REal Talk with Evie DeJesus

So, you’ve found the one —that perfect home in Charlotte (or somewhere else in this beautiful state). You’re excited, nervous, and ready to make it yours. But before you hand over that earnest money and lock in your mortgage, let’s talk about one of the most critical parts of the North Carolina home buying process: the Due Diligence Period. This isn’t just a formality. It’s your golden window to investigate the home, ask questions, negotiate repairs, and make sure this investment is really right for you. What is the Due Diligence Period in North Carolina? The Due Diligence Period is a negotiated timeframe—usually lasting between 14 to 30 days —that begins once a purchase contract is signed . During this time, the buyer has the unrestricted right to investigate the property and cancel the contract for any reason or no reason at all . In exchange for this right, the buyer pays a Due Diligence Fee , a non-refundable amount (unless the seller breaches the contract) that shows the buyer’s...

If you’re buying a home—whether new construction or a resale—you probably have a long checklist of things to inspect. But one crucial test that often gets overlooked?  Radon testing. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into homes without warning. It’s a leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and North Carolina homes are not exempt from the risk. Whether you’re building a brand-new house, renovating an older home, or purchasing an existing property, radon testing should be a priority. Here’s why—and what you need to do to protect yourself and your investment. What is Radon & Why Should You Care? Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It enters homes through: Cracks in the foundation Gaps around pipes and drains Crawl spaces and unfinished basements Well water (in some cases) While radon exists outdoors in small, harmless amounts, indoor concentrations can become dangerously high, i...

If you’ve opened your home insurance bill recently and felt your jaw hit the floor, you’re not alone. Across the country, homeowners are facing massive increases in insurance premiums, and North Carolina is no exception. But what’s behind these rising costs, and—more importantly—what can you do to keep your coverage affordable? Let’s break it all down so you can protect your home without breaking the bank. Why Are Home Insurance Rates Rising So Fast? Several factors are driving the spike in home insurance premiums, and unfortunately, many of them are beyond your control. Here’s what’s causing the surge: 1.   Increased Natural Disasters & Weather Events Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and even severe storms have been hitting harder and more frequently. North Carolina is particularly vulnerable due to its coastal exposure and unpredictable storm seasons. 2.  Rising Construction & Repair Costs The cost of rebuilding a home has skyrocketed due to inflation, supply cha...

So, you’ve got your eyes on the perfect home. You’ve run the mortgage numbers, checked your budget, and you’re ready to take the plunge. But wait—are you prepared for the real cost of homeownership? Many first-time buyers (and even some seasoned homeowners) don’t realize that the mortgage payment is just the tip of the iceberg. Before you sign on the dotted line, let’s talk about the hidden costs that come with owning a home so you can plan ahead and avoid any budget surprises. 1.  Property Taxes: The Cost That Never Ends You might pay off your mortgage one day, but property taxes? Those are forever. Property tax rates vary depending on location, but in Charlotte, NC, the current rate is approximately 0.86% of the home’s assessed value . That means for a $400,000 home, you’re looking at roughly $3,440 per year—or about $287 per month—on top of your mortgage payment. 🔹 Pro Tip: Property taxes can go up over time as home values increase, so be prepared for potential hikes. 2....