Lately I have been beating the drum on affordable homes in Cary, NC.  It seems more important than ever to do so, considering the Town of Cary's back-of-the-hand stance on affordable housing.Cary gets a lot of publicity about the cost of housing, and a bad rap that folks can't afford to live here.  I set out to identify some communities and neighborhoods in Cary that present affordable options to folks who can't swing a 3000SF and up "Big Hair House."Not every home in Cary sells for over $500,000.  That $500,000 figure is roughly the average price of a new construction home.  "AVERAGE" means that there are homes for less and homes for more.  Much less and Much more as a matter of fact.  The great thing about living in a Cary starter home is the low cost of property taxes in Cary, vs. th... 05/16/2007

Bexley at Weston is a nearly new subdivision in north Cary, North Carolina.  Sixty-four homes by MI Homes comprise Bexley at Weston, with construction commencing in 2004 and the last homes sold in February, 2007.  The subdivision is located on Norwell Boulevard, between Weston Parkway and the Cary Parkway.  The community is so new, it does not appear on the Google Map with Localism. Bexley at Weston backs to the Town of Cary Greenway system.  North Cary Park with a playground, soccer field, and picnic facilities is across Nowell Road.  Nearby amenities include shopping at Sam's Club and the Arboreteum, with other opportunities within a short drive.  The Research Triangle Park (RTP,) Downtown Raleigh, and NC State University are each just about a 15 minute commute.    Home sizes in Bexl... 05/16/2007

  Windchase At Beechtree  is an affordable townhome community in north Cary, North Carolina.  It was developed in the late 1980's with construction continuing into the mid-1990's.  Brick fronts are common upgrades, and otherwise the homes have vinyl siding.  The location is superb, with a short drive into Raleigh, NC, and about a 15 minute commute to either NC State University or the Research Triangle Park, RTP.  Among many nearby amenities are the Arboreteum and Sam's Club shopping centers, manydining options, and Umstead Park.  Town of Cary government campus and central business district are only two miles south on North Harrison Avenue.   Windchase At Beechtree town homes range from 2 to 4 bedrooms and may have 2, 2.5, or 3 baths.  Living area ranges from 1400 to 2700 square feet.  R... 05/15/2007

Woodridge At Beechtree is a starter home subdivision in Cary, North Carolina.  It was developed in the early 1990's.  One very nice feature of the community is the size of the building lots, from approximately .25 acre to .33 acre.  That dwarfs the lots available in many current new construction luxury home communities. Click to view currently available Active Listings in Beechtree.   Nearby amenities include the Arboreteum and Sam's Club shopping centers, countless dining options, and the south entrance to Umstead Park.  Town of Cary governmental campus, and Cary's historical central business district are just two miles south on Harrison Avenue. Proximity to centers of employment from Woodridge At Beechtree is excellent.  SAS, the largest privately held software company in the world h... 05/14/2007

Nestled into a wooded area, Trappers Run  is a well-known neighborhood in central Cary, North Carolina.  The location is readily accessed from three sides, off Maynard Road, or through two adjoining subdivisions.  Grocery shopping and other necessities are available within a mile at Maynard Crossing or Preston Corners. Development of the Trappers Run subdivision began in the late 1970's with building complete by the mid-1980's.  Lot sizes vary from just under .25 acre to .5 acre. Click to view all available Active Listings in Trappers Run. Trappers Run kids are assigned to great Wake County schools.  School assignments are managed and controlled by Wake County Public School System.  More information on Wake County Schools. Property taxes are approximately 0.86% of the assessed Tax Valu... 05/13/2007

Averge new homes in Cary, NC cost about $500,000.That is not good enough for some Cary or Wake County or North Carolina lawmakers.One way to raise the average cost of housing is to make the entry level cost of housing higher, raising the average from the bottom up with unnecessary additional fees. Three current proposals and movements are coming together to make this less than lofty goal a reality.1.  Cary is now proposing to design home facades.  Having been criticized in the past for being "Cookiecutterville," Cary leaders now are dabbling with proposals to meddle with what they see as overly repetitive design in new subdivisions.  Among the parameters, variations in height in adjacent buildings, "distinguishment" being the desired effect.  Now that is a term I want to associate with ... 05/11/2007

Come on out to Farmington Woods with me!  If you like shade, and walking to the elementary school, shopping, and services, all in a quiet neighborhood that is tucked away from heavy traffic:  Welcome home to Farmington Woods!   View currently available homes in Farmington Woods.   Farmington Woods is situated in central Cary, NC, adjoining Stoneybrook Estates.  Within easy walking distance you will find restaurants, retail services, financial services, the Farmington Woods Elementary School, and all the other accouterments that make in-town living convenient and comfortable. Like Stoneybrook Estates, Farmington Woods homes were built in the mid-1970's to early 1980's, at a time when trees were valued, and lots were sized to support trees.  The mature trees add great value, environmenta... 05/11/2007

