Life and Real Estate in Chapel Hill and the Triangle Area of NC

Home on 2 acres near Jordan lake in Chatham County, NC $499,000

Homes in Southern Village Chapel Hill

Chatham County NC Real Estate

The Coldwell Banker HPW office is Tickled Pink!

"Ask the Experts" condo forum is tonight!

Briar Chapel, again and again and again

Fearrington Village, Chatham County~It's a date!

Briar Chapel ~Chapel Hill~Chatham County

Raleigh rental~ Pullen Park Terrace

Chapel Hill, Chatham and Orange Fourth Quarter 2008 Market Summary

Wexford~ A classic neighborhood in Carrboro with a Chapel Hill address.

140 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC New Sales Gallery Opens

Agency in North Carolina

Lake Hogan Farms in Chapel Hill

Life in North Carolina

A Chapel Hill Real Estate Home Inspection Story or The Emperor Has No Clothes

Should I use a buyers agent for new construction and if so will the builder pay the commission?

Life and Real Estate in Chapel Hill and the Triangle ~Spartacus Restaurant

Chatham County real estate~new developments~ part 1

Chatham County Artists Guild Studio Tour ~The first weekend~Saturday

Chatham County Artists Guild Studio Tour

Around Town~Chatham County Orchids

Always ask, and then ask again

It’s time to get a deal on a new home!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:30:53 -0600

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:54:59 -0600

Southern Village

Last weekend I went to Southern Village with my sister,a friend and our dogs for the Walk for Paws. It was a was a beautiful fall day, perfect for a walk down the tree lines streets of Southern Village.

Southern Village dates from the early 90's and was the first of the "new old neighborhoods" in the area. One of the models for the new neighborhood was Kentlands in Va. When the development of Southern Village first started I really wondered how it would turn out. I was familiar with Kentlands, my sister lived there, it was a wonderful neighborhood concept. But in Kentlands the land was level and Southern Village had so much topography....

How would they ever get it to look good with the density and hills? Well, it turned out great. The developers, D.R. Bryan , Bryan Properties, knew what they were doing and today is is a showplace neighborhood in Chapel Hill with a thriving commercial area. There is a main street with shops, restaurants, businesses, a church, and movie theater. The commons is a gathering place for events (like The Walk for Paws), a farmers market and outdoor movie showings.

I took photos of lots of homes and will add more including the condos and townhomes in another post.

After our walk we sat outside at Pazzo! on Market Street and shared a pizza and a bottle of wine. We people and dog watched until until almost dark!

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:34:10 -0500

Chatham County NC Real Estate

For years a visitor to the Triangle wouldn't hear much about Chatham County. It was missing from area maps and rarely mentioned in the local news and weather. I think that´s because it has been a rural county without a large center of population. Things are changing fast now because of Chatham´s location surrounded by Orange, Durham and Wake Counties, completion of major roads, and the growing population of the Triangle. Much of Chatham County is still very rural but North Chatham has seen quite a bit of growth in the past few years with the development of large planned neighborhoods like Briar Chapel.

Why move to Chatham County?

During the past 10 years or so the planning departments in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Raleigh have been requiring developers to cluster homes and leave areas of green space to help protect the environment. The result of this is most new home neighborhoods have small ¼ to 1/3 acre lots.

Growth has been limited in Chatham because of the lack of sewer services to the county. New improvements in waste treatment systems such as spray irrigation have made development of large golf course neighborhoods with big lots a cost effective way for developers to go. It also offers new home buyers something that is in short supply in the Triangle, a new home on a large lot. Over the past few years so much land was approved for development that there is now an over supply of homes and there are some real deals to be found.

When I saw this sign while driving from Chapel Hill to Chatham County I thought the pro-development town council had put it up. I quickly realized a prankster had added DEVELOPERS PARADISE. This was right before our market entered the recession.

Schools

The school test scores vary across the county. In the North Chatham area the scores compare favorably with the rest of the Triangle. If you focus on the North Chatham schools, Perry Harrison and North Chatham Middle and Elementary you will see that they are similar to the scores of the Chapel Hill schools which have the reputation as the best in the state. A new high school is planned for North Chatham in the next few years. There is also the Woods Charter School, grades k-12 with an excellent reputation but a waiting list.

