Name: Hunter and Mandy Edge
Rating: 5

Buying a Home in 2022

2022 continues to be a sellers’ market meaning low inventory, increased prices and homes selling quickly. How can you be prepared if you are thinking about buying a home in 2022? I have put together 5 tips to help buyers whether they are looking for a primary residence, investment property or second home.

HIRE A REALTOR®️

This market is crazy. I say that at least once per day. Having a REALTOR®️ that works for you and protects your best interests will help you navigate the craziness and make good decisions.

GET PRE-APPROVED

Now more than over, you need to talk to a lender before starting to look for a home. You need to know how much home you can afford.

You also need to decide your comfort level with your monthly mortgage payment, HOA fees and home maintenance expenses. Just because you CAN afford a home does not mean you SHOULD buy up to your limit. Life happens, and you do not want to be in a position that you are house poor.

Having a pre-approval letter from a local lender will help set your offer apart from other offers. Remember, sellers are receiving multiple offers (sometimes 10+).

Changes are coming the the lending world. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will soon be changing the interest rates that will be charged on second homes. It’s better to know your interest rate and other terms of your loan prior to getting under contract.

KNOW YOUR TIMELINE

This tip is especially important when you are renting an apartment or need to be in a new home by a certain date because your current home is under contract.

If you are currently leasing, I would suggest starting to look months before your lease ends. You will likely not win the first offer you write and may need to write more than one offer before getting under contract. Closing takes 30-45 days on most home purchases.

If you are selling a home, I would suggest starting to look at homes before you put your home on the market to weed out neighborhoods or areas you do not like and focus on neighborhoods and areas you do like. This way, you will be better prepared when your home gets under contract.

BE FLEXIBLE BUT READY TO MAKE A DECISION

As a buyer in a very strong sellers’ market, you need to be flexible. Sellers may prefer to stay in their home a week or more after closing. They may need the extra time to close on their new home and move. You will need to understand the risks associated with letting a seller live in the home after closing. However, having that flexibility may make your offer stand out to a seller.

When you find a home you like, you need to be ready to make an offer. Most likely, other buyers will be doing the same thing. If you wait too long to make a decision, you may lose on a house you love.

DO NOT WAIVE INSPECTIONS AND APPRAISALS

I know it is tempting to waive inspections and appraisals to make your offer more attractive to sellers.

However, inspections and appraisals are used to protect your largest financial purchase. Use them!! High ticket items like roof leaks, HVAC problems and foundation issues can be found during an inspection.

Appraisals give you an opinion of value from the appraiser to make sure you are not paying more for a property than you should.

Every situation is different so it is important to discuss the pros and cons of your offer terms with your REALTOR®️ and make the best decision for you. If you have any questions about buying a home in 2022, feel free to contact me.

5 Things Not To Do When Applying For a Loan

When applying for a loan to purchase a home, there are things you definitely should NOT do. Learn the top 5 things not to do when applying for a loan.

5 Things Not To Do When Applying For a Loan

DO NOT make any large purchases including a car or furniture and appliances for your new home. I know it is exciting to pick out items for your new home and get everything lined up for closing. However, the new payment for those purchases (if you buy on credit) could disqualify you from being able to qualify for your loan.
DO NOT stop making payments on your current obligations – rent, utilities, credit cards, student loans, car payments, etc.
DO NOT open any new credit cards. Opening any new credit cards could lower your credit score. Your credit will be re-checked right before closing. A lower score may mean you no longer qualify for your mortgage.
DO NOT make any large deposits or withdrawals that you cannot document.
DO NOT quit or change your job, even if it is for a better one. A change in jobs means you will have to produce 30 days worth of paystubs for the new job. Having to do this could delay your closing.

I hope learning about the top 5 things not to do when applying for a loan will help save you time and lower your stress levels when purchasing a home. Any time you have any questions about a financial decision that you are going to make between when you apply for your loan and when you close on your home, take a few minutes to call your loan officer or REALTOR. Taking those few minutes to explain what you are doing could save you a lot of headaches down the road or even save you from the worst-case scenario which is not being able to qualify for your loan and purchase your home.

