HELLO, HAPPY OWNERSHIP
When you're ready to find not just a house, but a place that truly feels like home, you need more than walls and a roof. You need a neighborhood that gets you, a community that welcomes you, and a price that won’t keep you up at night.
At BOLD, we take care of the moving parts, so you can dive into buying your dream home with excitement and confidence—minus the stress.
THE BOLD HOME BUYING PROCESS
DISCOVERING
YOUR DREAM HOME
Zillow is great, but it doesn’t show everything. We dive deep into both listed and off-market properties, exploring every option until we find your ideal home.
MASTERING
YOUR MORTGAGE
Buying a home is a big investment, and having the right financial strategy is key to making it happen. Our network of trusted lenders will ensure you’re ready to make a strong offer, with financing that works for you
CRAFTING A
WINNING OFFER
Our expertise in spotting potential issues on a property is key. Once we're certain everything is good to go, we fine-tune your offer to make it stand out in a competitive market.
SMOOTH SAILING
TO CLOSING
Many deals fall apart after going under contract. Not with us. We like to call ourselves "Deal Keeper Extraordinaires," navigating the details to keep your closing on track, avoiding any last-minute surprises.
A Real Estate Journey You Will Love and Want to Tell Others About–
"Dana Harshaw and the BOLD Real Estate team are phenomenal. Dana guided us through every step of our home sale, from devising an effective pricing strategy and assisting with our home staging to offering sound counsel on multiple offers and ensuring our closing went smoothly. Dana's kindness, empathy, and patience throughout the process made our sale simpler and less stressful. I can't recommend her enough!"
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Should I work with a local lender?Yes, working with a local lender is often a great choice. They have a deeper understanding of the area, the local market, and common practices. They also tend to offer a more personalized experience and may have established relationships with local agents, appraisers, and title companies, which can make the process smoother.
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Do I need a preapproval letter?Absolutely! A preapproval letter is an essential step when starting your home search. It not only demonstrates to sellers that you’re serious and financially prepared to make an offer but also helps you establish your budget upfront, allowing you to focus on homes within your price range. Having your preapproval ready from the start is especially important in today’s fast-paced market. When the perfect home comes along, being able to act quickly with a strong offer can make all the difference. Move-in-ready homes that are priced well often sell quickly and may attract multiple offers. A preapproval ensures you’re prepared to act without delay, giving you a competitive edge and helping secure your dream home before it’s gone.
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Do I need a buyer's agent if I'm doing new construction?Yes, it’s highly recommended to have a buyer’s agent, even with new construction. Your agent will advocate for your best interests, review contracts, and help guide you through the entire building process, from design choices to final walkthroughs. Many buyers think they don’t need representation with new construction, but it’s a complex process, and having an advocate can save time, money, and stress.
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When should I start the buying process?The best time to start is when you’re financially prepared and have a clear understanding of your priorities. Starting early gives you the advantage of exploring your options, getting preapproved, and setting yourself up for success. Ultimately, the best time to buy a home is when it’s right for you. There’s no need to feel pressured to time the market based on interest rates or external factors. If now is the right time for you to buy, that’s great—we’re here to guide you. If next year makes more sense, that’s perfectly fine too. The key is making a decision that aligns with your goals and circumstances. Buying a home is a significant milestone, and it should always happen on your timeline, not anyone else’s.
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Do I have to pay a buyer's agent?Traditionally, the seller has covered the buyer’s agent’s commission through the proceeds of the sale, but the recent changes in real estate practices, including the NAR ruling, mean this is no longer guaranteed. It’s essential to discuss upfront how your buyer’s agent will be compensated. Some sellers may still offer to pay the buyer’s agent's commission, while in other cases, buyers might be responsible for this fee. Your agent will explain your options and ensure you’re fully informed about any potential costs. Our goal is to make the process as transparent as possible so you can plan accordingly and feel confident in your decision.
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Do I need to get a home inspection?Yes, getting a home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It provides a professional assessment of the property's condition, helping identify potential issues like structural problems, plumbing or electrical concerns, and other hidden defects. Even if a home appears to be in excellent condition, a thorough inspection ensures there are no surprises after you move in. It also gives you the opportunity to negotiate repairs or adjustments with the seller before finalizing the purchase. A home inspection is an investment in peace of mind, ensuring you’re making an informed decision about one of your biggest financial commitments.
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What’s the market like in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill areas?Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill areas are experiencing a competitive real estate market characterized by low inventory levels. This limited supply, coupled with sustained demand, has led to rising home prices. Homes are selling faster than in previous years, often receiving multiple offers. However, higher interest rates have slightly tempered the market.
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How much money do I need to have?In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs (2-5% of the home's price), inspection and appraisal fees, moving expenses, and an emergency fund for unexpected repairs. Your agent and lender can provide detailed estimates to help you prepare.
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How much should I offer on this house?This depends on market conditions, the property’s condition, and comparable sales in the area. Your agent can help determine a competitive offer.
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What style of home works for me?That depends on your personal taste, lifestyle, and long-term needs. For example, if you prefer easy, single-level living, a ranch-style home might be ideal. If you love character and historical charm, a Victorian or Craftsman could be a great fit. Think about features that are important to you—like open floor plans, specific architectural details, or yard space—and how they align with your daily routine. We’ll discuss your preferences, budget, and future plans to help identify the style that suits you best.
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What’s medical access like?The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area offers top-tier healthcare with renowned institutions like Duke University Hospital, UNC Hospitals, and UNC Health Rex, providing excellent specialized and general medical care.
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Is airport access convenient?Yes, airport access is convenient in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) can take around 15–30 minutes to reach, depending on your location and without heavy traffic.
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What is there to do in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill areas?The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area offers a vibrant mix of renowned restaurants like Lantern in Chapel Hill, M Sushi in Durham, and Crawford and Son in Raleigh. Locals enjoy attractions such as the North Carolina Museum of Art, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and Morehead Planetarium. The community is diverse and welcoming, offering a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to numerous parks, museums, and performing arts venues. The region's culinary scene is rich and varied, featuring a range of dining options from traditional Southern fare to international cuisines.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Connect with a BOLD expert today and get the answers you need to make confident decisions!
YOUR EXTRAORDINARY REAL ESTATE JOURNEY STARTS HERE
1
CONNECT
Let’s chat about your real estate goals. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, our first conversation is super low-key.
2
COLLABORATE
When you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to manage every detail. From listing strategies to closing deals, we’re all hands on deck.
3
CELEBRATE
Your success is our success—and we love to celebrate! Let’s toast to BOLD and big wins!