Buying A Home
The David Dale Team Experience | Trusted Partners To Buy Your Home
Transforming Your Dream Home into Your Reality
Purchasing a home is a significant personal and financial decision for many of us. Regardless of whether it's your first or not, we all start the journey with a distinct vision in mind- a place that we can call home, where we feel comfortable and happy.
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At The David Dale Team, part of eXp Realty, we're dedicated to making that vision a reality. As one of the top real estate teams in Hilton Head Island, we've put together an overview of the buying process in one of the world's most sought-after and luxurious coastal real estate markets.
Step One: Partner with a Professional | The David Dale Team Advantage
Partnering with the David Dale Team means working with a team of professionals dedicated to going above and beyond for their clients. With a local reputation as one of the leading real estate lifestyle teams in the lowcountry, the David Dale Team agents are not only committed to helping you close a deal but are also valuable resources for professional referrals, personal recommendations, and extensive knowledge of what it means to live the lowcountry lifestyle.
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As a leading real estate lifestyle team in the lowcountry, The David Dale Team empowers their agents to go above and beyond for their clients, providing full-service support and ongoing resources for professional referrals and personal recommendations.
Reasons to Partner with a Professional
An agent prioritizes your best interest and guides you with data, giving you access to market trends and timely opportunities, including unlisted properties.
Becoming A Buyer
Step Two: The Ownership Advantage
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Buying your home in The Lowcountry of Coastal Carolina (Hilton Head, Bluffton, Hardeeville, Okatie, Beaufort South Carolina) offers powerful benefits, including building equity, fixing your costs with a fixed-rate mortgage, and the freedom to personalize your space.
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The David Dale Team Advantage
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With expertise spanning Coastal Carolina’s buying, selling, and rental markets, The David Dale Team offers exclusive access to data-driven insights from industry-leading sources, such as Douglas Elliman’s Market Report and Wealth Report, to help clients decide when it's the right time to transition from renting to owning.
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Step Three: The Buyer's Journey
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Mapping Out Your Home-Buying Journey | The process of purchasing a home in the Hilton Head area of Coastal Carolina involves three phases: The Finances, The Search, and The Close.
The David Dale Team Advantage
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Our agents will guide you through every step of the home-buying process, providing trusted referrals to mortgage brokers, lawyers, and inspectors, and ensuring all documents are in order.
Preparing Your Financial Profile
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Planning on a mortgage? Clean Up Your Credit. Credit scores are crucial in determining lending risk. Use a reputable website to access your credit details and improve your score if needed.
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Calculate Your Savings
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Plan for a down payment of up to 20% of the sale price, along with associated closing costs. Refer to pages 33-36 for a cost breakdown and connect with your real estate attorney.
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Get Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved
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A loan officer will help you estimate your price range by determining if you qualify for a loan and at what amount. After pre-qualification, work with a lending institution to receive a pre-approved loan statement, valid for 60 days, and submit additional financial documents.
Conducting The Search
Your agent will help you survey the market landscape and establish parameters based on price, location, and inventory, bringing your vision of home into clearer focus.
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Single Family Homes, Condos and Townhouses: The Lowcountry of Coastal Carolina (Hilton Head, Bluffton, Hardeeville, Okatie, Beaufort) housing primarily consists of single family homes, condominiums, and townhouses. These homes are found in a wide variety of communities, including, gated, active adult 55+, traditional and resort communities.
The David Dale Team | Expert Guides You Can Trust! When making an offer and signing a contract, it is crucial to utilize your agent's expertise.
Negotiate the Offer
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Your agent will help determine the appropriate offer and negotiate the best price, terms, and closing date with the seller or their agent.
Review the Terms
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Your attorney will inspect the contract of sale, building by-laws, and financial condition to ensure everything is satisfactory before signing.
Sign the Contract
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Upon signing, the contract and deposit (typically 1-3% of the offer price) will be held in an escrow account of the buyer's attorney until closing. Remember that the seller can still consider and accept other offers until the contract is fully executed.
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During this stage of the buying process, your agent will assist you in gathering any remaining required documents and finalizing necessary approvals.
Loan Application
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After completing your application, your financial institution will arrange for an independent appraisal to verify the property's value.​
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In addition to helping you collect bank statements, tax returns, and reference letters (personal, professional, and financial), your agent will guide you through the process of obtaining board approval.
Closing Arrangements
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Once you have obtained approval (if required) and the bank has granted clearance to close, your agent will organize a final walk-through and closing date.
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During the final phase of the buying process, your agent will accompany you on a final walkthrough to evaluate the property and make a list of any outstanding issues that need to be addressed before the closing.
Be Ready For Closing
Final Walk-Through Checklist:
Kitchen
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Check oven and microwave, vents, lighting, stove burners, cabinets, drawers, and garbage disposal.
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Doors, Windows & Exterior
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Check all doors and windows, knobs and handles, and test doorbell, intercoms, concierge phone, and alarm system.
Bathroom
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Run hot and cold water, flush all toilets, and check seals, caulking, and grout.
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Electrical Outlets
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Test light switches, outlet plates, and light bulbs.
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HVAC
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Check thermostat and test heating and air conditioning in various modes.
Walls & Floors
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Check for stains, marks, or damaged boards/tiles, and inspect walls and paint for dents, marks, or discoloration.
Appliances
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Cycle appliances during the walkthrough, run dishwasher for 15 minutes, and run washer/dryer for 5 minutes to test belts.
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Check walls,floors, and appliances for any stains, marks, or damages.
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Test the appliances during the walk-through by running the dishwasher for 15 minutes and the washer/dryer for 5 minutes to test belts.
With a personal approach that prioritizes you, our agents at Elliman are here to help you find your way home. Congratulations on becoming a homeowner! It's time to settle in, personalize your space, and start enjoying your new home.