A title search is the process of reviewing public records to confirm a property’s legal ownership and to uncover any issues — like liens, unpaid taxes, easements, or ownership disputes — that could affect the sale.In South Carolina, every real estate closing must be handled by an attorney. As part of that process, the attorney (or a title company working with them) conducts a title search to ensure...
buying a home
Selling a home isn’t just about posting it online and waiting for buyers. To get top dollar, sellers need someone who understands the local market inside and out. That’s where Megan Garris Crosby with Carolina Properties shines. Her knowledge of Lake Marion waterfront homes, golf course communities, and Santee neighborhoods gives sellers an undeniable advantage. When it comes to pricing correctly,...
Yes — in fact, the home inspection is one of the most common times to negotiate in real estate.After an inspection, buyers can:Request repairs from the sellerAsk for credits toward closing costsNegotiate a reduced purchase priceOr, in some cases, walk away if the issues are too big /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image...
What Does Negotiating an Offer Mean?Negotiating an offer means working out the final terms of a home sale so both buyer and seller agree on price, timeline, and conditions. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image...
The short answer: you can buy a house with a credit score as low as 580 for some loans, but most buyers need at least 620–640 to qualify comfortably.FHA loans: Minimum score of 580 (with 3.5% down)VA loans: No set minimum, but lenders usually want 620+Conventional loans: Typically require 620 or higherBest rates: Credit scores 740+ give access to the lowest interest rates /*! elementor - v3.23.0 -...
A deed shows that ownership of a property has been transferred, but having a deed alone doesn’t always guarantee that you own the property free and clear. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image...
The point of a Homeowners Association (HOA) is to maintain property values, manage shared amenities, and enforce neighborhood standards through rules (called covenants).Simply put, HOAs are designed to protect your investment by ensuring the neighborhood remains attractive, functional, and consistent — so one poorly maintained property doesn’t lower the value of every home around it. /*! elementor...
When you buy a house, the purchase price is only part of the expense. Hidden fees are extra costs that often catch buyers off guard, like closing costs, inspections, taxes, and insurance premiums.On average, buyers in South Carolina spend 2–5% of the purchase price in closing fees alone, which can add up to thousands of dollars. For Lake Marion buyers, where waterfront and resort-style homes are common,...
In South Carolina, “transfer tax” and “deed stamps” refer to the same closing cost — a government fee paid when real estate ownership changes hands. Officially, the state calls it the Deed Recording Fee, but you’ll hear locals, attorneys, and agents use terms like “deed stamps,” “documentary stamps,” or “transfer fee” interchangeably. /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024...
Yes — in South Carolina, sellers of most residential real estate are legally required to provide a written Property Condition Disclosure Statement to potential buyers. This requirement comes from the South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-50-10 et seq.), which is designed to help buyers make informed decisions.The law applies to the sale of most residential...