A few years after MacGregor Downs was a mature community, the adjoining community, MacGregor West was developed.  Again the focus was on custom upscale homes to appeal to professionals who needed a great location with convenient access to Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina. MacGregor West was an immediate success and has continued to be very popular.  Homes are attractive, on reasonable lots in view of current new construction standards, and highly landscaped.  As in any upscale community, you can expect to invest $500,000 to "whatever" in a MacGregor West home. Click here to view available Active Listings in MacGregor West. MacGregor West residents can access the amenities presented in MacGregor Downs, by joining the MacGregor Downs Country Club, which has one of the finest golf venues i... 07/05/2007

  MacGregor Downs was developed in the 1960's around the MacGregor Downs Country Club.  MacGregor Downs is located in south central Cary, NC, and accessed from Kildaire Farms Road or from Tryon Road. Central to life in MacGregor Downs are the Golf Course and the community lake, along with a fabulous location that offers access to all the best of Cary, and easy access to Raleigh, North Carolina. Click here to view available Active Listings in MacGregor Downs. Homes in MacGregor Downs were custom built.  Some of the 40+ year old properties are being razed for new construction, a testimony to the desirability of the community and dearth of available building sites in Cary.  Homes sell across a wide range of price points, from the upper-$300,000's to luxurious estates.   Heavily wooded lots... 07/05/2007

People decry the removal of trees from parcels of land that are being developed for new homes.  Too often, they are all too accurate.  The pressure in the Wake County, North Carolina to develop all land within a reasonable distance from Cary or Raleigh or the Research Triangle Park has pressed builders and developers to offer smaller and smaller lots.  But Buyers are demanding larger homes.  Those 6,000 square foot homes on 1/5 acre lots leave precious little room for most species of desirable large shade trees.I fear that we will never see homeowners planting and nurturing willow oaks to their full 120 foot plus spread.  It seems that some form of pear tree, Bradford or Cleveland, will be the default choices, depending on whether you have room for a globe or a columnar form.Bradford Pe... 07/05/2007

You have a successful career, a lovely family, a little red sports car, a pet, and now you want something more.Why not indulge in a luxurious new home?Real estate in Cary couldn't be more attractive.  With beautifully landscaped homes; proximity to Raleigh; plenty of (new!) shopping centers; and a variety of excellent restaurants, Cary is a fantastic place to live.According to the News & Observer, the Cary town council "unanimously approved" a new $380.9 million budget.  It will add 8 police officers to maintain Cary's acclaimed low crime rate and maintain the municipal tax rate at 42 cents/$100 in property.  The average price of a home in beautiful Cary is $193,519.  Despite its chicness, the town has one of the lowest property tax rates in Wake County.  ListWise Realty Services is con... 06/29/2007

Each year Cary, NC  has quite a few festivities in recognition of the 4th of July holiday.  This year is no exception.  In a blog earlier today I wrote about the festivities in and around the Triangle.  To be more specific, Cary has a three day celebration starting with fireworks on July 3rd at the Carolina Railhawks soccer game.    Fireworks will be set off at the conclusion of the game at SAS Soccer Park in Cary.    Independence Eve Celebration at Sertoma The first event on July 4th starts with the Cary Youth Theatre called Applause! and the Cary Town Band at 6:30pm at the  Sertoma Amphitheatre at Bond Park So, what will the Applause! Youth theatre group present?  Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents "Faces of Freedom"The Applause! Touring Troupe takes patriotism on the road with Cyn... 06/28/2007

The North Carolina tourism industry is not only reserved for the oceanfront.  Cary (and the rest of Wake County) has become a significant tourism destination.  According to the Cary News, the Cary Town Council and Wake County Board of Commissioners met last Friday to discuss tourism and schools.  Designated land in Cary may be sold to the county for the express purpose of building more schools so that as the wave of newcomers move in there will be enough schools to accomodate their children.  In addition to schools, there was discussion about potential recreational centers throughout Cary as well as interest for a performing arts center.  $10 million will be redesignated to fund additional tourism projects.Of interest to techies: The Town of Cary has just secured the services of SAS Tec... 06/27/2007

I'll be honest,  I received my SRES designation in September 2006.  Prior to 2006 I actually finished up my Certified Financial Planning designation at Duke which covers Taxes, Financial, Estate Planning, Retirement, and General Financial Planning issues.  It's a two year program and touches in detail the things we covered in the two day SRES class. So, when I get calls from Seniors planning on moving to the area they feel comfortable sharing some of their challenges - fixed income, retirement plans, medical directives, concern about medical facilities, medical care, etc.  The list goes on and on....  I found the SRES class to be a bit light on depth of material but great on Marketing Ideas.  Our class spent almost a day coming up with ideas on how to market to Seniors.  Fortunately for... 06/26/2007

