Buy a home at a reasonable rate with a VA loan in Mount Pleasant, SC

VA loans were established prior to the end of World War II and have since assisted numerous veterans, service members, and military families in fulfilling their dream of owning their a home. In recent times, the program has become increasingly significant, with VA loan volume skyrocketing and offering substantial financial advantages that enable countless veterans to purchase homes, thereby making homeownership a possibility for those who may not have qualified otherwise.

If you sacrificed comfort and security to help protect our great nation, Mission One Mortgage thanks you for your service. We believe that there's no greater honor than to serve those who have served our country. We're not afraid to go above and beyond for our veterans because that's exactly what they did for us.

What is a VA Loan in Mount Pleasant, SC?

A VA loan is a mortgage option that is backed by the government and available to Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. It is offered by private lenders such as banks and mortgage companies and not directly by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA home loans come with competitive interest rates and terms and can be used to purchase a variety of properties, including:

  • Single-Family Homes
  • Condominiums
  • Multi-Unit Properties
  • Manufactured Homes
  • New Construction Homes

One of the great benefits of VA loans is that eligible Veterans can buy a home with no down payment, no mortgage insurance, lenient credit requirements, and the lowest average fixed rates in the market.

Va Mortgages Mount Pleasant, SC

This program was created by the federal government to make it easier for those who have served our country to become homeowners, and it is widely considered the strongest benefit program available for this purpose.

What are the Biggest Benefits of Having a VA Loan in Mount Pleasant, SC?

At Mission One Mortgage, we work with many Veterans who know that VA loans exist but don't quite understand the full range of benefits they provide. If that sounds familiar, keep reading. This section was written especially for you.

01

Benefit:

No Down Payment Needed

One of the standout benefits of the VA Loan program is that qualified borrowers can purchase a home without having to make a down payment up to the conforming loan limit of their county. This is a significant advantage over conventional and FHA loans, which typically require minimum down payments of 5 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.

For example, on a $400,000 mortgage, a conventional loan would require a $20,000 down payment, while an FHA loan would require $14,000. Saving up that kind of cash can take service members and veterans years, but with the VA Loan, they can pursue homeownership without having to scrape and stockpile for years on end.

03

Benefit:

Less Strict Credit Requirements

It's important for military buyers to stay informed about credit score requirements when considering home financing options. Although credit score requirements have eased up a bit, it's still necessary to meet certain benchmarks set by conventional and FHA lenders. However, even meeting these benchmarks can be a challenge for many buyers.

Most VA lenders require a credit score of at least 620, which falls in FICO's "Fair" credit score range. Borrowers will typically need to meet a higher threshold for conventional mortgages, particularly if they want to secure a low-interest rate. It's worth checking out VA Loan rates to learn more about financing options.

Despite common misconceptions, military buyers don't need a perfect credit score to obtain financing. While a higher credit score can certainly help, it's important to remember that VA loans in Mount Pleasant, SC are designed to help military members and veterans access affordable housing.

05

Benefit:

Help with Closing Costs

Closing costs are an inevitable part of the home-buying process, no matter what type of mortgage product you choose. However, if you're a veteran, you may be pleased to know that the VA places limits on the fees and costs you're required to pay at the time of closing. Additionally, homebuyers have the option to ask sellers to cover all loan-related closing costs, as well as up to 4 percent of the purchase price for other expenses like prepaid taxes, insurance, and collections.

02

Benefit:

No Need for Private Mortgage Insurance

Coming up with a down payment can be challenging for both conventional and FHA homebuyers. In addition, they are required to pay for mortgage insurance unless they can make a sizable down payment, usually 20% of the purchase price. For instance, on a $400,000 mortgage, this would be a staggering $80,000 in cash.

FHA loans carry an upfront mortgage insurance premium and annual mortgage insurance. The latter now lasts for the life of the loan. On the other hand, conventional homebuyers will pay this monthly cost until they have built up enough equity, which can take several years.

Fortunately, VA loans do not require any mortgage insurance. However, there is a mandatory funding fee that goes directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Borrowers with a service-connected disability are exempt from paying this fee, which helps keep the program going for future generations.

