At Charleston Info and Real Estate we will offer up the latest on the market, real estate, local events and fun things to do as well as discuss real estate themed topics. Make sure you Check Back Often! For information contact Jason Gregg at 843.696.8627 or Jason.Gregg@ERA.com. Jason is the lead Realtor with Palmetto Dream Homes and Holy City Luxury Homes.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
My turn
Well everyone, it appears that my family and I may be experiencing very soon what many of you are doing - Moving. I started the school year as a Guidance Director at a middle school in Berkeley County (been doing this 9 years now) and I've decided to pursue Real Estate full time and placed my resignation in. Unfortunately, we live in Dorchester County but my daughter attends a Berkeley County high school b/c of my "other" job (at least for 35 more days) which means in order for her to stay at her school and play sports we have to move. I go against what ever Realtor, including myself, says to client - Don't let it be personal. I love my house and am attached emotionally to it. We have a lot of sweat equity and money into this house making it exactly what we want it to be and now we probably have to start all over. This frustrates me but we do a lot of things for our kids and that includes moving. I'll keep you all updated as we process through this and I can't wait to be a Realtor full time. Please let me know if I can assist you and if you wish to buy my house. I will post pics later just in case you are interested because we have a great in-ground pool.
-Jason
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Smokin' HOT
That's how I describe the current real estate market. Literally, the last 4 transactions I am aware of, including one of my own, had multiple offers. If you have ever thought of moving to downsize, up-size, or even condo-size now is a great time to list your home. This market cannot last forever and a recent article on Realtor.com talks about what to do when the market turns. Here is what they say to do.
1. Know the Market - this is what a great agent comes in to play. A good agent follows numbers, tracks data and knows the local statistics. Get to know someone and their knowledge before choosing them as an agent. I am always available and encourage you to interview me.
2. Low-ball the right way - I recently had a buyer interested in low-balling for an investment property but the seller already had an appraisal and had rejected 2 offers. A good agent will get that information early on and not waste your time.
3. Know when to ask for upgrades and discounts - This really only works well in a Buyer's Market because then you have leverage. It's hard to get "extras" when there are 3-4 offers on a property. In a recent transaction I was able to get over 10% off the list price.
4. Show you are serious - As a buyer this means know what you are looking for, be pre-approved by a mortgage lender or if purchasing with cash have a letter from the bank showing you have appropriate funds to purchase your dream home.
5. Talk closing costs - These can get very expensive and must be calculated into your overall purchase. On average a buyer will pay 2-5% of the sales price and the average is $3,700. Of course the more home you buy the more your costs will be. But, did you know sellers will often pay some of your costs. They are allowed to pay up to 3% which can really add up.
I hope this helps!
1. Know the Market - this is what a great agent comes in to play. A good agent follows numbers, tracks data and knows the local statistics. Get to know someone and their knowledge before choosing them as an agent. I am always available and encourage you to interview me.
2. Low-ball the right way - I recently had a buyer interested in low-balling for an investment property but the seller already had an appraisal and had rejected 2 offers. A good agent will get that information early on and not waste your time.
3. Know when to ask for upgrades and discounts - This really only works well in a Buyer's Market because then you have leverage. It's hard to get "extras" when there are 3-4 offers on a property. In a recent transaction I was able to get over 10% off the list price.
4. Show you are serious - As a buyer this means know what you are looking for, be pre-approved by a mortgage lender or if purchasing with cash have a letter from the bank showing you have appropriate funds to purchase your dream home.
5. Talk closing costs - These can get very expensive and must be calculated into your overall purchase. On average a buyer will pay 2-5% of the sales price and the average is $3,700. Of course the more home you buy the more your costs will be. But, did you know sellers will often pay some of your costs. They are allowed to pay up to 3% which can really add up.
I hope this helps!
-Jason
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