Why Pre-Approval Is Important
The initial step in your home-buying journey is to secure a mortgage pre-approval. This process involves a lender evaluating your financial history and current financial situation to determine how much they are willing to lend you. Pre-approval not only clarifies your budget but also signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer.
How We Can Help:
Research and Preferences
Once you’ve determined your budget, it’s time to start searching for your dream home. This involves understanding your needs and preferences. Are you looking for a cozy condo, a family-friendly house, or a spacious estate?
Crafting a Competitive Offer
When you find a home that feels like "the one," it’s time to make an offer. This is where strategy comes into play; you want to make sure your offer stands out.
The Importance of Inspections
Once your offer is accepted, conducting a home inspection is crucial. An inspection reveals the property's condition and identifies any potential issues.
Finalizing Your Mortgage
After passing the inspection, it’s time to finalize your mortgage. This process involves submitting final paperwork and securing your loan, so it's essential to keep communication open with your lender.
What to Expect on Closing Day
Closing is the final step in the home-buying process, where you'll sign all necessary documents and take full ownership of your new home.
Settling into Your New Home
Once the closing is complete and you have the keys in hand, it's time to move in! But the journey doesn’t stop there.
Buying a home is not just a transaction; it's a journey that requires careful planning and expert guidance. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support you need throughout the entire process. With our extensive knowledge of the market and access to a network of trusted lenders, we can help you navigate each step, ensuring you find the perfect home at the best possible terms.
Ready to start your home-buying journey? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist!
After a rollercoaster ride of rising interest rates, homebuyers are finally catching a break. Mortgage rates, which peaked at nearly 7.8% in late 2023, have moderated to around 6.2% as of fall 202512. While still higher than the historic lows of 2021, this shift is making a noticeable difference in monthly payments—especially for buyers shopping in the average price range.
Let’s break it down. A $400,000 mortgage at 7.79% would have cost buyers roughly $2,877/month in principal and interest. At today’s moderated rate of 6.2%, that same loan now costs about $2,450/month—a savings of over $400 monthly1. For homes priced closer to the median in our region (around $300,000–$350,000), the savings are still substantial, often trimming $300–$350 off monthly payments compared to last year’s peak.
This moderation is especially meaningful for first-time buyers, empty nesters, and relocators who were previously priced out of the market. With slightly lower rates and more predictable monthly costs, the window to buy is opening wider.
Beyond the numbers, western North Carolina is buzzing with new energy. The Morganton–Hickory–Newton/Conover corridor is seeing a wave of new businesses and infrastructure that’s turning heads—and drawing relocators.
Here’s what’s brewing:
Nestled between Charlotte and Asheville, this region offers a rare blend of affordability, natural beauty, and economic opportunity. Whether you're a remote worker seeking a scenic backdrop, a retiree looking for community, or a family craving space and value, Morganton, Hickory, and Newton/Conover deliver.
With interest rates easing and new businesses planting roots, now is a strategic time to explore relocation. The mortgage math is improving, and the lifestyle perks are multiplying.
?? Thinking about making a move? Let’s connect. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, I’m here to help you navigate the market with clarity and confidence.
Sources:
1Data Spotlight: The Impact of Changing Mortgage Interest Rates. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/research-reports/data-spotlight-the-impact-of-changing-mortgage-interest-rates/
2How Federal Reserve Rate Decisions Impact Mortgage Rates in 2025 .... https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/mortgages/how-the-federal-reserve-affects-mortgage-rates
3Here's the latest on businesses coming to Morganton | Business | The Paper. https://www.thepaper.media/business/from-farewells-to-new-construction-here-are-the-latest-morganton-business-updates/article_5601c03b-8349-40a3-a5aa-b72c013c296f.html
4Breaking Ground | City of Hickory. https://www.hickorync.gov/breaking-ground
5Home - The Chamber of Catawba County. https://catawbachamber.org/
From lakefront estates to modern farmhouses - here's what's trending.
Homes over $75k are moving faster than expected, especially those with high-end finishes, guest quarters, and outdoor entertainment zones. Buyers are prioritizing lifestyle over square footage. Hickory, Lake Hickory, and parts of Morganton are seeing strong activity. If your home fits this niche, it may be time to revisit your pricing strategy.
Sheree
I believe home is the foundation of life. It’s where you recharge, where family gathers, where memories are built.
For a retiree, “home” might mean a smaller place with less upkeep and more freedom to travel. For a relocating family, “home” means a safe community with good schools. For someone selling an estate, “home” represents years of love and history.
That’s why buying or selling is such an emotional journey. And that’s why I treat every client’s move with care. Because it’s never just a house—it’s home.
?? CTA: What does “home” mean to you? Share your thoughts with me—and if you’re ready to find your next one in Catawba Valley, let’s talk.