As always, contact me if you are interested in buying or selling in Murrells Inlet or the surrounding area or if you are interested in learning more about living at the beach. Have a great day!

“Helping You Find the Sandcastle of Your Dreams!”

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Buying a New Construction Home vs. Buying a Resale Home

Advantages of Buying a New Construction Home vs. Buying a Resale Home

Building a new home can be a lot of fun and there are some advantages of buying a new construction home vs. buying a resale home.

Before getting into the advantages, we need to think about the timeframe to build. The timeframe to build a home and close is longer than purchasing a resale home and closing. You need to make sure the building timeline fits with your current living situation. Also, add in some extra building time for weather or supply delays.

Advantages of Building a Home:

You get to choose the floor plan and finishes you like. Once you pick out the floor plan that works best for you, you get to go to the builder’s design center to pick out your finishes – cabinets, countertops, flooring, light fixtures, etc.
As you get closer to closing on your home, we will meet with your builder to complete the punch list walk-through. During this walk-through, your builder will explain where the major systems of your home are and how to work those systems. We will also walk through your home looking for any paint that needs to be touched up and other issues that need to be addressed prior to closing on your home.
Either the day of closing or a day before closing, we will meet with the builder to make sure the items on your punch list were completed and make sure nothing else needs to be done.
When purchasing a new construction home, you also have a year warranty on almost everything in the home and an extended warranty for the systems and structure.

Buying a new construction home vs buying a resale home has some great advantages if the building process works for your timeframe.

As always, contact me if you are interested in buying or selling in Murrells Inlet or the surrounding area or if you are interested in learning more about living at the beach. Have a great day!

“Helping You Find the Sandcastle of Your Dreams!”

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Murrells Inlet SC Property Taxes

Types of Property Taxes

In SC, we have two tax rates for property taxes. The 4% rate for primary residents and the 6% rate for second homes and investment properties. When you close on a property, you will automatically be charged the 6% rate. You need to apply for the 4% rate, and I can give you information on how to apply for the 4% rate after you close. Also, after you are 65 years old and have lived in the home for 1 year, you can apply for the Homestead exemption. For property tax purposes, the tax office will reduce the taxable value of your home by $50,000.

Property tax example

Let’s look at an example. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates only and your taxes will vary by where you purchase and the different millage rates. For our example, you are purchasing a $300,000 home in the Horry County section of Murrells Inlet.

If you purchased that property for a primary residence, the yearly taxes are just over $1000.00.
If you purchased that property for a second home or investment property, the yearly taxes are just over $2400.00.
If you are living in the home as a primary residence, are 65 years old or older and have lived in the home for 1 year, you can apply for the homestead exemption. Your yearly taxes are just over $800.

If you are moving from the northeast or midwest, you will notice our taxes are likely much lower than what you are paying now.

As always, contact me if you are interested in buying or selling in Murrells Inlet or the surrounding area or if you are interested in learning more about living at the beach. Have a great day!

12 Home Buying Tips

Buying a home - whether it is your first or your 5th can be stressful. Deciding where the down payment will come from, hiring knowledgeable professionals and planning ahead make the process less stressful. Use the following home buying tips to help guide you through the home buying process.

1. Know about Your Down Payment

Where will you get your down payment?

Your down payment needs to be saved if you are buying your first home. Start early! Your down payment needed depends on your loan and can range from 3% - 20% down.

Are you selling your current home and using the proceeds for your down payment on your next purchase? Know your numbers and work with your real estate agent to make sure the numbers work.

Depending on your loan program, you may also be able to get a gift for your down payment.

Pro Tip: Start early! Also, talk to you real estate agent and ask for guidance even if you are not buying for 1 or more years. Agents help clients buy homes every day and are happy to help.

2. Clean Up Your Credit

Pull your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com. Check for inaccuracies and dispute any errors with the credit bureaus. A low credit score can keep you from getting a mortgage loan, cause the rate to be higher and possibly a higher rate on your homeowners' insurance.

Pro Tip: Monitor your credit through a site like Credit Karma to keep an eye on things between your annual credit check.

3. Delay Opening New Credit

Your credit score can be negatively impacted any time a creditor runs your credit. This goes for car loans, in store credit cards to save 10% on your purchase, major credit cards and financing furniture.

