When purchasing a home in South Carolina, buyers have the opportunity to request repairs and items as part of their purchase agreement. Knowing what repairs and items can be requested is important for buyers to ensure that they are getting the best deal possible. Here are the most common types of repairs and items that buyers can request in a real estate transaction in South Carolina.
1. Repairs
One of the most common requests that buyers make in a real estate transaction is for repairs to be made. After a home inspection has been completed, the buyer can request that the seller make repairs to any issues that have been identified. This could include anything from fixing a leaky faucet to repairing the roof. In South Carolina, buyers can make a repair request as long as it is done within the timeline outlined in the purchase agreement.
2. Appliances
Buyers can also request that certain appliances be included in the sale of the home. This could include items like the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, or washer and dryer. It is important for buyers to be specific in their request and to include any appliances that they may need in order to feel comfortable in their new home.
3. Window Treatments
Window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, can be an important part of a home’s interior design. Buyers can request that the seller leave any existing window treatments in the home, or they can request that the seller purchase and install new window treatments before the sale is completed.
4. Furniture
Buyers can also request that certain pieces of furniture be included in the sale of the home. This could include items like a dining room table, couch, or bedroom set. It is important for buyers to be specific in their request and to include any furniture that they may need in order to feel comfortable in their new home.
5. Closing Costs
Buyers can request that the seller pay for a portion of the closing costs associated with the sale of the home. This could include items like the title search, title insurance, and attorney fees. In South Carolina, it is common for the buyer to pay for the title search, title insurance, and attorney fees, while the seller pays for the deed preparation and transfer taxes.
6. Home Inspection Request
A home inspection is a critical part of the home buying process. During the inspection, a professional inspector will evaluate the condition of the property and identify any issues that may exist. Buyers can request an inspection as part of their purchase contract, and they can also request that the seller make repairs based on the inspection findings. In South Carolina, the standard contract includes a provision that allows the buyer to request repairs or credits based on the inspection results.
7. Appraisal Request
An appraisal is an estimate of the value of the property. Lenders require an appraisal to ensure that the property is worth the amount that the buyer has agreed to pay. In South Carolina, buyers can request an appraisal as part of the purchase contract. If the appraisal comes back lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, the buyer may have the right to cancel the contract or negotiate a lower price.
8. Title Search Request
A title search is an examination of public records to ensure that the seller has a clear title to the property and can legally transfer ownership to the buyer. Buyers can request a title search as part of the purchase contract, and they can also purchase title insurance to protect themselves against any title defects that may arise.
9. Closing Cost Request
Closing costs are the fees associated with the transfer of ownership of the property. Buyers can request that the seller pay some or all of the closing costs as part of the purchase contract. In South Carolina, the buyer typically pays for the title search, title insurance, and attorney fees, while the seller pays for the deed preparation and transfer taxes.
10. Contingency Request
A contingency is a condition that must be met before the sale can be completed. Buyers can request contingencies as part of the purchase contract, such as the sale of their current home, obtaining financing, or the completion of repairs. If the contingency is not met, the contract may be terminated.
Buyers have several requests they can make in a real estate transaction in South Carolina. Repairs, appliances, window treatments, furniture, and closing costs are the most common items that buyers can request. By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, buyers can navigate the South Carolina real estate market successfully and make the requests that are most important to them.