04

Benefit:

Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

If you've experienced a financial setback such as a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy, you may be worried about your chances of securing a VA home loan. However, don't lose hope just yet. With VA loans, it's still possible to be eligible for a home loan just two years after a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy. In some cases, veterans who file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection can be eligible for a VA loan just a year after the filing date.

It's worth noting that the waiting periods for conventional or FHA financing can be significantly longer than those for VA loans. Additionally, even if you've lost a VA-backed mortgage to foreclosure, you may still be eligible for another VA loan.

So, if you're a veteran who's experienced a financial setback but still dreams of owning a home, don't give up hope. Explore your options and see if a VA loan with Mission One Mortgage could be the solution you need.

06

Benefit:

DTI Ratio Flexibility

It's important to keep in mind that VA lenders typically prefer borrowers to spend no more than 41 percent of their gross monthly income on major debts, such as mortgage payments or student loans. However, it's possible to get a VA home loan even if you have a higher DTI ratio. Some lenders may offer up to 55 percent or more depending on your credit score and ability to meet additional income requirements. This can give homebuyers more flexibility and greater purchasing power when it comes to finding their dream home.

Remember - if you have any questions about the benefits you just read about - like what credit score Mission One Mortgage requires for a VA loan - contact our office today. It would be our pleasure to help you navigate the VA loan process, one step at a time.

How to Determine Your VA Loan Eligibility

One of the most common questions we get at Mission One Mortgage revolves around VA loan eligibility. Who is actually eligible for this type of loan? What are the requirements for getting a VA loan? If you meet the following requirements, chances are you'll be eligible for a VA loan.

  • If you have completed 90 days of service during wartime or 181 days of service during peacetime, you may qualify as an active-duty military member or veteran.
  • If you have served in the National Guard or Reserve for a minimum of six years, or have completed 90 days of active duty under Title 32 orders, with at least 30 of them being consecutive, you may be eligible for a VA loan in Mount Pleasant, SC.
  • If your spouse was a service member who passed away while on active duty or due to a service-connected disability, and you haven't remarried, you may be eligible for a VA loan. In some cases, surviving spouses who remarried after the age of 57 and after Dec. 16, 2003, may also be eligible. Spouses of prisoners of war or service members missing in action may also be eligible for VA loans, as well.
  • You meet the necessary requirements for credit and income to be eligible for a VA loan. It's important to note that while the VA doesn't set a minimum credit score for VA loans, individual lenders may have their own standards. In addition to credit, your lender will also evaluate your income and debts to assess your ability to repay the mortgage.
  • The property you're interested in purchasing complies with the necessary safety standards and building codes. It's also worth mentioning that in most cases, the borrower is required to make the residence their primary home within 60 days of purchase. However, there are certain circumstances in which this timeline can be extended up to 12 months.
 HomeReady Mortgages Mount Pleasant, SC

Follow These 5 Steps to Begin the VA Home Loan Process

Curious what the general steps are for purchasing a home with a VA loan? You're not alone. Keep reading to get a feel for what you have to do to enjoy the wonderful benefits of homeownership.

 Home Ready Mortgages Mount Pleasant, SC

When applying for a VA home loan benefit, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an important document that verifies your eligibility to your lender. If you have already used your VA loan benefit in the past, a current COE can help you determine how much remaining entitlement you have. Additionally, it can ensure that your entitlement has been restored for previous VA-backed loans that were paid in full.

After you've applied for your COE, it's a good idea to examine your finances. We're talking about items such as income, expenses, credit profile, and your monthly budget. That way, you know for sure that you're ready to purchase a home.

As a veteran, you have the choice of going through a bank, credit union, or a private VA mortgage company like Mission One Mortgage. Most lenders will have different loan interest rates and fees, so it's important to shop around. Remember - Mission One specializes in VA loans in Mount Pleasant, SC. Other lenders, such as large corporations and banks, often can't match the expertise and attention to detail that Mission One provides to veterans.

During this phase, it's a good idea to meet with a range of real estate professionals. Try to choose an agent who has experience processing and overseeing VA loans. Once you select an agent, you can bring your lender's pre-approval letter to their office and begin shopping.

