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The Best Neighborhoods in Holly Ridge for 2025
Diane Castro-Perez
Historic charm along the Neuse and Trent Rivers, a growing job base, and approachable prices make New Bern a standout for first-time buyers. Use this quick guide to go from “curious” to “offer-ready” with fewer surprises.
Understand the Market You’re Entering
Inventory, days on market, and median prices shape your strategy. Get a feel for regional movement in our real estate markets report, then decide if this is your moment with Buying a Home in 2025.
Nail Pre-Approval and Documents
A clean, complete packet speeds up your letter and strengthens your offer. Use our step-by-step list in Mortgage Pre-Approval: Every Document You’ll Need and avoid paperwork snags with 10 Common Mistakes.
Know Your First-Time Buyer Advantages
Down-payment requirements are often lower than you think. Many first-time buyers qualify for 0%–3.5% options depending on the loan type, and you can often layer assistance (grants, gifts, and negotiated seller credits) to shrink cash-to-close. Start with How Much Down Payment Do First-Time Buyers Need?
Choose the Right Home—Not Just the Right Price
Proximity to historic downtown, flood considerations by the rivers, and commute routes all matter. Use our buyer fundamentals in 7 Things to Look For When Touring Homes and compare monthly outlay with Home vs. Renting.
Next Steps
Search active listings and get matched to neighborhoods that fit your budget, then schedule a call with us. We’ll line up tours, explain flood maps, and craft a first-offer strategy suited to New Bern.
Thinking about buying a home?
Get in touch. We'll guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth transaction that meets your goals.