Your Complete Guide to Buying Your First Home

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to purchasing your first home in the Triangle area. As your trusted real estate partner, I'll walk you through every step of the journey.

• Check your credit score (aim for 640+ for conventional loans)

• Calculate your ideal down payment (3.5% for FHA, 3-5% for conventional)

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage

• Save for closing costs (typically 2-5% of purchase price in NC)

• NC-specific Down Payment Assistance buyer programs:

•   NC Home Advantage Mortgage™, which offers down payment assistance up to 3% of the loan amount for first-time and move-up buyers. 
•  $15,000 down payment assistance option—the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment—just for eligible first-time buyers (those who haven't owned a home as their principal residence in the past three years) and military veterans. 

  • Current median home prices by area:

• Raleigh: $449,990
• Durham: $435,000
• Chapel Hill: $658,700

• Popular starter home communities

• Property tax rates by county

• Average utility costs

1. Get pre-approved

2. House hunting

3. Make an offer

4. Due diligence period (unique to NC)

5. Home inspection

6. Appraisal

7. Final loan approval

8. Closing

• Best months to buy in the Triangle

• Popular neighborhoods for first-time buyers

• School district considerations

• Commute times between major employers

Week 1-2: Financial preparation

Week 3-6: House hunting

Week 7-8: Offer and negotiation

Week 9-10: Due diligence and inspection

Week 11-12: Closing process

Use our advanced search tool to find your dream home. Search by location, price, size and more.