Cary NC Real Estate >> Raleigh & Cary NC Real Estate Blog

 The July 2008 Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine is set to hit the stands this week and guess who is at the top of the list? Our very own - Raleigh, NC.  Our town has a lot to be proud of.  I've lived here since 1991 and the town has come so far in such a short amount of time.  Here is a link to the video recorded by Bob Frick highlighting some of the wonderful attributes of our town.   I think you'll really enjoy this quick 2 minute video on the attributes of our town. 

So what was the criteria for judging the Best Cities in the US?

 √ Place with strong economy 

√  Abundant jobs

√ Reasonable cost of living 

√ Plenty of fun things to do

We definitely have those basis covered. 

 Photo courtesy of the Raleigh Convention & Visitor's Bureau

Here are a few reasons why the Raleigh-Cary area was chosen for the list this year:

• New convention center and RBC Plaza are set for completion in 2008

Redesign of Fayetteville Street

Great downtown area to work, live, and play

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 

Big Acorn - honoring the City of Oaks 

Historic Oakwood-w/beautiful historic homes

Plenty of Dining and Shopping

Bob also mentioned Cary in his tribute to Raleigh for families drawn to the suburban appeal.  Cary is a very well planned city with affordable housing, entertainment like the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, for example, and for being an artistic well planned & zoned community.

If you are thinking of relocating to the Raleigh-Cary NC area I'd love to help you find the perfect home.  Visit my website at www.TriangleNCHomes4Sale.com for additional details and a free Relocation packet.

I spent the last two days in a classroom in Durham, NC in a CRS 206 Technology Course taught by a fabulous instructor, Mike Selvaggio,  from Delaware.  In preparing this post I stumbled upon Allen Hainge's post, the famous Cyberstars creator, called CRS Courses: Another Big Advantage! and it dawned on me.  I should have traveled to take the course in an area where people are moving to my area from.  For example, we have thousands of people moving to the Triangle from Florida. I mean,  who wouldn't want to spend a few days in, say, Miami? Well it's too late now but I might try that next time. At least now I have a good excuse. 

The attendees in my classroom did come from all over North Carolina so there is still an opportunity for referrals. Many of the most experienced agents in the class brought impressive referral postcards and brochures on their cababilities!!  Allen Hainge says to bring a virtual tour CD of your area and include your referral policy in the CD!  Absolutely Brilliant!!  My idea is to be a poster child for Activerain and tell everyone I meet about it, invite them, and get them involved! What a great opportunity. 

If any of you have met "techy" people they are resistent to taking classes like these because they think they've already got their bases covered.  Sharon Kowitz, from my office, encouraged me to get going on my Council of Residential Specialists designation and this was the first class offered in my area.  I am now an official member thanks to Mike My Coach.  And, although I'm a techy already I found a number of tips from Mike that I can use.  I also realilze that I really need to spend some time beefing up my Contact Management system too! 

This is it! The big Real Estate Reveal! I have the opportunity to reveal another STAR destined for greatness out of the Fonville Morisey Preston Office = Ms. Cathleen O'Hanigan.  I'm not kidding when I say that my Broker in Charge, Sam Dill, hires only the best  and brightest.  It has been clear from the start - only full time agents in our office that are dedicated to success and the profession. 

That said, I  would like to introduce another new member of the Active Rain team from the renowned Fonville Morisey Preston Office. Cathleen O'Hannigan is a highly seasoned agent from California, has done very well in the area, and has a sense of humor that I really enjoy.  Be sure to check out her ActiveRain blog, say hi and show some support as she gets her feet wet in Active Rain, not real estate.  Cathleen is off to a very determined and successful start.  She makes sure she has all of her basis covered before posting and has a lot of talent .   

What a success story.  Cathleen has been a member for less than a month with great results.  Cathleen had a featured post, Pet Peeve: Realtor Business Cards, that is the most active post on AR this week! How about that for an AR Newbie? This girl has talent and experience!

Please take the time to welcome another talented blogger and exprienced agent from my Cary Fonville Morisey Office!Oh, and yes, Cathleen is Irish! This song's for you Cathleen!