This is the best part of the VA loan process, other than getting the keys to your new home. When looking for a house, remember to look at homes within your price range and budget. Lean on your real estate agent, friends, and family for help in your search.

A Word of Advice from Mission One Mortgage

If you're thinking about buying a home, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of homeownership. While renting can provide flexibility and less responsibility for maintenance, it comes with the risk of rent increases, potential property sales, and uncertainty about security deposit refunds.

On the other hand, owning a home can offer relatively stable mortgage payments and an opportunity to build long-term wealth for you and your family. Before making a decision, it's crucial to determine your priorities, such as your monthly budget for mortgage payments and other expenses like transportation and childcare. Ultimately, only you can determine what's best for your housing and financial needs.

The Key to Homeownership Starts with a VA Loan in Mount Pleasant, SC

At Mission One Mortgage, we take immense pride in simplifying the mortgage process and ensuring that our clients experience minimal stress. We understand that navigating the world of mortgages can be daunting, which is why we are committed to making it as smooth as possible.

By choosing to work with us, you're not just getting a mortgage broker - you're selecting a partner who is devoted to your financial well-being and dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of homeownership. By working together, we can work through the VA loan process one step at a time.

That rings true for all of our clients, but especially the U.S. Veterans we serve. In fact, we specialize in VA mortgages and are proud to offer them to US Veterans, those on Active Duty, and their spouses. VA Loans are one of the best mortgages available, offering no down payment requirements, no PMI, and some of the most favorable rates and terms.

If you're ready to take the next big step in your life and provide stability for your family with a place to call home, contact our office today. You're closer to the dream of home ownership than you might think.

Want to know more?

Clarify your Queries Call Us Now! (843)822-5685

Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC

High praise for Novant SC hospitals

Novant Health recently announced the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) awarded 21 Certified Zero Harm Awards to its South Carolina hospitals in 2024. These awards highlight how the team's commitment to safety has successfully eliminated some of the most common medical errors in health care today.SCHA created the Zero Harm program in collaboration with both The Duke Endowment and The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Health. This initiative supports statewide efforts to create a culture of high reliability and reduce ha...

Novant Health recently announced the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) awarded 21 Certified Zero Harm Awards to its South Carolina hospitals in 2024. These awards highlight how the team's commitment to safety has successfully eliminated some of the most common medical errors in health care today.

SCHA created the Zero Harm program in collaboration with both The Duke Endowment and The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Health. This initiative supports statewide efforts to create a culture of high reliability and reduce harm in health care facilities.

“To earn these awards, hospitals must avoid or eliminate specific hospital-acquired infections, and that data is independently verified by the state health department,” said Monica Davis, director of clinical quality improvement for East Cooper Medical Center. “Our patients trust us to protect them and help them get healthier when they’re in the hospital, and these awards prove how hard our team works to create the safest environment.”

These awards underscore the dedication of team members to safety, which has effectively reduced some of the most prevalent medical errors in health care today, with a focus on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and surgical site infections (SSI).

Coastal Carolina Hospital

• Hospital onset MRSA

• SSI - Hip Replacement

• SSI - Colon Surgery

• SSI - Abdominal Hysterectomy

• Pressure Injury

• CLABSI - Medical/Surgical

• CLABSI - Intensive Care Unit

East Cooper Medical Center

• Hospital onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

• SSI - Knee Replacement

• SSI - Hip Replacement

• SSI - Colon Surgery

• SSI - Abdominal Hysterectomy

• CLABSI - ICU

• CLABSI - Medical Surgical Unit

• CLABSI - Rehab

• Drive to Zero Workplace Violence

Hilton Head Hospital

• SSI - Knee Replacement

• SSI - Hip Replacement

• Pressure Injury

• CLABSI - Intensive Care Unit

• CLABSI - Acute Care Unit

“Creating safe facilities requires commitment every day from our health care team, from medical providers to the environmental services staff. We’re proud of our dedicated employees across South Carolina. Patients know they’re safe in our care,” said Dawn Ojeda, market director for clinical quality improvement at Novant Health Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.