Chatham County ABC's Test Scores

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:56 -0500

Tickled Pink is A fundraiser to provide direct support to cancer patients and their families through UNC's Comprehensive Cancer Support Program (CCSP) at the new N.C. Cancer Hospital.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the N.C. Cancer Hospital

The Chapel Hill office of Coldwell Banker HPW turned fall decorations pink, including a pink pumpkin patch, as part of an initiative to Turn the Town Pink for the month of October to show support for the Tickled Pink fundraiser.

Every year the Chapel Hill office of CBHPW volunteers to wait tables, set and clear tables and help clean up for the 300 guest benefit ladies luncheon at the Pope Box at Kenan Stadium It is a community service event for our office and a non networking event. No business cards and no name tags!!

Julie Amos-Sermons, a very energetic CBHPW agent, was the event co-chair and worked hard all year to make the sold out ladies luncheon a success.

CBHPW agent Barbara Pater is ready to serve!

Ladies were Tickled Pink to buy the donated flower arrangements.

Well, we are on to our next project, a turkey giveaway, for the holidays.

Marianne
Marianne Howell Wright, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW
"Making a Difference in our Community"

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:03:04 -0500

"Ask the Experts" condo forum is tonight!
The Chapel Hill office of Coldwell Banker HPW is having an informative forum tonight for HOA boards and management companies (anyone with an interest is invited) to explain how the current lending guidelines are affecting condo sales. Many agents in the office have horror stories about condo sales that had delayed closings or didn't close at all causing all sorts of problems for the buyers and sellers (and of course the agents!) We will have a mortgage lender on hand to discuss the approval process and required documents. Tom Holt , a local attorney, will be available to answer questions and discuss the legal steps necessary for associations to review and make changes to HOA documents. We should have a good group. Please come!

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:25:54 -0500

Briar Chapel does a great job keeping in front of the public. Thursday night Vanguard Homes in Briar Chapel had a reception for those who have contributed to their success in the neighborhood. I've shown their homes and have interested buyers so I stopped by. The company is recoverin g from a hard time and is actively building again.It was a nice event with good food and wine. I met several new homeowners who are really happy with the neighborhood and another couple who are just getting started with the building process.

Saturday I was busy with the Southern Ideal Home Show representing Chapelwood, a new 55+ neighborhood my company is marketing. I was surprised when I showed up at our booth and saw it was right next to Briar Chapel's booth.

It was a great busy day at the show. I had to leave a little early because I was going BACK to Briar Chapel for one of their invitation only monthly events. The first show of the Artist Series at Briar Chapel, was presented in partnership with the Chatham County Arts Council Gallery with a reception and show for award-winning artist, illustrator and designer Murry Handler.

It was a wonderful reception with food by the Pittsboro General Store. Murry's work is shown in the Briar Chapel information center and in several model homes. Stop by and take a look. Chatham Arts Council has a goal of bringing art to the people by showcasing artists work throughout the community. Sunday I was back at the Chapelwood booth again right next to Briar Chapel.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:03:39 -0500

It's a date!
One night while at dinner in a popular Chapel Hill restaurant I overhead a 30's something guy at the next table (the tables are REALLY close there) telling a friend that his favorite place to take a date was McIntyre's books in Fearrington Village.

I thought that was kind of surprising so I continued to listen, paying attention to my husband at the same time. It seems that a book store is free and at McIntyre's there is always something going on.

After visiting the bookstore there are shops to explore, good food to eat and cute animals; goats, donkeys and the famous Belted Galoway cows .

I guess Fearrington for a date really does make sense because when ever I have family or friends visit, Fearrington is always on our list of things to do.

Shop for gifts at the Dovecote

Interesting...

Roost- For your garden

When recently I got a cute new listing in Fearrington I made a date with my husband to go to the bookstore, have lunch and walk around the Village.

My husband loves books but he wasn't too excited about the rest of my plans. It turned out to be really fun and he said our lunch at the Belted Goat was much better than he would have ever expected.

