Big shifts are happening behind the scenes in the mortgage world, and they could open new doors for Summerville homebuyers. Fannie Mae, the organization that sets many of the rules lenders follow, just rolled out an update to its Desktop Underwriter® (DU) system.
This update changes how a buyer’s credit risk is assessed, meaning you might qualify for a home loan even if your credit history isn’t perfect.
If you’ve been renting in Summerville and wondering if homeownership is out of reach, this change is worth paying attention to.
Credit Decisions Are More Realistic
The new system looks beyond your credit score. Lenders can now consider things like consistent rent payments and positive cash-flow history, a big win for responsible renters.
First-Time Buyers Get a Fair Shot
First-time homebuyers are now seen as lower-risk than before, giving more people a chance to buy with confidence, especially in competitive markets like Summerville.
Smarter Use of Technology
The update uses better data tools to help lenders identify financially stable buyers who might have been overlooked before. That means fewer “false negatives”, people being denied for reasons that don’t reflect their true ability to pay.
Summerville has seen strong growth and rising home prices, but this Fannie Mae change could make homeownership more attainable for local renters and young families.
Here’s what this means in real world terms:
It’s not about lowering standards it’s about using smarter data to recognize financially ready buyers.
Gather your rent payment history.
If you pay rent through a bank or digital app, those records can help your loan approval.
Talk to a local lender familiar with the update.
Not every lender has rolled out Fannie Mae’s new system yet, work with one that has.
Work with a knowledgeable agent.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, our team stays up-to-date on changes like this so we can guide buyers through the process with confidence.
Mortgage updates like this don’t happen often and when they do, they can shift the balance for thousands of homebuyers. Summerville’s market is growing fast, with new construction, great schools, and strong community life.
If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll wait until my credit score improves,” this is your sign to take another look.
Buying a home in Summerville might just be more within reach than you thought. Fannie Mae’s new underwriting approach rewards real-life responsibility rent history, steady income, and smart money management not just a three-digit credit score.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we’re helping buyers take advantage of these new opportunities every day. Let’s see what this update means for you. Contact us today
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about listing your home in Summerville, SC, this is your wake-up call. The market is shifting and for the right seller with the right strategy, this could be the sweet spot.
You’ll be relocating or downsizing soon timing aligns with the current pace.
Your home is in good condition (or you’re ready to invest in the small fixes) it’ll stand out in a market with fewer highly polished listings.
You’re in a growing or stable neighborhood of Summerville (like the ZIPs mentioned) meaning better buyer interest.
You don’t need to chase a “peak price” and are prepared to list for market value rather than wait for unrealistic gains.
You’re ready to partner with a listing agent who knows Summerville inside-out (market, neighborhoods, buyer personas) which is a part of what we do at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.
If you sit around chasing “next year’s better price” you could miss the current sweet spot. The data say: Summerville is seller-favorable, inventory is still manageable, and buyer demand is anchored by its proximity to Charleston, good schools, and community amenities.
If your home is ready, the market supports listing now. If it needs a little polishing, now is the time to get it ready so when you hit ‘go’, you hit at the right moment.
Ready to talk next steps?
Let’s map out your homes comps, identify key upgrades, and plug your home into a strategic listing plan designed specifically for Summerville. Download the “Seller Timing Checklist” here and schedule your complimentary strategy session with our team.
If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home in South Carolina and plan to use the Palmetto Heroes Program, now is the time to start preparing before applications open. Each year, this statewide initiative provides down payment assistance and affordable financing to qualifying community heroes such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and military service members.
These funds go fast often within days and working with an experienced local real estate agent early can be the difference between being ready to buy and missing the opportunity entirely.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we help buyers across Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and the Lowcountry position themselves for success the moment Palmetto Heroes launches.
The Palmetto Heroes Program, offered through the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing), provides forgivable down payment assistance and low fixed rate mortgages to eligible professionals serving their communities.
Each year, a select number of applicants qualify for thousands in financial support toward the purchase of their primary residence. Once funds run out, they’re gone until the following year which is why timing and preparation matter.
