Buyer paths · First home
Buying your first home.
Start here if you have never bought a home before.
How it usually goes
- Talk with a lender first. A pre-approval shows what you can borrow and what your monthly payment might look like.
- Meet with Ed. You will review North Carolina’s Working with Real Estate Agents disclosure and sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes, so you know exactly what your agent does and how they are paid.
- Tour homes and write an offer. Most North Carolina purchases use the standard Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T), with a due diligence fee, a due diligence period, and earnest money.
- Use the due diligence period for inspections, appraisal, insurance quotes, and your loan. In North Carolina a real estate attorney handles the closing.
Questions worth asking early
- What will my total monthly payment be, including taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues?
- How much cash do I need for the due diligence fee, earnest money, down payment, and closing costs?
- Am I eligible for any first-time buyer programs? The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and many lenders offer programs for buyers who qualify; your lender can tell you which apply.
Next steps
Read the NC buyer roadmap, try the affordability calculator, and tell Ed what you are looking for.
General information, not legal, tax, lending, or insurance advice. Every situation is different; confirm details with your agent, a real estate attorney, your lender, or your insurer. Anna Powell Real Estate, brokered by eXp Realty.