueden utilizar para comprar una variedad de propiedades, incluidas:
Uno de los grandes beneficios de los préstamos VA es que los veteranos elegibles pueden comprar una casa sin pago inicial, sin seguro hipotecario, requisitos crediticios indulgentes y las tasas fijas promedio más bajas del mercado.
En Mission One Mortgage, trabajamos con muchos veteranos que saben que existen préstamos VA pero no comprenden toda la gama de beneficios que brindan. Si esto te suena familiar, sigue leyendo. Esta sección fue escrita especialmente para usted.
01
Uno de los beneficios más destacados del programa de préstamos VA es que los prestatarios calificados pueden comprar una casa sin tener que hacer un pago inicial hasta el límite del préstamo conforme de su condado. Esta es una ventaja significativa sobre los préstamos convencionales y de la FHA, que normalmente requieren pagos iniciales mínimos del 5 por ciento y el 3,5 por ciento, respectivamente.
Por ejemplo, en una hipoteca de $400,000, un préstamo convencional requeriría un pago inicial de $20,000, mientras que un préstamo de la FHA requeriría $14,000. Ahorrar esa cantidad de dinero en efectivo puede llevar años a los miembros del servicio y a los veteranos, pero con el préstamo VA, pueden adquirir una vivienda sin tener que raspar y acumular durante años.
03
Es importante que los compradores militares se mantengan informados sobre los requisitos de puntaje crediticio al considerar opciones de financiamiento de vivienda. Aunque los requisitos de calificación crediticia se han suavizado un poco, todavía es necesario cumplir con ciertos puntos de referencia establecidos por los prestamistas convencionales y la FHA. Sin embargo, incluso alcanzar estos puntos de referencia puede ser un desafío para muchos compradores.
La mayoría de los prestamistas del VA exigen un puntaje crediticio de al menos 620, que se encuentra en el rango de puntaje crediticio "justo" de FICO. Los prestatarios normalmente necesitarán alcanzar un umbral más alto para las hipotecas convencionales, particularmente si quieren asegurar una tasa de interés baja. Vale la pena consultar las tasas de préstamos VA para obtener más información sobre las opciones de financiamiento.
A pesar de los conceptos erróneos comunes, los compradores militares no necesitan un puntaje crediticio perfecto para obtener financiamiento. Si bien un puntaje crediticio más alto ciertamente puede ayudar, es importante recordar que los préstamos VA en James Island, SC están diseñados para ayudar a los militares y veteranos a acceder a viviendas asequibles.
05
Los costos de cierre son una parte inevitable del proceso de compra de una vivienda, sin importar el tipo de producto hipotecario que elija. Sin embargo, si es un veterano, le complacerá saber que el VA impone límites a las tarifas y costos que debe pagar en el momento del cierre. Además, los compradores de vivienda tienen la opción de pedir a los vendedores que cubran todos los costos de cierre relacionados con el préstamo, así como hasta el 4 por ciento del precio de compra para otros gastos como impuestos pagados por adelantado, seguros y cobros.
02
Conseguir un pago inicial puede ser un desafío tanto para los compradores de viviendas convencionales como para los de la FHA. Además, deben pagar un seguro hipotecario a menos que puedan realizar un pago inicial considerable, normalmente el 20% del precio de compra. Por ejemplo, en una hipoteca de $400,000, esto sería la asombrosa cantidad de $80,000 en efectivo.
Los préstamos de la FHA conllevan una prima de seguro hipotecario inicial y un seguro hipotecario anual. Este último ahora dura toda la vida del préstamo. Por otro lado, los compradores de viviendas convencionales pagarán este costo mensual hasta que hayan acumulado suficiente capital, lo que puede llevar varios años.
Afortunadamente, los préstamos VA no requieren ningún seguro hipotecario. Sin embargo, existe una tarifa de financiación obligatoria que va directamente al Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos. Los prestatarios con una discapacidad relacionada con el servicio están exentos de pagar esta tarifa, lo que ayuda a mantener el programa en marcha para las generaciones futuras.
