If you’re buying a home for the first time here in the Charleston, SC area, it can be a little difficult trying to figure out where to start. Here’s a handy to-do list to help you out, and be sure to call me if you have any questions!
1) Save: Save for a down payment, closing costs, and escrow for insurance and taxes. It is always safe to have 20% of the amount of the home you are trying to buy so you do not have to pay private mortgage insurance. So, if you are looking at a $300,000 home, try to have $60,000 saved. TIP: You can always get a loan if you do not have this as you can put down as little as 3%, if qualified.
2) Improve Credit Score: Make sure to stay current on your bills, make no major purchases, don’t cancel any credit cards. A higher credit score means a lower interest rate!
3) Calculate what you can afford: Look for a mortgage calculator online, or give me a call and I can let you know what you can afford!
4) Get Mortgage Preapproval: Shop for the best deal, choose primary and backup lenders, and look for mortgage advice. I have some great, local lenders you can choose from, and I am here if you need any advice. TIP: Always try to work with local lenders as state laws are different from state to state and a lender located in California may not know local laws of South Carolina.
5) Decide: Decide what you want in a home. Are you looking for a home with a pool, or do you need something with a big backyard for your dog to run-around in? How many bedrooms do you need? What kind of kitchen do you want? Do you want a new build? Write down all of the things you want in a home, and give it to your Realtor and they will help you find a home with everything you need.
6) Choose a Realtor- Looking for a Realtor? You have come to the right place! I have the experience, patience, and knowledge you have been searching for.
7) Visit Homes- Your Realtor will take you to the homes you would like, but there are a few things that you should do to ensure that your favorite home will end up working out for you. Take photos and make notes about each home that you visit and compare it to the list you made in step five.
8) Narrow choices- Choose your favorite homes and visit the neighborhood during the day and at night to gauge traffic, noise, etc. Also, test the commute from work and consider the resale value.
9) Make an Offer- Make an offer on the home! I am here to make sure your offer is considered, and will work hard and collaborate with the other Realtor to make sure I highlight how much you are interested.
10) Schedule Home Inspection: I have a great inspector that will do a walk-through of the home and let you know things that may need to be fixed.
11) Make Final Walk-Through: Test the light switches and sockets, check and make sure that the doors and windows work, and test the faucets, drains, toilets, etc.
12) Close and Move In- Start your life and enjoy the happiness!
Escape the hustle and bustle with this privately situated lakefront retreat and enjoy the privacy of your own sanctuary only minutes from the culture and lifestyle people love about Downtown Charleston, SC. Located at 6489 Scarletts Retreat, Ravenel, SC, this stunning, custom built home spared no expense with its design. As you pull into the gated driveway and walk onto the massive southern-style front porch, you will be instantly greeted as you walk through the entryway, with beautiful lake views off the back of your home. Soaring high ceilings give the Great Room, which opens to the impressive chef's kitchen, a light and airy feel. Featuring professional grade s/s Thermador appliances, meal prep is simplified with the 6-burner gas range/oven, electric wall oven with built-in microwave and warming drawer, prep sink and plenty of counter and cabinet space. Family or guests can enjoy meals at the island or in the lovely separate dining room. The refrigerator is paneled to match the exquisite custom cabinets. Windows over the sink provide additional natural light and an adjacent walk-in pantry provides ample storage and even has another prep sink and ice machine, perfect for those impromptu cocktail parties. If you love to entertain, you will love the flow of the rooms, which open onto an oversized covered patio, complete with its own outdoor kitchen, and wonderful in-ground saltwater pool, overlooking the bass-stocked lake. The Master ensuite is a dream oasis with enormous dressing room with built-in shelving, beautifully tiled bathroom with his and her custom vanities, bidet, large soaking tub and oversized tiled shower. Enjoy your morning coffee or glass of wine as the sun sets over the water in your large screened porch which also opens to the pool. A second nicely sized en suite bedroom across the hall from the Master has a lovely custom tiled bathroom with antique dual sink vanity and artists will love the office off the bedroom which has vaulted ceilings and wall of windows overlooking the water. Upstairs, you will find 2 additional large bedrooms, both with vaulted ceilings and jack-n-jill bathroom, also with antique vanity with dual sinks. Dog lovers will love the huge laundry room, off of the kitchen, complete with its own dog bathing area, laundry sink and 2nd dishwasher! Over the garage, enjoy the huge Bonus Room, not included in the square footage but has a separate heat source, perfect for home office, work shop, exercise room, media room - the opportunities are endless! Love to garden? Multiple raised beds, gardening shed and irrigation are already in place! Do not miss this truly one-of-a-kind haven!
When getting ready to list your home to sell, you also want to think about any potential issues that may show up in the home inspection once you go under contract with a Home Buyer. Here are some helpful suggestions that should be done right away to avoid any delays in the sales process:
Housing is one of the greatest challenges faced by people with disabilities. While new houses are being built every day, people with disabilities continue to struggle to find housing that meets their needs. If you are in the market for an accessible home, here is what you need to know.
If you are looking for a new home in the very desirable Cane Bay Plantation area of Summerville, SC, you will not want to miss this nearly new home that just came on the MLS! Welcome to this nearly new Middleton plan with three-car garage located on a wonderful pond homesite. Upon entering, you are greeted with a grand two-story foyer with a dining room that leads to the fabulous open concept gourmet kitchen which features butler pantry, double wall ovens, all gas stainless appliances, plentiful storage and counter space, large island and breakfast area. The light and airy Family Room is great for entertaining and directly off the kitchen is a screened porch that opens to a large patio and fenced-in yard, overlooking a peaceful, serene pond. Your spacious master suite is also on the 1st floor and includes a tile shower with separate bath, dual granite countertop raised vanities and a separate toilet room plus a closet with plenty of storage space. The laundry room is conveniently located on the first floor as well coming in from the 3-car garage. A powder room off of the foyer finishes the first floor. As you go up the hardwood stairs you are greeted with a giant bonus room with French doors, this could be a 5th bedroom as there are 2 large storage closets. Also on the 2nd floor are 3 bedrooms, one having its own full bath making it a great guest suite, mother-in-law suite or child's private bedroom. There is an additional full bath with separate tub and shower room plus dual granite-topped vanity which is accessible from the hall for the other 2 bedrooms.