The Journal
Real Estate, Without the Fluff.
Local insight, honest advice, and useful guidance for buying,
selling, and living in Raleigh and Southern Wake County.
Raleigh •
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Fuquay-Varina
How Earnest Money Works Differently When You Buy New Construction in South Wake County
New construction earnest money in NC works differently than resale — fixed builder deposits, different refund rules, and separate design center money. Here's what to know.
Do You Need a Well and Septic Inspection to Buy a Home in South Wake County?
Well and septic inspections aren't required by NC law on every sale, but most lenders require them. Here's when, what it costs, and what the results mean.
Seller Concessions are Rising in Raleigh…What to Offer in 2026
Seller concessions are becoming a bigger part of Raleigh-area real estate negotiations in 2026. Here’s how closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and other incentives can help sellers protect their net proceeds and get the deal done.