Every year, eligibility guidelines and available funds change slightly. A knowledgeable agent can connect you with trusted Palmetto Heroes-approved lenders and help you understand key requirements such as:
Getting this information early allows you to take any steps needed from credit improvement to document collection before the program opens.
Because Palmetto Heroes funding is limited, pre-approval is critical. Top agents have strong relationships with local lenders who specialize in SC Housing loans and can fast-track your pre-approval.
When funds are released, buyers who are already pre-approved and working with a professional agent can submit offers immediately, putting them ahead of those still gathering paperwork.
Not every home on the market fits Palmetto Heroes guidelines. An experienced agent who understands SC Housing approved properties can filter listings by price point, condition, and location so you focus only on homes that meet the program’s requirements.
Our agents regularly monitor listings in communities like Nexton, Cane Bay, Hanahan, and Goose Creek, where qualified homes are in high demand.
When competition heats up, having a top-producing agent on your side matters. We know how to write strong, clean offers that appeal to sellers while protecting your funding eligibility. We also coordinate directly with lenders and attorneys to keep the transaction compliant and on schedule.
Pairing the Palmetto Heroes benefit with other buyer incentives, closing-cost grants, or builder programs can stretch your budget further. A well-connected agent will help you explore every available option so you get the most out of this once a year opportunity.
The Palmetto Heroes application window is short and competitive. By connecting with a real estate professional now, you’ll have:
This preparation could mean owning your dream home in 2026 rather than waiting another year.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we’re proud to support Charleston’s community heroes from first responders to educators and healthcare professionals. Our experienced agents will help you navigate every step, from lender introduction to closing day.
Now is the time to connect. Don’t wait until the program opens be ready to act.
If you’ve been searching for a new-construction home that feels personal, polished, and perfectly placed, Indigo Place should be on your short list. Built by Hunter Quinn Homes, this intimate community of just 25 homes offers a refreshing alternative to oversized neighborhoods.
With timeless Lowcountry architecture and thoughtful floor plans, every detail is designed for comfort, convenience, and connection.
Put simply: you get that Lowcountry charm, new-home build quality, and a location that works for commuting as much as relaxing.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we know North Charleston inside and out. Our team has guided hundreds of buyers through new construction opportunities just like Indigo Place helping you understand not just the home, but the lifestyle that comes with it.
We partner with local builders, monitor release dates, and make sure you get the best incentives, upgrades, and lot options available.
Congrats to Lisa D’Amato of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Palmetto for being honored by BestAgents.us as a 2025 Top Agent. Discover how her Lowcountry expertise, MRP designation, and commitment to clients make her a trusted REALTOR®.
Lisa D’Amato: Your Trusted REALTOR® in the Heart of the Lowcountry
Lisa D’Amato is a dedicated REALTOR® and Team Lead of the Lowcountry Living Team of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – Palmetto, based in Summerville, South Carolina. With an extensive understanding of the Charleston real estate market and its surrounding communities, Lisa offers clients professional guidance through every phase of the buying and selling process. Her approach is firmly rooted in honesty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Lisa D’Amato is distinguished by her determination and meticulous attention to detail. She is passionate about advocating for her clients’ best interests, from negotiations to contract execution, ensuring that each real estate transaction is managed with the utmost precision and care. As a licensed REALTOR® in South Carolina, Lisa is an active member of both the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) and the South Carolina Association of REALTORS® (SCAR). She also holds the esteemed Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation, underscoring her dedication to serving those who serve our country.
Deeply inspired by the Lowcountry’s unique beauty, characterized by its stunning coastal landscapes, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant communities, Lisa is devoted to helping clients find their dream homes or achieve successful sales. Her personalized service and expert insights are designed to make every real estate experience smooth, informed, and rewarding.
Lisa credits her success to the unwavering support of her friends and family, along with her profound knowledge of the Charleston market. Her steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and determination is evident in every transaction she handles. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lisa is passionate about giving back to her community. She actively volunteers with and supports numerous local organizations, reflecting her dedication to enhancing the connections that make the Lowcountry a remarkable place to live and work.
