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715.450.7030 · EMILY@PSREALTYNC.COM
BUYING · FIRST-TIME BUYERS

Your first home, without the fear.

Programs, timelines, and what $400k actually buys - with no jargon and no pressure. You'll understand every step before you take it.

WHAT WE’LL COVER

Learn the process before you're in it

No. 01
Budget & pre-approval
We talk real numbers first - payment, taxes, insurance, HOA. I connect you with local lenders who actually close on time, and we set a search you can trust instead of a Zillow doom-scroll.
No. 02
What $400k actually buys
Town by town, the honest version: what you get in Raleigh vs. Cary vs. Holly Springs, and where first-time budgets stretch furthest without sacrificing resale.
No. 03
The offer, decoded
North Carolina's due diligence fee changes the whole game. I'll teach you how it works and structure offers that win without giving your protections away.
No. 04
Inspection to keys
What matters on an inspection report, what doesn't, and how to negotiate repairs. I manage the attorney, lender, and deadlines so nothing slips.

Thank you Emily for assisting me through the homebuying process. As a first time homebuyer, this process can be a bit intimidating, but you remained available throughout. I am settling into my new home and making the place my own. Your professionalism and courtesy displayed were superb. Once again, thank you.

- DAVID KELLY

Emily has been awesome! Not only were we referred to her, but also benefited from many of her referrals. She is honest, quick to respond, and patient. As our first time buying a house in NC, she did a great job communicating clearly and in sufficient detail. In short, she makes for a great house hunting partner and helps to ensure the process goes smoothly.

- JAMES ALEXANDER

Emily is thorough and patient. She helps me to understand the real estate “jargon” that I don't quite understand yet. I feel taken care of and that I'm in good hands. I highly recommend working with Emily Murphy as your Real Estate Agent.

- KELLY LANE

Emily was great to work with! She went way out of her way to help me get multiple estimates for work needed on the house I purchased. During walkthroughs, Emily made an effort to point out things I would've never thought to look at when checking out different homes. She was also ready to answer any question I had and was quick to respond back. I would highly recommend working with her if you are ready to buy/sell. I plan on recommending Emily to my friends and family when they plan on doing the same!

- WES FAULKWELL
THE FIRST-TIMER’S MATH

Three numbers nobody explains

01
DUE DILIGENCE FEE
North Carolina's twist: a non-refundable check to the seller that buys you a walk-away window. Size it wrong and you either lose offers or risk real money - this is where my job earns its keep.
02
EARNEST MONEY
The refundable deposit that rides with your offer and comes back at closing. Together with due diligence, it's the 'how serious are you' signal sellers read first.
03
THE REAL PAYMENT
Principal and interest are half the story. Taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI decide whether a house is comfortable - we budget on the full number from day one.
GOOD QUESTIONS

First-timer questions, answered

Q.
How much do I really need down?

Less than you think - conventional loans start at 3% down, and NC has first-time programs on top. Twenty percent avoids PMI; it is not the price of admission.

Q.
Does my credit need to be perfect?

No. Lenders price in tiers, and the jump from 'good' to 'great' matters more than perfection. If your score needs 90 days of work, I'd rather tell you now.

Q.
Should we wait for rates to drop?

You marry the house and date the rate - refinancing exists. What you can't get back is years of someone else's mortgage paid in rent. We run your actual numbers, not a slogan.

Q.
What does using you cost me?

In most Triangle deals the seller's side funds buyer-agent compensation, and where it doesn't, we negotiate it into the offer. You'll see every number before you sign anything.

Ready when you are.

Fifteen minutes. I'll tell you what your budget really buys, which towns fit, and exactly what to do first.

BOOK A CALL WITH EMILY