Buying a home
Buying a home in Charlotte
First home, next home or investment property, I'll walk you through every step of buying in the greater Charlotte area.
How it works in North Carolina
From pre-approval to keys
North Carolina buying has its own rules, like the due diligence fee and attorney-led closings. Here's the path, start to finish.
- 1Get pre-approvedA lender checks your documents so your offer carries weight.
- 2Sign a buyer agreementSince August 2024, NC requires it in writing before we tour. We settle how I'm paid up front.
- 3Make an offer with due diligence termsThe due diligence fee, earnest money and number of days are all negotiated.
- 4Inspect, appraise, close with an attorneyClosings in NC are run by an attorney who handles title and funds.
First-time buyers
"Everyone who has ever bought a home was a first-time buyer once. There's something magical about getting your first house, and you never forget who your first REALTOR® was. I love being part of that."
Buying questions
What does due diligence mean in North Carolina?
After the seller accepts your offer, a negotiated number of days (the due diligence period) begins. In that time you inspect the home, move your loan forward and review documents, and you can walk away for any reason. You pay a due diligence fee directly to the seller for that right. It's non-refundable, but it counts toward the price if you close.
Due diligence fee or earnest money: what's the difference?
The due diligence fee goes to the seller and isn't refunded. Earnest money is a separate deposit held in a trust account. Both are credited to you at closing. Earnest money is generally returned if you terminate during the due diligence period, but it can be at risk after, so we review the contract together. Both amounts are negotiated.
Who runs the closing?
A North Carolina attorney. The attorney does the title search, holds and disburses funds and records the deed. As the buyer you usually choose the attorney, and I can suggest a few good ones.
What do I sign before touring homes?
Since August 2024, NC requires a written agreement between you and your buyer's agent before we tour. It spells out what I do for you and how I'm paid. Agent compensation is negotiable, and we'll talk through it before we see a single house.
Pre-approved or pre-qualified?
Pre-qualified is a rough estimate. Pre-approved means a lender has reviewed your income, credit and documents. Sellers take pre-approved offers more seriously, so get it before you start touring.
Which inspections should I order?
A general home inspection is the baseline. Lenders often require a wood-destroying insect report. Depending on the house, consider the crawl space, HVAC, radon and a sewer scope. For homes on a well or septic, add those tests.
What if the appraisal comes in low?
You have options: renegotiate the price, bring cash to cover the gap, ask the lender about a reconsideration of value or, if you're still inside due diligence, walk away. The right move depends on the numbers and your contract.
Can the seller pay my closing costs?
Yes. It's called a seller concession and it's negotiated in your offer. Lenders cap how much a seller can contribute for each loan type, so we plan it with your lender before we write the offer.
New construction questions
Do I need my own agent for a new build?
The sales rep at the builder works for the builder. Many builders only recognize a buyer's agent who comes to the first visit, so call me before you tour a model home or register online.
Should I hire my own inspector?
Yes. County inspections check code compliance, not workmanship. An independent inspector at the pre-drywall stage and before closing catches problems while they're still easy to fix.
Are builder incentives worth it?
Sometimes. They're often tied to using the builder's preferred lender. We compare the total cost, including rate, fees and closing costs, against a loan from a lender you choose.
Ready to start looking?
Tell me where and what you want. I'll set up a custom search with instant alerts and line up showings.