41 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN avoidable stress. And now I’ve provided care for 30-plus families and homes in all stages of life.” This same focus spurred Charlestonian Jessica Stone to form Everything Sorted earlier this year—but its roots started while she was still in her high chair. “I began this work way back when my mom became a single mother with three kids at home. I am the oldest, and I was 4 years old,” Stone says. “I learned quickly that more clutter meant more chaos and that if you don’t have a plan to succeed then you can plan to fail. We came up with some innovative and sustainable systems that I still use to this day.” While she technically began a career in real estate, Stone says the tug of declutter kept pushing her to utilize it differently. She decided to provide services to moms and seniors. “A lot of grown daughters have their kids and parents to take care of,” Stone points out. “I am very passionate about helping both because having kids at home and helping aging parents with a downsize are experiences full of overwhelm.” All three say one big advantage to what they do is having the same vision and mindset as their clients. “Most women know exactly what needs to be done in their home and do not want to create a detailed checklist for someone else,” Donovan says. “They want support that is intuitive— someone who sees the invisible work and handles it without needing to be managed.” And Stone speaks for all three in regard to today’s moms: “The little girls who have grown up to be moms themselves are drowning in the everyday hustle-bustle of raising kids. They aren’t able to help much and are guilt-ridden because of it. I am here for them as much as their parents.” HOMEBUYING TIPS FROM A FINANCE PRO BY REBEKAH MCCUBBINS Buying a home is a major financial decision. In a high-demand housing market like Charleston, buyers need every ounce of knowledge on their side. As seasoned financial experts, Capasso Planning Partners understands the complex considerations that impact your purchase, and we want to equip you with the financial knowledge to make informed decisions. HERE ARE FIVE CHARLESTON HOMEBUYING TIPS FROM AN EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL PLANNER BUSINESS Liz Donovan shows a client a neat, new arrangement for the baby closet Photo courtesy Callie Webster, @calliecocreative 1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEAM—Your homebuying team is crucial for a smooth purchasing process. Interview several people to find a team that understands your goals, provides expert insight and has your back. The right team will ensure you make a wise financial move. This also applies to your extended homebuying team. Your home inspector, attorney and even your financial planner play their own roles in helping you successfully purchase your dream home. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Our office is always happy to provide referrals to industry professionals we know and trust. 2. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE—Homeowners insurance is not one-size-fits-all. There are many options available, and it is critical to invest in the right coverage for your location. Getting it right from the start will ensure you don’t get hit with an unexpected bill after a major event. We recommend speaking with a local insurance broker about coverage options available. They will have the best understanding of the area and your specific home’s needs. 3. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR BUDGET—Maxing out your purchasing power isn’t always the best course of action. As a general guideline, we recommend keeping your monthly payment below 36% of your gross income. However, you should consult with a financial planner to review your unique goals, income and expenses before settling on a homebuying budget. 4. PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE COSTS— When you own your home, you should always be prepared formaintenance expenses. Before you buy, set aside some funds just for home maintenance. Home maintenance costs vary widely, so a dedicated fund is a necessity. We recommend budgeting for 1% to 2% of your home’s value in annual maintenance costs and keeping those funds in a separate savings account. 5. CLAIM YOUR PRIMARY HOME TAX RATE—When you purchase your home, be sure to fill out and submit the appropriate property tax forms to qualify for a lower tax rate. If you are buying a property to use as your primary home, you must submit the correct paperwork to receive the primary residence tax rate. In South Carolina, this brings your rate down significantly, from 6% to 4%, saving you thousand of dollars annually. HAPPY HOMEBUYING If you have financial questions, our team is here for you. We wish you luck on your homebuying journey.
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