Wake County, NC, is blessed with a fairly stable real estate market.  We don't have a huge price bubble, and we don't generally see the trough that some of the country is experiencing.

Folks who want to buy a new home in Wake County aren't seeing the market dynamics incessantly promoted in the national news.  I have had Buyer clients delighted, and disappointed, with the results of multiple offer circumstances a few times this summer.  We still have Buyer traffic in Raleigh and Cary, and surrounding towns, for desirable properties.

So, if you want to buy a Wake County home in great condition, in a desirable location, you have to put on your "Buyer Hat." 

That means:

1.  Get your mortgage money lined up.  "Shop for the loan, then for the house."  Of course, with rapidly changing current mortgage circumstances, this may mean you are just laying the groundwork.  But it is an important step, so your agent and the Seller know that you are serious and credible.

2.  Pay attention to LOCAL news and market conditions.  Don't make the foolish assumption that homes are going to be cheap just because you hear that California, Boston, or Florida are in a slump.  It is not relevant that your Sister in San Jose lost $20,000 on her home.  We are in North Carolina.  Despite some influence from other states, and some impact on funding sources, Real Estate is a local phenomenen.

3.  When you find it, rev up into "Full BUY Mode."  There is no "Perfect House."  Between us, we can find an issue with any home in the world.  Of course, you have to do your due diligence on a property.  But, maybe you should work nearly as hard finding reasons to BUY as you work to NOT BUY.  I see many folks miss great opportunity due to what I call the "Three strikes and you're out rule."  "Oh, the hose reel is cracked, the chandelier is bright brass, and the bedroom is blue.  We're out of here."  What about the location, proximity to shopping and services, short commute, flow in the floor plan, the fact that it is in the lower area of your expressed price range, the great school two blocks away, the lush landscaping, and the great 1/3 acre lot? 

4.  Hit the marks on the timeline.  You have it under contract.  Apply for the loan on time.  Get the inspections scheduled.  Return the attorney's fact sheet.  Make your repair request.  Get your money for the down payment liquid and accessible. Do your walk through.

 You can bluster, bargain, and bemoan.  But until you are a BUYER, you won't get a home.