Been here before? Let's find your next home.
More space, less space, a new area or the forever one. You've done this once, so let's make round two easier.
Book a callWhat's your next move?
Four quick questions. You'll get a few tips for your kind of move.
1. What's the biggest reason you want to move?
2. How do you want your space to change?
3. What would make your day-to-day better?
4. How long do you picture staying in the next home?
Answer every question to see your tips.
Upsize
More bedrooms, more storage, more yard. Room to grow.
Downsize
Less to clean, less to fix, more time for the good stuff.
New area
Same Triangle, different corner of it.
Forever home
The one you plan to stay in for a long, long time.
What's changed since you last bought
A quick refresher. Some of this may look different from your last purchase.
The NAR settlement: what changed for buyers
In 2024, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settled lawsuits brought on behalf of home sellers over real estate commissions, including the Sitzer/Burnett case. As part of that settlement, a few practices changed on August 17, 2024.
A written agreement before touring
You'll sign a written agreement with your agent before touring a home with them, in person or virtually. Going to an open house on your own doesn't require one. In North Carolina, this is a buyer agency agreement.
Compensation is spelled out
The agreement clearly states what your agent will be paid. It can't be open-ended, and it's negotiable. Commissions aren't set by law.
No compensation offers on the MLS
Offers of compensation to buyer agents can no longer be shown on the MLS.
Sellers can still help
You can still ask the seller to help with your agent's compensation or to offer concessions, like help with closing costs. That's negotiated as part of your offer.
Before we tour anything, I'll walk you through the agreement: what I'll do for you, how I'm paid and how long it lasts. Ask me anything. Nothing gets signed until it makes sense to you.
This is a general overview, not legal advice.
Due diligence fee
In NC, the buyer pays this directly to the seller. It's credited to you at closing only if you move forward with the purchase.
Earnest money
A good-faith deposit held in escrow. It's credited toward your purchase at closing, and the contract spells out when you could get it back.
Inspections
You pick and pay for inspections during your due diligence period. Then we decide together what to ask for, if anything.
Appraisal
If you're financing, your lender orders an appraisal. If it comes in low, we talk through your options before your due diligence period ends.
Closing
In NC, a closing attorney handles closing. You'll get the final numbers from them before you sign.
Needs vs wants
Sort what matters. Tap Need, Want or Skip. It saves in this browser, so come back anytime.
Nothing yet
Nothing yet
Using your equity
The home you have now can help you buy the next one.
- Find out roughly what your home could sell for. I can pull a pricing estimate for you.
- Subtract your mortgage payoff, any other loans on the home and your selling costs.
- What's left is your equity, which can go toward the next down payment.
- Your lender will tell you exactly how they'll count it and when you need it.
Thinking about new construction?
Bring your own agent
The onsite agent is great, and they represent the builder. Bring your own agent from your very first visit so someone is looking out for you.
Builder incentives
Builders sometimes offer incentives. What's offered changes from builder to builder and month to month.
- Help with closing costs
- A rate buydown, often through the builder's preferred lender
- Upgrades or design center credits
Ask what strings are attached, like using their lender, and compare the full offer before you decide.
Questions people ask
Plain answers. Your lender and closing attorney fill in the specifics.
Do I need to sell my current home first?
Not always. It depends on your finances and how you want to time it. My Sell to Buy page walks through selling first, buying first and closing both together.
What about closing costs?
You'll have closing costs on your purchase, and selling costs on your current home if you're selling. When you buy, you can ask the seller to help with closing costs, and a 3-2-1 buydown (often paid by the seller or builder) can lower your payment for the first few years. Ask your lender how it would work for you.
How long does it take to close?
Once you're under contract, closing usually takes about 30 to 45 days.
Can you help me sell and buy?
Yes. I can handle both: selling your current home and buying your next one, so the timing stays in one place.
Do I need a new pre-approval?
Yes. Your income, debts and loan options may have changed since your last purchase, so start with a fresh pre-approval.
Can I keep my current home as a rental?
Sometimes. It depends on your finances and your lender. Talk to your lender and your CPA, and check out my Investor Hub.
Buying new construction?
Bring your own agent from your very first visit. The onsite agent represents the builder.
Tell me what's next
A few quick questions and I'll reach out with next steps. No pressure, no spam.
Ready for round two? Let's chat.
Grab a quick call. We'll talk about what's next and make a plan.
Book a callor call/text 919-816-6591