Blog: Expert Tips on Purchasing a Home

Selling at a Loss? You’re Not Alone—and You’re Not Out of Options

Tamera Nielsen July 17, 2025

If you bought a home at the top of the market, you’re not alone. Nearly 6% of today’s homeowners are at risk of selling at a loss, according to Redfin’s latest data. That risk jumps to over 16% for those who purchased during the post-pandemic frenzy, when bidding wars and low interest rates inflated prices. Lease-to-Own Raleigh program can help. For many, staying put may feel like the only option—but that decision comes with its own cost. The Emotional and Financial Cost of Waiting Holding on to a home you no longer love (or can’t afford to maintain) drains more than your wallet. It chips away at your energy, your time, and your ability to move forward with life. But selling at

5 Smarter Ways to Buy a Home in 2025—Without a Mortgage

Tamera Nielsen July 16, 2025

2025 isn’t just another year in the housing cycle—it’s a whole new landscape. High interest rates, rising rents, and tighter lending guidelines are changing the rules. And if you’re one of the nearly 60% of U.S. households currently unable to qualify for a $300,000 mortgage (source), you’re not alone–—and a Lease-to-Own home in Raleigh may be the perfect solution. But you’re also not out of options. If you’re self-employed, between jobs, rebuilding your credit, or simply tired of renting, here are five smarter ways to secure a home in 2025—without waiting for the market (or mortgage rules) to shift. 1. Lease the Home You Want—While Building Equity Instead of applying for a mortgage first, our Lease-to-Own Raleigh partners let you choose a move-in ready

Buy Now or Wait? 3 Reasons This Summer Might Be the Right Time—Even Without a Mortgage

Tamera Nielsen July 15, 2025

If you’re wondering whether to buy now or wait until the market shifts, you’re not alone. Many would-be buyers are hitting pause out of fear—fear of high interest rates, fear of overpaying, fear of making a move they might regret. But if you look beyond the headlines and understand the full picture, this summer may actually be the best time to buy in years—even if you can’t yet qualify for a mortgage. Here are three powerful reasons to consider buying now, especially if you’re exploring a Lease to Own Raleigh option or pursuing one of our no bank financing homes. 1. You Have More Negotiating Power Than You Think It’s a question many buyers are asking as the market shifts in their favor. After

What Hurricane Helene Reveals About Housing Risk—And How Raleigh Buyers Can Build Smarter Resilience

Tamera Nielsen July 11, 2025

When Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, it left more than a trail of destruction—it left a wake-up call. With over a million residents without power and hundreds of lives lost, the storm became one of the deadliest hurricanes the U.S. has seen since 1950. But beyond the storm’s path, what Hurricane Helene reveals is that its aftershocks are now rippling through the housing market—from western North Carolina to parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and beyond. For many would-be buyers, particularly in the Raleigh area, this tragedy presents a deeper question: Is my next home—and my long-term financial strategy—resilient enough to withstand the unexpected? At Burson Home Advisors, we don’t just help clients find a home. We help them create a plan

Math Doesn’t Lie—But Your Mentors Might Be Misinformed

Tamera Nielsen June 24, 2025

What self-employed buyers need to understand about timing, equity, and smarter home entry strategies At Burson Home Advisors, we’ve helped dozens of self-employed professionals chart a path to homeownership—without waiting two or three years to qualify for a mortgage. But sometimes, even the clearest strategy gets drowned out by well-meaning mentors who don’t understand the landscape. And unfortunately, that can cost a buyer far more than they realize. Let us introduce you to Chris. Chris is a self-employed professional in Raleigh. He’s passionate, driven, and serious about proposing to his girlfriend and settling into their next chapter together. He wants to move into a new construction home, start building equity, and set himself up for a purchase down the line.

Remote Work Is Declining—But Raleigh’s Housing Flexibility Doesn’t Have To

Tamera Nielsen June 19, 2025

Why smart Raleigh buyers are turning to Lease-to-Own and No Bank Financing as employers call workers back to the office Raleigh is one of the top five metros in the nation for remote work. But even here, full-time work-from-home numbers are dropping. remote work is declining According to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by ResiClub, fully remote work fell in 39 of the 40 largest metro areas in 2023. In Raleigh, remote work is declining and the percentage of fully remote workers slipped to 24.5% last year—down from pandemic highs, but still far above the national pre-2020 average of 5.7%. That means a growing number of Raleigh professionals may find themselves facing return-to-office mandates, hybrid schedules, or unexpected relocations. For

Build-to-Rent Is Booming—But What If You Could Build Wealth Instead of Just Paying Rent?

Tamera Nielsen June 12, 2025

How our Lease-to-Own and No Bank Financing Homes give Raleigh families a smarter alternative to institutional rental models. build-to-rent is booming If you’ve been house hunting in the Triangle, you’ve likely come across brand-new neighborhoods filled with homes for rent—not for sale. These are part of the rising wave of Build-to-Rent (BTR) communities—entire subdivisions constructed for one purpose: to house long-term renters. And there’s a reason they’re popping up everywhere. Big investors see renting as profitable. But here’s the question no one is asking: Is it profitable for you? The Rise of BTR—and What It Means for Raleigh Families In recent years, national investment firms have poured billions into build-to-rent developments across the Sun Belt. Raleigh is now firmly on

The Housing Market Is Slowing—But That Doesn’t Mean You Have To

Tamera Nielsen June 10, 2025

How first-time buyers, relocating homeowners, and self-employed professionals can leverage Lease-to-Own and No Bank Financing options to build wealth now. April 2025 marked a major turning point in U.S. real estate. Home sales dropped to their lowest spring levels since 2009. Mortgage rates remain stuck near 7%. And prices? Still climbing. For many would-be buyers, this feels like the moment to step back. the housing market is slowing But for our clients? It’s become the perfect time to step forward—with a smarter, more flexible strategy. At Burson Home Advisors, we specialize in financially sound alternatives to traditional buying: We believe wealth-building shouldn’t wait for perfect timing. It should meet you where you are—right now. The Problem: Buyers Are Being Squeezed

What If You’re Not Behind—Just Waiting for the Right Way Forward?

Tamera Nielsen June 5, 2025

Why lifestyle delays are redefining homeownership—and how Lease-to-Own can meet you right where you are. If you’re in your 30s or 40s and still waiting to buy your first home, you’re not late. You’re living in a world that changed—and most of the housing industry hasn’t caught up. lease-to-own that works The average age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38 years old—up from just 28 in the early ’90s. The reasons? – People are spending more time in school. – Marrying later (if at all). – Having fewer children—or waiting longer to start families. – And increasingly, they’re prioritizing flexibility over permanence. These aren’t just lifestyle choices. They’re reflections of a new kind of adulthood—one shaped by economic pressures,

Rent Prices Are About to Rebound: Why Lease-to-Own Is the Smartest Move in Raleigh Right Now

Tamera Nielsen June 3, 2025

If you’re currently renting and waiting for the “perfect time” to buy a home in Raleigh, you may want to act sooner than you think. lease-to-own is the smartest move According to real estate analysts, rent prices are set to bounce back by 2026. As rental construction slows and demand stays strong, families who wait may find themselves paying more for less—whether they’re in apartments or single-family homes. But what if there was a way to lock in a fixed monthly payment that’s lower than a mortgage, build equity, and keep your options open? That’s exactly what our clients do through Burson Home Advisors’ Lease-to-Own programs offered through their partners. And for families relocating to Raleigh, first-time homebuyers, and entrepreneurs

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