Let’s start the new year off right. If you’ve been dreaming of a new home, it’s time to get started. Here’s a month-by-month guide to planning for and buying a new home. It’s about time to set your new year’s resolution, right? January: Brush Up on Your Market Knowledge The best way to get started? […]
Category Archives: First Time Home Buyers
3 Reasons Why the Raleigh Area is a Great Place to Relocate
There’s a lot of buzz about “Best Places to Live” flying around the internet. Without a doubt if you Google “Hottest Housing Markets” you will see Raleigh, NC positioned in the top 10 on most lists depending on what criteria is used. So a safe bet (since you are reading this blog) is that if […]
Sink or Swim – Diving into the Raleigh Housing Market?
Like any major investment, buying a home is all about timing. Is now the best time to take the risk and jump into the home ownership pool? In the Raleigh market, 2018 certainly looks like the right time; but sooner rather than later because it could be quite a different pool you are jumping into […]
Is It Time to Stop Renting and Buy Your First Home?
It’s a huge decision, deciding to move out of your rental and move into something you can call “Home Sweet Home.” How do you know you are ready for this big step? See if the following questions can help you determine your readiness for homeownership. Is the Timing Right to Purchase a Home Now? Could […]
When You Don’t Need a Down Payment to Buy a Home
Saving thousands of dollars for a down payment is one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership, especially for first-time home buyers. Fortunately, you don’t need a down payment to secure the home of your dreams in the Greater Raleigh area. Thanks to the USDA Loan Program, you can quickly and easily buy your first home! In no […]
How to Protect Yourself Against Hidden Title Hazards
Other types of insurance coverage focus on possible future events and charge an annual premium — such as flood insurance or hazard insurance that safeguard against loss from fire, theft, or wind damage. Title insurance protects against loss from hazards and defects already existing in the title and is purchased with a one-time premium. A Separate […]
Beware of Losing Money Purchasing Homes in the Greater Raleigh Area
When purchasing a home in North Carolina, you will need to write two upfront deposits with the Offer to Purchase and Contract. The two upfront checks are called the “due diligence fee” and “earnest money.” It is important to know that the due diligence fee is non-refundable, and if you are not careful, you could […]
Selling Your Home During the Holidays
Here in North Carolina, we have 4 beautiful seasons and some people mistakenly associate them with 4 distinct home buying seasons as well. They assume spring is the best time to sell and nobody buys during the winter, but that is simply not true. When I hear people talking about this I am often reminded […]
Beware of House Hunting in Raleigh, NC
Let us be honest, we have all grown so accustomed to having the internet that we use it for virtually everything. But, if you are considering purchasing a home online the same way you shop for clothes, then beware of house hunting in Raleigh, NC or any other area for that matter. Realtors Just Open […]
Beware of Raleigh/Durham Home Closing Delays
The expectation of closing day is supposed to be exciting. You have spent countless hours searching out the best home, negotiating price, and are ready to have the keys in your hand. Unfortunately, the closing process involves many moving parts. The mortgage lender and the buyer’s attorney must meet all federal guideline requirements, the appropriate […]