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After what seems like a lifetime of reading the forums, drooling over properties online and several in person visits to Southport .... it looks as if we may be getting close to making the move. Yaay!
I hope this is allowed in the forum - if not please delete.
We have our realtor and very satisfied with her assistance. However, I'm not sure I want to rely on her (or any agent) to be the only source of recommendations regarding local professional expertise. There is always the possibility she would steer us toward friends or others who have a referral arrangement with her. My objective is to get some local knowledge and experience regarding
1. Local attorney to represent us
2. Surveyor to do a survey of the property
3. Home Inspection expert to do a proper inspection before purchase
4. Title insurance company to protect us, not a mortgage company
5. Water lab to do a thorough potable water test
6. Environmental survey for mold, radon, bacteria & whatever else may be there (or does the home inspector do this?)
7. Pest control evaluation and follow-up contract
8. Whatever else I am forgetting this morning!
We picked up a handful of inspector brochures from the real estate office last week but that does not qualify as in-depth research! I would appreciate your recommendations as well as any inputs regarding experts to avoid based on your experience.
It may be best to direct message me rather than a forum reply to avoid any issues!
Never dealt with most of those you need, but my attorney is Mark L. Lewis in Shallotte. I have dealt with him on several occasions. I am sure he handles real estate. His number is 910-754-7447. As for insurance, North Carolina Farm Bureau is the best to be had as far as any type of personal insurance coverage. There is a local office near Southport.
Never dealt with most of those you need, but my attorney is Mark L. Lewis in Shallotte. I have dealt with him on several occasions. I am sure he handles real estate. His number is 910-754-7447. As for insurance, North Carolina Farm Bureau is the best to be had as far as any type of personal insurance coverage. There is a local office near Southport.
If you qualify, I would suggest USAA for insurance; auto rates for NC are extremely high, you can save by using USAA; they also do home insurance, but I'd prefer a local insurance agent for the home.
If you live outside the city limits (Southport), your utilities and taxes will be lower.
All in all, Southport and/or Oak Island are both a beautiful corner of NC. Good luck to you.
We lived, for a short time, on Oak Island and Rivermist (got homesick), but met some truly wonderful people.
You might consider joining the local Newcomers Club - a large group with lots of activities and all quite friendly and welcoming.
FWIW - I just got my renewal auto insurance policy yesterday from Liberty Mutual. With all my discounts applied for safe driver, multiple cars, multiple policies, etc. it came to $2,380 for two cars. Just for thrills I asked the Liberty Mutual Rep to give me a quote for the exact same coverage in Southport. Ready for this? $832 per year for both cars!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dodgeguy View Post
As for insurance, North Carolina Farm Bureau is the best to be had as far as any type of personal insurance coverage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by goldenage1
I believe they have the cheapest homeowner insurance. Other major carriers are way more.
BTW, referrals of Realtors have to be done through DM's, but not other housing professionals.
Last year when I was searching for Homeowners/Wind & Hail Insurance, Don Bullard was significantly cheaper than the NC Farm Bureau.
Sometimes the cheapest is not the best. I have had personal experience with Farm Bureau. One of our homes was hit by lightning and resulted in a small attic fire and right much smoke damage. Farm Bureau had an adjuster there the next day and work started on repairs a day later. Home owners' insurance is inexpensive. It is the wind and hail that is pricey.
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