If you are considering buying a property in North Carolina but have no knowledge of the legal and institutional rules and regulations, you have stumbled upon the right article! We will explain the North Carolina buying process in detail for your convenience. Admittedly, there are many factors to take into account since real estate laws differ from state to state. So, follow these steps to attain the most essential information from first-hand experiences of real estate agents and individuals who have bought the property in North Carolina.
Why buy a home in North Carolina?
Without an ounce of doubt, North Carolina is a lovely state. Most people who decide to move here are enchanted by nature and wildlife that has deservedly become North Carolina’s hallmark. If you are all about hiking and exploring nature, you will be stunned by the variety of habitats found in NC.
Most new residents are eager to move to North Carolina because of its amazing wildlife.
Starting from the Appalachian mountains in the west, the highest mountain range in the eastern part of the US, and ending with the coastal area in the east, NC boasts breathtaking landscapes and an incredible range of wildlife. Some statistics for you:
- North Carolina is home to 300 species of trees
- Forests cover 60% of North Carolina territory
- Most mountain peaks in the Appalachian range are higher than a mile!
- Bears, coyotes, raccoons – these wild animals inhabit the forest areas of NC
North Carolina is the perfect spot for people who wish to live close to the fantastic mountain landscapes.
Who lives in North Carolina?
Residents of many states are rushing to the therapeutic calm of North Carolina’s mountains. Considering the natural beauty of this region, it is no wonder that New Jerseyans are flocking to Old North State to buy a property. And it is not just New Jerseyans that are mesmerized with what North Carolina has to offer. NC is the nation’s leading producer of tobacco, lumber, textile, and furniture, making it an attractive location for workers in the given industries.
What do I need to know about the North Carolina home buying process?
Since every state has its own legal statute, real estate laws differ from one to the next. Fortunately enough, purchasing a home in North Carolina is buyer-friendly compared to other states in the US. This section covers the most critical factors and caveats that you need to know about if you are interested in the North Carolina home buying process, as well as advice from legal and real estate experts.
Be clear about what your needs are
Do not be surprised if your first consultation with a real estate agent resembles a police cross-examination. A reliable and considerate agent should strive to help you decide what kinds of properties suit your needs – even if you are not sure what your personal preferences are. Sometimes it happens that people think they want one thing, but that they actually need something completely different from what they had envisioned.
Therefore, even before you initiate the home buying process, you should put down on a piece of paper some of all of the following information:
- your budget,
- the surface area of the desired property,
- whether you prefer to live in an urban or rural environment,
- the architectural style that you would most prefer,
- whether you want to live in a remote or well-connected area,
- privacy and safety considerations.
Make sure you secure your mortgage
As obvious as it may sound, getting approval for your home loan from the bank will make the process of buying property a whole lot easier. The reason behind this is that it puts you one step ahead of other potential buyers as it shows to the home seller that you are a serious buyer. So, be sure to send that letter of pre-approval, as it is called, because your financial security could make or break the deal.
Negotiate the deal with the home seller
If you have finally settled on a specific property listing, it is crucial that you show interest. Besides the aforementioned pre-approved mortgage plan, another surprisingly efficient strategy to lock the deal with the home seller in North Carolina is to try to negotiate the deal. Although this seems counter-intuitive, real estate agents who have years of experience in the field suggest that this tactic makes all the difference.
Therefore, brush up your negotiation skills, even if you are content with the first proposed price (although we are certain you wouldn’t mind if it were lower than it is now). The trick is not to bargain for the lowest price possible at all costs but to show the current homeowner that you are interested in buying the property. Be sure to show that you are serious about buying the house by negotiating the price with the seller.
Do not rush into the North Carolina home buying process without a proper inspection
As much as you may be anxious to finalize the purchase and finally enjoy the crisp air of the Appalachian mountains, it is essential to check that everything is in order both with the property and the paperwork. If it is tricky for you to travel to North Carolina all the way from New Jersey just for a single showing, insist that your real estate agent is detailed in their reports.
Prospective buyers are also advised to do a comprehensive home inspection before they settle on the home seller’s price. This should include inspections for pests (remember, NC is home to raccoons and other pesky critters) and a general home inspection, determining if there is mold, noise, or any other unforeseen contingency.
Again we want to thank our Guest writer Betty White. Thank YOU for spending a little of your time with us today and as always WELCOME TO THE MOUNTAINS