North Carolina real estate, answered.

It’s a window, negotiated in the NC Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T), when the buyer investigates the property: inspections, appraisal, insurance, loan, survey, HOA documents. During it the buyer can terminate for any reason or no reason.

A negotiated amount the buyer pays to the seller for the right to terminate during the due diligence period. It’s generally nonrefundable unless the seller breaches the contract, and it’s credited to the buyer at closing if the sale goes through.

A good-faith deposit held in escrow, often by the closing attorney or a brokerage. If the buyer terminates on or before the end of the due diligence period, earnest money is refunded. After that, the seller may be entitled to it if the buyer doesn’t close, depending on the contract terms.

No. The due diligence fee goes directly to the seller and is generally nonrefundable. Earnest money is held in escrow and is refundable if you terminate by the end of due diligence. Both are credited to you at closing.

Most residential offers use the Offer to Purchase and Contract (Standard Form 2-T), jointly approved by the North Carolina Bar Association and North Carolina REALTORS®.

There’s no set amount. Both are negotiated and depend on price, competition, and the length of the due diligence period. Your agent can show you what recent offers in the area have looked like.

Not in the way they are in many states. On Form 2-T, buyers handle loan approval and appraisal during the due diligence period. After due diligence ends, a low appraisal or loan problem generally isn’t a reason to terminate without risking earnest money, unless the contract adds protection.

During the due diligence period. Inspect early, then ask the seller for repairs, a price change, or a credit before the due diligence date. Agreed repairs should be put in writing.

Yes. North Carolina requires a written buyer agency agreement, and since August 2024 a written agreement is required before an agent tours a home with you. It spells out services and compensation, which is negotiable.

It’s negotiable. Compensation is set in your written buyer agreement. Sellers may agree to contribute, but it isn’t required. Ask your agent to walk you through options before you tour.

It isn’t required, but it’s strongly recommended. North Carolina home inspectors are licensed by the NC Home Inspector Licensure Board. Schedule inspections early in due diligence.

An inspection for termites and other wood-destroying insects. Many NC lenders require it and most buyers order one regardless.

Commonly about 30 to 45 days with a loan, sometimes faster with cash. The settlement date is negotiated in the contract.

Money the seller agrees to contribute toward the buyer’s closing costs or a rate buydown, written into the contract. Lenders limit how much can be applied.

Yes. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you can likely get financing and helps you set a realistic budget.

Yes. A licensed North Carolina attorney handles the closing, including the title search, preparing or reviewing documents, overseeing signing, and recording the deed.

Typically the buyer. Your agent can suggest several attorneys.

A tax on the transfer of real property: $1 per $500 of the sale price (that’s $2 per $1,000). On the standard contract, the seller pays it.

NC property taxes are billed on a calendar-year basis and prorated between buyer and seller at closing. Bills are due September 1 and become delinquent after January 5.

Lenders require a lender’s policy. An owner’s policy is optional but protects you against covered title problems for as long as you own the home.

Never trust wiring instructions sent by email alone. Call your closing attorney at a phone number you found independently before sending money.

Most residential sellers must give buyers the Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement and the Mineral and Oil and Gas Rights Mandatory Disclosure Statement. Homes built before 1978 also require the federal lead-based paint disclosure.

For many questions on the form, yes, though some questions must be answered. You can’t misrepresent known material facts. Ask your agent or attorney if you’re unsure.

In general you keep it. It’s paid for the buyer’s right to terminate during the due diligence period.

A local agent’s comparative market analysis looks at recent sales, active competition, and your home’s condition. Request one on our valuation page.

Yes. Commission is always negotiable, including whether and how much you contribute toward a buyer’s agent.

Fix safety items and anything a buyer will clearly notice. A pre-listing inspection can help you avoid surprises during due diligence.

An estimate of what you’ll walk away with after commission, excise tax, payoff, prorated taxes, and other costs. Ask your agent for one before you list and when reviewing offers.

If the home is in a FEMA high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, yes. Standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood, so many coastal owners carry it anyway.

The NC Insurance Underwriting Association, which offers wind and hail coverage in the state’s beach and coastal areas when it isn’t available in the regular market.

Usually. Docks, piers, and bulkheads in coastal counties are regulated under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) through the NC Division of Coastal Management.

Often, but rules vary by town and HOA, and NC’s Vacation Rental Act governs many short-term rentals. Check local ordinances and HOA covenants during due diligence.

Beyond a general inspection: septic, well, drainage, retaining walls and slope, road access, and storm history since Hurricane Helene.

The county health department issues an improvements permit after a soil evaluation. Get this before buying land you plan to build on.

They can be. Confirm there’s recorded legal access and a road maintenance agreement, and ask how repairs are shared.

Yes. Wake County’s next revaluation takes effect January 1, 2027. A revaluation changes assessed values; tax rates are set separately.

Many newer communities have HOAs with dues and covenants. Review the HOA documents, budget, and any special assessments during due diligence.

Yes. Many buyers tour by video, and NC closings can often be completed by mail-away signing. You’ll still sign a buyer agreement before touring, in person or virtually.

Start with commute, budget, and lifestyle: Triangle convenience, coastal living, or mountain quiet. Tell us what matters and we’ll connect you with an APRE agent who lives there.