Here is a link to a lot more photos of an afternoon at Fearrington Village and also a link to my new listing.

This video has music so if you want quiet turn down your volume

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:04:12 -0600

One of the most exciting new neighborhoods in the Triangle is Briar Chapel located in Chatham County just outside of Chapel Hill. As one of the first of the Triangles first certified EcoBrokers I've had a special interest in neighborhoods that provide a true green built and designed environment.
Briar Chapel is a green built mixed use neighborhood of 1589 acres with 900 of the acres dedicated to open space which will never be developed. Twenty four miles of interactive walking and biking trails wind through the rolling hills and woods of the neighborhood. There are parks, ponds, a winding creek and lots of opportunities to enjoy nature the way we live now-with a sensitivity to the environment and nature. Two green built schools will be included in the neighborhood. Woods Charter School opened in the fall and includes grades k-12. The groundbreaking for the new middle school was a couple of weeks ago. I've been watching the progress of Briar Chapel since it was approved in February of 2005. My husband and I drove through several times during the development and were amazed at the scale. We thought it was interesting that rocks and boulders were recycled with an on site gravel quarry.
We were at Briar Chapel for the grand opening (actually we tried to take a look the week before but were chased away by a surly landscape contractor) and I have shown the neighborhood to several interested buyers.
The neighborhood is finally starting to look like a place to call home. On my last visit there were a group of boys riding bikes and people out and about on the trails. The clubhouse is finished and beautiful I took lots of pictures of the neighborhood and homes to post that will give you a better idea of what Briar Chapel looks like now.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:43:42 -0600

Marianne Howell Wright | Coldwell Banker HPW | 919-274-4365

516 A Kirby Street, Raleigh, NC

Raleigh Rental~ A European Cottage~Near NC State and Downtown ~Pullen Park Terrace Rent the front of this 2 family house. Pets may be allowed with a

2BR/2BA Single Family House

$975/month

Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	1,360
Parking	1 dedicated
Pet Policy	Cats, Dogs (any)
Deposit	$975

DESCRIPTION

Cute European Brick Cottage ~rent the front of this 2 family home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. New paint, 2" blinds on all windows, fenced yard, half of 2 car garage.Near NC state across from Pullen Park. No undergraduates, pets subject to approval. Credit check.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

Air conditioning	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Yard

LEASE TERMS

Year lease required, pet deposit

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Contact info:

Marianne Howell Wright

Coldwell Banker HPW

919-274-4365

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 13, 2009, 8:20am PST

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:47:17 -0600

I've been waiting for these numbers about the Chapel Hill, Orange, and Chatham Counties real estate market and I'm not surprised with the findings. I'm not sure why but things seemed to have picked up since the first of the year maybe because of the low rates. There is mortgage money available for those with good credit and a little money. FHA loans require 3.5% down now but that can be a gift and that's often how first time buyers buy. A buyer with good credit and 20% down can pretty much write their own ticket and close in 30 days. There are some deals out there. I'll pass on the market conditions as they change hopefully for the better. ORANGE COUNTY CHATHAM COUNTY

Greater Chapel Hill Association of REALTORS MARKET STATISTIC REPORTS Fourth Quarter 2008

Fourth Quarter 2008 Market Summary

The turmoil in the national financial markets during the third quarter of 2008 produced a bunch of scared consumers which in turn produced a bunch of scared employers. The employed workforce failed to grow in four of the last five months of 2008. The last time this happened was during the 2000 v. 2001 time period. The annual average of the employed workforce was flat compared to 2007 and there are almost 200k more workers in our market compared to 1990. The combination of a lower amount of employed workers and the inability of inbound transferees to sell their existing residences continues to produce even lower levels of house buyers. This cycle, as reported during 3Q/08, continues to produce lower residential closings and increased residential inventory.

Fourth quarter showings were down 43% in Durham, 29% in Orange and 31% in Chatham compared to fourth quarter 2007. The three counties bucked the overall trend and had decreased inventory compared to fourth quarter 2007. Orange inventory decreased 1%, Chatham inventory was flat and Durham inventory decreased 8%. The majority of the Triangle inventory decrease can be attributed to the new home market. Area builders have marching orders to sell inventory and not to replace at previous levels. The three county market had a drop in resale inventory. During the fourth quarter, Durham resale inventory dropped 3%, Orange resale inventory dropped 5% and Chatham resale inventory increased 3%. Current sellers have been very reactive to market conditions. The number of sellers who have dropped price from original list has increased significantly in each county. Those sellers who have not found a price acceptable to current buyers have produced a dramatic increase in the number of expired and withdrawn listings.

Lower showings typically produce a lower amount of pending sales. Listings with a status change from active to pending decreased 23% in Chatham, 30% in Durham and 29% in Orange. The number of expired and withdrawn listings has increased dramatically in each market. These are sellers who have yet to adjust to current market conditions or do not have pricing flexibility.

The result of the above has been a decrease in the amount of closed sales. Durham annual closings are off 26%, Orange closings were off 29% and Chatham closings were off 25%. Fourth quarter closings were off a minimum of 30% in each county. The average days on market for closings increased to 113 in Chatham, increased to 111 in Durham and increased to 83 in Orange. The average for TMLS was 100 days.

The dramatically lower amount of closings has produced a higher current supply. The current supply of housing in TMLS is at 7 months. Per the National Association of Realtors, the national current supply of housing is 11 months. The current supply in Durham is 6 months, the current supply in Orange is 7 months and the current supply in Chatham is 12 months.

Data regarding house prices produces mixed signals. The average list price was flat in Orange and Durham and up 5% in Chatham compared to fourth quarter 2007. The average closed price during the fourth quarter was down 2% in Durham, down 8% in Orange and down 5% in Chatham. On average, sellers in each county continue to sell for more than they paid. The average seller has gained 3% per year of ownership in Durham, 5% in Orange and 4% in Chatham. I would expect that these numbers would decrease as each county struggles to move inventory.

All segments within the three counties have been affected. Annual closings in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro High School district were off 26%, the average sales price decreased 7% and the median sales price increased 1%.

As I stated in the last two quarters, many agents that I have spoken with have stated that they have buyers who are able, but not currently willing to purchase a residence in our market. Consumer confidence is at all time lows and the layoffs seen nationally have begun in the Triangle. When this "dam" will break is anyone's guess, but I would state that increasing employment, not decreasing employment is the main breaker. In the mean time, only serious sellers with pricing flexibility need to have their house listed for sale. There were segments of the Triangle market for which there were no buyers during 2008.

There is some good news in the national real estate market that could bode well for our sellers. The National Association of Realtors reported its pending sales index had increased for the first time in many months. Areas that had increased activity were ones that were able to cut list prices on houses by a significant amount to induce sellers. While significant price cuts may not occur in our market during this year, a freer flow of inbound transferees will certainly help. STACEY ANFINDSEN

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:46:31 -0600

Wexford Entry

Wexford, located in Orange County, NC, is one of several Carrboro neighborhoods with a Chapel Hill address. Other neighborhoods with this same confusing address issue include established neighborhoods like Sunset Creek and Lake Hogan Farms, and new neighborhoods like Claremont and Winmore. Carrboro and Chapel Hill share a school system Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools but have separate governments. The tax rate for the Carrboro properties is about .10 per hundred higher than Chapel Hill because of the smaller commercial tax base. The address is really a function of the post office which happens to be in Chapel Hill. This has even been confusing for closing attorneys.

In the early 1990's there were lots of new home neighborhoods in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. What made Wexford special were the larger lot sizes, all big enough for a side entry garage. The developers sold lots to some of the best custom builders in town and because of the quality of construction and details the neighborhood has aged well.

Even though some of the homes in the first phase are now 20 years old the street scape doesn't looked dated but instead the well kept yards and homes have become better looking with time especially when contrasted with the more "cookie cutter" like neighborhoods built since.

