The North Carolina Home Buying Process

Congratulations on taking the first step in understanding the purchasing process – this is an extremely exciting endeavor! Although at times stressful and overwhelming, buying a home is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make and will be both fun and exciting as you go along.

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the real estate closing process. Every state varies in its closing requirements, so closing on a home in North Carolina will be very different than closing in other states (including South Carolina).  

Step #1: Determine what you’re looking for in a home

I advise that you be as practical as possible when considering what the absolute “must-haves” are in your future

Best Spots for Brunch in Raleigh, NC

Brunch in the south typically conjures thoughts of delectable shrimp and grits, crispy chicken and waffles, warm biscuits, and many other comfort food specialties. Although Raleigh offers the very best of every Southern comfort food delicacy, there is so much more to choose from beyond just the Southern staples. Raleigh proudly serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, Mexican fare, authentic Parisian cuisine, and so much more. Some of the best-rated restaurants in the World are found in Raleigh, including Brewery Bhavana. Raleigh’s food culture prides itself on offering the freshest farm-to-table ingredients, specialty brunch cocktails, and warm, inviting atmospheres. Brunch is a staple here in Raleigh, and

With the rise of student loan debt, frequent career shifts, and living through the 2008 housing crisis, many may consider millennials to be financially insecure and averse to home ownership. However, research surprisingly points in the opposite direction. According to a 2018 Bank of America survey, the vast majority of millennials, more than 72%, consider homeownership to be their top priority. The only live event that ranked higher was retirement, at 80%. Getting married and having children fell lower on the list, at 50% and 44% respectively. To the millennial generation, owning a home is not only a wise investment option – it is a fundamental value intrinsic to the American Dream.

I’m a real estate agent. What should I know about working with

One of the first questions new Realtors have for me is always 'how much money will I make in my first year?' and in order to answer that question, you need to understand how Real Estate Agents make money. How much commissions you make in your first year as a Realtor will be entirely dependent on you and how much business you're able to generate. Your gross income is different than your net income, so make sure you're tracking your expenses. The advice below is from 17 Veteran industry leaders who offer tips on how to build your business when you're starting out.

If you're looking to make 100k in your first year as a Realtor you'll want to first reverse engineer the process. What is the average price of sold homes in your area? How many homes

How to Obtain a Mortgage

Chances are, if you are a first-time home buyer, you will most likely need to apply for a mortgage. In addition to finding the right mortgage, it is also important that you find a lender who will provide an interest rate and closing costs that won’t break the bank. Of course, it is difficult to have the perfect combination of all of these factors, but knowing how to obtain a mortgage and understanding your grant eligibility could help you save thousands of dollars in the long-term. We lay out some of the best strategies in securing a great mortgage deal.

What are the steps involved in obtaining a mortgage?

Find a Lender and Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

There is a difference between getting pre-qualified and

Selling my House in 2019

Predicting the future of the U.S. economy is tricky, if not impossible – particularly when it applies to the housing market. Before we get into the details, I will preface this post by saying this: if you are fully prepared to sell in 2019, I advise moving forward with the sales process prior to 2020. Why? Economists and real estate experts agree that the U.S. economy will most-likely encounter a recession in 2020, or maybe even as early as the end of 2019. Interest rates are also expected to rise. Some experts argue the crash will not come until 2024-2026, you don't want to be caught on the wrong side of a recession so don't get greedy if you're ready!

Fortunately, in my markets located in both Raleigh and Charlotte, NC

Buying a Home in 2019

“Location, location, location” is one of the most heavily-used phrases when purchasing real estate. However, the timing of the purchase is arguably just as important as the location of the home you wish to buy. Timing your home purchase strategically can help you secure better value for your money and will prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long-run.

According to a survey conducted by Pulsenomics LLC, the next expected recession might begin only one year from now – in the first few months of 2020. In the survey, Pulsenomics LLC spoke with more than 100 economists and real estate experts to learn their housing market predictions, including which factors might trigger a recession.

Well over 50 percent of the

"Once a seller accepts my offer, what happens next?" This is a common question from buyers after they go under contract on a home in Raleigh.

After a buyer's offer is accepted you'll want to visit the home numerous times before closing day. This includes meeting there with your Real Estate Agent, Inspectors, Contractors, Appraisers, and more. You'll also want to make sure you schedule a final walk-through which your Realtor will set up. For those of you buying a home this Fall, be sure you know what to expect when you're under contract!

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Without further ado, here is...

10 Things that come Once an Offer is Accepted

Call your Real Estate Team

The seller just

11 Qualities of a Great Neighbor

Jump to our infographic below!

Being a Realtor in Raleigh, North Carolina, I am constantly hearing from both buyers and sellers about the behaviors of their neighbor's, good or bad.

Whether you live in a city apartment or a house in the country, there are many ways to be a great neighbor. Even small, simple gestures can go a long way. Below, I have laid out some strategies I find most helpful when implementing best neighborly practices.

1. Respect Boundaries

Respecting neighborhood boundaries is quite possibly one of the most important practices to implement. Even doing a seemingly good deed, such as mowing part of your neighbor’s lawn that is closest to your home’s boundary line, is not an acceptable

Real Estate Statistics for Home Buyers and Sellers

Home Buyer Statistics

First-Time Home Buyers made up 34% of all home purchases, with a median age of 32 years old and a median household income of $75,000.

Repeat Home Buyers made up 66% of all home purchases, with a median age of 54 years old and a median household income of $97,000.

The typical home purchased was 1,870 square feet in size and was built in 1991 with an average of three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Among those who financed a home, the average was a total of 90% of the home's value.

87% of buyers purchased a home through a Real Estate Agent a percentage that has steadily increased from 60% in 2001.

89% of buyers who purchased a home would use their Real Estate