“The Zero Harm program is a prime example of a successful partnership between the public and private sector that improves the quality of life in South Carolina,” said Melanie Matney, the chief operating officer of SCHA and the president of the SCHA Foundation. “As medical errors continue to be a major concern across the country, South Carolina has developed a blueprint for reducing avoidable harm in our health care facilities that other states can follow.

“Zero patient harm is possible only if physicians, clinical and support staff members work together to support a culture of high reliability,” said Matney. “Zero Harm Award winners are an inspiration to all hospitals across the state striving to provide measurably safe care for every patient.”

12 Essential Stops for Pizza in Charleston

Do people come to the Lowcountry to eat pizza? Perhaps they should. Great pizza is plentiful in the Charleston area, from the downtown peninsula to Mount Pleasant and Summerville. Locals and visitors are fortunate to have different styles to choose from, including New York, Neapolitan, and Detroit deep-dish. And these spots offer much more than your standard pie, so customer cravings — and imaginations — can run wild. Read More...

Do people come to the Lowcountry to eat pizza? Perhaps they should. Great pizza is plentiful in the Charleston area, from the downtown peninsula to Mount Pleasant and Summerville. Locals and visitors are fortunate to have different styles to choose from, including New York, Neapolitan, and Detroit deep-dish. And these spots offer much more than your standard pie, so customer cravings — and imaginations — can run wild.

Read More

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Downtown Summerville’s Brooklyn South, as the name suggests, is the place to get a New York-style slice. Channel the Corleones with the Godfather — featuring ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, banana peppers, and mozzarella — or try Jake’s Smokehouse pizza with smoky charbroiled chicken and bacon plus smoked cheddar, mozzarella, and barbecue sauce.

Grab take-out or delivery from this North Charleston establishment. Choose from one of the many creations like the pepperoni and pineapple topped Big Z or the barbecue chicken Bird on the Wire. Any pie can be made into a calzone, and the eatery also offers toasted sandwiches and salads.

Each component of this Park Circle parlor’s Neapolitan-style pies is chosen with care, from the bakery-quality dough to the local cheese. EVO’s ingredients are picked from local farms to form masterful combinations like the pancetta, Brussels sprouts, and pear pie. Meat eaters can’t go wrong with the renowned Pork Trifecta made with handmade sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.

This family pizza business traveled from Detroit to Mount Pleasant to bring locals the deep-dish style baked in blue steel pans. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try one of the pies featuring “brick cheese” from Wisconsin. Favorites include the BLT (with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo) or the Buffalo chicken pizza with blue cheese crumbles.

Customers can find creative neo-Neapolitan pies out of Renzo, like the classic margherita or the creative Cheli with feta, lamb sausage, pickled peppers, and honey. There’s also non-pizza options like charred broccolini with XO sauce or a crunchy Caesar salad. The wine list is pretty rad too.

2018 Eater Pizza of the Year award winner Melfi’s offers thin and crispy Roman-style pizzas in an elegant atmosphere with white tablecloths. The Stretch Armstrong, an amped-up margherita pie highlighted by a stretchy homemade stracciatella cheese.

Philadelphia natives Nick and Ben D’Allesandro wanted D’als to be a casual shop with cold beer and handmade pizza, which is exactly what it has become for the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood since opening in 2006. Diners can go for a classic meat lovers or head for one of the more unique — and tasty — options like the Beetnick topped with bacon, goat cheese, and golden beets.

In addition to fresh pastas and seasonal starters, King Street Italian restaurant Indaco offers several wood-fired pizzas. Selections range from the classic margherita to a lamb version with ricotta and olives.

Hip hotel restaurant Frannie and the Fox offers woof-fired creations in a buzzy atmosphere. The standout pizza is the classic margherita with its perfect portions of flavors, but if a meatier option is required, take a look at the fennel sausage pie with red onion.

Crust’s entire menu is worth checking out, from the delicious salads with local shrimp to pastas and sandwiches. Customize a 12-inch pie the way you like it, or opt for one of the pizzas with or without tomato sauce. The Butternut — roasted squash, mushroom, caramelized onion, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and truffle oil — has been beloved by fans since the restaurant’s inception.