Pro Tip: It is best to hold off on any credit changes before applying for a mortgage loan and throughout the process until closing.

4. What TYPE of Home Will You Buy?

Most buyers think of single family homes when they think of home ownership, but there are several other choices that might fit your needs and lifestyle better.

Single Family Homes
Condos
Townhouses

Pro Tip: Think about your lifestyle and what you need in a home. Do you have time for yard and exterior maintenance or would you rather someone else handle those things? Do you like privacy and a yard or are you not an outdoor person? Do you need a garage for your car or storage?

5. Location, Location, Location

Living at the beach is different that vacationing at the beach! Before getting in a car with your agent to look at homes, start driving around your area. Decide what towns or neighborhoods you like best. Each town in our area has a different vibe. Go to festivals, events and dinner in the different areas to see what suits your lifestyle best.

Look at schools even if you do not have school-aged children. Schools will be important when it comes time to sell your home.

Pick at area that is hear hospitals, shopping, entertainment and other amenities you will use. Also, make sure your commute works for you.

Pro Tip: Drive your favorite towns or neighborhoods at different times of the day to check traffic, noise and activity levels.

6. Needs vs. Wants

Decide early on what you NEED in a home and want you WANT in a home. Also, know those things can change as you start looking at homes.

Pro Tip: Make a list of 5 things you must have in your home and a list of 3-5 things you would like to have in your home. Making a spreadsheet may help when you start looking a homes.

7. Talk to a Lender

Talk to a lender to find out how much home you can afford. A good lender can run your credit, advise you on how to improve your credit and let you know about down payment assistance programs. Some loan programs allow down payment gifts from family. Get a pre-approval letter (not pre-qualification letter) from your lender so you are ready to make an offer when you find the right house.

Pro Tip: Just because you are approved for an amount does not mean you have to go up to your limit. Make sure you are comfortable with the monthly payment and still have room in your budge for extra expenses that come along with home ownership.

8. Pay Bills On-Time

Likely, this tip goes without saying, but do not let the excitement and stress of looking for a home lead you forget to pay a bill on-time. That day late payment could come back to haunt you later.

Pro Tip: Consider setting bills on auto draft or auto send during your home purchase time.

9. Save, Save Save

In addition to your down payment, you will need money for closing costs, moving expenses and money for after move-in.

Closing costs typically run 2% - 5% of the loan amount and are on top of what you need to pay for your down payment.

Depending on where you are moving from and how many friends you can get to help you, you might need to hire movers. Make sure to allot the funds necessary to get your belongings to your new home.

Even when you find the "perfect" home, you will want to make some changes to your new home. Some of those could be minor, but some updates could be more expensive. Save some extra funds so you do not have to live with the previous owners wallpaper longer than you want to!

Pro Tip: Write a budget for what you think you need then add 10% "just in case".

10. Hire a Buyers' Agent

Your real estate agent will be a central part of your buying process. Your agent will ask about your needs and wants in a home and help you find the right home. Your agent will also guide you through the closing process once you find the right home and help navigate any hiccups along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure you find an agent that is knowledgeable of the area, professional and available. Your agent will also have the names and contract information for trusted professionals (lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents and contractors) that came help with your home purchase.

11. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

No house is perfect! Look at the structure or the "bones" of the home and try your best to overlook fixtures, paint colors, wallpaper choices and furniture. Unless you are buying a furnished home, the seller will be taking the furniture with them. Fixtures, flooring and paint can easily be changed once the home is yours.

Pro Tip: Ask your agent or friends for the names of trusted contractors or handymen to help with those projects that may be more than you want to handle.

12. Understand the Home Inspection

Home inspections are meant to give you a look and understanding of the main components of a home.

Heating and air conditioning systems
Electrical systems
Plumbing systems
Water supply and water waste systems
Roof
Environmental concerns
Structurally sound

Homes do not pass or fail a home inspection. The basic home inspection does not cover testing for radon, mold or pest. If you have a concern, talk it over with your agent and make sure you have that inspection covered.

