Buying a home in Raleigh, North Carolina is not just a transaction, it is a life decision that shapes everything from your monthly stress level to your long term financial flexibility. On this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with local mortgage expert Michael Martin to unpack what a mortgage really represents in today’s Triangle housing market.

Michael is the Branch Manager of Martin Mortgage Group at Fairway Independent Mortgage, a trusted local lending team serving Raleigh, Wake County, and the greater Triangle area. His philosophy is simple but powerful: mortgages are not commodities, they are strategies. And when done right, they create clarity instead of confusion.

This conversation goes far beyond interest rates, offering insight into mindset, education, and the real tools buyers and sellers need to navigate Raleigh’s evolving real estate landscape.

From Career Pivot to Community Impact in the Triangle

Michael’s journey to becoming a respected mortgage leader in Raleigh started with a major life change. After relocating from the Washington, D.C. area to North Carolina, he experienced both a cultural shift and a professional crossroads.

Before entering the mortgage industry, Michael worked in outside sales, including food distribution to restaurants. While his performance improved, his income did not, which forced him to rethink his long term path. A brief detour into pharmaceutical sales confirmed what he already suspected, it was not the right fit.

A conversation with a friend named Pat changed everything. Michael took a chance on the mortgage industry, despite openly admitting he barely understood it at the time. That leap led to years of hands on experience, growth through challenging market cycles, and eventually the formation of Martin Mortgage Group, which gained momentum during the late 2000s and later joined Fairway Independent Mortgage in 2017.

Today, his team is known throughout Raleigh and the Triangle for education driven lending and steady guidance.

Why Fairway Independent Mortgage Works for Local Raleigh Buyers

One reason Michael chose Fairway is its entrepreneurial structure. Each branch maintains its own identity while benefiting from the scale and resources of a national lender.

That balance matters in a market like Raleigh, where local knowledge can directly impact whether a deal closes smoothly. Gretchen Coley immediately connects with this model, noting how similar it is to the way her real estate team operates within Compass.

For buyers and sellers in Wake County, this means personalized service without sacrificing reliability or speed.

Mortgage Education as a Competitive Advantage in Raleigh Real Estate

A major theme of the episode is education, especially in a market where buyers are often overwhelmed by online information that lacks context.

Michael points out that while mortgage information is everywhere, true understanding is rare. Many buyers do not know how loan structures, debt ratios, and timing decisions affect their real options. In competitive Raleigh neighborhoods like Inside the Beltline, Five Points, and North Hills, those details matter.

That is why Martin Mortgage Group invests heavily in education through agent trainings, buyer consultations, and community focused content. As Michael explains, you cannot teach what you have not lived, and experience is what allows his team to anticipate problems before they cost clients time or money.

Common Mortgage Mistakes Buyers Make in the Triangle Area

Michael and Gretchen highlight several mistakes that consistently create issues for Raleigh homebuyers.

Trusting Online Quotes Without Local Context

Online lenders often miss nuance. When problems arise, buyers may find themselves without a real person who understands local contracts, appraisal norms, or agent relationships.

Skipping a Strong Local Lender Relationship

In competitive situations, a local pre approval carries weight. Listing agents are more confident when they know the lender can be reached directly and understands the Triangle market.

Making Large Financial Moves Without Coordinated Advice

Putting 40 to 50 percent down is not always the smartest strategy. Michael encourages buyers to loop in financial advisors when needed, especially when tax strategy or long term investments are part of the picture.

A Game Changing Tool for Move Up Buyers: Bridge Loans

One of the most impactful parts of the conversation centers on bridge loan options available through Fairway Independent Mortgage.

This tool can help Raleigh homeowners buy their next home before selling their current one, removing one of the most stressful timing challenges in the process.

Key features include:

• Paying off the existing mortgage temporarily
• No bridge loan payments for up to six months in some cases
• Improved debt ratios by removing the current mortgage payment
• Access to home equity for a down payment
• A six month balloon structure that allows time to sell

For many families moving within Wake County or relocating into the Triangle, this strategy can be the difference between feeling stuck and moving forward confidently.

Raleigh Mortgage Rates and Market Perspective

Michael shares that at the time of the conversation, 30 year fixed rates for well qualified borrowers were in the mid to lower six percent range. While that feels high compared to recent history, it is closer to long term averages.

The real challenge, he explains, is affordability, driven by rising home prices across Raleigh and surrounding communities like Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest.

They also discuss a striking shift in buyer demographics. The average first time homebuyer age is now 38, reflecting delayed entry into the market. Michael cautions against waiting indefinitely for a perfect scenario, noting that appreciation and time in the market still matter.

Where to Find Michael Martin and Martin Mortgage Group

If you are buying, selling, relocating, or refinancing in Raleigh or the Triangle area, Michael encourages starting with a real conversation, not an online calculator.

• Website: yournclender.com
• Instagram: @martinmortgagegroup
• Podcast: Beyond the Closing Table on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple

A Mortgage Is a Strategy, Not a Commodity

This episode of The Best of Raleigh is a reminder that the right mortgage is not about chasing the lowest number on paper. It is about reducing friction, protecting your transaction, and aligning your home purchase with your broader financial goals.

For anyone navigating the Raleigh real estate market, working with a local lender who prioritizes education and strategy can change the entire experience.

New episodes of The Best of Raleigh drop every Friday on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.