{"id":13856,"date":"2020-01-28T12:35:41","date_gmt":"2020-01-28T20:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=13856"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:43:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:43:22","slug":"buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/","title":{"rendered":"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With its green, rolling hills, ever-expanding skyline, and easy access to the beach and mountains, it\u2019s no wonder Raleigh, North Carolina, has a net migration of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wakegov.com\/planning\/peopleandplaces\/Pages\/default.aspx\">86 new residents each week<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a Raleigh native or newbie, you\u2019ve probably heard the real estate market in the City of Oaks is just as hot as the city\u2019s summers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsobserver.com\/news\/business\/article313718692.html\">Named the 10th best real estate market in the country<\/a> in 2019, Raleigh brings in new residents and keeps long-time citizens happy with its tech hub (think Cisco, IBM, and RedHat), research centers (Research Triangle Park, anyone?), affordable cost of living, and mild winters.<\/p>\n<p>But with so many new residents moving to Raleigh every day \u2014 and so many reasons to stay \u2014 the demand for homes is high. Well-priced properties don\u2019t stay on the market for long.<\/p>\n<p>To help make the homebuying process in Raleigh as stress-free as possible, we\u2019ve interviewed local real estate experts and scoured market reports. You\u2019ll find tips on how to buy a house in Raleigh that checks every box on your list, from price to style to location.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13862\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13862\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"Raleigh, where you can buy a house.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-2.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13862\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Darpan Dodiya \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>Setting your home-buying budget in Raleigh<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>As of November 2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trianglemls.com\/clientuploads\/TMLS\/Market%20Trends\/Local%20Market%20Updates\/2019\/Nov_2019\/Wake-County.pdf\">the median sales price in Wake County was $324,585<\/a>. Compared with the <a href=\"https:\/\/fred.stlouisfed.org\/series\/HOSMEDUSM052N\">median sales price of existing homes in the United States<\/a> ($271,300), Raleigh homes are nearly 18% more expensive than the national average.<\/p>\n<p>For homeowners shopping in the $350,000-and-under budget, getting a deal isn\u2019t typically a matter of closing a sale below listing price. \u201cWe tell people that getting a deal in our market is getting your offer accepted on a house in those lower price points,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/agents\/jordan-clark-nc-275313\">Jordan Clark<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/surprises-buying-home\/\">first-time homebuyer<\/a> specialist in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/raleigh-nc\/top-real-estate-agents\">Raleigh, North Carolina<\/a>, who has successfully overseen 450 transactions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-local-loan-officer-helps-you-win-bidding-war\/\">Multiple offers<\/a> are common for homes at this price point, especially if they come with a great yard, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and neutral paint colors. However, you\u2019ll quickly reap the benefits of buying in a market with strong appreciation rates.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, Clark saw <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-does-new-construction-hold-its-value\/\">new construction<\/a> properties with incentives offered for the first time since 2013, including closing costs and free upgrades \u2014 an indication that this segment of the market may be settling.<\/p>\n<p>The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Raleigh is less than the national average of $1,855, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.keyrenterraleigh.com\/raleigh-rising-rents-property-management-perspective\">coming in at $1,159 as of June 2019<\/a>. The rental market is also experiencing strong growth, increasing 3.6% from 2018 to 2019.<\/p>\n<p>While how much house you can afford is based on a number of personal factors, it\u2019s relatively safe to say the monthly mortgage payment of an average-priced house in Raleigh (with taxes and insurance included) will exceed that $1,159 figure. For a better idea of your house budget, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/how-much-house-can-i-afford\">crunch the numbers with this affordability calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>What about everyone\u2019s favorite topic: taxes? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ngpf.org\/blog\/taxes\/property-tax-by-state\/\">The national average spent on annual property taxes <\/a>is $2,279. Let\u2019s take a look at how Wake County compares.<\/p>\n<p>The Wake County property tax rate is 0.7207, and the City of Raleigh rate is 0.4382, for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wakegov.com\/tax\/taxratesfees\/Pages\/default.aspx\">combined rate of 1.1589 as of January 2020<\/a>. The 2020 recycling fee is $20. These rates are applied to every $100 of assessed property value.<\/p>\n<p>If your home is located in the City of Raleigh and has an assessed value of $325,000, you\u2019ll pay an estimated $3,786.43 in annual property taxes.<\/p>\n<p>Properties in fire districts are subject to an additional tax rate of 0.096. There are also<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wakegov.com\/tax\/taxratesfees\/Documents\/TaxRates2019.pdf\"> designated special district rates<\/a> to be mindful of, particularly for homes downtown.