Pro Tip: Attend your home inspection and review the findings with your home inspector. Ask questions. Your inspector is there to help you understand your home and should be happy to answer questions.

Buying a Home in Myrtle Beach – Understanding the Paperwork

Buying a home in Myrtle Beach is a complex process. I am starting a video series to help buyers and sellers understand the paperwork used in Myrtle Beach, SC when buying or selling a home. This series will go for several weeks. I will be covering the most common forms used.

First, I am going to discuss the Agreement to Buy and Sell. This form is commonly referred to as the “offer” or “contract”. Today, I explained the first two sections – Parties and Purchase Price. The Parties section is not the most exciting part of the form. However, these definitions set the stage for the rest of the contract.

Parties Section

The Buyer(s) and Seller(s) is listed in this section. Only the buyers on the loan are listed and only the sellers on the Deed are listed. You also must disclose in this section if the Buyer or Seller is a SC Real Estate Licensee. The following terms are defined in this section.

Party
Brokers
Closing Attorney
Effective Date
Business Day
Good Funds
Time

Purchase Price Section

The Purchase Price section covers what the buyer is offering for the property and how the buyer will pay for the property. This section also covers if the purchase is contingent on the buyer selling a home.

Tomorrow, I will discuss the Property section of the Agreement to Buy and Sell. Please comment below if you have any questions about the home buying process or the paperwork that is used in South Carolina.

“Helping You Find the Sandcastle of Your Dreams!”

Understanding the Home Inspection Process

Today is “home inspection day” for one of my buyer clients. This day can be a particularly stressful day for the buyer, seller and the real estate agents. I thought I would take a few minutes to help you understand the home inspection process.
What do home inspections cover?

Your basic home inspection covers the major components of the home. If your new home has a pool, chimney or you have concerns about mold, radon, a septic tank, etc, you will need an additional inspection.

Homes DO NOT pass or fail inspections. Your inspector will let you know what (if anything) is wrong with the major components or could be a safety issue. A good inspector will provide you with a detailed home inspection report that includes pictures, an explanation and highlights to major issues in a summary. You will also need to pay your home inspector at the inspection or prior to the inspection.

What is the seller responsible for repairing? In SC, the seller is responsible for making sure the following systems are in operative condition.

Heating system
Air conditioning system
Electrical system
Plumbing system
Water supply system
Water waste system

Also, the seller must make sure of the following…

The roof is free of leaks and
Address any environmental concerns

The home inspection is not the time to address cosmetic concerns. Those items should have been addressed during your initial offer and/or negotiations. For example, if the tile is cracked in the foyer, that is not a home inspection issue. You could ask the seller if they would be willing to repair the tile, but they are not bound by the contract to make the repair to the tile. Likewise, if the water heater is listed as 15 years old (at the end of the life expectancy) but still works, the seller is not bound to replace the water heater. On the other hand, if the water heater is not producing hot water, you can ask the seller to replace the water heater, repair it or give you a credit at closing.

You inspector will ask if he/she can share the report with your REALTOR. please say yes! ? That helps me help guide you through the home inspection negotiation process. Once you receive your home inspection, we will talk and decide what items (if any) you would like the seller to address. These items will be put in writing in the form of a Repair Addendum and sent to the listing agent. The time frame on when you will hear from the seller on the repairs will depend on what is in the contract.

I hope this explanation helped you in understanding the home inspection process. Let me know if you have any questions.

The DOs and DON’Ts During the Loan Process

Buying a house (especially your FIRST house) is a fun, exciting and stressful time. My job and your lender’s job is to help guide you through the process and make the buying process less stressful. Learn about the DOs and DON’Ts during the loan process…

