Johnston County Buyer Resources:

First Time Buying Guide

Don't Know Where to Start? Gotcha Covered.

First time buying a home? Don't worry; I'm here to help! I'll walk you through the process of buying your first home in Johnston County, from getting your finances in line to finding the perfect home to closing on the sale.

Find Your Perfect Style

So, you've decided to buy a home in Johnston County? Congratulations! This is a wonderful community to call home for so many reasons.

And when it comes to buying a home, you have to make sure it's in a community that's going to complement your lifestyle. Luckily, the Clayton area is so vibrant, diverse, and thriving, it truly has something for everyone. Get to know the area and find your perfect fit by browsing our local area guides below. Have a question about a particular community? Don't be afraid to ask.

Local Area Guides

Consult Your Finances

It goes without saying that buying a home is a big investment. Though it promises security, and the feeling of truly being a part of a community, it involves a lot more work than simply renting. When you rent, you have a landlord to fall back on in case of repairs or maintenance issues. When you own the home, you're responsible for its upkeep.

A great way to budget and plan for a home is to talk with a bank lender (or several) about getting prequalified for a loan. The pre-qualification process essentially sets your budget for you. When you meet with the lender, they will review your credit score, annual income, tax information, savings, any outstanding debts you may have, and any assets you've earned over the years. After taking a careful look at your financial portfolio, they'll let you know how much the bank is willing to loan you.

The Upfront Costs of Buying a Home

In addition to your monthly mortgage payments, you can expect to pay some costs up front and out of pocket. Here's what you're looking at for upfront costs.

Down Payment

In a typical mortgage, a down payment is 20% of the overall cost of your home. For a $200,000 home, that's about $40,000. Depending on the type of loan you take out, your down payment could be anywhere from 3% to 20% or greater.

Earnest Money

Providing a certain amount of earnest money tells the home-seller you're serious. Sellers rarely accept offers without an earnest money deposit. If you end up buying the home, the earnest money will go towards your down payment and closing costs.

Home Inspection

Before actually purchasing and closing on your new home, you'll want to have it inspected. That way, you'll be able to spot any last-minute issues that could affect your home's quality. A typical home inspection cost is anywhere between $300 - $700.

Closing Costs

It's closing day! Congratulations. There are just a few more people to pay before you can unlock the door to your new home with a smile. These include real estate attorney fees, taxes, title expenses, and the cost to actually process your mortgage. Closing costs may end up totaling 2-5% of your home's costs.

Calculate Your Monthly Payments!

Want to get a better idea of what you might be paying per month? Take a look at our handy mortgage calculator to help estimate your monthly costs.

Ready to Find Your
Dream Home?

Would you rather live in a cozy home close to downtown or a more rural community surrounded by undeveloped land? Whatever your preferences, Johnston County has something for you. There are also a lot of new developments in the JoCo area, which means plenty of housing options to pick from, both suburban and more rural. Ready to find the perfect home for you?

Find Your Perfect Home

Additional Home-Buying Resources

Still need some info? I've got more for you to explore!

You Deserve the Best

If you're thinking of buying a home in Clayton, then it's time to contact Marlo Wells. I'm here to help you explore the Clayton, discover its beautiful communities, and find the perfect home for your unique needs. Give me a call and let's get started today!