North Carolina process · buyer view

The North Carolina Home-Buying Process: Your Step-by-Step Checklist

This checklist walks first-time North Carolina home buyers through every major step, from getting pre-approved to getting the keys.

Reading as buyer. Switch to seller

Phase 1 of 7 · typically 2-8 weeks

Pre-Offer

Before you make an offer, you get pre-approved for a loan, sign North Carolina's required agency paperwork with your agent, and tour homes that fit your budget.

  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

    LenderBefore you start touring homes

    Reach out to 2-3 lenders to compare rates and loan options. Have your tax returns, recent pay stubs, and bank statements ready so each lender can issue a written pre-approval letter. The letter shows sellers you are a serious buyer.

    You'll need

    • W-2s (last 2 years)
    • Pay stubs (last 30 days)
    • Bank statements (last 2 months)
    • Photo ID

    Cost: $0

  2. Receive the Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure

    Your agentAt first substantial contact with an agent

    When an agent first starts talking with you about how they could help you buy a home, North Carolina rules say they must hand you the Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure. This document explains your representation options. It is informational only — it is not the agreement that hires the agent.

    You'll need

    • Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure

    Cost: $0

  3. Sign a written buyer agency agreement before touring

    Your agentBefore touring any home with that agent

    Before an agent can show you a home listed on the MLS, you have to sign a written buyer agency agreement with them. This rule started August 17, 2024 from the NAR settlement. The agreement must clearly state how much your agent will be paid and where that money will come from.

    You'll need

    • Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement (NC Bar / NC REALTORS Form 201)

    Cost: $0

  4. Set your budget and your must-have list

    YouBefore touring homes

    Use your pre-approval amount as the ceiling, but plan for monthly costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues. Write down what you actually need (number of bedrooms, area, commute) versus what would just be nice. This list keeps you focused while touring.

    Cost: $0

  5. Tour homes with your agent

    Your agentAfter pre-approval and signing buyer agency agreement

    Once your buyer agency agreement is signed, your agent can take you to see homes in person. Take notes and photos so you can compare each one later. Ask about HOA fees, the age of the roof and HVAC, and anything that looks worn.

    Cost: $0

  6. Review the seller disclosures on any home you may offer on

    Seller's sideBefore you submit an offer on a specific home

    Under NC law (G.S. Chapter 47E), the seller must give you the Residential Property Disclosure Statement before you make an offer. NC also requires a Mineral, Oil, and Gas Rights Mandatory Disclosure (effective January 1, 2016). Note that NC sellers are allowed to mark items as 'No Representation,' which means they are not promising anything about that item — flag those for follow-up.

    You'll need

    • Residential Property Disclosure Statement (RPDS)
    • Mineral, Oil, and Gas Rights Mandatory Disclosure (MOG)

    Cost: $0

Phase 2 of 7 · typically 1-7 days

Offer

You and your agent put together an offer on NC's Standard Form 2-T, decide your Due Diligence Fee and Earnest Money Deposit, and negotiate terms with the seller.

  1. Review the Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T) with your agent

    Your agentBefore submitting your offer

    North Carolina's residential purchase contract is Standard Form 2-T, jointly published by the NC Bar Association and NC REALTORS. Your agent fills it in with your terms, but you should read every paragraph and ask questions before signing — it is the legally binding agreement once both sides agree.

    You'll need

    • Standard Form 2-T (current revision)

    Cost: $0

  2. Decide your Due Diligence Fee amount

    Your agentBefore submitting your offer

    In NC, the Due Diligence Fee is a non-refundable payment you make directly to the seller at contract acceptance. It pays the seller to take the home off the market while you investigate it. If you back out for any reason during the Due Diligence Period, you do not get this money back.

    Cost: varies

  3. Decide your Earnest Money Deposit amount

    Your agentBefore submitting your offer

    The Earnest Money Deposit shows you are serious about buying. Unlike the Due Diligence Fee, it is held in escrow by the listing firm or closing attorney and can be refunded if you terminate the contract during the Due Diligence Period. NC rules require the broker to place it into a trust account within three banking days.

