What is the Martini Mortgage Group No-Down Payment FHA Program?

The Martini Mortgage Group No-Down Payment FHA Program is designed to help qualified buyers purchase a home without needing to bring the traditional 3.5% FHA down payment to the table. Two-part structure: You’ll have an FHA-insured first mortgage that covers most of the purchase price, and a second loan that provides down payment assistance. This second loan takes care of the required 3.5% FHA down payment. Flexible assistance options: Repayable: A second mortgage with a low, affordable interest rate and regular monthly payments. Forgivable: A second mortgage with a 0% interest rate that may be completely forgiven if you stay in the home for a set number of years. This program makes FHA financing even more accessible by reducing the upfront cash barrier — allowing more families in Raleigh and across North Carolina to step into homeownership with confidence.

How much income do I need to buy a $500,000 home in Raleigh?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on debt, credit, and loan terms. According to the Martini Mortgage Group Raleigh Real Estate Report Card (Sept. 2025), the median household income is $105,796, which supports affordability for many local buyers At Martini Mortgage Group, our fiduciary approach means we analyze more than just your income. We look at your complete financial picture and create a tailored strategy so you buy with clarity, not guesswork.

Do I really need 20% down to buy a home in Raleigh?

No. That’s one of the most common myths we debunk at Martini Mortgage Group. Today’s buyers often qualify with much less: 3% down conventional loans, 3.5% down FHA loans, or even 0% down through VA, USDA, and our own No-Down Payment FHA Program. Plus, with the 2026 conforming loan limits, you can purchase up to $844,330 with just 3% down.

Will Raleigh home prices go down in 2025?

According to the Martini Mortgage Group Raleigh Real Estate Report Card (Sept. 2025), home values in Wake County are forecasted to appreciate by an average of 3.68% per year, totaling nearly 19% over the next five years While no one can predict with absolute certainty, limited inventory and strong demand make significant price drops unlikely. At Martini Mortgage Group, we educate clients on what this means for long-term equity — so you’re not chasing headlines but building wealth strategically.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a home in Raleigh right now?

Renting may feel easier upfront, but over time, it’s more expensive because every rent payment builds your landlord’s equity — not yours. With a median home price of $543,035 and steady forecasted appreciation, buying creates tens of thousands in long-term wealth.

What is Same-As-Cash Approval from Martini Mortgage Group?

Same-As-Cash Approval is our proprietary process that elevates you beyond pre-qualification or pre-approval. We fully underwrite your file upfront, so when you make an offer, sellers see you as strong as cash. This advantage gives you greater negotiating power, faster closings, and confidence that your financing is secured before you shop.

What’s the five-year forecast for Raleigh home values?

Wake County is projected to see 3.68% annual appreciation, adding up to nearly 19% over five years. On a median home of $543,035, that translates to tens of thousands in equity — steady, sustainable growth rather than the spikes seen during the pandemic. At Martini Mortgage Group, we help clients understand how these forecasts affect affordability today and wealth tomorrow.

What is the Martini Mortgage Group No-Down Payment FHA Program?

The Martini Mortgage Group No-Down Payment FHA Program is designed to help qualified buyers purchase a home without needing to bring the traditional 3.5% FHA down payment to the table. Two-part structure: You’ll have an FHA-insured first mortgage that covers most of the purchase price, and a second loan that provides down payment assistance. This second loan takes care of the required 3.5% FHA down payment. Flexible assistance options: Repayable: A second mortgage with a low, affordable interest rate and regular monthly payments. Forgivable: A second mortgage with a 0% interest rate that may be completely forgiven if you stay in the home for a set number of years. This program makes FHA financing even more accessible by reducing the upfront cash barrier — allowing more families in Raleigh and across North Carolina to step into homeownership with confidence.

How much income do I need to buy a $500,000 home in Raleigh?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on debt, credit, and loan terms. According to the Martini Mortgage Group Raleigh Real Estate Report Card (Sept. 2025), the median household income is $105,796, which supports affordability for many local buyers At Martini Mortgage Group, our fiduciary approach means we analyze more than just your income. We look at your complete financial picture and create a tailored strategy so you buy with clarity, not guesswork.

Do I really need 20% down to buy a home in Raleigh?

No. That’s one of the most common myths we debunk at Martini Mortgage Group. Today’s buyers often qualify with much less: 3% down conventional loans, 3.5% down FHA loans, or even 0% down through VA, USDA, and our own No-Down Payment FHA Program. Plus, with the 2026 conforming loan limits, you can purchase up to $844,330 with just 3% down.

Will Raleigh home prices go down in 2025?

According to the Martini Mortgage Group Raleigh Real Estate Report Card (Sept. 2025), home values in Wake County are forecasted to appreciate by an average of 3.68% per year, totaling nearly 19% over the next five years While no one can predict with absolute certainty, limited inventory and strong demand make significant price drops unlikely. At Martini Mortgage Group, we educate clients on what this means for long-term equity — so you’re not chasing headlines but building wealth strategically.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a home in Raleigh right now?