There are multiple Famulari’s Pizzeria locations in the Charleston area, but the James Island one doubles as a brewery offering house brewed beers like the Cup of Clouds New England style IPA. For pizza, find a seemingly endless variety of topping options, from pineapple to pesto to cheese steak.

Mobile kitchen Dough Boyz Pizza has amassed an army of fanatic followers around the Lowcounty. The charred crust and just-thin-enough dough makes for repeat customers. The truck can be found at the Sea Island Farmers Market, various breweries, and sometimes Graft wine shop. The pepperoni and banana pepper pie brings the right amount of spice and tang to satisfy, while the prosciutto pie is an indulgent blanket of ham-y goodness.

Downtown Summerville’s Brooklyn South, as the name suggests, is the place to get a New York-style slice. Channel the Corleones with the Godfather — featuring ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, banana peppers, and mozzarella — or try Jake’s Smokehouse pizza with smoky charbroiled chicken and bacon plus smoked cheddar, mozzarella, and barbecue sauce.

Grab take-out or delivery from this North Charleston establishment. Choose from one of the many creations like the pepperoni and pineapple topped Big Z or the barbecue chicken Bird on the Wire. Any pie can be made into a calzone, and the eatery also offers toasted sandwiches and salads.

Each component of this Park Circle parlor’s Neapolitan-style pies is chosen with care, from the bakery-quality dough to the local cheese. EVO’s ingredients are picked from local farms to form masterful combinations like the pancetta, Brussels sprouts, and pear pie. Meat eaters can’t go wrong with the renowned Pork Trifecta made with handmade sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.

This family pizza business traveled from Detroit to Mount Pleasant to bring locals the deep-dish style baked in blue steel pans. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try one of the pies featuring “brick cheese” from Wisconsin. Favorites include the BLT (with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo) or the Buffalo chicken pizza with blue cheese crumbles.

Customers can find creative neo-Neapolitan pies out of Renzo, like the classic margherita or the creative Cheli with feta, lamb sausage, pickled peppers, and honey. There’s also non-pizza options like charred broccolini with XO sauce or a crunchy Caesar salad. The wine list is pretty rad too.

2018 Eater Pizza of the Year award winner Melfi’s offers thin and crispy Roman-style pizzas in an elegant atmosphere with white tablecloths. The Stretch Armstrong, an amped-up margherita pie highlighted by a stretchy homemade stracciatella cheese.

Philadelphia natives Nick and Ben D’Allesandro wanted D’als to be a casual shop with cold beer and handmade pizza, which is exactly what it has become for the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood since opening in 2006. Diners can go for a classic meat lovers or head for one of the more unique — and tasty — options like the Beetnick topped with bacon, goat cheese, and golden beets.

In addition to fresh pastas and seasonal starters, King Street Italian restaurant Indaco offers several wood-fired pizzas. Selections range from the classic margherita to a lamb version with ricotta and olives.

Hip hotel restaurant Frannie and the Fox offers woof-fired creations in a buzzy atmosphere. The standout pizza is the classic margherita with its perfect portions of flavors, but if a meatier option is required, take a look at the fennel sausage pie with red onion.

Crust’s entire menu is worth checking out, from the delicious salads with local shrimp to pastas and sandwiches. Customize a 12-inch pie the way you like it, or opt for one of the pizzas with or without tomato sauce. The Butternut — roasted squash, mushroom, caramelized onion, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and truffle oil — has been beloved by fans since the restaurant’s inception.

There are multiple Famulari’s Pizzeria locations in the Charleston area, but the James Island one doubles as a brewery offering house brewed beers like the Cup of Clouds New England style IPA. For pizza, find a seemingly endless variety of topping options, from pineapple to pesto to cheese steak.

Mobile kitchen Dough Boyz Pizza has amassed an army of fanatic followers around the Lowcounty. The charred crust and just-thin-enough dough makes for repeat customers. The truck can be found at the Sea Island Farmers Market, various breweries, and sometimes Graft wine shop. The pepperoni and banana pepper pie brings the right amount of spice and tang to satisfy, while the prosciutto pie is an indulgent blanket of ham-y goodness.

