Summerville-based Realtor Jana Bantz doesn’t need to tell you that Charleston’s historic real estate market is off-the-charts hot. Open your email, glance at your phone, turn on the TV. The headlines are everywhere.

But the principal of Jana Bantz & Associates, a Berkshire-Hathaway HomeServices Southern Coast Real Estate affiliate, does want you to tell you how you can make the most of this fast-moving market, whether you’re a real estate newbie or seasoned veteran with multiple home sales and purchases under your belt.

“This market is unprecedented,” explained Bantz. “It’s not unusual for my team to have as many as 15 showings of one house in a day. That means you must be ready to take action quickly, whether you’re buying or selling.”

According to Bantz, buyers need to have bank-approved financing in order and be able to put together a compelling, attractive offer. Sellers need to be ready to negotiate multiple offers and be flexible in accommodating a heavy schedule of showings.

“I recommend that my buyers take the time to get fully approved for a mortgage before they begin house hunting. With more and more cash offers being made, you need to have a pre-approval letter in hand to be competitive.” She added, “These days, the asking price is often just the starting bid. Multiple offers are becoming the norm.”

And that means whether you’re buying or selling, one thing is sure: it helps to have a nimble, experienced realtor on your side to navigate the turbulent waters.

Which is where Bantz comes in. With three full-time realtors and a client services pro on staff, Jana Bantz & Associates is large enough to handle any transaction, but small enough to provide every client with uber-personal service and 24/7 access to a senior team member.

Offering the Assistance a Buyer Needs. Still think buying a house is as simple as perusing Zillow and picking out your fave? Not so fast. The days of leisurely house hunting are past. From fast-paced, high-stress negotiations to complex financing packages and legal terms, a good realtor needs to be one part matchmaker, one part financial and legal adviser, one part dealmaker, and one part life coach and hand-holder. All of which the Bantz & Associates team excels in. She also recommends using a skilled buyer’s agent even if you are looking at new construction to avoid any surprises. Jana sums it up like this: “Anyone can show you a home. We can show you how to own it.”

Providing The Tools a Seller Needs. While the Charleston area is a seller’s market right now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t differences when it comes to choosing who will sell your home. Jana and her team do all the things expected of top-tier listing agents: They take the time to put together a detailed market analysis and craft a realistic asking price. They provide a strategic marketing package that targets your best, most qualified prospects, from social media platforms to internet listings. And they help you negotiate the best price and terms for the sale.

But they also do one thing the bigger guys can’t: They take the time to get to know you and build a lasting relationship of trust and respect.

Which means whether you’re buying or selling, for the first time, fifth time or more, you will never get lost in the shuffle. Partner with Jana and her team at Jana Bantz & Associates in beautiful Summerville, and you’ll enjoy the best of friendly small-town service with professional big-city expertise. Oh, and they promise you’ll have fun along the way. Just ask Jana!

Jana’s Top Tips

• DO have approved financing in order.

• DO be ready to move quickly.

• DO expect a few delays before closing due to the volume of sales.

• DO work with a buyer’s agent when buying new construction.

• DO expect a minimum of 30 days+ to closing.

• DON’T settle for a pre-qualification letter from bank.

• DON’T automatically take the highest offer. Consider ALL the terms.

• DON’T list your home on a holiday weekend.

• DON’T pay too much, but don’t offer too little.

Please watch the Jana Bantz team video! https://vimeo.com/528641275/ec68e67382