Torri Jacobsen, Military Homes of Charleston: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Charleston AFB - To be a Landlord, or Not to Be... That is the Question

It’s a great time to invest in Charleston military real estate, but the day to day responsibility of maintaining a rental property can be overwhelming for some owners. For some, the solution is to hire a Property Management group. If you’re not certain if this is the right thing for you – here are some things to consider and some reasons why a Property Management group may be a good solution for you.

How Much Rent Per Month? – Professional Property Managers have extensive knowledge about Charleston rental rates and can determine the highest rental rate possible for your property. Today’s internet savvy tenants will know if your property is overpriced - and overpriced properties will sit empty. A vacant property does not a good investment make…..

Choosing the Right Tenant - Professional Property Managers require detailed applications, along with photo ID from each potential tenant and will run criminal background checks as well. They will also check the tenant’s credit history and call past and present employers, landlords and other references.

Marketing Expertise - Professional Property Managers have invaluable experience in how to best market your Charleston AFB property and will maximize your property’s exposure – providing you with a qualified tenant FASTER!

Getting Paid - Professional Property Managers have proven methods in place to improve timely and consistent rent collection. This means money in your pocket FASTER – and consistent cash flow is the difference between succeeding and failing as a real estate investor.

Inspection Reports - Professional Property Managers perform property inspections before, during and after a tenancy. Faults in your property that are found quickly can be resolved before they become expensive items of disrepair.

Property Law and Regulations - Professional Property Managers have extensive and up-to-date knowledge of property laws and regulations and will assist you in making sure you are in compliance with Charleston, South Carolina and federal rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include complying with fair housing regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable local, state and federal laws.

Financial Records and Security Deposit Escrows - Professional Property Managers will manage your security deposit escrow funds and make sure you are in compliance with local and state regulations.

“My toilet is overflowing!” - Professional Property Managers will handle the dreaded late night emergency maintenance calls and tenant headaches. Imagine never again having to get the 1am phone call!

Bottom Line – When you own a Charleston rental property, consider your options and decide what is best for you. Some home owners make great landlords, while others simply do not have the time, the experience, or the desire to do the job. Speak with a full-service Real Estate agency or Property Management company for more information.

Torri Jacobsen, Military Homes of CharlestonBuying or selling a home doesn’t have to be hard, but choosing the right Realtor DOES make a difference. I specialize in making first-time home buying a great experience for military families moving to the Charleston, SC area. Call (843-475-9313) or email today, and let’s make this your best move yet! You’ll feel right at home with me. Email Torri or Visit Me On Facebook!

Jodie Hurt, Military Homes of Charleston
I specialize in helping military families enjoy a smooth PCS in and out of Charleston. I have a passion for helping people, and I love what I do. Call me and let me make this the easiest PCS yet! Email Jodie

Charleston AFB Real Estate, Charleston AFB Real Estate For Sale, Charleston AFB SC, Joint Base Charleston, Joint Base Charleston Real Estate

About Military Homes of CharlestonMilitary Homes of Charleston is part of the Exit Realty Charleston Group and is a full-service real estate team based in Charleston, SC. We understand the appeal of living in Charleston and the challenges that come with moving to a new neighborhood or state. So whether you’re looking to buy a dream property or sell one, we can help.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Charleston AFB - Memorial Day Thank You

Often we do not observe Memorial Day as it should be - a day where we remember our loved ones, our neighbors and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Today – let us celebrate the pride and honor of our U.S Military and remember those who have fallen, and rejoice in the ones who live. And most importantly........Let none of us forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Military Homes of Charleston proudly salute our brave Military men and women who have sacrificed so much over the years. THANK YOU!

May you all enjoy a beautiful and safe Memorial Day with your family and friends.

Friday, May 27, 2011

JUST REDUCED! 111 JEFFERSON, LADSON, SC

111 Jefferson Lane

Just REDUCED! ALL OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED! HVAC is less than 2 yrs old! Roof replaced in 2005! Windows replaced in 2005! All that's missing from this lovely home...is YOU! This home is a perfect candidate for a 203k rehab loan. All it needs is a bit of updating to make it fabulous. Hardwood floors throughout living area, hallway, and bedrooms. Bathrooms have tile flooring. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Oversized garage. Separate dining room, or formal living room - this room is huge! Large enough to be anything you need. You get all this PLUS a home located in the desirable Dorchester II school district. Tranquil Acres is a peaceful neighborhood… that is well maintained. Also close to shopping, restaurants, and convenient access to 26. Home comes with a transferrable termite bond. Storage shed to convey.