What to DO During the Loan Process

DO pay your bills on time. Credit scores are very important when purchasing a home. You do not want anything to negatively effect your credit score.
DO continue to pay your rent payments if you are renting. Your rent payments will need to be verified.
DO stay in touch with your lender and your real estate agent. During the loan process, timing is critical. Answer all questions from your lender and your agent as soon as you can. Also, if you will be unavailable for some time during the loan process, let your lender and real estate agent know.
DO be aware of re-verifications. Right at closing (and sometimes the day of closing), your credit score and employment will be re-verified by your lender. If you have a no inquiry on your credit, and explanation and verification will need to be documented.
DO provide all documents to your lender ASAP. It is best to supply these documents within a day or two of your offer being accepted. Financial statements also have a shelf life. Do not be surprised if your lender requires you to send an updated paystub or bank statements as you go through the loan process. The following documents will be needed (and other documents may be required as you go through the loan process)…
- Paystubs – Provide 30 days of paystubs for all jobs.
- W2s – Provide W2s for the last two years for all borrowers.
- Federal Tax Returns – Provide all pages and all schedules for all borrowers for the past two years.
- Bank Statements – Provide all pages (even the ones left intentionally blank) of bank statements for all accounts for all borrowers. You cannot provide a screenshot of the statement. The bank statements must include your name, address and account number.
- Child or Spousal Support – Provide the ratified agreements showing any child or spousal support if this is applicable.
- Mortgage Statements – Provide mortgage statements for all properties owned, if applicable.

What to NOT DO During the Loan Process

DON’T apply for new credit. Most home buyers apply for store credit cards to buy furniture or appliances for the new house. The additional debt could change your credit score and your debt-to-income ratios. You may not be able to qualify for your loan anymore.
DON’T co-sign on a loan for anyone. Co-signing can decrease your credit score and you may not be able to qualify for your loan.
DON’T change jobs. If you change jobs, you will have to wait until you have 30 days of paystubs before you will be able to close on your loan.
DON’T be surprised if your lender asked for updated documents or additional documents. Bank statements and paystubs may need to be updated. Also, it may seem like your lender is asking for the same information you already provided. Because mortgage fraud is increasing these days, the lending industry is heavily regulated and some of those new regulations seem excessive.
DON’T make any large deposits to your checking account. All large deposits (other than your regular pay) must be verified and have a paper trail. Never deposit cash without talking to your lender first. (For example, if you grandmother gave you $200 for your birthday, do not deposit the check or cash into your account.)
DON’T change bank accounts. All money transfers have to be documented.
DON’T deposit any gift funds into your account without first talking to your lender. Gift funds have a strict protocol that has to be followed.

Following the “DOs and DON’Ts” during the loan process will help make your loan and closing process go much smoother! If you have any questions about the loan process or the home buying process, feel free to give me a call at 843-267-2710.

“Helping You Find the Sandcastle of Your Dreams!”

Loan Estimate and Closing Document Changes

New Loan Estimate and Closing Documents Changes

I wanted to share with you some changes coming down the road that will effect your closings. Starting with any loan applications taken August 1, 2015 or after, the documents you receive from your lender and at closing will be different than the documents you have previously seen. After the financial and mortgage meltdown on 2008, Congress established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the changes in these forms are part of this legislation.

Loan Estimate

Within 3 days of applying for a loan, you will receive a Loan Estimate. This document will replace the Good Faith Estimate and the first part of the Truth in Lending statement. It will disclosure much of the same information, but some information will be formatted a different way. One of the biggest changes you will see is at the bottom of the first page. You will now know the estimated dollar amount of your closing costs and the estimated dollar amount you will need for closing (including your down payment).

Closing Documents

The Closing Document is now the combination of the HUD-1 (settlement statement) and final Truth in Lending statement. The first page of the Closing Document will be largely the same as the first page of the Loan Estimate. Instead of items being given a line number, the form is divided into sections. On the last page of the Closing Document, you will also see the contact information for your Lender, Mortgage Broker (if applicable), both Real Estate Agents involved in the transaction and the Settlement Agent (in South Carolina, this will be the Buyer’s Attorney). This information will be helpful if you have any questions after closing. You will receive the Closing Document 3-6 business days prior to your closing. In some circumstances, any changes to the Closing Document will result in another 3-day review and a delay in closing.

Sample of the Loan Estimate and Closing Document: http://vid.us/n7sd3k

How do these changes most effect you as either a buyer or seller?

