The Lexicon

Definitions
of Home Buying

The Financials
Earnest Money
Your "good faith" deposit that shows you are serious; it is credited back to you at closing.
Due Diligence
The "safety window" to perform inspections and appraisals before fully committing to the purchase.
Closing Costs
The 2%–5% of the purchase price covering taxes, lender fees, and legal services.
The Status
Under Contract
The seller has accepted your offer, and the official timeline to closing has begun.
Contingent
The deal is moving forward provided specific conditions, like a clean inspection, are met.
Clear to Close
The final milestone; the lender has approved all paperwork and you are ready to sign.
The Logistics
As-Is
The seller will not make repairs, but you still maintain the right to inspect the property's condition.
Attorney State
In South Carolina, a licensed attorney is required by law to manage your settlement and deed recording.
Final Walkthrough
Your last check of the home to ensure it is in the agreed-upon condition before funds transfer.
The Strategy
Appraisal Gap
When a home's value comes in lower than the purchase price; we then negotiate how to bridge that difference.
Multiple Offers
A competitive scenario where strategy, like clean terms and timing, becomes as vital as the price itself.
Backup Offer
A formal position as the "next in line" should the first contract fail to reach the closing table.
Epique · Sara Hape
02
Definitions of Home Buying
Chapter One
The Search
Beyond What Looks Good on Paper

How to Choose
the Right Home

Start with what you can live with, not just what you like. The right home is one that still works for you years from now.

It's easy to focus on finishes and upgrades. Countertops photograph beautifully. Staged lighting makes every room feel aspirational. But the right home is one that still works for you years from now — not just on day one.

1
Location always outlasts features
Paint, floors, and fixtures can change — but location cannot. Think about commute, daily routine, and how the area fits your lifestyle long-term. A beautiful kitchen in the wrong neighborhood is a compromise you'll feel every day.
2
Separate emotion from strategy
It's normal to love a home — but make sure the numbers, condition, and terms still make sense before deciding. Emotional decisions without strategic grounding cost buyers dearly in competitive markets.
3
Think resale, even if you're not planning to sell
Life changes. A strong future resale position gives you flexibility and protects your investment. The home you love today should be one others will love tomorrow.
4
Pay attention to flow, not just photos
Does the layout actually work for how you live? Online photos don't always reflect real-life movement through the home. Consider daily rhythms — morning routines, entertaining, quiet evenings.
5
Don't ignore the "feel" factor
Logic matters, but so does comfort. If a home checks the boxes but still doesn't feel right, that matters more than people admit. Trust your instincts alongside your analysis.

The right home isn't just found — it's recognized when strategy and lifestyle line up at the same time. That's where guidance makes the difference.

Epique · Sara Hape
03
How to Choose the Right Home
Chapter Two
Under Contract
From Accepted Offer to Closing Day

Transaction
Roadmap

Finding a home is exciting, but the success is in managing everything that happens after the offer is accepted. That's where guidance matters most.

From accepted offer to closing day, here's exactly what happens next

Step 01
Offer Accepted
Your offer is accepted and the home moves from "available" to under contract. Earnest money is submitted and the process officially begins.
Step 02
Contract & Timeline Setup
All contract terms are finalized and key deadlines are set for inspections, appraisal, and closing.
Step 03
Home Inspection
A licensed inspector evaluates the property to identify any repairs or concerns before moving forward.
Step 04
Negotiations
Based on inspection results, repairs, credits, or adjustments may be requested and finalized between both parties.
Step 05
Appraisal
The lender confirms the home's value supports the purchase price.
Step 06
Loan Processing & Underwriting
Your lender reviews all financial documents and finalizes loan approval.
Step 07
Final Walkthrough
A last review of the home to ensure everything is in agreed condition before closing.
08

Closing Day — Documents are signed, funds are transferred, and ownership officially changes hands.
You Get the Keys.

