When you work alongside a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in South Carolina, the agent must never put personal interests or commission above your best interests as a client. In fact, this is a primary rule in the NAR Code of Ethics, that an agent must always protect and promote a client’s best interests. Keep reading this post to learn more about the ethics that guide agents who provide services to buyers and sellers throughout the state.

Protecting the interests of buyers and sellers

If you’re selling a house, you might decide to work with a listing agent. This agent must represent your best interest by providing information regarding the benefits and costs of all available marketing tools. The NAR Code of Ethics prohibits and agent from demanding a specific amount of compensation in exchange for making your home visible (via marketing) to buyers. 

As a buyer, your agent is obligated to inform you of all available homes for sale that meet your criteria. It is unethical for an agent to choose only the homes that would yield the highest compensation. You can be proactive by asking whether the agent has made you aware of all homes for sale that fit your stated needs. 

Contracts help prevent wrongful steering

Under the NAR Code of Ethics, real estate agents may not wrongfully steer a client toward or away from a specific home for sale because of how much money the agent will earn in a  transaction. In other words, if you’re buying a house and your agent is hiding specific properties from you because the agent’s compensation will be low, that is unethical. Likewise, if the agent is guiding you toward specific homes that will earn a higher compensation, this is “wrongful steering.” 

Signing a written buyer’s agreement helps protect your interests when purchasing a home in South Carolina. Such an agreement typically includes an itemized list of services your agent will provide, as well as the amount of compensation the agent will receive. Buyers and sellers who believe an agent has violated the NAR Code of Ethics may report the issue and request an investigation. 

From a buyer’s perspective, there’s typically an expectation for a home to be “move-in ready” after closing. A seller, on the other hand, is trying to gain the highest offer possible with the least number of complications and delays. Sometimes, issues arise that cause conflict between what the seller and buyer are each trying to achieve, and that’s where a contingent offer might come in.

A contingent offer protects a buyer’s interests

A contingent offer is a means to protect the interests of the buyer. It basically provides a legally acceptable path to walk away from a purchase contract if certain conditions are not met. For example, a buyer might make an offer on a home contingent upon the outcome of a home inspection, meaning that if the inspector determines that the house has failed inspection due to needed repairs, the buyer can either walk away from the deal or renegotiate the terms of the contract, such as requesting a lower price on the home. 

A buyer might state that the seller must agree to make repairs before closing on the home. If a seller has decided ahead of time that this would not be an option, it would make sense not to accept a contingent offer on the home. Buyers can work alongside experienced real estate agents for recommendations and assistance in writing out the details of contingencies.  

When more than one offer is on the table

It is logical to assume that, if there are multiple offers on a home, the seller is likely to accept the best deal. This doesn’t necessarily mean the buyer who makes the highest offer will win the bid war. Oftentimes, a seller will accept a lower bid rather than a contingent offer. It all depends on the specific stipulations of a contingency and what is at stake for the seller both financially and regarding time. If a contingency causes a significant delay to closing, a seller might opt to accept the offer that is non-contingent, instead.

If you want to ensure that you can reclaim your earnest deposit without penalty if certain conditions are not met, then a contingent offer is the way to go. If you’re trying to establish serious intent and financial readiness in a bid war, then making a non-contingent offer might be best. 

Especially if you’ve lived for many years in the home you plan to sell, you’ve no doubt adapted to its current state. You may have even overlooked a few flaws or minor repairs throughout the years, which is fine if you were comfortable with it. A buyer, however, is looking for a new home that’s in as close to moving-in condition as possible.

Complete the list before selling a home

Unless you’re listing a house on the market “as is,” meaning that a buyer must accept it without contingency, you can use this checklist to determine if it’s ready to sell: 

• Needed repairs have been made.
• You have deep cleaned the entire interior and exterior of the home.
• You’ve upgraded outdated fixtures, flooring, paint, etc.
• Personalized decor has been stored away.
• You’ve boosted curb appeal so that the outside of the home and property make a positive first impression.
• You’re ready to stage the home for showings.

