Buyer's Guide TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
We Appreciate your trust.
Representing buyer and seller clients is an essential part of who we are. A real estate purchase is one of the most impactful personal decisions that you will make in your lifetime. As your buyer’s agent, I understand the importance of this choice. Whether your focus is location, price, or amenities, I will work on your behalf to find the property that best fits you and your lifestyle.
My representation in your purchase requires that I follow your instructions, show loyalty, promote your best interests, disclose material facts, maintain confidential information, and account for any monies handled in the transaction. I will listen to your needs and wants and provide you with answers to your questions. I will negotiate on your behalf and then guide you from the contract to closing. I am working for you throughout the transaction as your trusted real estate advisor and partner. Chucktown Homes has helped many buyer clients throughout South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina to achieve their dream of homeownership. We are commitied to providing innovative and intuitive technology to deliver a personalized client-driven experience locally and nationwide. Our 120+ agents and support staff members are focused on one thing; providing our clients and customers with the finest real estate experience they deserve. We will work closely with our clients and customers at every step of their journey. Only one team delivers the highest standard of service.
Thank you for the opportunity to accomplish your homeownership goals together.
Jeremy Wilson Donald Russell Owner Owner
Our Offices
CHARLOTTE, NC
GREENVILLE, SC
COLUMBIA, SC
Atlanta, GA
CHARLESTON, SC
SAVANNAH, GA
JACKSONVILLE, FL
Find the Key to Your Next Chapter WITH CHUCKTOWN HOMES
REAL HONEST. REAL ESTATE.
INTRODUCTION
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Our Proven Record Writing Your Story
INTRODUCTION
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Excellence in Reputation Our Distinct Process
THE PROCESS
Staging Consultation Professional Cleaning HDR Professional Photography 3D Virtual Tour Video Tour Beautiful Signage Feature Cards Property Website Portal Marketing Targeted Social Media Campaigns Print Marketing Agent Marketing PROFESSIONAL MARKETING Our Distinct Process Path to Ownership Navigating the Market Must-Haves to Win Show Me the Money (Finances) A Strong Lending Position RESOURCES Resource RoundUp
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Brokerage Marketing Intra-Office Promotion
Lifecycle Ads Open Houses
ROBUST RESOURCES
Robust Pricing Analytics Market Monitoring Nationwide Network Repairs & Updates
FIRST CLASS SERVICE
Transaction Concierge Showing App Moving Coordination Communication Guarantee
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In the process of moving our clients to their better lives, we’re humbly proud of being rated the #1 team in 6 different markets for client experience on Zillow. We’re also top rated on Google. Our Proven Record
1,000+ Five-Star Reviews & Counting
1100+ Five-Star Reviews & Counting
Stats That Matter
Here are a few stats that we think are important for you, as a buyer, to consider when choosing your Real Estate Agent.
Our services don’t stop at the closing table and we work tirelessly to elevate our standards, expertise and processes to provide our clients with more than they expect and everything they deserve.
18 Years+ Serving the local real estate market
1700+ Sold Properties transacted in the past 12 months Top 1% in the nation
$700+ mil In sales in the past 12 months
PRESENTED BY:
BUYER'S GUIDE I 04
Writing Your Story
We love what we do and the clients we get to work with.
Whether you’re a first-time-buyer, upsizing, downsizing, moving into the State or just across the street. We’d love to be part of that journey alongside you.
BECAUSE THESE ARE THE STORIES WORTH TELLING.
BUYER'S GUIDE I 05
Our Distinct Process
At ChuckTown Homes Real Estate, we pride ourselves on providing a seamless and personalized experience for our buyers. Our tried-and- true process is designed to guide you from dream to reality, with clarity and confidence every step of the way. Here’s how we make it happen:
Discovery & Consultation
We start by getting to know you. Your goals, your preferences, and your lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. During your consultation, we’ll outline the home-buying process, answer your questions, and set clear expectations to ensure you feel empowered throughout your journey.
Customized Home Search
Your dream home is unique, and so is our approach to finding it. Using cutting-edge tools and our deep knowledge of the local market, we curate a list of properties tailored specifically to your needs and desires.
