Should You Buy an Existing Home or New Construction?

Finding the right home to purchase today in Charleston is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers. With so few homes for sale and construction of newly built homes ramping up, you may be wondering if you should consider new construction in your search process. It’s a great question to ask, and one to look at from the pros and cons of what it means to buy a new home versus an existing one. Here are a few things to consider when making the best decision for your family.

New Construction  

When buying a new home, you can often choose more energy-efficient options. New appliances, new windows, a new roof, etc. These can all he...

House Hunting: Everything You Need to Know

So you’re ready to buy a house. If you think house hunting is like trying to find toilet paper during a pandemic, you’re not alone. Most buyers say finding the right home is the most challenging step of the home-buying process. But don’t let that get you down. If you strap in and stay focused, you’ll find the home of your dreams!

To keep calm during your home search, it helps to know that most buyers search for 10 weeks and view nine homes before they find the one they purchase. In the middle of all that, it can be easy to lose focus and forget what kind of house fits your budget and lifestyle. But our house hunting tips will show you exactly...

Few American cities are as quietly captivating as Charleston. I've found it's the type of place that sticks with you for a while after your visit, no matter how short — and I'm certainly not alone in that feeling. And the South Carolina port city has topped our readers' list of the best U.S. cities since 2013, even taking the top spot in the world in 2017.

Each year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to share their travel experiences and vote on the top islands, cities, airlines, cruise ships, and more for the World's Best Awards. Readers rate cities for their sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value for visitors.

So, what's kept Charleston at the top...

Spring in Charleston is right around the corner, so flowers are starting to bloom, and many potential homebuyers are getting ready to step into the market. If you’re thinking of buying this season, here’s how mortgage interest rates are working in your favor.

Freddie Mac explains:

“If you’re in the market to buy a home, today’s average mortgage rates are something to celebrate compared to almost any year since 1971…

Mortgage rates change frequently. Over the last 45 years, they have ranged from a high of 18.63% (1981) to a low of 3.31% (2012). While it’s not likely that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will return to its record low, the current average rate of 3.45% is prett...

The #1 Reason to List Your Charleston House Right Now

The success of the U.S. residential real estate market, like any other market, is determined by supply and demand. This means we need to look at how many potential purchasers are in the market versus the number of houses that are available to buy. With early 2020 housing data now rolling in, it’s quite evident there are two big stories impacting this year’s residential real estate market:

1. Buyer demand is already extremely strong
2. Housing supply is at a historically low level

Demand

ShowingTime is a firm that compiles data from property showings scheduled across the country. The latest ShowingTime Showing Index reveals how s...

If you’re following what’s happening in the current Charleston housing market, you’ve seen how the lack of newly constructed homes is a major reason there’s a shortage of housing inventory available to today’s buyers. Another reason is that the inventory of existing homes for sale is shrinking. According to the most recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales are up 10.8% from the same time last year. That exceeds expectations and is great news.

The troubling news from the report is that the sold inventory is not being replaced. As NAR explained,

“Total housing inventory at the end of December totaled 1.40 million units, down 14.6% from Nov...

Ready to get moving on your dream of home ownership in 2020?

Want to know what we know about Charleston Real Estate?

Call ChuckTown Homes Real Estate today and put us to work for you!

_______________________________________________________________________

8644 Scottish Troon Court
North Charleston, Sc

MLS# 18001036 - Residential

Gorgeous custom estate on the golf course in Coosaw Creek Country Club! No expense spared on this one year old executive home. Be sure to watch the YouTube video! Random width walnut floors greet you behind the custom mahogany and iron front door. Beyond the foyer lies a generous home office and powder room with custom live edge slab vanit...

There’s a Long Line of Buyers Waiting for

Your Charleston House to Hit the Market!

If you’re following what’s happening in the housing market right now, you know that many people believe the winter months aren’t a good time to sell a home. As realtor.com Senior Economist George Ratiu recently noted,

“Sellers tend to be more reluctant to list during the colder time of year when the market typically makes a seasonal slowdown.”

However, a recent report by ShowingTime reveals how this year is different. Buyer activity is way up compared to the same time last year. The report explains,

“The nation’s 12.6% growth in home showings compared to 2018 was the most significant jump in buyer...

Why You Shouldn’t “For Sale By Owner” Your Charleston Home

Rising Charleston home prices coupled with the current low inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their homes on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner).

However, a FSBO might be hard to execute well for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are the top 5 reasons not to FSBO:

1. Online Strategy for Prospective Purchasers

Studies have shown that 93% of buyers search online for a home. That’s a pretty staggering number! Most real estate agents have an Internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

2. Results Come from the Internet

According to NAR, here’s where b...

Inventory is lower through the holidays- you've got a better chance of getting noticed right now.

Also- any buyers that are out looking for houses now are VERY serious and real buyers!!!

We're here to help- give us a call to list your Charleston home for sale!

