Using Your Fireplace Safely

A fireplace is a great feature in any home, and can create that warm, homey feeling on a cold winter evening that every homeowner dreams of...

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday commemorating a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621...

Buying A Home That Can Grow With Your Family

If you are a first time homeowner, or are purchasing a home after a major life change such as marriage or having children, what should you consider to be sure your new home can grow with your changing family?  The time and effort that go into purchasing and decorating a new home, not to mention finding it in the first place, means that you’ll want to ensure that your home will be right for you and your family for years to come...

Before you Build your new home

Looking to build or buy a new construction home? Look no further! As your go-to real estate agent, I'll be with you every step of the way to make sure that your interests are protected throughout the home buying process. First things first, let's talk about the importance of having your own realtor when purchasing a new home. While the builder's consultant may guide you through the homebuilding process, their primary focus is on the builder's interests, not yours. Having your realtor present during the process can help you make informed decisions and answer any questions you may have. Plus, who doesn't want someone to share their excitement with during the process? Before signing your new home contract, it's essential to carefully read through it to understand the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement. Make sure to take note of any deadlines and obligations that you need to fulfill to avoid any legal issues. And don't forget, your realtor is there to help you navigate the fine print. The design center is where you can really make your new home your own by selecting upgrades and options to fit your lifestyle and preferences. But remember, the choices you make here will affect your home's appraisal value. That's why bringing your agent along with you to the design center is highly recommended. During the construction phase, safety is of utmost importance. Your builder will have various times that you can visit the home during construction, but be sure to coordinate with your realtor and the builder to ensure that safety measures are in place before visiting the site. Securing financing for your new home before the closing date is crucial. While there may be an incentive to use the builder's preferred lender, it's not always the best option for everyone. Your realtor can help you navigate your financing options and find the best mortgage rate and terms to fit your financial situation. Before closing, it's important to conduct inspections and walkthroughs of the property to ensure that everything is in good condition and that all items outlined in your contract are in place. Your realtor can help schedule a home inspection with a licensed inspector to ensure that your new home is in tip-top shape. Closing day is the day you get the keys to your new home! On this day, you will sign all the necessary documents and pay any closing costs. Ensure that you have all the necessary funds and documents with you, including a government-issued ID. In summary, as your real estate agent in Charleston, South Carolina, I want to remind you to bring your own realtor, carefully read your contract, and conduct inspections and walkthroughs to ensure that your interests are protected throughout the home buying process. Let's make your dream of owning a new home a reality!

Buying A Home That Can Grow With Your Family

If you are a first time homeowner, or are purchasing a home after a major life change such as marriage or having children, what should you consider to be sure your new home can grow with your changing family?  The time and effort that go into purchasing and decorating a new home, not to mention finding it in the first place, means that you’ll want to ensure that your home will be right for you and your family for years to come...

Selecting Homeowners Insurance

One of the many things you will have to think about while you are in the process of buying a new home is the insurance you will need to protect it...

What A REALTOR Can Do For You As A Buyer

When we think of selling a home, the services a REALTOR® can provide usually seem worth the cost of their commission, but what about as a buyer?  What can a REALTOR® do for you as a home buyer, and is the commission worth the services they can provide?  Here are five great reasons you should hire a REALTOR® when you are in the market for a new home! REALTORS® Can Help You Determine Your Budget—With a few simple pieces of information, a REALTOR® can help you pre-determine what kind of budget you may be looking at for your new home, and can match you with potential lenders that are right for you...

Buying A Fixer-Upper - Are You Ready For The Work

Always dreamed of renovating a home exactly to your specifications, or have you found an older house that is structurally sound but needs a lot of work inside?  Perhaps the price is right and you can’t resist all that house you can get for your money...

Buying Your First Home

Now that you’ve made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement...

What Is A Property Survey

When purchasing a home, especially for the first time, you are going to encounter a lot of terms and jargon you may never have heard before...

