There has never been a better time than right now!
"The culture and sophistication of Charleston combined with historic charm, amazing beauty and never ending recreational opportunities all make choosing Charleston to purchase your next home an easy decision."
Charleston -- #1 "Best City in the South"
Southern Living Reader's Choice Awards
"Prices are low - Inventories are the best we have been in years. Sellers are motivated. Buyers are in the driver's seat. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Charleston buyers. This sale will not last much longer."
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The 7 steps to buying a home in Charleston
Step #1 - get pre-approved
Searching for a home is an exciting experience so you might be tempted to jump right in. Before you do, get pre-approved by a lender. That way, you save time and you can be confident about what you can afford; plus, the sellers will know you are a serious buyer.
Step #2 - select your Buyers Agent
Your agent will help you make the largest investment you may ever make. Carefully consider who you want to represent you. Contrary to popular perception, differences among
agents are significant. As with doctors, lawyers, accountants, or any other professional, experience, subject knowledge, training, and focus all make a difference with real estate agents as well. Not all agents are Realtors and not all agents are Accredited Buyers Representatives (ABR). Few agents have more than five years of experience (about 10%). If you really want the right home at the right price, choose the right agent.
* Buyers agents are free for buyers - sellers pay for their services for you.
** It is just as important to have representation when you buy new construction as it is if you buy a re-sale home.
Step #3 - refine down to a limited area
Selecting a long list of homes to pre-view before deciding on the area is tempting but it is not the best way to find a home. It is like trying to select an entre from dozens of menus before deciding on which restaurant you want to go to.
Narrowing the area reduces confusion, search-fatigue and stress for the buyer. Doing so keys off of the well accepted importance of location as generally more critical than any other single factor during a home selection. It also makes your search more efficient and more enjoyable.
The Greater Charleston area is vast with many diverse neighborhoods. It consists of 25 municipalities, three counties and significant lifestyle diversity. Decide which area works best - Mt Pleasant, Summerville, West Ashley, North Charleston, etc. Also consider: covenants and restrictions, amenities, average lot sizes, area home prices, schools and other important items as you narrow the area down. Try to get down to a single area of town. If you can get down to the neighborhood level, that is even better. Ask your agent to help you choose the area that best meets your needs.
Only after you have narrowed your search geographically is it time to begin touring homes. After all, even the perfect home in the wrong location is of little use.
Step #3 - define the features that are important
Plan your home tour by making a priority list of what is important to you. List features such as hardwood floors, walk-in closets, two story or single story, yard size etc. You might want to use this planning tool: Planning or - use this wish list.
Step #4 - tour homes in person
Most of my clients have the best results by limiting their search to no more than 7 homes in a single day.
Step #5 - select your home and make the offer
After you locate the home you feel is perfect, it's time to get down to business - it's time to put together and offer.
Making an offer can be a complex process but it should not be stressful. There are many items to factor in such as area comps, time-on-market, earnest money, close dates, who pays for various items such as inspections and who pays for home warranty if any and more. This may be the most critical step in the process of buying a home.
Step #6 - get ready for closing
Once you have a meeting of minds with a seller and you have all signed a contract, moving the deal to closing should be as smooth and as hassle free for you as possible. There are many items to accomplish such as inspections, repairs and your loan finalization.
This is also the time "buyer's remorse" always (yes, always) sets in. The only question about buyer's remorse is the degree to which you will feel it. You will feel it.
Step #7 - get the keys!
After everything is done and you are ready to close, in South Carolina you will meet with an attorney to do the closing. There is usually only one attorney involved. The attorney will provide you with a HUD 1 closing statement. It is very important that you understand this bal
ance sheet document because it outlines the costs for the closing and who is responsible.
Most closings take about an hour to 2 hours. At the end of closing, you receive the keys to your new home! Congratulations!
Call me when you are ready to get started.
Chris DeLoach: 843-388-7027