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 •
Cary •
Apex •
Holly Springs •
Fuquay-Varina
First Step to Buying a House in NC: Get Pre-Approved
The first step to buying a home in NC is mortgage pre-approval. Learn the difference between pre-qual and pre-approval and how to get ready fast.
Can You Tour Homes If You're Not Ready to Buy Yet?
Yes, touring early can be smart if it's strategic. Here's how Triangle buyers can tour homes to learn neighborhoods and pricing without wasting time.
Do Realtors Get Discounts on Houses? No, But Here's the Advantage
Realtors don't get automatic discounts. The advantage is strategy: pricing insight, negotiation, and avoiding costly mistakes. Here's what buyers can do instead.
Understanding Cash to Close When Purchasing A Home
Cash to close is the total amount you need to bring to the closing table — your down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses, minus any credits or deposits you've already paid.