Military antique show returns to Mount Pleasant, featuring door prizes and free appraisals

MOUNT PLEASANT — Hundreds of antiques and memorabilia from various periods of American history will be on display at the Omar Shrine Auditorium this weekend.Visitors will have the opportunity to take home their own piece of history, talk with collectors and history buffs, and win prizes at the Lowcountry Antique Military a...

MOUNT PLEASANT — Hundreds of antiques and memorabilia from various periods of American history will be on display at the Omar Shrine Auditorium this weekend.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take home their own piece of history, talk with collectors and history buffs, and win prizes at the Lowcountry Antique Military and Americana Show and Sale on Jan. 4 and 5.

Around 200 displays and sales tables will fill the Omar Shrine Temple in Mount Pleasant, manned by antique buyers and sellers who are interested in artifacts from days gone by, including coins, bottles, arrowheads, maps, fossils and relics from the Revolutionary War to World War II.

A certified appraiser will be on-site, ready to evaluate any antiques or artifacts brought to the show for free. Butch Holcombe, publisher of American Digger magazine, which sponsors the show, encouraged people who have old items or hand-me-downs lying around to bring them in.

Holcombe said you never know what might come through the show's doors.

In past years, he's seen a Civil War-era belt buckle with the Maryland state seal be valued at $75,000. Another time, a man came in with a box of rare Confederate bullets and sold them all before the show ended.

"It is a great place for people to come if they've got … an old musket in the closet, or an old newspaper or letter signed by great-great-grandpa. Bring it to the show and let people look at it. They can not only authenticate it, but they can give you a very good idea of what it's worth," Holcombe said.

Anita Holcombe, executive director of American Digger magazine, said many of the vendors have spent years cultivating their collections and have an extensive knowledge of their history niche.

"There's plenty of people who've been doing this for years, collecting, that they can really teach people about what artifact it is they hold," she said.

The event is popular with relic hunters who use metal detectors and collectors of military artifacts, though modern history displays are represented, as well. Event organizers noted there will be security inspecting antique guns or weapons before entering.

This year's show will feature awards for historical displays and door prizes for the public. Tickets are $10 at the door for adults. Children under the age of 12 will receive free admission and a small artifact.

The Lowcountry Antique Military and Americana Show and Sale will be at the Omar Shrine Auditorium, 176 Patriots Point Road, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 4 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Jan. 5.

Tiffany & Co. and Valentino among 11 luxury retailers opening in Charleston area this February

Tiffany & Co. is bringing its upscale jewelry and iconic blue bags to the Lowcountry.The nearly 190-year-old jeweler is one of 11 luxury retailers traveling the U.S. as part of the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up Tour, which hits Mount Pleasant's Ferry Wharf on Feb. 7.The high-end Florida roadshow will remain open locally until early April.Brand names opening for a limited stay include Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Assouline, Etro, Cremieux, Golden Goose, Johanna Ortiz and Lanvin....

Tiffany & Co. is bringing its upscale jewelry and iconic blue bags to the Lowcountry.

The nearly 190-year-old jeweler is one of 11 luxury retailers traveling the U.S. as part of the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up Tour, which hits Mount Pleasant's Ferry Wharf on Feb. 7.

The high-end Florida roadshow will remain open locally until early April.

Brand names opening for a limited stay include Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Assouline, Etro, Cremieux, Golden Goose, Johanna Ortiz and Lanvin.

“Charleston’s growing luxury retail scene excites us, and we’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to the Lowcountry,” said Matthew Whitman Lazenby, president and CEO of Whitman Family Development, the creator of the Bal Harbour concept.

In operation since 1965, the original Bal Harbour Shops was founded by Stanley Whitman in Miami. The development was the first all-luxury fashion center in the U.S. featuring high-end retailers in an open-air setting.

In 2023, Whitman Family Development decided to take the experience on the road for two-month residencies using modular shipping containers that can be transported around the country.

The 17,000-square-foot Access Pop-up in Mount Pleasant will include The Whitman restaurant — the main Bal Harbour restaurant in Florida— as well as temporary landscape to mimic the Miami shopping center's tropical design. Think Zen garden, Koi ponds, palm trees and a curated soundtrack.

