House hunting can be a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, it can be exciting to see all of the beautiful homes that Summerville has to offer, but on the other hand the thought of missing out on your dream home can be stressful. The greater Charleston area has a competitive real estate market, with the average home sitting on the market for about 55 days– well below the national average. When it comes to the Summerville housing market, the time on the market decreases even further, with the average home being available for an average of just 45 days. When it comes to house hunting in Summerville, we’ve got a list of tips to make sure you’re ready to buy as soon as you find your perfect home.

1. Know Your Area

Summerville is a rapidly growing suburb in the Charleston area. It has been ranked as one of Sperling’s best places to live as it offers an affordable cost of living, and warm, pleasant weather for the majority of the year. While you are house hunting in Summerville and the surrounding areas, it’s important to do your research on the different neighborhoods. The Cane Bay community is a well-respected neighborhood that has a little bit for everyone. It boasts good schools for growing families and a tranquil environment for retirees to settle down in. The Nexton community is a lively, established neighborhood that offers great restaurants and activities. No matter what neighborhood in Summerville you look at, you’re sure to be guaranteed a prime location filled with southern charm.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage 

Being pre-approved lets you know how much the bank is willing to loan you, so it’s valuable information when it comes to determining your budget for your home. It’s important to note, however, that what you are approved for does not determine your budget. In competitive markets like Summerville, being prepared to provide a larger down payment for a home can mean a lower monthly payment and can give you a step up over other potential buyers.

3. Establish Your Criteria

What does your dream home look like to you? It’s always a good idea to establish a list of amenities that you’d like in your home, and to prioritize them from “necessity” to “added perks.” In the Charleston area there are certain amenities to consider that may be different than what you’re used to. For example, during the months of July and August, central air could definitely be considered a “necessity” while a swimming pool could be considered “an added bonus.” Whatever your list includes, having a defined vision of what you’re looking for helps simplfy the house hunting process.

4. Streamline Your Options

Once you have your list ready to go, you can streamline the house hunting process by limiting the amount of properties that you actually take the time to visit. Starting online is a good place to begin. On our website we conveniently list available homes in detail so you can have an idea of the property before you take a look in person.  

5. Visit Open Houses 

Once you have a couple viable options on your list, it’s time to visit some open houses. Homes can look perfectly staged in photos, but you won’t know exactly how they look until you visit them in person. Visiting an open house also gives you an idea of how interested other potential buyers are in the property. 

No matter where you are in the home-buying process, the Martin Freeman Group is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about Summerville and all of our beautiful neighborhoods. We can’t want to introduce you and your family to your forever home!