Lauren Zurilla & Associates
Buyer’s
Resource Guide
The complete guide to finding your dream home.
Local knowledge. Clear answers. A team by your side.
Your home. Your next chapter.
Find a home that fits your life.
Everyone’s needs are unique. We ask questions, listen closely, and provide the information you need to make a confident choice. We bring the expertise; you make the decisions. Together, we’re a team.
01 / Your buying journey
The people behind your purchase
REALTOR® · Team Lead
Lauren Zurilla
Originally from Maryland, I’ve relocated several times myself. I understand that buying a home is more than a transaction—it’s a major life event, emotionally and financially. With over 20 years of real estate experience, my mission is to make your move as smooth and rewarding as possible.
I truly listen to your needs and goals, combining market expertise with a business-savvy mindset and an understanding of the emotional side of moving. Trust, communication, and results are at the heart of how I work, and many of my client relationships continue long after closing.
While I navigate the complexities, you can focus on the next chapter. It isn’t always easy, but we work to make the experience as enjoyable as we can.
Our mission & values
We aim to deliver an exceptional real estate experience through market knowledge, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork. A successful journey is built on skill, care, and understanding. We’re here for your milestones and financial decisions—not just during the transaction, but long after it’s done.
Respect · Integrity · Education · Teamwork
Operations Manager
Nicole Garwood
Nicole provides concierge-level service, coordinates transaction logistics, and keeps important deadlines on track. She and her family moved to Mount Pleasant in 2019, drawn to the Lowcountry’s beauty, history, and quality of life. Outside work, she enjoys family, friends, her rescue dog Bubba, college football, exercise, tennis, and a good book.
Team REALTOR®
Tina Hartford
A military spouse who moved across the country—including Alaska—Tina chose Charleston for its warmth and proximity to the ocean. She brings particular understanding to VA buyers and relocating families, even across time zones. Timely, kind, honest communication and strong connections with lenders, attorneys, and contractors are central to her work.
Team REALTOR®
Gigi Lorio
Originally from Dallas, Gigi attended the University of South Carolina before moving to Charleston. Having experienced relocation herself, she understands that a move can be exciting and emotional. She prioritizes dependable, responsive service and authentic relationships that last beyond the closing table.
Achievements & affiliations
Professional recognition includes Top Individual Office Producer by volume, Top Individual Office Listing Agent, #5 Individual Agent company-wide, REALTOR® of Distinction, and top 2% of Charleston REALTORS®. Lauren has been recognized among the top twenty Charleston agents for real estate social media presence and as a top Hamlin Plantation agent since 2018.
Affiliations include East Cooper Top Producers Club, Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, Historic Charleston Foundation, Preservation Society of Charleston, National Association of REALTORS®, and South Carolina Association of REALTORS®.
Lauren holds a B.A. in Psychology and previously owned Dairy Queen in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Recognition and sales totals are historical, not guarantees of future results.
02 / Your buying journey
Our commitments to you
Finding a home is a personal journey. We bring steady communication, local insight, and an experienced team to every step.
24-hour cancellation / easy out
If you are not satisfied, notify us in writing and you will be released from the agency agreement within 24 hours.
A focused home search
We take time to understand what you want your life to look like in your new home. Local market knowledge helps us narrow the search and prepare a thoughtful offer.
Clear communication
We keep you informed about homes, off-market possibilities, and upcoming listings, and explain how to craft a competitive offer.
Availability
Getting you into homes promptly—or finding opportunities before they are listed—is a priority. We arrange showings around your schedule.
A team beside you
Our office team coordinates with your inspectors, attorney, lender, and contractors to keep the details and deadlines moving toward closing.
Integrity & transparency
We work with professionalism and integrity. We do not add administrative or transaction fees beyond the agreed commission.
03 / Your buying journey
In our clients’ words
★★★★★“We came away with an incredibly positive impression of Lauren and her team. So much so that when it came time to sell our home, we gave zero consideration to anyone else.”
Jim M.
★★★★★“She is informative, kind, but direct, smart & extremely thorough! She keeps you informed & keeps in touch like no other.”
Daniel W.
★★★★★“Lauren is absolutely amazing and actually cares about her clients. She communicates very well throughout the entire process and we will not hesitate to recommend her over and over again.”
Sarah R.
★★★★★“She understood our needs and helped guide us through the process with compassion. She fought for us when needed and coaxed us when needed.”
Mark L.
Client review excerpts.
More client stories04 / Your buying journey
From contract to close
Your offer is accepted—what happens next? We coordinate the details and keep you informed, from important dates to the final walkthrough.
