Hey there! I'm Nehemias Lugo-Cheverez, and I'm here to make your home-buying journey smooth and stress-free. Whether this is your first home or your tenth, my goal is for you to feel confident every step of the way. My assistant Lexi and her team of transaction coordinators streamline the transaction behind the scenes — from scheduling inspections to coordinating with our preferred partners — so no detail is overlooked.

Why work with me as your REALTOR®?

• Expert market knowledge
• Skilled negotiation
• Paperwork expertise
• Local connections with trusted professionals
• A stress-free experience

Types of agency relationships

Exclusive Buyer Agency

Represents you exclusively, advocates solely for your interests, and negotiates the best possible terms.

Dual Agency

Represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction, acting neutrally while ensuring transparency and fairness.

Designated Dual Agency

The firm represents both sides but assigns separate agents to each, so your agent represents your interests fully and confidentially.

Your step-by-step roadmap

My preferred partners

Frequently asked questions

How long does buying take?

Typically 30–45 days.

When do I get my keys?

After the deed is recorded with the county.

What are closing costs?

Generally 2–5% of the purchase price.

What if the inspection finds issues?

We renegotiate with the seller or, if necessary, withdraw within your due diligence period.

Fair Housing

You are protected under the Fair Housing Act against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, and disability. Complaints may be filed with HUD.

This one's a workbook you fill in — so it's a clean, printable download rather than something to read on-screen. Print it, work through it, and bring it to our first meeting; it makes your whole search faster and sharper.

What it walks you through

Prefer to skip the paperwork? Tell me what you're looking for and I'll build your search for you.

When interest rates are high, the smartest buyers don't just chase a lower purchase price — they lower the total cost of ownership and the monthly payment. Two homes at the same price can cost hundreds of dollars a month apart once you factor in taxes, insurance, and financing. Here are seven strategies I use to get my buyers the lowest possible payment.

1. Put your best credit foot forward

In a higher-rate market, the gap between good credit and excellent credit can move your rate — and your payment — in a big way. Monitor your true FICO score (the one lenders actually use), and time your mortgage application for when your score is at its peak. A few quick wins: don't open new credit or make big purchases (car, furniture) before closing, pay your credit cards down before the statement closes so a low balance gets reported, and ask for credit-limit increases to lower your utilization ratio.

2. Shop around for home insurance

Insurance is part of your total cost of ownership, and premiums vary dramatically from home to home. Identify your insurance agent early and get quotes during your inspection period — while you still have leverage. Things like roof age, wiring, plumbing, and a pool can swing your premium by hundreds a month. If a quote comes back high, we can ask the seller to make repairs (a newer roof, smoke detectors, a water shut-off) or choose a different home before it's too late.

3. Request an audit of past utility bills

A beautiful home with a $500-a-month energy bill isn't as affordable as it looks. Ask for the last several months (ideally a full year) of utility bills during due diligence so you understand real costs across seasons — electric, gas, water, and sewer. If a home is inefficient, we can negotiate for the seller to add insulation, a new HVAC or water heater, or reconsider the home entirely. A H.E.R.S. energy evaluation can pinpoint exactly what's driving the bills.

4. Understand the fixed costs you can't fix

Some costs you can't negotiate away — property taxes, HOA and condo dues, CDD fees, and flood insurance — but you can plan around them. Run a real tax estimate rather than trusting last year's number (taxes often reset when a home changes hands), check whether a home sits in a FEMA flood zone before you're under contract, and be aware that high HOA/CDD areas can add hundreds a month. If your assessment ever spikes after closing, we can challenge it with the assessor.

5. Get the best mortgage deal

Talk to more than one lender — in a high-rate market, the difference between quotes can be dramatic (credit unions are often competitive on ARMs). Compare loan types (fixed vs. ARM, FHA vs. conventional vs. VA), and weigh buying down your rate with discount points. A larger down payment lowers your payment and can eliminate mortgage insurance. I'll connect you with a few trusted local lenders so you get competing quotes — and I'm a licensed loan officer myself, so we can run your numbers together.

6. Use seller contributions to save

Seller concessions can do far more than shave the price. Instead of an $8,000 price cut, that same $8,000 applied as a 2-1 buy-down or a permanent rate buy-down — or a mortgage-insurance buyout if you're putting less than 20% down — often saves more per month. In some cases you can even assume a seller's existing low-rate loan (VA loans are frequently assumable). We'll frame every seller negotiation around your monthly payment.

