(919) 439-0965
There’s an art to knowing if a neighborhood is a great one, and it goes far beyond tree-lined streets or summer block parties.
Let’s assume you stumble upon what appears to be your ideal neighborhood in Cary NC. It’s close to the things that matter to you and it’s filled with the things you love. Fantastic. But even if it seems to tick all your boxes, you shouldn’t be sold on it just yet. [Read more…]
Many First Time Homebuyers are frustrated by the current real estate market in Raleigh and Cary because they are being outbid in situations where there are multiple offers. The fact is, in some price ranges in the Raleigh Metro area, there’s not enough homes on the market. Multiple offers are an economic reaction to low supply and high demand. Rather than being discouraged by competition, gather key information and plan your strategy.
How Do You Know How Much To Offer For A Home?
Begin with a careful analysis of VALUE, not PRICE. Many years ago, an appraiser told me that Price is what someone pays for a house… but VALUE is what they get. All list prices are not created equal! Some agents are known for pricing below market value to encourage multiple offers. Because of the current demand in some price ranges, there are a few banks in our area that will price their foreclosed homes in Raleigh at absurdly low prices relative to market value. Why are they doing this? Because they want to receive multiple offers and get a higher price! [Read more…]
One of the most challenging obstacles to buying your first home is saving enough money for the down payment and closing costs. By definition, first time home buyers do not own a home and therefore must currently be renting. How can you pay rent and save for a down payment at the same time? For many people, it is virtually impossible.
The state of North Carolina provides incentives – mostly financial assistance – for its residents who are first time home buyers and need help with the down payment and closing costs. The agency in North Carolina that provides assistance to first time home buyers is The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
In North Carolina, there are no outright first time home buyer grants available, but there is one program that is very close: The American Dream Downpayment Initiative. First time home buyers can get up to $8,000 for use toward the down payment and closing costs. This is actually a loan, but carries no payments and has a zero percent interest rate. The $8,000 doesn’t have to be paid back for 30 years. In effect, you are getting a grant of the value of interest on a $8,000 loan for 30 years, which at 7% interest rate, amounts to over $9,700 in interest that you would save.
There are also many local First Time Homebuyer Programs:
Cumberland County First Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) (910) 323-6112
Durham First Time Homebuyers Program (FTHP) (919) 560-4570
Orange County HOME Down payment Assistance Program (919) 644-3056
Raleigh Down Payment Assistnace Program (919) 996-4330
Wilson County Affordable Home Ownership Program (252) 399-2230
247 Grande Heights Dr Cary, NC 27513
(919) 439-0965
homes@raleighcaryrealty.com