Contact Military Homes of Charleston today for more information.

About Military Homes of CharlestonMilitary Homes of Charleston is part of the Exit Realty Charleston Group and is a full-service real estate team based in Charleston, SC. We understand the appeal of living in Charleston and the challenges that come with moving to a new neighborhood or state. So whether you’re looking to buy a dream property or sell one, we can help.

Torri Jacobsen, Military Homes of CharlestonBuying or selling a home doesn’t have to be hard, but choosing the right Realtor DOES make a difference. I specialize in making first-time home buying a great experience for military families moving to the Charleston, SC area. Call (843-475-9313) or email today, and let’s make this your best move yet! You’ll feel right at home with me. Email Torri or Visit Me On Facebook!

Jodie Hurt, Military Homes of Charleston
I specialize in helping military families enjoy a smooth PCS in and out of Charleston. I have a passion for helping people, and I love what I do. Call me and let me make this the easiest PCS yet! Email Jodie

Charleston AFB Real Estate, Charleston AFB Real Estate For Sale, Charleston AFB SC, Joint Base Charleston, Joint Base Charleston Real Estate

Monday, May 16, 2011

Charleston AFB - Why Sell Your Home with a Realtor?

Some Charleston home sellers think they can go it alone…. Why pay a Realtor when all they do is list the property on the MLS and stick a sign in the yard! Sound familiar???

While some home owners are able to successfully sell their home without the help of a Realtor, it is rarely the case. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 70% of For Sale by Owner listings fail to sell.

Most sellers need a Realtor. The challenge is convincing them of this before they’ve wasted valuable time and money by waiting too long.

As the saying goes….You get what you pay for. And it’s not about what you pay; it’s about what you net. Did you know that a recent study showed people who use Realtors to sell their home, net 16% more than FSBOs who sell themselves? And this includes the typical 6% commission paid to the Realtor.

Also, statistics shows that only 2% of homes are sold by FSBO and 98% are sold by Realtors. Do you want a 98% chance of selling your home or 2% chance?

Especially in today’s Charleston military market, it takes expertise to get a property sold. An owner can try it by themselves, but will often end up turning to a Realtor for help……after wasting valuable time.

Bottom Line - Selling a house is not as easy as it may look….. and it involves a lot more than just listing a house on the MLS and sticking a sign in the yard. A good Realtor will pre-qualify buyers, advertise your property, arrange showings, prepare the contract and follow up on inspections and financing.

Hire the best Charleston AFB Realtor to sell your property, and everyone wins. The right Realtor will do everything necessary to get the job done and sell your Charleston home for the highest price.

Charleston AFB Real Estate, Charleston AFB Real Estate For Sale, Charleston AFB SC, Joint Base Charleston, Joint Base Charleston Real Estate

Thursday, May 12, 2011

JUST LISTED - 126 McGrady, Ladson, SC

This is NOT a Short Sale!

Check out this meticulously cared for home featuring DUAL master suites - One up, one down - and a great open floor plan! Welcoming the foyer with hardwood floors, formal dining room with more hardwoods, large kitchen with upgraded appliances and recessed lighting that over looks the spacious family room with gas log fireplace, eat-in-kitchen, breakfast bar, and over-sized laundry ROOM!

4 LARGE bedrooms total, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, PLUS A LOFT! 2 full baths upstairs and 1.5 bath downstairs. THE PERFECT FLOOR PLAN. Both master suites are very spacious. Upstairs master suite has a separate seating area and walk-in closet. Multiple walk-in closets throughout the bedrooms AND 3 additional hallway closets allow for ample storage throughout this home. Downstairs master suite boasts a HUGE walk-in closet, dual vanities in bath, garden tub and separate shower.

Fully fenced and professionally landscaped backyard with pond views, screened back porch, separate grilling patio, and 2 car garage complete this move-in ready home. Security system, irrigation system, and transferable termite bond to boot!

Summer Park is a great family community that offers a Jr. Olympic pool, clubhouse, and play park. Can close quickly so make your appointment today!

Visit http://www.militaryhomescharleston.com/126McGrady for more pictures and details!

Monday, May 9, 2011

$15 million Home Buyer Program For Charleston Military and Local Heroes

Great News for Charleston Military and Local Heroes!

Today, the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC State Housing) announced a program designed to help South Carolina law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, nurses, veterans and EMS personnel who want to become homeowners.

“Palmetto Heroes” will provide low interest home loans to current South Carolina law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, nurses, veterans and EMS personnel who qualify. The $15 million initiative will also provide another crucial incentive –down payment assistance of up to $5,000.