In the late 90's a new phase was developed with about a dozen homes and in the last couple of years the last phase of eight homes were built by Hampton Homes. The neighbors share a beautiful pond with gazebo, a pool and club house and tennis courts. There are three homes on the market in Wexford today,
December 30, 2008.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:12:40 -0600

140 West Franklin Street New Sales Gallery Opens in Chapel Hill

Have you noticed the number of condominium buildings under construction and pre-selling in Chapel Hill and Carrboro? Franklin Street is Chapel Hills Grand Strand and of all that's going up and planned, the development with the "best" address is 140 West Franklin Street. It has been years in planning and will be built on corner of Franklin and Church Streets. It's expensive real estate but if location is the key to success this development has it.

You might have heard about it as "lot 5". There will be 140 homes, 26,000 sq. ft. of retail space and a 30,000 sq. ft. plaza. The developer and town have been working together to make the development an arts and community gathering place.

I stopped by the new sales gallery, located at 126 West Franklin Street, last week to find answers to some questions from an interested client. Phil Patterson, who many will remember from his days representing Meadowmont, showed me around.

Touring the gallery I saw a scale model of the buildings which really helped me visualize the project from different viewpoints.

Next we took a look at a seating area surrounding a gas fireplace similar to what residents will have in their clubhouse which will be located on top floor of the building.

There is a bath vignette and also a full working kitchen showcasing appliances, counter tops,back-splash, cabinets and flooring.

There is something for every ones taste in the selection room where clients can work with the builders representative or bring their own designer.

Reservations are being taken for presales but make sure you take your buyers agent with you on your first visit. It won't affect the price you pay and representation is important especially with pre-construction purchases. Visit my website for more information about why you need an experienced in new construction buyers agent.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:53:46 -0600

When I moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 1979 we were looking forward to buying our first house. A friend recommended a real estate agent and we started looking. He was really nice and knew all about Chapel Hill. Our agent showed us lots of houses and we decided to buy a townhouse and then build a home in the future. What we didn't know and I didn't find out until a couple of years later when I took my real estate license class, was that he wasn't really our agent at all but instead, represented the seller. He was obligated by law to get the seller the best price and terms. For a while I felt really bad that maybe we had over paid for our townhouse.

I wasn´t alone thinking that "my agent" represented me. In 1983 the Federal Trade Commission published a study that reported that 72% of homebuyers thought that the real estate agent represented them not the seller. In reaction to the report the National Association of Realtors worked with Realtor boards across the country to provide disclosure of agency to consumers. It took about ten years for buyer agency to become a standard practice in NC.

The NC Real Estate Commission requires that all licensees provide an agency brochure "Working with Real Estate Agents" that explains agency at first substantial contact and that we explain agency at that time. We have to be able to prove that we have done this so the brochure has a section for buyers and sellers to sign that they received it and that agency was explained.

So, the first time we meet don´t be surprised when I pull out the brochure, go over it with you and ask for a signature. I will ask you if you want me to be your buyer´s agent. Buyer agency doesn´t have anything to do with commission. It is customary in our area for the seller to pay the commission by agreement through the MLS. Our agency relationship can be by verbal agreement until the time of an offer. At that time the Real Estate Commission requires it to be in writing. I will usually ask you to enter into the agreement after we have seen a few homes and we both feel we want to work together. This protects me so I can be sure I will be paid for the work I do with you when you buy a house. I will work hard and use my years of experience to protect your interests and negotiate the best price and terms for your new home. I only get paid when you purchase a home so our written agency agreement insures that my commitment to you is rewarded with a paycheck when I find you a home.

Agency can be complicated when an agent in my office is the listing agent for a home that I show you and may seem even more so when we look at my own listings. When you visit I will go over this with you but the agency brochure "Working with Real Estate Agents" is very good. Look it over and please email or call me with any questions.

Marianne 919-274-4365

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:58:32 -0600

Lake Hogan Farms is in Orange County, NC, is in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School District, has a Chapel Hill address (post office)but is in the Carrboro municipal district (planning and taxes). This can be confusing so send me an email or call and I'll explain.

My clients who have purchased in Lake Hogan Farms love the neighborhood. Sometimes it's hard to meet friends when moving to a new area and this neighborhood makes it easy. There are lots of activities for both children and adults. Holiday parties, progressive dinner parties, book clubs, basketball and tennis for both children and adults to name just a few. There are also volunteer opportunities with community service organizations. This year there was voting in the club house. The sidewalks and walking trails are a great way to meet and greet neighbors.

Development of Lake Hogan Farms began in the mid 90's on the site of a former dairy farm previously owned by the Hogan Family. There is a very old lake/pond on the property and I love imaging the past with cows cooling off and drinking from the lake. Thinking about the past is easy in this neighborhood of rolling hills Over 400 homes and town homes have been built on the site of a former dairy farm. The farm silo has been kept and is on the site of the amenities including a pool, clubhouse, tennis and basketball courts and a playground.

Homes are built in neighborhoods within Lake Hogan Farms with prices ranging from the mid 300's for town homes to over $1 million for estate homes. David Weekly has a new section, The Legends, with homes from the upper 300's. The lots are small but the plans are open and bright. All other homes for sale are resales. HOA dues are $60 and that includes the use of the pool and amenities. There is also a $300 one time capital improvement charge at closing.

Last year, 2007, there were approximately 28 closed real estate transactions in the Lake Hogan Farms. The average sales price was $173 sq, ft, list to sales price averaged 100% (some homes sold above asking price) and average days on the market was 64. This year to date (November 07, 2008) things are down a just bit with 13 active listings, 26 pending and closed, average sales price $166 sq. ft.,98% list to sales price and average days on the market 77. These numbers are really a generalization because it can vary so much within neighborhoods within Lake Hogan. Email me for more detailed stats.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Marianne.howell/LakeHogan# Here is a link to more photos. Some of these are taken in the winter and really show the topography but aren't pretty. I'm going to add more today.

Let me know if there is a neighborhood in Chapel Hill that you want to know more about and I'll write about it! Best, Marianne

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:17:50 -0500

North Carolina Trivia Quiz

What I like most about living in NC is the great variety of things to do. From Chapel Hill it is an easy weekend get away to either the coast or mountains. When my husband and I go to the mountains we especially like Banner Elk because of the high elevation and great restaurants. We stay at Blueberry Inn and Banner Elk Winery when we go by ourselves but when it's the whole family we like the Burnsville area neat Mt. Mitchell. The children really like to tube in the Toe River. Last month we rented 3 houses close together, 2 on the river and one across the street, high on a hill with a great view. My husband took some photos and even though we were with family including 7 nieces and nephews he just took photos of scenery and the dog (his favorite family member) swimming.

I'm writing this from the coast right now. We came to make sure our cottage on Harkers Island was secure since tropical storm Hannah was scheduled to come through with two possible hurricanes right behind it. Hannah was no problem for us, just some wind. Harkers Island is on Core Sound near Cape Lookout. It's really just a fishing village. You have to like to cook to come here because there aren't many places to eat out.

A fun thing to do is to take the ferry (it's just a small boat, passengers only) to Cape Lookout. On the way to the cape the boat captain will point out the wild ponies grazing on marsh grass. Once there,young children love playing in the water and sand on the sound side but a short walk across the dunes is the ocean and a beautiful beach.

There is so much to do in NC from the mountains to the coast!

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:13:29 -0600

The buyers agent told me the client was a 'worrywart" but that's not unusual. After all, a home is the largest purchase most people make and that's one reason to have a buyers agent. Let the agent take care of details so the client doesn't have to worry.

I have found the longer it takes to negotiate a contract the less chance there is of working things out. This one took over two weeks. I guess with that and the buyers agents warning I should have expected trouble.

The inspections went fine but a couple of days later water and "some nasty looking black stuff" was discovered in the crawl space under some plastic containers.

The BA said it had rained since the inspection and that's why the inspector didn't notice it. She thought she should get a couple of quotes from waterproofers to find the extent of and cost to correct the problem.

I was shocked when she sent me the two quotes, one for $3000 and one for just under that amount. One quote called for a sump pump. The waterproofers said that they could tell that it was a long standing problem because of the black on the block and the change in consistency of the soil.

Now, I've been in the real estate business in Chapel Hill for a long time including 12 years as a home builder. Only once did a crawl space require a sump pump and that was a situation with a spring under the house.

