Once you've identified the house you want to make a home, the next important step is getting it at the very best price with the very best terms. It's easy to oversimplify negotiations to just about price, but there are so many other things that come into play to get the best deal. A great contract c

When purchasing a home, you will need to acquire homeowners insurance. In fact, all lenders will require a policy to be in force prior to funding the loan. Make sure you have enough coverage, should anything happen. Policies refer to "replacement costs" that may not cover everything. You should ask

Most buyers choose to drive by your home first before wanting to set an appointment to view it. An attractive yard that is free of debris will gain interest quickly. Make sure that trees are trimmed and that your home can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed, and edged. Walkways sh

Not sure if you can afford to buy?  Wondering if you should just rent? There are many articles out there on the rent vs buy debate, and opinions on what you should do, but how do you really know what’s right for you? Well here is some local information that will be useful in making your decision. T

The greatest way to show a home is to make it available for agents to show it.  I know this sounds obvious but you'd be amazed at the number of times I try to show a home and cannot get in for one reason or another.  Typically a key is provided in a secure lockbox provided by your real estate agent

The Summerville Farmers Market is always a social and fun time. Local residents will walk or drive their golf carts up to the parking lot behind the Summerville Town Hall every Saturday from April to December. While I confess there have been times I’ve just run up there for my weekly vegetables, my

When having a home to sell before you can purchase, the timing and negotiating can become significantly more important. It IS possible to strategize a "door to door" move avoiding the necessity of putting all your things in storage. Following are five distinctly different ways to negotiate the cont

Summerville New Homeowners Many first time homebuyers wait to enter the market because they think they need a 20% down payment, or don't realize the benefits of buying sooner than later. If that's you, please keep reading! According to the Confidence Index Survey by the National Association of Real

If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant to celebrate with the one you love for Valentines Day, here are some of the places I love best in Summerville. We have many more, but these are my tried and true favorites. My number one favorite romantic place to spend the evening is Middleton Place Rest

My favorite time of year!  The end of winter always comes with the blooming of camellias. While winter isn't quite over, it's the sign of new life to come. People are cutting back their shrubs and trees preparing for the new season and around this time every year I enjoy my morning walks just a lit

A lot is being said about the new tax code. Two changes are expected to have an impact on the housing market. One, the reduction in the mortgage debt deductible, and two, the real estate tax deduction is now limited to $10,000. In addition to this, a higher standard deduction may lessen the incenti

      It was a strong year for Summerville real estate in 2017. The number of homes sold increased while the number of homes on the market decreased over 2016. This strengthened the "Sellers Market" (where the number of months supply is less than 6 months.) In a Sellers Market, the buyer has l

Benefits of Homeownership beyond the Financial Many people want to be homeowners for a variety of reasons. It’s always been known as "The American Dream." While there are many financial benefits of homeownership, a study by the National Association of Realtors findings show there are other benefits

You've just signed the listing paperwork and there's always the question of, "How would you like to be notified for showings?"  While it's not easy keeping your home ready to show at all times, it's one of the best things you can do to get your home sold quickly. It is one of the four top considerat

Buying a home in a seller’s market can be frustrating, especially if you’re not aware of the market conditions, find your dream house, and lose it because you were not prepared. Markets change constantly. They vary city to city and even neighborhood to neighborhood but one thing is consistent latel

Here are some important tips to be ready to make a strong offer when you find the house you really want: Be a Pre-Approved Buyer:A pre-approved buyer always has the advantage in an offer situation. Becoming pre-approved is very easy: you complete your loan application with a credit check prior to be

Why You Should Sell During the Holidays Many people think that during the holidays is not the best time to sell your home. I disagree. Over the years I have realized a couple of things about selling during this time of year. Three Reasons to Sell During the Holidays One, showings do slow down but t

Selling a home can be quite an adventurous journey. In the many years I've been helping people sell their homes, I've found four compelling reasons owners should invest in hiring an agent versus selling on their own. An experienced real estate agent can efficiently guide you on the path to your ult

While purchasing a new home is exciting, you want to be sure you know what you're buying.  Plumbing can be one of the most costly home repair expenses so it's important to know the condition of your plumbing before purchasing.  Overlooked plumbing problems can result in flooding and leaks and hundre

When you are checking out homes, there are several items in our market you need to be aware of - including siding.  In the Lowcountry, vinyl, wood, brick, and cement board are the most common types of siding.   There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them.  Stucco is not as common probably