Remote Work Is Declining—But Raleigh’s Housing Flexibility Doesn’t Have To
You’ve built your life around the freedom of working from home. The mid-morning walks. The kitchen that doubles as your break room. The ability to skip traffic and still overdeliver for your team.
But now? The whispers are louder. Leadership is “evaluating productivity.” New policies are “coming soon.” Your calendar has mysterious “all-hands” meetings. And in the back of your mind, one thought keeps circling:
What happens if I have to go back?
For a growing number of Raleigh professionals, that question isn’t hypothetical anymore.
A Market in Motion: Work Trends Are Changing Housing Plans
Raleigh is one of the top five metros in the nation for remote work. But even here, the tide is shifting.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by ResiClub, the percentage of fully remote workers in Raleigh slipped to 24.5% in 2023—down from pandemic highs, but still well above the national pre-2020 average of 5.7%.
It’s not just numbers—it’s a ripple effect.
In January 2025, companies like Starbucks and Amazon rolled out stricter return-to-office policies. Across industries, leaders are talking less about remote flexibility and more about in-person collaboration. While remote work isn’t disappearing, the idea of “forever WFH” is fading.
And when your job security, location, and schedule are in flux, making a long-term housing decision feels risky.
The Crossroads Every Remote Worker Faces
If your employer changes course, you could be:
-
Commuting again — and realizing your dream home is an hour (or more) from your office.
-
Relocating for work — and facing the stress of selling, renting, or starting over in a new city.
-
Balancing two worlds — a hybrid schedule that’s not enough for a big move, but too much for a faraway home.
So you wait. You sign another lease. You pay someone else’s mortgage. And you tell yourself you’re “playing it safe.”
But in reality? The cost of waiting might be higher than you think.
Flexible Housing for a Flexible Future
At Burson Home Advisors, we work with partners who make housing stability possible—even when your career path is anything but predictable.
Our lease to own Raleigh program lets you:
-
Move into the home you actually want now—resale or new construction
-
Make a low down payment that is never lost
-
Enjoy fixed monthly payments lower than a mortgage
-
Skip all buyer’s closing costs if you choose to purchase
-
Build equity from day one—even before you qualify for a mortgage
-
Keep the right (but never the obligation) to buy
It’s not a gamble—it’s a bridge. You get the stability of homeownership with the freedom to adapt if life changes.
Why Renting Might Not Be Safer
A lot of remote professionals think renting keeps them “light on their feet.” But here’s what rent really keeps you light on:
-
Equity — You build none, no matter how many years you stay.
-
Control — Your rent can go up, your lease can change, or you can be asked to leave.
-
Stability — You’re never fully secure in a space you don’t own.
In contrast, our lease to own Raleigh program offers:
-
Fixed monthly payments for the life of your lease
-
Equity growth every month you’re in the home
-
A secure down payment you can cash out or transfer if life changes
-
The option to buy—or walk away—without penalty
It’s not just about a roof over your head. It’s about having leverage in an unpredictable market.
Who This Program Helps Most
We see the same kinds of clients finding peace of mind in this approach:
-
First-time homebuyers Raleigh trusts who are done paying rent
-
Relocating professionals who want a safe landing spot before committing
-
Hybrid or remote workers facing policy changes
-
Families who need flexibility without losing financial momentum
Final Thought: In a Shifting Work World, Certainty Still Exists
You can’t control company policy. You can’t control the market. But you can control how prepared you are for change.
At Burson Home Advisors, we’re not here to push you into a purchase. We’re here to give you a housing plan that fits your real life—the version that includes career twists, surprise relocations, and the possibility that “forever remote” isn’t forever after all.
Learn how our lease to own Raleigh program can secure your home, build your equity, and keep your options open: