National headlines suggest home buying is getting easier, with more listings hitting the market. But in Raleigh? That’s only part of the picture. more listings still out of reach
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a current homeowner relocating to the Triangle, or a self-employed professional still getting mortgage-ready, the reality is this: prices remain high, interest rates are volatile, and most homes are still out of reach—unless you already have equity or cash to roll in.
At Burson Home Advisors, we help buyers take a smarter, more fiscally-sound path forward—one that builds equity now, keeps monthly payments fixed (and lower than a mortgage), and protects your options for the future.
The National Inventory Story—And What It Misses
It’s true: active housing inventory is rising nationwide. After years of historically low listings during the Pandemic Housing Boom, some markets—especially in the West and Gulf Coast—are seeing more homes come available. Builders are adjusting prices, sellers are listing again, and new supply is slowly balancing demand.
But here’s the problem: availability does not equal affordability.
And in Raleigh, active inventory still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, much of the Southeast remains tight, meaning home prices here have not softened the way they have in more volatile boomtowns like Austin, Boise, or Cape Coral.
So while national inventory data makes for a good headline, it doesn’t reflect what buyers are up against in high-demand, low-supply cities like Raleigh.
What Raleigh Buyers Are Actually Facing
In our market, price growth may have slowed—but prices haven’t fallen. Add in elevated interest rates, inflation, and the cost of moving—and it’s easy to see why so many families are feeling stuck.
Here’s who we hear from every week:
- Current homeowners relocating to Raleigh who don’t want to liquidate their equity just to make a competitive offer
- Self-employed buyers who need time to season tax returns or build documentation to qualify for a mortgage
- First-time buyers who don’t have the benefit of rolled equity or family funding
- Downsizers or divorcees who need flexibility without financial penalty
These are not fringe buyers. These are the people who make up the heart of this market—and they need better tools than the outdated rent vs. buy binary.
A Fiscally-Savvy Path Forward: Lease-to-Own in Raleigh
This is where our partners’ Lease-to-Own programs come in.
At Burson Home Advisors, we help buyers sidestep the rigid demands of traditional financing—and start building wealth before they take on a mortgage. Here’s what makes our approach different:
- As little as 2% down
- Monthly payments lower than a mortgage, and locked in year after year
- Major repairs included
- Build equity from the day you move in
- No buyer closing costs if you choose to purchase
- Legal protections (including recorded memorandums of contract)
- Freedom to purchase, transfer equity, or cash out later
This isn’t a rent-to-own gimmick. This is a legally protected, equity-first approach that gives you flexibility and financial power—without waiting on rates or inventory to bend in your favor.
Why It Works—Even When the Market Doesn’t
We’ve helped over 100 families step into new homes using these programs, including people who:
- Thought they had to rent because of recent life changes
- Were selling a home in another state and didn’t want to rush into buying here
- Wanted to buy, but couldn’t stomach 7%+ mortgage rates or $20K+ in upfront closing costs
From day one, our clients start building equity— faster than with a mortgage. And because the down payment is never lost and always protected, it’s not a gamble. It’s an investment.
This is what we mean by fiscally sound homeownership: Buy when/if you’re ready. Build wealth now.
The Bottom Line
The market may be normalizing—but normal doesn’t mean accessible.
If you’re searching for homes for rent Raleigh, considering a move to the Triangle, or simply trying to understand your options in a high-cost, high-demand market—know that you’re not stuck with the old rules.
Lease-to-own in Raleigh is more than a workaround. It’s a smart, secure, and flexible path forward—for first-time buyers, seasoned homeowners, and everyone in between.
And we’re here to walk it with you.
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