I called the seller and asked if he had ever noticed standing water under the house. He said no, The area in question was were he kept the containers of oil for the turkey fryer and he had always just walked around that area.

The buyer was sure that there was an underground river under the house and wanted to back out of the contract.

My contractor son- in- law took a look and realized that it wasn't water at all and that black stuff was turkey frying oil that had leaked from the containers. He said he could remove the oil and fill the low spot for $100. Much better than the $3000 bids the BA gave us.

The buyer didn't believe it wasn't water. How could two waterproofers be wrong? (I think they were just hungry, we've had a drought) so we hired an engineer to inspect the crawl space and write a report. He found no sign of water intrusion and a properly graded crawl space.

The buyers still wanted out, forfeited their earnest money and terminated the contract. Because of cooking oil they were sure was water!!!

We put the house back on the market and after about 10 days the BA agent called me and said I know this is strange but the buyers thought things over want back in the contract. The sellers decided to wait for a couple of second showings and as it turned out we had two very good new offers on the home and it sold for over the asking price.

I can't help but wonder what those nervous buyers will do if they buy a house with a real and not imaginary problem.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:38:31 -0600

Should I use a buyers agent for new construction and if so will the builder pay the commission?

A similar question was posted on a city data forum a couple of days ago and I thought it was a good question. What you don't know really can hurt you!

You should use a buyers agent when buying new construction. In the Triangle Area of NC builders welcome agents who bring clients and generally pay a half % less commission than resale homes although in this slower market there are often incentives that help with the difference. It is important to have your buyers agent before visiting the property because the builder is paying for the agent to bring the customer, not because you want representation. Sometimes if you have already been to a site and registered without an agent the builder will go ahead and pay a commission to your after the fact buyers agent because they value the agents relationship and want future business. I would have your agent ask about this because the builder rep will just tell you no.

You do need to research your agent. You don't want someone who brings you to the site and then just shows up at closing to pick up a check.

Now for the reasons you really need representation. There are so many I'm not sure where to start. I could write a book about this but here are a few reasons to start.

The lot-

There are several pitfalls here. Usually in a new home development you pick your lot from a pretty site plan. It really doesn't tell you much . An agent who is familiar with new construction will want to see the development construction drawings. These show the areas of cut and fill, location of erosion control basins, drain pipes and stone (these can be ugly and dangerous), location of utilities (do you want a big green box in your front yard?), streetlights and landscaping. There is usually a topo map with the existing grade and the new grade after development. The flood maps have been recently been updated in our area and you need to make sure your new home won't be in a flood plain.

Your agent should be able to look at the lot and see if there are any potential drainage issues. Water problems can be on going and affect the resale potential of the home.

Sure, you can research and find out if busy roads or power lines are planned, both the kiss of death for resale, but you may not be able to find out the inside information about what's going on nearby that isn't public record yet.

The builder-

Sometimes even a good buyers agent can't protect you from a builder who is having financial problems. Builders are pretty good at hiding this but an agent who has been around will know the signs and may have heard from suppliers who's not paying their bills. Your initial deposit can be huge, sometimes as much as 10% and you need to be sure sure the builder isn't borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.

Get the best deal-

A good agent will know what builders will do with price and incentives. The on site agents job is to get the best deal for the builder but a buyers agent with a good relationship with the on-site agent and other agents who have sold in the neighborhood can usually find out the real story.

Financing-

There can be lots of options here for a pre-sale. Some builders want you to contract to purchase the lot from them then you go get the construction loan. Usually in this case you are responsible for the interest on the loan.

Others will want a large deposit with a contract, then they get the lot released from the bank and get the construction loan.

A production builder usually wants a deposit of 5% or so with a portion of upgrades pre paid and then the remainder at closing.

The plan-

I recently visited a site with a client. The on site agent showed us plans and pricing for a home that hadn't been started yet. She offered to show us the same plan that was finished but sold. My client loved it. Looking around I noticed that the family room and kitchen looked larger the floor plan we had seen in the office. The agent insisted that it was exactly the same. I went back to the office, had her get the construction drawings of both houses and showed her the difference. My clients had not noticed this and if they hadn't had an agent they may have contracted for a different home than they expected. A good new construction buyers agent can read the plan and help you visualize what the final product will be.

