The Inspection Period in 2026: Why “Credits” Are the New “Repairs” (And When They Fail)
In the North Carolina Due Diligence era, the inspection period used to be a second round of price negotiations. You found a broken HVAC, and…
Category: Buying
The “Family Land” Trap: Navigating Heirs Property in Coastal NC
In the rural stretches of Pender County and the historic pockets of North Brunswick, it is common to hear about family land—tracts that have been…
Reviewing the HOA Docs: The 5 Things You Must Look For
In the Coastal Carolinas, a Homeowners Association (HOA) packet is more than just a set of rules about trash cans and lawn ornaments. It is…
The “Blank Check” Danger: Appraisal Waivers in the Coastal Market
In the heat of a bidding war for a coveted soundfront home in Wrightsville Beach or a shiny new construction in Hampstead, the pressure to…
The “Love Letter” Trap: Why Personal Appeals Are a Liability in Coastal NC
In the competitive real estate markets of Wilmington, Hampstead, and Oak Island, buyers are often desperate to stand out. When you find that perfect historic…
The “Off-Market” Deal: Risks and Rewards of Buying from a Wholesaler
In a market where inventory is tight—especially in high-demand areas like Hampstead, Leland, and Wilmington—buyers are looking everywhere for a deal. You might stumble upon…
Special Assessments: How to Detect a Looming Bill in a Condo Complex
You found the perfect condo in Carolina Beach or Wrightsville. The price is right, and the monthly HOA dues seem manageable. But in the coastal…
Post-Occupancy Agreements: The Legal Risks of Renting Back to Your Seller
In the competitive markets of Wilmington, Hampstead, and Leland, a "Seller Possession After Closing" agreement (often called a "rent-back") can be the deal-sweetener that wins…
Escalation Clauses in NC: The Secret Weapon (and Hidden Risk) for Coastal Buyers
In a balanced market, you negotiate down. But for premium properties in Wilmington’s historic district or turnkey beach cottages in Surf City, the "bidding war"…
Short Sales in 2026: Why the “Crash” Strategy Won’t Work (And What Will)
If you are a buyer sitting on the sidelines waiting for a wave of short sales to hit Zillow in 2026, you are likely playing…