TLDR – Homebuyer Workshop Recap
- RiverWILD Real Estate hosted a 2026 Homebuyer Workshop led by Aubrie Leonard to help buyers prepare for today’s Johnston County real estate market.
- Attendees learned why getting preapproved early matters and what documents lenders require.
- The workshop explained how buyer’s agents are paid and how they advocate for buyers during negotiations.
- Buyers gained clarity on current market conditions, including inventory, pricing, and competition.
- Common questions were answered about what conveys with a home and what items buyers should request.
- The importance of home inspections, inspection costs, and buyer protections was reviewed.
- Attendees learned what “clear to close” means and what happens in the final steps before closing.
- The event emphasized how education and preparation give buyers a strong advantage in 2026.
RiverWILD Real Estate recently hosted a New Year Homebuyer Workshop, led by our very own RiverWILD REALTOR®, Aubrie Leonard, along with Lender Partners, Sharon Altman and Casey Johnson.
This workshop helped future homeowners start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and developed a smart game plan to achieve the dream of homeownership.
Held at the RiverWILD office in downtown Clayton, the workshop brought together first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and renters who are exploring homeownership in the year ahead.
The goal was simple: remove confusion, answer real-world questions, and help attendees understand what today’s market really looks like—not just the headlines.
What the Workshop Covered
The session walked attendees through the full homebuying journey, from financial preparation to closing day, with practical examples and plenty of time for questions. Topics included:
- How the homebuying process works step-by-step
- What today’s buyer-friendly market conditions mean locally
- The importance of preparation before touring homes
- How a trusted buyer’s agent protects and advocates for buyers
- Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them
This wasn’t a sales pitch. It was an educational, no-pressure environment focused on empowering buyers to make informed decisions.
Real Questions Buyers Asked (and Got Answered)
One of the most valuable parts of the workshop was the Q&A, driven entirely by attendee questions.
Here are some of the key topics that were reviewed and discussed:
- Why get preapproved before home shopping?
- What documents does a lender need to approve a loan?
- How does a buyer’s agent get paid?
- What is the current market like for buyers right now?
- What items convey with a home—and what items should buyers ask for?
- What inspections should buyers get, and how are inspections paid for?
- What does “clear to close” really mean?
- How does an agent help negotiate a strong offer in today’s market?
These questions sparked meaningful conversation and helped demystify parts of the process that often cause stress or hesitation for buyers.
Why Events Like This Matter
With mortgage rates stabilizing, more inventory available, and builder incentives creating new opportunities, buyers who are educated and prepared have a real advantage in 2026.
Workshops like this help buyers:
- Feel confident instead of overwhelmed
- Understand their true buying power
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Move faster and smarter when the right home appears
- Better prepare buyers for what will feel like an emotional “rollercoaster ride” of their lives.
From the Home Buyer Workshop Host – Aubrie Leonard
Most buyers will work with both a real estate agent and a lender at some point in their journey, but it’s rare to have everyone in the same room at the same time. This workshop gave buyers the opportunity to ask their most important questions and see how the entire process fits together (from financing to finding the right home). Being able to hear directly from both sides helped explain the buying process and set clearer expectations for what it really looks like to work with an agent and a lender as a team. Our goal was to make buyers feel more informed, confident, and prepared for the steps ahead.
Aubrie Leonard
What Attendees Are Saying
As a first time home buyer, the process was explained thoroughly and it was easy to digest, we now have a lot more confidence to purchase a home.
Workshop Attendee Kaitlynn Norton
Missed This Workshop?
If you couldn’t attend but are thinking about buying a home in 2026, RiverWILD Real Estate plans to regularly host educational events just like this one throughout the year.
Whether you’re months away or just starting to explore the idea, getting informed early can make all the difference.
👉 Reach out to the RiverWILD team to stay in the loop on upcoming workshops or to schedule a one-on-one buyer strategy conversation.
Smart buyers don’t guess. They get educated first and then take action.