Know your dates
We send you a contract summary with important dates and deadlines.
Connect your attorney & lender
We send the contract to your chosen attorney and lender. Complete the attorney’s engagement documents.
Deliver earnest money
Send or deliver your earnest money to your attorney by the contract deadline.
Apply for financing
If you have not already applied, do so by the financing deadline in your contract.
Arrange inspections
Choose your home inspector. We schedule the home inspection and any additional inspections you want.
Review the inspection report
Review the findings with your agent and prepare a repair addendum, if needed, within the due diligence period.
Negotiate repairs
Complete repair negotiations during due diligence. The seller shares paid invoices once agreed work is completed.
Secure insurance early
Arrange homeowners and flood insurance as applicable to your property and loan. Start early, especially during hurricane season.
Schedule the CL-100
Choose your pest inspector. We schedule the wood infestation inspection and share the report with the seller.
Keep financing on track
Continue working with your lender so the loan is ready by the contractual closing date.
Arrange utilities
We remind you to schedule service start dates with utility companies.
Schedule your closing
Arrange a signing time with your attorney for the closing date. Your attorney provides funding instructions.
Walk through your new home
We arrange a final walkthrough the day before or the morning of closing.
Sign & close
You and your agent go to your attorney’s office to sign the closing documents. The attorney disburses funds to the parties.
Some steps overlap. Your contract, lender, and attorney determine the exact requirements and deadlines.
05 / Your buying journey
Buying a home in the Lowcountry
A few local details make all the difference. We’ll explain the process, connect you with service providers, and stay your main point of contact.
Your lender & closing attorney
Choose a local lender or one familiar with South Carolina lending requirements. We generally use a South Carolina standard sales contract; a closing attorney handles the legal closing. We remain involved and your main point of contact throughout.
A typical closing timeline
Many purchases close about 30–45 days after the offer. Longer periods, such as 60 days, can occur. Your signed contract—not a general timeline—sets the dates that apply to your purchase.
Due diligence
Your contract may include a negotiated due diligence period for inspections and repair negotiations, with separate provisions for the CL-100. Review the termination fee and exact notice, payment, and deadline requirements before signing.
Repairs & termination
During due diligence, buyers may request repairs or a credit at closing. Any repair agreement must be in writing. If no agreement is reached and you do not properly terminate within the agreed period, the purchase may proceed as-is without repairs.
The CL-100 inspection
A CL-100 is a wood infestation inspection. We strongly recommend this protection regardless of loan type. Coordinate lender requirements, the inspection contingency, and timing with your agent; the inspection is generally scheduled within 30 days before closing.
Homeowners & flood insurance
Contact your insurer early and arrange coverage required for your property and loan. Hurricane season runs June–November. A nearby named storm can restrict new policies and delay closing, so do not leave insurance until the last minute.
06 / Your buying journey
Your questions, answered
How do we communicate with clients?
We use your preferred method: text, email, or phone. Text works well for quick questions and updates; a phone call is best for urgent, complex, or time-sensitive matters. Email is useful for longer updates.
Do you have a website?
Yes—LaurenZurilla.com has area information, market statistics, maps with schools, hospitals, and shopping, home search, and a blog with local real estate insights.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily work in coastal Charleston and west toward Summerville, with team members specializing in particular neighborhoods. For areas outside our coverage, including Myrtle Beach and Beaufort/Bluffton, we can connect you with a trusted local agent.
Can you refer me to an agent outside South Carolina?
Absolutely. Our trusted relationships with agents across the U.S. help us connect you with someone experienced in your destination, including international moves.
Do you work with builders and new construction homes?
Yes. Contact us before your first visit to a builder’s community: many builders require your agent to accompany you or call ahead to ensure we can represent you. We help you navigate the timelines, negotiations, and contract details.
Do you work with For Sale By Owner homes?
Yes. Send us the property address and seller’s contact information. We will contact the owner, arrange a showing, gather details, and help you navigate the purchase with professional representation.
What are your hours? Do you work weekends?
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. We are available by appointment on weekends and after hours for urgent needs, because house hunting does not always fit neatly into a workday.
How do I pay my REALTOR®?
Compensation varies by situation. Before you sign a Buyer Agency Agreement, we discuss the commission, how it may be paid, and the options available so you understand your agreement before making decisions. We do not add administrative or transaction fees beyond the agreed commission.
Lauren Zurilla & Associates
Let’s find
your place here.
Tell us about your goals, your timeline, and what home looks like to you. We’d love to help you make your next move.
Let’s talk about your home search