Uniquely Charleston

Battle for Your Home: Expert Mold & Termite Defense

In this episode, we go beyond the cosmetic fixes to tackle the hidden threats eating away at your most important investment—your home. Join broker Currie McCullough as she sits down with: * Amy Lawson, functional-medicine nurse practitioner turned mold specialist, who shares her firsthand journey from discovering relentless mold growth in her own James Island home to developing a proven protocol for remediation and recovery. Learn how today’s energy‑efficient upgrades—spray foam, sealed crawl spaces and double‑pane windows—can unintentionally lock in moisture and fuel toxic mold colonies. Amy breaks down: * Why modern “airtight” homes often lose the natural ventilation older houses enjoyed  * How to spot early warning signs and trust your nose (hint: if you can smell mold, it’s already taken hold) UCP - E4(1) * Simple tools like hygrometers and ERMI tests to monitor your indoor environment * Dexter Wilson, third‑generation expert from Wilson’s Exterminating, who reveals the staggering power of Formosan and dry‑wood termites—capable of consuming over 1,000 lbs of wood per year—and the real costs of infestation (often six‑figure repairs). He demystifies termite bonds and explains why: * Ground‑only warranties can leave you exposed to aerial infestations in damp roof eaves UCP - E4(1)UCP - E4(1) * Proactive annual inspections—attics to crawlspaces—are your best defense * Strategic landscaping and moisture control around your foundation make all the difference Whether you own a vintage Charleston single house or a modern build, this episode delivers actionable insights and resources—from trusted certifying bodies to local remediation and inspection services—to help you safeguard your home and health. Tune in and arm yourself with the expert advice you need to keep mold and termites at bay. Additional Resources & Contact Information Charleston Functional Medicine Amy Parker Lawson, MSN, APRN, FNP‑C Office: (843) 396‑0477 Website: https://www.charlestonfunctionalmed.com/ [https://www.charlestonfunctionalmed.com/] Email: amyfnp@chasfuncmed.com Address: 21 E Gamecock Ave, Charleston, SC 29704 Wilson’s Exterminating Service – Local Pest & Termite Control Partner Phone: 843‑762‑3844 Fax: 843‑225‑5478 Address: 1727 Ashley River Road, Unit 2, Charleston, SC 29407 Website: https://wilsonsexterminating.com [https://wilsonsexterminating.com/] Free inspection estimate, Monday – Friday Recommended Experts & Books Dr. Neil Nathan – Expert in mold toxicity and chronic environmental illness Website: https://neilnathanmd.com/ [https://neilnathanmd.com/] Book: Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness (https://a.co/d/awCfgF1 [https://a.co/d/awCfgF1]) Dr. Jill Crista – Specialist in mold-related health recovery Website: https://drcrista.com/ [https://drcrista.com/] Book: Break the Mold: 5 Tools to Conquer Mold and Take Back Your Health (https://a.co/d/dVJ2a1d [https://a.co/d/dVJ2a1d]) Do‑It‑Yourself Mold Testing ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) Kits by EnviroBiomics Order & details: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/ermi/ [https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/ermi/] Consultation & Inspection Services John C. Banta, Environmental Mold Specialist Assessments & phone consults: https://www.johncbanta.com/ [https://www.johncbanta.com/] Appointment requests: https://restconenvironmental.com/request-an-appointment/ [https://restconenvironmental.com/request-an-appointment/] Yes We Inspect – Nationwide inspection company (will travel) Website: https://yesweinspect.com/ [https://yesweinspect.com/] Local Remediation Partner Pure Indoor Environmental Website: https://pureindoorenvironmental.com/ [https://pureindoorenvironmental.com/]

How to Buy Smart in Charleston (Even With High Rates)

In this episode of Uniquely Charleston, Currie McCullough sits down with Michael Squatrito of Leeward Point Mortgage to break down what buyers need to know to navigate Charleston's real estate market—especially when interest rates are high. They explore the differences between mortgage brokers and bankers, how to buy with friends or as an LLC, and how to avoid common pitfalls that derail closings (like buying furniture too soon!). Michael shares smart strategies for buying down interest rates, using bridge loans to move smoothly from one home to another, and how early you should start planning your home purchase. Whether you're a first-time buyer, recent grad, or looking to move up in Charleston, this episode is packed with real advice from local pros. 📌 Topics Covered: * Mortgage broker vs. mortgage banker * Why timing matters more than interest rates * The smartest way to use $20k when buying a $500k home * Tips for young buyers & investors teaming up * How bridge loans give you more power in a tight market 📞 Contact Currie: https://uniquelychs.com/contact-currie-mccullough/ [https://uniquelychs.com/contact-currie-mccullough/] 👉 Like, subscribe, and share if you found this helpful! #CharlestonRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #MortgageStrategy #UniquelyCharleston #RealEstatePodcast

Home Inspections Uncovered: What Every Buyer & Seller Needs to Know

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Charleston? Don't skip this episode! 🏡 This week on Uniquely Charleston, Currie McCullough sits down with expert home inspector Kyle Kern to break down everything you need to know about home inspections. From choosing the right inspector to spotting hidden deal-breakers like termites, rot, and faulty HVAC systems, Kyle shares insider tips that could save you thousands. 💡 Key takeaways: ✔️ Why only 40-50 out of 1,200 SC inspectors follow state standards ✔️ The biggest red flags in home inspections (including shocking stories!) ✔️ Why even new homes aren’t issue-free ✔️ The best materials for Charleston’s climate ✔️ The truth about mold, radon, and crawl space insulation 📢 Action Item: Thinking about buying or selling? Book a home consultation now: https://uniquelychs.com/contact-currie-mccullough/ [https://uniquelychs.com/contact-currie-mccullough/] 🎙️ Subscribe & Listen Here: https://pod.link/1796596177 [https://pod.link/1796596177] Don't miss this one—your dream home (or your biggest regret) could be riding on it! 🔨🏠 #CharlestonRealEstate #HomeInspection #UniquelyCharleston

Insider Secrets to Thriving in Charleston's Real Estate Market

In this episode, real estate expert Currie McCullough shares eye-opening insights on the Charleston real estate market. Discover why Charleston is still an incredible place for young buyers and investors to get a foothold, despite the perception of unaffordability. Currie debunks common myths, revealing the strategies savvy buyers are using to find great properties and build wealth through real estate in this booming market. Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or just curious about Charleston's dynamic real estate landscape, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won't want to miss. Tune in to get the insider scoop on making smart real estate moves in one of the Southeast's most desirable destinations.