Mike Carrigan and Dig Charleston: Finding Historic Homes in the Holy City

Who Mike Carrigan is and what Dig Charleston does

Mike Carrigan is a Charleston-based real estate agent who founded Dig Charleston, a brokerage and marketing platform focused on historic properties and character-filled homes in the Charleston area. Dig Charleston specializes in older, architecturally significant houses—the kind that require knowledge of restoration, period details, and the neighborhoods where these homes cluster. Rather than treating historic houses as a niche, Carrigan built his business around them, which means his agents understand the difference between a load-bearing wall and a cosmetic one, and they know which Charleston blocks have the deepest roots.

The name itself signals the approach: you have to dig to find the right historic home, and you have to dig into its history and condition to understand what you are buying. Dig Charleston markets properties through social media, video tours, and storytelling that connects a house to its neighborhood and era. If you are looking for a 1920s bungalow in Wagener Terrace or a pre-Civil War townhouse on King Street, this is the kind of agent who knows the market, the bones of the building, and the people who have lived there.

Key Takeaways

• Dig Charleston focuses on historic and character homes across the Charleston area, not new construction or generic suburban properties.
• Mike Carrigan's team understands restoration, period architecture, and the neighborhoods where older homes are concentrated.
• The brokerage uses video, social media, and detailed storytelling to market properties rather than relying on standard listing photos alone.
• Dig Charleston serves buyers and sellers who value authenticity, architectural detail, and the cultural history embedded in Charleston's older housing stock.

The neighborhoods Dig Charleston focuses on

Charleston's historic districts and older neighborhoods are where Dig Charleston concentrates its work. These include areas like Wagener Terrace, a 1920s planned community with bungalows and cottages; Ansonborough, with its mix of Victorian and early-20th-century homes; and the French Quarter, where narrow lots and period architecture date back centuries. The downtown historic district itself—bounded roughly by Broad Street, East Bay, and the Ashley River—contains some of the oldest continuously occupied residential blocks in America.

Each neighborhood has its own character, deed restrictions, and buyer base. A buyer interested in a 1950s ranch in Wagener Terrace is looking for something entirely different from someone seeking a 1790s single house in the French Quarter. Dig Charleston's agents know these distinctions and can match buyers to the right street and era. They also understand local preservation rules: many historic neighborhoods require approval from the Board of Architectural Review before you can alter the exterior of a house, which affects renovation costs and timelines.

What to expect when working with Dig Charleston

When you contact Dig Charleston as a buyer, you should expect questions about what era appeals to you, what your renovation tolerance is, and whether you are comfortable with the quirks that come with older homes—uneven floors, smaller closets, outdated electrical systems, plumbing that may need replacement. The agents can then narrow the search to properties that match your actual needs rather than showing you everything listed.

As a seller, Dig Charleston's approach is to tell the story of your house. That means professional photography, video walkthroughs, and written descriptions that highlight original details—crown molding, hardwood floors, fireplaces, the history of the block. This storytelling approach attracts buyers who are specifically looking for character and authenticity, which often means they are willing to pay for it. The brokerage also handles the logistics of selling a historic home, including disclosure of any known structural or systems issues and guidance on what buyers should inspect.

How historic homes differ from standard real estate transactions

Buying or selling a historic home involves steps that do not appear in a standard residential transaction. Inspections are more detailed—a good inspector will look not just at the roof and HVAC but at the foundation, the condition of original woodwork, the state of plumbing and electrical systems, and whether previous renovations were done to code. Many older homes have been updated piecemeal over decades, and you need to know what is original, what is safe, and what will need attention.

Financing can be more complex. Some lenders are cautious about older homes, particularly if they have deferred maintenance or non-standard systems. You may need to shop around or work with a lender experienced in historic properties. Renovation costs are harder to predict because opening up a wall to see what is inside often reveals surprises—old wiring, settling, water damage, or structural repairs that were not visible before.

Preservation rules matter. If your home is in a historic district, you cannot simply repaint the shutters or replace the windows without approval. The Board of Architectural Review reviews exterior changes to maintain the character of the district. This can slow down renovation timelines and add cost, but it also protects property values by preventing the neighborhood from being altered piecemeal.

Resources for understanding historic home ownership

The City of Charleston's Planning Department maintains information about historic districts, design guidelines, and the Board of Architectural Review process. Their website includes maps of protected areas and the steps required to get approval for exterior work. The Preservation Society of Charleston offers educational resources about maintaining historic homes and understanding their architectural styles and periods.

If you are considering a historic home, it is worth spending time on these resources before you make an offer. Understanding what you can and cannot do to a property—and what it will cost—shapes the real value of the purchase. Dig Charleston's agents can point you toward these resources and explain how they apply to a specific property, but the research itself is something you should do independently.

When a historic home makes sense for you

A historic home is the right choice if you value character, architectural detail, and neighborhood history over modern convenience and low maintenance. If you enjoy renovation projects, have patience for surprises, and want to live in a house with a story, older Charleston homes offer that. If you are looking for a turnkey property with a warranty and predictable systems, a newer home in a suburban development will serve you better.

Historic homes also tend to hold value differently than newer construction. They appreciate based on neighborhood desirability, architectural significance, and the quality of restoration work done. A well-maintained 1920s bungalow in a desirable neighborhood often outpaces a 1990s ranch in terms of long-term value, but that appreciation depends on the neighborhood, the condition of the home, and your willingness to maintain it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special inspector for an older home?

A standard home inspector can evaluate an older home, but many buyers hire an inspector with specific experience in historic properties. They know what to look for in older systems, can identify when previous work was done to code, and understand which issues are cosmetic versus structural. Ask Dig Charleston for inspector recommendations—they work with inspectors regularly and know who understands historic homes.

What is the Board of Architectural Review and do I have to listen to them?

The Board of Architectural Review is a city body that reviews exterior changes to homes in historic districts. If your home is in a protected district, you must get their approval before painting, replacing windows, adding a deck, or making other visible changes. Approval typically takes a few weeks. It can feel restrictive, but it exists to preserve neighborhood character and protect property values.

Are older homes more expensive to maintain than newer ones?

Yes, generally. Older systems—plumbing, electrical, HVAC—wear out and may need replacement. Roofs, foundations, and wood elements require ongoing maintenance. However, a well-maintained older home with recent updates to systems can be comparable to a newer home. The key is knowing the condition before you buy and budgeting for the work you know is coming.

Can I renovate a historic home however I want?

Not if it is in a historic district. Exterior changes require Board of Architectural Review approval. Interior work is usually yours to decide, but you should hire contractors experienced with older homes—they know how to work around original details and avoid damaging hidden systems. Dig Charleston can connect you with contractors who specialize in historic renovation.

How do I know if a historic home is a good investment?

Look at the neighborhood trajectory, the condition of the home, and your own timeline. A home in a neighborhood that is appreciating, with solid bones and recent updates to systems, is generally a sound investment if you plan to stay five years or longer. Have a thorough inspection, understand the renovation costs, and talk to neighbors about the area. Dig Charleston's agents can provide market data on comparable sales in the neighborhood.