What can I help you with?

Freddie Mac reported a 7.18 percent national average for a 30 year fixed mortgage on November 5. I would treat that as context, then compare actual lender quotes and the full monthly payment. If a Raleigh, Charlotte or Lake Norman home works at that payment, a future refinance can be an option, not the reason the purchase works. Source: Freddie Mac.

Yes. I price the request beside the offer because a seller contribution is part of the economics, not free money. I compare recent sales, time on market, condition and competing homes before choosing between a price change, closing costs or a rate buydown. The best request can differ between Cary, Charlotte and Davidson. Sources: Canopy MLS and Freddie Mac.

There is no standard amount. The due diligence fee is negotiated, paid to the seller, credited to the buyer at closing and generally not refundable if the buyer ends the contract during the due diligence period. I recommend setting an amount you can afford to lose, then protecting the written deadline for inspection, insurance, financing, title and legal review. Source: North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

I start with the weekday map: work, airport, regular errands and the kinds of homes the budget can buy. Then I compare taxes, insurance, upkeep and association costs. For a waterfront home in Cornelius, Huntersville or Mooresville, I add flood exposure, shoreline records and dock permitting before the due diligence period ends. Sources: North Carolina Department of Insurance and Lake Norman Marine Commission.

I start with the financing, not a slogan. Selling first can reduce the risk of carrying two homes. Buying first can protect the next move if your lender confirms the payments and equity plan. The standard North Carolina contract does not automatically make the purchase contingent on selling another property, so the sequence needs to be settled before an offer. Source: North Carolina REALTORS.