Home Buying Process – Step By Step Guide

The Process of Buying a Home

A step by step guide through the transaction process for both experienced and first time home buyers.

Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will make in a lifetime, and we as Realtors are here to assist you through the process with dedication and your best interest at heart. Even if you have previously purchased a home, many laws and regulations have been changed within the Real Estate Industry in recent years. Many people choose to rent instead of purchase simply due to the fear of the home buying process; However, as experienced and educated Realtors it is our personal duty and honor to walk with you step by step through the following process while working on your behalf to make your transaction as smooth as possible:

Contact Us! -Once you have reached out to a Realtor, we have the ability to give you access to many properties listed in the MLS and you will be allowed to save any homes you are interested in. (Upon deciding to purchase you may wish to decide how you chose how to fund the sale. If you wish to finance, speak with your loan officer about obtaining a “Pre Qualification Letter” or ask your Realtor for suggested Lenders and discuss financing options such as VA and FHA loans for eligible properties.)
Look, Look, Look! -Narrow the searches you and your Realtor have gathered to the properties that meet your criteria and your Realtor can schedule showing appointments for you to look at them yourself.
Make an Offer! -If you have found a home that you wish to purchase your Realtor will write and offer to Purchase. At this point there may be negotiations between your Realtor and the Seller’s but once an agreement has been made and all parties have signed you are officially under contract! An “Earnest Money” deposit will be collected and held through closing at which time the funds will be credited towards the purchase price.
Choose an Attorney -In South Carolina both parties are represented separately throughout the transaction to closing. During the process the title to the home will be researched and cleared for your purchase. The attorney will work closely with both your Realtor and Loan Officer (If you choose to finance) If you do not have an attorney, your Realtor may give you a list of Law Offices in your area; Once you have chosen the Realtor will send the ratified contract in to be processed.
Order a Home Inspection! -Although this is not a requirement, it is always advised that Buyers order a Home Inspection within the time allowed per your contract in order to protect themselves. This inspection report will state any faults with the home. South Carolina Law states that any Structural, Plumbing or Electrical defects may allow the Buyer to withdraw from the sale without penalty in the event that said items are deemed unsatisfactory and the Seller neglects to correct said items or agree on a monetary compensation for the required repairs.
Review the Wood Infestation Report (Commonly referred to as a CL100) -This inspection is most often provided by the Seller unless otherwise stated in the purchase agreement. The report will state any concerning moisture levels, wood rot, Active or previously treated termites or any other wood destroying organisms. The CL100 will most likely be ordered by the Closing Attorney within 2 weeks of closing as the report is only valid for 30 days. Any issues stated which would hinder the sale of the property must be treated and/or repaired prior to closing.
Schedule Your Final Walk Through! -All Buyers are given the right to a final walk through inspection with their Realtor prior to closing.
Close! -After all necessary steps have been completed and any loan documents are prepared, your Attorney will schedule a Closing time to review and sign all financial and binding documents. When both parties have signed closing documents the Attorney will record the deed into your name as the Buyer, at which time you are officially a Home Owner!

Ace Realty looks forward to assisting you and is dedicated to providing quality, client level service (download the brochure explaining agency). Thank you for visiting our website: www.AceRealtySC.com

NEWEST MYRTLE BEACH HOMES FOR SALE

$425,920

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 2421961 MLS

Estimated January completion! This impeccable home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, providing ample space for comfortable living. The formal dining room and breakfast nook offer versatile options for dining and entertaining. The kitchen showcases granite counters and an elegant tile backsplash, creating a sophisticated culinary space. The main living areas are adorned with durable and stylish laminate flooring, providing a seamless and low-maintenance environment. The bathrooms and laundry room feature attractive tile flooring, adding a touch of luxury. The owner's suite boasts a fully tiled shower with a glass shower door, offering a spa-like experience. The 3-car garage provides plenty of room for parking and storage. To enhance convenience and efficiency, the home is equipped with a tankless water heater by Rinnai. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to own a stunning home in a desirable location! Pictures are of a previously built home that may have additional upgrades and are for illustrative purposes only.

724 Isle Verde Dr, Myrtle Beach

$549,900

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 2421954 MLS

Welcome to your beautiful new home in the highly sought-after Waterford Plantation community! This delightful 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence boasts a private saltwater pool with picturesque pond views. Enjoy peace of mind with a new HVAC system installed in 2019, complemented by ultraviolet (UV) lights added in 2024 for improved air quality and energy efficiency. The downstairs features elegant porcelain tile, while the upstairs showcases durable laminate flooring. You’ll love the modern stainless-steel appliances and stunning granite countertops in the kitchen. The living room's vaulted ceilings create a spacious, airy atmosphere. Additional highlights include a 2-car garage equipped with a mini-split system, a new hot water heater, and a retractable screen door. The home is beautifully landscaped with irrigation and sensor lighting for added charm. Take advantage of fantastic community amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center, bocce ball, and more. Waterford Plantation is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and the beach. Don’t miss your chance—schedule a showing today!