Expert Guidance & Showings
We take the stress out of showings by scheduling them at your convenience and accompanying you to highlight the features of each property. As your trusted advisors, we’ll offer insights into the home’s value, condition, and neighborhood to help you make informed decisions.
Offer Strategy & Negotiations
When you find the one, we’ll craft a winning offer that aligns with your goals. Our agents are skilled negotiators who advocate fiercely on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible terms.
Seamless Transaction Coordination
From offer acceptance to closing day, we handle all the details. Inspections, appraisals, financing – we’ve got it covered. Our team works closely with trusted professionals to keep everything on track and ensure a smooth process.
BUYER'S GUIDE I 06
YOUR PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
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FINANCING
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HOME SEARCH
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NEGOTIATIONS
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INSPECTION PERIOD
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CLOSING
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HOME OWNERSHIP
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BUYER'S GUIDE I 07
Navigating The Market
YOUR HOME BUYING JOURNEY All great journeys start with a first step, and when you’re buying a home, having a team of experts on your side from that very first step can be a huge asset. From ever-changing market conditions, to financing rules and regulations, to city-specific laws, it pays to work with a qualified REALTOR ® up front and early in the process.
Here’s a brief overview of what that journey looks like.
ChuckTown Agents live, work and play across their resepective areas. Our goal is to zero in on the right home purchase for you, your lifestyle, needs and budget— and have fun doing it.
1. Select a ChuckTown Homes Agent
2. Select one of our preferred mortgage partners
3. Pre-qualify for a loan
4. Create a needs & wants list
5. Visit desired homes
6. Identify features that could enhance or limit future resale value.
7. Rank the houses you visit
8. Make an offer (and have it accepted)
9. Perform due diligence
10. Finalize financing
11. Celebrate homeownership!
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Must Haves to Win in this Market YOUR HOME BUYING JOURNEY Property in your area is in high demand, making it essential to have a dedicated, full-time Real Estate Advisor by your side. Their expertise will help you navigate the ever-changing market conditions and help you make confident decisions when it’s time to buy.
Here are a few ways we can help you secure your property:
Understanding the price is not the only factor when negotitating a win for you. Our team members are trained experts when it comes to leveraging strategies such as apprasial gap, inspection waiver, timing, and communication with the Seller's agent.
Micro-stats and community specific market knowledge is important in understanding how to write a winning offer.
The cycle of showings is another important factor when organizing an offer. We understand the nuances of this and how it can impact your strategy.
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BUYER'S GUIDE I 09
Show Me the Money
UNLESS YOU'RE PAYING CASH WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR HOME, YOU'LL ALSO NEED TO SECURE A LOAN. To wrap up your winning buying strategy with ChuckTown Homes, we will connect you with one of our professional preferred lenders to get you properly qualified to start house hunting.
Pro Tip
Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting. Not only does this give you a clear understanding of your budget, but it also shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. Shop around for the best rates and terms, and don’t forget to ask about first-time buyer programs or special incentives that could save you money!
BUYER'S GUIDE I 10
A Strong Lending Position
If you're in it to win it, you should seek the strongest financial position possible.
Here is what that looks like:
PRE-QUALIFICATION
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Typical practice of most big banks and lenders require minimal documentation or verification. This is the weakest type of approval but is a crucial first step.
PRE-APPROVAL Documentation such as tax returns, W2's, pay stubs, and bank account statements are provided and verified with a loan officer. This is the step in the process where a credit check will occur. This is a common approval type and is strong enough to begin searching for homes. PRE-UNDERWRITING At this step, all documents such as employment verification, tax records, and other borrower specific documents are verified by the underwriting department. This is by far the strongest level of approval you can receive and provides you with all the buying power when shopping.
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Resource Roundup
Here are a few extra resources to help during the buying process.
This online calculator will help you estimate your monthly payments, including taxes and mortgage insurance. MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
FIRST TIME BUYER TIPS
Don’t let the lingo confuse you. We’ve simplified and clarified some of the RE jargon in this handy glossary. REAL ESTATE TERMS
A great list of tips and tricks to prepare you to buy your first home.
