By deciding to buy your own home, you've taken the most important step to start investing in your future in the Charleston area. In making this decision, you are creating a "forced saving's account" while receiving tax advantages attained by home ownership. When you file taxes at the end of the year, you will find that you have many deductions that were not available to you before. Interest on your primary residence is fully deductable on your taxes.

As you continue to live in your home, it will appreciate. When it's time to sell, you will find that you have built equity in your home which may then enable you to buy a home of greater value. Here are next steps:

1.   Determine how much you can afford by using the Mortgage Calculator on this page.

2.   Once you have decided the payment you can comfortably make, contact me so I can set you up on an "automatic search" for the specific area where you would like to live, type house (size & features) you want that fits your budget. 

3.   Get pre-approved through a reputable local lender and have them give you a "Pre-approval Letter". Most sellers require that all buyers who see their home are pre-approved. The lender will provide this at no cost to you. Many lenders (who are originators) can have this done within a few hours. DO NOT HESITATE TO GET PRE_APPROVED.  "Pulling your credit report" for the purposes of buying a home DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR FUTURE CREDIT SCORE. This is a common misconception. Information derived from pre-approval is held in strict confidence and will be used only for the intended purpose of helping you purchase your home. When you find the right home, you will be ready to make a strong offer. I will be happy to help you with this step and to find competitive mortgage rates.

4.   Once you are pre-qualified, and know the price home you can afford, decide on the monthly payment with which you feel comfortable.  I will then set you up on an "automatic search", for homes in that price-range with the unique features you want in the specific area where you would like to live. You will receive listings of homes directly from the Charleston MLS as soon as they come on the market.

5.   Start planning for closing by making sure you have the necessary funds. You will need earnest money, (typically 1% of the purchase price or at least enough to make a seller know that you are a serious buyer). Generally, closing costs and prepaid costs amount to about 3% total. Often a seller will participate (according to how long the home has been on the market and how motivated they are to sell) in helping with some of these costs. When the time comes, I will help you negotiate these costs. You also may be able to secure a mortgage which "builds in" closing cost and pre-paid costs, so do not let the lack of a down payment keep you from buying. Once again, you will have to have earnest money which will eventially be applied to your purchase at closing.

5.    Carefully review the listings you receive and select the homes that interest you. So that you will not be looking at unsuitable homes, initially narrow the list to 5-6 homes. Call me and we view those homes at your convenience. While you probably will not locate a home which includes EVERYTHING that you would like to see (unless you build it yourself), you should find a few that closely meet your needs.

6.    When we find the right home, you will know it. BE DECISIVE AND QUICKLY MAKE AN OFFER  Remember, others are also looking at the home you decide on and if it is attractive to you, chances are that it will be attractive to those other buyers. Well priced homes in good condition move very quickly. Once again, as your "Buyer's Agent", I will negotiate the best price for the home you select. I am a very skillful negotiator.

7.     GET EXCITED & follow my guidance to a smooth worry-free closing. Remember, you are making one of the best financial decisions of your life as you buy your new home.