Closings will take longer. The transaction that previously could be closed in 30 days will now take closer to 45 days, and 45 day closings will now be closer to 60 day closings. Plan ahead!!! If you can apply for a loan prior to August 1, 2015, you will save some time. Also, if you have a deadline where you have to move (lease, relocation, etc), start planning about a month sooner than you previously would have.
The law states that you have to receive the Closing Documents 3 days prior to closing so you have time to review. Even if you completely understand the Closing Document and have no questions, you cannot close for 3 days.
Walk-throughs on home purchases may happen sooner than the day or two before closing. Sellers can give you a credit because of a walk-through without prompting another 3-day review period.
Items that would trigger another 3-day review period include items on the lender side (change in interest rate or APR, adding a pre-payment penalty, etc.)
You will know what amount to bring to closing much sooner than in the past.
Closing Documents cannot be changed at the closing table like may have happened in the past.
As a seller, you need to be aware that closings could take longer. Do not be discouraged if closing is delayed by a few days.
Back-to-back closings are a thing of the past. There are likely too many variables now and back-to-back closings will be very limited.
A best practice is that all contingencies to the contract will be removed or fulfilled 7 days prior to closing.
The first 60-90 days of this transition will be the hardest. Lenders, attorneys and real estate agents will be dealing with two sets of rules and regulations.

To help you prepare for the changes, please take a look at a sample Loan Estimate and sample Closing Document along with some of my notes from yesterday’s class. I will be happy to answer any questions about these new documents and the closing process.

To keep you updated on the current interest rate conditions, here is a copy of this week’s rates. You can visit my website, www.MyrtleBeachRealEstatePropertySearch.com, to search for any properties for sale. If you would like to see a list of properties put on the market in the last 48 hours, visit https://myrtlebeachrealestatepropertysearch.com/new-listings-48-hours-old/.

Looking at Homes in Myrtle Beach

“Looking at Homes in Myrtle Beach” is continuation of a blog post series, “Overview of Buying a Home“. You may want to read previous posts, “Buying a Home – Finding a Real Estate Agent“, “Buying a Home – Getting Pre-Approved for a Loan” and “The First Meeting with Your Real Estate Agent“.

By this point in your search for a home, you have found a real estate agent to guide you through the process, gotten pre-approved for a loan and had your first meeting with your chosen real estate agent. Now, it’s time to start looking at homes in Myrtle Beach.

Preparing to See Homes

From your first meeting, your real estate agent will narrow down the houses that are currently for sell to 5-10 that fit your criteria. It is best to do this in the real estate agent’s office. This way, you can look at all the MLS information available and locate the house on a map. You want to make sure you like the area where the house is located and like what you see from the pictures and description. Your agent will schedule appointments for your to see the homes that you like. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind as you are looking at homes in Myrtle Beach.

Keep in mind that sellers are still living in some homes you may want to see. Give the seller as much notice as possible to see a home. In case this home is the home for you, you do not want to start off on the wrong foot with the sellers!! I typically like 24-48 hours to get the appointments scheduled and get the information I will need to help you make the best decision on the home (past sales prices, taxes paid and any MLS history).
I like to show no more than 5-6 houses in one day. Any more than that, and all the houses start to look the same!! Instead of focusing on the layout of the house and if it would work for your and your family, you remember the house only as “the house with the bright paint” or “the house with the cat”.
Showings are typically allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, showings should be scheduled during daylight hours so you can see the home better and for everyone’s safety. During winter months, showings may need to happen on the weekend or you may need to take some time off of work.

The Day of Showings

Knowing what to expect will lessen your stress levels so you can spend your energy focusing on the houses we view. Here are some tips that will make looking at homes in Myrtle Beach less stressful for you…

