Understanding the Charleston, IL Housing Landscape
Ready to lay down some roots and buy a house in Charleston? Awesome! You selected a lively city with a great balance of parks, businesses, and educational opportunities, and we're here to help the home purchase process go a little smoother. We serve 3.8 million customers from coast to coast and have the inside scoop on Charleston's housing scene.
Given all of Illinois's growth, Charleston homes aren't always easy to find at a comfortable price. Continued support for local businesses and cultural growth have helped to attract young families, new businesses, and retirees to the Charleston area, but so much change also means more traffic, more competition, and a need for more schools. Despite this, Charleston and its nearby areas still offer a wide range of homes in price and amenities. You can find single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and (ideally) your perfect home! When buying a house in Charleston, consider how near or far away the home is from the places you visit most. If possible, test drive your trip from the house to work, school, and the grocery store. Your house's location will affect everything, from your morning routine to how you spend your evenings. Exploring Charleston will also help you get a feel for how homes in east Charleston differ from west Charleston, what the communities are like, and where to find Charleston's coolest attractions.
Are your finances in the right place to buy a home in Charleston? Reach out to a Mr. Cooper Mortgage Professional if you don't know how to go about answering that question. We believe in keeping the dream of homeownership alive and work to make the journey less worrisome and more rewarding every step of the way. It doesn't matter whether you want to buy a home in Illinois or somewhere else entirely. We serve first-time homeowners and experienced homeowners alike. Start with the following steps to help you see if you're in a good financial position to buy a house in Charleston.
First, estimate how much house you can afford. This will help you narrow your search when house hunting in Charleston. After that, map out your potential monthly payments (including home repairs, insurance, homeowners association fees, property taxes, etc.). You don't need an exact amount for these expenses. Everyone's situation will differ, but a quick online search for average expenses in Charleston will usually point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that a mortgage payment could make up the majority of most homeowners’ monthly household expenses.
Then, consider how much you can contribute to a down payment. Placing a minimum of 20% down can increase your chances of getting a great rate and will allow you to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). That said, down payment requirements can differ depending on the loan type. This is where getting prequalified for a mortgage comes in handy. Getting prequalified helps you know how much you might be eligible to borrow from a lender. Also, take a good look at your credit. Credit history is an important part of your mortgage application. You may be presented with more mortgage options if you have healthy credit— and who doesn't want more choices in life?
Move Up and Out: Buying Your Dream House in Charleston, IL
Moving remains one of the biggest stressors, despite being a practically universal experience. But moving can also be incredibly rewarding, especially when you get to live in an amazing city like Charleston. Contact Mr. Cooper as you look to buy a home in Charleston. We're here for you from start to finish and Mr. Cooper® Real Estate Rewards can even connect you with a high-performing real estate agent who may be able to help you save thousands.*
- * Buyer’s Bonus Credit (Xome Purchase Pro) Disclosure: Buyers may be eligible to receive a Buyer’s Bonus Credit/Xome Purchase Pro (“Credit”) equal to 15% of the buyer’s agent’s fee. The amount of the credit is based on commissions and determined by each agent. Credit will be documented in an agreement between agent and customer at the time of engagement. Credit must be disclosed to lender, seller, broker, appraiser, and other parties with an interest. Credit subject to written lender approval. Credit will be reflected in Purchase Agreement, Closing Disclosure, and other documents. Consult a tax professional regarding tax implications of Credit. Consult local broker for any state law requirements. Conditions: (a) Customer must complete purchase transaction using a Mr. Cooper Real Estate Rewards Agent; (b) Credit is subject to sales commission; (c) Credit is not available for properties marketed/listed through any auction process, including, www.xome.com; (d) Credit offer may be modified at any time via the Terms of Use but modifications will not apply to any transactions under contract; (e) Credit will be provided at the time of closing.
- Buyer’s Bonus Credit is not available in AK, IA, KS, LA, MS, MO, OK, OR & TN.
- ** Listing Commission Disclosure: Mr. Cooper Real Estate Rewards agents have agreed to 1.99% seller’s agent commission and recommend 2% buyer’s agent commission for a total listing commission of 3.99%. Buyer’s agent commission can be changed at seller’s discretion.
- Mr. Cooper Real Estate Rewards is offered by Xome. Inc., an affiliate of Mr. Cooper. Referrals to Xome may provide a financial benefit to Mr. Cooper. You are not required to use a real estate agent on the Xome panel as a condition of receiving a loan from Mr. Cooper, and such use will have no impact on any loan application to Mr. Cooper.
- This is an advertisement and not intended as a solicitation for agent representation if your property is currently listed with an agent. Visit Xome's licensing page https://www.xome.com/auctions/licensing.
- Xome Inc. & Xome CT LLC [Davis E. Owen, Sr.‐Broker] (for CT properties] & Xome PR LLC (for PR properties), 750 Hwy 121 BYP, Suite 100, Lewisville, TX 75067.
- Mr. Cooper Real Estate Rewards is a service mark of Nationstar Mortgage LLC.
- This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. This offer is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other mortgage offer. Advertised offer is subject to change. If a personal code is present on the advertised offer, you must provide such code to claim the offer. We may gather information about you including, but not limited to, credit bureau information, information for verification of income, information for appraisal and verification of property being used for collateral. We also verify your identity. Income, assets, and debt must meet eligibility requirements as established by Government and/or Lender guidelines.