For those looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston or the surrounding areas, Lisa D’Amato offers the expertise, care, and commitment necessary to navigate the real estate landscape successfully.
If you’re considering a move to the Charleston area, two names likely top your list: Summerville and Mount Pleasant. Both offer great schools, strong communities, and Lowcountry charm, but their cost of living and lifestyle appeal to different types of homeowners.
Let’s compare the two side-by-side so you can decide which one feels like home.
Bottom line: If you want space and value, Summerville stretches your dollar further. If you want convenience and prestige, Mount Pleasant delivers.
Summerville sits roughly 25 to 35 minutes from downtown Charleston depending on traffic, while Mount Pleasant is about 15 to 20 minutes away.
Summerville’s location along I-26 makes it ideal for those commuting to North Charleston or the growing employment hubs in Nexton and Volvo’s Ridgeville plant. Mount Pleasant shines for easy access to beaches, hospitals, and tech offices on Daniel Island.
Trade-off: Summerville gives you distance from city congestion, while Mount Pleasant keeps you close to Charleston’s coast and nightlife.
Both towns have strong reputations for schools.
Community culture differs, too. Summerville has a small-town, local vibe with parades, farmers markets, and affordability that draws first time buyers. Mount Pleasant blends suburban comfort with resort style living perfect for professionals or those who love coastal convenience.
In short: Summerville leans toward laid-back comfort and affordability, while Mount Pleasant offers coastal luxury and convenience.
If you crave space, affordability, and community feel, Summerville is the smart choice. If you want quick coastal access, upscale amenities, and a beach-adjacent address, Mount Pleasant is worth the premium.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we help buyers explore both, matching lifestyle and budget to the perfect Lowcountry location. Whether you’re ready to build in Nexton or invest near Shem Creek, our agents can guide you every step of the way.
So what’s fueling the buzz around the Clements Ferry Corridor? Let’s break it down.
Clements Ferry Road sits in a sweet spot tucked between I-526, Daniel Island, and Mount Pleasant, yet surrounded by the beauty of the Wando River and natural Lowcountry marshes.
You’re 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, 25 minutes from the beach, and within reach of major employers and schools. For many buyers, it hits that perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and lifestyle.
Clements Ferry offers the best of both worlds established neighborhoods with mature trees and community feel, right next to master-planned developments like Point Hope, The Marshes at Cooper River, and The Retreat at River Reach.
Builders are bringing modern Lowcountry architecture, open-concept floor plans, and energy-efficient homes. You’ll find price points ranging from the mid-$400s for townhomes to over $1M for riverfront or custom builds.
Buyers are drawn here for more than the houses. Philip Simmons Elementary, Middle, and High Schools consistently earn high marks, and their proximity means less time in the car and more time together.
The area is also seeing new parks, walking trails, and local businesses that make it easy to stay connected without having to head downtown.
While still developing, the retail scene is catching up fast, with restaurants, fitness studios, and coffee shops popping up near Point Hope Commons. You’ll find everything from easy weeknight eats to boutique fitness and service businesses that cater to busy families and professionals.
And when you want a little more nightlife or upscale dining, Daniel Island and Mount Pleasant are just minutes away.
With land inventory tightening closer to downtown, the Clements Ferry Corridor offers room to grow — both literally and financially. Property values have been steadily rising, and new phases continue to open across multiple communities.
For buyers, that means opportunity. For investors, that means long-term appreciation.
If you’re looking for a Charleston address that offers modern living, strong schools, outdoor beauty, and long-term value, keep your eye on Clements Ferry. It’s not just up and coming it’s arriving.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, our agents know this corridor inside and out. Whether you’re relocating, building new, or exploring investment options, we’ll help you find the right fit in Charleston’s next big growth zone.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we take pride in recognizing the agents and teams whose performance, dedication, and professionalism continue to raise the bar for real estate in South Carolina.
October 2025 was a powerhouse month, packed with milestones, record-breaking numbers, and inspiring stories from across our Charleston, Summerville, and Moncks Corner offices.
