How much down payment do I really need in North Carolina?

As little as 0% with USDA (eligible rural areas) or VA (military), 3-3.5% with FHA or Conventional 97, and often even less when combined with NC Home Advantage down-payment assistance.

Do you work with ITIN buyers?

Yes. I can connect you with trusted bilingual lenders that offer ITIN loan options. Rates, fees and qualification terms vary by lender and borrower profile.

What credit score do I need?

FHA and conventional loan requirements vary by lender, loan program, borrower profile, and other underwriting factors. I can connect you with a lender to review the requirements that apply to your situation and identify practical next steps.

How long does buying take from start to finish?

Many financed purchases can close in roughly 30-45 days after an accepted offer, but timing varies based on the loan, appraisal, inspections, title work and transaction conditions.

New homeowners receiving keys in North Carolina

First-Time Buyers

Your first home in the Triangle, with a bilingual guide.

Buying your first home is a major financial decision. I have helped 70+ first-time home buyers across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest, and the greater Triangle region understand financing options, evaluate assistance programs, and move toward closing with greater clarity and confidence.

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Why work with me

Low- or no-down-payment options

Explore FHA, VA, USDA, NC Home Advantage, and lender-specific programs that may offer low- or no-down-payment options for eligible buyers.

Bilingual, step-by-step

I provide bilingual support for documents, disclosures and negotiations, with clear explanations at each step.

Lender network

Introductions to trusted bilingual lenders who work with ITIN, W-2, 1099 and self-employed buyers.

Neighborhood strategy

Data-driven area research based on your budget, commute, property type, monthly-payment target and other objective priorities you choose.

New construction discounts

Preferred relationships with Lennar, DR Horton and other Triangle builders, often with builder-paid closing costs.

Closing coordination

My team and I manage inspection, appraisal, HOA and attorney reviews so nothing falls through.

How it works

A clear process

01
Discovery meeting
30-minute call to understand your goals, timeline and budget.
02
Lender pre-approval
Introduction to a bilingual lender who can review preapproval options and expected timing based on your situation.
03
Neighborhood tour
Curated showings across your top 2-3 Triangle communities.
04
Offer & negotiation
Data-backed offer strategy and bilingual contract review.
05
Closing & keys
Inspection, appraisal, walk-through and closing day, coordinated end to end.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I really need in North Carolina?: As little as 0% with USDA (eligible rural areas) or VA (military), 3-3.5% with FHA or Conventional 97, and often even less when combined with NC Home Advantage down-payment assistance.
Do you work with ITIN buyers?: Yes. I can connect you with trusted bilingual lenders that offer ITIN loan options. Rates, fees and qualification terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
What credit score do I need?: FHA and conventional loan requirements vary by lender, loan program, borrower profile, and other underwriting factors. I can connect you with a lender to review the requirements that apply to your situation and identify practical next steps.
How long does buying take from start to finish?: Many financed purchases can close in roughly 30-45 days after an accepted offer, but timing varies based on the loan, appraisal, inspections, title work and transaction conditions.

Answers

Answers to common real estate questions.

Clear answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and investors across the Triangle ask most.

Who am I?: I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) REALTOR® and Real Estate Strategy Advisor with Corrales Real Estate, serving the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Triangle in North Carolina. I am Certified Full-Service Professional™ (CFSP) and I specialize in first-time buyers, relocations, sellers, and investors.
What areas do you serve?: I serve Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Clayton, and the greater Triangle area of North Carolina.
Do I speak Spanish?: Yes. I am a native Spanish speaker with Colombian roots and I work fluently in both English and Spanish, including bilingual contracts, disclosures, and negotiation.
How can you contact me?: Call or text 919-908-4659, email [email protected], or schedule a meeting at davidvelasquezrealtor.com/contact. Meetings are available in English or Spanish.
Is Raleigh a good place to invest in real estate in 2026?: The Raleigh, Durham Triangle can be attractive to real estate investors because of its employment base, universities, population growth and rental demand. Returns, occupancy and appreciation vary by submarket, property and purchase terms, so I evaluate each opportunity on its own numbers.
What is the CFSP certification?: Certified Full-Service Professional™ (CFSP) is a designation for REALTORS® who follow a documented, fiduciary-driven process across the entire buyer or seller journey, from strategy and marketing to negotiation and closing coordination.

Schedule a Meeting

Pick a time on my calendar. Meetings available in English or Spanish.