Do you know anything about the real estate market where you live?  Many people whether they rent or own a home don't really know what's going on in the real estate market.  Unless a neighbor happens to sell a home you really don't know the true value of the surrounding properties.  If you're renting, you can't imagine owning your own home. Well, I'm here today to let you know that living the American dream is not as difficult as you may think.  If you have a good credit score and a little bit of a savings you can own a home.  There are three bedroom homes in the Charleston area that have a mortgage payment of less than a rental home with two bedrooms!   I would love to show you the math on paper so we can set up appointments to go out and find you a home you can own! Call me today and we can get you started living the American dream! Donna Andreano - Realtor, CNE Realtor of Distinction  AgentOwned Realty - Preferred Group  843-256-3348 Mobile  DonnaA@agentownedrealty.com 843-725-6672 Fax www.yourhomeincharleston.com

Have no fear ! Think about buying !  Yup...I was just like you...I had to rent because I could not buy due to not having a great credit score yet but working on getting it back to an acceptable level. I also felt the freedom of renting and being able to move on whenever I wanted was good thing. And  so, I was a renter for many years. Drawbacks among many, of course was not being able to hang up pictures w/o worrying that I had to repair the nail holes at move out, could not paint a room in colors I liked,  always worried that the landlord would not renew my lease and I had to move again with all inconveniences and cost involved. And then I talked to our affiliated lender, PROSPERITY MORTGAGE and they guided and advised me how to obtain a mortgage, and then I bought my own place. And now I have that purple wall I always wanted, have hung up all my pictures and when I turn the key in my front door lock, I take a deep breath and say: " Hello and Oh, this is MY place !  ;-) " So please check out all of your options, talk to a REALTOR and to a lender and fulfill your dream of owning your place ! I show you how and guide you along. Take a look at my website: www.DefinitelyCharleston.com to find a home in your desired location, size and price point you qualify for.  I am so much looking forward to working with you !  You can reach me for any questions you might have at uappleby@gmail.com. Ute L. Appleby, REALTOR AGENTOWNED REALTY CO.   843.345.2625   UAPPLEBY@GMAIL.COM

Making a big decision - own or rent !   Owning a home has great financial benefits, but many of us are still renting. Of course, there could be many reasons why one rents such as not having enough income to buy or not enough savings or simply enjoying moving around w/o having to worry about selling a home.  But I want to explain why owning a home is important to many of us and always has been part of the American Dream.  Zillow recently reported that: “In reality, buying or renting a home is an intensely personal decision, with emotional and even financial considerations that go beyond whether to invest in this one (admittedly large) asset. Looking strictly at housing market numbers, there is a concrete point at which buying a home makes more financial sense than renting it.” Why is owning a home financially better than renting? 1. There are 5  financial benefits of homeownership: Homeownership is a form of forced savings. Homeownership provides tax savings. Homeownership allows you to lock in your monthly housing cost. Buying a home is cheaper than renting. No other investment lets you live inside of it. 2. Studies have shown that a homeowner’s net worth is 44x greater than that of a renter. 3. I recently read that a person that purchased an average-priced home at the beginning of 2017 could build over $40,000 in wealth over the next five years. 4. Some argue that renting eliminates the cost of taxes and home repairs, but every potential renter must realize that all the expenses the landlord incurs are already baked into the rent payment– along with a profit margin!!  As a bottom line statement, I feel that owning a home has always been, and will always be better from a financial standpoint than renting. Of course, it is still up to every one of us what we prefer to do or can do.  Need assistance in buying - I am here for you ! Need assistance in leasing - of course, I am here for you too!  Visit my website at www.DefinitelyCharleston.com to look for homes and vacant land for sale or homes for lease !   Cordially,    Ute Lisa Appleby, Realtor      AGENTOWNED REALTY CO., Mt Pleasant SCReal Estate/Leasing/Property Managementcell:  843.345.2625     uappleby@gmail.com   www.DefinitelyCharleston.com        

Words from the Millennial Whisperer Buying a home in the US is today cheaper than renting! The results of a brand new 2018 study show that buying a median-priced home is more affordable than renting a three-bedroom property in 54% of U.S. counties which were analyzed for this report. The updated numbers show that renting a three-bedroom property in the United States requires an average of 38.8% of income. The least affordable market for renting was in California where renters spend a staggering 79.5% of their average wages on rent. Here in Charleston County, a renter spends about 35% of his or her income on rent plus the cost of utilities. Bottom LineBuying a home makes sense socially and financially. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, meet with me and a trusted lender. We here at AGENTOWNED work with Prosperity Home Loans and you can meet with Todd Huss right here in our office or any location convenient for you. It is easier than you think you get pre-qualified and you will be surprised to see that you don't need a fortune to put down to become a homeowner. For all my client and friends and followers, especially if you are a Millenial,  invest your money wisely. Read my blog about finding a millennial the perfect home and my post about first time home buying. Call me, the Millenial Whisperer, and I am happy to sit down with you, or text you all the info you need. I encourage you to download my mobile app HERE!   When driving around the neighborhood, you find true and updated information about homes for sale, info on taxes, and detailed descriptions and other info about a home.  Stay informed and up-to-date and contact me, if you like to see any of the properties you might be interested in. You can find me at www.DefinitelyCharleston.com  Ute ApplebyUAppleby@gmail.com(843) 345-2625

Top Five Reasons You Should Buy a Home Now! Are you a first-time homebuyer in the Charleston area contemplating when is the right time to purchase a home? Millennials 34 and younger make up a large percent of the first time home buying population, and according to statistics, half of all millennials plan to buy a home in the next five years. If you are wondering whether you should begin your home search now or hold out for the future, I present you with the top five reasons why now is the time to buy! Interest rates are historically low- Rates are hovering around 4% or even lower for those with a high credit score. Buyers should act now since experts are predicting interest rates will rise again in the future.  Appreciation- A home is one of the best investments you can make as house prices tend to rise over time. Purchasing a home puts your capital in a safe long term investment that is likely to grow. Tax Breaks- Homeowners pay less in taxes. Real estate taxes are deductible, and new owners get the greatest tax benefits.   No money down Loans- For buyers concerned about a down payment, there are loan options with little to no money down. USDA loans for rural areas and the SC Housing Homebuyer Program are two of these examples. Pride of Ownership- Having a home that is entirely yours means you can do what you please. You can paint any color or put holes in the wall. Even your pets you can enjoy in peace. On a final note, when it comes down to the numbers, mortgage payments are often lower than monthly rent, and at the end of the day, you will have your own home to show for it. If you need assistance in finding that perfect abode, contact Erin Eisele and turn home ownership from a dream into reality.  Erin Eisele Real Estate/Leasing/Property ManagementErin.Eisele@AgentOwnedRealty.com(843) 329-2273

Buying your first home can be a thrilling experience and can also boost your bottom line with some of the great programs that are available through the state. Let me show you all of the ways homeownership can save you money. Contact me for more details today. Margaret Marcoe843-606-0661 Google Voice843-437-1893 Direct margaretmarcoe@gmail.comMargaretMarcoeHomes.com

House, Condo, or Townhouse? When it comes to Buying a Home, not everyone will be looking for the same kind of property. Some people dream of that giant house with a yard, porch, or even a pool. Some may prefer the simpler side of a Condo, that does not require much attention, and then some may go for the compromise of the townhouse. One thing for sure, speak to a professional Realtor and they can help give you some advantages and disadvantages of all these options. These are a few questions that a professional should be asking..... 1. How much maintenance or work are you willing to do? Houses and townhomes will require a lot more attention as you will be responsible for repairs, upkeep inside the establishment, but also outside. Things like landscaping, lawn care, windows, roof, siding and more. If you are looking for low maintenance and to do as little as possible, a Condo may be for you.  2. How much decorative freedom do you want? Generally, those who own their own have almost all the freedom they want as far as what they can do as long as it is not against any HOA rules or covenants and restrictions that the neighborhood may have. Townhomes usually allow you to change the inside but have less freedom on the exterior. Many condos limit permanent changes. 3. How much space do you need? Depending on your families needs and or size will help you determine this. A growing family may want more space like a home. Yard and so forth for children and animals. An older couple may choose a condo because they have downsized since the family has grown up. A townhome can be an option as the footprint is smaller but offers a little of both which may be good for a single person or a newlywed couple still trying to figure out what the want and where to live to raise a family.  4. What's your budget? This is a big factor! Not everyone has the same financial status. Talk to your Realtor so they can help give you the best guidance as to what may fit your budget. A good Realtor has a network of financial connections that they can set you up with to help make the best financial decision that's works for you.  Everyone has different needs, so talk it out and come up with a great plan to find what fits your lifestyle and budget. As always if you need assistance in the home buying or selling process in Summerville or surrounding areas, feel free to give me a call. I will be happy to help you with the biggest financial investment you will make.

Have you been thinking now is the time to purchase a home? There are some steps to take to make the process a little easier. You will need some sort of down payment depending on the type of loan you receive. So you probably want to start saving as much as possible. Credit is going to play a very important part of the home buying process. Your credit score will determine if you qualify for a loan and how much your interest rate will be, so it is in your best interest to pay your bills on time and not get overextended. Next, you will want to meet with a lender who will be an important part of your home buying team! Your lender will look over your credit, income, and debt ratio to see what amount you will qualify for. This is important because you can then look at homes that will be in your budget. You want a home that you can afford and enjoy! Once your lender looks at your information and determines that everything is in order for your home purchase, they can provide you with a pre-approval letter, so once you find a home, you will be ready to make an offer. Agentowned Realty has an in-house lender Prosperity Home Mortgage who is always ready to help with any questions you may have about the mortgage process.Next time we will talk about finding a Realtor and the home you want!

The home buying process can be so nerve-wracking at times, and, as a first-time buyer, it’s especially hard to know where to even begin. I recommend starting your journey with these 4 important steps: Pick a realtor. It’s important that you are working with someone that will work to meet your needs and expectations. Your realtor will be responsible for front-loading information so that you feel comfortable with the process, will guide you through the offer to purchase, will oversee variables behind the scenes with a focus on protecting your interests, and will address any questions/concerns you have along the way. I sure hope you choose me, but there are many great Realtors around the Lowcountry. You can easily start this process with me anytime by texting/calling 843-810-4905 or emailing me at SieglingChristy@gmail.com. Get familiar with the market. Your Realtor can set you up to receive listing updates via email directly from MLS. This allows you to familiarize yourself with what’s available, see the market trends, see accurate info (sorry Zillow lovers) and quickly communicate your preferences back to me/your Realtor. Get pre-approved. Pro-tip: ask your Lender about the Buyer’s Advantage Program to see if you qualify. Your realtor can provide Lender suggestions/referrals as needed. Please do not change bank accounts, apply for new credit, or make any large purchases after starting the loan pre-approval process. Talk with your Lender before any financial changes like those. Save $. Begin to set aside some funds if you have not already. Your Realtor can review all upfront costs that will arise, and your lender can assist in projecting the detailed amounts as needed. It can be more affordable than you might initially expect, but still nice to have some cash set aside. You can explore property listings right now by going to www.CreateTodayWithChristy.com (Tip: use your internet browser, not a search engine like Google or Bing.) You can also reach out to me via email at SieglingChristy@gmail.com or Call/Text 843-810-4905. It’d be an honor to assist in your real estate journey! Also, if you love the SC floral keychain - you can reach out to resin artist Ena + Co via instagram @ena.and.co to see her work for purchase. I love her creations!

   By Ashley Melton, Realtor®  For first-time home buyers, one of the last things you want happening is to find an amazing home only to discover you can't actually afford it based on the amount a mortgage lender is willing to loan you. The pandemic has made being prepared and ready with an offer crucial to the home-buying process. Available home inventory is at all time lows and homes that hit the market go quickly. Receiving a mortgage pre-approval prevents you from being house-poor, keeps your monthly mortgage payments manageable and can put you at the front of the line when making an offer on the house of your dreams. What is Pre-Approval in the First Place? In the most basic terms, mortgage pre-approval is when a mortgage lender provides a written statement that the approved party or parties will be granted a loan amount pending approval from the underwriter. A more detailed definition from Realtor.com is when, "...a lender probes deep into your financial past, checking out your income via W-2s, debt-to-income ratio, credit score, credit report, and other factors that help it determine whether or not to give you a mortgage loan and how much money you stand to get." [Realtor.com] Why is Pre-Approval So Important for Home Buyers, In General? For a home buyer, pre-approval is important so you know the price range you're qualified for. It eliminates the guessing game and allows you to focus on appropriately priced homes. And just as important, that written statement from a mortgage lender (also known as a pre-approval letter) can strengthen a buyer's offer, making it more attractive to a seller. An above asking-price offer from someone without a pre-approval letter can actually be less attractive than one at or below asking price from someone with pre-approval in-hand. The seller knows that issues arising during the negotiation stage are likely decreased because the buyer's taken the time to qualify for the purchase of the home.  "[Pre-Approval] eliminates the guessing game and allows you to focus on appropriately priced homes." Why is Pre-Approval Important Specifically for First-Time Home Buyers? For first-time home buyers, pre-approval is important for the same reasons mentioned above. But, knowing how much home you can afford and tempering your expectations make your home search a much smoother process. In some cases, there could be some credit issues that need to be cleared up, so it's better to know this at the beginning of the process. What Are the Steps of the Pre-Approval Process? The process of getting pre-approval doesn't have to be difficult and confusing. It's simply a matter of having your required documentation ready. There are 5 types of information regularly required to get mortgage pre-approval. Once you contact the mortgage lender, the following information is usually going to be requested: 1. Proof of Income The two most recent years tax returns, W-2 wage statements from the previous 2 years, recent pay stubs that show income including year-to-date income and proof of any additional income sources like bonuses, alimony, side-hustles, etc. 2. Proof of Assets As the borrower, you'll need to prove to your lender that you have adequate funds to make the downpayment and cover the closing costs of the home. Bank and investment statements will be required and also provides proof you have cash reserves. The percentage of the downpayment will vary by loan type but, the standard is typically 20% of the sale price of the home. If your financial situation makes a 20% deposit unlikely, most borrowers will require you to purchase PMI, or private mortgage insurance, a mortgage insurance premium or a funding fee. A buyer's FICO credit score and debt-to-income-ratio (DTI) are also factors in pre-approval. Also, if a friend or family member is helping you with your downpayment, you'll most likely need a letter from them stating the funds are a gift and not a loan to avoid adding to your perceived debt. 3. Good Credit Credit scores of 620 or higher are usually required to get a conventional loan with scores 760 and higher reserved for the lowest interest rates. If you're considering an FHA loan, the folks from The Mortgage Reports say, "Although FHA allows credit scores as low as 580, lenders may set their own, tougher guidelines...and credit requirements may be subject to change from time to time, as we saw at the height of the pandemic." [themortgagereports.com] However, just because your credit is less than ideal doesn't mean a loan or pre-approval is out of the question. Most lenders will work with buyers that have low credit scores to suggest ways to improve their score over time. Buyers with lower credit scores typically must make larger downpayments, so keep that in mind. 4. Employment Verification The main reason lenders require employment verification is to make sure the borrower has steady employment. Pay stubs are one requirement, but lenders may also call the employer to verify, even calling your previous employer if you've recently changed jobs. If you're self-employed that's no problem,  it'll just require a bit more paperwork proving the stability of your industry, your income and the likelihood the revenue will remain consistent. 5. Other Documentation Your driver's license, social security number and signature will be required to pull your credit report. In some situations, additional information may be needed and simply being flexible to locate the information in a timely manner will make for a smooth pre-approval process. Does Buying a Home in the Lowcountry Affect the Pre-Approval Process? Whether you're looking for a home in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, West Ashley, or other locations in the Lowcountry, the above process is no different. However, the final monthly payment COULD be affected based on the location of the home. Taxes and insurance will play a role in the monthly payments and those things can be affected depending on the area of the Lowcountry where you're doing your home search. A lender will estimate these numbers for you based on the price range. Some locations will have higher insurance rates than others and will affect those monthly payments. The same goes for regime fees for condos, so it's important to keep these things in mind as it could create payments that you as the buyer are not qualified for. "Taxes and insurance will play a role in the monthly payments and those things can be affected depending on the area of the Lowcountry you're doing your home search." What is the next step after a first-time home buyer receives pre-approval? Based on your time-frame for purchasing a home, you should start the home search once you receive your pre-approval letter. In the current market, a home seller is not going to readily consider a contract with a long closing time. Sellers will be looking for 45 days or less to close once an offer is accepted. If a first-time buyer is in a lease, the time frame needs to reflect that. A home on the market today probably won't be available if the buyer needs to wait for the lease to end to close on the home.  Additional Information Important for First-Time Home Buyers Your debt-to-income ratio really is an important factor. Some buyer's will qualify, but by a very small margin. It's important to pay bills on time and not add to your debt if you're actively looking to purchase a home. Even after you've been pre-approved, making large purchases such as a car or even appliances for your new home can cause issues once the official loan process is underway. It's best to check with your lender prior to purchasing anything with credit once you've been pre-approved, just to be safe.  "It's best to check with your lender prior to purchasing anything with credit once you've been pre-approved, just to be safe. " As mentioned before, a buyer may have funds gifted to them by a family member to assist with the home purchase. Make sure this is known at the beginning of the pre-approval process. Your mortgage lender will know the proper steps for gifting funds. Finally, you don't have to go through this process alone. A licensed Realtor® will be able to help you through the process to avoid obstacles and stress in this crucial first step to buying a home. In fact, you can check out my next blog post, How to choose the Best Real Estate Agent in the Charleston Area for a step-by-step guide on picking the perfect match!   Ashley Melton, Realtor® Ashley.Melton@AgentOwned.com www.CharlestonPalmettoHomes.com 843-670-2333

   By Ashley Melton, Realtor®  Purchasing a home is one of the most important (and expensive) decisions you'll make during your lifetime. So it stands to reason that purchasing your FIRST home is a decision you shouldn't take lightly. The best way to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible is by choosing the best real estate professional for your needs. But, with over 1,700 real estate agents working in Charleston, South Carolina's real estate market alone - where do you begin? This article will provide you the best information and important steps in picking the perfect agent for you. Do You Have to Use a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home in Charleston? Your first inclination may be that purchasing a home without the help of a real estate agent in South Carolina will be: Less hassle Will save money Solve the majority of your concerns There are no commissions to pay, you make all the decisions yourself and you won't worry if the real estate agent is doing their job because, well, you're doing all the work! However, there are a few things you should consider before deciding to go solo. Most importantly, if a home is listed by a licensed Realtor® on the MLS, prospective buyers will need some sort of representation. The level of representation will vary and can be determined by the seller and/or brokerage listing the property. Are you a "Customer" or a "Client"? These terms may seem interchangeable but Charleston, SC laws see it differently. South Carolina license law defines "customers" as buyers or sellers who choose NOT to enter into a written agreement with a real estate agency. The law requires real estate licensees (Real Estate Agents) to perform the following basic duties when dealing with any real estate buyer or seller as "customers": "Present all offers in a timely manner, account for money or other property received on your behalf, provide an explanation of the scope of services to be provided, be fair and honest and provide accurate information, provide limited confidentiality, and disclose “material adverse facts” about the property or the transaction which are within the licensee's knowledge." Unless you enter into a written agreement with the brokerage firm for agency representation, you are considered a “customer” of the brokerage firm, and they don't actually act as your agent. For that reason, you shouldn't expect the brokerage firm or its licensees to promote your best interest. They will simply provide the bare minimum assistance as required by law for the purchase of the home. However, once you sign a written agreement (also known as a Buyer's Agreement or Seller's agreement) you are now considered a "client" and the real estate agent is able to provide a much wider range of services and personal attention to ensure your best interests are being met. Why Should a First-Time Home Buyer use a Real Estate Agent Instead of Doing it Themselves? First-time home buyers benefit from the expertise, networks, and local knowledge of a real estate agent. Real estate agents that represent the buyer's interests are known as a Buyer's Agent. In contrast, a Listing Agent represents the seller's interests, not the buyers. An experienced buyer's agent can help navigate through the home buying process from beginning to end. They use their local knowledge to assist in locating suitable homes for the buyer in their price range and negotiate the best terms for the purchase. These real estate experts are experienced with navigating any issues that may arise. They can also offer suggestions for lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents, and closing attorney’s in the Charleston area. In some cases, like my real estate brokerage, the agent will have access to these trusted resources under one roof.   Still have questions?  How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Real Estate Agent? In most situations, the buyer doesn't pay their real estate agent for representation. The seller pays the real estate commissions to the buyer's agent and seller's agent from the sale of their home.   What is the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor®? A great question! I like to tell people to remember this saying, "All Realtors® are Real Estate Agents, not all Real Estate Agents are Realtors®". Realtors have gone a step further to become members of NAR or The National Association of REALTORS®. This means they adhere to the NAR Code of Ethics and pursue continuing education throughout their career. "All Realtors® are Real Estate Agents, not all Real Estate Agents are Realtors®" Which is the Better Choice for a First-Time Home Buyer? I'm a licensed Realtor® so I may be biased, but it's my opinion that using a Realtor® is the best choice for first-time home buyers. Realtors® have proven they are willing to invest their time and efforts in continuing education and stay informed of changes in laws and best practices for themselves and their clients.  How Do I Choose the Best Real Estate Agent and What Criteria I Should Use to Decide? Finding the best agent to represent you in buying your first Lowcountry home in the Charleston area shouldn't be rocket science but, there are a few boxes that need to be checked in order to be confident you've narrowed down your search to the best possible candidate. Simply choosing a Charleston real estate agent on social media that run lots of ads or has a large Instagram following won't cut it; make sure you do your homework first. "Simply choosing a Charleston real estate agent on social media that runs lots of ads or has a large Instagram following won't cut it..." Here's a list of important things to factor into your decision: 1. Referrals Ask for referrals from your friends and family for agents that have done a good job for them or someone they know. As a first-time homebuyer, you'll want referrals for someone who's experienced working with buyers like you as your needs will be different than a repeat buyer. After 16 years as a Realtor® in Charleston, the majority of my business has been a result of referrals from family, friends, and previous clients which reflects well on the service I've provided.  "As a first-time home buyer, you'll want referrals for someone who's experienced working with buyers like you as your needs will be different than a repeat buyer." 2. Experience & Local Knowledge Is this an agent with experience that has several years or more in the real estate industry in South Carolina? The agent should know the areas you're interested in well but also have in-depth knowledge of other areas, too. They'll be able to provide suggestions if your first choice doesn't work out or make comparisons to help you with your decisions. In addition, they should display a solid grasp of real estate laws and the home buying process. Review their online presence to see if they convey their experience and knowledge of the Lowcountry through blog posts and social media in a way that's easy to understand. "Review [the agents] online presence to see if they convey their experience and knowledge of the Lowcountry through blog posts and social media in a way that's easy to understand." 3. Communication & Transparency You want your agent to be in regular communication with you during the home buying process. An email, call, or text shouldn't languish for days before you get a response. In the early process of choosing an agent, do the prospective agents respond to your questions in a timely manner? Are their answers helpful and clear? This likely dictates the way they'll communicate after you begin the home search process with them and you don't want to miss out on opportunities or be left in the dark. Additionally, you want a real estate agent who's open and honest. Are they politely blunt and upfront with you when answering your questions? If so, you can expect them to give it to you straight so you're not left wondering, "What if?". And ask the agent if their written agreement allows you to terminate it if you're unhappy with their service, or if there are fees associated with the cancellation. Your real estate agent should seem honest to a fault and be straightforward with their answers. 4. The Three "R's": Reviews, Research & References Look for online reviews of the agents you're considering to see what other's experiences have been. No one's perfect, so a few negative reviews might not be a deal-breaker. However, if the majority of those reviews are negative or indicate a pattern - red flags should start to go up for you. Research your potential agents for any complaints or disciplinary actions with the BBB or South Carolina State Regulators. Do they actively champion working with first-time homebuyers online? Do they celebrate their successes and seem genuinely passionate about helping folks like you? And ask the real estate agents you're considering working with for some references that you can contact and interview, as well. Ask those references about their experience and if they'd consider working with the agent again. "...do they actively champion working with first-time home buyers online? Do they celebrate their successes and seem genuinely passionate about helping folks like you?" 5. Weigh your top 3 After you've done all the above, consider choosing your top 3 picks to represent you in the buying process and weigh their "pros and cons" from the information you've gathered. Think about their personality and preferences and consider if they mesh with yours. Are they okay with texts or prefer phone calls? Can they accommodate your schedule to view homes during weekday evenings? Have they exhibited a good knowledge of financing options to help you during the offer stage? Have they taken the time to get to know you well enough that they've made suggestions based on your lifestyle/needs?  6. Go with your gut Ultimately, the final decision comes down to your intuition. Hire someone you like! Do they feel like a great fit? Are you comfortable with the agent and feel they will put your priorities first? If you've already enjoyed your interactions with them and are impressed with their expertise - then go for it!  "Ultimately, the final decision comes down to your intuition. Hire someone you like!" Once you decide on a real estate agent to use, what are the next steps? Once you’ve decided on a real estate agent and receive your mortgage pre-approval, it’s time to sign a Buyer’s Representation Agreement. This spells out the duties each party has to one another during the relationship. After that, it's time to start the home search! If you'd like to learn more about a buyer's representation agreement and the home search process, be sure to follow my blog for my next post about the home search process for first-time home buyers!   Still have questions?    Ashley Melton, Realtor® Ashley.Melton@AgentOwned.com www.CharlestonPalmettoHomes.com 843-670-2333