Mortgage Process in Raleigh: The mortgage process in Raleigh isn’t just about getting approved — it’s about making sure your loan is built to close in real-world conditions. In Raleigh, Wake County, and the Triangle of North Carolina, buyers who succeed understand that execution, documentation, and local expertise matter just as much as interest rate. This guide from Martini Mortgage Group explains how the mortgage process really works, where deals fall apart, and how to prepare with clarity and confidence before going under contract.
Top 7 Reasons Martini Is the #1 First Time Home Buyer Lender in Raleigh & the Triangle
If you’re a first time home buyer Raleigh NC, you already know the pressure. You scroll Zillow, find the perfect starter home in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, or North Raleigh — and your stomach drops.
Wake County’s median price is $465,000 (Oct 2025)…
Homes are going under contract in days, not weeks…
And the difference between getting the house — or getting crushed — often comes down to your lender.
That’s why hundreds of first-time buyers across the Triangle choose Martini Mortgage Group.
Father-son duo Kevin Martini (Certified Mortgage Advisor) and Logan Martini (Raleigh Mortgage Strategist) have guided first-time buyers since 2006, funding over $1B+ in home loans with a fiduciary-style, buyer-first approach.
Here are the top 7 reasons the search for first time home buyer Raleigh NC keeps leading back to Martini Mortgage Group.
Reason 1: Same-Day, Fully Underwritten Pre-Approvals
A generic pre-approval from a national online lender won’t win in Wake County right now.
Our in-house underwriting team delivers a same-day, fully underwritten pre-approval — often in hours — giving you:
✔️ Buying power
✔️ Confidence
✔️ A competitive edge sellers trust
This is our Same-As-Cash Mortgage Approval, and it wins bidding wars every week.
👉 Start yours here: Same-As-Cash Mortgage Approval
Reason 2: Real Low-Down-Payment Programs That Actually Close
Most first-time buyers don’t realize how many real, affordable mortgage programs exist in Wake County. At Martini Mortgage Group, we guide you through the options that actually work — without gimmicks, hidden MI traps, or inflated rates.
Here are the programs first time home buyer Raleigh NC clients use every week:
✔️ 3% Down Conventional (Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac)
Solid option for buyers with stable income and good credit. Lower PMI than FHA in many cases.
✔️ 3.5% Down FHA Loan Raleigh
Flexible credit, flexible DTI, and great for buyers who want payment stability with a predictable government-backed loan.
✔️ 0% Down VA Loan First Time Buyer NC (Eligible service members, veterans, and some spouses)
One of the best loan programs available — no down payment, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates.
✔️ 0% Down USDA Rural Development Loan (USDA Loan)
Perfect for first-time buyers who want affordability without sacrificing location. USDA offers:
- No down payment
- Low mortgage insurance
- Flexible credit
- Eligible areas throughout Johnston County, Harnett County, parts of Wake County, and the outer Triangle
We’ll map your desired homes to confirm USDA eligibility.
✔️ 0% Down FHA Program (New FHA 100% Option)
This new program allows buyers to pair the standard FHA loan with an assistance second mortgage, covering the full 3.5% down payment.
Great for buyers who:
- Need a true 0% out-of-pocket down payment
- Want FHA’s flexible underwriting
- Prefer predictable, fixed mortgage insurance
✔️ Yes — Gift Funds Allowed
Parents, grandparents, or close relatives can gift 100% of the down payment and closing costs. We structure it cleanly so underwriting is smooth, stress-free, and compliant.
Reason 3: We Speak First Time Home Buyer Fluently
Every year, Kevin Martini and Logan Martini support hundreds of first time home buyers in Raleigh and the Triangle, and we know the questions you’re afraid to ask:
“Will my student loans stop me?”
→ Usually not. We show you the math.
“Can my parents gift the down payment?”
→ Yes — and we structure it correctly so underwriters love it.
“How much house can I afford without stress?”
→ We build a transparent, realistic budget with you.
We meet you where you are — zero judgment, total clarity.
Reason 4: Average Close in Just 16 Days
The national average is ~45 days (ICE Mortgage Tech).
Our first time home buyer Raleigh NC average is:
👉 16 days
Because we keep everything in-house, you get:
✔️ Faster underwriting
✔️ Fewer surprises
✔️ A smoother experience
✔️ A closing timeline sellers actually accept
When time kills deals, speed wins homes.\
Reason 5: Radical Rate & Fee Transparency
Wake County buyers average around $8,500 in closing costs.
Here’s what we never do:
❌ Junk fees
❌ Bait-and-switch credits
❌ Last-minute pricing surprises
❌ Inflated “processing fees”
Here’s what we always do:
✔️ Show you everything upfront
✔️ Compare your options side-by-side
✔️ Review quotes from Rocket, Movement, Wells Fargo, etc.
✔️ Explain every number in plain English
Transparency = trust.
Reason 6: Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews Across Every Platform
First-time buyers consistently highlight:
- Clear communication
- Night and weekend availability
- Zero-pressure guidance
- Simple explanations
- Fast closings
- A relatable, caring team
We don’t claim excellence — our clients do.
Reason 7: Concierge Support from Application to Homeownership (and Beyond)
Most lenders disappear the moment you sign your closing documents. We don’t. When you choose Martini Mortgage Group, you get a real partnership — not a one-time transaction.
You work directly with Kevin or Logan from the first conversation through closing day, and the relationship continues for the life of your loan through our Mortgages Under Management program.
