Captialize on Fall to Sell your Home Now!

When people think of buying or selling a home, they often associate springtime with sales. It's true that spring is the busiest time of the year for real estate, with a surge in homes entering the market, and more buyers emerging to begin a home search. But did you know that fall is the second busiest time of the year for home sales?



Enhance your home's curb appeal with a great fall pumpkin theme. 

This fall 2013 is a particularly good time to think about putting your home on the market if you've been considering a move. It's a seller's market right now, with fewer properties available for buyers to choose from. And less inventory on the market means that you have a greater chance of making a sale. Meanwhile, though mortgage interest rates have been rising, they are still very attractive. Savvy buyers are going to want to lock in those rates before they climb any higher.

And fall is a particularly lovely time to sell a home. With shorter days and cooler weather, and lower humidity in our area, it's easy to make your home seem cozy and inviting to a prospective buyer. If you have children, fall can be a great time to show your home since the kids are back in school during the daytime and it's easier to keep rooms picked up. As with any other season, before you list your home, don't forget to clean and de-clutter each room. Sort furnishings and belongings into the following categories: keep, toss, store, and donate. De-personalize rooms by removing family photos and knickknacks and make your home a warm canvas open to a prospective buyer's imagination. If necessary, do some repainting in warm, neutral colors.

Because of the change in weather and the dwindling hours of daylight, there are a few extra steps to take in the autumn months to ensure that your home will present well at showings. Step up your yard work efforts and make certain to clear fallen leaves and other debris regularly – it might be necessary to do a little of this sort of upkeep daily depending on the type of foliage you have in your yard and neighborhood. Take care that the front steps and walkways are clear for any buyers who might come by.

Fall is a beautiful season, so capitalize on its bounty. It isn't difficult to place a few hanging baskets or planters of cheerful yellow mums to greet guests and buyers alike. A fall wreath transforms a front door into a warm welcome. Ears of Indian corn and pumpkins and gourds also speak to the season.

Inside your home, make sure there is plenty of warm lighting to showcase your home's highlights and cheer up the shorter days. It's a perfect time of year for the most welcoming of scents, like cinnamon, apples, and pumpkin, all of which make a home seem inviting.

So, if you're thinking about selling this fall, there's no time like the present! Call me. I'm an expert and I'll guide you through the process. Together we'll get the ball rolling!

 

 

 

We've Done it Again!

The accolades just keep on coming for Charleston. Like winning - for the third time in a row from Condé Nast Traveler magazine - the #1 City destination in the U.S. And while we say "thank you... again!" You cannot help but wonder what does all of this really mean to and for our city?

Charleston's economy does rely heavily on tourism... but most of the residents are not involved in that business at all. We are doctors, laborers, mechanics, Realtors, marketers, lawyers, designers, and the list goes on and on. 

The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

We live downtown, on James Island, Johns Island, Mt Pleasant, Daniel Island, Awendaw, Kiawah, Seabrook and many other wonderful parts of greater Charleston. 

So how do these designations effect us and why should we be so proud? Well the publicity that goes along with them is national and actually since Condé Nast Traveler is an international publication we are talked about around the globe. So with people hearing all about what a beautiful, "hospitable" city we are, travelers make plans to come to our city and spend their money here. Those dollars are taxed and we use that revenue to improve our roads, schools, public buildings, and other essential services.

When you're downtown driving the busy streets or weaving through crowded sidewalks, remember that even though we all feel somewhat territorial about our precious city, since it's now opened up to the world it's up to us to be ambassadors of patience and good will... even though we may lose our own patience once in a while!

(Click the link below for the full story.)

Condé Nast Traveler

Mortgage Rates Rise, How will That Effect Your Home Sale?

Mortgage rates have been rising and that has some Buyers wondering if they missed the best time to buy. Not at all, say experts. That's because the rates are still considered very low and the increase isn't sharp.

Today’s rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is approximately 4.375%, climbing from the June 1, 2013 rate of approximately 3.9%. Based on the higher interest rate, monthly payments on loans ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 don't go up significantly.

While the increases are monthly – they will add up over 12 months – it's still quite possible for many buyers to manage. Rick Allen, the chief operating officer at Mortgage Marvel suggests that if the payment isn't manageable, the consumer could buy a less expensive home. 

Get the information you need NOW from your Realtor and Mortgage Broker. Then start saving!

Rising interest rates often cause people to act quickly and jump into the housing market which can start to increase home prices in tight inventory markets as these potential buyers get more serious about home ownership.

If you're considering homeownership and wondering how the rise in interest rates will impact you, consult with a mortgage broker. An expert in the field can help you determine exactly how much home you can afford, at which rate, and for how long you'll have to pay.

If homeownership is high on your list, start your due diligence now. Meet with an experienced real estate agent to decide who can help you the most. Buying a home is a lengthy process and there is a lot to understand so you'll want to make sure you're compatible with the agent. You'll also want to make sure you have a clear picture of what you can afford, what you want in a home, and for how long you want to own it.

Next, since you know that rates are rising, start preparing. If you know that the home you wanted to buy was, for instance, in the $300,000 range but, due to rising interest rates, your monthly payments would be higher, and then look at your finances and see where you can cut back now to save a little more. Saving now will allow you to put more down on the home and reduce the amount of money you need to borrow which, therefore, lowers your monthly payments.

I write this often but it is most important – do your research. Don't give up on homeownership just because rates are rising. Instead, take a good look at your finances with experts and understand what you can afford now and/or how much you need to bring in to make your monthly payments manageable so you can afford a home in the near future. Education and understanding will lead to a more successful home-buying experience.

Why You Need to Change Your Residential Tax Status Now!

I'm always surprised to learn how many home owners have either forgotten to or just don't know to apply for the lower tax rate in South Carolina. It's simple and easy to do , but if you don't apply for it, your tax rate will stay at the rate of 6% versus the 4% that a full-time resident is entitled to.

Property taxes in South Carolina are assessed by the local counties, cities and school districts. Residential property taxes on the homeowner's legal residence and up to five acres of land are assessed on 4% of the property's value. Other residential property such as a second home is assessed at 6% of the value.

According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue,  to be sure you get the 4% assessment rate on your home you need to file an application with your county assessor. You should do that as soon as you move into your home, but you can file it anytime before taxes are due on January 15 after you've settled on your property. Once you file this application you do not have to file another one unless ownership changes or you use the property for a different purpose.

The local millage rates, which vary by location, are then charged on the assessed value to determine the tax liability.