    Cost: varies

  4. Submit your offer to the listing side

    Your agentAfter signing Form 2-T

    Once Form 2-T is filled in and signed by you, your agent sends it to the listing agent along with your pre-approval letter. The seller can accept, reject, or counter. Be ready to respond quickly if there are competing offers on the home.

    You'll need

    • Signed Form 2-T
    • Pre-approval letter

    Cost: $0

  5. Negotiate counteroffers until you reach a deal

    Your agentUntil both sides sign the same version of Form 2-T

    The seller may come back with a different price, a different closing date, or other changes. Your agent walks you through each counter so you understand what changed before you sign. Nothing is final until both sides sign the same version of Form 2-T.

    Cost: $0

Phase 3 of 7 · typically Begins immediately after acceptance

Under Contract

Once both sides sign Form 2-T, you pay your Due Diligence Fee, deliver your Earnest Money Deposit to escrow, and hire your North Carolina closing attorney.

  1. Pay the Due Diligence Fee directly to the seller

    YouImmediately after contract acceptance

    After both sides sign the contract, you send the Due Diligence Fee straight to the seller — not to escrow. Your agent will give you exact delivery instructions. Keep proof of payment in case there is any dispute later.

    You'll need

    • Proof of Due Diligence Fee payment

    Cost: varies

  2. Deliver your Earnest Money Deposit to the escrow agent

    Escrow / titleWithin the timeframe stated in your contract (often a few days of acceptance)

    Send the Earnest Money Deposit to the listing firm or closing attorney named in the contract. NC rules require the broker to deposit it into a trust account within three banking days, so do not delay. A wire is usually safer than a check for larger amounts.

    You'll need

    • Wire instructions or check to escrow agent

    Cost: varies

  3. Choose your closing attorney

    AttorneyWithin the first few days under contract

    North Carolina is an attorney-closing state, which means a licensed NC attorney handles the title search, the closing, and recording the deed. You can pick your own — ask your agent for two or three recommendations and compare their fees and reviews before choosing.

    Cost: $500-1,500 typical

  4. Request and review HOA or condo documents

    Seller's sideAs soon as possible after going under contract

    If the home is in an HOA or condo, NC's Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F) and Condominium Act (Chapter 47C) require the seller to give you the governing documents, recent financials, current and unpaid assessments, and any pending litigation. Read them carefully — special assessments and rules can affect what the home really costs you.

    You'll need

    • HOA/condo declaration
    • Bylaws
    • Rules and regulations
    • Most recent financial statement
    • Statement of assessments

    Cost: varies

  5. Open title work with your closing attorney

    AttorneyWithin the first week under contract

    Tell your closing attorney you are under contract and send them the signed Form 2-T. They will start the title search to make sure the seller actually owns the property and that there are no liens or other claims that need to be cleared before you can buy it.

    You'll need

    • Signed Form 2-T
    • Lender contact info

    Cost: Included in attorney fee

Phase 4 of 7 · typically Within the agreed Due Diligence Period (often 2-4 weeks)

Inspection (Due Diligence Period)

During NC's Due Diligence Period, you order inspections, review the reports, and decide whether to move forward, ask for repairs, or terminate.

  1. Schedule a general home inspection

    InspectorEarly in the Due Diligence Period

    Hire a licensed home inspector to look at the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and major systems. You usually want this scheduled in the first week of the Due Diligence Period so you have time to react to whatever shows up. You can attend in person and ask questions.

    Cost: $300-600 typical

  2. Order specialty inspections as needed

    InspectorEarly in the Due Diligence Period

    Depending on the home, you may also want a termite (Wood-Destroying Insect) inspection, a septic inspection, a well-water test, a radon test, or a sewer scope. Your agent and inspector can recommend which ones make sense for the property. Each is a separate appointment and a separate fee.

    Cost: $75-300 each typical

  3. Review the inspection reports with your agent

    Your agentWithin a few days of receiving each report

    Inspectors will flag many things — some are minor, some are deal-breakers. Sit down with your agent and sort each item into 'must fix,' 'nice to fix,' and 'cosmetic.' This sets up your repair-request conversation with the seller.

