Charleston, SC Posts

I can certainly understand why homeowners would be afraid of falling prices. We purchased a home during the heat of the market and the builder has since started selling our same floorplan for about $15,000 less. The good news is that over the long term, the prices will go back up.  It's painful for those who HAVE TO move. But look at it on the flip side. For those looking to buy, falling home prices make you RICH! The home correction is good for you assuming your income is still the same, you can now buy MORE HOUSE!


Don't you wonder how homes could constantly go up in value? But yet, people are fighting for affordable housing. We can't have both. The rising median prices of homes in Charleston was shutting out many folks given our average income here doesn't rise with those prices. It's an exciting time to buy...especially if you have been watching prices over the last 3 years.

I just closed a property for a buyer that originally called me about renting. After looking at the numbers, it was actually cheaper to buy, not mention as a military service member, they get a housing allowance so technically, the government makes their mortgage payment. They know they will be stationed here for a minimum of four years and after running the numbers and deciding the risk vs. rewards, they decided, they'd rather be able to paint, decorate, and otherwise have the freedom to live in their home. After almost 10 years of service, this will be their first home. How exciting!! They were able to spend significantly less than their housing allowance and after showing how an extra $100/month towards the principle balance can shave 7 years off the life of the loan, this family is on their way to their American Dream. I'm escatatic for them to reap the benefits.

Ok, seriously...when an agent includes the Contingency of Buyer's complete satisfaction of financing, inspection, CL100 and appraisel...what exactly does that mean?  To me, it sounds like they are looking for an out.  And how do I help my seller counter that?  You are either approved or you are not.  The CL-100 is either clear or not and if it's not, the seller has to fix it for you or the next buyer.  The appraisel is what it is. And the inspection is going to to be clearly defined.  Either there are items for a seller to fix or there is not. Our contract specifically states that the seller is responsible for making HVAC, electrical, plumbing, making the roof free of leaks, addressing structural issues and any wood rot, or environmental issues.  If the buyer doesn't like the way the shoemould is laid in the house, they can back out of the contract.  Come on.  We are not in the position of turning away offers so the seller is going to counter it, but I cannot leave the seller open ended with this particular language.  How would you handle it?

Previous model home in desirable Indigo on the Ashley subdivision is now FOR SALE! This neighborhood backs to the Ashley River and has gorgeous marsh views. You'll love this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath (2250 sq) home that sits on a corner lot with side entry garage and your neighbors can't wait to welcome you into the neighborhood! This close knit community is nestled within Dorchester County and is zoned to Windsor Hill Elementary and brand NEW River Oaks Middle School. This neighborhood is conveniently located just 2 miles from CAFB and I-26, 526, Northwoods Mall, airport and more. Gorgeous 2 story foyer with hardwood floors flow through the downstairs. Formal living room can be used as an office or study. Extra large formal dining room will easily fit a 8 chair table. Breakfast nook overlooks the backyard and opens to the kitchen. Kitchen is efficient with built in microwave, island work space, great counter space and all appliances convey here. Family room has a gas log fireplace and is a great place for family fun and entertaining. Extra large backyard has sturdy 6 foot privacy fence with double gate for boat access and shed will convey for additional storage needs. Speaking of boats...Seller will CONVEY the 21' foot Hyrdosport boat with 200 horsepower Yamaha in the backyard. That's right...buy this house and you get the boat too! Enjoy early mornings or late evenings on your extra large screen porch. Huge master bedroom features an en suite bathroom with water closet, separate his/her sinks, garden tub, separate shower and HUGE walk in closet. This home features all the storage you need. Be sure to open all the doors as you walk through to view this home to see all the extra storage it offers! The garage is no exception with workbench and overhead space. All secondary bedrooms are generous with plenty of closet space. Home already has a lawn sprinkler system in the front and back. The best part of this corner lot is for moms that want to see children off in the morning. The bus stop meets on the corner so kids don't have to stand outside in the rain. You can see the bus coming. Current AHS warranty will transfer to new owner. Transferable termite bond to protect your investment. Seller offering $5000 towards closing costs!! View a visual tour of this property at www.CharlestonRelocationExperts.com.

So I wrote a contract for one of my buyer clients and we included that the property should be professionally cleaned.  The sellers removed it in the counteroffer and just said they would clean it themselves. No problem.  The house was fairly neat so we conceded that they would probably do a suitable job. The selller's agent called and the seller's moved out early and they wanted us to do the final walk thru prior to them leaving to make sure the house was satisfactory to the buyer.  In the event it wasn't, they could address any issues prior to their departure.  So 3 weeks prior to closing, we went over to walk thru and take notations of the items we request for repair also.  When we walked in it was obvious the floors hadn't even been swept out.  Then we noticed the cobweb that went from the corner of the dining room over to the corner of the kitchen.  The laundry room floors and walls were covered with dryer vent lint. The kitchen cabinets weren't even wiped out. Baseboards still had dust bunnies on them.  So I called the seller's agent to ask if she was aware of the condition and listed the items we saw.  She couldn't believe it either and came over later to verify to which she agreed it was unsatisfactory. She called the sellers to address it and they asked me to write a specific list of items to be addressed.  Hello?! How about everything?! (*&*&%&^ The sellers are "list" people and it would be helpful to have a list so that they would not miss anything.  Okay, fine.  So I wrote up a very detailed list and sent it over.  I get a call from the seller's agent who explained the seller was very upset because they felt the buyer was being very picky and he got such a great deal on the house.  Last time I checked, no one put a gun to the seller's head to take my buyer's offer.  He could have countered or waited on another buyer.  They agreed to give my buyer a "great deal" and they also agreed to clean the house.  They also asked us to do a walk thru to make sure the house was satisfactory and when it wasn't, they were upset!  The poor agent said she was going to go over there to clean it herself since her seller was being unreasonable about it.  So in the future, should I not budge on the professionally cleaning?