It’s often beneficial for sellers to hire professionals for specific tasks, such as pre-listing home inspections, cleaning, lawn services, and staging. Delegating these important projects to others enables you to focus on developing a marketing plan with an experienced real estate agency or starting a search for your own new home.

Results may boost your list price

In addition to increasing the likelihood of attracting interested buyers to your home, completing repairs, upgrades, etc., ahead of time has another benefit as well. The more improvements you’ve made to your home, the higher its value might be. This means that a home in good repair that also features modern appliances, fixtures, lighting etc. can often be listed on the market at a higher price than a home that needs a lot of work.

When selling a home in South Carolina, it is wise to complete a list like the one shown in this blog post. Doing so helps sellers ensure that the houses they are selling are ready for buyers to make offers. While completing such a list is not required to sell a home in this state, you risk getting buyers who tour the home but don’t make offers or worse, not getting any showings at all after people view your listing online. A little diligence and effort ahead of time can help you accomplish your real estate goals.

The real estate closing process can be complex and complicated. It’s always best to work with an experienced agent. This is particularly true for first-time home buyers. Make sure your agent understands that you are embarking on a maiden voyage and have never purchased a home before now. 

First-time home buyers enjoy these perks

If you participate in a program designed for first-time home buyers, you may be able to:

• Purchase a home for less of a down payment that repeat buyers might need
• Accrue annual savings because of available tax breaks afforded to first-time buyers
• Secure a fixed-rate 30-year mortgage
• Qualify for a forgivable downpayment assistance loan in South Carolina

In addition to being a first-time buyer, if you live in an agricultural or rural area, you may be eligible for a USDA guaranteed loan. 

Benefits of a fixed mortgage rate

When you rent a home, your landlord might raise the rent with little notice ahead of time. There might be a clause in your rental agreement specifying how much notice must be given or how much time must pass before rent increases. In many cases, however, a tenant might experience a rise in rent several times throughout the course of living in a particular apartment or house. 

One of the benefits first-time home buyers may receive is the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing there is a fixed mortgage rate. Monthly payments will remain the same throughout the life of the loan, provided you do not refinance. It’s a good idea to discuss all mortgage options before signing up with a specific lender to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. 

Take advantage of the agent’s knowledge and experience

When you’re preparing to purchase a home for the first time, do not hesitate to rely heavily on an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent. An agent who understands the needs of first-time home buyers, as well as the resources available for this demographic, can help you find a home that fits your budget and preferences. Your first home purchase can be a pleasant and memorable experience if you know where to turn for guidance.

A real estate transaction coordinator typically works as an independent contract or business owner. TC’s usually work on commission, earning anywhere from $250 to $700 or more per transaction. They do not generate leads or carry out other duties that are the responsibility of an agent. However, they do take care of many behind-the-scenes processes, which facilitates a smooth, swift closing. 

Services that real estate transaction coordinators provide

The following list includes several of the most common tasks that TC’s take care of when working for agents or brokers: 

• Send intro packets and open escrow
• Make sure contingency deadlines are being met
• Coordinate schedules for titles, inspectors and lenders

A TC ensures compliance where necessary and keeps everything (and everyone) on track for closing. 

It is an in-house or remote position

A real estate transaction coordinator is not restricted to a brick-and-mortar office, although many TC’s carry out their work as part of the in-house staff of a brokerage. Some TC’s work as virtual specialists, providing services for multiple agents or brokerages simultaneously. Still others work as independent business owners, either from home or an out-of-home office. 

A real estate closing today is a much more complex process than it used to be. There are generally more regulations, as well as disclosure requirements. Advanced technology has enabled realtors and brokers to digitize and digitalize many aspects of buying and selling homes. All these issues opened the door to the (fairly) new career we now refer to as “real estate transaction coordinator.” 

Read your contract carefully

It is typically the responsibility of a real estate agent or broker to pay a real estate transaction coordinator. However, it is always wise to thoroughly review your contract as a seller or buyer to check whether there’s an agreement clause stating that you will cover any fees related to a TC. If you sign the contract without reading it and it states that you must pay the transaction coordinator, you’ll be stuck. This is why you should never sign a real estate contract without reading through all the fine print and making sure you fully understand its contents. 

Whether you are looking for a rural home with land or seeking an apartment in the city, the location matters. Different neighborhoods have different vibes. Understanding more about the area in which you’re looking to buy can help you find the home that best meets your needs. 

Consider these location factors

• Proximity to important places– How close is the home to your work location, schools, and places you frequent? If it’s further away than you’re used to, think carefully whether you’ll be ok traveling a longer distance to reach these places. Be sure to consider the availability of public transportation if applicable since the accessibility can vary greatly from one area to another. 
• Development status– Is the area developed or are plans in place to build? Living in an area where other homes and businesses are established is quite different from living in an area with ongoing development. Consider whether you can tolerate the noise and disturbances from future construction. 
• Neighborhood vibes – Some neighborhoods are quiet while others are livelier. It’s often recommended to check out a potential neighborhood at different times of the day and week to better understand the vibes. Drive through on a Saturday evening, during a chaotic school day morning, and after dinner on a weekday to better understand how others in the area live from day to day. 
• Lot placement – Consider what borders the home’s lot. Living near a busy road can be loud and could prove unsafe if you have pets or children. If the home is located near a commercial lot, you may encounter heavy traffic during business hours. Also, consider how close neighboring homes are.

Buying a new home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. While home size, indoor features, and outdoor space are all important things to consider during the buying process, location is the number one factor that can determine whether a home will be a good fit. You can always upgrade the house, but you can’t control the surrounding area. 

House hunting can be exciting, but many families often find the process quite stressful. You likely have an idea of your wants and needs when it comes to choosing the right home, but you may not know where to start. Working with an experienced real estate agent can provide you with the guidance you need to find the right home. 

There are benefits and downsides to most legal transactions. A cash offer in real estate often has more pros than cons. While it’s wise to consider all options, including non-cash offers you might receive simultaneously, there are several reasons why accepting cash might be best to help you accomplish your real estate goals. 

Who typically brings a cash offer to the table?

Any buyer can make a cash offer on a home for sale. Often, people who want to purchase a home with cash fall into one of the categories listed below: 

• iBuyers 
• People using equity from a home sale
• Investors
• House-flippers

An iBuyer is typically a company that pays cash for houses through online transactions. House-flippers are people who purchase homes with re-sale in mind, usually after making renovations and upgrades. 

When a buyer wants to pay cash for a house

There may be numerous benefits to accepting a cash offer on your South Carolina home for sale, including but not limited to those shown in the following list: 

• Cash offers usually take much less time than offers that include mortgage loans; in fact, iBuyers are often ready to seal a deal in 48 hours or less.
• Contingencies are not uncommon in the home sale industry; however, buyers paying cash typically do not make contingent offers, which also makes the closing process less daunting.
• If you verify that the funds are available, you don’t have to worry about your buyer being turned down for a mortgage loan.
• It’s often possible to omit the appraisal process when a real estate transaction doesn’t involve a mortgage loan.

While there are several benefits to accepting a cash offer for the home you’re selling, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that offer is the highest or best. This is why it’s wise to work alongside an experienced real estate agent, who can help you understand all offers that are on the table so that you can secure the best possible deal. Sometimes, that might mean accepting cash, but sometimes, another offer might be a better fit for you. 

As with most topics, there are typically downsides as well as perks. Perhaps you’re in the market for a new home and are considering Columbia, South Carolina as a possible location. You can weigh the pros and cons to determine if the area is a good fit for you.

Here are 5 reasons to move to this southern town

Columbia is home to a diverse population. Whether you’re ready to retire, are a rising professional or are seeking a family-friendly place to buy your next home, Soda City might be the place for you. Here’s why: 

• The cost of living in Columbia is affordable, comparable to the national average; in fact, health care costs in this area are lower than national and state averages.
• The job market is booming.
• There are countless amenities and things to do outdoors.
• Soda City is known for its local cuisine.
• There is a thriving preforming arts community throughout the city.

In addition to these reasons to move to Columbia, the city boasts numerous prestigious universities for those who are looking for a great place to achieve their post-secondary education goals. 

What are the downsides?

