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💰 How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment & Closing Costs?
One of the most common questions I get from buyers—especially first-timers and military families relocating to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg)—is: “How much money do I actually need to buy a house?” Let’s break it down clearly and realistically, so you know what to expect and how to plan. 🏡 1. Understanding the Down Payment Your down payment is the portion of the home’s price that you pay upfront at closing. The rest is covered by your mortgage loan. How much you’ll need
Cassie Callahan
7 hours ago3 min read


🏡 What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify for a VA Loan?
If you’ve served or are currently serving in the military, the VA loan program is one of the best benefits available to help you buy a home. It’s flexible, affordable, and designed to make homeownership possible — even if your credit isn’t perfect. But one of the most common questions I get from service members and veterans around Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Fayetteville, Raeford, and Spring Lake is: “What credit score do I need to qualify for a VA loan?” Let’s break
Cassie Callahan
3 days ago3 min read


Can I Buy a Fixer-Upper with a VA Loan?
If you’ve been dreaming about turning a diamond in the rough into your forever home, you might be wondering whether your VA loan benefits can help make that happen. The short answer: yes, but with some conditions. Let’s break down what you can and can’t do when buying a fixer-upper with a VA loan. Understanding VA Loan Requirements VA loans are designed to help eligible service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses purchase safe, move-in-ready homes. The Department o
Cassie Callahan
5 days ago3 min read


🪖 Is It Better to Buy Now or Wait Until After Deployment/PCS?
If you’re military and stationed around Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) , you’ve probably asked yourself this classic question: “Should I buy a home now, or wait until after my next deployment or PCS?” It’s a smart question — and the answer depends on your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level with the market. Let’s break it down. 🏠 The Case for Buying Now Buying now can make strong financial and logistical sense for many service members — especially in Fayettevill
Cassie Callahan
Oct 303 min read


🏡 What Inspections Should I Get Before Closing on a Home in North Carolina?
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make — and inspections are your chance to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, relocating to the Fort Bragg area, or adding to your investment portfolio, inspections protect you from costly surprises down the road. Let’s break down the most important inspections to schedule before closing — and which ones might save you thousands in future repairs. 🔍 1. Home Insp
Cassie Callahan
Oct 283 min read


🏡 Will My Home Gain Value — or Should I Expect to Break Even When I Sell in Fayetteville, NC?
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Fayetteville or the surrounding areas (Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Sampson counties), you’re likely wondering: “Will I actually make money — or just break even?” Let’s break it down with what we’re seeing in the market as of Fall 2025 . 📈 Fayetteville’s Home Values Are Holding Strong Despite national fluctuations in interest rates, Fayetteville’s market has remained remarkably stable . Thanks to our steady military presence ,
Cassie Callahan
Oct 252 min read


How Much Do I Need for Earnest Money Around the Fort Bragg Area?
When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, one of the first questions that comes up is: how much earnest money do I need? In the Fort Bragg (formerly Fort Liberty) and Fayetteville area, earnest money is an important part of showing sellers that you’re serious about your offer — and it can make a big difference in a competitive market. Let’s break down what earnest money is, how much to expect locally, and how it fits into your overall home-buying plan. What Is Earnest Mo
Cassie Callahan
Oct 233 min read


Can Sellers Help with Closing Costs?
When you’re buying a home, the down payment isn’t the only expense to plan for. Closing costs —which include fees for the lender, title company, insurance, and taxes—can add up to 2%–5% of the purchase price. The good news? Yes, sellers can help with closing costs in many situations. Here’s how it works, what’s allowed, and how to use this strategy wisely. What Are Seller Concessions? Seller concessions (also called seller-paid closing costs ) are when the seller agrees to p
Cassie Callahan
Oct 213 min read


What’s Included in the Offer Process?
If you’ve found a home you love, it’s time for the next big step — making an offer . Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding what’s included in the offer process can help you move with confidence and strategy. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect when it’s time to make your move. 1. Determining Your Offer Price Your offer starts with the number that goes on paper — the price you’re willing to pay. I’ll prepare a C
Cassie Callahan
Oct 183 min read


Do I Need to Be in Town to Buy a Home, or Can I Do It Remotely?
Buying a home used to mean hours of in-person showings, signing stacks of paper, and attending closings at the title office. But today, thanks to modern technology and experienced agents, you can buy a home remotely from start to finish — even if you’re hundreds (or thousands) of miles away. For military families, relocating professionals, or investors looking at properties in North Carolina, remote home buying is not only possible, it’s increasingly common. How Remote Home
Cassie Callahan
Oct 163 min read


🏡 How Quickly Do Homes Sell in Fayetteville, NC (Jan–Oct 2025)?
If you’re planning a move in or out of Fayetteville, NC , one of your first questions is probably: “How fast are homes selling right now?” Good question — and a smart one to ask before listing or buying. Based on 2,770 residential listings in Fayetteville between January and October 2025 , here’s what the data tells us. 📊 The Current Market Snapshot (Jan–Oct 2025) The Fayetteville housing market has stayed steady and active throughout 2025. While conditions have shifted sl
Cassie Callahan
Oct 143 min read


Which Areas Have the Lowest Property Taxes Near Fort Bragg?
When you’re buying a home, one of the most overlooked expenses is property taxes . Even if your mortgage payment seems affordable, taxes can add hundreds of dollars each month to your housing costs. For military families and first-time buyers near Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg), understanding local property tax rates can make a big difference in choosing where to live. 116 Independence Dr. Raeford, NC 28376 Property Taxes by County Near Fort Bragg Here’s how some of the most commo
Cassie Callahan
Oct 42 min read


If I Get PCS Orders, Can I Rent Out My Home?
For military families, change is part of the lifestyle. Just when you’ve settled into your home near Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg), PCS...
Cassie Callahan
Oct 23 min read


What’s the Difference Between Living in Fayetteville vs. Raeford vs. Hope Mills?
If you’re moving to the Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty) area, one of the first decisions you’ll make is where to live . Three of the most...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 303 min read


Can I Use My VA Loan More Than Once?
One of the most common questions I get from service members and veterans is: “Can I use my VA loan more than once?” The good news is—...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 273 min read


Is the VA Appraisal the Same as a Home Inspection?
If you’re using a VA loan to buy a home near Fort Bragg, you’ve probably heard about the VA appraisal and the need for a home inspection...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 252 min read


Do I Have to Pay Closing Costs with a VA Loan?
One of the biggest advantages of using a VA loan is the ability to purchase a home with no down payment —a benefit that saves military...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 233 min read


How Does the VA Loan Work, and What Are the Benefits?
For many service members and veterans, the VA loan is one of the most powerful tools available to achieve homeownership. Backed by the...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 203 min read


Should I Rent or Buy While Stationed at Fort Bragg?
It’s one of the first questions military families ask when they get PCS orders to Fort Bragg(formerly Fort Liberty): “Should we rent or...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 183 min read


Which Renovations Actually Add Value Before You Sell?
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the Fort Bragg area, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I update before I list? And if so,...
Cassie Callahan
Sep 163 min read
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