If you’ve visited this blog before, you know I’m a huge fan of people packing up and moving to Lake Norman. To me, it’s not a matter of having the space or the infrastructure. If your heart is calling you here, we’ll make room.
Of course, like any location, Lake Norman has its quirks. I’ve been a resident and realtor here for a hot minute, so I’m very familiar with what makes us tick. If you’re considering a move and want to start things off on the right foot, here are four things you should know before taking the plunge:
1. Don’t buy at the top of your budget. It’s so tempting to put all your eggs in one basket, but when it comes to purchasing a home, this can put you in real danger. Ideally, you want to leave room for unexpected expenses (like repairs) and future investments (like adding square footage). That way, when the time comes, you’re not strapped for cash.
2. Keep resale value in mind. Many things play into the resale value of your home, but a few of the big ones are location, school district, and neighborhood trends. Even if you plan to stay in Lake Norman for the long haul, a house is an investment. You want to know what it’s worth!
3. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. No one wants to hear this, but buying a house isn’t exactly a cakewalk (for most people. Maybe you have magical house-hunting powers that I don’t know about!). The best thing you can do early on is mentally prepare for the highs and lows, from bidding wars to unexpected repairs. Anticipate the best, but know that if one door closes, another will open.
4. Consider the possibility of home expansion. I cannot stress this enough: adding square footage is one of the best home renovations you will ever consider. I highly recommend making sure your property has space to expand. Bonus points for assessing the main living areas to ensure other renovations (like kitchen and bathroom upgrades) are possible!
Even if you’re not planning a move to Lake Norman specifically, these tips still apply. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions we make as humans, so be sure to think through these details before closing.
And by the way — welcome! If you crave community and a sense of adventure, you’re in the right place. I think you’re going to love it here in North Carolina.