Epique · Sara Hape
04
Transaction Roadmap
Chapter Three
What Buyers Ask
The Most Searched Questions

Top 3 Questions
Buyers Ask Online

Question 01
How much house can I afford?
It's not just about the price — it's about your monthly payment. Most buyers qualify based on income, debts, and interest rates. A quick pre-approval will show you a comfortable price range so you can shop with confidence, not guesswork.
Question 02
What credit score do I need?
You might be closer than you think. Many loan programs allow scores as low as the mid-500s to low-600s, depending on the loan type. Even if you're not quite ready, a lender can guide you on simple steps to improve quickly.
Question 03
Is now a good time to buy?
The right time depends on you, not the headlines. If you're financially ready, today's market can offer opportunities like less competition or negotiating power. Plus, you can always refinance later if rates improve.
Mistakes Buyers Make
Epique · Sara Hape
05
Top Questions & Common Mistakes
Chapter Four
The Financial Picture
Understanding Your Investment

Transaction
Cost

Understanding beyond the down payment.

Up front and
out of pocket

These are paid during the under-contract period and are separate from your final closing funds.

Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
A good-faith deposit credited toward your total down payment at settlement.
Inspections
The home inspection and any necessary pest, mold or other inspections are paid directly to the inspector to uncover potential issues and provide negotiation leverage.
Appraisal Fee
Required by lenders to confirm the property value; typically paid up-front at the lender's request.
Closing cost
break down

In an attorney state like South Carolina, your final settlement includes:

Lender Fees
Costs to process and underwrite your loan.
Title Services
Required Lender's policy and recommended Owner's Title Insurance for your protection.
Closing Attorney Fee
South Carolina law requires an attorney to manage the process and settlement meeting.
Recording Fees & Taxes
Fees paid to the county to record the deed and state transfer taxes (Doc Stamps).
Escrow Pre-paids
A reserve for property taxes and your first year of homeowner's insurance.
Epique · Sara Hape
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Transaction Cost Breakdown
The Baseline
Pre-Qualification:
The Starting Line

Your search for the discerning starts with understanding your purchasing power. Consider pre-qualification your baseline — a preliminary assessment of what you might be able to afford, giving you a clearer picture of the path forward in a competitive landscape like South Carolina.

The Gold Standard
Pre-Approval:
The Gold Standard

While pre-qualification is an estimate, pre-approval is the verified assurance sellers look for. In South Carolina's competitive market, arriving pre-approved signals you are a serious, "Buyer Ready" offer — and that distinction can make all the difference.

EPIQUE
Epique · Sara Hape
07
Pre-Qualified vs Pre-Approved
Chapter Five
The Paperwork
Lending
Check List

The Verified Steps to Pre-Approval

Lender Required Documents


The discerning buyer knows that precision is key to a seamless execution. Use this essential checklist to gather your financial story, ensuring that when you find the right property in South Carolina, you are positioned to move with the confidence and speed of a cash buyer.

Epique
Income & Employment
Pay Stubs
Last 30 days of pay stubs and last 2 years of W-2s.
Tax Returns
Full federal tax returns and any K-1s from the last 2 years.
Assets & Accounts
Bank Statements
Last 60 days of bank statements for all accounts.
Investment Accounts
Recent 401(k), IRA, or brokerage statements.
Identity & History
Government ID
Valid Driver's License and Social Security Number.
Residential History
Residential addresses for the last 2 years.
Additional Documentation
Gift Letters / Large Deposits
Gift letters or proof of large deposits (if applicable).
Legal Documents
Divorce decrees or child support orders (if applicable).
Epique · Sara Hape
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Lending Check List
Chapter Six
Your Representation
What to Expect from Epique

Let's
Be Real.

We all have access to the same listings these days. The days of the agent acting as a "gatekeeper" to the MLS are over. You've seen the same apps and scrolled the same websites.

If all you needed was a link to a listing, you wouldn't need an expert. But a transaction — especially one involving the complexities of South Carolina land, historic structures, or high-value assets — is about much more than finding a house. It's about navigating what happens after you find the one.

Your Agent
What to Expect from Epique

Once the search ends, my real work begins
Pricing Guidance
Know true market value so you don't overpay or under-prepare.
Offer Strategy
Position your offer to stand out and get accepted.
Inspection Negotiation
Focus on what matters and protect your investment.
Contract-to-Close Management
Every deadline and detail handled and tracked.
Buyer Tour Experience
Curated home tours with an interactive map that organizes listings and plans your route — showing exactly when to leave for each home so your day runs smoothly.
Concierge Support
Bridge options if you need to buy before you sell, plus utility setup so your home is ready when you arrive.
Epique · Sara Hape
09
Your Agent — What to Expect

Winning
the Right
Home

Finding the right home is only the beginning. Securing it on the right terms, while protecting your long-term investment, is where strategy becomes essential. In today's market, success is rarely determined by price alone — it is determined by structure, timing, and the ability to evaluate opportunity with clarity rather than emotion.