Is An Income Property Right For You

The appeal of income properties and the potential for what may seem like easy money and early retirement have likely crossed the mind of anyone who has heard of this business venture...

Hiring A Home Inspector

You’ve gone to countless open houses, searched online for months, and have finally found the house of your dreams, but before signing your name on the dotted line there are a few key steps you should not overlook...

Buying A Home Long Distance

The process of purchasing a home can be a complicated and stressful experience, but if you have to purchase a new home in another city the experience can become even more complicated...

Understanding Buyer Closing Costs

Most people who are in the market for a new home are aware of the costs associated with purchasing a home and moving, but closing costs can be expenses that may be overlooked, especially for first-time home buyers...

What To Consider Before Buying An Older Property

Whether it’s the character and charm of an older home with its original features, hardwood floors, and wood burning fireplace, or the quaint historic feel of the neighborhood in which it is found, there is a certain appeal to older property...

Getting Your Home Ready To Sell

You would never dream of inviting guests to your house without making certain preparations, so don’t invite potential buyers without first making the necessary updates by preparing your home to sell...

Selling Your Home - Why You Need A REALTOR

The temptation to save yourself the cost of hiring a real estate agent when selling your home can be overwhelming, and with more websites, books, and other resources popping up that claim to give you all the know-how and tools you’ll need to sell your home yourself, why should you consider hiring a REALTOR® at all?  Like any job that requires a lot of insider knowledge and experience, hiring a REALTOR® will ensure that you are getting the best price for your house with the minimal amount of work and worry...

When Is The Right Time To Reduce The Price

Every homeowner must set an asking price when listing their home on the market, but what happens when you don’t receive any offers?  Just as it’s important to know when it’s time to sell, it’s important to recognize the right time to reduce the price...

Using Your Fireplace Safely

A fireplace is a great feature in any home, and can create that warm, homey feeling on a cold winter evening that every homeowner dreams of...

Sealing Your Windows And Doors Against Leaks

When it comes to making sure your home is energy-efficient as well as keeping it at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, there are few things as simple as looking to your windows and doors to make a big difference...

The Best Ways To Reduce Your Water Bill

Although a lot of the energy efficiency efforts tend to be focused on saving on electricity bills, you can also save a lot of money on your water bill and save water, too, with only a few simple steps...

Patio Decor Ideas

A patio offers a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors while still getting a sense of home...

Home Security Tips

Making sure that your home is secure should be a priority in your life not only because you want to protect what’s rightfully yours, but more specifically because it could be the most important thing that you do for your family and for yourself...

Home Theater Tips And Tricks

With home entertainment equipment becoming more and more advanced and the cost of going out for entertainment making it less realistic for many people, creating the perfect home theater is on the list of many homeowners...

Hot Tub Purchasing Tips

Let’s face it, most of us have at some point thought about the luxury of spending relaxing and romantic evenings soaking in our very own hot tub...

Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Tips

A pest is not just a word that’s used to describe an annoyance; in fact, it’s also the term given to a destructive animal that destroys crops, food and even livestock...

Childproofing Your Home

When it comes to decorating your home, there’s a lot more to consider than simply coordinating your window treatments with your carpet...

Give Your Front Porch A Style Makeover

Whether you are looking to sell your home or just think it’s time for a new look to improve your curb appeal, giving your front porch a makeover is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home’s exterior a fresh look...

How Much House You Can Afford

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the affordability of a house and, as a potential homebuyer, it’s important that you know what type of mortgage payments are within your budget...

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday commemorating a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621...

Planning A Fun Fourth Of July Block Party

Independence Day is a great opportunity to get your neighborhood together to celebrate our great nation, and what could be more American than the block party!  It is a great and inexpensive way to get to know your neighbors and add a more traditional community feel to your street...

Halloween Safety Tips

On October 31 of every year, children around the nation enjoy carving jack-o-lanterns, dressing up in their favorite costumes and going out trick-or-treating for candy and treats...