04
Si ha experimentado un revés financiero, como una ejecución hipotecaria, una venta corta o una quiebra, es posible que le preocupen sus posibilidades de obtener un préstamo hipotecario del VA. Sin embargo, no pierdas la esperanza todavía. Con los préstamos VA, aún es posible ser elegible para un préstamo hipotecario solo dos años después de una ejecución hipotecaria, venta corta o quiebra. En algunos casos, los veteranos que se acogen al Capítulo 13 de protección por quiebra pueden ser elegibles para un préstamo del VA apenas un año después de la fecha de presentación.
Vale la pena señalar que los períodos de espera para el financiamiento convencional o de la FHA pueden ser significativamente más largos que los de los préstamos VA. Además, incluso si ha perdido una hipoteca respaldada por el VA debido a una ejecución hipotecaria, aún puede ser elegible para otro préstamo del VA.
Entonces, si es un veterano que ha experimentado un revés financiero pero aún sueña con ser propietario de una casa, no pierda la esperanza. Explore sus opciones y vea si un préstamo VA con Mission One Mortgage podría ser la solución que necesita.
06
Es importante tener en cuenta que los prestamistas del VA normalmente prefieren que los prestatarios gasten no más del 41 por ciento de sus ingresos mensuales brutos en deudas importantes, como pagos de hipotecas o préstamos estudiantiles. Sin embargo, es posible obtener un préstamo hipotecario del VA incluso si tiene un índice DTI más alto. Algunos prestamistas pueden ofrecer hasta un 55 por ciento o más, según su puntaje crediticio y su capacidad para cumplir con requisitos de ingresos adicionales. Esto puede brindar a los compradores de viviendas más flexibilidad y mayor poder adquisitivo a la hora de encontrar la casa de sus sueños.
Recordar - Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre los beneficios que acaba de leer, como qué puntaje crediticio requiere Mission One Mortgage para un préstamo VA, comuníquese con nuestra oficina hoy. Sería un placer ayudarlo a navegar el proceso de préstamo VA, paso a paso.
Una de las preguntas más comunes que recibimos en Mission One Mortgage gira en torno a la elegibilidad para préstamos VA. ¿Quién es realmente elegible para este tipo de préstamo? ¿Cuáles son los requisitos para obtener un préstamo VA? Si cumple con los siguientes requisitos, es probable que sea elegible para un préstamo VA.
¿Tiene curiosidad por cuáles son los pasos generales para comprar una casa con un préstamo VA? No estás solo. Continúe leyendo para tener una idea de lo que debe hacer para disfrutar de los maravillosos beneficios de ser propietario de una vivienda.
Al solicitar un beneficio de préstamo hipotecario del VA, el Certificado de Elegibilidad (COE) es un documento importante que verifica su elegibilidad ante su prestamista. Si ya ha utilizado su beneficio de préstamo VA en el pasado, un COE actual puede ayudarle a determinar cuánto derecho le queda. Además, puede garantizar que se haya restablecido su derecho a préstamos anteriores respaldados por el VA que se pagaron en su totalidad.
Después de haber solicitado su COE, es una buena idea examinar sus finanzas. Estamos hablando de elementos como ingresos, gastos, perfil crediticio y su presupuesto mensual. De esa manera, estará seguro de que está listo para comprar una casa.
Como veterano, tiene la opción de acudir a un banco, una cooperativa de crédito o una compañía hipotecaria privada de VA como Mission One Mortgage. La mayoría de los prestamistas tendrán diferentes tasas de interés y tarifas de préstamo, por lo que es importante comparar precios. Recuerde: Mission One se especializa en préstamos VA en James Island, SC. Otros prestamistas, como grandes corporaciones y bancos, a menudo no pueden igualar la experiencia y la atención al detalle que Mission One brinda a los veteranos.
Durante esta fase, es una buena idea reunirse con una variedad de profesionales inmobiliarios. Intente elegir un agente que tenga experiencia en procesar y supervisar préstamos VA. Una vez que seleccione un agente, puede llevar la carta de aprobación previa de su prestamista a su oficina y comenzar a comprar.
