Answers by Travis Old

Hi Carl, I'm writing to you from North Carolina. I work as a builder and as a real estate broker. I cannot speak to your local market conditions, but I offer some universal feedback. Brick is preferred over siding for its lower maintenance and durability perception. Appraisers also tend to give brick homes a higher edge. Covering brick with siding would likely trigger some questions from the appraiser and any home inspector who then would share those concerns with any potential buyer. The best route would be to clean the brick, repoint the mortar joints-if necessary, then paint the brick if color is or becomes an issue after repair. If the brick has significant structural issues, then there might be a bigger issue. In that case, call a local contractor and ask for a quote or advice on how to repair. You could then market the home with the intention to repair once under contract. Hope this helps!

Hi Adele, Great question! The fact that you've been saving intentionally already puts you ahead of most first-time buyers. $10,000 can absolutely get you into a home, depending on where you're buying and what loan program you qualify for. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, and USDA and VA loans (if you qualify) require zero down. In many markets, $10K covers the down payment and gets you to the closing table. New construction builders can also be more flexible on down payment than traditional resale sellers, so that's worth exploring if you're open to it. Here's what actually matters more than the down payment amount: your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and stable income. Those three factors determine your loan options far more than whether you have $10K or $20K saved. Before saving another dollar, talk to a lender. Not to get a loan, just to get a real number. They'll tell you exactly where you stand and whether you need 60 more days of saving or if you're already there. The Raleigh market is active and inventory has been improving, so the timing is worth a conversation. A lender call costs you nothing and gives you a real answer instead of a general one. Reach out if I can connect you with someone, or do a quick Google search for a reputable lender in the Raleigh area. You're likely closer than you think.