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Getting to know Raleigh<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>As the second-largest city in North Carolina, Raleigh offers many of the perks found in big-city living while remaining easy to navigate and welcoming. You can make it from one corner of the city to another in about 45 minutes. The average commute time is<a href=\"https:\/\/spectrumlocalnews.com\/nc\/charlotte\/news\/2018\/08\/08\/charlotte-longest-commute-time-in-nc\"> just 23 minutes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Raleigh is one of three cities in the Triangle of North Carolina, alongside Durham and Chapel Hill. This area is known for its major research universities, with North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Triangle boasts a healthy job market with Raleigh\u2019s metro area coming in at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wraltechwire.com\/2019\/03\/04\/report-raleigh-metro-area-is-no-6-hottest-job-market-across-us\/\">No. 6 in the United States as of 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Within Raleigh, there are plenty of communities to suit any buyer, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/downsizing-tips-empty-nesters\/\">empty-nesters<\/a> looking for walkability and entertainment to families in search of great schools and green spaces. Here are some things to keep in mind as you refine your list of target neighborhoods.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Walkability and easy access to attractions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Land prices are high in Raleigh proper, so you\u2019ll mostly find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-questions-to-ask-when-buying-new-construction-home\/\">new construction<\/a> and price points in the $400,000s and $500,000s. <b>Downtown Raleigh<\/b> is popular with young professionals as well as empty nesters who want to be as close to the city\u2019s entertainment and dining options as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of options, there\u2019s no shortage of things to do in Raleigh proper; Highlights include the Raleigh Beer Garden, Morgan Street Food Hall, Videri Chocolate Factory, and the North Carolina Museum of Art.<\/p>\n<p>Just east of downtown Raleigh is <b>Oakwood<\/b>. This neighborhood features newly renovated and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-do-i-need-a-realtor-to-buy-a-new-house\/\">new construction houses<\/a> with smaller lots. You\u2019ll also find historic homes in Victorian and bungalow styles. Lined with oak trees, Oakwood feels a bit like an oasis, insulated from the noisiness of downtown with easy access to the area\u2019s best attractions. With a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkscore.com\/NC\/Raleigh\/Oakwood\">walkability score of 62<\/a>, Oakwood is the most walkable neighborhood in Raleigh.<\/p>\n<p>For a mid-town feel, head to <b>North Hills<\/b>. Just a few miles away from downtown Raleigh, North Hills brings its own charm with the <a href=\"https:\/\/visitnorthhills.com\/signature-events\/midtown-beach-music-series\/\">Midtown Beach Music Series<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/visitnorthhills.com\/directory\/worldofbeer\/\">World of Beer taproom<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crabtree-valley-mall.com\/\">Crabtree Valley Mall<\/a>. You\u2019ll also find office towers for SunTrust, Advance AutoParts, Bank of America, Plexus Capital, and more.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Easy commute and family-friendly communities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The suburb of <b>Cary<\/b> straddles both Wake County and the northeastern corner of Chatham County. Many residents in Cary work in the Research Triangle Park thanks to the easy commute along 1-40W.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being a bedroom community, Cary offers lots of recreation and fun for its nearly 160,000 residents. If you love the idea of an easy commute and lots of coffee shops, boutiques, and parks to explore on the weekend, Cary may be your spot.<\/p>\n<p><b>Brier Creek<\/b> is also a great option for the comfort of suburbia with easy access to the Research Triangle Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The community has grown steadily over the last three decades, with a range of apartments, condos, single-family homes, and luxury estates. The Brier Creek Country Club is a dream come true for golfers, with the Arnold Palmer golf course, member tournaments, and learning academy.<\/p>\n<p>For a quieter, small-town feel, head to <b>Apex<\/b>. This historic community was named <i>Money Magazine<\/i>\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/money.com\/money\/collection\/best-places-to-live-2015\/\"> Best Place to Live in America in 2015<\/a>. The southwestern Raleigh suburb\u2019s motto is \u201cThe Peak of Good Living.\u201d Apex lives up to its motto with plenty of green space, strawberry patches, fresh air, and a quaint main street.<\/p>\n<p>Most Cary, Brier Creek, and Apex homes belong to the Wake County public school district, many of which feature <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatschools.org\/north-carolina\/cary\/wake-county-school-district\/\">GreatSchools ratings of 9\/10 and 10\/10<\/a>. Some Cary homes annexed to Chatham County will belong to the Chatham County school district.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13861\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13861\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A cafe in Raleigh, where you can buy a house.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-11.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13861\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Brandon Griggs \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>Housing styles in Raleigh<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Raleigh residences do share a handful of commonalities. Attic space is typical in most Raleigh single-family homes, as is central air conditioning, though you may come across window units in older homes that have not been renovated.<\/p>\n<p>Basements are uncommon due to North Carolina\u2019s clay soil, which doesn\u2019t allow for effective drainage.<\/p>\n<p>Raleigh has a range of architectural styles, including cozy bungalows, historic Victorians, or luxury properties with acreage.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Bungalows<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Bungalows are popular for their efficient floor plans and charming appearance. They\u2019re usually single-level, though you may also find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-split-level-layout\/\">split-level<\/a> bungalows. Bungalows are recognizable for their overhanging eaves, which are supported by beams and rafters. They typically have a large front porch and centrally located living room.<\/p>\n<p>Raleigh bungalows can be found downtown, and in Five Points, Cameron Village, Oakwood, and Boylan Heights.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Victorian<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s hard to find a home with more detail than a Victorian. The Victorian style is known for turrets, towers, tall windows, and multiple stories.