Esta es la mejor parte del proceso de préstamo VA, además de recibir las llaves de su nuevo hogar. Cuando busque una casa, recuerde buscar casas dentro de su rango de precio y presupuesto. Confíe en su agente de bienes raíces, amigos y familiares para obtener ayuda en su búsqueda.
Si está pensando en comprar una casa, es importante sopesar los pros y los contras de ser propietario de una vivienda. Si bien el alquiler puede brindar flexibilidad y menos responsabilidad por el mantenimiento, conlleva el riesgo de aumentos en el alquiler, posibles ventas de propiedades e incertidumbre sobre los reembolsos de los depósitos de seguridad.
Por otro lado, ser propietario de una casa puede ofrecer pagos hipotecarios relativamente estables y una oportunidad de generar riqueza a largo plazo para usted y su familia. Antes de tomar una decisión, es fundamental determinar sus prioridades, como su presupuesto mensual para pagos de hipoteca y otros gastos como transporte y cuidado de niños. En última instancia, sólo usted puede determinar qué es lo mejor para sus necesidades financieras y de vivienda.
En Mission One Mortgage, nos enorgullecemos de simplificar el proceso hipotecario y garantizar que nuestros clientes experimenten el mínimo estrés. Entendemos que navegar por el mundo de las hipotecas puede ser desalentador, por lo que nos comprometemos a hacerlo lo más sencillo posible.
Al elegir trabajar con nosotros, no solo está contratando un agente hipotecario, sino que está seleccionando un socio que se dedica a su bienestar financiero y a ayudarlo a lograr su sueño de ser propietario de una vivienda. Trabajando juntos, podemos avanzar en el proceso de préstamo VA paso a paso.
Esto es válido para todos nuestros clientes, pero especialmente para los veteranos estadounidenses a quienes servimos. De hecho, nos especializamos en hipotecas VA y estamos orgullosos de ofrecerlas a los veteranos estadounidenses, a los que están en servicio activo y a sus cónyuges. Los préstamos VA son una de las mejores hipotecas disponibles, no ofrecen requisitos de pago inicial ni PMI y algunas de las tasas y términos más favorables.
Si está listo para dar el siguiente gran paso en su vida y brindar estabilidad a su familia con un lugar al que llamar hogar, comuníquese con nuestra oficina hoy. Está más cerca del sueño de ser propietario de una vivienda de lo que piensa.
Dozens of James Island residents attended a town hall on Monday to meet the four candidates running for two town council seats.(WCIV)JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Dozens of James Island residents attended a town hall on Monday to meet the four candidates running for two town council seats.It was a packed room for a Monday night, with barely any seats open. Attendees were listening closely to the candidates as they talked about the issues that are the most pressing in their community."This isn't just where we liv...
Dozens of James Island residents attended a town hall on Monday to meet the four candidates running for two town council seats.(WCIV)
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Dozens of James Island residents attended a town hall on Monday to meet the four candidates running for two town council seats.
It was a packed room for a Monday night, with barely any seats open. Attendees were listening closely to the candidates as they talked about the issues that are the most pressing in their community.
"This isn't just where we live. This is home," Julia Drayton Crumblin, one of the candidates said.
At the event all of the candidates were able to present opening and closing statements, along with answering questions from the moderator. After each question was asked, the candidates were given the chance for a rebuttal. The questions were written by the Local League of Women Voters and James Island residents.
During the town hall, candidates were asked about their goals, the role of town council, collaboration, infrastructure resiliency, voter representation, flooding issues and concerns about tree cutting around power lines.
"I want my grandkids, their grandkids, more grandkids to enjoy the creeks, marsh, trees, cany, wildlife, just as much as I can," candidate Michael Williams said.
The candidates all emphasized their love for James Island and presented what they believe is the most pressing issue.
"You are the same level as any elected official. You are the people that we are serving. You are not serving us. We're serving you," candidate Meredith Poston said
Jeri Cabot, the co-president of league of women voters of Charleston area, says these local elections may not get as much turnout as a national election, but they might have more of an impact on your day-to-day life.