“Being able to afford a home is a growing concern for everyone in our state,” said Valarie Williams, SC State Housing’s Executive Director. “It’s important that we salute these Palmetto State heroes and invest in them.” “This is just one way SC State Housing can recognize these dedicated individuals who contribute so much to our state.”

Palmetto Heroes is available to law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, veterans, nurses, and EMS personnel who are currently certified in their profession, and reside and work in South Carolina or have a contract to begin working here within 60 days of closing on a home.

Eligible Palmetto Heroes home buyers can get a fixed interest rate of 4.625% on a mortgage through SC State Housing’s First-time Home Buyer Program as well as down payment assistance of up to $5,000.
For more information, please contact us or you can visit schousing.com

Charleston AFB Real Estate, Charleston AFB Real Estate For Sale, Charleston AFB SC, Joint Base Charleston, Joint Base Charleston Real Estate

Charleston AFB - Understanding the Mortgage Process

As it’s a great time to buy, and the Charleston AFB market is filled with new buyers….I thought we should review the basics of home loans. While certain things change over the years, “The 4 C’s of Underwriting- Capacity, Credit, Cash, and Collateral”, remain basically the same. The following is an explanation of the 4 C’s, courtesy of the KCM group.

CAPACITY It considers the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage. Lenders look at two calculations: the Housing Ratio (front end ratio) and the Debt Ratio (back end ratio). The Housing Ratio is the % of the mortgage payment divided by your gross monthly income. A good Housing Ratio/front end ratio is 28% or less; although many loans are approved at a higher number.

The Debt Ratio/back end ratio starts with that mortgage payment calculation from the Housing Ratio and adds to it your recurring debts that would show up on your credit report, such as car loans, student loans, etc. A good Debt Ratio/back ratio would be 40% or less.

CREDIT By reviewing your credit history (payment history, total debt compared to total available debt, revolving credit vs. installment debt outstanding) a credit score is assigned to each borrower. The higher the score, the lower the risk – and this usually results in better loan terms for the borrower. Scores below 620 are difficult; scores from 620-660 are mediocre; those from 660-720 are considered good; and above 720 are very good.

CASH There are two components – cash in the deal and cash in reserves. Simply put, the bigger your down payment, the stronger the loan application. At the same time, the more money you have in reserve after closing, the less likely you are to default. Two borrowers with the same profile have different risk levels if one has $50,000 in the bank after closing and the other has $50.

COLLATERAL refers to the value (appraisal) of your home. It considers many factors – sales of comparable homes, location of the home, size of the home, condition of the home, cost to rebuild the home, and even rental income options. In today’s Charleston AFB market, appraisers tend to be conservative in their evaluations. Appraisals are really the only one of the 4 C’s that can’t be determined ahead of time in most cases.

IN SUMMARY
While each of the 4 C’s are important, it’s a combination of all 4 that really matters. A strong income ratio and a large down payment can help offset credit issues, and good credit and income can offset lower down payments. It’s important to work with an experienced Charleston AFB loan officer; someone who can help you through the process and find the best option for your situation.

Charleston AFB Real Estate, Charleston AFB Real Estate For Sale, Charleston AFB SC, Joint Base Charleston, Joint Base Charleston Real Estate

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Charleston Military - $21k Price Reduction! Bank Approved! Own in Beautiful Charleston National

BANK APPROVED PRICE! Can close quickly! Move-in ready townhouse style condo with picturesque views and upgrades galore. Elevator access to all floors- from garage to kitchen to Master suite. Bright & sunny throughout with gleaming hardwood floors gracing the foyer, dining room, and hallway. Kitchen & Butler's pantry feature granite counter tops, ceramic tile floors, and upgraded cabinets. Butler's pantry leads to spacious dining room. The open kitchen overlooks a spacious living room with double slider access to your screened porch. Wainscoting, recessed lighting, and crown molding are just a few highlights of the generous upgrades this… home has to offer. Dual master bedrooms, both upstairs. One master bedroom offers outside access via french doors to covered porch with relaxing views. Master Suite is oversized, boasting room enough for sitting area or office space as well as bedroom furnishings. The wall of windows and serene views makes this a spa-like Master Suite, and the recessed lighting and tray ceiling adds custom appeal. A spacious bath with dual sinks, sit-down vanity space, tons of cabinets and storage, soaking tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet round out this gorgeous retreat. 2 car tandem garage and Charleston National amenities make this property a MUST-SEE.

Visit our website for more pictures and information!