Buyer Resources

Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham Home Buyers FAQ's

Answering Your Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham Home Buying Questions

Buying a Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham home is both thrilling and a bit unnerving, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. Both experienced home buyers and first-time buyers alike will benefit from the frequently asked questions below. Before you begin your Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham home search, it is recommended that you prepare yourself for the journey by educating yourself. This will ensure you are a knowledgeable home buyer prepared to make a confident home buying decision.

Q - I've never purchased a home before.  Where should I begin?

A - Actually, you've already started the process. Fact-finding and reading articles is a great way to become a smart consumer. The highest priorities to focus on before you begin searching for specific areas, neighborhoods, or homes would be to:

  • Familiarize yourself with your personal finances.
  • It's important to get a loan Pre-approval that reviews your credit and your employment status. Ask me for mortgage lending resources. 
  • Learn about the Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham real estate market.
  • Carefully review your budget and begin to eliminate as much debt as possible.
  • Have a down payment and earnest money ready when the time comes to act and make your offer.

Your next step is to contact us. As your home buying specialists, we'll protect your interest and manage the details of the real estate transaction on your behalf to your complete satisfaction.  For more experienced buyers, a little brush up on the real estate process wouldn't be a bad idea. Of course, you'll need a really sharp Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham real estate team to protect your interests too!

Q - How do I decide which type of loan to select?

A - Once we meet and review your finances along with your home buying needs, you should select a lending consultant. We can recommend several trusted lending professionals or you can choose your own. Having upmost confidence in your lender is important. Be sure you feel completely at ease with them.  They should speak to you in easy to understand terms.  Ask lots of questions and never sign any document until you know what you are signing and feel completely at ease signing it. Interest rates are still very attractive. Of course, the type of loan best for you depends on several factors. Here are just a few:

  • How much money do you have for a down payment?
  • How long do you plan to live in the home?
  • Do you qualify for a FHA or VA loan?

Homes are certainly available in Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham, you just have to be ready to act quickly if it is a home you are interested in. Multiple offers are commonplace especially in certain price points. Having a loan preapproval or proof of funds available as well as having an agent who knows how to competently navigate a competitive offer process is crucial.

Let's Get Started!

Are you ready to schedule your home buying consultation?  If so, contact us today and together we will review your needs and your budget to help you find the right Hillsborough/Chapel Hill/Durham home for you!

Questions? Ask Away

By giving us your phone number and email address, you are giving Emilee Collins, CCIM / Member Associate, Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® permission to contact you via email, phone, or text.