"This zoning decision at the municipal level was related to the apartment complex you see going up down this street. This decision made about a drainage area is related to the flooding you do not experience on a particular road," Cabot said.
The candidates running for the two opens seats on the Town of James Island Town Council are the following:
Early voting started on Monday and goes on through Friday, Oct. 31. The polls are closed on Saturday and Sunday, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
It is Week 2 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.SCHSL Class 5A Division IUpper StateDutch Fork 42, Boiling Springs 7Byrnes 37, Rock Hill 21Dorman 44, Blythewood 13Ridge View 29, Spartanburg 21Lower StateCarolina Forest 49, Fort Dorchester 0Summerville 48, Ashley Ridge 27James Island 42, Sumter 35Stratford 40, River Bluff 35Nov. 21Upper State(4) Byrnes at (1) Dutch Fork(3) Ridge View at (2) D...
It is Week 2 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.
Upper State
Dutch Fork 42, Boiling Springs 7
Byrnes 37, Rock Hill 21
Dorman 44, Blythewood 13
Ridge View 29, Spartanburg 21
Lower State
Carolina Forest 49, Fort Dorchester 0
Summerville 48, Ashley Ridge 27
James Island 42, Sumter 35
Stratford 40, River Bluff 35
Nov. 21
Upper State
(4) Byrnes at (1) Dutch Fork
(3) Ridge View at (2) Dorman
Lower State
(5) Summerville at (1) Carolina Forest
(6) James Island at (2) Stratford
Upper State
Northwestern 42, Catawba Ridge 7
Gaffney 38, Greenwood 31
Indian Land 40, Hillcrest 10
TL Hanna 38, Greenville 14
Lower State
Irmo 41, Lugoff-Elgin 16
White Knoll 14, Lucy Beckham 10
Myrtle Beach 24, West Florence 21
Berkeley 48, Westwood 20
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) Gaffney at (1) Northwestern
(3) Indian Land at (2) TL Hanna
Lower State
(4) White Knoll at (1) Irmo
(3) Berkeley at (2) Myrtle Beach
Upper State
South Pointe 49, Fountain Inn 0
AC Flora 34, Seneca 21
Westside 55, Wren 20
Camden 52, Daniel 14
Lower State
South Florence 43, Bishop England 0
North Augusta 35, Gilbert 7
Gray Collegiate 49, Hartsville 28
Hilton Head 31, Wilson 7
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) AC Flora at (1) South Pointe
(7) Camden at (3) Westside
Lower State
(4) North Augusta at (1) South Florence
(3) Gray Collegiate at (2) Hilton Head Island
Upper State
Powdersville 30, Pendleton 7
Mountain View Prep 50, Crescent 49
Belton-Honea Path 52, Southside Christian 6
Woodruff 40, Christ Church 37
Lower State
Oceanside Collegiate 24, Marlboro County 7
Dillon 42, Silver Bluff 7
Loris 56, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 20
Newberry 41, Hanahan 21
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) Mountain View Prep at (1) Powdersville
(3) Belton-Honea Path at (2) Woodruff
Lower State
(4) Dillon at (1) Oceanside Collegiate
(3) Loris at (2) Newberry
Upper State
Clinton 35, Saluda 26
Fairfield Central 36, Andrew Jackson 0
Chester 42, Batesburg-Leesville 28
Strom Thurmond 48, Liberty 21
Lower State
Hampton County 28, Cheraw 10
Manning 46, Timberland 24
Central 49, East Clarendon 28
Philip Simmons 17, Atlantic Collegiate 7
Nov. 21
Upper State
Fairfield Central at Clinton
Chester at Strom Thurmond
Lower State
Hampton County vs. Manning
Central at Philip Simmons
Upper State
Lewisville 29, Abbeville 28
CA Johnson 28, Blackville-Hilda 0
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 36, Ware Shoals 12
Lamar 36, Wagener-Salley 6
Lower State
Cross 38, Bethune Bowman 0
Johnsonville 38, Scott’s Branch 14
Carvers Bay 56, Lake View 8
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 49, Latta 6
Nov. 21
Upper State
CA Johnson at Lewisville
Hunter-Kinard Tyler at Lamar
Lower State
Johnsonville at Cross
Carvers Bay at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
Northwood 34, Porter-Gaud 20
Heathwood 16, Hammond 13
Wilson Hall 50, Hilton Head Christian 29
Pinewood Prep 45, Florence Christian 6
Pee Dee Academy 34, Hilton Head Prep 33
Bethesda 32, Greenwood Christian 14
Colleton Prep 22, Dorchester Academy 16
Williamsburg Academy 37, Thomas Heyward 20
WW King 74, Jefferson Davis 28
Laurens Academy 30, Holly Hill 24
Nov. 21
At Calhoun Academy
8-Man: WW King vs. Laurens Academy, 7:30 p.m.
