I’m probably going to be buying a home here in the coming months. My sister is a real estate agent but she’s based out of Myrtle Beach and Rock Hill. She will be my agent, and she’s good at what she does, so I have the numbers/financing/etc covered.
However, I’m looking for tips on what to look for in lower-cost houses around here-- we can’t afford (and don’t need) anything huge or brand new. We just finished 12 years of higher education and I’m not in a position to buy a large property, but something modest (3br, 2ba ranch on a small lot, with either garage or utility building). We are a family of two adults with two young children.
What are the common issues, regarding land, neighborhoods, common structural problems, TAX RATES!!!, etc that you guys might have advice for? This is a bit of an open-ended question, I’m just looking for whatever advice y’all may have. How are the taxes in Charleston Co and Charleston city limits (or, Goose Creek)?
I’m particularly interested in questions about land-- I don’t want to buy a farm pond…or sink hole in…the making. I’m considering property as far out as Ravenel, but most likely West Ashley or Goose Creek (all of those are within a reasonable commute from my job).
I’m tired of paying rent and losing that money. I’m a cabinet maker, and can fix anything regarding framing, drywall, roofing, etc myself… there’s just no reason to be flushing money down the toilet on rent.
Thanks for any advice.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
With two small children, do yourself a favor and check the schools first. Neither Rural West Ashley nor Ravenel has the greatest public schools. If you’re willing to look at Summerville, those are the best schools in the area. Summerville is building that huge 700 million something dollar development now. You might be able to get in on the first phases for a decent price. A lot of new construction in the starter home range is very reasonable. Sometimes the same price as existing comparable homes. It’s worth a look.
You’ve already done the hard part, knowing exactly what you can and cannot afford makes life easier during this process.
If you want to work from home building cabinets and such be leery of a home with a HOA. They may have covenants against running a business from home. Plus you may run into a noise ordinance if you run saws during certain hours! Some HOA’s won’t even let you park your boat in the driveway! I don’t like a house where the next door neighbor can look out the kitchen window and see me peeing in my back yard, as I’m apt to do on occasion.
Apply for the magnet and charter school lottery. Lots of good schools if your number is picked and you can apply year after year. Once one kid is there, brothers and sisters are guaranteed a spot.
“Those who have the ability to make a difference have the responsibility to do so.” Thomas Jefferson
The area?s schools, police, fire, and EMS services are definitely important but here?s a few, often overlooked, expenses you may want to consider also: enough down payment to avoid the PMI insurance, the home owners insurance, any additional flood or earthquake insurance for the location, city and county property tax rates, subdivision regime fees and/or annual HOA dues, storage requirements/fees, additional fire and sanitation fees in rural areas. The monthly fees charged by the electrical, gas, water, sewer, phone and cable, providers can also vary from area to area and may be worth a little research.
If this is your 1st home you probably don?t need to be too concerned about your personal preferences i.e. parking, size of the garage, distance to work, etc.; your wife will prioritize those for you.
Excellent advice, folks, this is exactly what I’m talking about.
We aren’t terribly concerned about school choices-- we will be homeschooling (for various reasons). We currently live in Summerville and it’s quite nice, we love it (lived here for 5 years previously and loved it), but we want to be closer to my work. West Ashley, Goose Creek, and even Ravenel makes for a better commute than I have now.
Easy, good thinking on the HOA and noise ordinances, but I do build all my stuff at the shop where noise is always incredibly loud. Although I would like to be able to work on my own house with power tools lol.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
A question for all you with experience… especially you guys who (like me) try to DIY all your repairs, or do handyman-type service.
I’m finding two basic houses in our price range, similarly equipped/sized.
One is the brick ranch, built in the 60’s and early 70’s. Usually on a slab.
The other is the mid-80’s ranch with either vinyl or similar siding. Usually with a crawl space.
Other things being somewhat equal (location, etc), what are the pro’s and con’s of either one of them? Meaning, is there a problem around here common to 1960/70’s construction (plumbing, electrical, etc) or to the 1980’s stuff?
I know I’ll prefer the lower maintenance of the brick house, long term (no siding to replace, just pressure wash it), but does this older construction have common problems I should look into?
quote:Originally posted by JustinTime
Figure out what price range you are looking for then do a google search under MLS based on your needs.
Thanks for the tip on that, I will use that. We are using Realtor.com, which is the site my sister recommended. Found a PILE of houses around here in our price range.
Matt; The Brick on the slab will most likely be easier to maintain. If the home is pre 80’s the ground was most likely treated with Clordane insecticide as a termite barrier. If Clordane was used you will never have to retreat unless the ground is disturbed. Clordane has a 1/2 life of forever and it worked so the EPA banned it! It also is supposed to cause cancer? If a house on pilings with a crawl space doesn’t have a lot of ventilation there is a real good chance of Black Mold and wood rot occurring! Whichever you buy make sure a VERY GOOD termite inspection is done prior to signing any papers. Also find out from the Termite treatment company if the house has ever been retreated and if so WHY? Make sure that you get the termite Bond in your name either before or as soon as you close! Work that into the sales agreement!