  Tonight we are looking at Stoneybrook Estates, a beautiful neighborhood of 1960's and 1970's homes in a great central location in Cary, NC, adjoining Farmington Woods. Once in the neighborhood, you will be entranced by the beauty of lush mature landscaping, including blooming azaleas, and tall, arching mature shade trees.  Stoneybrook Estates was built at a time when houses were placed among the trees, and the trees were honored, rather than clear cut with disdain. Click to see Available Active Listings in Stoneybrook Estates. Stoneybrook Estates is located on the south side of Southeast Maynard Road, just east of the intersection of Kildaire Farms Road and Maynard Road.  This location puts Stoneybrook Estates within walking distance of groceries, restaurants, and retail services.  An... 05/11/2007

Just go to http://www.gotriangle.org/ and make your online promise that you will bike to work, the bus stop, or your carpool or vanpool park-n-ride lot at least once between May 14th and 18th to be eligible to win a bike and other great prizes!  The goal of this campaign is to save 1,000 drive-alone commute miles - Add your bike commute to the total!If you are already a bike commuter, take the Bike to Work Week pledge!  You're reducing air pollution, congestion and stress for other commuters - You should be rewarded for your smart commute!  Help reach the goal of 1,000 commute miles saved.  Take the pledge today!  05/10/2007

West Cary's residential community has grown steadily over the years, prompting developers to launch new retail projects in the area.  My office is located right in the middle of this booming section of town.  The transformation over the past twelve months has been amazing.  Here's a sneek preview of the projects:  Stone Creek Village is now open and located at the intersection of Davis Drive and High House Road.  Stone Creek Village includes townhomes by Centex starting in the $300s,  a Harris Teeter, Walgreens, and other stores continuing to open.  The retail at Stone Creek has higher end boutiques and shops as well as several restaurants from casual to fine dining.  Searstone Retirement Community.  This is a not-for profit, age targeted 62+ retirement Community in the heart of Northwe... 05/01/2007

In my previous blogs I have mentioned that I work with Seniors looking to relocate to the Triangle and have my SRES(Senior Real Estate Specialist) designation.  Specifically, I help Seniors that are looking for reasonably priced ranch/villa style homes in neighborhoods that include Senior activities and an affordable lifestyle.  In the past we haven't had a lot of choices.  However, with North Carolina now the #1 State for retirees and the overwhelming success at Carolina Preserve(they've sold over 700 homes since 2006), builders are now recognizing the demand for this type of housing in the Triangle.  Here is my current list with links to the communities for your reference. Chapelwood - Chapel Hill's 1st Active 55 Community.   Brick Ranch homes in the $300s.  Carolina Preserve by Del ... 04/27/2007

City:  Cary, North Carolina Directions: From Raleigh:  Take U.S. 1 south towards Sanford. Take the Cary Parkway exit. Turn right off of ramp and travel approximately 6 miles to High House Road Turn left on High House Road and travel approximately .6 miles. Turn right onto Prestonwood Parkway. From RTP/Durham:  At the intersection of I-40 and Davis Drive, take Davis Drive south towards Cary. Continue on Davis Drive for approximately 9 miles. Turn left onto High House Road. Turn left onto Prestonwood Parkway. Neighborhood Facts: A Recent poll by the Triangle Business Journal revealed that 50% of all residents polled chose Prestonwood Country Club as the most prestigous Country Club in the area  Planned Urban Development(PUD) established in 1987 by Murray Savings & Loan, dba Prestonwood In... 04/26/2007

think I've mentioned this previously, but I grew up in Dallas, TX in a real estate family.  I learned a lot about homes as I was growing up.  One of the things I realized is that, in Texas, everyone thinks bigger is better!!  Joking aside, Dallas is a trend setter in terms of the latest custom features for single family homes.  In my market, the Triangle market, we do things a bit slower.  Details that showed up in homes in Dallas and Chicago a couple of years ago are now starting to make their way to the Triangle.  A couple of trends that are making it include: 4" recessed lights vs. the standard 6" recessed lights Wine Cellars- People are spending more time collecting wines and aging them not only as a hobby, but for family occasions.  We've seen an increase in the number of basements... 04/18/2007

