Answers by Melissa Zimmerman

In North Carolina, buyers do not pay sales tax when purchasing a home—something that surprises many people relocating from other states. However, there is a tax involved in the transaction: it’s called the Excise Tax, and it’s paid by the seller, not the buyer. The Excise Tax functions similarly to a sales tax on real estate and is calculated at $1 per $500 of the home’s sale price. So, for example, if a home sells for $500,000, the seller would typically pay $1,000 in excise tax at closing. As a local Realtor serving Charlotte, Lake Norman, and surrounding NC communities, I make sure my clients fully understand every cost and detail of their real estate transaction. If you have more questions about buyer or seller expenses in North Carolina, I’d be happy to help!

In North Carolina, home sales are typically "as-is" unless otherwise negotiated, which means the seller is not automatically responsible for any major repair expenses. While buyers often request repairs after a home inspection, the seller is under no obligation to fix anything unless it’s agreed upon in writing during the negotiation process. That said, many sellers choose to make reasonable repairs—or offer a credit—to help keep the deal moving forward. As your Realtor, I help navigate these situations strategically so everyone walks away feeling confident and informed.

This is such an important (and often overlooked) question. A few years ago, I was representing a seller in the sale of her home here in North Carolina. Everything was lined up to close—but tragically, she passed away the day before closing. Thankfully, she had a will in place that left the home to her five heirs, which made the legal process much smoother. That said, the property still had to go through probate, and the closing was delayed by about 90 days while the estate was processed by the courts. That experience was eye-opening—not just for her family, but for my husband and me too. We got our own wills done shortly after. So what happens to a home when someone passes away? In North Carolina, if there’s a valid will, the property typically transfers to the named heirs. But even with a will, the home usually needs to go through probate before it can legally be sold. If there is no will, things can get more complicated, and the state determines who inherits the home under intestate succession laws. If you’re buying or selling property where estate planning or probate may be involved, it’s important to work with an agent who understands how to navigate the process.