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a Victorian, head to Raleigh\u2019s historic district downtown and check out the South Park, Glenwood-Brooklyn, and Oakwood neighborhoods. Raleigh residents are proud of their historic districts, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-common-problems-in-older-homes\/\">restoration is often part of the homeowner maintenance<\/a> for these properties.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Townhomes and condos<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>With Raleigh\u2019s hot real estate market, it\u2019s no surprise that builders are keen to build up and maximize space. Townhomes and condos are typically found in downtown and midtown neighborhoods, where walkability is high.<\/p>\n<p>If you love the hustle and bustle of modern living, you\u2019ll find plenty of townhomes to keep you close to all of Raleigh\u2019s greatest attractions in North Hills, Oakwood, and Pace Street Village.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Luxury real estate<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Wake County has no shortage of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/pros-cons-luxury-property\/\">luxury properties<\/a>. These houses feature expansive acreage, private entrances, contemporary design, and plenty of neighborhood amenities.<\/p>\n<p>Most of these properties can be found in North Raleigh, close to 1-540. Popular communities include Linville, Southern Hill Estates, Pendleton Lake, and Adams Mountain.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13863\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13863\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A kitchen in a house you can buy in Raleigh\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-3.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13863\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Im3rd Media \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>What to expect at the inspection stage<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Few aspects of the homebuying process scare prospective buyers more than the inspection stage. The question of \u201cwhat if?\u201d looms large. However, the goal of the inspection process is to give you a comprehensive look into your prospective home and any problems it may have. With that information, you can decide your next steps from an informed perspective.<\/p>\n<p>Local Raleigh home inspector, Dave Park of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adrdu.com\/index.php\">Advantage Inspection<\/a>, recommends being present at the inspection.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA home is one of the largest investments the buyer will make in their lifetime. If you want to be there, you should attend. The inspector should teach you about the home and how to maintain the home\u2019s systems and components, especially if this is your first home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Park also recommends paying special attention to the problem areas listed below in order of concern.<\/p>\n<h3>Water<\/h3>\n<p>Water is one of the elements that can most savagely deteriorate a home. Raleigh is one of the wetter cities in the United States, with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usclimatedata.com\/climate\/raleigh\/north-carolina\/united-states\/usnc0558\">above-average rainfall of around 46 inches each year<\/a>. Humidity levels reach an average of 77.9% in August.<\/p>\n<p>Your home inspector should carefully examine anything that deals with water or moisture from the interior, exterior, under the property, the attic, plumbing, HVAC, grading, and the roof. Find out where water enters and drains from the house as well as where it is dripping to minimize moisture intrusion.<\/p>\n<h3>AC and heating<\/h3>\n<p>With an average low temperature of 31 degrees F in January and an average high of 90 degrees F, you\u2019re probably going to want a home with a central HVAC system.<\/p>\n<p>These systems are costly to repair and replace. You\u2019ll want to know the current performance of your system and its age so you can ask for repairs if needed, or budget for future ones. The same goes for other major appliances, including your water heater, stovetop range, dishwasher, and refrigerator.<\/p>\n<h3>Roof<\/h3>\n<p>How old is the roof on your prospective home, and what is its current condition? Roof replacement is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can undertake, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years on average.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re purchasing a home with an older roof, pay special attention to this section of the report so you can budget for repairs and eventual replacement.<\/p>\n<h3>Safety<\/h3>\n<p>While smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, storm doors, locks, and rails are generally not expensive to repair or install, you should feel comfortable and safe in your new home. You\u2019ll want a report on the working status of these items.<\/p>\n<h3>Ancillary<\/h3>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/home-inspectors\/\">general home inspection<\/a> is always a wise choice. Park recommends home buyers in Raleigh also get formal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-types-of-home-inspections\/\">inspections for radon and termites<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For homes built before 1978, consider testing for lead paint as well. A simple chip sample will reveal if lead-based paint is present. From there, you can determine the next steps with the seller and whether encapsulation, or painting over lead paint with modern latex paint, is a solution.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13865\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13865\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"House paint in a house you can buy in Raleigh.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh-4.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13865\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Artemis Faul \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>When to buy a house in Raleigh<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Wondering when to buy to find the best deal? Our real estate transaction data reveals that average sales prices in January are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/best-time-to-sell-house\/raleigh-nc\">6.67% lower than the rest of the year<\/a>. February is a close second, with prices 5.44% lower.