There are several ARainers that have written about Tenant Screening and Managing Tenants and investment properties.  They include Bonnie Erickson, Jessica Beganski, Chris Lengquist, and Ken Cook, among others.  I have a different perspective and would like your viewpoint.  I work closely with Cary NC Real Estate investors that are looking to buy real estate in the Triangle market.  Given the market conditions are very strong (we actually had an increase in sales in May over a record breaking 2006(up 20%)) in this area investors are flocking to the Triangle to invest.   Given we are not traditionally considered a "flip" market most investors turn to the traditional real estate investment model- a positive Cash Flow and ROI.   As such, they must find tenants for their rental properties.  ... 06/25/2007

     Cary, North Carolina may just be the perfect place for young professionals.  Located literally just a few minutes from the Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, and Durham, what more could you ask for?  With entertainment venues like no other, real estate appreciation on the rise and new job opportunities every day, this "little" southern city is a dream come true.  Informational Internet sites are useful for newcomers in learning more about the area.       I recently moved here about two years ago and I have never seen a more active area.  It has experienced an unprecedented growth recently and the number of home buyers has been incredible.  As a real estate agent in the area I am finding that with homes selling quickly, buyers are using Internet search tools to expedite the process.  ... 06/16/2007

There's no doubt about it.  In the competitive world of Real Estate in a hot market like the Triangle and Cary NC Real Estate Market I have a distinctive advantage!! My background in Business Development, working with customers, understanding consumers wants and needs, and how to "Get the Word" out have helped my business tremendously.  I have the abiltiy to do things that agents that have been in the business 30+ years do not.  I'm tech savvy, internet conscious, and know how to find real time information on properties that make me a better agent.  I can write a contract in my car on my HP Tablet PC Laptop (see my previous blog on this tool), get signatures, and print or fax the contract to the LA/SA with my wireless printer ON THE SPOT!!! The Triangle Area has some of the most sophist... 06/11/2007

It's hard to believe that the Carolina Preserve™ by Del Webb® in Cary is celebrating it's 1st anniversary.  This time last year the Carolina Preserve™ neighborhood had just opened its doors.  The community has nine model homes that opened during the summer.  I've brought several clients to the neighborhood and most of them are pleasantly suprised at what a fantastic job Pulte homes has done.  They have really done their homework on this demographic and are delivering wonderfully appointed and affordable ranch homes for Active 55+.  You're invited to the party this weekend, on Saturday June 16th, from 10am unitl 6pm.  Also Enjoy Backyard BBQ, Wine Tastings, Games and Festivities at the Party. WHAT: Del Webb is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its model park at Carolina Preserve™ i... 06/11/2007

As a real estate agent in Cary many relocating families ask me about downtown Cary.  To date, the downtown area has been a very small community. There's a post office, florist, library, drugstore, and town management.  If you drove through the intersection of Academy and Chatham Streets you may blink and miss it all together.  That is about to change.  The Town Council put the plans in place several in 2001 to transform the downtown Cary area. The goal was to make the downtown area a unique, vibrant, pedestrian friendly location.  Those plans are about to be realized in 2007.  The downtown area has long been a gathering point for residents but the proposed plan will make sure there is a variety of mixed-use projects that will include shops, restraunts, entertainment, housing, and office... 06/10/2007

Everyone commented on the heat today.I'm not all that impressed.  It only hit 95.  I was in Cary, NC a few years before I figured out what real heat is.I tell folks, "You'll know it's hot out when...""... you go out to get your morning paper and the driveway is radiating so much heat you go back in for shoes to protect your feet.  And the sun hasn't dawned yet.""Or, if you don't get the Raleigh N&O before dawn, and it spontaneously combusts in the driveway in the plastic wrapper.""... you get up at 5:30 and it is already 78 degrees out.  It might get hot today.""...you get up and the AC ran hard all night and there are streams of condensation running down the outside of the windows from humid air hitting cool glass.""... you turn the key in the truck and swear you hear it say, "Ohhhhhh ... 06/08/2007

