Townhome vs. Single-Family: The First-Time Buyer’s Dilemma in Coastal NC
For first-time home buyers (FTHBs) in South Eastern North Carolina, the choice between a townhome and a single-family residence is rarely just a matter of…
Category: Buying
The Single-Buyer Strategy: Tips for Purchasing a Home on One Income in Coastal NC
Buying a home in South Eastern North Carolina is a significant financial feat, and doing it on a single income can feel daunting. With median…
Credit Score Triage: The Fastest Ways to Boost Your Score 6 Months Before Buying
In the Coastal North Carolina market—from the military families in Jacksonville to the retirees eyeing Southport—credit scores do more than just qualify you for a…
Buying vs. Building for FTHBs: Is a Production Builder Cheaper than a Resale in Leland?
For many first-time buyers in Leland, the dream of homeownership often hits a snag when they see the sticker price of a resale home in…
House Hacking 101: Offsetting High Rates with Roommates in Coastal NC
For many buyers in South Eastern North Carolina, the barrier to entry isn't just the down payment; it's the monthly carrying cost. With insurance premiums…
USDA Loans Explained: The Map of Eligible Areas in Pender and Brunswick Counties
For buyers in Southeastern North Carolina, the USDA loan is arguably the most powerful financing tool available. It offers 100% financing (zero down payment) and…
FHA vs. Conventional: Why the “Lower Rate” FHA Loan Might Cost You More in Fees
In the high-stakes mortgage environment of 2026, buyers in Wilmington and Jacksonville are often seduced by the "headline rate." You look at a lender's sheet…
The “Gift Letter” Guide: Properly Documenting Family Help for Your Down Payment
In high-demand coastal markets like Wrightsville Beach and Hampstead, where home prices have risen faster than savings accounts, family assistance is becoming a common strategy…
The Rent-Back Strategy: Securing Your Dream Home by Solving the Seller’s Problem
In the competitive real estate markets of New Hanover and Onslow counties, the highest offer does not always win the bid. While price is critical,…
The Gig Economy Mortgage: Buying a Coastal Home with 1099 Freelance Income
For many in the Wilmington area—from the camera operators on a "Wilmywood" film set to the remote tech consultants working from a porch in Surf…