My old Alma Mater, LSU! Eric Bouler and I are big time LSU sports fans.  LSU has always had a renowned baseball program so it's no suprise that they were headed to the 2008 College World Series in Omaha.  Here's where the tricky part comes in.

I've lived in North Carolina since 1991 and am also a big Tar Heel fan. The Tar Heels stadium is currently being renovated so I've been lucky enough to catch a game at the USA Baseball Training Center in Cary.  The team is spectacular I must admit.  Also, my daughter Jordan is bound for UNC next fall!! Yesterday, UNC's Baseball Team defeated LSU 8-4.  I'm excited for the Tar Heels, but it's a bitter sweet victory!

Here are 10 Reasons to Chose the Triangle for Your Retirement Plans

When I first moved to the Triangle in 1991 I was just out of college and didn't even think about retirement.  I've been here for sometime and married an Ausie that is 10 years my senior.  I still don't think about retirement but my husband has taught me a thing or two about how retirees think.  Mauro is very conservative and doesn't like a lot of maintenance.  That said, I always dreamed of retiring in Hilton Head, SC.  However, the Triangle area has really matured since I moved here and, quite frankly, I can't imagine living anywhere else.  In addition, thousands are relocating to the area and North Carolina is now the #1 State for retirees.  If you're looking for affordable with plenty to do you may just want to Chose the Triangle for your Retirement Plans.  Here's Why: 

1.      Weather - North Carolina has a very nice temperate climate, with four seasons.  Rarely, if ever, do we have extreme weather of the Northeast nor the hurricanes and severe heat associated with the deep South year round.  A lot more sunshine than the Northeast, even in wintertime.

2.      Healthcare - UNC Hospital is one of the top teaching hospitals in the world with more than 750 physicians. Duke University hospital and others are available in nearby Durham.  Rex Hospital and Wake Med are also fabulous hospitals around the Triangle with world class Physicians and facilities. 

3.      Low Property Taxes & Insurance In the Triangle we have tax assessments every eight years.  We, unfortunately had one this year, so a lot of folks are in shock.  The good news - we won't have another one until 2016.  The tax rate is a bit over 1% but varies year to year.  On a $200k home you can expect to pay around $2300 in property taxes.  Insurance for a $300k home around $600. 

4.      Maintenance costs - Utility costs are very reasonable in this area.  And, if you're downsizing then it leads one to believe that less space means less electricity, low maintenance yard means less watering, etc. 

5.      Convenient to the beach and mountains but not as costly.  You can actually get down to the beach and back in a day if you try. The good news - you don't pay beach prices or beach insurance! I also love the North Carolina Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway are about 5 hours away!

6. Cultural activities - Within 15 minutes of just about anywhere in Raleigh-Cary there area a variety of cultural experiences--the N.C. Symphony, the N.C. Art Museum, the Ackland Museum of Art and the American Dance Festival in Durham. . Additional activities include art shows, symphony orchestra concerts, ballet, amphitheatre, and many performing arts events. Sports fans no doubt will enjoy being so close to the athletic teams of N.C. State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina.  The Triangle is even home to the Durham Bulls.   

7.  Enjoy the Great Outdoors - There are a number of outdoor destinations including golf courses and parks such as Umstead Park, Lake Lynn, Lake Johnson, Apex Park, Eno River State Park, and Duke Gardens.  In addition, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, skiing, camping, and hiking. The park is also a favorite destination for picnickers and bird watchers. Each summer it boasts the largest population of Bald Eagles in the eastern United States.

8.  Following the family - I've had several parents of friends contact me about their relocation to the Triangle.  The Triangle area has seen consistent job growth and many families relocating to the area.  For many families, the parents follow their children and grandchildren to the area.  My family lives in Texas and I would have enjoyed having them closeby, especially when my daughter was growing up.