Some Highlights:

• 
  Historically, the choice between renting and buying a home has been a tough decision.
• 
  Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice is clear.
• 
  Every market is different. Before you renew your lease, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying a home this year.

The gap between renting a home in Charleston and buying Charleston real estate has widened to a historic level! We've seen moderate appreciation in real estate, but seen rents exploding in Charleston year over year.

Give us a call today to find out how you can take adva...

Congratulations! You’ve found a Charleston SC home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how your decisions will impact your home loan.

Below is a list of Things You Shouldn’t Do After Applying for a Mortgage. Some may seem obvious, but some may not.

1. Don’t Change Jobs or the Way You Are Paid at Your Job. Your loan officer must be able to track the source and amount of your annual income. If possible, you’ll want to avoid changing from salary...

Existing Charleston Home Sales Point Toward a Good Time to Sell!

Some Highlights:

• Existing Home Sales dropped 1.7% from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.27 million in June.
• Low inventory levels are still a factor in the market. The current supply of homes for sale is at 4.4 months, which is less than the optimal 6-month supply.
• Median home prices were up 4.3% from June 2018, hitting $285,700. This marked the 88th consecutive month with year-over-year price gains.

________________________________________________________________

147 Stono Drive
Charleston, SC

MLS# 19020222 - Residential

LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION!! LUXURY WATERFRONT LESS THAN 5 MI...

 

Rising Charleston home prices coupled with a lack of inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their home on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

The top 5 reasons are listed below:

1. Online Strategy for Prospective Purchasers

Recent studies have shown that 95% of buyers search online for a home. In comparison, only 13% use print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an Internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

2. Results Come from the Internet

Where did buyers find the home they actually purchased?

50% on the Internet
28% from a Re...

What's the cost of waiting?

Interest rates have dropped again!!

Call the experts at ChuckTown Homes Real Estate and take advantage of this prime time to buy a house in Charleston SC.

____________________________________________

17 Lindendale Avenue
Charleston, SC

MLS# 19009689 - Residential

Totally renovated custom brick home within walking distance to the shops and nightlife of Avondale. Just a few of the many features of this gorgeous home include: Gleaming hardwood floors throughout main level; Large family room with coffered ceiling and wood burning fireplace; Stunning kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, coffered ceiling and center island with ...

In today’s real estate market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared.

In a realtor.com article entitled, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind,” the author highlights some steps that first-time homebuyers can take to help carry their excitement of buying a home throughout the whole process.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search
One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search. Even if you are in a market that is not as competitive, understa...

Come see us this Saturday at Hunt Club!!!!

1460 Brockenfelt Drive
Charleston, SC

MLS# 19006311 - Residential

The Harbor Oak is a beautiful home with all the upgrades! Hardwood floors throughout - EVEN UPSTAIRS! Crown molding, tile backsplash, upgraded stainless steel appliances include gas range with down draft technology. HUGE butler's pantry and walk-in pantry. Downstairs boasts two story foyer, formal dining room (or living room/office), open concept kitchen, eat-in, family room with gas fire place, large guest bedroom and full bath. Upstairs offers a loft, two additional guest bedrooms and dreamy owner's suite with a tile shower, double vanity, and a spacious walk-in...

Perfect credit and a large down payment needed to buy a house in Charleston? Not so much!

Call the experts at ChuckTown Homes Real Estate- we can walk you thru it with no drama!

8644 Scottish Troon Court
North Charleston, SC

MLS# 18001036 - Residential

Gorgeous custom estate on the golf course in Coosaw Creek Country Club! No expense spared on this one year old executive home. Be sure to watch the YouTube video! Random width walnut floors greet you behind the custom mahogany and iron front door. Beyond the foyer lies a generous home office and powder room with custom live edge slab vanity. Around the corner is the wine room- with custom wine cellar, built in beer coole...

How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston
 
Trace the steps of Noah and Allie’s iconic love story by visiting these 7 Charleston landmarks.
 

Thanks to its charming historic downtown, antebellum homes, and idyllic waterfront vistas, it’s no surprise that Charleston is a popular location for TV shows and movies to film. But one of the most iconic films to use Charleston as its backdrop is undoubtedly The Notebook. While Nicholas Sparks originally set the book in New Bern, North Carolina, the movie places Noah and Allie in Seabrook, South Carolina, a small town about an hour south of Charleston. Most of the movie was filmed in Charleston, however, with Mount Pleasant’s Old Village and par...

Is Your House Priced To Sell Immediately (PTSI)?

In today’s real estate market, with more houses coming to market every day and eager buyers searching for their dream home, setting the right price for your house is one of the most important things you can do.

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, home values have risen at over 6% a year over the past two years, but have started to slow to 4.4% over the last 12 months. By this time next year, CoreLogic predicts that home values will be 4.6% higher.

With prices slowing from their previous pace, homeowners must realize that pricing their homes a little OVER market value to leave room for negotiation will actually dramaticall...