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Serving Raleigh

Mortgage Broker in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh sits in the heart of the Research Triangle, where tech, universities, and long-time North Carolina families all share the same housing conversation. Buyers here range from first-time grads settling near work to households comparing city neighborhoods with quieter towns nearby. The process still comes down to the same fundamentals: what you can comfortably afford, which loan fits your file, and how ready you are when the right home shows up. That is what we sort out on the Mortgage Strategy Session.

Triangle buyers often balance commute, schools, and lifestyle across several towns. Knowing your number early keeps the search from spreading too thin.

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Rather talk now? Call (480) 636-6573 or text Keith. Reviewed by Keith Lopez, NMLS #2814077 · Updated August 2026

Quick answer

Who can help me get a mortgage in Raleigh, NC?

Keith Lopez (NMLS #2814077) is a mortgage broker serving Raleigh buyers through NEXA Mortgage, with access to 300+ lenders. In Wake County, the 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 and the FHA limit is $541,287. Many buyers can put as little as 3% down on a conventional loan, 3.5% on FHA, or 0% with VA or USDA where eligible.

Market Snapshot

Raleigh housing market, at a glance.

Last updated: August 2026

Median Sale Price
$425,000
Median Days on Market
34 (the fastest-moving of the Carolina metros here, so a strong pre-approval matters)

Typical range: condos and townhomes lower, single-family in North Raleigh and the suburbs higher.

Source: Redfin

Market figures are estimates from public data as of the date shown and change over time.

Loan programs

Loan Programs That Work in Raleigh

Here is how the main programs look against local prices, then we match the right one to your file on a Mortgage Strategy Session.

Loan programs in Raleigh

Local guides with Raleigh limits, assistance that stacks, and answers to the questions buyers here ask most.

Program eligibility, guidelines, and pricing are set by the applicable investor, agency, or program and are subject to change without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend.

2026 Loan Limits

Wake County

Limit type Single-family
Conforming limit $832,750
FHA limit $541,287
Cash to close

Lowering your cash to close

Raleigh moves fast, so I make sure your pre-approval and cash plan are ready before you tour. Gift funds and seller-paid closing costs can lower your out-of-pocket. Closing costs run about 2 to 5% (roughly $8,500 to $21,250 on the median).

First-time & assistance

Local assistance paths buyers ask about in Raleigh

Programs change. On a Mortgage Strategy Session we check what may fit your income, purchase price, and county, without treating any program as a guarantee.

  • Chenoa Fund (FHA down payment assistance)

    The Chenoa Fund, from CBC Mortgage Agency, is the down payment assistance I can place. It pairs an FHA 30-year fixed first mortgage with a second mortgage for 3.5% or 5% of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is less. The forgivable option has 0% interest and no monthly payment and is forgiven after three years of on-time payments on the FHA loan. The repayable option is a 10-year second mortgage with a monthly payment. There are no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement, but the home must be your primary residence (1 to 2 units), and credit and underwriting requirements apply. Refinancing the FHA loan during the first three years can cancel the forgiveness, so it suits buyers who plan to keep the loan at least that long. For a Raleigh purchase, I compare it with a standard FHA loan and other low-down options. Program terms and availability change with market conditions, so I confirm current terms for your file before you count on it.

    Learn more →

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage (NC Housing Finance Agency)

    The NC Housing Finance Agency's NC Home Advantage Mortgage pairs a fixed-rate first mortgage with down payment assistance of up to 3% of the loan amount, for both first-time and move-up buyers. The assistance is forgiven 20% per year in years 11 through 15 if you keep the home, and the agency also offers a $15,000 option (NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment) for eligible first-time buyers and veterans. Income, credit score, and participating-lender rules apply. State housing agency programs like this are offered only through participating lenders. As a broker, I confirm whether one of my wholesale lenders participates before recommending it for your Raleigh purchase, so treat it as an option to ask about rather than a promise.

    Learn more →

  • City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance

    The City of Raleigh offers zero-interest, deferred loans for first-time buyers earning no more than 80% of area median income. As of mid-2026 the city lists up to $45,000 citywide (purchase price up to $384,750) and up to $60,000 through its Enhanced program in targeted areas (purchase price up to $450,000). You apply through a city-approved lender, so confirm current terms and lender participation first.

    Learn more →
Neighborhoods

Raleigh neighborhoods, and how financing often fits

Mortgage lending is not one-size-fits-all across Raleigh. Price bands, condo rules, flood zones, and buyer profiles change by pocket. Use this as orientation, then we match a program to your file.

  • Downtown and Glenwood South

    Walkable urban core with nightlife nearby.

    Downtown and Glenwood South attract buyers who want condos, lofts, and walkable evenings near restaurants and venues. Financing often hinges on condo project approval and HOA financials as much as the unit itself. First-time buyers should compare dues and parking fees against a suburban payment. A full file review before touring helps when multiple offers appear quickly.

    Price band
    Condos often near or below the metro median; premium units trend higher.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional and FHA when the building qualifies. Confirm project eligibility early.

    Watchouts: HOA reserves, litigation, and rental limits can affect loan options on condos.

  • Five Points

    Intown, neighborhood-scaled, and established.

    Five Points is an established intown pocket with bungalows and a local commercial strip. Buyers often trade yard size for location and character. Renovated homes can price above nearby unrenovated stock, which matters for appraisals. Inspection findings on older systems are common and should be part of your cash plan.

    Price band
    Often above the metro median for renovated homes.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional is typical. FHA can fit when price and condition align.

  • Historic Oakwood

    Historic, tree-lined, and architecturally distinctive.

    Oakwood is known for historic homes and a preserved streetscape near downtown. Buyers who want character should expect older building systems and sometimes stricter exterior guidelines. Financing still follows standard program rules, but repair items can matter on FHA or VA appraisals. Budget time for inspections and any negotiated repairs.

