Buying
Buying a home in Raleigh
Whether this is your first home, your upgrade, a relocation, or a second property, the path is the same: know your budget, choose your areas, tour with notes, offer smart, and close clean. Casey handles the details and tells you what each step actually costs.
The six steps
- 1
Get pre-approved
Know your real budget and monthly payment before you fall in love with a house.
- 2
Pick your areas
Narrow to a handful of neighborhoods so your tours are comparable.
- 3
Tour with notes
See homes that fit, with honest notes on each one's pros and problems.
- 4
Make a strong offer
Price and terms based on recent local sales, not the list price.
- 5
Inspect and appraise
Find problems early and negotiate repairs or price before you are locked in.
- 6
Close
Sign, get the keys, and move in.
Buying questions
Should I buy or sell first?
Usually buy first only if you have cash reserves or a flexible closing. Otherwise sell first so you know exactly what you have to spend. Casey maps both timelines before you commit to either.
What is the first step to buying my first home?
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval tells you your real budget, shows sellers you are serious, and usually takes a few days with a lender.
How much do I need for a down payment as a first-time buyer?
Often less than 20%. FHA loans can start at 3.5% down and some conventional loans at 3%. Budget another 2–5% of the price for closing costs.
How long does it take to buy a house?
Most purchases take 30–60 days from accepted offer to closing. The search itself varies, so plan on two to four months in total.
Does it cost me anything to work with a buyer's agent?
Buyer agent pay is agreed in writing before you tour homes. It is often covered fully or partly by the seller, and Casey walks you through the options up front.