9. Education -Some of the finest in the country - UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NC State are a few of the top universities in the area.  In addition, Duke University offers a unique program called  the The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) which was formerly called the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement.  The program is a joint venture of Duke Continuing Education and the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development.  OLLI at Duke offers a wide array of courses - in literature, history, religion, philosophy, natural sciences, social sciences, performing arts, art and architecture, economics, finance, computers and lifestyle issues. 

10. Excellent Transportation - Some of the 55+ communities offer door-to-door service to Doctors, grocery shopping, and more(for a fee).  Our airport, RDU International airport, is expanding the number of flights in and out of the airport and the parking garage has just been completed which offers easy access in and out of the airport.

If you are thinking of moving to the area and are on the market for a Buyers Agent I am a SRES(Senior Real Estate Specialist) and focus only on the Triangle area market.

I received a contact email today from a family thinking of downsizing and moving to Cary.  Because of my experience in working with the Active 55 community  and Active 55 folks that don't want to be thrown into that category, I have to keep up with what is available and on the market in our area that have low-maintenance, easy living style homes/villas.  Most Active 55 plus clients that I work with are looking for a great location and, in general, a one level story home with no maintenance and little to no yard work. 

Since I work regularly with this segment and post articles on the different communities that have these characteristics I thought I'd write one post that demonstrates some of the neighborhoods that have Ranch plans in the Cary, Apex, Morrisville area.  As most of my clients point out to me on a regular basis - there aren't many newer Ranches available and the ones that do become available sell quickly.  Some of the new construction builders are finally realizing this and are working to accomodate the demand.  

Here are some of the neighborhoods that I have shown or sold in recently: 

From the $200s: 

Heritage Pines in Cary is considered to be an Active 55 community with fabulous amenities including Bocci ball, tennis, swimming, clubhouse, activity room, fitness facility and lots of other fun things to do.  The community has been completly built out.  Villas and SFHomes Start at $280k. 

Carolina Preserve in Cary is another fast selling Active 55 community with amenities second to none in the area.  New construction presales are available with a sprinkle of Phase II Emerald plan homes available for delivery this year.  A Del Webb community, homes here start at $254k for a resale. 

Park Village in Cary is a family oriented neighborhood with terrific community amenities.  Homes wer built by Sunstar homes in the mid-1990s and start at $220-$230k.  There are just a few ranches in the community. 

Lakeside in Kildaire Farms in Cary has brick front custom homes in a charming section of Kilaire Farms.  The location is in central Cary with easy access to grocery stores and shopping. Prices start in the low $200s.

Wimbeldon in Cary is a charming community built in the early 1990s with a great tennis facility.  Streets in the neigbhorhood include Connors and McEnroe Court.  Home prices from the low $200s. 

Walden Creek in Apex is a family oriented neighborhood with terrific community amenities. Walden Creek is also popular because of its proximity to Beaver Creek Shopping, restaurants, and movie theatre.  There are a few ranches built in the late 1990s/2000 that start at $225k. 

Carpenter Park in Morrisville are ranch homes built in the early 2000s witih brick fronts and fairly small lots.  You get more square footage for your $$ here than in Cary.  Prices for a 1700 Square foot ranch run $230k. 

Silverton-Just a few in this neighborhood in Cary off of Cary Parkway.  The community boasts a beautiful pond and a convenient location. Ranches start in the high $200s. 

From the $300s:

Kitts Creek - Close to the airport in Morrisville.  Called Bungalows. New construction by 1st American Homes.  Start in the mid $300s. 

Twin Lakes - Martha Stewart's 1st New Home community by KB Homes.  KB Homes recognized the need and portioned out about 40 lots that include the yard maintenance.  This section has been very popular.  Start in the mid $300s.  Also Close to the airport in Morrisville

The Villas at Old Mill Village - New construction from the $300s.  Two story homes with 1st floor Master Suites.  Walk to downtown Cary from this location! Considered to be patio homes. Small section of the Villages of Apex.  On one side they have shared driveways on the other there are basement homes. 

Villas From the $700s

Rennaisance at Regency - Cottage section of the upscale neighborhood Rennaisance at Regency.  Upscale and custom with all the bells and whistles.  This section of the Neighborhood is just getting started. 

