Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information

North Carolina is a popular state for relocation. Rated as one of the top 10 of states people are moving to, North Carolina is a top place to relocate for jobs, family, and retirement. On an average day, 40 people move into Wake County. Wake County encompasses Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. Over 50% of those relocating to North Carolina are from other states, while about 20% immigrate from another country. The majority of those wanting to call North Carolina home will move into single-family homes, followed by multi-family housing.

There are many cities and towns that make up Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (the Triangle). Finding the right spot can feel overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with the Triangle. Each location offers a different experience and has a distinct neighborhood-feel with its own set of amenities. When relocating to the Triangle, take a moment to make a list of what’s most important for your lifestyle. There are many ways to rank your relocation options. Determining what is highest on your list might begin with asking yourself:  

• Do I want my home location to be walkable to restaurants or the grocery store?
• Is a short commute to the office most important?
• Do I want the peace and quiet of the countryside, even if the drive is a bit further?
• Are public-schools on my list of priorities?
• Do I want my kids to be able to run down the street to play with friends?
• Are you looking for a new development? Or do you want to live in a more historic and established neighborhood?

It is important to get the perspective of someone that has lived and worked in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. Seek out a professional that has a tenure in the Triangle. Established real estate agents have been to many neighborhoods and walked through many homes. They will offer information about the Triangle’s transformation. Knowing what has preceded current development and what is to come are important factors when purchasing. This information is helpful, especially when relocating to an unfamiliar city.   

Getting ready for relocation can be an overwhelming experience. These helpful tips will prepare you for transitions and organize your experience.

Tip No: 1 - Download an app to help organize relocation

There are several highly rated apps available (free and paid) that outline a moving plan and allow you to customize the experience. Checklists are handy and give points of reference to not overlook items, like remembering to cancel a lawn service or gym membership.

Sortly

Sortly has some important move features, such as:

• Checklists to organize the move process and home inventory lists to get started
• QR codes for boxes to record the contents inside
• Photos of your goods to document the condition

MoveAdvisor

• Home inventory checklists
• Customizable room-by-room inventory for dressers, bed, chairs, etc.
• Access to moving company reviews and quotes
• Week-by-week moving plan taking the number of tasks into more manageable pieces

Magicplan

Magicplan lets you create a floor plan by taking pictures. Its valuable features include:

• Creating a list of to dos for the current space (furniture to sell) or future space, such as painting, measurements for curtains, etc.
• Filling rooms with furniture, which helps determine furniture to move or sell
• Identifying the location of certain home features, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.
• Switching between the floor plan drawing and photo view

Tip No. 2 - Find a seasoned North Carolina real estate agent

Beyond apps and lists, a Realtor is your most valuable resource to help you. Find an agent that is thorough with all of the services you need, but also understands the unique situation of relocation.  Agents help you focus on needs versus wants. Do you want to walk to restaurants or be in a family-friendly neighborhood. Agents know what neighborhood amenities are available (parks, ease of access to shopping/restaurants, etc.), the history of the area, and possible upcoming projects. Questions to help you uncover an agent’s ability to assist with relocation to Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill may include:

• How long have you been selling and buying real estate in the area? This question serves two purposes. It helps identify how long they have been working in the Triangle, and it gives an idea of success and experience with different transactions and adversities.
• What is your ratio of buyers to sellers? Understanding the types of clients an agent deals with is helpful when determining which end of the transaction the agent is most familiar.
• What parts of the Triangle do you cover? The Triangle is made up of several cities and towns that have unique characteristics. Depending on why you are relocating it might alter the town or city you choose to call home. If the agent you are speaking with is not as familiar with the neighborhoods and amenities for a particular town, ask for a referral.
• Are you able to handle my unique situation of relocation? Discover if the agent had previous clients move to North Carolina from different parts of the country or from overseas. Having an agent experienced with clients not local will give you an extra relocation advantage. Agents with previous clients relocating to North Carolina will relate better to the process and understand the different needs versus a local move.
• Licensure and reference: Double check on the agent’s licensure and do not be shy about asking for references. Buying a home is a big endeavor and a great agent will establish a good rapport with their clients.  

Additional Relocation Tips

The extra steps will give you an idea of what to expect in the Triangle. Each part of the United States offers a unique experience. Get a glimpse of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill lifestyle. This will give you the ability to compare the different parts of the Triangle. We suggest:

• Taking a long-weekend to visit the Triangle, make sure it overlaps a weekday (preferably Monday) so you can experience a regular commute.
• Find one event to attend. If you enjoy performing arts, indie music, or fine dining find one place to enjoy while you are visiting Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. This will allow you to experience the local scene.
• Find out what is happening seasonally. The year is filled will many big events that the area is known for enjoying, such as March Madness.

Looking for more resources for visiting Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Durham, or Cary? Check the resources below:

Search Homes In Durham, NC

Find Homes In Chapel Hill, NC

Explore Cary NC Real Estate

Relocation can be a complicated process. Get your footing in the Triangle by leaning on professionals that have helped others through the process of relocation. Resources to help you organize the move and the right agent to get you into your new home will make relocation a good experience.