Home Buying Process – Step By Step Guide

The Process of Buying a Home

A step by step guide through the transaction process for both experienced and first time home buyers.

Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will make in a lifetime, and we as Realtors are here to assist you through the process with dedication and your best interest at heart. Even if you have previously purchased a home, many laws and regulations have been changed within the Real Estate Industry in recent years. Many people choose to rent instead of purchase simply due to the fear of the home buying process; However, as experienced and educated Realtors it is our personal duty and honor to walk with you step by step through the following process while working on your behalf to make your transaction as smooth as possible:

Contact Us! -Once you have reached out to a Realtor, we have the ability to give you access to many properties listed in the MLS and you will be allowed to save any homes you are interested in. (Upon deciding to purchase you may wish to decide how you chose how to fund the sale. If you wish to finance, speak with your loan officer about obtaining a “Pre Qualification Letter” or ask your Realtor for suggested Lenders and discuss financing options such as VA and FHA loans for eligible properties.)
Look, Look, Look! -Narrow the searches you and your Realtor have gathered to the properties that meet your criteria and your Realtor can schedule showing appointments for you to look at them yourself.
Make an Offer! -If you have found a home that you wish to purchase your Realtor will write and offer to Purchase. At this point there may be negotiations between your Realtor and the Seller’s but once an agreement has been made and all parties have signed you are officially under contract! An “Earnest Money” deposit will be collected and held through closing at which time the funds will be credited towards the purchase price.
Choose an Attorney -In South Carolina both parties are represented separately throughout the transaction to closing. During the process the title to the home will be researched and cleared for your purchase. The attorney will work closely with both your Realtor and Loan Officer (If you choose to finance) If you do not have an attorney, your Realtor may give you a list of Law Offices in your area; Once you have chosen the Realtor will send the ratified contract in to be processed.
Order a Home Inspection! -Although this is not a requirement, it is always advised that Buyers order a Home Inspection within the time allowed per your contract in order to protect themselves. This inspection report will state any faults with the home. South Carolina Law states that any Structural, Plumbing or Electrical defects may allow the Buyer to withdraw from the sale without penalty in the event that said items are deemed unsatisfactory and the Seller neglects to correct said items or agree on a monetary compensation for the required repairs.
Review the Wood Infestation Report (Commonly referred to as a CL100) -This inspection is most often provided by the Seller unless otherwise stated in the purchase agreement. The report will state any concerning moisture levels, wood rot, Active or previously treated termites or any other wood destroying organisms. The CL100 will most likely be ordered by the Closing Attorney within 2 weeks of closing as the report is only valid for 30 days. Any issues stated which would hinder the sale of the property must be treated and/or repaired prior to closing.
Schedule Your Final Walk Through! -All Buyers are given the right to a final walk through inspection with their Realtor prior to closing.
Close! -After all necessary steps have been completed and any loan documents are prepared, your Attorney will schedule a Closing time to review and sign all financial and binding documents. When both parties have signed closing documents the Attorney will record the deed into your name as the Buyer, at which time you are officially a Home Owner!

Ace Realty looks forward to assisting you and is dedicated to providing quality, client level service (download the brochure explaining agency). Thank you for visiting our website: www.AceRealtySC.com

NEWEST MYRTLE BEACH HOMES FOR SALE

$398,950

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 2624589 MLS

Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 4BR, 2.5BA home in Walkers Woods, located in the heart of Carolina Forest. Updated throughout with high end finishes, this home offers a fresh, modern look with comfortable spaces for everyday living and entertaining. Wide-plank luxury vinyl flooring runs throughout the main living areas and all four bedrooms, complemented by updated light fixtures and ceiling fans. The redesigned kitchen and dining area make the most of the space and flow naturally into the spacious living room. The kitchen features all new custom cabinets, quartz countertops, an extra-long island, and new stainless steel appliances. A remodeled half bath is conveniently located just off the kitchen. A new fireplace and decorative wall accents add warmth and style to the living room, bringing the open-concept layout together. Just off the kitchen, a new sliding glass door opens to the large backyard, offering plenty of room to relax or entertain outdoors. Upstairs, you’ll find four spacious bedrooms, two remodeled bathrooms, a laundry room, and a versatile loft area. The primary suite features thoughtfully selected fixtures and accents, along with an updated bathroom offering a new vanity, fully tiled shower, and large walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms provide generous space and easy access to the updated guest bathroom, complete with a new vanity, fully tiled shower, and modern finishes. The big maintenance items have been recently replaced including the roof in 2025, the HVAC in 2024, and water heater in 2025. Walkers Woods offers a community pool, playground, basketball court, and more. With extensive updates and a convenient Carolina Forest location, this home is a must-see. Schedule your showing today! Some photos have been virtually staged.