At South Carolina State
Nov. 21
Class 4A: Heathwood Hall vs. Northwood, 7 p.m.
Nov. 22
Class 2A: Pee Dee Academy vs. Bethesda, noon
Class A: Colleton Prep vs. Williamsburg Academy, 3:30 p.m.
Class 3A: Wilson Hall vs. Pinewood Prep, 7:30 p.m.
Lucky you. You just found CHStoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Charleston each month.Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)Boone Hall Farms Pumpkin Patch | Friday, Sept. 26-...
Lucky you. You just found CHStoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Charleston each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Boone Hall Farms Pumpkin Patch | Friday, Sept. 26-Friday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Find the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern, don’t miss the petting zoo.
Southern Screams Haunted House 2025: IMMORTAL | Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Nov. 8 | Times vary | Holy City Brewing, North Charleston | $21 | You’re going to need to pack your courage and bravery to tackle this haunted house.
Boone Hall Fright Nights | Saturday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Nov. 1 | Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant | $39+ | Visit South Carolina’s largest haunted event featuring several themed haunted houses and a haunted hayride.
Halloween Movie Night at Waterfront Park | Friday, Oct. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | The Waterfront Daniel Island | Round up the kiddos for a free screening of “Hotel Transylvania.”
Ghosts & Spirits Tour | Friday, Oct. 3-Friday, Oct. 31 | Bulldog Tours | $95+ | Join this spirited tour for ghost stories, haunted history, and cocktails.
Harvest Festival | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 4-7 p.m. | Montague Avenue near Park Circle, North Charleston | Free entry | Enjoy fall games, crafts, rides, inflatables, a pop-up petting zoo, and even trick-or-treating.
Fall Festival | Saturday, October 25 | 12-3 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, Pleasant | Free entry | Bring the whole family, furry friends included, for a day of fall fun.
Halloween Cake Class | Sunday, Oct. 26 | 4-6 p.m. | Mercantile & Mash | $95+ | Let our pastry experts guide you through your own Halloween cake creation.
Live Under The Oaks Free Concert Series | Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6-7 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre | Free | Bring your chairs or blanket and enjoy live music every Thursday in October.
Mozart & Brahms at the Library Society | Thursday, Oct. 2, Friday, Oct. 3, Friday, Oct. 3 | Times vary | Charleston Library Society | $52+ | Experience chamber music featuring Charleston Symphony and artist-in-residence, Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA | Sunday, Oct. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Gaillard Center | $35 | Calling all dancing queens, come see a dazzling tribute group that will play the most Swedish pop group’s most iconic hits.
Riverfront Revival | Friday, Oct. 10-Saturday, Oct. 11 | Times vary | Riverfront Park, North Charleston | $220+ | Get ready to rock Riverfront like a “Wagon Wheel.” Darius Rucker will return to the Lowcountry with guests like Riley Green and The Red Clay Strays.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise: Thanks For Coming Tour | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, North Charleston | $77+ | Head to Park Circle to jam with this alternative rock, indie band
Dylan Scott | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | The Refinery, North Charleston | $99 | This Country music singer and songwriter will have you on your feet as he plays his hits like “Good Times Go By Too Fast.”
Jesse McCartney | Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | The Refinery | $68 | Don’t miss Jesse McCartney and his “Beautiful Soul” performing in the Lowcountry.
Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour 2025 | Friday, Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. | Credit One Stadium | $45+ | This up-and-coming country star is going to have Daniel Island falling in love with his sweet melodies.
Rooftop Yoga | Tuesday, Oct. 7-Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 6 p.m. | The Restoration Hotel | $5+ | Reset with this all-levels yoga class where you can admire the downtown skyline — don’t forget your mat.
Lowcountry Trail Run | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Johns Island County Park | $38+ | Lace up for a run or walk on these scenic Lowcountry trails.
IOP Connector Run | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 8 a.m. | Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms | $55+ | Join this challenging, but scenic 5K or 10K run which benefits local organizations working to prevent child abuse and heal those affected by it.
Avondale 5K Run + Walk for Special Kids | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 8-11 a.m. | Triangle Char and Bar | $40+ | Get ready to walk, run, or roll at this 16th annual run supporting a local childcare center.
Crowfield 5K | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Middleton Park, Crowfield Plantation, Goose Creek | $35+ | Join this run to support the Stratford High School Marching Knights.
Charleston Battery | Three home matches in October | Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant | Ticket prices vary per match | Show your support for Charleston’s black and gold as they take on their rivals at home.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | Sunday, Oct. 5 | 5 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum | $37+ | The champs are coming to town. Watch the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets battle it out in a preseason matchup.
Cheer on Charleston’s three college teams as fall sports ramp up.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
A TikTok “dirty soda” craze that mixes traditional sodas with creamers, flavored syrups and even protein powder has arrived on James Island.Soda House is now open inside Island Plaza at 1291 Folly Road, sharing a building with Gold’s Gym but with its own entrance.The fizzy, customizable drinks have roots in Utah, where Swig popularized “dirty sodas” — alcohol-free concoctions that became a hit among members of the Mor...
A TikTok “dirty soda” craze that mixes traditional sodas with creamers, flavored syrups and even protein powder has arrived on James Island.
Soda House is now open inside Island Plaza at 1291 Folly Road, sharing a building with Gold’s Gym but with its own entrance.
The fizzy, customizable drinks have roots in Utah, where Swig popularized “dirty sodas” — alcohol-free concoctions that became a hit among members of the Mormon community.
The drinks later exploded in popularity on TikTok, amassing more than 73,000 posts under the #dirtysoda hashtag and even catching the attention of pop star Olivia Rodrigo.
The popular social media app is where Jon-Henri Marlow, then 22 and graduating college, first spotted the trend.
“I would always see it on my TikTok page and there are so many people in Charleston, I thought it would be a good idea,” he said.
Marlow spent a year bringing the concept to life, working with Gold’s Gym to bring the concept to market. The shop officially opened Oct. 14, the same month as a new iSmash rage room opened in the same shopping center.
“I was originally going to do it in Mount Pleasant, but landlords thought it was too trendy an idea,” he said.
Customers can start with a base of soda, water, lemonade, limeade or energy drink, then add fruit purées, flavored creamers or even Red Bull to build their own drink.
Pre-set menu options and “fan favorites” are also available, including one made with Diet Coke and protein powder. The drinks range from about $3 to $6,
“It tastes like a float,” Marlow said. Soda House will soon launch delivery through DoorDash.
A downtown Charleston neighborhood wine shop and market is closing its doors following a change in building ownership.
Pinot & Provisions, which opened in 2023 at 227 Rutledge Ave., will officially close Oct. 31.
The shop, which had been temporarily closed, will hold a three-day clearance sale Oct. 24–26 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Rutledge Avenue property, located near the corner of Spring Street, was sold at a foreclosure auction in June for $2.25 million to JDR Bull, LLC, according to Charleston County real estate records.
At the time of the sale, the wine shop had planned to reopen in September with a renewed focus on its market, bottle shop and wine bar. But co-founders Madelyn and Aaron Rowland announced on Instagram Oct. 17 that the closure would be permanent.
“Unfortunately, due to some changes in ownership, we can no longer justify our time in this space,” the post read.
The Rowlands hinted that a “Pinot & Provisions version 2” concept could return elsewhere.
