What credit score do I need to buy a home in SC or NC?

It depends on the loan program. VA loans have no official minimum (most lenders look for 580+). FHA loans typically require 580 for 3.5% down. Conventional loans usually need 620 or higher.

Can I buy a home with zero down payment?

Yes. VA loans offer 100% financing for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. USDA loans also offer zero-down options in qualifying rural areas of NC and SC.

How long does the mortgage pre-approval process take?

In most cases, we issue a pre-approval within 24 hours of receiving your documents.

What is the difference between FHA and conventional loans?

FHA has lower credit requirements and smaller down payments (3.5%) with MIP for the life of the loan. Conventional requires 620+ but allows mortgage insurance removal at 20% equity.

Do you offer construction loans in South Carolina?

Yes. We offer one-time close construction loans available as VA, Conventional, Investor, and Development programs.

Moving to Raleigh, NC: The Complete Relocation Guide

Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and for good reason. If you’re relocating to Raleigh for work at Research Triangle Park, a job at NC State University, a military move, or simply a better quality of life, this guide walks you through neighborhoods, schools, employers, cost of living, and how to finance your move.

Why People Move to Raleigh

Jobs — Research Triangle Park (RTP) anchors one of the largest research parks in the country, home to IBM, Cisco, GSK, Fidelity, Lenovo, and hundreds more. Downtown Raleigh hosts Red Hat, Pendo, and a growing startup scene.
Universities — NC State, plus nearby Duke and UNC, feed a constant pipeline of talent.
Sports & culture — Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) play at Lenovo Center, NC State Wolfpack basketball and football, PNC Arena concerts, and the Red Hat Amphitheater downtown.
Climate — Four mild seasons, low hurricane risk compared to the coast, and easy day trips to the mountains and the beach.
Quality of life — Strong public schools in Wake County, a booming food scene, and dozens of greenways and parks.

Best Neighborhoods in Raleigh

North Hills — Walkable “Midtown” lifestyle with restaurants, shopping, and newer condos and townhomes.
Inside the Beltline (ITB) — Historic tree-lined streets, Five Points, Hayes Barton, and Country Club Hills. Higher price point.
Cary & Apex — Top-rated schools and family-friendly master-planned communities. Apex has been ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Holly Springs & Fuquay-Varina — More affordable new construction, strong schools, fast-growing.
Wake Forest — Classic small-town charm with quick access to I-540 and north Raleigh employers.
Brier Creek & Morrisville — Close to RDU Airport and RTP. Popular with tech commuters.
Downtown Raleigh & Glenwood South — Walkable urban condos and townhomes near nightlife and the warehouse district.

Raleigh Cost of Living & Home Prices

Raleigh’s median home price sits in the mid-$400Ks, with wide variance by neighborhood. ITB and Cary commonly run $600K–$1.5M, while Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest new construction often lands in the $380K–$550K range. Property taxes in Wake County are roughly 0.85–1.05% of value including municipal rates.

Top Employers in the Raleigh Area

IBM, Cisco, Lenovo, SAS, Red Hat, Fidelity
Duke Health, UNC Health, WakeMed
NC State University, Wake County Public Schools
GSK, Biogen, and a deep biotech presence in RTP
State of North Carolina (downtown Raleigh is the capital)

Schools

Wake County Public Schools is the largest district in North Carolina and consistently ranks among the top large districts in the Southeast. Highly rated public options exist in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and North Raleigh. Private options include Ravenscroft, Cary Academy, St. David’s, and Thales Academy.

Getting Around

RDU International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country with nonstop service to most major U.S. cities and several international destinations. I-40, I-440, and I-540 form the main highway network. GoRaleigh bus and GoTriangle connect to Durham and Chapel Hill.

Financing Your Raleigh Move

Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating for a Research Triangle Park job, or transferring on military orders, the right loan program makes a big difference. Start with a Raleigh pre-approval so you can write strong offers in competitive neighborhoods. Veterans and active-duty service members should explore VA loans in Raleigh for 0% down financing. Review all programs on our loan options page or run numbers with our mortgage calculators.

Ready to Make the Move?

Start My Pre-Approval

Raleigh Mortgage Hub: See our complete Raleigh mortgage & home-buying guide (2026) for loan programs, neighborhoods, and relocation tips.

Raleigh Buyer Tools: Raleigh Mortgage Hub | Raleigh Mortgage Calculator | How Much House Can I Afford in Raleigh NC? | Get Pre-Approved — Call (843) 376-6213.