You can expect us to be accessible, straightforward and genuinely involved. We want you to understand what’s happening, why it matters and what your options are along the way. Real estate can have a lot of moving parts, and our job is to help make those pieces feel manageable while representing your best interests from beginning to end.

We work throughout Central North Carolina and the surrounding communities. While Wake Forest and the Triangle are home base for us, our clients and transactions regularly take us well beyond one city or county. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, reach out - chances are we either do or can point you in the right direction!

Honestly, there’s really no such thing as reaching out too early. You don’t have to be ready to make a move next week - or even next month. We’re happy to talk through your plans, answer questions, and help you understand what makes sense before you ever feel pressured to make a decision. Some of our client relationships start months, or even years, before a transaction.

Experience and market knowledge matter, but so does having someone you trust and feel comfortable calling when you have a question. We believe a good agent should listen first, communicate honestly and never make you feel like just another transaction. We always encourage clients to choose the person they feel confident will truly advocate for them.

No - and this is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear from buyers! There are several loan programs that allow you to purchase with much less than 20% down. Some conventional loans may require as little as 3%, and FHA loans can start at 3.5%. Every buyer’s situation is a little different, so we’re happy to help connect you with a trusted lender who can walk you through your options and help you figure out what works best for you.

Not necessarily! We work with plenty of buyers whose income looks a little different from a traditional paycheck. Self-employed and variable-income buyers may need to provide some additional documentation, but there are still plenty of financing options available. We’re happy to connect you with a trusted lender who can look at your specific situation and help you figure out the best path forward.

Your monthly payment is usually made up of more than just the amount you borrowed for the home. In most cases, it includes your principal and interest, and it may also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance depending on your loan. If the home is in a community with an HOA, those dues are typically separate. We always encourage buyers to look at the full monthly cost, not just the purchase price, so there are no surprises once you’re under contract! 

Not if we can help it. One of the things we value most is becoming a long-term real estate resource for the people we work with. Whether you have a question about your property years later, need a recommendation for a local professional, are curious about the market, or are considering another move, we want you to feel comfortable calling us.

Yes! Our work extends beyond traditional home sales. Taylor Realty & Investment Group serves residential clients as well as commercial clients and real estate investors, which gives us experience across a wide range of properties and situations. If your real estate needs are a little outside the ordinary, don’t hesitate to ask! 

The amount varies based on your loan program, purchase price and financial profile. In addition to your down payment, plan for expenses such as due diligence and earnest money deposits, inspections, appraisal, closing costs, prepaid taxes and homeowners insurance. Some qualified buyers may have access to low- or no-down-payment programs, so speaking with a lender early is an important first step.

Prequalification is generally an initial estimate based on information you provide. Preapproval typically involves a more detailed review of your income, assets, credit and debts. A strong preapproval helps establish your budget and can make your offer more credible to a seller.

The due diligence fee is negotiated in the offer and paid directly to the seller for the buyer’s contractual right to investigate the property during the due diligence period. It is generally nonrefundable. Earnest money is typically held in escrow and may be refundable if the buyer terminates properly within the due diligence period, subject to the terms of the contract. Both are usually credited toward the purchase at closing.

Buyers may pay for due diligence and earnest money deposits, inspections, appraisal and certain lender-related expenses before closing. Closing costs can include lender charges, title services, attorney fees, taxes, insurance and prepaid escrow deposits. Your lender will provide estimates based on your specific loan and purchase. 

A professional inspection can identify visible concerns involving the home’s structure, systems and components before the due diligence period ends. Depending on the property, buyers may also consider specialized evaluations for septic systems, wells, radon, pests, HVAC equipment, roofs or other items. No inspection eliminates every risk, but it provides valuable information for your home buying decision.

The timeline depends on financing, negotiations and the property itself. Once under contract, many financed purchases take approximately 30–45 days to close, although the schedule may be shorter or longer. We help coordinate important deadlines with your lender, inspectors and closing attorney.

A mortgage payment commonly includes principal and interest. It may also include property taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance through an escrow account. HOA dues and certain other property expenses may be paid separately, so it is important to consider the complete monthly cost - not only principal and interest.

Credit can affect loan eligibility, interest rates, mortgage-insurance costs and the programs available to you. Requirements vary among lenders and loan products. Even if your credit is not where you want it to be, a qualified lender can review your circumstances and help identify practical next steps.

Yes. Self-employed buyers can qualify for financing, although lenders may request additional documentation, such as personal and business tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, bank statements and verification of ongoing income. Starting the preapproval process early gives you time to assemble the necessary records.

A buyer’s agent represents your interests throughout the transaction. This can include identifying properties, providing market context, preparing and negotiating offers, tracking deadlines and helping coordinate inspections, financing and closing. Taylor Realty will explain the services provided and the terms of representation before you make a commitment.