<\/p>\n<p>Prices are typically 4.76% higher in the month of June. However, if you want to live downtown, there\u2019s really no best time of year: Jordan Clark stresses that demand is always high in Raleigh proper.<\/p>\n<h3>Find the right buyer\u2019s agent for you in Raleigh<\/h3>\n<p>In a market where multiple offers are common and the sales-to-listing-price ratio is 99%, a top buyer\u2019s agent can help you navigate the market with ease. Compared to the average real estate agent, these top agents help their clients save an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/raleigh-nc\/top-real-estate-agents\">average of $73,804 on their home purchase<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To find an agent who understands your needs as a buyer and is ready to get you into your dream home in Raleigh, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/find-agent\/quiz\/buyer?area=raleigh-nc#\/qaas=0\/\">connect with a top agent today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Header Source Image: (Higgins Spooner \/ Unsplash)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don\u2019t let Raleigh\u2019s competitive real estate market come between you and your dream home. Find out how to buy a house in the City of Oaks and stay sane.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":188,"featured_media":13857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[192,638,641],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-buyers","category-house-hunting","category-find-home"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don\u2019t let Raleigh\u2019s competitive real estate market come between you and your dream home. Find out how to buy a house in the City of Oaks and stay sane.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Don\u2019t let Raleigh\u2019s competitive real estate market come between you and your dream home. Find out how to buy a house in the City of Oaks and stay sane.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"HomeLight Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gohomelight\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-01-28T20:35:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-30T17:43:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mary Clark Navarro\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gohomelight\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gohomelight\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mary Clark Navarro\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh","description":"Don\u2019t let Raleigh\u2019s competitive real estate market come between you and your dream home. Find out how to buy a house in the City of Oaks and stay sane.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh","og_description":"Don\u2019t let Raleigh\u2019s competitive real estate market come between you and your dream home. Find out how to buy a house in the City of Oaks and stay sane.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/","og_site_name":"HomeLight Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gohomelight\/","article_published_time":"2020-01-28T20:35:41+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-30T17:43:22+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1500,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Mary Clark Navarro","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gohomelight","twitter_site":"@gohomelight","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mary Clark Navarro","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/"},"author":{"name":"Mary Clark Navarro","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ae7f4a89d8369053f0f4c4535d2008ba"},"headline":"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh","datePublished":"2020-01-28T20:35:41+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-30T17:43:22+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/"},"wordCount":2251,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh.png","articleSection":["Buyers","House Hunting","What's Out There?"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/","name":"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh.png","datePublished":"2020-01-28T20:35:41+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-30T17:43:22+00:00","description":"Don\u2019t let Raleigh\u2019s competitive real estate market come between you and your dream home. Find out how to buy a house in the City of Oaks and stay sane.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/buy-house-raleigh.png","width":1500,"height":800,"caption":"Source: (Higgins Spooner \/ Unsplash)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buy-a-house-in-raleigh-nc\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Put Down Roots in the City of Oaks: How to Buy a House in Raleigh"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/","name":"HomeLight Blog","description":"Real Estate Advice from America&#039;s Top Agents","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"HomeLight","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/logo-hr-color.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/logo-hr-color.png","width":1348,"height":262,"caption":"HomeLight"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gohomelight\/","https:\/\/x.com\/gohomelight","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/homelight\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCimugR9XF17-OZ7B9fNnxWw","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HomeLight"],"description":"Everything you need to know to sell your house faster and for more money. Articles, guides, and advice from top agents all over the U.S.","email":"support@homelight.com","telephone":"(888) 688-0350","legalName":"HomeLight","foundingDate":"2012-01-01","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"201","maxValue":"500"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ae7f4a89d8369053f0f4c4535d2008ba","name":"Mary Clark Navarro","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0a8ca7490f408a833738b80803c6ae9e0c598d2102ba74d6af8fcc1e55fe55ab?s=96&d=blank&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0a8ca7490f408a833738b80803c6ae9e0c598d2102ba74d6af8fcc1e55fe55ab?s=96&d=blank&r=g","caption":"Mary Clark Navarro"},"description":"Mary Clark is a copywriter and marketer who loves all things real estate, tech, and business. When she's not writing or managing online campaigns, you can find her on horseback or drinking copious amounts of Costa Rican coffee.","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/author\/maryclark-navarro\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/188"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13856\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}