1) Before You Choose a City

• Pick your “must-haves” (work commute, schools, healthcare access, walkability, land/space, mountains vs. city, airport distance).

• Decide your “deal-breakers” (HOA rules, steep driveways, internet limits, flood zones, long commutes).

• Build a short list of 2–3 areas (example: Triad, High Country, Triangle) so you’re not comparing 12 places at once.

2) Budget Reality Check

• Confirm your monthly comfort payment (not just the purchase price).

• Get a pre-approval (or proof of funds if paying cash).

• Ask your lender about NC-specific costs you may see (property taxes vary by county/city, homeowners insurance can vary by location, HOA dues where applicable).

3) Timeline + “Moving Parts”

• Choose your ideal move window (month + week).

• Decide: rent first vs. buy right away.

• If selling a home in another state, map out: list date → contract date → closing date → NC arrival.

4) Work + Commute Planning

• Write down your non-negotiable commute time.

• Test-drive commute routes at real-world times (morning + evening).

• If remote: confirm internet provider options for the exact neighborhood (not just the city).

5) Neighborhood Fit (Where Most People Get It Wrong)

• Drive it at daytime, after dark, and on a weekend.

• Check practical stuff: grocery/coffee distance, medical care, gyms, parks, childcare.

• Ask about: HOA rules, parking, short-term rental restrictions (if that matters), noise patterns.

6) NC Home Shopping “Smart Filters”

When you search, decide your stance on:

• HOA vs. no HOA

• City water/sewer vs. well/septic

• Acreage vs. neighborhood

• New construction vs. resale

• Basement, crawlspace, slab (common in different areas—each has pros/cons)

7) Due Diligence (Don’t Skip This)

• Review any HOA documents early (if applicable).

• Confirm utility providers: electric, water, sewer/septic, internet, trash.

• If the home has well/septic: plan for appropriate inspections.

• Ask your agent what’s common in that county for inspections and negotiations.

8) Paperwork + Address Change

• Set up mail forwarding.

• Update: bank, credit cards, employer/payroll, subscriptions.

• Gather documents you’ll likely need for buying (ID, pay stubs, tax returns if requested, bank statements—your lender will guide specifics).

9) Healthcare + Life Setup

• Choose primary care + dentist (waitlists happen).

• Transfer prescriptions.

• If you have kids: create a simple “school plan” (districts, transportation, enrollment steps).

10) Your “Landing Plan” for the First 30 Days

• Decide your first-week essentials (bed setup, basic cookware, cleaning, internet).

• Save a list of local go-to vendors (handyman, HVAC, plumber, pest, cleaners).

• Build your “new town rhythms” (grocery, gym, coffee, parks, church/community if relevant).

Bonus: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Commit to a Neighborhood

1. What surprises newcomers about this area?

2. What’s the traffic like during real commute hours?

3. Is there an HOA, and what are the top rules that affect daily life?

4. Are there internet limitations here?

5. What’s the flood/terrain situation (especially with basements/creeks)?

6. What do locals love most about living here?

7. What do locals complain about most?

8. Are there future road/commercial projects nearby?

9. What’s the typical maintenance reality for homes here (yard, slopes, driveways)?

10. If you were moving here today, what would you do differently?

Want a “short list” of neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget?
I can send you:

• A quick list of 3 homes in your price range, or

• A ballpark home value range if you own a home and plan to sell. 🙂