4456 W Walkerton Dr., Myrtle Beach

$1,925,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 2624578 MLS

Want the feel of brand-new construction but don’t want to go through the building process? 1781 Serena Drive is ready for you. Completed in March 2026, this exceptional custom-built residence gives you the opportunity to move right in and start enjoying your home now without months of construction, countless decisions, or the uncertainty that can come with building from the ground up. Located in Riviera Village, one of Grande Dunes’ most exclusive double-gated communities, this better-than-new, meticulously maintained Mediterranean-inspired home blends sophisticated design, thoughtful craftsmanship, and effortless resort-style living in a private setting just minutes from the beach. From the moment you enter through the impressive iron double doors, the home makes a statement with soaring ceilings, beautiful engineered wood flooring, abundant natural light, and expansive sight lines. The open-concept design is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining, anchored by a dramatic great room featuring a floor-to-ceiling tiled fireplace and hardwired TV connections. The chef’s kitchen is equally impressive, featuring a premium GE Café appliance package, generous workspace, and beautiful finishes. Just off the kitchen, the laundry room offers a second large walk-in pantry with custom shelving and is conveniently positioned near the oversized three-car garage. The fully finished garage is an impressive space of its own, complete with epoxy flooring, mini-split A/C, ceiling fan, and attic storage. The luxurious primary suite is designed as a true private retreat, featuring a spa-inspired bath with his-and-hers showers and dual custom closets. Designer lighting and ceiling fans throughout the home complement the elegant finishes and thoughtfully curated details. The thoughtful floor plan offers exceptional flexibility for the way you live. A den at the front of the home provides the perfect space for a TV room, home office, or quiet retreat. At the rear of the home, an additional flex space can easily serve as another bedroom, office, hobby room, or whatever best suits your needs. Two additional bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family and guests, including one with its own ensuite bath. Step outside and discover your own private resort. The expansive screened lanai overlooks a beautiful saltwater pool and spa with a cascading waterfall, creating an inviting setting for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the Carolina lifestyle year-round. A permanent natural gas line is ready for grilling, while the irrigation system and pool are supplied by a separate water meter for added efficiency.

1781 Serena Dr., Myrtle Beach

$352,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 2624574 MLS

Welcome home to this beautifully designed single-story home, featuring an inviting open-concept layout and a peaceful pond-view backyard!? Just a few months old, it looks like a model home. The spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room flow seamlessly together, creating a bright, welcoming space perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying everyday time with family. The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with granite countertops, a tile backsplash, 36-inch cabinets, a walk-in corner pantry, stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, and a large island with a breakfast bar. The private primary suite is located at the rear of the home and features a generous walk-in closet and ensuite bath with dual sinks, a linen closet, and a 5-foot shower. Three additional bedrooms are situated toward the front of the home, providing excellent separation and privacy. Step outside to your screened-in back porch and take in the serene water views. ?The fenced-in backyard offers a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors. Additional features include 2-inch faux wood blinds on all standard windows and America's Smart Home technology, allowing you to control your thermostat, front door light and lock, and video doorbell right from your smartphone.

323 Skyward St., Myrtle Beach

$438,109

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 2624551 MLS

Welcome to the Savannah, a thoughtfully designed single-story home in the heart of Myrtle Beach. This brand-new construction offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a dedicated study, giving you the flexibility to create the perfect home office or hobby space. At the center of the home, a spacious kitchen opens to the dining area and great room, making it ideal for both gatherings and everyday living. A convenient mudroom with generous storage adds function to style. The private primary suite is set apart from the two secondary bedrooms, providing comfort and privacy for daily living. The primary bathroom offers a large shower with 2 separate vanities or an optional walk in shower with separate garden tub and dual vanity. Located in the sought-after Somerset community, this home offers a community pool & cabana, and easy access to shopping, dining, local beaches, and Coastal Carolina University, combining convenience with comfort. As America’s number one energy-efficient homebuilder, we’re proud that in 2024 our homes achieved an average net HERS® score of 37 (with solar) and a gross score of 42—the lowest publicly reported among the top 30 U.S. homebuilders in Builder Magazine’s Top 100 list (ranked by 2024 closings). Photos are a previous completed home. Options and colors vary. Completion in February 27.

5036 Jockey Way, Myrtle Beach

$474,189

5 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 2624538 MLS

Discover the Conway, a beautiful two-story home in the heart of Myrtle Beach. This brand-new construction home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a flexible loft—perfectly designed to meet the needs of larger households. With generous square footage and an open-concept floor plan, the Conway provides plenty of space for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living. Enter through the spacious foyer where you will find a guest bedroom with access to a full bathroom at the front of the home. The kitchen, breakfast room and great room provide ample space for the whole family. Upstairs, you’ll find four bedrooms. The spacious primary suite has an oversized walk-in-closet. The primary bathroom offers a large shower with 2 separate vanities or an optional walk-in shower with separate garden tub and dual vanity. Located in the highly desirable Somerset community, this home is just minutes from shopping, dining, local beaches, and Coastal Carolina University, blending convenience with comfort. As America’s number one energy-efficient homebuilder, we’re proud that in 2024 our homes achieved an average net HERS® score of 37 (with solar) and a gross score of 42—the lowest publicly reported among the top 30 U.S. homebuilders in Builder Magazine’s Top 100 list (ranked by 2024 closings). Photos are previous model, options and colors vary. Completion in February

5028 Jockey Way, Myrtle Beach

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