5 Things Every First-Time Homebuyer in Wilmington Should Know

# First-Time Homebuyer Guide Buying your first home in the Wilmington area is a huge step. Here's what to know before you start. ## 1. Get pre-approved first Not pre-qualified — pre-approved. Sellers take you seriously; you know your real budget. ## 2. Factor in the water Beach proximity drives flood insurance costs. Get a quote before you fall in love with a house. ## 3. Military-friendly loans VA loans are powerful here. Camp Lejeune is 60 minutes away and drives a big share of the market. ## 4. The property-tax surprise New Hanover County tax rates are reasonable, but appraisals are rising fast. Budget for reassessment. ## 5. Closing costs North Carolina closing costs are moderate — typically 2-3% of purchase price. Ask your agent for an estimate line-by-line.