Sellers, Are You Accidentally Ghosting 40% of Your Buyers?!?

If you’re selling a home in Johnston, Harnett, Cumberland or Southern Wake County, you aren't just selling to "the market." You’re selling in a region that practically runs on government-backed financing. Between Fort Bragg, the booming tech suburbs in Fuquay-Varina, and the rapid growth in Benson and Smithfield, if your house doesn't qualify for VA or FHA loans, you might as well put a "Most Buyers Allowed" sign in the front yard.

As this viral Anthem Monday Minute video perfectly nails, the list of things that can "kill" a deal is actually pretty short—but if you ignore them, you’re cutting out a massive chunk of the population.

The Local Reality: By The Numbers

In our neck of the woods, government loans aren't just a "nice to have"—they are the engine of the real estate market.

• Johnston & Harnett Counties: These areas are magnets for first-time buyers using FHA loans (3.5% down) and veterans looking for more land.

• Cumberland County: Home to nearly 60,000 veterans, making it the largest veteran population in North Carolina. In some Fayetteville neighborhoods, VA loans aren't just common; they’re the standard.

• Southern Wake: As prices in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina climb toward the $550,000 FHA loan floor (and beyond for VA), buyers are leaning on these programs more than ever to stay competitive.

The Scary Truth: If your home is "Conventional Only" because of a leaky roof or peeling paint, you are effectively ghosting about 30–40% of the active buyers in these counties.

The "Deal-Killer" Checklist (And How to Fix It)

The government’s "Three S's" (Safe, Sanitary, Secure) are what guide the appraiser. If you can’t check these boxes, you’re losing money.

1. Peeling Paint (The "Cumberland Classic")

If your house was built before 1978, the appraiser will treat chipping paint like toxic waste.

• The Fix: Don’t just slap a coat over it. Scrape, prime, and paint. This includes trim, sheds, and even that old fence.

2. Handrails & Safety (The "Harnett Hazard")

Got more than three steps? You need a handrail. Got a deck higher than 30 inches? You need a sturdy guardrail.

• The Fix: A few hours and a trip to the hardware store can save a $400,000 deal.

3. The Roof (The 2-Year Rule)

In Johnston and Wake, where storms can be brutal, the appraiser needs to see at least two years of remaining life on that roof.

• The Fix: If it’s missing shingles or leaking, fix it now. If it’s just "old," get a roof certification to prove it still has some fight left.

4. Utilities & HVAC

The heat must be permanent (no space heaters!), the water must be hot, and the crawlspace must be dry.

• The Fix: Clear out the crawlspace. If the appraiser can’t get their "head and shoulders" in there to check for moisture or termites, they’ll stop the inspection entirely.

Why It Matters

When you limit your home to "Conventional or Cash Only," you aren't just being "picky"—you're being expensive. Fewer buyers means fewer offers, which usually leads to a lower final sales price.

In a military-heavy market like ours, being VA-Ready is a badge of honor (and a smart financial move). Don't let a $100 handrail or a $50 can of paint stand between you and a "Sold" sign.

Want to see what an appraiser looks for in real-time? Check out our video and see just how easy it is to keep your deal on track.

Are you worried your home might have one of these "deal-killers" hiding in plain sight?  Let one of the agents at Anthem help coach you threw some ideas.