Looking to buy a house in the Triangle? Here's what you need to know.

This article was written for our sponsor, Opendoor.

Homes in the Raleigh-Durham area tend to sell quickly, sometimes within a matter of weeks.

USA Today published an article earlier this year that listed Raleigh as the ninth fastest growing city in America.

From 2010 to 2017, Raleigh saw a 17.4 percent increase in population growth. Add in the fast-paced growth rates of its sister cities Durham and Chapel Hill, along with other Triangle area municipalities like Cary, Apex and Holly Springs, and you've got a population explosion.

"Buying a home is arguably one of the largest purchases a person makes, and as these markets get more popular, prices tend to go up," said Beatrice De Jong, consumer trends expert at Opendoor, a San Francisco-based startup that launched in the Triangle in 2017. "It's important that you have helpful information to make an educated and financially smart decision as you search for and select your new home."

Opendoor is a real estate technology company that helps sellers close on an all cash offer on their timeline without ever having to list, and helps home buyers easily browse, tour and purchase homes through their mobile app. The company has set out to "reinvent life's most important transaction" by making the process simpler and faster.

"Based on what we're seeing with Opendoor transactions, the Raleigh-Durham area real estate market is one of the most active markets where we operate, and we don't anticipate it slowing down anytime soon," De Jong finished.

With so many people making the Triangle their permanent home and new residents moving to the area every day, the process can be overwhelming. Whether you're a first time homebuyer or if you're looking to upgrade or downsize, here are some tips De Jong offered for people looking to buy a house in the Triangle.

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Speaking to a lender and getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking to buy can help the home buying process run smoother.

A lender will generally review your income, debts and credit score to help you figure out what payments you can afford monthly. Getting pre-approved gives you an indication of the price range you can afford and can also streamline the transaction once you're ready to purchase something since you've already been approved.

"Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is important so you know exactly what you can afford — otherwise you don't really know what price range to shop in," De Jong said. "Because things can move so fast, you don't want to wait until you find a home you like and then have to get pre-approved. A potential competing buyer could swoop in and make an offer on the home while your lender is working things out."

She continued, "Since things can move really quickly, especially in the Triangle, you want to be ready to go before you even find a home. Even though that may sound a little bit backwards, you just want to be extra prepared."

2. Do your research

Take the time to search homes online within your budget and then tour the homes in person. Consider the neighborhood you're moving into and what amenities it may have, what the upkeep on the house will be like, and other things that are important to you.

Touring multiple homes within your price range will also give you options and help you make comparisons.

Apps like Opendoor make the process simple and easy. Opendoor is unique because the app acts like a key, letting potential buyers tour Opendoor homes on their own schedules, seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.

"You can actually use the app to open homes and get access to them, and tour on your own schedule so you don't have to rely on an agent being available or having to go to open houses on the weekend," De Jong explained.

3. Test your commute and get a feel for the neighborhood

Visiting a place once or twice is much different than living in that same place all the time.

Instead of just touring the house itself, also take a tour of the neighborhood at different times of the day. Home buyers often survey the physical layout and yard of a house, but the neighborhood you're considering will also have an impact on other aspects of your life like your commute to and from work and who your neighbors are.

Getting a feel for your community is important when buying a home.

"I always recommend people stop by the home they're planning to buy before work so they can see what their commute would be like," De Jong said. "Additionally, stopping by after work or at night will give you an idea of what the street is like when people are home in the evening."

4. Write a letter to the seller

Once you've found a home you love and you're ready to make an offer, De Jong stated that many buyers choose to write up a short personal statement to the sellers explaining why they want the home.

Writing a letter isn't something everyone does when they submit an offer, but it can set you apart from other buyers — especially those who are putting in similar bids as you are.

"Writing down what you love about the neighborhood or complimenting the sellers' tastes can help the sellers see beyond just the price on the offer, especially if the offer price is lower than the listed amount, and can help your offer stand out against competing buyers," De Jong said.

De Jong said she's witnessed buyers write letters to sellers that have made them cry. One particular buyer wrote about how much they loved the garden of the home, which touched the seller because his late father had planted all of the fruit trees in the yard.

Moving can be an emotional experience for the seller who perhaps raised a family in the house or is leaving because they have to, not because they want to. Knowing they are leaving their beloved home in the hands of someone who will care for and love it can make all the difference to sellers.

While buying a home in an area as popular as this one can seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. Just remember — preparation is key and could open the door to your new home.

This article was written for our sponsor, Opendoor. Opendoor is represented by Opendoor Brokerage LLC, a licensed real estate brokerage in North Carolina. This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, or legal advice. Opendoor always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.