Buying A Home on the Crystal Coast
Whether you are planting roots in Stella or buying a weekend getaway in Emerald Isle, the rules are different depending on how you plan to use the house. Let’s break it down.
Buying a
Primary Residence
Who is this for?
You plan to live here full-time. Maybe you’re PCSing to Camp Lejeune/Cherry Point, or you’re moving your family to the White Oak or Croatan school districts.
What you need to know:
Financing is easier.
You have access to the lowest rates and lowest down payments (often 0%–5% down).
The "Rural" Secret
Many people don't realize that beautiful areas like Peletier, Stella, and parts of Cape Carteret often qualify for USDA Loans (0% down) because they are considered "rural" by the government, even though they are just minutes from the bridge to the beach.
Flood Zones
If you are buying in Cedar Point or Cape Carteret near the sound, we need to check the flood maps early. I’ll help you estimate that cost so it doesn't wreck your monthly budget.
Buying a
Second Home
(The "Weekender")
Who is this for?
You want a house in Emerald Isle or Swansboro to visit with your grandkids, but you aren’t renting it out full-time.
The "Occupancy" Rule
To get "Second Home" financing (which has better rates than investment loans), you generally need to live there for some part of the year, and it usually needs to be at least 50 miles from your primary residence.
The Unexpected Benefit
You can often still rent it out a little bit (like on Airbnb) when you aren't using it, as long as the lender knows your plan. Let’s chat about the rules so you stay compliant.
Buying an
Investment Property
Who is this for?
You are building a portfolio. You’re looking at a condo in Emerald Isle or a duplex in Swansboro strictly for rental income.
You may already know...
Lenders view these as "business decisions." You will likely need a 15–25% down payment and substantial cash reserves.
The "DSCR" Option
If you don't show enough personal income on your tax returns, we can look at a DSCR Loan. This looks at the property's potential rental income rather than your personal pay stubs to approve the loan. It’s a game-changer for investors in Carteret County.
Get the rate you need now
Tell me what you're dealing with, and I'll give you a clear, realistic breakdown of your options.
Tyler Kercheval
He is diligent, personable, and reliable.
Ashleigh Ellis
Made the entire process smooth and easy.
Joseph Irwin
The only person I will ever recommend in the future.