7. Negotiate for the right things

Negotiating for the lowest payment is a different game than negotiating for the lowest price. Sometimes the smartest move is a near-full-price offer paired with the right asks — a new roof to lower your insurance, a mortgage-insurance buyout, or a new HVAC to fix high energy bills. We'll build a list of what actually moves your monthly cost and negotiate for those, not just the sticker price.

Let's put these to work

Every one of these strategies works better with a local agent who runs the numbers with you. Let's talk about your budget and target payment — call or text me at (910) 634-6511.

↓ Download the full guide (PDF)

There are over three million active real estate licensees in the country — and finding the one who will actually sell your home for what it's worth comes down to asking the right questions. Here are nine that separate an average agent from a true local expert, along with exactly how I answer each one.

Ready to interview me?

Ask me all nine — I welcome it. Call or text me at (910) 634-6511 and let's talk about selling your home.

↓ Download the full guide (PDF)

Welcome to the home-selling process in North Carolina. Whether this is your first time selling or your tenth, my goal is for you to feel confident at every step. Here's how I position your home to sell quickly and for top dollar — and exactly what to expect from list to close.

Why work with me as your REALTOR®

You get expert market knowledge, strong negotiation, a trusted network of vendors, and powerful marketing including professional photography and drone media. As part of the top team in our market, my job is to sell your home fast and for the best possible price.

Meet Lexi — and her team of transaction coordinators

Lexi and her team keep everything running smoothly from contract to closing — scheduling inspections, tracking deadlines, and coordinating with attorneys, lenders, and the buyer's agent. You'll hear from them throughout, and they make sure no detail is overlooked.

Understanding roles & agency

You prepare the home and make the decisions on offers; I handle pricing, marketing, negotiation, paperwork, and closing coordination. North Carolina law requires every agent to disclose who they represent, so you'll always know where you stand:

• Exclusive Seller Agency — I represent you only.
• Dual Agency — I represent both you and the buyer, with everyone's written consent.
• Designated Dual Agency — my firm assigns separate agents to each party.

What your listing agent is required to do: promote your interests, disclose material facts, keep your information confidential, follow your instructions, and handle documents with care. I'm not required to attend every inspection, manage contractors, or give legal/tax advice — but I'll always point you to the right professional.

Your step-by-step selling process

1. Prepare the home — declutter, deep-clean, and depersonalize. Professional photos, drone, and a virtual tour are done only once the home is fully market-ready.
2. Set the price — I run a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) on recent local sales and we choose a strategy that positions your home competitively.
3. Market the listing — professional photography, full MLS exposure, social campaigns, targeted online ads, and syndication to Zillow, Realtor.com, and more.
4. Show the home — flexible, secure showing software, coordinated showings, and buyer/agent feedback shared with you.
5. Receive & negotiate offers — I walk you through every term, compare net sheets, and negotiate the best price and terms.
6. Enter contract — once you accept, I guide you through signing and escrow while my team tracks every deadline.
7. Navigate due diligence — buyers inspect and may request repairs; we negotiate fairly and coordinate access and timelines.
8. Coordinate closing — my team works with the attorney, lender, and buyer's agent so all documents are ready, and we review the settlement statement together.
9. Deliver keys — in NC, keys change hands only after the deed is officially recorded, usually the same or next business day.
10. Celebrate — you sold your home. We remove the sign and lockbox and wrap everything up.

Inspections, closing timeline & keys

Buyers typically order a general home inspection and pest inspection, plus others depending on the property. Closing usually runs 30–45 days from contract, and keys are handed over once the deed is recorded.

My preferred partners

• Photography & drone: handled in-house by me / NLC Media Group
• Home inspections: New Leaf Home Inspections
• Pest control: Canady's Pest Control
• Insurance: Neal Henry (Farm Bureau)
• Attorney: Larris Hutton (Hutton Law)
• Lender: Evan Enstrom (Responsive Mortgage)

What today's market means for sellers

Homes are currently selling at roughly 98% of list price, with average time on market around 60 days and inventory moving toward balance. Homes that are priced correctly and professionally marketed still sell close to asking — the sellers who prepare, stage, and launch strategically are the ones who win. Serious, qualified buyers are still active, especially for well-presented homes.

“Coming Soon” listings & your options

North Carolina's “Coming Soon” status lets us pre-market your home to agents and buyers before it officially hits the MLS — time to finalize photos, staging, and marketing while building early buzz for a strong launch. And if life changes and now isn't the right time, we can take your home off the market anytime — no pressure, no penalty.