Tryon Villas - Small "All Green" new construction neighborhood in Cary built by Lance Youngquist.  Customized to suit your needs with 1st floor ranches.  These homes are quite large and upscale. 

If you are thinking of downsizing and moving to the Triangle or your in need of a hard-to-find Ranch home I'd love to help.

I'll make no joke about it.  I really don't have a lot of free time during the week, especially during the busy season from May until September.  On the other hand it's important to get in some R&R so that you are a better agent for your clients.  

So, I did just that yesterday and just uploaded the pictures into a slideshow to show what a truly incredible community it is and is becoming.  I wrote previously about the Parade of Homes in October 2007 when the golf course was just opening up.  And, just this week I visited the only all green community in the Triangle.  Hasentree is also a community that "thinks green"  The Family Activity Club opened 5/24/2008 and has proved to be very popular with the new residents.  So, my focus today is to let you know about the great amenities and the golf course at Hasentree. 

Here are The Amenities at Hasentree:

• Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, measures more than 7,000 yards, five sets of tees
• Nearly 30,000-square-foot clubhouse
  • Formal and casual dining, grill, banquet facilities
  • Pro shop, men's and women's locker rooms, valet parking
•  Multi-million-dollar water and swim pavilion
  • Three separate pools, waterslides, whirlpools, poolside grill
• Neighborhood Concierge Service
  • Professionally managed
  • Resort-style services from valet parking to home-delivered meals from the Executive Chef
• Family Activities Center
  • 100 separate monthly activities ranging from children's art classes to teen scavenger hunts to gourmet cooking classes 
  • Kids Club Room, Media Room
  • Full-time activities director and staff
• Fitness Center
  • Nearly 13,000-square-foot facility
  • Cardio and strength training equipment,
  • Separate workout and treatment rooms
  • Complete range of professionally operated fitness classes
• Tennis Complex with lighted, clay tennis courts
• Master-planned trail system connects private parks and neighborhoods, with six miles of walking trails

Home Prices:  From th $800's to $5M.  

I also observed that Hasentree isn't designed to beat you over the head-it's a neighborhood golf community. By today's standards, it's not overly long-7056 yards from the tips but Fazio has beefed up the course with plenty of sandtraps to lure you in.  Hasentree is also using the same sugary white sand found at Augusta National and in only three other North Carolina courses.  As I stated, the greens were beautiful and they had staff at every hole making sure everything was manicured and up to "par". 

If you are thinking of buying land or a home in Hasentree don't forget to work with a buyers agent in the area that represents your needs!

Today we had our general office meeting, went on Tour in the 100° heat (yes we still have Tour here in Cary and quite a few of us braved the weather today), and then we had lunch at a wonderful new community in a fast growing area of Cary - Tryon Villas.   

Tryon Villas is a very special luxury home community which fits right in with the Active 55+ segment that I work with on a regular basis.   I've shown some clients this quaint neighborhood in the past - one of the homes on the 8 Acre Lake and my clients really appreciated the "no maintenance" yards, the craftsmanship of the builder Lance Youngquist, and the ability to walk to the grocery store down the street.  Both of the onsite agents including, June Sanderson, who represent Fonville Morisey's New Homes Division, were very knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful tour pointing out all of the features and benefits of the homes. 

One thing I didn't really consider, until today, is that Tryon Villas is the ONLY all green neighborhood in the Triangle.  They were featured on the 3rd Annual Triangle Green Home Tour May 3rd & May 4th   I wrote about about a month ago and also received a Bronze Award for Excellence in this area.  Youngquist is a part of a nationwide initiative called the Green Building Initiative.  For more information on "Why Build Green" start here.  

I'll write more in detail about "going green" but today I learned how green neighborhoods are judged, about insulation, cooling, flooring, carpeting, energy star efficiency, VOC free flooring glues, and lot of other details that go into making a home green.    Without further ado let me introduce you to Tryon Villas. 

