Buying Your First Home in Cabarrus County? Here’s What You Need to Know

by Kim Drakulich

Hey there, future homeowner!

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Cabarrus County, consider this your personal roadmap with a little humor and a lot of honesty.

I’m Kim Drakulich, a Realtor with Real Broker, also known as KimSellsConcord, and I’ve helped dozens of first-time buyers find their place here in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, and beyond.

Buying your first home isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a major life milestone. Whether you’re ready to jump in right now or just exploring what’s possible, here’s what you need to know before you start scrolling through Zillow at midnight.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (Yes, Before You Look!)

Before you start touring homes, talk to a lender. Seriously.

A pre-approval tells you exactly how much house you can afford and helps you avoid falling in love with a home that’s out of reach.

Here in Cabarrus County, most first-time buyers use one of these loan programs:

Conventional Loan: 3–5% down
FHA Loan: 3.5% down
VA or USDA Loans: 0% down

There are also down payment assistance programs available in North Carolina, which a good local lender can walk you through.

Step 2: Define Your “Must-Haves”

Once you’re pre-approved, it’s time to narrow down your wish list.

Focus on what you can’t change, like location, school district, or lot size. Everything else (paint colors, flooring, even kitchen cabinets) can come later.

I’ll set you up with a home search that fits your price range, and when you “heart” listings, I’ll get notified so we can plan tours that make sense.

Step 3: Touring Homes in Cabarrus County

There’s no shortage of great neighborhoods to explore, from Historic Downtown Concord to newer communities in Harrisburg and Kannapolis.

Before we schedule showings, I always recommend doing a quick drive-by or Google Street View. You’d be surprised how many homes buyers rule out after seeing the area in person.

When we tour, I’ll bring all the important details like disclosures, tax info, and neighborhood data so you can focus on how each house feels.

Step 4: Making an Offer

Once you find the one, we’ll put together an offer that’s smart, strategic, and competitive.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in North Carolina contracts:

Due Diligence Fee (DDF): Non-refundable, paid directly to the seller when your offer is accepted.
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): Refundable if you back out during the due diligence period.
Due Diligence Period: Usually 21–28 days to handle inspections, appraisal, and financing.
Closing Date: Typically 30–45 days after your offer is accepted.

And yes, we can often negotiate for seller-paid closing costs, which helps reduce your upfront expenses.

Step 5: Understand Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

Beyond your deposits, expect some additional costs during inspections. Here’s a quick estimate:

Home inspection: about $500
Termite inspection: about $100
Appraisal: about $500
Radon or septic/well tests: optional but smart

Some companies may let you pay these at closing. I’ll walk you through all the options.

Step 6: The Buyer Agency Agreement (and Why It Matters)

As of August 1, 2024, North Carolina law requires a Buyer Agency Agreement before touring homes.

That means you’ll have professional representation, someone legally on your side, from day one.

Most sellers still pay the buyer’s agent commission, but we’ll always review the details before submitting an offer so there are no surprises.

Step 7: Closing Time!

Once inspections are done, repairs are negotiated, and your lender clears the loan, we’ll head to closing.

I usually schedule closings early in the week so your deed records the same day, meaning you get your keys faster.

When that moment comes?
Cue the happy dance. 🥳

Ready to Start?

Buying your first home in Cabarrus County doesn’t have to feel intimidating, not when you’ve got someone who’ll walk you through every step (and tell you when to grab a drink refill).

👉 Download my First Time Homebuyers Guide for a deeper dive into each step.
Or reach out directly: Kim@KimSellsConcord.com | 704-778-6959

Let’s make homeownership happen.

About Kim

I’m Kim Drakulich, Realtor and local expert based in Concord, North Carolina. I’ve helped hundreds of buyers and sellers across Cabarrus County, and I love working with first-time buyers. If you’re ready to buy your first home, I’m ready to make it happen — with less stress and maybe a few laughs along the way.

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