    You'll need

    • Home inspection report
    • Specialty inspection reports

    Cost: $0

  4. Negotiate repairs or a closing credit with the seller

    Your agentBefore the Due Diligence Period ends

    In NC, the seller is not required to fix anything found during inspection — your remedy is to ask, and if they refuse, decide whether to walk away. Your agent will send a written request for repairs or a credit at closing. The seller can agree, counter, or decline.

    You'll need

    • Written repair request or credit request

    Cost: $0

  5. Make your final go or terminate decision before the deadline

    YouOn or before the Due Diligence Period deadline

    The Due Diligence Period is your one window to walk away for any reason and still get your Earnest Money Deposit back — but you forfeit your Due Diligence Fee. Once the deadline passes, your only ways out involve a specific contract breach by the seller. Confirm in writing if you are terminating.

    You'll need

    • Termination notice (if terminating)

    Cost: $0

Phase 5 of 7 · typically 2-4 weeks, alongside the Due Diligence Period

Loan & Appraisal

Your lender finalizes your loan, orders the appraisal, and clears any conditions — ideally before the Due Diligence Period ends so you are not at risk of losing your Due Diligence Fee.

  1. Submit your full loan application to the lender

    LenderWithin a few days of going under contract

    Your pre-approval was a starting point. After you go under contract, your lender opens the formal application file. Send them the contract and any new documents they ask for as quickly as possible — every day matters.

    You'll need

    • Signed Form 2-T
    • Updated pay stubs
    • Updated bank statements
    • Tax returns

    Cost: Application fee varies

  2. Let the lender order the appraisal

    LenderEarly in the loan process, before the appraisal contingency deadline

    Your lender hires an independent appraiser to confirm the home is worth what you agreed to pay. You pay for it (often around $500-$700), but the appraiser works for the lender. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate or bring extra cash to closing.

    Cost: $500-700 typical

  3. Lock your interest rate

    LenderAfter going under contract

    Once you are under contract, ask your lender about locking your rate. A rate lock protects you from rising rates while your loan is processed, usually for 30-60 days. If you do not lock, your rate can change before closing.

    Cost: $0 (sometimes a fee for longer locks)

  4. Respond to lender conditions quickly

    LenderThroughout the loan process

    Underwriters almost always come back with extra requests — explain a deposit, get a letter from your employer, document the source of a gift. The faster you respond, the faster your loan clears. Keep an eye on your email and phone.

    You'll need

    • Whatever underwriting requests

    Cost: $0

  5. Get a clear-to-close before the Due Diligence Period ends

    LenderBefore the Due Diligence Period ends

    Try to have your loan fully approved (a 'clear to close') before the Due Diligence Period ends. After that deadline passes, financing problems are no longer a free way out — you can lose your Earnest Money Deposit if the deal falls apart for loan reasons.

    Cost: $0

Phase 6 of 7 · typically About 1 week before closing

Pre-Closing

In the final week, you line up insurance and utilities, review the Closing Disclosure, do a final walkthrough, and wire your closing funds to the attorney.

  1. Buy homeowners insurance and send the binder to your lender

    You1-2 weeks before closing

    Your lender requires proof of homeowners insurance before they will fund your loan. Get quotes from a few carriers, pick a policy, and ask the agent to send the binder and paid receipt directly to your lender. Coastal NC homes may also need separate wind/hail and flood policies.

    You'll need

    • Insurance binder
    • Paid receipt

    Cost: varies

  2. Set up utilities to start in your name on closing day

    YouAbout 1 week before closing

    Call electric, gas, water, internet, and trash providers to schedule service in your name starting the day of closing (or the day after). If you do this too late, you may move in to a cold, dark house. Some providers need a few days of notice.

    You'll need

    • Property address
    • Closing date

    Cost: varies

  3. Review your Closing Disclosure carefully

    LenderAt least 3 business days before closing

    Your lender must give you the Closing Disclosure (CD) at least three business days before closing. It lists your final loan terms, monthly payment, and every dollar you owe at the table. Compare it to your Loan Estimate and ask about anything that does not match.

