Finding a Home That Meets Your Needs and Wants

Before you start looking at properties, make a list of “must-have” features along with optional features you’d like to have.

Having a clear idea of what you want in a home will help The Carolina Success Team find the perfect property for you in less time with less hassles.

“Must-have” features may include: 

Optional features may include: , s, , etc.

Making an Offer

Once you have found the home you wish to purchase, you will need to determine what offer you are willing to make for the home.

What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors, including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller.

To communicate your interest in purchasing a home, we will present the seller and listing agent with a written offer. When the seller accepts an offer it becomes a legal contract. When you write an offer you should be prepared to pay an earnest money deposit. This is to guarantee that your intention is to purchase the property.When working with us we make sure our buyers get the most for their money. We always request that the seller pay for a one year home warranty and title insurance fees. 98% of the time the sellers agree. If the seller will not pay for your home warranty we will pick up the costs for you.* Included with our Buyer Advantage Program* – Additional agreement with special terms and conditions is required.*

See Our Exclusive
Buyer Programs & Services*

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Negotiating

After we present your offer to the seller and listing agent it will either be accepted, rejected, or the seller will make a counter-offer. By far the most common is the counter offer. In these cases, our negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests. When a counter offer is presented, you and our team will work together to review each specific area of the counter offer, making sure that we move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that we negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.

The purchase agreement used is a standard document approved by our local real estate board. The purchase agreement or contract constitutes your offer to buy and, once accepted by the seller, becomes a valid, legal contract. For this reason, it is important to understand what is written on the contract offer.

To download a copy of the
purchase contract.

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Once acceptance of the offer is received, the contract is valid and enforceable. The contract will be sent to your preferred attorney who will select the title company to open up escrow on the property. The property may be surveyed and the ownership of title will be checked in county and court records. If you are financing the contract is sent to your lender so they can finalize the bank approval and prepare necessary closing documentation. The lender will also require the property to be appraised and inspected by a licensed appraiser.

The Home Inspection

If you are purchasing a resale property, we highly recommend that you have a professional home inspector conduct a thorough inspection. The inspection will review the condition of the homes general structure, windows, doors, appliances, plumbing, air conditioning and heating, foundation, ventilation, electrical systems, roof, attic, basement or crawl space.

The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home. It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair. Should serious problems be indicated, the inspector will recommend that a structural engineer or other professional inspect it as well.

Your home cannot pass or fail an inspection, and your inspector will not tell you whether he/she thinks the home is worth the money you are offering. The inspectors’ job is to make you aware of repairs that are recommended or necessary.

The seller may be willing to negotiate completion of repairs or a credit for completion of repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a clear-headed decision. In addition to the overall inspection, you may wish to have separate tests conducted for termites or the presence of radon gas, mold, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections (energy audits)

In choosing a home inspector, consider one that has been certified as a qualified and experienced member by a trade association also. We recommend being present at the inspection. This is to your advantage. You will be able to clearly understand the inspection report, and know exactly which areas need attention. Plus, you can get answers to many questions, tips for maintenance, and a lot of general information that will help you once you move into your new home. Most important, you will see the home through the eyes of an objective third party.

Talk to The Carolina Success Team for information about these tests, and companies in the area that perform them.

Ask these questions before
you hire your home inspector

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Between Contract and Closing

This stage of the process is very important. Timing is critical at this stage. Our contract to closing team and your Carolina Success Team consultant will assist you throughout the transaction. We will need to closely monitor the progress of all contingencies to make certain that all deadlines are met.

If you would like to speak to our Client Success Team please call 864.386.2668 ext. 2

You can also send us an email at clientsuccess@fruxhomes.com

The Closing!

Closing day marks the end of your home buying process and the beginning of your new life! You will receive the house keys to your new home at the closing and the seller will receive payment for the house! A “closing” is a formal process where you and your Carolina Success Team consultant meet with some or all of the following individuals: the Seller, the Sellers agent, a representative from the lending institution and a representative from the title company, in order to transfer the property title to you.

 If you are financing the property, your lender will require you to sign a document, usually a promissory note, as evidence that you are personally responsible for repaying the loan. You will also sign a mortgage or deed of trust on the property as security to the lender for the loan. The mortgage or deed of trust gives the lender the right to sell the property if you fail to make the payments.

Closing appointments will take between one to three hours depending on the specifics of the transaction. You will be required to pay all fees and closing costs in the form of guaranteed funds such as a Cashier’s Check. Your escrow officer will notify you of the exact amount before closing.

The day before closing we will do a final walk through to make sure that the property has been left in “broom clean” condition and has been thoroughly vacated. We will make sure that any agreed upon repairs have been completed to your satisfaction.

And if needed, The Carolina Success Team closing team will also assist you with picking your moving companies and making sure your utilities are connected when you arrive, for a hassle free move-in.

Moving In

Congratulations!

You have now closed on your new home and now you are ready to move! The Carolina Success Team will provide you with tips and checklists so that your move is as organized and effortless as possible.

Think about your move as a series of small projects that you can being while your home is under contract. Your move will progress as your contract and closing progresses. That way when the day comes to physically move your belongings, most of the details will be taken care of.

After the Sale: Tax Considerations

Keep detailed records of all moving expenses if your move is job related. Many expenses, including house-hunting trips, are tax deductible. If your move is 35 miles or more from your home, you can deduct your families travel expenses, including meals and lodging; the cost of transporting furniture, other household goods and personal belongings; food and hotel bills for up to 30 days in the new city if you have to wait to move into your new home; and the costs associated with selling your old home or leasing your new home.

Note: There is a ceiling on deductions which is outlined in detail in the IRSs Publication 521, Tax Information on Moving Expenses, available free from the IRS offices. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Publication-521,-Moving-Expenses

As always we recommend that you speak to your tax accountant for information and advice determined by your specific situation.