UNDERSTANDING CREDIT SCORES
A quick and easy-to-follow break down of the key components of the mortgage process. Remember, you’re buying a loan as well as a house. THE MORTGAGE PROCESS
Stay up-to-date on everything happening at ChuckTown and your local area with our monthly newsletter. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
A simplified overview of credit scores and how they impact your lending and buying powers.
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Notes
GLOSSARY OF KEY REAL ESTATE TERMS
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage that permits the lender to adjust the interest rate periodically on the basis of changes in a specified index.
Agency: Any relationship in which one party (agent) acts for or represents another under the authority of the latier.
Agent: A party who is authorized to act in the best interests of a principal/client, and is obligated to place the principal’s interests before the interests of any other parties, including the agent’s own interests regardless of whether the agency relationship is with the seller of the property or the buyer. Appraisal: A writien analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser. Buyer’s Agent (or Buyer Broker): Represents the consumer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction, not the seller. A buyer’s representative works for, and owes fiduciary responsibilities (see fiduciary duties) to the real estate buyer and has the buyer’s best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate transaction. Buyer Broker Agreement: An agreement that specifies the duties and the scope of services a buyer’s representative agrees to provide to the buyer as well as specifying the buyer’s responsibilities. Closing: A meeting at which a sale of the property is finalized by the buyer signing the mortgage documents and paying closing costs, and the seller’s transfer of the deed to the property. Typically held at the atiorney’s office for the buyer. Closing Costs: The fees, costs, and taxes associated with the purchasing of a home, the borrowing of money, and the preparation of necessary paperwork to finalize the sale. The total amount of closing costs will vary depending on location, property type, price, and the complexity of the transaction. It is extremely important that the buyer work closely with his/ her buyer’s representative, lender, and atiorney in the early stages of the home buying process to determine what these costs could be since closing costs can easily represent thousands of dollars. There are five categories of closing costs: (1) discount(s) points to buying down the mortgage; (2) the costs of originating the mortgage; (3) taxes and other local fees; (4) the cost of documentation; (5) legal fees and insurance. Commission: The fee charged by a broker or agent for providing services related to a real estate transaction such as marketing the property, bringing the parties together, and negotiating a purchase contract.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): An analysis provided by a real estate professional that surveys properties in a given area or of a certain type for the purpose of determining the relative value of a given property.
Confidentiality: The fiduciary duty that prohibits the agent from communicating personal information about the client that was given to or acquired by the agent within the scope of employment as an agent to the client. Personal information must be kept confidential unless the client releases the agent from this duty. However, the material facts and defects of a property are not confidential.
Deed: The legal document conveying title to a property.
GLOSSARY OF KEY REAL ESTATE TERMS
Earnest Money Deposit: A deposit made by the potential home buyer to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.
Equity: A homeowner’s financial interest in a property. Escrow: A deposit of value, money, or documents with a third party to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition. For example, the earnest money deposit is put into escrow, held by the broker, bank, or other party, until delivered to the seller when the transaction is closed. Typically held by the Listing Agency acting as Escrow Agent. Fair Housing Laws: Local, state, and federal fair housing laws that prevent discrimination against any individual or group of individuals based upon race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin, or familial status, as well as other groups protect- ed by various local and state fair housing laws. For Sale By Owner (FSBO): A property for sale that is not listed by a real estate professional. The Seller is unrepresented. Fiduciary Duties: The term fiduciary is defined as relating to or involving confidence of trust. Fiduciary duties are determined by state law and generally include: confidentially, undivided loyalty, obedience, reasonable care and diligence, full disclosure, and accounting. Regardless of whether the duties owed in a particular state are traditional, common law fiduciary duties, or are statutorily defined, they are owed to any principal/client. Full Disclosure: The fiduciary duty that requires the agent to disclose affirmatively and honestly all information the agent knows concerning the transaction (and property) which might affect the decisions a client or customer makes. Good-Faith Estimate: An estimate of closing costs associated with the purchase of your home provided by a lender. Home Inspection: A thorough inspection that evaluates the structural and mechanical condition of a property. Home Warranty: A guarantee for mechanical systems and appliances, but not the structure, against repairs not covered by homeowner’s insurance; coverage is for a specific period of time. Inspections: Through a review of the general building, radon air, and water testing, general water testing, and sewage disposal. Other inspections could include lead paint, hazardous waste, or any other areas of concern a buyer may have on a specific property.