It follows the news that a nearby neighborhood wine bar The Guilded Horn was rebranding into Nook Tiny Café and Market, a coffee shop and wine bar concept, which is now officially open at 267 Rutledge.
The Walmart Supercenter at 1231 Folly Road on James Island has received a retail refresh, unveiling a new circular stage area featuring mannequins dressed in full outfits — a setup reminiscent of a traditional department store rather than a big-box retailer.
Both adult and child mannequins showcase complete looks, with the same apparel available on nearby racks and aisles.
The redesign is part of the retail kingpin’s broader initiative, announced last year, to reimagine its apparel and home departments with trend-driven displays.
The big box chain announced in April it was remodeling 33 stores across South Carolina.
A longtime custom closet company is expanding its footprint in the Lowcountry.
Closet Factory will celebrate the opening of its new Mount Pleasant showroom at 454 W. Coleman Blvd. near Shem Creek with a community event Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The national franchise has been serving South Carolina for 20 years, with existing locations in Columbia and Lexington. The company’s new East Cooper showroom showcases custom closets, pantries, garage systems, entertainment centers and more.
The Coastal Carolina franchise is co-owned by Lander and Leigh Cason.
A boutique liquor store has arrived in North Charleston.
Prestige Pour House, at 8459 Dorchester Road near the Ashley Phosphate Road intersection, offers a premium shopping experience featuring exclusive Latin spirits and a curated selection of high-end favorites.
A grand opening event will be held Oct. 30, but the store is already serving customers.
Custom bag brand Stoney Clover Lane is opening Nov. 8 at 316 King St., near the College of Charleston campus.
The space formerly housed Salt Life, which moved out after parent company Delta Apparel Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 2024.
Known for colorful travel bags, purses and pouches, the brand lets customers personalize items with patches, letters and icons — including Hello Kitty and Charleston-exclusive Tiger & Eloise designs.
The luxury lifestyle and accessories brand, founded by sisters Kendall and Libby Glazer, now has six brick-and-mortar locations nationwide.
Customers pull up a heart-shaped chair to design their own bags, which are shipped after customization is complete.
“Charleston is such a perfect fit for girls’ trips, bachelorette weekends and anyone visiting for a fun getaway,” co-owner Kendall Glazer said. “We love giving every city its own moment and letting our customers collect a little piece of each place they visit.”
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - While everyone is talking about who will be elected South Carolina’s next governor in 2026, dozens of local elections are taking place in just few weeks.Voters in towns and cities across the state will head to the polls on Nov. 4 to determine the fates of hundreds of candidates looking for seats on councils and mayoral offices.But early voting begins on Monday, two weeks ahead of the general election.Below is a list of all of the races and candidates in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester ...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - While everyone is talking about who will be elected South Carolina’s next governor in 2026, dozens of local elections are taking place in just few weeks.
Voters in towns and cities across the state will head to the polls on Nov. 4 to determine the fates of hundreds of candidates looking for seats on councils and mayoral offices.
But early voting begins on Monday, two weeks ahead of the general election.
Below is a list of all of the races and candidates in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. This guide also has everything you need to know about how to vote and when you can do it.
Click the heading to jump to the section to see who will be listed on municipal ballots.
Note that voters will only see races that correspond with the district in which they live, not necessarily all of the races listed under their municipality.
In the lists below, an asterisk indicates an incumbent candidate running for reelection.
Republicans
Democrats
City Council District 2
City Council District 4
City Council District 6
City Council District 8
City Council District 10
City Council District 12
Commissioner of Public Works
Town Council (4 seats open)
Town Waterworks
Town Council District 1
Town Council District 3
Town Council District 5
Commissioner of Public Works
City Council (3 seats open)
Town Council (3 seats open)
Commissioner of Public Works
City Council (3 seats open)
City Council (4 seats open)
Water and Sewer Commissioner
Town Council (2 seats open)
Town Council (3 seats open)
Town Council (3 seats open)
Town Council
Town Council (3 seats open)
Town Council (3 seats open)
These towns have elections but none of them are contested: