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Find out more about Historic Homes, Waterfront Properties, Luxury Real Estate, New Home Communities and New Construction in Charleston and the barrier islands of Charleston.
Whether you are interested in buying or selling a starter home, a multi-million dollar estate, or anything in between, Jane will help you find your way in Charleston's complex real estate market. Knowledgeable in all aspects of residential real estate, Jane is extremely detail-oriented and has remarkable people skills. Her greatest asset is her relationship with her clients. “My credibility helps sell a listing, my experience generates sound advice and my energy gets the job done,” she says.
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GOOD SENSE BUYING GUIDELINES –
With so many attractive property choices in the Charleston area, a substantial investment in a home or condominium is best made after careful consideration of the following factors.
Identify the reason for buying - Is this to be a retirement or vacation home, or is this a relocation? If so, choose the property best suits your lifestyle or business in terms of amenities, ambience, and physical convenience. People often come to Charleston without a long term plan and buy a home quickly, ending up falling in love with the city but not with their purchase, and go through the buying process all over again.
Contact a knowledgeable agent – One of the major considerations in a satisfactory home purchase is choosing to work with a dedicated real estate professional. A knowledgeable and well-trained agent can help prospective buyers find neighborhoods that suit their needs, house sizes and designs that fit their lifestyles, and financing that accommodates their budgets. Simple tips are to find someone who conveys the utmost professionalism, has a proven track record, communicates and listens effectively, and has thorough information on properties in the area. Good agents will save your time, not waste it, and will put the client’s interest above their own.
Consider locations that meet your needs - Envision a typical day commuting, taking children to school, shopping, dining or enjoying recreation and consider what the area offers. In Charleston, driving times from beaches and the historic downtown area are often important variables, and many properties offer access to golfing and boating facilities.
Acquaint yourself with local ordinances and neighborhood association rules – A quick way to deflate the joy of a new house is to learn after the closing that things taken for granted were in violation of local rules. Boat storage, renovations, guest parking, noise ordinances, and even property taxes can become a big after-the-fact-issue if not well understood before a contract on the house is agreed upon. Read all disclosures and other information pertaining to the property in consideration.
Plan your budget – In addition to seeking competitive financing rates from proven lending institutions, factor in the energy efficiency of the house being considered and the cost of fuel and electricity in the area. Also consider what commuting might cost in gas and auto wear and tear, as well as contractor’s rates for possible repairs and additions. Contractors are known to have different rates for various communities, and a good local hardware store should have a list of recommended contractors who can supply cost information.
Assure that you are completely insured – The most essential security for your new home is adequate insurance. Compare prices and coverage from a variety of reputable insurance companies, and make sure to inquire as to exactly what is and is not covered. Policies should include interior and exterior, and make provisions for theft, fire, flood, wind and termite damage. Also make sure that all deductibles are completely understood, as many policies will be made more attractive by putting a higher percentage of the initial financial burden on the home owner.
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