Fair housing

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. We uphold these standards proudly on every transaction.

Your seller checklist

Before listing: declutter & clean, fix minor repairs, stage & schedule photography.
While active: approve marketing materials, be ready for showings, review feedback.
Under contract: coordinate repairs, schedule your move-out, sign required documents.
Closing day: turn over keys, provide manuals & remotes, and celebrate your successful sale.

↓ Download the full guide (PDF)

How Dark Horse Group markets and sells your home — the agent, the team, the strategy, and the results behind a listing with me.

Your agent

15 years in real estate in one form or another. I specialize in VA and military buyer representation — expertly guiding service members through VA loan purchases and relocation near Fort Liberty and throughout North Carolina — first-time homebuyers, and listing and marketing residential properties using Zillow Showcase, lpt Realty systems, and Dark Horse Group's marketing strategies to help sellers achieve top-dollar sales quickly.

Why? I love changing lives by fulfilling real estate dreams.

The Dark Horse resume

• Founded in 2021
• Sells 500+ homes a year
• Top 5 team in North Carolina
• Top 150 team in the U.S.A.
• Backed by full-time support staff, so nothing falls through the cracks

Who we are: core values

• We lead from the front. We set the pace, raise the standard, and outwork the competition — every single day.
• We put people first. Our clients and agents are at the center of every decision, every interaction, and every outcome.
• We own the outcome. We take extreme responsibility for results and deliver on what we promise — no excuses.
• We build relentlessly. We pursue growth, innovation, and better ways to serve — never settling for “good enough.”
• We leave a legacy. Every transaction is an opportunity to positively impact lives and strengthen our communities for the long term.

The Dark Horse value

Innovative go-to-market strategies and full online exposure — marketed to 30,000+ internal contacts.

• Home staging checklist
• Professional photography
• Weekly listing strategy meetings
• Exclusive Zillow Showcase partner

Zillow Showcase: sell faster and for more

• 75% more views, saves & shares than similar non-Showcase listings*
• More likely to go pending within 14 days*
• Sells for 2% more — over $7K more on a home sold at the average U.S. sales price*

*Based on data available on the Zillow Showcase website, compared to similar nearby non-Showcase listings.

Showcase makes your home the hero

Zillow Showcase listings feature immersive and interactive media, featuring:

• High-resolution photography
• Zillow 3D Home tour & interactive floor plan
• Increased exposure in Zillow search results
• Special map stickers
• Dedicated emails to interested buyers
• Featured on Apple Vision Pro™

Dark Horse offerings

Comprehensive — 3.5% of the purchase price: innovative go-to-market strategies, full online exposure, marketing to 30,000+ internal contacts, home staging checklist, professional photography, and weekly listing strategy meetings.

Elite — 4% of the purchase price: Comprehensive, plus a 3D tour online walkthrough, drone photos, virtual staging, and featured Zillow Showcase placement.

Let's take the next step

Let's set up a listing appointment and talk through your home, your goals, and how we get you there. Call or text me at (910) 634-6511.

↓ Download the full presentation (PDF)

In today's market, your home needs more than a sign in the yard. As a Zillow Showcase agent, I give your listing a premium, immersive experience designed to grab attention, maximize exposure, and attract serious buyers — so your home sells faster and for more.

What Zillow Showcase does for your home

Showcase listings rise to the top of Zillow with immersive, interactive media and premium placement in buyers' personalized search results. The results speak for themselves:

• Showcase listings sell for about 2% more — roughly $9,000 more on an average-priced U.S. home.
• They're nearly 20% more likely to go pending within the first 14 days than similar nearby non-Showcase listings.

Claims current as of April 20, 2025, per showingtimeplus.com/solutions/listing-showcase-facts.

What a Showcase listing includes

• High-resolution professional photography
• An interactive virtual tour and floor plan
• Aerial photography and drone video
• Virtual staging to help buyers picture the space
• Dedicated email outreach to prospective buyers
• Featured placement in Zillow's personalized search results

5 characteristics to look for in an agent

You deserve to know your agent measures up before you list. Here's where I stand:

• Do they specialize in buyers, sellers, or both? I work with both, but on listings I'm laser-focused on your goals — whether that's top dollar or a specific deadline.
• Do they respond quickly? I respond in minutes, not hours, with systems that keep communication fast and consistent.
• Are they honest and trustworthy? You'll always get direct answers from me — on pricing, negotiation, and which contractors and lenders to trust. No fluff.
• Do they know the local neighborhood? I live and work here, so I understand the subtle market shifts and which local pros keep your sale smooth.
• Do they have a standout marketing plan? Every listing gets a custom strategy — not a sign and a prayer.

