Smart and Savvy Moves

Savannah Hill, REALTOR® | Jeff Cook Real Estate | LPT Realty

Tag: South Carolina

  • What the NAR Settlement Means for South Carolina Home Buyers

    And why it is not the scary mess the headlines made it sound like If you have been following real estate news lately, you have probably seen headlines about the NAR settlement, buyer agent commissions, new paperwork, lawsuits, and about twelve different versions of “real estate will never be the same.” Super helpful, right? Not…

  • The Evolution of Buyer Agency: From Past to Present Standards

    Update: This article was originally published before the 2024 NAR settlement practice changes. For the most current explanation of South Carolina buyer agreements and buyer agent compensation, please read my updated guide here. The Evolution of Buyer Agency: From Past to Present Standards Imagine a time when real estate transactions lacked the structure and safeguards…

  • The Truth About Mortgages!

    The Honest Truth About Mortgages (and Why Your Rent Payment Doesn’t Guarantee Approval) If you’ve been renting for a while, you’ve probably watched rent prices climb with an increasing sense of dread. With every payment, you might feel like you’re getting nothing back for it. That’s not wrong. It’s why more renters are thinking seriously…

  • Is a Bidding War Your Next Battle? Tips to Cope and Possibly Avoid Them.

    In the current real estate landscape, you might be thinking that the surge in interest rates would quell the constant bidding wars. However, contrary to these hopes, bidding wars are far from extinct. They’re so prevalent that they might even seem like the new normal. Are we doomed to compete endlessly for our dream homes?…

  • The Sweet Rewards of Hard Work: What It Actually Feels Like to Hand Over Keys

    There’s a specific moment at every closing that I still don’t take for granted: handing over the keys. It sounds simple. It’s not. By the time we get there, you’ve made a major financial decision, navigated inspections and negotiations and paperwork, and kept your life mostly on hold waiting for things to clear. And now…

  • DIY vs. Professional Organizers: Making the Right Choice for Home Organization

    Ready to escape the chaos at home? 🏠 Can’t even spot your shoes in the closet madness? 🙈 You might be caught up in the common “clutter conundrum.” But don’t despair! Let’s dive into the world of home organization and meet the real heroes of tidy spaces: Professional Organizers! 💪🧹 Now, you might be pondering…

  • Selling Your House in Columbia, SC: What You Actually Need to Do

    So you’ve decided to sell. The first mindset shift that actually helps: stop thinking of it as your home and start thinking of it as a house. Not because the memories don’t matter — they do — but because buyers aren’t buying your history. They’re picturing theirs. The faster you can see it through their…

  • Lessons from the Trenches: A Journey of Discovery and Success

    One thing I wish I knew earlier is that being a real estate agent costs money to get started. If you’ve ever thought about getting your real estate license — or if you’re early in your career — here’s something I wish someone had told me upfront: getting started costs money before you make any.…