Here's What You Need to Know About Buying a Home in New Hanover County...

BUYER'S GUIDE

Buying a home is more than a transaction—it’s a strategic lifestyle decision. Whether you’re purchasing a primary residence, second home, or investment property, the experience should feel seamless, informed, and tailored to you

I provide a concierge-level buying experience rooted in market expertise, discretion, and personalized guidance. From defining your vision and structuring a strong financial strategy to navigating private showings, negotiations, and closing, every step is managed with precision and care

You’ll receive curated property opportunities, strategic negotiation, and hands-on support throughout the process—ensuring confident decisions and exceptional outcomes. My role is to advocate for your best interests while delivering an elevated, stress-free path to homeownership

Luxury Living Room
01 Define Your Vision
We clarify your goals, ideal neighborhoods, and timeline—so every showing is intentional
02 Build Your Financial Strategy
We align on budget and pre-approval—positioning you to move confidently and competitively
03 Curated Home Search
You receive hand-selected opportunities, including private showings and off-market options
04 Offer & Negotiation
I craft a strategic offer and negotiate with precision—protecting your best interests
05 Due Diligence
Inspections and evaluations are coordinated with trusted professionals and clear guidance
06 Closing, Seamlessly Managed
I oversee details and timelines from contract to keys—so your experience is stress-free
07 Support Beyond the Sale
I remain a resource for trusted referrals and market insight even after your closing

The Tools to Help You Find Your Home

Once you've defined your home search goals, discussed them with your RE/MAX agent, and have spoken with a mortgage professional to see what your buying power is — you're ready to find your dream home! In addition to my local knowledge as a real estate agent, I offer online tools that can help make your initial search as easy as possible.

Find a Home Using My Interactive Map Search

I know that location plays an important role in the home buying process. Use the map search available on my website to view homes located in or near the area you love.

Get to Know the Neighborhood

Feel confident and informed about your neighborhood choice! On any listing page, you can learn more about the communities you are interested in, including a breakdown of the local population, school ratings and more.

Create an Account on My Website

Sign up for an account on my website to save searches, favorite homes you love, receive real time property alerts, and more!

BUYER'S COURSE

You Need An Expert
Buyer Agent Compensation
Choosing the Right Lender
Making An Offer and Negotiations
Your Offer Is Accepted
Inspections Are Complete
The Final Steps

Exclusive Market Updates

We know buying a property can be stressful and overwhelming! That’s why we have you covered. With the right professionals by your side, we will guide and navigate you through the selling  process to help you make informed decisions and get the best terms possible on your purchase!

Our exclusive market updates will help you stay ahead of the curve with our up to minute market updates.  From the latest listings, price trends and days on market, we ensure you will have all the information you need to make informed decisions on your purchase.  New Hanover County’s real estate landscape is dynamic, and with our expert analysis you will always be well informed and in the know.

market Updates

Preparing for a possible move this summer? Click below to check out our moving checklist to get your whole house ready for the next home!

Want to know what is happening throughout New Hanover County Now? Click the button for local happenings around town now!

DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

The Complete Guide to Buying Your Home

Kimberly Crouch

I spent over 25 years in accounting and finance—as a licensed CPA, investment banker, commercial loan officer, and CFO—but I was never truly fulfilled

I wanted to build my own business and spend my days helping people, not just analyzing spreadsheets. The turning point came while working as a CFO for a real estate brokerage in the Outer Banks

I was cutting commission checks for agents that matched my annual salary—per transaction. I realized: Why am I building their business instead of my own? But this wasn't just a career pivot—it was personal. I've loved the coast my whole life.

Welcome To The Virtual Buyer Seminar Library

Enjoy the latest & most up-to-date marketing & purchasing tactics to help you purchase a NEW home

Thinking About Buying?

Are you thinking about buying a home but you don't know where to start?

  • Learn to take advantage of Tax Saving opportunities instead of paying rent
  • Walk through the important aspects of purchasing a home
What to Expect When Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is most likely going to be one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime

  • We have helped over 30 clients buy in the past and we can help you too
  • We will help you and explain the compensation so you understand how it works
10 Rules of Buying a Home

Once you find your dream home, we need to make sure you get to move into it.

  • Don’t change jobs; becoming self employed or quit current job
  • Don’t buy vehicles
  • Don’t use any charged cards or let your accounts fall behind
  • Don’t spend money you saved for closing
  • Don’t omit any debt or liabilities from your loan application
Can I Accurately Time the Market?

"Should I wait until there's a better market to buy in?"

  • Why trying to time the market isn't a good idea
  • What you should focus on instead
Why Should You Buy a Home?

"Why should I buy instead of rent?"

  • What leverage means in real estate
  • How equity grows from two directions: loan paydown + appreciation
  • Why buying can be a launchpad for future financial freedom
  • The real cost of renting over time
  • Example: How a $10,000 down payment can help you build wealth
Think You'll Never Own a Home?

"How can I ever save enough money to buy?"

  • How much money you really need upfront (down payment + closing costs)
  • A realistic monthly payment breakdown (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, PMI)
  • How your loan gets paid down over 30 years — and how equity builds
  • The 3 things lenders look at: income, credit score, and reserves
  • Why your first home is a stepping stone to wealth, not your forever home
No Credit History?

"How can I build my credit from scratch?"

  • The easiest way to open your first credit account
  • How becoming an authorized user can jump-start your score
  • Why payment history is your credit superpower
  • How to keep your balances low and applications strategic
  • The long-term benefits of building credit early
Are You Active or Retired Military?

"How can I understand my VA loan benefits?"

  • Who qualifies for a VA loan
  • What “entitlement” means
  • How many times you can use your VA loan benefit
  • Why it’s for primary residences only
  • How active-duty military can use BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) to pay their mortgage
  • The role of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in getting approved
What Is Due Diligence in NC?

"What is a due diligence period and why aren't there any contingencies?"

  • How NC's due diligence period replaces contingencies
  • What fees you'll pay upfront (and when you get them back)
  • Why timing is everything in NC real estate contracts
  • How to protect yourself as an out-of-state buyer
  • The difference between due diligence fees and earnest money
What Do I Need Prior to Touring Homes?

"Can I just start browsing?"

  • Your must-have features
  • The ideal location
  • A realistic budget
What Insurance is Necessary?

"How do I determine what insurance I need on the coast?"

  • Homeowners Insurance
  • Wind & Hail Coverage
  • Flood Insurance (even outside flood zones!)
I Don't Have Perfect Credit!

"Don't I need a perfect credit score to get a mortgage?"

  • Minimum credit score
  • What programs are available to help lower credit scores
  • How to improve your credit over time
Is Coastal Living Different?

"How do I know which home is right for me?"

  • The insurance reality check you MUST do before falling in love with a property
  • Why visiting during off-season is absolutely critical
  • Hidden carrying costs that shock most buyers
  • Flood zone secrets that could cost you thousands
  • Hurricane planning beyond just insurance coverage

Community Videos

PO Box 13, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

(910) 679-6072

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