Documents to gather before you sell

Getting a head start on paperwork keeps your sale smooth. Start collecting:

• Appliance receipts, manuals, and warranties (and for security/entertainment systems, garage doors, etc.)
• HOA rules, regulations, and dues, if applicable
• Recent utility bills so buyers understand operating costs
• Any pre-listing inspection report
• Your latest mortgage statement and payoff (including any second mortgage or line of credit)
• The seller's disclosure, a required legal document that discloses any issues with the property
• A home appraisal report to help assess the fair market value and how much a lender will lend a buyer
• A preliminary title report (a “prelim”) — it shows deed restrictions and usage limitations on the property, and flags any outstanding issues like liens for unpaid property taxes or child support. Since these can take time to resolve, it's smart to have this upfront.

A smarter pricing strategy

Pricing drives how fast and for how much your home sells. I factor in recent neighborhood sales, market trends, and your home's condition — plus your mortgage balance, transfer/excise taxes, prorated property taxes, and closing costs. Ask me for a free Comparative Market Analysis to pin down your home's true market value.

A standout marketing plan

I use professional photography, virtual tours, interactive floor plans, aerial drone video, and social reels to make your home stand out. Staging — even virtual — helps buyers form an emotional connection that leads to stronger offers. And every listing is backed by targeted email and social campaigns plus prioritized Zillow placement.

Introduction

Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping many families across North Carolina buy and sell homes with confidence. My specialty lies in working with first-time homebuyers, military families, and sellers who want expert marketing and a smooth transaction from start to finish.

• Experience: 10+ years in real estate (4 as a licensed NC Broker)
• Average volume: Over $3 million in annual sales
• Tools I use: Zillow Showcase, professional photography, virtual staging, and cutting-edge digital tools
• Recognition: Trusted partner in the #1 real estate team in our MLS

My approach is rooted in honesty, strategy, and hustle. I treat every client like family — and every home like a mission. If you want personal service with professional results, I'm here for you.

What people are saying about Nehemias

Recent sales

Let's take the next step

Let's set up a listing appointment. We'll talk through your home, current values in your area, and how we accomplish your top goals. Call or text me at (910) 634-6511.

↓ Download the full guide (PDF)

Cash Offer

Get a quick cash offer on your home — skip the listing process, repairs, and sell with certainty and convenience.

1. Fill out a quick 60-second survey about your home.
2. Check the Offer Dashboard for cash offers and other options.
3. If you're happy with the offer, click “I'll take this deal.”
4. A home inspection confirms the condition.
5. Close in as little as 10 days, or up to 120.
6. Move out and receive your cash payment.

Example: Cash buyer purchases the property for $500,000. A 3% service fee ($15,000) is charged. Total proceeds due: $485,000, less customary closing costs and payoffs.

Cash Offer+

Receive an instant, full market-value cash offer — with two payouts, so you still get the upside of the market.

1. Accept the Cash+ offer in your Offer Dashboard.
2. A full home inspection is completed.
3. You pick your close date — as fast as 10 days, or up to 120.
4. The buyer holds on average 8% of your equity as a “risk assessment.”
5. Move out and get your first cash payout.
6. The home is resold on the market.
7. If it resells for more than the original offer, your risk-assessment balance plus the market upside comes back to you.
8. If it resells for less, the difference is backed out of the risk assessment and the remaining portion is returned.

Example: Offer amount $500,000, minus a 6% service fee ($30,000), a 5.5% resale fee ($35,000... adjust per deal), and an 8% risk assessment ($40,000) — 1st payout $402,500. If it later resells for $500,000, the $40,000 risk assessment is returned (total $442,500). If it resells for $510,000, you also get the $10,000 upside (total $452,500). If it resells for $490,000, $10,000 is backed out of the risk assessment (total $432,500).

Not all properties qualify. Service fee of 6–8% and resale fee of 7–8% may apply. A risk-assessment holdback of 5–15% of your proceeds ensures the home sells for the cash-offer price or higher.

Sell Now, Move Later

Get the cash in your home now and move when you're ready — leaseback your own house for up to 12 months, while still gaining appreciation.

1. Receive a cash offer and a monthly lease amount.
2. You pick your close date — as fast as 21 days, or up to 120.
3. A full home inspection is completed.
4. Close and receive your cash.
5. Choose when to list your house, any time between month 1 and 12.
6. Sell your house — if it sells for more, the upside proceeds are given to you.

Example: Cash offer $500,000, monthly lease $2,500, 3% service fee ($15,000) — total proceeds due at first payout, $485,000. Property later sells on the market for $575,000; after a 6% resale fee ($34,500), total proceeds due at second payout: $40,500.

Not all properties qualify. Service fee of 3–6% may apply when the home is purchased; resale fee of 5–7% may apply. Monthly lease amount is based on market rent.

Trade-In+

Trade in your old home for your new one and move on your own timeline — Cash+ and a cash buyer working together.

1. You receive a cash offer on your existing home.
2. The cash buyer inspects it and sets a 5–12% risk assessment for improvements, cleanup, or repairs.
3. You negotiate your new-home purchase with the power of cash.
4. Once you find a home you'd like to offer on, we inform the lender.
5. You purchase the new home from the lender at the same price they paid.
6. When the new house closes, you move from the old home into the new one.
7. Once you're out and any repairs are made, I list the old home on the open market.
8. After the old home closes, your upside holdback is returned, and I'm paid 3% of the sales price as the listing agent.

Example: The program fee is two parts — 3–6% of the sale price the investor buys your existing home for, plus 0–1.5% of the price the investor pays for your new home.

List On Market

List your home on the open market directly with me as your agent — get the highest possible price by showcasing your home to qualified buyers.

1. Meet with me to discuss your goals, market conditions, and pricing strategy.
2. Prepare your home by decluttering, cleaning, and making any necessary repairs.
3. Professional photos, virtual tours, and targeted marketing highlight your home.
4. Your home is listed on the MLS and syndicated to real estate platforms.
5. Buyers tour your property in person or virtually through showings and open houses.
6. We review any and all offers and negotiate the best terms.
7. The buyer conducts inspections and appraisals to finalize the deal.
8. We complete the closing process and transfer ownership.

Example: List price $500,000, agent commission (6%, negotiable) = $30,000. Total proceeds due: $470,000, less any closing costs and loan payoffs.

A little prep before the camera comes out makes a massive difference in how your home shows online — and homes that show well online sell faster and for more. Here's exactly how to get every room camera-ready before your photo, drone, and 3D-tour shoot.

Whole-home basics

• Put away all personal items, mail, chargers, and everyday clutter.
• Make the home as clean as possible — streak-free mirrors, swept and mopped floors.
• Remove religious symbols and personal photos from view so buyers can picture themselves there.
• Turn ceiling fans off so they don't blur in photos.
• Close garage doors and make sure the driveway is clean and clear.

Lighting

• Turn on every light — ceiling, floor and table lamps, under-cabinet, stovetop, and bedside.
• Replace any burnt-out bulbs (matching color temperature looks best).
• Open all curtains and blinds fully — twist blinds open rather than pulling them up.

Kitchen

• Clear countertops of non-decorative items — dish soap, paper towels, phones, and cleaning supplies.
• Remove magnets, photos, and artwork from the refrigerator.
• If you'd like, add a simple decorative touch: fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a clean vase.

Bathrooms

• Lower all toilet seats.
• Clear counters and remove toiletries from the shower and bath area.
• Hang fresh, clean towels; open shower curtains or doors to show off tile and fixtures.

Front & backyards

• Freshly cut the lawn and tidy the landscaping.
• Put hoses and equipment away, organize the patio/deck, and take down flags.
• Pick up pet waste, put garbage bins out of sight, and clean/clear the pool if you have one.
• No vehicles in the driveway or on the street in front of the home.

Pets, holidays & the little things

• Keep pets out of the way during the shoot and put away bowls, crates, and toys.
• Remove holiday and seasonal decor (pumpkins, wreaths, lights, trees).
• A quick heads-up to your next-door neighbors helps — clear cars and closed garages look best in exterior shots.

Preparing for your 3D tour & floor-plan scan

The 3D scan captures the entire property and cannot be edited afterward, so anything left out will be seen. Before the scan:

• Remove anything you don't want in the 3D tour — it can't be moved room to room once scanning starts.
• Open all doors between rooms and turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and anything else that moves.
• All people and pets should step outside so they're not captured in the scan.

The 3D tour and floor plan are captured after the still photos, so plan for a little extra time on-site. Have questions before your shoot? Call or text me at (910) 634-6511.

↓ Download the full checklist (PDF)