LTV (Loan to Value): The ratio of the amount of a mortgage loan to the appraised value or sales price of the property mortgage, whichever is lower.
Lock-In: A writien agreement in which the lender guarantees a specified interest rate if a mortgage goes to closing within a set period of time.
Mortgage: A loan to finance the purchase of real estate, usually with specified payment periods and interest rates. Generally, the mortgage document pledges the mortgaged property to the lender as security for the loan.
GLOSSARY OF KEY REAL ESTATE TERMS
Mortgage Insurance: A policy that insures the lender against loss caused by a mortgagor’s default on a mortgage. Multiple Listing Services (MLS): A database of all properties for sale listed by members of a specified MLS. PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance is coverage provided by a private mortgage insurance company to protect lenders against loss if a borrower defaults. Coverage is usually required for a loan with a loan-to-value (LTV) percentage in excess of 80 percent. Points: A point is one percent of the amount of the mortgage. At closing, Lenders sometimes charge borrowers a percentage of the loan amount equal to the number of points to cover the lender’s cost. Sometimes borrowers pay higher points in exchange for a lower interest rate. Pre-Approval: A writien commitment issued by a lender atier a comprehensive analysis of the creditworthiness of the applicant including verification of income, resources, and credit score. A pre- approval makes you a more atiractive candidate to the seller when making an offer. Pre-Qualification: This is an estimation of what a purchaser can afford. This is commonly what a lender provides. Purchase Contract: The purchase contract is the legally binding document that sets forth the terms of the sale, establishes the rights and obligations of the parties involved, specifies the actions to be taken in order to close the sale, and establishes the time frames for those steps to be completed. Real Estate Agent: A person licensed by a state to negotiate and transact the sale of real estate on behalf of a property owner/seller or buyer. REALTOR®: Identifies a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Seller Property Information Report (SPIR): A report completed by the Seller, based on the Seller’s knowledge of the property condition. This report does not replace the need for a property inspection by a professional. Settlement Statement: A document prepared by an atiorney, or lender detailing the complete breakdown of the costs and disbursements in a real estate transaction. Taxes and Other Local Fees: A closing cost that will vary according to the requirements of local governments. Commonly the property taxes will be pro-rated according to when the buyer will officially become the owner of the property. There can also be homeowner’s association dues and property transfer taxes. Title Search: A check of the title records to ensure that the seller is the legal owner of the property and that there are no liens or other claims outstanding. Underwriting: The process for evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender. Glossary of Key Real Estate T erms.
What Our Clients Say About Us
"Macie did an excellent job helping us find a home in the Charleston area. We had just moved from the Chicago area and didn't know much about the local real estate market. From the moment we got off the plane, Macie had a great selection of houses lined up for us, all within our budget and meeting our specific criteria. Her knowledge of the area and the housing market was impressive, and she was able to answer all our questions promptly and professionally." - Hiram Grigsby Jr
"Chuck Licha made this experience very effortless. He was always available to answer any of my questions and helped me accomplish all the steps along the way. This company will continue to go far with personnel like Chuck on their team. I highly recommend this company!" - Tyler McGee
"I recently had the pleasure of working with Rosa Carpenter, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. She is not only a consummate professional but also a great friend throughout the process. Rosa was always on time for our appointments, and her attention to detail was impeccable. She made sure every aspect of the transaction was handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend Rosa Carpenter to anyone in need of a top-notch realtor." - Christina Alvarez
CHARLESTON, SC COLUMBIA, SC GREENVILLE, SC CHARLOTTE, NC SAVANNAH, GA ATLANTA, GA JACKSONVILLE, FL
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