Renting may feel easier upfront, but over time, it’s more expensive because every rent payment builds your landlord’s equity — not yours. With a median home price of $543,035 and steady forecasted appreciation, buying creates tens of thousands in long-term wealth.

What is Same-As-Cash Approval from Martini Mortgage Group?

Same-As-Cash Approval is our proprietary process that elevates you beyond pre-qualification or pre-approval. We fully underwrite your file upfront, so when you make an offer, sellers see you as strong as cash. This advantage gives you greater negotiating power, faster closings, and confidence that your financing is secured before you shop.

What’s the five-year forecast for Raleigh home values?

Wake County is projected to see 3.68% annual appreciation, adding up to nearly 19% over five years. On a median home of $543,035, that translates to tens of thousands in equity — steady, sustainable growth rather than the spikes seen during the pandemic. At Martini Mortgage Group, we help clients understand how these forecasts affect affordability today and wealth tomorrow.

Raleigh Mortgage Lender Reveals: The Real Cost of Buying a Home in 2025

September 23, 2025
Vonk Support
Uncategorized

Buying a home in 2025 can feel overwhelming.

Yes — mortgage rates are lower today than they were a year ago.
But they’re also higher than they were several years back.

That mix leaves many potential buyers wondering: “Should I wait, or is now the right time?”

Here’s the truth: the cost of buying a home comes down to just three factors:

Mortgage rates
Home prices
Your income

As a Raleigh Mortgage Lender who takes a fiduciary approach, I do things differently. Most lenders sell loans. I serve people. My role isn’t to push you into a mortgage — it’s to craft a strategy that safeguards your financial well-being today and helps you build wealth for tomorrow.

The Raleigh Real Estate Report Card by Martini Mortgage Group

According to the latest Raleigh Real Estate Report Card (Wake County, current as of 9/23/2025):

Median Home Price: $543,035
Median Household Income: $105,796 (well above the national average of $80,630)
Affordability Index: 98 (close to neutral, meaning incomes are nearly aligned with home prices)
Forecasted Appreciation: +3.68% per year, cumulative over the next 5 years
Active Listings: 5,189 (with 864 new in the last month, showing modest supply growth)

This data highlights the exact balancing act buyers face: higher prices than years past, but incomes in Raleigh remain strong, and appreciation is forecasted to continue.

Raleigh Mortgage Lender Forecasted Appreciation in Wake County

According to the latest Raleigh Real Estate Report Card by Martini Mortgage Group, home values in Wake County are expected to rise an average of 3.68% per year over the next five years — delivering a projected total gain of nearly 19%.

Forecasted Appreciation in Wake County 1

Think about that: on today’s median home price of $543,035, that’s tens of thousands of dollars in additional wealth simply by owning instead of renting.

Yes, the growth is more modest than the eye-popping appreciation of the pandemic years. But that’s actually a positive. Slower, steady growth means more sustainable equity — the kind of wealth you can count on, not just ride out in a market frenzy.

This forecast is a clear signal: even in a shifting interest rate environment, Raleigh real estate continues to stand out as one of the most reliable long-term investments available.

Why Raleigh Real Estate Still Builds Wealth in 2025

Real estate isn’t just a place to live — it’s one of the most reliable ways to build wealth. And Raleigh continues to prove it.

A Gallup poll in April 2025 found that 37% of U.S. adults consider real estate the best long-term investment, ahead of stocks (16%) and gold (23%). Real estate has held the number-one spot for 12 straight years.
Locally, Raleigh home values remain resilient due to steady job growth, strong in-migration, and limited housing inventory.
Every mortgage payment builds equity — unlike rent, which disappears each month.
Homeownership provides protection from inflation and rising rents.

Rates may fluctuate, but over time, real estate consistently proves itself as a wealth-building tool year after year.

What Every Buyer Needs to Know About Down Payments

One of the biggest myths in homebuying is that you need 20% down. That’s simply not true.

Here are the real numbers in Raleigh today:

3% down conventional options
3.5% down FHA loans
0% down VA, USDA, and the Martini Mortgage Group No-Down Payment FHA Program loans for eligible buyers

And thanks to the new 2026 conforming loan limits, buyers can now purchase up to $844,330 with just 3% down — an option that previously required jumbo financing and much larger down payments.

The takeaway: the down payment barrier is far lower than many think.

The Fiduciary Approach Difference with Martini Mortgage Group

Here’s what makes my approach different:

Your best interests always come first — every recommendation is made with your financial well-being as the priority.
We create strategies, not just loans — focusing on long-term benefits, not short-term sales.
We stay with you for life — offering clarity and guidance before, during, and long after closing.

That’s why Martini Mortgage Group is trusted by Raleigh homebuyers and real estate professionals alike.

Steps to Getting Pre-Approved with Kevin Martini or Logan Martini

Here’s the roadmap to clarity and confidence: Book a complimentary consultation to share your goals, questions, and concerns. From there, we’ll explore your options, comparing programs, rates, and strategies tailored to your income and lifestyle. Next, you’ll get Same-As-Cash Approved, so you know exactly what you can afford before you shop. Finally, you’ll be ready to buy with confidence, making decisions with certainty instead of guesswork.