Our team provides:
✔️ Night-and-weekend communication when you need quick answers
✔️ Proactive coordination with your real estate agent, attorney, and insurance partners
✔️ Issue prevention, not issue reaction — we stay ahead of underwriting hurdles
✔️ Closing day support and celebration because buying your first home should feel incredible
✔️ Ongoing guidance after move-in through Mortgages Under Management
Mortgages Under Management: Your Strategic Advantage After Closing
Homeownership doesn’t stop at the closing table — and neither do we.
Through Mortgages Under Management, we:
✔️ Track your home equity
✔️ Monitor opportunities to remove PMI
✔️ Alert you to market shifts that may reduce your payment
✔️ Evaluate refinance or recast opportunities
✔️ Provide annual reviews to ensure your loan still supports your long-term goals
✔️ Help you plan future moves, upgrades, or investments
This is the part of the process most first-time buyers never get — ongoing, strategic mortgage coaching designed to protect your financial wellness for years.
Buying your first home should feel exciting, empowering, and supported — not overwhelming.
We’re with you from application… to keys… to every financial milestone that comes next.
TL;DR — Why First Time Home Buyer Raleigh NC Chooses Martini Mortgage Group
The first home you fall in love with in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, or Holly Springs can be sold in days — and the right lender often decides whether you win the house or watch it slip away. That’s why first time home buyer Raleigh NC searches consistently point to Martini Mortgage Group.
We deliver same-day, fully underwritten pre-approvals that win offers, plus real low-down-payment options, including 3% Conventional, 3.5% FHA, 0% VA, 0% USDA, and the new 0% Down FHA program. We speak first time home buyer fluently, giving you clear answers on student loans, gift funds, affordability, and credit.
Our average closing time is just 16 days (vs. ~45 nationally), with radical rate and fee transparency — no junk fees, no surprises, no inflated lender-paid MI. Hundreds of 5-star reviews highlight our communication, clarity, and the confidence buyers feel when working with Kevin Martini and/or Logan Martini.
And the support doesn’t stop at closing. Through Mortgages Under Management, we monitor your equity, PMI removal opportunities, payment-saving strategies, and long-term financial plan so your mortgage continues working for you long after move-in day.
If you’re a first time home buyer Raleigh NC, you deserve a lender who moves fast, tells the truth, and stays with you through every milestone — from application, to keys, to long-term homeownership.
Frequently Asked Questions for First Time Home Buyer Raleigh NC
What’s the first step for a first time home buyer Raleigh NC to get approved?
Most first-time buyers start too late. The best first step is getting a fully underwritten pre-approval, not a quick online pre-qual. Martini Mortgage Group provides same-day, Same-As-Cash Approvals that give Raleigh buyers a competitive advantage in fast-moving markets like Cary and Apex.
How much down payment does a first time home buyer really need in Raleigh?
You do not need 20%. Many Raleigh buyers secure homes with 0%–3.5% down using Conventional 3%, FHA 3.5%, VA 0%, USDA 0%, or the new 0% Down FHA program. Martini Mortgage Group helps you compare all low-down-payment paths and choose the one that fits your long-term plan.
Can I buy a home in Wake County with student loans or average credit?
Absolutely. Income-based repayment (IBR) and updated underwriting rules mean student loans rarely disqualify buyers. Martini Mortgage Group specializes in flexible-first-time-buyer approvals, even for credit scores in the mid-600s.
What loan programs are best for a first time home buyer Raleigh NC?
The most common programs right now are:
– 3% down Conventional
– FHA 3.5%
– 0% VA (eligible service members)
– 0% USDA Rural Development
– 0% Down FHA paired assistance programs
Martini Mortgage Group evaluates your income, credit, debt, and goals to recommend what actually fits you — not a one-size-fits-all product.
How fast can a first-time buyer close in Raleigh, Cary, or Apex?
The national average is ~45 days, but competitive homes in Raleigh rarely sit that long. Martini Mortgage Group averages 16-day closings for first-time buyers — which often determines whether your offer gets accepted.
Is now a good time for a first time home buyer Raleigh NC to buy, or should I wait?
Prices in Wake County continue rising slowly, and well-priced homes go under contract in days. Waiting often costs more than buying now — especially when low-down-payment programs are still available. Martini Mortgage Group helps you create a “Buy Now vs. Wait” strategy based on real numbers, not fear.
Why do first-time buyers choose Martini Mortgage Group over big banks or online lenders?
Because first-time buyers need speed, clarity, local expertise, and real communication — not call centers. Martini offers:
✔ Same-day underwritten approvals
✔ 16-day closings
✔ Local Raleigh/Triangle market guidance
✔ Real low-down-payment options
✔ Mortgages Under Management for long-term support
You get a mortgage partner, not a processor.
Additional Resources for First-Time Home Buyers in Raleigh, NC
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and the right information can save you money, reduce stress, and put you in the strongest negotiating position possible. To support your journey, here are trusted resources created by the Martini Mortgage Group to help you buy with clarity, confidence, and a long-term plan.
Use these guides, tools, and educational assets to deepen your understanding, prepare strategically, and stay ahead in the competitive Raleigh and Wake County market:
➤ Credit for Mortgage: Raleigh Homebuyer’s Definitive Guide
➤ Logan Martini — Raleigh Mortgage Strategist
➤ Martini Mortgage Podcast
➤ What People Say About Martini Mortgage Group
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