State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in North Carolina

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in North Carolina.

North Carolina First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
NC Home Advantage Mortgage
Down payment assistance up to 3–5% of loan amount

Income limits at $134,000 for most programs.

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NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
Up to $15,000 as a 0% deferred loan

Must be a first-time buyer or military veteran.

Learn more →
Transfer Tax Rate
0.2%

North Carolina Excise Tax (deed stamps) is $2 per $1,000 of value (0.2%). Paid by the seller by convention, but included in closing cost negotiations.

Attorney Required at Closing?
Yes — attorney state

North Carolina is an attorney-state. A licensed NC attorney must conduct the closing and title examination.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in North Carolina

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in North Carolina.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes

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