Community Details:

• 34 Luxury Homesites
• Price:  From the $600's
• Taxes:  2007 Rate $1.098 foer $100
• Homeowner's Dues:  $225 per month
• Utilities:  Average utility bills run much lower than average due to the "green building"

If you are considering a luxury home in the Triangle with little or no maintenance this community just might be for you.  Call me at 919-656-5310 for more details and "going green" or if you need to find the perfect community for Active 55+.

City:  Cary

Location:  Off of Cary Parkway & Old Weatherstone

I know this neighborhood all to well.  I mentioned earlier this year that  I moved to this beautiful neighborhood in my post Tracy Santrock's Moved On & Checking In w/Activerain.  My family has loved every minute of our transition to the new neighborhood (ok, except unpacking the boxes). 

I was a little concerned about being one of the last families to move to the neighborhood.  To the contrary I've met so many of the neighbors and their children and everyone has been just spectacular.  It's so nice to be a part of a community that has that warm, inviting appeal where everyone knows everyone's name.  Since I've finally finished unpacking all of the boxes I thought it is time for me to write about the neighborhood.  

Neighborhood Facts:

• Price range is from  the low $600s to over $1 Million
• Fantastic location in the heart of Cary just 1 mile from Prestonwood Country Club 
• Master Planned Community
• Two sections:  Newest homes are in the back section; Other homes built in 2006
• Approximately 100+ Executive Homes
• Several basement homesites
• Jogging trail, sidewalks, and bike trail
• One mile from Bond Park and the Cary Community Center
• Traditional Schools
• Minutes from the grocery stores, Preston Walk, Inside Out Sports, restaurants, and convenience stores

Builder

John Wieland Homes is an established and renowned builder in the Southeast that has received several awards including: 

• National Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine

• National Housing Quality Award presented by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center

Key Neighborhood Highlights:

Glenkirk Club House & Swimming Pool

I'm lucky to live across from the Glenkirk Club House where there is plenty to do.  We have a group of girls that gets together for Pokino.   Other amenities include a pool with a childrens' play area, children's playground, picnic area, and a Basketball court too!

 Preston Walk Shopping Center

Just around the corner from the neighborhood and a 10 minute walk is Preston Walk Shopping Center - Some of my favorite restaurants in town including Panera Bread, Stonewood, Biaggis, and Henrys Gelato.  La Therapie Day Spa and Inside Out Sports and more....

Preston Corners Shopping Center

Just about all of the banks have a branch at Preston Corners.  Other notable highlights include Fedora, Suncom, Preston Flowers, Lowes Grocery, a Mexican restaurant, coffee shop, and others.  Across the street is La Farm Bakery, one of my personal favorites.

For more information go to the Glenkirk website or contact me directly for this neighborhood.  

To view all of the listings in Glenkirk click here.

Directions:  Located just off of Cary Parkway North of Cary Parkway and High House Rd.  Turn Right on Olde Weatherstone Way.    Click on the map below for additional details and a link to Google Maps.

Related Posts:

Why Cary NC? Letter to my prospective buyers

Why I love Cary NC

Hello Rainers!  I would like to introduce a new member of the Active Rain team. Lisa Southern is a Realtor in my office at Fonville Morisey in Cary, North Carolina.  Lisa is a bit of a nomad in that she's out of the Cary office but she serves as a fantastic buyers agent for the Triangle Area. Lisa specializes in relocation, is epro certified, and is a member of Governmental Affairs Council for the Triangle Association of Realtors.  Lisa has lots of energy - she'd have to as a mother to four children and Realtor.  Everyone in the office loves being around Lisa - she's got a fantastic personality and a wonderful sense of humor.  Lisa also brings Cinnabons to the office which everyone loves!!  Lisa resides in the wonderful community of Lochmere.   

Be sure to check out her ActiveRain blog, say hi and show some support as she gets her feet wet.  Lisa has written two blogs already in her first day and I must admit they are both well written!

Rental clients in this transition year

My New Real Estate Toy - The Compass  

Welcome Lisa!! Have fun in the Rain and keep on blogging!