Escrow is a secure financial arrangement where a third party holds funds for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance on behalf of the mortgage lender. It's designed to ensure those bills are paid on time and protects both the lender and the homeowner. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image...
May 2025
No, a purchase agreement is not the same as an offer. An offer is a proposal made by a buyer to purchase a property under specific terms, while a purchase agreement is the final, legally binding contract that results once the buyer’s offer is accepted by the seller. Both are critical stages in the real estate transaction—but they are not interchangeable. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...
Yes, there’s a difference—though the two terms are closely related. An easement gives someone legal access to use part of another person’s land for a specific purpose, while a right of way is a type of easement that allows someone to travel across the property. If you’re buying or selling land near Lake Marion, understanding these terms is crucial—especially when it comes to shared driveways,...
Buying a lake house is about more than just stunning views. You need to look at the property’s water access, flood risk, maintenance demands, neighborhood rules, and more. Whether you want a weekend retreat or a full-time residence, this guide shows you exactly what to consider before making one of the biggest—and most rewarding—purchases of your life. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...
To sell your home fast and for top dollar, you need a clear strategy—from prep work to paperwork. This complete checklist walks you through everything: cleaning, repairs, staging, pricing, marketing, and closing. If you’re selling a home in the Lake Marion area, Carolina Properties can help you check every box with confidence. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...
A VA loan cannot be used to buy land alone unless you plan to build a home on it right away. The VA loan benefit is designed to help veterans and active-duty service members buy, build, or refinance a primary residence—not vacant land for future use. But with the right plan, you can use a VA loan to buy land and build a home in a single transaction. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...
The best type of loan for a house depends on your financial situation, credit score, down payment, and homeownership goals. Most buyers choose from four main options: Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans. Each has unique benefits and requirements—so knowing which one fits your needs is key to buying confidently, especially in markets like Lake Marion, SC. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...
A construction loan is a short-term loan that covers the cost of building a new home from the ground up. Unlike traditional mortgages, construction loans release funds in stages—called "draws"—as work progresses. Once construction is complete, the loan is either paid off or converted into a permanent mortgage. If you’re building your dream home near Lake Marion, understanding how construction loans...
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps your interest rate and monthly payment the same for the life of the loan, while an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) starts with a lower rate that can change over time based on market conditions. Choosing the right option depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, your risk tolerance, and your financial goals—especially when buying in areas like Lake Marion, SC. /*!...
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In most parts of the U.S., including South Carolina, that limit is $766,550 as of 2025. If you’re buying a luxury, lakefront, or multi-million-dollar home near Lake Marion, you may need a jumbo loan to finance the purchase. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...