If you’re planning a move to Raleigh, North Carolina, you are not alone. As of late 2025, about 70 people a day are making the same decision. Raleigh was just named the #1 best-performing large city in America by the Milken Institute. But here’s what most newcomers don’t realize: in all that excitement, there’s one common mistake that can quietly cost you six figures. I’m Marti Hampton, and I’ve helped thousands of buyers relocate to the Triangle over the last three decades. And I’ve watched some of them lose more than $100,000 simply because they didn’t know what you’re about to learn. That’s why I created this video. The video walks you through the biggest—and most costly—errors people make when moving to Raleigh. But here, I want to give you a taste of what we cover, especially the first mistake that sets people back the most.

 

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The One That Hurts the Most: Waiting Too Long to Buy

This one costs people serious money. I’ve seen it over and over: someone moves to Raleigh and decides to rent first. They want to get to know the area. They don’t feel ready to commit. But by the time they’re ready, the home they loved has jumped $50K in value. They didn’t wait a decade. They waited six months. That hesitation turned into lost equity they may never get back. If you’re relocating here, I get it—it feels like too much all at once. New job. New routine. New city. But Raleigh is a boom market. Waiting doesn’t freeze the market; it moves it without you. To get a sense of what’s available today—and how values differ across neighborhoods—explore our Raleigh Homes Guide.

 

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The One Nobody Talks About: Choosing the Wrong Suburb

You can get two suburbs that are $23,000 apart in price—and they’re moving in opposite directions. Everyone knows about Cary. But Apex? That town is about to change in a big way. The University of North Carolina is building a 230-acre health campus there. That means new roads, new jobs, new demand. In the video, I compare Cary and Apex side by side and show you why both can work—but only if they match your plan.

Watch the full video to see:

• Where I see the biggest value gaps right now
• The suburb comparison that might change your move
• The growth data that most buyers ignore

 

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The Commute Trap: Don’t Just Look at the Map

You might think, "It's just a 30-minute drive." But in Raleigh, that 30 minutes can turn into 45 fast. We don’t have subways. We drive. And if you’re coming from a city like Atlanta or D.C., our rhythm is going to feel different. In the video, I break down commute patterns, rush hour realities, and how commute time affects resale value more than most buyers realize. If you want expert guidance on which areas fit your lifestyle, commute, and long-term resale goals, connect with our team through our Meet the Team page.

 

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And Then There’s Mistake #5…

This is the one nobody sees coming. But I see it all the time, and it’s often the most expensive one on the list. Don’t miss it—watch the full breakdown above. If you’re serious about making your move to Raleigh and want to make a smart, confident decision, this video will help you avoid the pitfalls I see far too often. Watch the video, and let’s make your move one that builds equity from day one. If you also need guidance on selling your current home before relocating, you can request a complimentary value report here: Get Your Home Evaluation.

 

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Authority Note

With 30+ years of resale experience, more than 10,000 closings, and deep local relationships across the Triangle, Marti Hampton Real Estate offers one of the region’s most trusted systems for guiding buyers and sellers. Our structured, data-driven approach helps clients make clear, confident decisions in every market cycle.