Have a Question About Buying a Home in Charleston?
McLain Jones Has Answers!
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor in Charleston, it's always a good idea to brush up on your real estate knowledge before you begin your home search. That way, you're equipped with the tools required to make a confident homebuying decision. Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about buying a home in Charleston.
Frequently Asked Charleston Buying Questions
How do I start my homebuying journey?
- If this is your first time buying a home, congratulations! There’s plenty you’ll need to know, and I'm here to help. Start here to learn more about buying your first home in Charleston.
- The first step is to connect with a seasoned agent who has extensive knowledge of the area and current market trends. There are so many charming neighborhoods and distinct communities in and around Charleston, and I'd love to be your guide to the area.
- As you start exploring homes for sale in Charleston, it’s important to set a budget. Call or text me at 843-709-0649 to connect with my lenders or use my handy mortgage calculator to see what a monthly mortgage payment might look like for you.
How do I search for homes in Charleston?
- There are always quite a few factors to consider when you’re searching for a new home, and a lot depends on your lifestyle. Common considerations include how close you are to local amenities like the beach or Downtown Charleston, the size of the home you’ll need, and any features you know you’ll want.
- Use my home search tool to browse both available and sold listings in Charleston. You’ll be able to narrow down properties based on your criteria and save your favorite searches. Plus, you can sign up to get instant alerts when a new home becomes available!
Why should I use a real estate agent?
- A good real estate agent can be the difference between owning a home you like vs one you love! They should have a network to source homes for you that you cannot find yourself and be quick to show you the best new listings.
- You can count on me to provide insight into the neighborhoods and communities and offer "office exclusive" listings that are not publicly available.
- The right agent should have a vetted team including a home inspector, lender, insurance broker and closing attorney to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
How do I find the right mortgage?
- Mortgage loans are typically available through banks, credit unions, private mortgage companies, and government lenders. My lenders are top notch - reach out to me for this.
- You can also shop for lenders on your own, but make sure you take time to search around and compare rates. Calling local government agencies can also help you learn more about programs that might be available to you.
What are the differences in Charleston?
- Mt. Pleasant is adjacent to two serene beaches (Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island), has modern amenities like Towne Centre and Memorial Waterfront Park, and a variety of price points and excellent schools.
- Hanahan is a bit further from the beach but is centrally located (20 minutes to anywhere) and offers affordable homes with good schools. Consider Hanahan a great value.
- Daniel Island is the most luxurious, master-planned town in Greater Charleston. It's streetscape, golf, trails, pools, tennis, boat club and community vibe are phenomenal. Single family homes start at $1M.
What will I have to pay up front?
- Earnest money: This is the "security deposit" you pay when you submit your offer to prove to the seller that you are serious. After your offer is accepted, it is applied towards your closing costs.
- Down payment: This is a percentage of the cost of your home. The amount will depend on your loan; government programs can help decrease this amount.
- Closing costs: These are miscellaneous lender charges, attorneys fees, title insurance, and prepaid taxes and insurance to fund your new escrow account. You will get a "good faith" estimate of closing costs from your lender.
What other costs will I pay?
- Other costs can include utilities, HOA or condo fees, and property taxes—which are typically included in your mortgage payment.
- You will also want and appraisal and inspection for your new home, so we will budget for that and any updates you want to do prior to move in.
I Still Have Questions!
I can help! Contact me today, and let me answer any of your questions about real estate or homes for sale in Charleston.
Want more information? Learn more about buying a home in Charleston!