The strongest offers are not always the highest — they are the most intentional.

Value over emotion

Decisions should be grounded in market reality, not competition or urgency.

Strength over speed

Clean financing, strong terms, and reduced risk often carry more weight than price alone.

Leverage in structure

Flexibility with closing timelines, contingencies, and seller priorities can position an offer more competitively without increasing cost.

Disciplined decision-making

Not every home should be pursued. The right move includes knowing when to proceed — and when to step back.

Understanding Potential Risks

Every property presents opportunity, but also requires careful evaluation. The goal is not avoidance — it is awareness.


Key areas that require attention include structural and long-term considerations such as foundation integrity, roof condition, flood exposure, and any unpermitted improvements.


Each of these factors can influence not only cost, but also insurability, resale value, and future flexibility.

What Can Impact Your Closing Timeline

Even well-structured transactions can experience delays once under contract. Understanding this upfront helps prevent unnecessary stress or rushed decisions.


Common factors include appraisal variances, additional lender documentation, title findings, or inspection-related negotiations. During this phase, financial stability is essential — significant purchases, new debt, or employment changes can directly affect loan approval.

A Realistic Timeline

Most transactions move from contract to closing in approximately 30 to 45 days, depending on financing and property-specific factors.


A measured approach supports a smoother experience: avoid committing to move-out dates too early, delay non-essential scheduling until final approval, and maintain flexibility through closing.

Epique · Sara Hape
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Winning the Right Home
The New Standard

Transparency, Choice,
and the New Standard
Buyer Agreements

The real estate landscape has shifted toward a model of total transparency. As your advocate, I believe you should have a clear understanding of how professional representation works, and how it is funded, before we begin our journey together.

The Modern Reality
of Representation

Buyer Representation Agreements have always been common practice for top-tier professionals — they are now a formal requirement. A written agreement must be signed before we tour any properties.


To ensure we are the right fit for one another, we can always begin with an agreement for a specific property or a short window of time before moving into a long-term commitment.

Professional Fees & Negotiation: I maintain a set commission rate for my services, which reflects the high-level advocacy, market data, and contract expertise I provide to every client. Real estate commissions are, and always have been, fully negotiable. We will discuss your options in depth to ensure you are informed every step of the way.

Navigating Compensation
in the Transaction

South Carolina real estate practices have evolved to provide more direct ways for your representation to be funded. While the responsibility for professional compensation rests with the client, we typically address this through one of two primary methods:

Strategic Offer Integration
Requesting that the Seller pay the brokerage commission directly within the purchase offer.

Seller-to-Broker Agreements
Utilizing a separate agreement where the Seller pays the brokerage fee directly to the firm.

You always reserve the right as a buyer to only see homes that fit within your budget in every capacity.

We will review these options in detail together to determine the best strategy for your specific move.

In a modern market, clarity is the ultimate luxury.

Epique · Sara Hape
11
Buyer Agreements
E
Elevated
SOLUTIONS

For the buyer who needs to navigate the complexity of transition with confidence and purchasing power intact.

For Existing Homeowners

Buy Before
You Sell

Own a house? Need to move before you sell? Our BRIDGE option may be your solution.


With BRIDGE you can purchase a home without contingencies so you can take this one step at a time — less stress, more purchasing power.


The BRIDGE program allows you to access your current home's equity to fund the down payment on your next purchase, without the pressure of a simultaneous closing or the risk of losing a home you love.

Less stress. More purchasing power.

Epique · Sara Hape
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Elevated Solutions — Bridge
Are You
Ready?

A search for the discerning culminates in an exceptional home. But the refined path is as important as the final destination. Let my exclusive resources, deep market knowledge, and unwavering commitment guide you from the very first step. I'm here to simplify the complex and ensure your path to the perfect home is seamless, successful, and truly refined.

Sara Hape
864.300.4922
www.SaraHapeRealtor.com
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