There are several things (or lack of things) in this part of South Carolina that could wind up on the “cons” list for some people, such as: 

• There isn’t a lot of public transportation, which might be a downside to some people, especially those from large cities who are used to commuting that way. 
• The area typically gets a lot of rain and has a hurricane risk that is higher than many other parts of the country.
• Some neighborhoods have high crime rates.
• Those who prefer major league professional sports as spectators might be disappointed to learn that Columbia does not have a professional sports team, although it is home to several successful minor league and collegiate teams.

Every home buyer has unique needs, preferences, and goals. What’s important to you might not be a deal-breaker for another buyer and vice versa. This is why it’s helpful to work with an experienced real estate agent, who can tailor your home search to meet your budget, as well as show you homes in areas that align with the new home vision you have in mind.

It’s been said that the kitchen “is the heart” of a home. Many people enjoy entertaining guests as they sit around the island while the host tosses a salad or serves hors d’oeuvres. When the time comes for prospective buyers to tour your home, make sure the kitchen is spotless and updated. 

Sell your home by boosting kitchen appeal

If you’re worried that this post is going to suggest a complete overhaul and renovation of your kitchen to sell your home, you can relax. There are several, less expensive ways to boost kitchen appeal and attract a buyer’s attention. You might want to give some of these ideas a try: 

• Install a faux wood floor, such as a DIY vinyl option that looks like hardwood but doesn’t break the bank. 
• Upgrade all cabinet hardware and sink fixtures. 
• If you have laminate countertops, consider upgrading to quartz or granite.
• Add a backsplash to the walls behind the counters, stove, and sink. 
• Invest in modern lighting fixtures. 
• Add a fresh coat of paint to walls and cabinets, if needed. 

Once you have improved the overall look of the kitchen, focus on the finer details. Make sure the room is odor free. Dishes should be clean and put away. Clear counter space and remove any hand towels that are hanging from the oven door or sink. 

Create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere

If you want to sell your home, creating the right ambience in the kitchen can do the trick. You might want to set out a tray of light snacks, such as fresh fruit or cookies. Add a vase of flowers or a couple of plants to bring color and texture into the room. Steer clear of perfumy aromas; just make sure the room is clean and odor free. If you plan to add flowers, do some research and choose options that are hypoallergenic. 

Keep in mind that buyers who are touring your home are going to open kitchen drawers and cupboards. The last thing you want is for a pile of clutter to fall out when a door is opened. Take time to deep clean all cabinets and drawers, as well as closets throughout the rest of the house before scheduling a showing. 

There are numerous things you should and shouldn’t do as you prepare for prospective buyers to tour your home. Just in case you have other ideas, remember (what should be) an obvious fact: Sellers should vacate the property while real estate showings are in progress. A buyer will not feel comfortable if you are sitting on the couch or tinkering in the garage while a tour is taking place.

Use this checklist for real estate showings

In the following two sections, you will find a list of dos and don’ts that you can implement as a seller to make the most of real estate showings: 

First, the don’ts: 

• Don’t leave dirty dishes or dirty laundry in sight.
• Don’t leave cat litter boxes, dog food, or other pet supplies where guests can see, smell or trip over them.
• Don’t close curtains and blinds.
• Don’t leave toys, gardening, or pool supplies lying around the yard. 

Your goal is to remove odors and provide a neat and tidy atmosphere. Even small rooms can feel spacious when natural light is pouring in and everything is in its place. 

Now, the dos: 

• Do play soft music (such as spa sounds) in the background.
• Do roll up store area rugs if underlying floors are a highlight feature of the home.
• Do wipe down walls and baseboards or apply a fresh coat of paint if needed.
• Do store personal photos, knick-knacks, and unnecessary items, such as dishcloths or hand towels in the kitchen. 
• Do make sure the lawn is mowed, and shrubs, flower beds, etc., are neatly trimmed.

You want buyers to feel comfortable and able to imagine themselves living in your home. If they’re tripping over your shoes and toys or smelling old food and dirty laundry, they will no doubt keep the visit short and move on to the next house on their list without giving yours a second thought. If you use this checklist for real estate showings, you can boost curb appeal and ensure that the rooms throughout the home are welcoming and pleasing to the eye.