Charleston, SC Posts

This is a continuation of a series: 10 Common Myths Shared by Homebuyers.* See myth #9 here.  

A buyer might assume that since the contract is contingent on the home inspection, it can be mistaken that the seller is to fix anything and everything that comes up on it.  South Carolina's Association of Realtor's contract specifically states that the seller is only responsible for repairs to make the roof free of leaks, the house structurally sound, and to address electrically, plumbing, and HVAC issues.  Many inspectors volunteer their subjective opinions rather than just reporting the facts based on their observations. The results of the inspection will prompt renegotiations.  An experience realtor will help you evaluate the inspection report and point you to contractors that can further evaluate the claim and then will help you negotiate repairs.   

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Michele Reneau - Military Relocation Specialist with Carolina One Real Estate in Charleston, SC.

Contact Michele Reneau, Realtor®, North Charleston, SC Relocation Expert, CRS, GRI, ABR. Licensed Realtor® in South Carolina at 843-572-0518 to list your property for sale or to purchase real estate in Charleston, Goose Creek, Summerville, North Charleston, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas in Charleston County, Berkeley County or Dorchester County, South Carolina. The Charleston Relocation Expert specializes in military relocation, first time homebuyers and creating marketing exposure to sell your home in the Charleston SC Real Estate market.  I can also be contacted by email at mreneau@carolinaone.com. To view all Charleston Metro area Homes for Sale Click Here and then click on Search for Homes.

I've been so busy in December that I have neglected my blog and twitter.  Not sure if it is the 70 degree weather we are having here in December or the just the drop in interest rates and amazing deals available out there that are encouraging buyers to start looking.  Today is the 1st day I've had off in December other than the time I left the state for 2 short mini weekend getaways.  I just want to give kudos to several groups of people out there contributing to this business!

SELLERS: You are doing a great job recognizing the importance pricing your property competitively and making it show well. Remember if you are not getting 8-10 showings a month, the price is too high.  If you get 8-10 showings and no offer, the price may be too high for the condition the house is in.  Sounds crazy that a property could get that many showings, but with the right marketing, price and condition, it will. 

STAGERS: In reference to the above, please hire your local stager to get your house in model showing shape.  I've had 2 listings sell in less then 30 days due to seller participation in agreeing on a price that is competitive in today's market and listening to my staging partner, First Impressions to get the house show ready.  There are many listings in both neighborhoods that have been on the market a long time compared to my listings that sold in record time.  My stager is one of my most valued partners in the listing process.  The return on investment is there. It is an upfront cost that will help you sell your home in 30-60+- days (when done right), but if your property was on the market 6 months, you'll have saved 4 months of mortgage payments!     

BUYERS: Congrats on calling your mortgage lender and getting pre-approved. Rates are at a record low below 5% and this is an amazing time to BUY!  Prices are amazingly low and those that are taking advantage of it are reaping some equity rewards.  I'm starting to see many investors take their money out of the stock market and buy some great real estate deals also. 

LENDERS: I know you are extremely overwhelmed with refinances right now.  But without you doing your job of getting buyers thoroughly approved, I couldn't do my job.  Having the a competent and professional lending partner is of utmost importance.    

Just want to say thanks to everyone!

This is a continuation of a series: 10 Common Myths Shared by Homebuyers.* See myth #8 here. 

It can be complex in choosing a mortgage since there are plenty of options. Your particular circumstances may dictate what options are available to you.  By assuming all mortgage are the same, a buyer might deprive themselves of making a fully informed decision.  When borrowers compare rates, you could make sure you are comparing apples to apples in the same season.  What I mean by "season" is that if you are shopping rates with different lenders, you should get a quote from all of them within 1-2 hours of each other. Rates change daily (sometimes more than once in a day).  Comparing apples to apples means that you should get a good faith estimate (GFE) from each lender to compare fees.  Some lender will estimate taxes and insurance differently which can change the bottom line.  Ask you realtor to help you compare the differences.

Some questions a borrower should consider are: How does one rate compare to the other over the long haul? Does a 15 year or 30 year program measure up to your goals? Does an adjustable rate mortgage make sense and if so, what the best time frame?  Are there buy down options? Is the loan assumable? Will it have a prepayment penalty? Have a reliable and professional lender will help you evaluate your options. You realtor will be able to recommend a professional that will work for YOU.

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Michele Reneau - Military Relocation Specialist with Carolina One Real Estate in Charleston, SC.

Contact Michele Reneau, Realtor®, North Charleston, SC Relocation Expert, CRS, GRI, ABR. Licensed Realtor® in South Carolina at 843-572-0518 to list your property for sale or to purchase real estate in Charleston, Goose Creek, Summerville, North Charleston, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas in Charleston County, Berkeley County or Dorchester County, South Carolina. The Charleston Relocation Expert specializes in military relocation, first time homebuyers and creating marketing exposure to sell your home in the Charleston SC Real Estate market.  I can also be contacted by email at mreneau@carolinaone.com. To view all Charleston Metro area Homes for Sale Click Here and then click on Search for Homes.

This is a continuation of a series: 10 Common Myths Shared by Homebuyers.* See myth #7 here.

Many buyers resent the lending process and don't understand why they need to provide a pre-approval and start jumping hoops before they find a house they like.  In troubled mortgage markets, lenders take more precautions before lending money. Lenders must be certain that a borrower is creditworthy which requires quite lengthy application process and documentation verification.  Given the changing guidelines, it's important for a buyer to cross this hurdle first.  In the Charleston market, many of the lenders I'm working with are putting the file into underwriting upon receipt of all documents. This has saved a few borrowers when guidelines changes. Since the file was in underwriting they were grandfathered in so to speak assuming a ratified contract followed soon. Without this step completed, a seller will not consider a contract without a pre-approval.  If the property is a hot buy for you, it probably is for another buyer and you could be losing the opportunity on your dream home due to a delay in getting the necessary documents to your lender and the time they need to review it.  It's important to have a full pre-approval in hand.  When you find the right house, you'll be thankful you have it in hand.   

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Michele Reneau - Military Relocation Specialist with Carolina One Real Estate in Charleston, SC.

Contact Michele Reneau, Realtor®, North Charleston, SC Relocation Expert, CRS, GRI, ABR. Licensed Realtor® in South Carolina at 843-572-0518 to list your property for sale or to purchase real estate in Charleston, Goose Creek, Summerville, North Charleston, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas in Charleston County, Berkeley County or Dorchester County, South Carolina. The Charleston Relocation Expert specializes in military relocation, first time homebuyers and creating marketing exposure to sell your home in the Charleston SC Real Estate market.  I can also be contacted by email at mreneau@carolinaone.com. To view all Charleston Metro area Homes for Sale Click Here and then click on Search for Homes.