Why Mark Gouhin as YOUR Realtor®
Let’s play 20 questions….- Where do we start?
With a map, then a daydream, then a quick get-together with me and I’ll listen to your plans and interests. I’ll ask questions that will open up your dream machine to get the criteria to start your search. I’ll want to know your vision: a house in town, a country escape, a beach retreat. We’ll talk some rough numbers. How do we find what we want? Let me do the homework. I’ll preview the properties that fit your criteria and select the best. I won't waste your time looking at homes that just won't suit you. I can arrange a showing of anything on the market, thanks to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) of the Coastal Carolina Board of Realtors®, I’ll make sure you see all appropriate properties, no matter who has them listed. How long does it take? My schedule is your schedule. Some of my clients have found homes they love in a couple of days, or even less. Others take a more leisurely approach. My objective, always, is to direct you to a property you'll fall in love with, within your timeframe. If it takes days and miles, that's not a problem. What if we're located out of the area? If you’re searching from out of the area, I’ll do the necessary leg work, based on your criteria, for you, pursuing every possible avenue. In the meantime, if you see an ad for a property that looks interesting, call me, and I'll secure further information and photos. What's the market going to do? My crystal ball is loaded with first-hand, up-to-date research on the local market. Here are a few of my current predictions: - The current Buyers’ Market will continue through 2010. Activity will steadily increase with the availability of credit and the market will stabilize.
- National Homebuilders will continue to offer enticing incentives and extremely competitive pricing. Be sure to remember that when you work with me as your Buyers’ Agent you can still take advantage of the incentives PLUS you have me looking after your best interests every step of the way and it does not cost you anything extra.
- The long-term value of the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach market will be strong. Prices are at all time lows and the market always comes back….always has and always will. Investments in the infrastructure are strong and with the choices of golf, shopping, restaurants and the beach….you cannot go wrong.
Why would we hire you to be our buyers’ agent? This is my specialty. I have a unique mix of focused attention, a get the job done attitude, knowledge of the market and patience. Put those all together and you will find that your buying experience will go smoothly and without surprises. What does it cost us to hire you as our Buyers’ Agent? Zero, nada, nothing. The commission earned by the Buyers’ Agent is paid by the Seller. What happens when we fall in love with a particular property? Smile. I will help you prepare an offer. I use approved South Carolina Real Estate Commission forms with modifications and addenda specific to this area, with additional provisions tailored for you. What about earnest money? Your offer to purchase is normally presented with a deposit, which is placed into an escrow account. This "earnest money" goes toward the purchase price and is turned over to the seller at closing. When can we close? If the seller accepts your offer, you can expect the closing to take place within 30-60 days, depending on your due diligence requirements and financing. Can we negotiate? Of course, but if the seller rejects your offer, don't be discouraged—I will help you figure out the next step to take, whether to pursue the original property or to move on. Is there flexibility on prices? As the saying goes… “Everything is negotiable”. How do we get the best price? Make offers as clean as possible, with minimal contingencies. Seek diamonds in the rough. Many buyers can't visualize "potential"...if you can, that's an opportunity. If you want to finance your purchase, get pre-qualified with a local lender or the lender of your choice and submit that approval with your offer. Compose a letter to the sellers telling them about you and your family, explaining why you love their property. I'll submit it along with the offer to purchase. Making yourself real to the sellers can have enormous impact. How do we arrange financing? The majority of Grand Strand buyers secure financing through financial institutions of their choice. However, I have a list of preferred local lenders that I can provide you with if you desire. What about closing costs? In South Carolina, buyers pay a NO transfer tax at closing. Closings are handled by Real Estate Attorneys and the costs will be clear to you before any offers are submitted. Settlement fees? In South Carolina, settlement fees usually consist of your attorney fees and title insurance. I will go over these fees in detail with you so that there are no surprises. Your lender will review financing costs (points, appraisal and credit report fees, tax reserves, etc) with you. Can we do this long distance? These days, closings can be handled long distance, thanks to FedEx and the wire-transfer system. The closing attorneys will handle all the details of the transaction. What will you do for us? Besides helping you track and find your dream home? I handle the big picture and these countless little details: - Order the appropriate inspections
- work with your lender and the appraiser to be certain your loan is approved in time
- confer with the closing attorney’s office about hundreds of closing details and the preparation of your settlement statement
- provide you with the details of any rules and regulations of the community for your new property
- provide you the details to transfer utilities into your name
- make sure you receive a recorded deed and title policy
- remain your primary source of information and assistance, months and years after closing.
How can we be sure this is right? The bottom line is that I won't assist you in the purchase of any property that I’m not comfortable with or don't believe in. The reason? I value my success on win-win outcomes. 
When do we start? How about now? Explore the MLS and see what piques your interest. Call me at 843-685-9326 NOW and let’s get started. Create the Lifestyle You Deserve

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