Before you buy
Avoid getting stuck with a great house in an area you hate.
Raleigh has grown so much over the years that it is challenging to keep up with, even as a real estate agent with almost 12 years experience.
Trouble starts when a buyer is new to the area or if they are so caught up in the excitement of buying a home that priorities get confused.
1. 
Think long term. Buying a home is not a transitional step, it’s a major move with large financial consequences if things go wrong.
- 2. Verify important information. Don’t rely on the builder’s agent to tell you about future highway plans. Check with NCDOT and see for yourself what local transportation plans are. Make sure your neighborhood has access to the schools you want. A knowledgeable real estate agent will guide you through this process and know the resources you need.
3. Consider the cost of your commute. This has never been more true than since gas hit $4.00/ gallon! Raleigh is a big area and before you know it you might find yourself commuting 25 or 30 miles to work each way. That’s just you, don’t forget driving the kids around for their activities, too.
4. Pay attention to the neighborhood. You can change a house over a few weekends but changing a neighborhood is a bigger challenge. Do you have children? Pets? An elderly parent? Be sure the neighborhood meets your needs and wants before you buy.
5. Consider the culture of an area. Downtown Raleigh will differ from the golf courses in North Ridge and Preston. Just like NC State and Meredith will have large populations of students, Falls River in North Raleigh may have a lot of school kids. Check out the local grocery stores and restaurants because they can tell you a lot in a short time.
These are all steps I have used personally. I wouldn’t buy a home without them and I wouldn’t recommend you buy without them either.
Contact Jason or Scott for more help when you are ready to shop for a home!
