Time for that beach home - check out Folly Beach, South Carolina

Is it time to finally make that purchase you have always dreamed about? Is it time to finally be a few feet or a short walk to the feel of sandy beaches…listening the sounds of the ocean? If this is the time for you to purchase that beach home you have always dreamed about, make sure you take a look at Folly Beach, South Carolina.

Folly Beach is referred to as the “Edge of America” due to it being the most Eastern part of the United States. Folly is a barrier island with miles of sandy beaches on one side and marsh views and tidal creek access on the other side. There is a quaint downtown section with numerous restaurants and shopping options for just about any taste. The newly renovated Holiday Inn is right beside the Folly Beach Pier which are right in the heart of the town. This is the focal point during the tourist season and just a block from the dining and shopping area.

The Folly Beach real estate market experienced a rapid increase in home values and property sales during the 2004-2006 years. A total of 438 properties changed hands over that two year time period. This number includes only single family homes and condos. Since January 1^st, 2007 only 187 properties have been sold. So more than a 50% decrease in sales over a similar two year time period. What does this mean to you? Simple, there is a large inventory of homes with relatively few buyers; this equals an opportunity to get the home of your dreams at a discounted price compared to a few years back.

Folly Beach has many options in regards to real estate with prices ranged from $250,000 condos on Folly Creek to beach front homes at $3 million and above. Here is a brief overview of the some of the condo options for those wishing to live the “Folly Life”.

Mariners Cay – An older development with 2 story condos overlooking Folly Creek and the Marsh View Villa units that look out over the beautiful marsh. This is a gated community and has its own personal marina. Boat slips are available for purchase in the $60,000 - $150,000 range. There are also tennis courts and a community pool available for residents. Mariners Cay is located right before you reach the downtown area and is a short walk or bike ride into town. Prices range from $250,000 to $500,000 depending on unit size and location.

Palmetto Pointe Villas – Recently constructed elevated 2 story units with private parking underneath each unit with enough room for a boat and car. All units have great views of the river or marsh from a screened porch off the living area and an open porch off the master bedroom. This gated community has its own pool and clubhouse along with a private boat landing for residents. There are three large docks and boat slips are available for purchase. Price for these 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath units range from $439,000 - $650,000.

The Clam Farm at the Preserve – This development has just begun construction and residents will begin moving in over the next few months. Pre-construction pricing is still available on many of these units that all have incredible marsh and river views. Upscale features in the home are standard at this development and larger than average condos are available.

Charleston Oceanfront Villas – This ocean front development is located right next door to the recently renovated Holiday Inn. With direct access to the beach, these units provide amazing beach views from living areas and master bedrooms. The development is gated with plenty of parking underneath the building. These are the choice of many people for second homes as they can generate very solid rental income on weeks the property is not being used by the owners. A one block walk puts your right in the middle of the downtown area. There are also two private pools for resident and guest use only. Prices are $700,000 and up.

These are just a few of many condo and townhouse options on Folly Beach, South Carolina. One of the first big decisions in choosing that dream property at the beach is if you plan to use it solely for your personal use or you plan on generating rental income from the property when you are not using it. Make sure you use an experience agent who knows beach properties. There are many other items that make a beach purchase more complicated than a regular house including insurances, inspections and more.