These leaders not only deliver results but embody the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto values: integrity, innovation, and connection.
Heather Tyson — Over $1.8 Million Closed
Heather Tyson delivered an incredible month, closing more than $1.8 million in sales and earning the title of Top Producing Agent for October 2025. Her professionalism, client focus, and market expertise have made her a trusted name in the Lowcountry, and a shining example of excellence at BHGRE Palmetto.
The Magnolia Team — Over $2.6 Million Closed
Led with precision, passion, and teamwork, The Magnolia Team continues to make waves, achieving over $2.6 million in sales in September and continuing their strong momentum through October. Their collaboration, consistency, and client first approach define what it means to be a top-producing team at BHGRE Palmetto.
Our team structure is designed for success, and the results speak for themselves. Each of these powerhouse groups has achieved incredible milestones so far this year:
The Magnolia Team – Over $20 Million Closed
Lowcountry Living Team – Over $9 Million Closed
These teams prove that collaboration, training, and technology drive results and that success at Palmetto is built on both skill and synergy.
Under the leadership of Aimee Peterson and Lisa Horan, Broker-in-Charge, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto continues to set the standard for brokerage excellence in the Carolinas.
With over 100 agents and a reputation for innovation, service, and community leadership, Palmetto continues to grow as one of Charleston’s top real estate brokerages, recognized for:
🏆 Best Brokerage in Charleston
🏆 Best Place to Work
🏆 Best in Brokerage Technology (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate)
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto, we don’t just celebrate success, we build it. Our agents have access to cutting-edge technology, advanced marketing systems, and a culture that prioritizes training, collaboration, and work-life balance.
If you’re ready to take your real estate career to the next level, we’d love to connect.
Originally from New Jersey and proudly Italian, I made the move to South Carolina over 15 years ago with my amazing husband, Michael, and our two wonderful daughters, Kate, now a college student, and Bella, who attends Summerville Catholic School. Our home is full of love, laughter, and the joyful energy of our two dogs. We’re also lifelong Disney fans, and many of our best family memories have been made in the parks, soaking up the magic that continues to inspire me every day.
My real estate journey began humbly as a receptionist, answering phones and learning the ropes. But I quickly fell in love with the industry. Through dedication, late nights, and a fierce desire to grow, I climbed my way up to become a Managing Broker at Keller Williams before joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.
Along the way, I earned my broker’s license, gained invaluable experience working with both buyers and sellers, and proudly surpassed $100 million in career sales. Every closing, every family, and every home has added to a career built on connection, consistency, and care.
For me, real estate is deeply personal. It’s not just about buying or selling property — it’s about helping people find the place where they’ll celebrate birthdays, raise their kids, and build lifelong memories.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or seller ready for your next chapter, I’m here to guide you through the process with expertise and compassion. I believe every client deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported from start to finish.
Beyond helping clients, I have a true passion for teaching and mentoring new agents. As a licensed South Carolina Real Estate Instructor, I love guiding agents as they find their confidence, build their business, and reach their goals. Watching someone grow from their first listing to a thriving career is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I believe in sharing knowledge freely, lifting others up, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence — values that perfectly align with the spirit of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.
I’m proud to have earned the Agent of Excellence certification, a prestigious recognition through Disney’s real estate school. This program taught me how to deliver world-class service through empathy, attention to detail, and creating truly magical client experiences.
That philosophy, to go above and beyond in every interaction, has shaped how I approach real estate today. My goal is to make every transaction smooth, memorable, and, yes, a little magical.
I live by one simple belief:
“What you focus on expands.”
That mindset has guided my career, my family, and my faith. I believe in balance, gratitude, and growth, both personally and professionally.
Real estate isn’t just my career — it’s my passion, my calling, and my way of helping others build the life they dream about.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or starting your real estate career in the Charleston area, I’d love to connect. Together, we’ll turn your goals into a plan — and your dreams into keys.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto
Broker Owner Aimee Peterson
1184 Clements Ferry Road, Unit D
Charleston, SC 29492
O: 843-584-8326
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