Blog | ILM Home Offer

Realty Transfer Tax in North Carolina: What It Is, Who Pays, and How Much It Costs

April 28, 2026

What is transfer tax on real estate in North Carolina? Also known as an excise tax, it is a state tax charged when real property is sold. In NC, the state transfer tax rate is $1 for every $500 of the sale price. Who pays the transfer tax? Customarily, the seller pays this fee out … Continued

Staging a House for Sale in North Carolina: Costs, Benefits & DIY Tips

April 17, 2026

By Michael Ruark

Is staging a house for sale in North Carolina worth it? While staging can increase buyer appeal, the average cost of staging a home in NC ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+. Homeowners must weigh these expensive upfront costs and daily maintenance against selling the property as-is. If you have lived in your home for 15, … Continued

Selling a House in a Trust in North Carolina: How to Liquidate Fast and Fairly

April 10, 2026

By Michael Ruark

Can I sell a house that is in a trust in North Carolina? Absolutely. One thing to note is that it needs to be a Revocable Living Trust. The grantor (owner) retains the power to sell. If it’s an Irrevocable Trust, this is where the designated Trustee has that authority to sell so long as … Continued

How Long Does It Take to Close on a House in North Carolina?

March 27, 2026

By Michael Ruark

How long does it take to close on a house in North Carolina? In 2026, a traditional financed home sale in North Carolina typically takes 30 to 45 days to close. This timeline includes a 14 to 30-day North Carolina due diligence period and requires coordination with a real estate attorney, as NC is an … Continued

What Does “Pending” Mean on a House for Sale in North Carolina?

March 16, 2026

By Michael Ruark

I think I’ve heard this painful lamentation from many people selling their homes many times: “why isn’t my home selling quickly while everyone else around me is”. They check the real estate listings of homes in their neighborhood. While theirs remains on the list, the one down the road from them is “pending”. They see … Continued

How to Sell a House With Pet Damage in Wilmington, NC (Without Repairs)

March 6, 2026

By Michael Ruark

Pet damage is a nightmare to deal with. You know that such damage is going to turn away numerous buyers. The home goes and sits on the listing for a lengthy period of time and you lose money due to holding costs in the process. I even have people asking me: how do I sell … Continued

The Truth About Selling a Home with a Failed Septic Tank in NC

February 27, 2026

By Michael Ruark

Can You Actually Sell a House with a Broken Septic Tank? Yes, you can absolutely sell a home with a failed septic system in North Carolina, and doing so is entirely legal as long as you follow the state’s strict disclosure laws. However, going the traditional route is rarely easy. Because banks will not approve … Continued

Mortgage Assumption and Divorce in North Carolina: Can You Keep the House?

February 16, 2026

By Michael Ruark

Can I keep the house in a divorce in North Carolina? Yes, but it usually requires a Mortgage Assumption or a refinance. Because North Carolina is an “Equitable Distribution” state (not Community Property), the court can award the home to one spouse, but that spouse must still qualify for the mortgage on their own single … Continued

Can You Sell A House With A Mortgage In North Carolina? (2026 Guide)

February 6, 2026

By Michael Ruark

When North Carolina homeowners think about selling, many assume they need to be able to pay off their mortgage beforehand. Seeing a monthly mortgage payment along with the remaining mortgage balance can be stressful. Looking at the years left on the loan can make the stress worse, while also making selling feel risky or complicated. … Continued

Safe and Affordable: Must-Consider Places in North Carolina

January 31, 2026

By Michael Ruark

North Carolina has a reputation for being among the most affordable states on the East Coast. But times change, and now there are some areas that are much more affordable than others. In some of the more popular metro areas, there’s been a substantial rate of increase in home prices, property taxes, utility bills, and … Continued

Cost of Living in North Carolina: What Homeowners Should Expect in 2026

January 26, 2026

By Michael Ruark

North Carolina has a long-standing reputation for being one of the most affordable states on the coast. As markets grow, though, they change, and while many parts of the state are still very affordable, there are some areas that are growing out of the bracket of “affordability”. Homeowners in the Tar Heel State face rising … Continued

Breaking Down Closing Costs for Home Sellers in North Carolina

January 6, 2026

By Michael Ruark

If you’re selling a home in North Carolina, or thinking about it, closing costs can feel like one of those things that nobody explains until it’s too late. Typically, sellers focus on the purchase price, and they assume that number tells the whole story, like it’s a numerical summary of everything important. That’s rarely true, … Continued

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in North Carolina?

December 23, 2025

By Michael Ruark

North Carolina homeowners planning on selling their house typically want to know how long the process is going to take. You might be surprised to learn that the answer actually depends on a bit more than just creating a listing on a real estate platform. Your listing will be subject to the whims of market … Continued

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in North Carolina? (2026 Guide)

December 15, 2025

By Michael Ruark

For homeowners in North Carolina who are considering selling their homes, one of the first concerns is the cost. Most sellers focus on the sale price, but if your costs are out of control, you leave the closing table with less. With many markets moving toward market equilibrium, the gap between list prices and sellers’ … Continued

Understanding Deed vs. Title: Key Differences for NC Homeowners

December 4, 2025

By Michael Ruark

There’s a lot to handle when you’re selling a home in North Carolina, and some of the vocabulary can be similar and potentially confusing. During the sale process, there’ll be a lot of talk about deeds and titles, so you’ll need to know what each one means for property ownership. Not knowing can introduce needless … Continued