Congrats! You've decided to take the exciting step of buying a home. But with that decision comes a new set of questions, and a big one is financing: what type of mortgage is right for you? Don't worry, this guide will break down the most common mortgage options to empower you to choose the best fit for your financial situation and home buying goals.  Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) Fixed-Rate Mortgage: This is the most popular option. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term (typically 15 to 30 years). This provides stability ..read more

Negotiating Like a Pro: Must-Knows for Your Greer Real Estate Deal Here at Expert Real Estate Team, we've helped Greer and Greenville residents achieve their homeownership dreams since 2011. We understand that buying or selling a house is a significant life event, and the negotiation process can feel daunting. But with the right knowledge, you can approach the negotiation table with confidence and secure the best possible outcome for your Greer real estate deal.  Understanding the Market Before diving in, it's crucial to understand the current market conditions. Is it a buyer's or seller ..read more

Having been a Realtor for 28 years and sold hundreds of homes one thing I know is you can't go wrong with a ranch! Especially a BRICK ranch.  When I was young my parents bought a brick ranch home in Chapin, SC.  It was built in the 1980’s and featured the front formal living room/dining room combo and the rear den with a fireplace.  All 3 bedrooms were on one side of the house and mom and dad had a bathroom attached to their bedroom.  The kitchen offered a dining/breakfast area and lead you into the laundry room.  We had textured lime green carpet and it’s where my dad ..read more

HOA Dynamics: Standards & Values A properly run HOA begins with the developer setting forth the vision for the community from the start. This is where writing and recording of the restrictions and by-laws come into play. These documents give the property owners and the HOA members guidance of what is acceptable construction and behavior in the community. These documents run with the property to be purchased and provide them peace of mind and solidify the surrounding property values. To maintain the features and benefits of the community there are times when dues become necessary. Things li ..read more

Today is February 12, 2024, and my name is LeAnne Carswell.  I am the owner and broker in charge of the Expert Real Estate Team. In my opinion, 1 in 4 people mistakenly believe that homes will depreciate in 2024.  I would like to show you a few slides to alley this fear. Since 1980, home prices have appreciated except for the years when predatory lending caught up with the market in 2007-2010. The 2024 forecast of 8 of the top economists on housing average a 2.8% appreciation gain! Mortgage projections below 6% by the end of the year will mean stiff competition for homes. A few ..read more

   Click here for a personal message:  Considering selling in 2024? As you plan for the year ahead, relocating may be a key objective on your list. Wondering when the optimal time to make your move is? While spring traditionally marks the peak of the homebuying season, there's no need to delay until then. Here's why. 1. Capitalize on Reduced Mortgage Rates In October, 30-year fixed mortgage rates reached a high of 7.79%. Fast forward to January, and they hit their lowest point since May. This decline in rates means you might not feel as constrained by your current mortgage ..read more

  Interested in becoming a real estate investor and want to explore how to  find foreclosures in SC?  Check out this article:  https://realestatebees.com/finding-foreclosures-sc/ It is full of lots of ideas, which include a myriad of online portals and how to buy them from the county!   If you are interested in learning more about how to dip your feet into investing in real estate, let us at the Expert Real Estate Team be a resource for you.  Email or text me at leanne@leannecarswell.com or 864-380-5590 ..read more

Spartanburg, SC basement homes Title: "The Cool World Below: Exploring the Awesome Benefits of Homes with Basements" Hey there, fellow explorers! Today, I want to talk about something super cool that not all homes have – basements! Yep, those magical spaces underneath our houses that are like hidden treasure chests full of awesomeness. So, let's dive into the exciting world of basements and discover why they're so amazing.   1. **Extra Space for Fun and Games:**    Imagine having an entire floor just for fun stuff! Whether it's playing video games, setting up a mini movie the ..read more

  If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates. Since mortgage rates impact what you can afford when you take out a home loan – and affordability is a challenge today – it’s a good time to look at the big picture of where mortgage rates have been historically compared to where they are now. Beyond that, it’s important to understand their relationship with inflation for insights into where mortgage rates might go in the near future. Giving Context to the Sticker Shock Freddie Mac has been tracki ..read more

Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost. Almost half of homeowners are equity rich because they have at least 50% equity in their homes. If you’ve been in your home for a while, you might have gained a considerable amount of equity, too. Want to find out how much equity you have? Connect with a trusted real estate agent for a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR ..read more