Purchasing Real Estate

1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
There are many things to consider when purchasing a property: your price range, timeframe, community and lifestyle.

2. CHOOSING A REALTOR
A REALTOR is a member of the National Association of Realtors which adheres to a strict Code of Ethics, Training and Education. Experience matters, especially when it comes to your real estate needs. Let the agents at Carolina Realty Group on Hilton Head Island put their experience, knowledge and expertise to work for YOU

3. CHOOSING A LENDER
Contact a Hilton Head Island area mortgage lender prior to starting your search for real estate. Using a mortgage company in the local area in which you are purchasing real estate property, assures that they will have optimal knowledge of property values or lending requirements. Take the time now to determine your loan amount and the loan package that best suits your needs. If you need recommendations for mortgage companies in the Hilton Head Island area, we would be happy to assist you.

4. CHOOSING A HOME & MAKING AN OFFER
Will your real estate purchase be your primary residence, second home, or investment property? Your REALTOR will work with you to locate properties that meet your criteria. Once you have decided on a particular property, a written contract with your offer will be submitted to the Seller of the property. The Seller in turn, will either accept your offer, make a counter offer or decline your offer. It is important to be available to your REALTOR so that any changes to the contract can be reviewed quickly.

5. CLOSING.
Once you have a fully executed contract (all parties have reached an agreement and have signed the contract), it is time to choose an attorney to represent you. Ask your REALTOR for recommendations. If a home inspection is part of your contract, you (the Purchaser) will hire a licensed Inspector to perform a home/villa inspection. The inspector will insure that all heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems, fireplace, appliances, pool and spa are in good working order, that the structure is reasonably sound and the roof free of leaks. Your inspector will send you a report stating the condition of the home and the afore mentioned items. If any of these items are not in good working order at the time of inspection, you (the Purchaser) with the guidance of your REALTOR will submit a request for repairs to the Seller. Once the Buyer and Seller have come to an agreement on the repairs, the Seller will then procede in making the repairs. The CL-100 (termite inspection) and any required repairs will be done at the Seller´s expense. Your attorney will guide you through the closing process and answer any legal questions that you may have.