The most often asked questions, answered for you!
What extra costs should I expect when buying a home in the Charleston, SC area (inspections, insurance, maintenance)?
While there are no hidden costs, buyers in the Charleston area should be aware of specific inspections and maintenance considerations due to the local climate. Charleston’s hot, humid weather and salty coastal air can impact home upkeep and long-term maintenance. Here are a few key factors to consider: ✅ Moisture & Mold Inspections – High humidity can lead to moisture-related issues. ✅ Termite & Pest Inspections – Charleston’s warm climate makes termite protection essential. ✅ HVAC Maintenance – Systems work harder due to heat and humidity. ✅ Flood Zones & Insurance – Certain areas may require flood insurance based on location. Our team ensures our buyers are fully informed about potential maintenance costs and inspection needs before purchasing a home.
What are Charleston, SC area flood zones and why do they matter when buying a home?
Flood zones are geographic areas designated by FEMA based on their risk of flooding. If you’re buying a home in the Charleston area, it’s important to know which flood zone it falls into, as this can impact insurance requirements and costs. Here’s a breakdown of flood zones: ✅ "X" Zone – Lowest risk; flood insurance is optional but recommended. ✅ "AE" Zone – Moderate-to-high risk; flood insurance is typically required. ✅ "V" Zone – Highest risk, typically for oceanfront properties; strict building requirements and higher insurance costs. You can check a property’s flood zone designation by visiting the FEMA Flood Map website.
What should I know about homeowners associations (HOAs) in the Charleston, SC area?
Many planned communities in the Charleston area are governed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or Property Owners Associations (POAs). These organizations help maintain community standards, amenities, and common areas, but they also come with specific rules and fees that homeowners must follow. Key things to consider about HOAs in Charleston: ✅ HOA Fees Vary – Fees depend on amenities like pools, clubhouses, and landscaping. ✅ Governing Rules – HOAs may regulate home appearance, short-term rentals, parking and other items. ✅ Approval Processes – Some HOAs require approval for renovations or exterior changes. ✅ Resale Packages – Buyers receive HOA documents detailing rules and financials before closing.
What is a property transfer fee and how does it work in South Carolina?
A transfer fee is a one-time fee that may be charged by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or Property Owners Association (POA) when a property is sold within the community. This fee helps fund the association’s reserves or operating expenses and may be called: ✅ Capital Contribution ✅ Working Capital Fee ✅ Certificate of Assessment Fee. The party responsible for paying this fee at closing is determined during contract negotiations.
Do I need a real estate attorney to buy a home in South Carolina?
Yes, and no.... You will need an attorney for your home purchase. Their office pulls the title and works with the lender and seller's attorney to process the sale. However, we use a standard contract of sale. Attorneys do not write or negotiate the contract.
Can you connect me with trusted local lenders, inspectors and attorneys in the Charleston, SC area?
Absolutely! At Lauren Zurilla and Associates, we have a vetted list of trusted local professionals to ensure a smooth home-buying process in the Charleston area. Whether you need a reliable mortgage lender, a thorough home inspector or an experienced closing attorney, we connect you with the best experts in the area. Buying a home is a major investment, and having the right team in place is key to a stress-free transaction.
What can I expect during the home buying, negotiation, and closing process in South Carolina?
In the Charleston area and throughout South Carolina, the home buying and selling process follows a standard residential contract designed to protect both parties. Here’s what you can expect: ✅ Offer & Negotiation – Once an offer is presented, the seller can accept, reject, or counter any negotiable terms (price, closing date, contingencies, etc.). ✅ Ratification – Once both parties agree on terms, the contract is ratified, and the timeline to closing—typically 30–45 days—officially begins. ✅ Due Diligence Period – The buyer conducts inspections and may request repairs. The seller can agree, negotiate, or decline. This is often the only point of additional negotiation. ✅ Closing Preparation – Lenders finalize financing, attorneys prepare documents, and both parties move toward a successful settlement.
How do hurricanes and coastal weather affect the home buying process in the Charleston, SC area?
Charleston’s coastal location means that hurricanes and tropical storms can temporarily impact real estate transactions, particularly when a named storm is in the Atlantic and could threaten the coast. Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know: ✅ Lender & Insurance Delays – Banks may temporarily halt closings until the storm passes. ✅ Re-Inspections Required – If a storm impacts the area, a post-storm property inspection may be necessary before settlement. ✅ Insurance Binding Restrictions – Some insurers stop issuing new policies when a storm is approaching. While storms can cause short-term delays, Charleston real estate remains strong year-round.
Can you recommend reliable Charleston area contractors, landscapers, and interior designers after I move in?
Absolutely! At Lauren Zurilla and Associates, we have a trusted network of local professionals to help you settle into your new home in the Charleston area. Whether you need reliable contractors for home improvements, expert landscapers to enhance your curb appeal or talented interior designers to bring your vision to life, we can connect you with the best in the area. Moving into a new home is exciting, and having the right professionals can make all the difference.
Do you have more questions we can answer for you?
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