Loni Lueke REALTOR® - The Do's and Don'ts When Buying a Home

CHAPTER 5 Have You Hear ou Heard some

"Horror stories"? Avoid the Pitfalls

Buying can be a minefield if you’re not well-prepared - especially in South Carolina, where unique local factors can come into play. With the right preparation, though, you can sidestep many common headaches. Let’s walk through some key steps to ensure your home-buying experience is smooth and rewarding. Pre-Purchase Steps Before you even step foot in a house, take care of the essentials. Get Pre-Approved: A pre-approval not only shows sellers you're serious, but it also gives you a clear idea of your price range. Review Flood Zone Maps: South Carolina has its share of flood risks. Check FEMA’s website to understand if a property is in a high-risk zone. Check Zoning and HOA Rules: Imagine finding your dream home, only to discover it’s restricted by local regulations. Verify these in advance. Financial Considerations Costs can pile up beyond the sticker price. Planning for these expenses helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. Flood Insurance: Homes in high-risk zones (like V or VE) come with significant costs -sometimes $8,000–$14,000 annually. Opting for zones like B, C, or X can reduce both risks and costs.