8604 Hopper Ct., Myrtle Beach

$524,900

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 2421935 MLS

Welcome to this beautifully upgraded home, offering a perfect blend of luxury and comfort with stunning features throughout. The newly rebuilt kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring all-new cabinets, granite countertops, and a gorgeous tile backsplash. With tile flooring, stainless steel hood, two ovens, and a convection microwave, this kitchen is both functional and stylish. The beautiful tray ceiling adds a touch of elegance, while the large bay window offers plenty of natural light, making it the perfect space for cooking and gathering with friends and family. The open-concept dining and living areas are equally impressive, with a tray ceiling in the dining room and vaulted ceilings in the main living space that create a grand, spacious feel. The fireplace adds warmth and charm, perfect for cozy nights in. Crown molding throughout the entire home highlights the attention to detail and enhances the overall aesthetic. The new laminate flooring in the main living areas and plush new carpet in the bedrooms offer both style and comfort. Each bedroom is designed with care, including a bedroom with a vaulted ceiling that adds to the home's airy feel. The master suite, overlooking a serene pond, is a true retreat. It features a large closet and a comfortable sitting area, perfect for relaxing and taking in the tranquil views. The master bathroom is equally luxurious, with a jetted tub for ultimate relaxation. The garage is more than just a place to park; it's a fully equipped workshop and entertainment space. With heating and cooling, a sink, refrigerator, ice maker, and plenty of floor space, it's the perfect spot for hobbies or projects. The seller uses the garage with a golf simulator and there is a lift for easy attic storage access, adding even more versatility to the home. Step outside to enjoy the beautifully landscaped backyard, complete with a pond for irrigation and a dock for paddle boating or fishing. The backyard lights create a magical atmosphere in the evening, perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet nights by the water. The yards thoughtful design includes leaf guards on the gutters and a well-maintained irrigation system that uses water from the pond, keeping your landscape lush and green. Whether you're fishing from your private dock, taking in the pond views from the master suite, or working on a project in the fully equipped garage, this home offers a lifestyle of convenience and relaxation. With HVAC less than 5 years old and new ducts throughout, you'll have peace of mind with all major systems updated and running efficiently. This home is truly a must-see, combining stunning indoor spaces with equally impressive outdoor features. Every detail has been carefully thought out, from the beautiful crown molding throughout the entire home to the modern conveniences in the garage and kitchen. Don't miss the chance to make this exceptional property your own!

1657 Coventry Rd., Myrtle Beach

$422,250

5 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 2421930 MLS

This is a To Be Built home, estimated to close in March of 2025. Our beautiful Kensington plan, one of a kind! One look at this two-story 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home is enough to convince you that the Kensington is the perfect home for you! The owner's suite is on the first floor, with a spacious closet and large owners bathroom. Downstairs, you'll also find an extra powder room off the living room. Upstairs are three good size bedrooms and a spacious guest suite. The large 20 x 15 guest suite could also be used as a second family room. There are an additional 2 full bathrooms upstairs. Formal dining and family room spaces are perfect for entertaining and allow for even more comfort and enjoyment in your new home. This home at Arcadia includes upgrades like tile shower, LVP flooring, stainless steel appliances, natural gas range and gas tankless water heater, gas heat, staggered 42 and 26" cabinetry with crown, just to name a few. Want more??? Fireplace... standard Tray ceilings... standard Kitchen quartz and subway tile... standard Extended rear covered patio... standard!!!! WOW!!! Come see why we can't build these amazing Kensington's fast enough! Get in early on this last phase to secure one of our last homes that back to woods or water!

Lot 672 Annandale Dr., Myrtle Beach

$410,675

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 2421923 MLS

This home is a To Be Built and estimated to close March 2025. This St Phillips with an awesome UPSTAIRS BONUS ROOM/BEDROOM/BATHROOM is a tried and true floor plan, featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. This open concept floor plan in Arcadia includes upgrades like tile in the owners bathroom shower, LVP flooring, quartz counter tops in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances including a natural gas range, built-in microwave and SS dishwasher. Also included are an enormous amount of upgraded white cabinetry with 36" and 42" staggered cabinets topped with crown molding and subway tile beneath, all standard! Additionally, a gas fireplace, gas tankless Rinnai hot water heater, and covered rear porch are also all standard features in this home! The upstairs flex room and bedroom in the St Phillips is the entire width of the home, our biggest upstairs bonus area we offer in Arcadia! Amenities are amazing... zero gravity pool, pickle ball, play ground, club house, fitness center & firepit. WOW! Come see why we have sold out so quickly on the first 3 phase, and why you should act now to capture your dream home in our last and final phase. **Photos are of a similar model home in another community, and may include upgraded features not offered. **Some Photos are of our St Phillips model home and includes upgraded features.

Lot 673 Annandale Dr., Myrtle Beach

Start Your Search

Provided courtesy of The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®. Information Deemed Reliable but Not Guaranteed. Copyright 2024 of the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® MLS. All rights reserved. Information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use, that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

Copyright 2024 NCRMLS. All rights reserved. North Carolina Regional Multiple Listing Service, (NCRMLS), provides content displayed here (“provided content”) on an “as is” basis and makes no representations or warranties regarding the provided content, including, but not limited to those of non-infringement, timeliness, accuracy, or completeness. Individuals and companies using information presented are responsible for verification and validation of information they utilize and present to their customers and clients. NCRMLS will not be liable for any damage or loss resulting from use of the provided content or the products available through Portals, IDX, VOW, and/or Syndication. Recipients of this information shall not resell, redistribute, reproduce, modify, or otherwise copy any portion thereof without the expressed written consent of NCRMLS.