Earlier, in Home Improvements and Hiring Contractors in North Carolina, I mentioned unpermitted home improvements. It is a timely subject.  Every week we see homes come on the market, or take buyers to homes that appear to have finished space that was not permitted or inspected by the Town of Cary Inspections and Permits Department.This is not legitimate space that can properly be figured into the home's living space.  If a fire starts in an improperly finished living space, and is blamed on uninspected electrical work, the homeowner may find that the insurance company can deny their claim.What to do?Face up to the problem, pull a permit, and get the space inspected and signed off.  The homeowner should go to the Inspections and Permits Department at Town Hall and apply for a permit.  T... 06/05/2007

Park Village - Cary, NC     Even in the booming housing market in Cary, there is still a little piece of the "Great American Dream" left, namely Park Village in Cary, NC.  With affordable pricing of just the high $100s for smaller homes to $200s for the larger homes, this new community offers amazing value for an equally amazing home.  Davis Drive & Park Village Drive is a new subdivision that offers young couples and families a unique opportunity to enter the housing market at the first level while living in a modern home in a premium location.  600 Homeowners can't be wrong when they move to this fabulous community with a full size swimming pool and a large playground that delights the children.  There is an abundance of walking trails, mature landscaping, and ponds to delight the adu... 06/02/2007

Windbrooke at Silverton is a pleasant townhome community located near the intersection of Evans Road and the Cary Parkway, in Cary, North Carolina.  It was built from 1987 to 1994 and features homes from just over 1000 to nearly 1400 square feet.  Most homes have 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with some 3 bedroom homes represented. Click to view available Active Listings in Windbrooke. View the Windbrooke at Silverton slide show. Recent sales have been in the $130,000's to $140,000's, very appealing to first-time buyers.   Windbrooke residents are members of the Silverton Homeowners' Association.  Monthly dues are approximately $126.00.  Dues pay for exterior and grounds maintenance for residents and for common area maintenance. You will enter Windbrooke at Silverton via a shaded and easily... 05/31/2007

Silverlake at Silverton is a pleasant subdivision of gracious homes in suburban Cary, North Carolina.  Silverlake is located along the NW Cary Parkway, within an easy drive of shopping centers, Raleigh, NC, downtown Cary, and the Research Triangle Park.  Recent home sales have been between $341,000 to $467,500. Click to view available Active Listings in Silverlake. See the 24 photo Silverlake at Silverton slide show.   Silverlake at Silverton was developed by Parker Lancaster and finished in 2001-2004.  Home sizes range between 2500 and 3700 square feet, with finished attics common.  Some homes front on the lake for gorgeous seasonal views.  Homes will vary from 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2.5 to 4 baths.  Two car garages are a standard amenity on the quiet culdesac streets.  Lot sizes vary be... 05/31/2007

Beechtree is a cute, well-located and affordable neighborhood in Cary, North Carolina.  It was developed and built in the mid to late 1980's.  Housing options include ranches, cluster homes, split level homes and two story homes.  The  superb location is within a short hop into Raleigh, NC, and about a 15 minute commute to either NC State University or the Research Triangle Park, RTP.  See the Beechtree slideshow.   Nearby amenities include the Arboreteum and Sam's Club shopping centers, and Umstead Park.  Dining options run the gamut from fast food to fine dining.  The Town of Cary government campus and Cary's historic central business district are only two miles south on Harrison Avenue. Beechtree homes range from 2 to 3 bedrooms, with an occasional home offering 4 bedrooms.  Homes ma... 05/31/2007

I was minding my own business, another noteworthy occurence in an otherwise hum-drum day, when I took a call from Maya Roney, staff writer for BusinessWeek.com.She was immediately quizzing me about the affordability of housing in Cary, North Carolina.  I'm always ready to talk affordability in housing.  I remember walking the shaky plank to first homeownership many years ago.So I chatted with Maya, and at the end asked her to spell my name right.  She apparently took copius notes, because she did a great job of quoting me verbatim in her article that I believe was posted today on Businessweek.com.And, checking the source of her lead, I asked where she found me...."Googled for an agent in Cary, NC, and you came up on top."Thank You, ActiveRain! 05/24/2007

Active Adult Living at Carolina Preserve™ and Del Webb® Community in Cary Location: Carolina Preserve at Amberly a Del Webb Community Looking for an Active Adult Living Community in North Carolina? Look no further than Carolina Preserve by Dell Webb. Here is the latest and greatest on the Amberly Community. Many of my Senior clients have requested that I keep you updated on the latest plans and releases out at Carolina Preserve, North Carolina's only Del Webb Community. The most recent release for new Cardinal, Dogwood and Emerald homesites occurred on Monday March 19th. Here's what is available in the second phase release of homesites: Cardinal Collection:. The time has come to release these much anticipated cul-de-sac and oversized homesites. These highly sought after homesites are wa... 05/20/2007