    You'll need

    • Closing Disclosure (CD)

    Cost: $0

  4. Do a final walkthrough of the home

    Your agentWithin 24-48 hours of closing

    Walk through the property within a day or two of closing to confirm it is in the same condition as when you went under contract, that any agreed-upon repairs are done, and that anything that was supposed to stay (appliances, fixtures) is still there. This is your last chance to flag a problem before signing.

    You'll need

    • Form 2-T (for reference)
    • Repair receipts (if applicable)

    Cost: $0

  5. Wire your closing funds to the closing attorney

    Attorney1 business day before closing

    Your closing attorney will tell you exactly how much to bring and provide written wire instructions. Always call the attorney's office at a known phone number to verify wire details before sending — wire fraud is common in real estate. Send the funds at least one business day before closing.

    You'll need

    • Wire confirmation

    Cost: Wire fee from your bank ($15-50 typical)

Phase 7 of 7 · typically Closing day

Closing

You meet at the attorney's office to sign the deed and loan documents, the attorney records the deed with the county, and you get the keys.

  1. Attend closing at your attorney's office

    AttorneyOn closing day

    In NC, closings happen at the closing attorney's office (or remotely with their guidance). Bring your government photo ID and any final paperwork the attorney asked for. Plan for about 30-60 minutes of signing.

    You'll need

    • Government-issued photo ID

    Cost: $0 (attorney fee already in your closing costs)

  2. Sign the loan documents and deed paperwork

    AttorneyAt closing

    You will sign the promissory note, the deed of trust, and a stack of disclosures. Your attorney will explain each one — slow them down if anything is unclear. Once signed, your loan is funded and the home is ready to transfer to you.

    You'll need

    • Loan documents
    • Deed of trust
    • Closing Disclosure

    Cost: $0

  3. Wait for the attorney to record the deed

    AttorneySame day or next business day after signing

    In NC, the home is officially yours when the attorney records the deed with the county Register of Deeds. This usually happens the same day you sign, but sometimes the next morning. Your attorney will confirm when recording is complete.

    Cost: Recording fees (in your closing costs)

  4. Get the keys and move in

    Your agentAfter recording is complete

    Once the deed is recorded, your agent or the listing agent will hand over the keys, garage remotes, and any other access items. Change the locks within the first week as a basic security step. Welcome home.

    Cost: $0

  5. Save your full closing package for your records

    YouRight after closing

    Keep a digital and paper copy of every document you signed, especially the Closing Disclosure, the deed, and the title insurance policy. You will need them for taxes, future refinancing, and when you eventually sell. A simple labeled folder is fine.

    You'll need

    • Full closing package

    Cost: $0

Sources

  1. [1] NAR Settlement Practice Changes FAQ
  2. [2] 21 NCAC 58A .0104(a) Written Agency Agreements
  3. [3] NC REALTORS Form 2-T (current revision)
  4. [4] NC Planned Community Act (G.S. Chapter 47F)
  5. [5] NC Condominium Act (G.S. Chapter 47C)
  6. [6] 21 NCAC 58A .0104 Agency Agreements and Disclosure
  7. [7] NCREC Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure (current revision)
  8. [8] NC REALTORS Form 2-T Due Diligence Provisions
  9. [9] NCREC Guidance on Due Diligence Fees and Periods
  10. [10] NC REALTORS Form 2-T
  11. [11] 21 NCAC 58A .0107 (trust account handling for EMD)
  12. [12] NC REALTORS Form 2-T (current revision)
  13. [13] NC Bar Association Joint Forms Task Force
  14. [14] NC General Statutes Chapter 93A
  15. [15] G.S. §47E-4.1
  16. [16] NCREC Mineral, Oil and Gas Rights Mandatory Disclosure Form
  17. [17] NC General Statutes Chapter 47E (RPDA)
  18. [18] NCREC Residential Property Disclosure Statement Form

Last updated May 15, 2026