5 Minutes

Home Ownership The Basics

First-Time Buyer Myths in North Carolina (And the Truth Behind Them)

Michael Wolff August 19, 2025

First-Time Buyer Myths in North Carolina: What You Really Need to Know Before Buying a Home First-Time Buyer Myths in North Carolina (And the Truth Behind Them) By Michael Wolff On this page Introduction...

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5 Minutes

Home Ownership The Basics

Understanding Mortgage Options: A Guide for Homebuyers

Michael Wolff August 17, 2025

In this guide Big Idea Quick Picks Core Types (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA) Down Payment Assistance (DPA) HELOCs & Second Mortgages Construction & Renovation Investor & Alternative Loans PMI / MIP: Simple & Not...

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3 Minutes

Home Ownership

Buying Your First Home? Here’s What the Timeline Looks Like

Michael Wolff August 12, 2025

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in North Carolina, one of the most confusing parts isn’t just how to buy — it’s when everything happens. The timeline from dreaming to closing can feel like a...

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2 Minutes

Home Ownership

Raleigh Renters: Are You Overpaying in 2025?

Michael Wolff August 7, 2025

Here’s Why You’re Probably Paying Too Much Let’s get straight to it—if you’re renting in Raleigh in 2025, you’re probably overpaying. You’re not alone. Across the Triangle, first-time buyers are doing the math and...

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5 Minutes

Home Ownership

“I Didn’t Even Know What to Ask”: The Real Struggles of NC First-Time Homebuyers (and How to Navigate Them)

Michael Wolff July 30, 2025

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in North Carolina, especially in Raleigh or Durham, chances are you’ve felt completely overwhelmed. You’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve had dozens of clients tell me some version...

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6 Minutes

Home Ownership

What Is the Homestead Exemption? A Homeowner’s Guide to Property Tax & Creditor Protection

Michael Wolff April 30, 2025

The homestead exemption is a powerful legal and financial benefit that helps protect homeowners from excessive property taxes and certain creditor claims. Originally introduced in Texas in 1839, the homestead exemption is now available...

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3 Minutes

Home Ownership House & Home

Essential Checklist: 10 Things to Do When Moving into a New Home

Michael Wolff March 22, 2023

Moving into a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. After months of searching, you’ve finally found the perfect place to call your own. But before you start settling in, there are a...

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