Who Pays What

Understanding the allocation of costs in a real estate transaction is paramount in the process for both buyers and sellers. Closing costs can make or break a transaction by significantly impacting financial considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time home buyer, understanding the details on who pays what at the end of the day will empower you to have more confidence at the closing table.

Closing Costs: Sellers

Prorated Property Taxes &/or HOA Fees
Property taxes in North Carolina are paid in arrears meaning the taxes for a property are prorated based upon the cumulative number of days the seller owned the home throughout the year. Therefore, if a seller closes in December they are more likely to pay more taxes…

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Keep Your Beach House in Top Shape

Living by the beach offers a unique lifestyle filled with salty air, stunning sunsets, and the soothing rhythm of the waves. However, owning a beach home comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintenance. The corrosive effects of saltwater, constant exposure to sun, and high humidity levels can take a toll on your property if not properly addressed. To ensure that your coastal retreat remains a haven of relaxation and beauty, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to properly maintain your beach home.

Understanding the Elements

Before diving into maintenance tasks, it’s crucial to understand the unique environmental factors that affect beach homes. Saltwater, sand, sun exposure, and…

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Is New Construction Right for You?

If you've driven through Brunswick County at any point in the last year (and likely 10+ years), you've seen the number of new construction homes and communities in the area. As home prices and interest rates increase, many buyers look to this option to attain a new home. While builders provide buyers with options throughout the process, decisions involving the floorplan, upgrades, financing, etc. will need to be made which can cause the process to feel overwhelming. As development continues, buyers should familiarize themselves with the lesser known intricacies of the new construction process.

Allocate Budget for Excluded Items

As with most experiences, the process of building your home involves a few “excluded”…

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Ensure a Smooth Closing Process by Avoiding these Financial Steps

It’s important to keep a few things in mind when applying for a mortgage and closing on the home. Maintaining financial stability during the home-buying process is vital to the success and ease of your transaction. Minor fluctuations in your credit score could substantially impact your mortgage interest rate and loan approval. It’s important to avoid any action that can negatively influence your credit or change your financial situation. Here, we summarize 10 financial moves that you should avoid if you’re in the process of buying a home.

1. Changing Jobs

A stable employment history is a preferred characteristic for lenders. Disruptions in employment history, specifically those…

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