The sellers may ask that you remove your shoes during a showing. Usually this is done to protect hardwood floors or to keep from tracking dirt/mud inside the home.
Dress for the weather. Bring a light jacket in the fall, winter and early spring and wear lightweight clothes during the summer. Also for ladies, it may be easier to navigate homes and yards in flat shoes versus heels.If you are looking at land or a home with acreage, you may want to consider bringing a pair of boots. Homes also may not have working A/C or heat.
Vacant homes may not have the utilities turned on. Bring a flashlight to better see the house.
While looking at homes, you may not be able to use the restroom – the water could be turned off or sellers still living in the home may request buyers not use their bathroom. Breaks throughout the day will be scheduled, especially if we have a longer day of looking at homes.
Avoid sitting on furniture
Avoid being “nosy” – It’s okay to look in the closet to see the size, but it is not okay to look in drawers of furniture that will not convey as part of the sale.
Do not allow child to roam free through the home or touch seller’s items.
Do not bring pets to showings
Nanny Cams – I have not personally experienced this, but I know some agents have. Sellers have been known to use nanny cams to spy on buyers. If you love the home, keep your excitement to yourself. We can discuss the pros and the cons of the house either outside or back in the car. Also, be careful of what you do. Some sellers have gotten buyers and agents on nanny cams snooping through their things.
Some sellers cannot leave the home for health reasons or prefer not to leave the home during showings. This occurrence is rare, but it if happens during a showing, try your best not to interact with the seller about the home. Do not give away too much information about yourself that could hurt you later in negotiations.

What to Look For While at the Home

It is exciting to look at homes and it is also fun. Remember, we are looking at homes to see if the layout and style of the home will work for you. Focus on the items that convey with the sale…

Flooring
Windows
Doors
Space
Fencing
Yard

Don’t get distracted by the “extras”…

The seller’s furniture
The seller’s personal pictures

What NOT to Look for While at the Home

The showing is the time to look at the home to see if it meets your needs and has the features you want. If you decide to write an offer on the house, the home inspection will be conducted after the offer is accepted and the home is under contract. The inspector will check the attic, roof and crawl space (if there is one) and he/she will check things like the dishwasher, electrical outlets and heating/air conditioning. These things should not be checked during a regular showing.

Use of Technology While Looking at Homes in Myrtle Beach

I love technology and I like to incorporate technology in the home buying process…as long as it makes sense and makes our life easier! One app that you will hear me mention throughout the home buying process is Evernote. Evernote is basically like an online filing cabinet of notebooks. Each of my clients has a notebook, and I use Evernote to record important information as we move through the home buying process. Evernote is a wonderful helper while we are looking for homes in Myrtle Beach. For each day that we view homes, your home tour will be kept in Evernote. I order the homes based on the order in which we will view them. For each home, I keep a record of the MLS sheet so I have all the information the listing agent provided right at my fingertips. As we are going through each home, I will take notes on things you like and things you do not like. I also use Evernote to take pictures of the home and visually document our property tour. We can annotate these pictures as well. Let’s say you love the house but hate the paint color in the living room. I will take a picture and make a note to change the paint color. While changing paint color is simple, and you would think you would remember that, after a long day of looking at houses, you may forget! Also, let’s say we notice a window is cracked. I can take a picture and make note of the cracked window. This way, in negotiations, we will remember the cracked window and make of note of that in our offer. I can also make note of any questions you may have and I can follow-up with the listing agent after we finish for the day. At the end of each property tour, I will email you the notes from our day. You will have a record of where we were, what we say and what we thought of the houses.

Most buyers find the home that works for them after looking at 5-10 homes. Keep in mind that no house is perfect though 🙂 Once you close on the house, you can make it your own!! Once you have found the house that would work for you, it’s time to write an offer!! There is a lot of paperwork involved in writing an offer, and I will cover that in my next post of the Home Buying Series.

Until then, you can contact me with any home buying (or home selling) questions. I can be reached by email at Kathy@KathyRukat.com, by phone/text at 843-267-2710, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KathyRukatMyrtleBeachRealEstate or by commenting on this post. Start searching for your dream home by visiting the Basic Search section of my website. Happy house hunting!

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1. Know about Your Down Payment

2. Clean Up Your Credit

3. Delay Opening New Credit

4. What TYPE of Home Will You Buy?

5. Location, Location, Location

6. Needs vs. Wants

7. Talk to a Lender

8. Pay Bills On-Time

9. Save, Save Save

10. Hire a Buyers' Agent

11. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

12. Understand the Home Inspection

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What to DO During the Loan Process

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Looking at Homes in Myrtle Beach

Preparing to See Homes

The Day of Showings

What to Look For While at the Home

What NOT to Look for While at the Home

Use of Technology While Looking at Homes in Myrtle Beach

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