I'm SO EXCITED!  Cary is finally reaching the ranks of a true metropolitan city with the arrival of the Umstead Hotel in Cary.  Our new 150 room Umstead Hotel is located on the SAS Institute campus and has not only raised the bar for hotels in the Triangle, it's pretty much set the standard for luxury accomodations in the entire state. The $75 million hotel, with its amazing Texas limestone exterior and copper accents, is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.  The hotel is located a short distance from the heavily wooded 5,439 acre Umstead State Park, but the hotel property boasts its own quiet oasis. With hundreds of trees on 12 acres and a three acre lake behind the hotel, it's easy to forget that the Umstead is a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Interstate 4... 04/14/2007

Let's explore Dutchess Village, Cary, NC: View current Active Listings in Dutchess Village.  Dutchess Village is a mature and affordable neighborhood in the center of Cary, NC.  Dutchess Village is situated off High House Road, with the entrance just across from the Edgehill Farm entrance.  Access to the neighborhood is from High House Road, or through Oakwood Heights on Howland Avenue.   Raleigh and NC State University are an easy 20 minute commute.  The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes.  Heavy traffic can lengthen either commute. The neighborhood was originally developed in the mid-1980's by BTD Corporation.  Dutchess Village includes 149 pleasant 1.5 and 2 story homes, 12 cluster homes, and 34 townhomes.  Typical single family home amenities include 3 to 5 bedrooms ... 04/06/2007

Let's wander through Oakwood Heights, Cary, NC:    View Oakwood Heights Active Home Listings on . Oakwood Heights is a mature affordable neighborhood in the center of Cary, NC.  Oakwood Heights is situated off Old Apex Road.  Access to the neighborhood is from Old Apex Road, or, through Carousel Park, or, from West Chatham Street through Sunset Hills, or through Dutchess Village.  Access and egress to and from the neighborhood are easy.  Raleigh  and NC State University is an easy 20 minute commute.  The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes.  Both commutes can lengthen during heavy drive-time traffic. The neighborhood was developed in the late 1950's-early 1960's, with another wave of development from the mid-1970's to mid-1980's.  194 pleasant classic ranch, split-level, ... 04/06/2007

In my market we have been fortunate because homes have been selling steadily all year. We haven't had the crazy appreciation rates experienced in other parts of the country but slow and steady is fine in my book.  The spring market has sprung and sales of new and re-sale homes are moving briskly. Even though our market it strong it is still important to market your home to sell.  The first 30 days are the most important in marketing a property.    That said, here are 10 ways to get the highest price in the shortest amount of time:  ·  Get rid of the clutter. A house with less stuff looks bigger and roomier. If what you want to throw out can have value to others, see if you can help by donating goods to local charities.   There are also a number of staging experts, Craig Schiller comes t... 04/06/2007

View current Active Listings in Edgehill Farm.   Edgehill Farm is an affordable neighborhood of 256 homes of various types, in Cary, North Carolina.   Edgehill Farm is situated northwest of the intersection of High House Road and Old Apex Road, and is accessed from either High House Road or Old Apex Road.  There is little through traffic, so streets are commonly quiet. Raleigh and NC State University are an easy 20 minute commute.  The regional employment center, the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes.  Heavy drive-time traffic can affect either commute.Edgehill Farm was developed in the early/mid 1980's by New Fortis Homes, now part of KHovnanian.  Ninety-seven single family detached and cluster homes comprise Edgehill Farm and Westview Cove.  The Cedar Pointe Condomini... 04/05/2007

City:  Cary Location:  Off of Carpenter Fire Station Rd. and HWY 55 Neighborhood Facts: Price range is from the $300s -$900s Located in the fast growing Northwest Cary area.    Homes include the Shires and the Manors THE SHIRES       The Shires feature lower-maintenance cluster homes priced from the high $300,000s - $500,000, that range in size from 2200 to 3200 square feet. Homes feature up-to-the-minute amenities, extensive landscaping, and many include downstairs masters, screened porches, and courtyard or patio areas. THE MANORS & THE ESTATES       The Manors offer homes that range in size from 2700 to 4500+ square feet priced $500,000 - $700,000s+. Innovative and unique floorplans provide exceptional custom features, and many homesites adjoin preserved natural areas or the 9-acre p... 03/26/2007

City:  Cary, North Carolina Address:  MacGregor Downs Country Club at the intersection of US1 South and US64 East (Tryon Road) in Cary, North Carolina Neighborhood Facts: Age range is 1960's to homes that have been leveled & are new Price range is $500,000-$4 million+ Prime Location in East Cary! Cary first began growing southward with the MacGregor Downs subdivision - the first prestigious development in Cary. This sudivision was built in the 1960s with large lots and homes off U.S. 64, MacGregor Downs used to define Cary's southernmost point. In fact, many claim that Cary's reputation for upscale residential living is due to this subdivision.  For those of you that are familiar with the term "Inner Beltline" or "ITB" MacGregor is considered to be "Inside the Beltline" for Cary.    Con... 03/25/2007