The Charleston Area consists of Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties commonly referred to as the Lowcountry. Each county maintains several attractive bedroom communities and residential developments. Property cost, taxes and utilities vary from community to community and one needs to research the area or obtain an expert in their corner. The current Charleston Area market and economy is solid.
The historic downtown Charleston section is located on the tip of the Charleston Peninsula with the Cooper River to the East and the Ashley River to West coming together at the Atlantic Ocean. The rivers on each side of the main peninsula serve as dividing lines and while sometimes confusing to the newcomer the locals refer to the adjoining communities as being East Cooper or West Ashley.
Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island are East of the Cooper. West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island and Folly Beach are West of the Ashley. The Cooper and Wando Rivers separate Daniel Island with connecting I-526 bridges from North Charleston to East Cooper. Driving inland one will discover North Charleston, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Summerville and Moncks Corner. The main arteries of I-26 running east and west with the I-526 connector running north and south. This brings everything within a normal 25-40 minute driving range.
In the Charleston Area we are in a slight sellers market on the better properties. We simply maintain a steady stream of buyers and industry moving in that at times exceeds the better-qualified homes on the market. It is an interesting market as it is also an excellent time to buy with the lower interest rates. Both are ample reasons to enlist an experienced agent dedicated to obtaining the right home for you. One that knows how to listen to your needs, your wants and desires and draw from the entire inventory and show you all homes that meet your interest. One that will do a market evaluation on your final selection and will negotiate in your behalf.
The Charleston area construction, corporation growth and new developments are currently at such a pace that no one agent can maintain complete knowledge of any area including the one they reside in. I serve on an economic development committee and we are always on "catch up" as the growth exceeds all of our resources. One thing that is constant in real estate however is a trained agent with the experience to evaluate the final homes selected within any particular neighborhood or area. Nothing replaces training, education and experience.
The consumer must become aware of local market value when relocating and that can best be achieved by placing an experienced advocate in your corner.
Here are a few words of caution - agents many times create ads solely to make the phone ring! Floor agents are usually new licensees! Many of the homes have some drawback that's not mentioned in the ad, such as traffic noise, power lines, taxes or litigation in the community. You will never see an ad that says this home is overpriced or this home is a real dog. What's not mentioned in the ads is usually more important than what is and many homes in print ads are already under contract. Remember that the person answering ad calls may not be the best agent for you!
The most important decision you can make is having someone that will look out for your best interests. An agent that will critique the property with an eye towards how well it meets your needs and will point out any drawbacks you should know about. So pick your agent first, find one you feel comfortable with and enlist the services of that agent as a buyer's broker. Then you become a client with all the rights, benefits, and privileges created by this agency relationship, and you're no longer an uneducated shopper.
The "best deals" go to consumers that commit to a solid working relationship with an experienced agent. When an agent hears of a great buy he is going to call his client, who he has an obligation to work hard for and not the casual tire kicker that usually will not provide decent contact info. To get the best buy on a property, we recommend that you seek out and sign up with an experienced professional and then stick with him.
If you are serious about exploring your first or next home purchase and would like to interview an experienced buyer agent that has served hundreds of buyers, send me your information and needs.
When my buyer client selects a neighborhood or a particular home, I evaluate using "factual information" in regards to the area. In today's electronic age we have access to an abundance of information. I draw on my past training as a licensed appraiser and base my evaluations on appraisal methods. I use the "sold" comparables to assist in evaluating the price while working with my buyer in forming our negotiation strategy in making the offer.
We should form a comfort level early on and only proceed if we can function as a team in meeting our mutual goal of placing you in the home of your choice. In regards to my compensation, I get paid when we are successful and I'm paid via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) offer to compensate which comes from the sellers proceeds. My services will not cost the buyer anything additional and in most cases my negotiation skills will provide savings.
What I have learned while striving to exceed the expectations of my buyers is that the buyer will always enjoy making a good home purchase and will certainly appreciated any significant savings.
One of my team members or myself will always be available to show you the homes or properties that you desire to see and there are many reasons to have your buyer agent present during all showings. We run interference to prevent giving away excessive information to sellers or seller agents before the real negotiation begins. We will point out problems and note negotiable items. We advise you when you should pass on a home. Why? We do not represent any particular home or seller. We represent you and only you on the home of your choice. I personally want you to become a raving fan advocate and refer others to me so I will try and exceed expectations.
Request my Free Charleston Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Charleston, SC area. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out...
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