Contact Anne Collins at (803) 518-3768, expert in Land & Residential, I will make sure you have a  systematic plan before starting the home buying process.  Here are some tips to make the most of your home purchase:

Remember additional closing costs
Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc. A good lender will provide you with a good faith estimate of the costs.

Making an offer on a home
What price do you offer a seller? What is the Fair Market Value? Without research on the market and comparable homes, you could lose thousands of dollars.   You need me as your REALTOR to negotiate the lowest price for you and to assist with the inspections and punch list priore to closing and moving in.

Buying a mis-matched home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple. Yet, clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping, leaves you in a better position. Sometimes, home buyers buy a home that is too large or too small. Perhaps they didn’t consider the drive to work, the distance to school, or the many repair jobs waiting for completion. Plan ahead. Use your needs list as a guideline for every home you view.

Unclear title
As part of your due dilligence be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. Your closing attorney should perform a title search to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements. It is also a good idea to pay for Title Insurance.

Outdated survey
Before the purchase is complete, an updated survey may also be essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.).

Unexpected repairs
For $300 - $500 a home inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. In South Carolina, all buyers have a 10 day due dilligence inspection period. The inspection report can be used to re-renegotiate the sales price or have sellers make necessary repairs prior to closing.

Get a lender pre-approval
It only takes about 30 minutes to get financing pre-approval from a lender. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. It is a good idea to include at least a pre-qualification letter with your offer to purchase. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious and able buyer.