    Price band
    Often above the metro median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional is common. Program choice depends on price and property condition.

    Watchouts: Historic or overlay rules can affect renovations. Confirm any district requirements with your agent.

  • North Raleigh

    Suburban single-family with shopping and park access.

    North Raleigh offers a wide band of single-family homes and townhomes with more space than many intown options. Relocators and move-up buyers often start here when commute and schools lead the search. Prices vary by subdivision age and lot size. A clear maximum payment keeps comparisons across neighborhoods honest.

    Price band
    Wide range around and above the metro median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional, FHA, and VA are all commonly discussed for primary homes.

  • Southeast Raleigh

    Mixed housing ages and practical commute options.

    Southeast Raleigh still includes some of the city's more attainable entry points for first-time buyers. Housing stock mixes older single-family homes with newer infill. Condition and appraisal standards deserve attention on lower-priced listings. Pairing a realistic repair budget with the right loan program matters as much as the list price.

    Price band
    Often at or below the metro median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    FHA and conventional low-down options are frequently a fit for primary residences.

    Watchouts: Older homes may need work that affects FHA or VA minimum property standards.

  • Cameron Village and Hillsborough corridor

    Intown-adjacent convenience with a mix of housing types.

    This corridor mixes mid-century homes, some denser redevelopment, and easy access to shopping and downtown. Buyers often compare it with Five Points and North Raleigh for commute balance. Pricing reflects location convenience. Newer townhome projects may involve HOA dues that change the monthly picture.

    Price band
    Often near or above the median depending on property type.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional and FHA are common. Attached products need HOA review.

  • Cary (nearby)

    Polished suburban, family-oriented, and amenity-rich.

    Many Raleigh shoppers also tour Cary for planned neighborhoods, parks, and a strong suburban reputation. Cross-town comparisons only work when your loan approval and cash-to-close plan are already clear. Prices can run higher than some Raleigh pockets for similar square footage. For Cary's FHA limits, neighborhoods, and assistance rules, see the dedicated Cary page.

    Price band
    Often above the Raleigh city median.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional is common. FHA and VA still apply when price and eligibility line up.

  • Apex (nearby)

    Growing suburb with a distinct downtown core.

    Apex draws buyers seeking smaller-town feel with Triangle job access. Newer subdivisions and downtown Apex each attract different price points. Financing is usually a standard primary-residence file. Confirm whether any outlying addresses fall in USDA-eligible zones if $0 down is part of your plan.

    Price band
    Often near or above regional medians for newer homes.
    Loan fit (educational)
    Conventional, FHA, VA, and occasionally USDA on eligible addresses.
Buying in NC

A quick note on closing in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, a licensed North Carolina attorney typically runs your closing, certifies the title, and records the deed and deed of trust. The state excise tax on the deed (often called revenue stamps) is $1 per $500 of the price, and state law puts it on the seller, so a $400,000 sale carries $800 in excise tax on the seller's side. Your side usually includes the attorney's fee, title insurance, recording, and prepaid items. I coordinate with your closing attorney so the numbers and timeline stay clean, and your attorney confirms exact fees.

See all North Carolina markets →

Local questions

Buying in Raleigh, answered straight.

  • How much do I need for a down payment in Raleigh?

    On the ~$425,000 median, about $14,875 FHA or $12,750 with 3%-down conventional. VA and USDA can be $0 down for eligible buyers.

  • What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Wake County?

    $541,287 for a single-family home, per HUD. Wake County sits in the Raleigh-Cary metro, which uses the national floor, so it is lower than neighboring Durham County's $634,800.

  • Homes here sell fast, does that change anything?

    Yes. A full pre-approval (credit, income, and assets reviewed) makes your offer stronger when you are competing on a 34-day market.

  • Does the City of Raleigh offer down payment help?

    Yes, for eligible first-time buyers. The city's Homebuyer Assistance Program offers zero-interest deferred loans up to $45,000 citywide, and its Enhanced program offers up to $60,000 in targeted areas, both for households at or below 80% of area median income. The home must be inside Raleigh city limits and under the program's price cap.

  • Can I combine Raleigh's assistance with a state program?

    Often yes. Raleigh's housing office notes that buyers can pair city assistance with NC Housing Finance Agency programs like the NC Home Advantage Mortgage. Those state programs are offered only through participating lenders, so I confirm whether one of my wholesale lenders participates before recommending one. Layering rules depend on the lender and loan type, so I map the combination on your specific file.

  • Does it matter if a home is in Raleigh, Cary, or another Wake County town?

    Yes. Each town adds its own municipal tax rate on top of Wake County's rate, and Raleigh's city assistance only applies inside Raleigh city limits. Compare the full monthly payment, including taxes, not only the list price.

  • Who pays the excise tax on a Raleigh home sale?

    The seller, under North Carolina law. The excise tax is $1 per $500 of the price, so a $425,000 sale carries $850 on the seller's side. Your attorney will show all figures on the settlement statement.

  • Can I buy in Raleigh if I am self-employed?

    Often yes, with a bank-statement or P&L program.

Service area

Also serving nearby

From the blog

Mortgage reading for Raleigh buyers

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Ready to talk through your Raleigh options?

One free, no-pressure Mortgage Strategy Session. Your options, your numbers, your next step, talked through clearly for buying in Raleigh, NC.

Schedule a Free Consultation Start My Application

Call (480) 636-6573 · Text Keith

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Let's talk through your Raleigh options.

One free Mortgage Strategy Session. Your options, your numbers, your next step.

Schedule a Free Consultation Start My Application

Keith Lopez, NMLS #2814077 | NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690 | Licensed in NC, SC & GA | Equal Housing Opportunity

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