"Bal Harbour choosing Mount Pleasant is a great testament to our growing reputation as a high-quality shopping destination," said Matt Brady, Mount Pleasant's economic development director. "Their pop-up brings a touch of luxury to our community, and highlights our appeal to world class retailers and visitors alike."

The Charleston pop-up, created by LOT-EK, will kick off with a week of grand opening events starting Feb. 7. Hours will run 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. until closing day April 4.

Boutique sizes range from 250 square feet to 640 square feet or more.

The Charleston event is the pop-up tour's sixth U.S. stop since 2023. Previous stops included Raleigh, Sarasota, Greenville, West Palm Beach and Walton County, Fla.

Commentary: Questions linger on scuttled Patriots Point tax plan

Opinion Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.Thankfully, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie’s ill-conceived plan to impose a sales tax increase on residents to fund improvements for Patriots Point appears dead, at least for now. To ...

Opinion

Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.

Thankfully, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie’s ill-conceived plan to impose a sales tax increase on residents to fund improvements for Patriots Point appears dead, at least for now. To his credit, Mayor Haynie took sole responsibility for the rushed rollout and botched process that led many to question how such an ambitious plan could be hatched in secret.

While the mayor’s apology is appreciated, there remain many questions that must be answered to ensure that trust in the town’s government is not eroded permanently.

To begin, how did this get past a conceptual plan without the involvement of Town Council? Mount Pleasant has a strong-council, weak-mayor form of government, which means that the mayor has no power to unilaterally direct town staff. But somehow Mayor Haynie, with the assistance of taxpayer-funded staff and paid consultants, developed a detailed plan without the full council’s authorization. The plan documents show that his scheme originated months ago, but Mayor Haynie chose to pursue his plan without input from Town Council through our normal committee process, which would have provided necessary transparency and vetting.

Similarly, the town’s taxpayers deserve to know how much of their money was used to fund the plan developed by Mayor Haynie, and who authorized the expenditure of those funds. The plan reveals that no less than three different consulting firms were hired to develop drawings, calculate the projected economic impact of the project and estimate the project’s costs, among other things.

But Town Council did not specifically approve the funds for these consultants, nor are council members aware of how they were selected or how their fees were negotiated. Town residents deserve to know how one elected official could commandeer town resources to advance a plan that does not reflect the vision of the majority of the town’s elected leaders.

It is also imperative that we figure out why key stakeholders and prospective partners were not consulted prior to the release of the plan. For example, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, which holds a conservation easement over some of the property to be developed, was never contacted. Likewise, the plan was not reviewed by key business leaders who would have been responsible for private components of the project before it was rolled out. Regardless of whether the failure to consult with important partners was the result of oversight or incompetence, it certainly has hurt the town’s relationships with these stakeholders, who will be essential to Patriot Point’s future development. We must begin mending these relationships, and the first step in that process is determining how and why such a colossal mistake was made in the first place.

It is also fair to ask why Mayor Haynie attempted to ram his plan through council instead of allowing the town's voters to decide whether his vision for Patriots Point was worth a tax increase. Under state law, the so-called tourism development fee proposed by the mayor can be authorized by a municipality’s governing body or by the voters through a referendum.

For some reason, which the mayor should explain, he decided that he and other council members knew better whether this tax increase should be adopted than the thousands of taxpayers who must pay the tax. This apparent disdain for the democratic process is disturbing under any circumstance, but even more so considering that we have all been paying more at grocery stores and gas pumps in recent years. Put simply, whether the mayor of the state’s fourth-largest municipality believes citizens should have a direct voice in important matters such as this tax increase is a defining issue that reflects on his ability to lead the town.

These are only a few of the questions that must be answered in the coming weeks and months. Town Council must be committed to obtaining these answers and restoring trust through transparency and collaboration. In doing so, we will ensure future projects, including the development of Patriots Point, adhere to established procedures and prioritize public input. Together, we will move forward and rebuild the confidence of our community.

John Iacofano is a Mount Pleasant Town Council member.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
VA Loan Near Me

Service Areas