2017 North Carolina RE Investment Market

[Francis I.]

Hello everyone,

I am a not-so-new real estate investor currently living in the DMV area. The real estate market here is very tough, hard to find deals, and very competitive especially for new investors with little money primarily using hard money. I consider myself a go-getter and have actively been searching for deals since the last 1 year (I had one under contract last November but the deal fell through in February this year). I have been considering the North Carolina market lately and from a friend, it seems to be a better market, and maybe not as competitive as the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. I am primarily interested in rehabbing and also wholesaling.

Active real estate investors in the area, what is the NC market currently like now? What areas in NC are good to invest in? What are my chances of succeeding?

Your comments are highly appreciated.

[Chris Martin]

@Francis I.

The phrase "NC market" doesn't mean much. It's like saying 'how's the weather in the US?' My view: "flips" and long terms rentals are really two different markets. As are BIG vs small markets.

So for generalities, the "Big Four" price-wise cities/areas in NC: Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Ashville (!) are generally overpriced. Can you make money? Absolutely. Game plan different? Absolutely.

The bottom tier counties and cities have, again generally, not participated in the NC "big rally" in real estate. Where have I put my company's last $1.2M?  Second tier markets. The questions to ask yourself:  Do you want cash flow? Appreciation? Quicker (e.g . short term) income or (long term) capital gains?  That will determine where (what cities) you should put your capital.