Lisa D'Amato - Realtor Charleston Area

06/11/2026

''Boat from your backyard to Lake Moultrie!'' Welcome to 116 Sparrow Street, where waterfront living meets small-town Southern charm! A property you need to see right away, message me for a private tour. Listed by Better Home and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto

06/11/2026

Explore this exceptional new listing at 141 Vistawood Drive in Charleston, SC. Situated in the sought-after West Ashley neighborhood, this home provides easy access to downtown Charleston, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in Lowcountry living.

Discover the hot new listing at 141 Vistawood Drive in Charleston, SC. Located in desirable West Ashley, this property offers convenient access to downtown Charleston, shopping, dining, recreation, and the best of Lowcountry living.

06/11/2026

Here are the latest trends in Charleston's real estate market with the median sales prices for May 2026. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding the market helps you make informed decisions. Stay tuned for more updates on this vibrant housing market.

06/11/2026

Your closing date can affect your upfront costs.

Let’s say you close early in the month, like June 4.

You may owe more prepaid interest because you’re covering more days before your first mortgage payment begins.

Now let’s say you close later in the month, like June 28.

You may owe less prepaid interest upfront because there are fewer days left in the month to cover.

That doesn’t mean one option is always better.

A later closing date can help lower your cash needed at closing, but you still need to think about things like seller timing, moving plans, lender deadlines, and month-end delays.

The point is this:

Don’t just pick a closing date because it sounds good.

Ask how that date affects your cash to close.

A few days can make a difference, and that difference can matter when you’re already budgeting for a down payment, closing costs, movers, furniture, and everything else that comes with buying a home.

06/10/2026

Discover your ideal lifestyle with this charming new listing at 116 Sparrow Street in Bonneau, SC. Enjoy comfortable living spaces, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the close proximity to Lake Moultrie, all within a welcoming neighborhood that highlights the peaceful Lowcountry ambiance that makes Bonneau such a desirable place to call home.

Explore the hot new listing at 116 Sparrow Street in Bonneau, SC. Discover comfortable living, outdoor recreation, proximity to Lake Moultrie, a welcoming neighborhood, and the peaceful Lowcountry lifestyle that makes Bonneau a sought after destination.

06/10/2026

Looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston but not sure where to start? My mini consults are perfect for you! We’ll hop on a quick 15-minute call to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and talk about timing. Whether you're ready now or in a couple of years, let's chat and plan your next move.

06/10/2026

Not all upgrades increase value.

Some make buyers feel confident paying more.

Others might make the home look nicer, but they do not always move the needle when it comes time to sell.



BUYERS USUALLY PAY MORE FOR:

1️⃣ Updated kitchens

This is one of the first places buyers mentally calculate future cost. If the kitchen feels clean, functional, and current, the whole home can feel easier to move into.



2️⃣ Updated primary bathrooms

A fresh primary bathroom signals that the home has been cared for. Buyers notice clean finishes, good lighting, updated fixtures, and spaces that do not feel like an immediate project.



3️⃣ Consistent flooring throughout

When flooring changes from room to room, the home can feel pieced together. Consistent flooring helps the home feel more complete, intentional, and move-in ready.



4️⃣ Newer major systems

Roof, HVAC, water heater, and other big-ticket systems may not be the prettiest updates, but they reduce buyer hesitation. Fewer unknowns can make buyers feel safer offering stronger.



5️⃣ Functional outdoor living

A patio, deck, yard, or usable outdoor area can add real lifestyle value when buyers can picture themselves actually using the space, not just looking at it.



BUYERS USUALLY DO NOT PAY MORE FOR:

6️⃣ Highly personalized design choices

Bold colors, niche finishes, or very specific style choices may feel special to you, but buyers may see another project they will need to change.



7️⃣ Over-upgrading for the neighborhood

There is usually a ceiling for what buyers expect in each price range. Spending far above neighborhood standards does not always mean the market will pay you back.



8️⃣ Cosmetic updates that ignore bigger issues

Fresh paint and pretty fixtures help, but they will not distract buyers from an aging roof, old HVAC, moisture concerns, or repairs that show up during inspection.



9️⃣ Rooms without a clear purpose

If buyers cannot quickly understand how a space should be used, it can feel like wasted square footage. Function creates value because it helps buyers see how the home fits their life.

Buyers do not pay more for “nice.”

They pay more for homes that feel complete, functional, and low-maintenance.

Save this before you spend money getting your home ready to sell.

06/09/2026

Discover this charming home at 324 Houston Drive in Ladson, SC, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located in a welcoming community with easy access to local amenities, this property is ideal for families and future homeowners. Explore the possibilities today!

Home for sale at 324 Houston Drive Ladson, SC 29456, with MLS 26016623.

06/09/2026

Term of the week - Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is insurance coverage that homeowners are required to have if they’re putting down less than 20% of the home’s cost. Basically, PMI gives mortgage lenders some backup if a house falls into foreclosure because the homeowner couldn’t make their monthly mortgage payments.

06/09/2026

Buying a home gets stressful when you’re building your plan around half-truths.

Waiting for rates to drop might help your payment, but it can also bring more buyers back into the market. Online calculators are helpful, but they don’t see your full financial picture.

Being pre-approved is great, but your approval still needs to be protected until closing.

That’s why the conversation should happen before you fall in love with the house, not after.

A little clarity early can save you from a lot of surprises later.

Save this if buying a home is on your radar this year.