Charleston SC Homes for Sale

I am a Charleston SC Real Estate agent with Carolina One real estate, I can help walk you through the complicated process of buying real estate. In today's market people need a real estate agent more than ever to find the best deal or make the difficult sale.

Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about real estate or the home buying process.

The is a quick guide to buying a house here in Charleston, SC.

My MOVING CENTER can help you learn more about Charleston SC Real Estate

The 9 Steps to Home Ownership

Step - 1 Make the Decision to Buy a house
 
It seems obvious to some people, but it's good to note that the first step to buying a house is making the decision to buy. Consider the reasons you want a new house and write them down. Determine how long you want to live in the new house - does buying still make good financial sense? Can you afford a house that will meet your list of requirements? A good rule of thumb is your mortgage payment should not exceed 1/3 of your net monthly income. Speaking to a real estate agent can help you determine how much you can realistically afford.
 
Step 2 - Seek Professional Guidance
 
I'd like to schedule a time to meet with you to hear the reasons you want to buy a house and your plans for the future. We will talk about neighborhoods, schools, economic factors likely to affect the market today and tomorrow, as well as how you would like your house and neighborhood to grow with you.
At this time, I will also help you get pre-qualified for a mortgage from a qualified lender. Pre-qualification is a written statement from a loan officer indicating his or her opinion that you will be approved for a mortgage loan up to a certain amount. The fact that you are pre-qualified will help us when we are negotiating the deal. This will help us narrow down which houses we should look at.

 
Step 3 - Begin the Hunt
 
After our initial meeting, I'll search all my resources for houses on the market that fit your criteria. I'll preview these houses to eliminate the ones that probably will not work for you. Often times I have already been in the houses so I can tell you my honest opinion about them. I'll schedule appointments to tour the houses at times convenient for you.
As we look at different houses, I'll point out positive features and negative features. I'll ask you to tell me what you like and what you don't like. You'll probably amend your "wish list" as we see different houses, some things will become more important and others less important. With this new information, I'll refine our search criteria to narrow in on the house of your dreams.

 
Step 4 - Knowing the Market
 
My knowledge of the local market is an essential factor in the house search. I'll let you know when the market in a particular neighborhood is "hot" and requires immediate action or when the market is "cool" and allows for thoughtful consideration.
As we tour houses, I'll let you know when the asking price has negotiating room and when the house is "priced to sell". My unique market knowledge will keep you a step ahead of the "house hunting competition".

In a "seller's market". It is not unusual to see multiple offers on a property, full-price offers and even above-price offers. On the flip side, during a "buyer's market" there are more houses for sale than buyers. This gives us more negotiating room as houses are taking longer to sell.

 
Step 5 - Find Your Dream House
 
I'm confident we'll find your dream house. When we do, I'll put together the purchase offer tailored for your needs including appropriate contingencies (such as obtaining financing, favorable home inspection, clear title, etc.).
The offer is normally presented with "earnest money". This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is applied to closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, generally closing is held 30 to 60 days from the offer date (generally dependent on the turn around time of your mortgage financing).

 
Step 6 - Negotiate the Deal
 
It is not uncommon to receive a counter offer when the initial purchase offer is submitted. Don't let this discourage you. We will discuss the counter offer and decide whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the counter offer and move on.
Market conditions will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We will also work within your limits. Emotions can lead to buyer's remorse. It is better to set limits prior to negotiating an offer and stick to these limits.

 
Step 7 - Get a Loan
 
During the closing period, you will be working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. Since you pre-qualified for the loan before starting your home search, you will be that much closer to the end. I'll gather the necessary property information your lender will need to close the loan.
 
Step 8 - Close the Deal
 
You will receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of closing costs at the time the loan application is submitted to the lender. The estimate is based on the loan officer's past experience and may not include all the closing costs. I will be glad to review the "Good Faith Estimate," answering questions and highlighting missing costs and estimates I believe to be low.
 
Step 9 - Move In
 
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house and make it your home. Enjoy this exciting time. I'll give you a checklist to help you remember the numerous details that will make your moving day a pleasure. 
 
 

Trinity Real Esate Services, LLC

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