Purchasing a home in the Charleston Tri-County Area with Barley Real Estate

With some up-front planning, buying a home isn't very complicated, but the event is stressful for many people. So you know exactly what to expect, I like to give my buyers a road map of the whole deal. These are my nine steps to purchasing a home.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you begin searching for a home, there are a lot of things you need to do. When you start your search, you'll want to put together a check list of features you want, get a feel for what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. A good rule of thumb to go by is that your mortgage payment should be close to 1/3 of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Get with a real estate agent in the Charleston Tri-County Area
This is where Barley Real Estate can help. I'll book a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the the Charleston Tri-County Area area.

I can also assist you in getting started on your loan. I work with some of the Charleston Tri-County Area's best mortgage professionals, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They can assist you in determining which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin your search
After our first meeting, I'll start looking for available homes on the market that are great for you. I'll research many of the homes and ignore the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

When we tour the houses, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to tell me about things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to revise their must-have list as we view houses and some items become more substantial than others. If that happens, I'll search all the listings once more and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
My knowledge of the the Charleston Tri-County Area housing market is an essential benefit in your search. I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will communicate certain neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

When we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask a lot of questions. Any real estate agent will claim to know the market. If things don't add up, contact me at (843) 884-2821 or e-mail me at training@pipelineroi.com, and I'll be glad to answer your questions. My market knowledge will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm confident we'll find your dream home in the the Charleston Tri-County Area area, and when that happens, I'll meticulously develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like obtaining financing and the results of the home inspection.

When we turn in your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the home seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is usually applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer. It's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll talk over whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll create a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After the deal is signed, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-qualified, this shouldn't take much time at all, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.>

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will probably take place at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and peaceful occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply call me at (843) 884-2821 or send me an e-mail.

eview 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.