Options-

Your agent will know what options have the most perceived value for resale and will know what you can expect to pay for upgrades based on the builders standards. Your agent should help you with the selections.

The contract-

Builders contracts protect the builder not you. In my experience they won't change anything in the contract but you need to know hat you are agreeing to.It's usually a good idea to consult an attorney to go over the contract with you.

Construction-

Your agent should keep a close watch on the house during construction and inform you of anything that doesn't look right. Your agent should be a good sounding board and help you realize what it important and what isn't.

Inspections-

Just because the home is new doesn't mean you shouldn't have a private inspector.Your agent will know who is really good with new construction and should give you several names.

Closing-There are lots of details and your agent should make this worry free.

Then there are the unexpected things that always happen that your agent will know how to handle.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:24:26 -0600

Besides being a day to visit construction sites and look at Triangle real estate Sunday is a good day to go out to lunch. The Triangle, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill was written up in the November issue of Bon Appetite as the "Americas next culinary hot spot in the country" citing "reinvigorated downtown areas, rising star chefs, and local farms.".

Although not one of the ten restaurants profiled, one of our favorites is the Sunday buffet at Spartacus http://www.spartacusrestaurant.com/index.php in Durham.

We like to get there at 12:00 when it opens. It's usually a family affair for us with my daughter and husband, sister, brother in law and their children along with who ever might be in town visiting. It's also a family affair for the owners, the Kalfas family. Mrs. Kalfas thought it was pretty funny that I wanted to take pictures of the food.

I can't even begin to remember everything on the buffet. We started out with salads including chickpea, orzo, potato, pasta, green bean, Greek, tomato and cucumber, shrimp with cocktail sauce,stuffed grape leaves and, of course, hummus and Tzadziki. Here's a picture of the salads.

After a short break we went on to the entrees. This week there were three fish dishes, salmon with dill cream sauce, fried sea bass and grilled sea bass, steamed mussels, mousaka (with meat and without), grilled lemon chicken, gyro lamb, several kinds of pastas with seafood and cream sauces, and spanakopita. There were also lots of different vegetables, potatoes and rice. I'm sure I left some dishes out but you get the idea...

I almost forgot desert: Petite Baklava and Galactobureko(Custard baked in phyllo dough with cinnamon and honey and rice pudding.

After THAT lunch we wanted a nap but needed exercise so we headed over to the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds and spent the rest of the beautiful afternoon. I'll fill you in on the flea market another time.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:13:39 -0600

Our art tour last Sunday turned out to be as much about real estate as art. We visited the art studios in Fearrington village and then took the next street past Fearrington, Mt Gilead Church Rd. This area of Chatham near HWY 64 is turning out to be the priciest area for new developments.

Be careful around construction

Sunday is the best day to visit construction sites because it's not nearly as dangerous. You still need to be very careful driving on roads under construction. It's very easy to run over a rock or a manhole cover sticking up and tear out the bottom of your car. I have found that AAA doesn't cover construction sites.

The Hamptons

We have been watching the development of The Hamptons and took a better look Sunday. Windjam is developing 89 lots on 183 acres with lot sizes between 1 and 6 acres. The lot prices are in the two and three hundred thousand range. With those lot prices I would expect the homes to be priced at $1,000,000 and up. The first phase is just finishing up with a very attractive entry being completed now. The lots are very pretty with some mature trees and pasture. The home sites have wonderful vista views. If you prefer a more wooded lot phase two and three will be for you. The roads are just being cut in so it will be a while before the lots are on the market. We drove in the new phase and were impressed with the view from high on the ridge.

Windjam has specific archetectural gidelines for the homes. I especially like the design required for the drive entry for each home site.

Baldwin Peak

Next we went a little way down Mt. Gilead and turned on Bynum Ridge. New lots in Baldwin Peak just came on the market and I wanted to see what you would get for the $600,000 and up lot price. It's advertised as an exclusive gated 10 acre estate lot community. I've heard that some the areas best homebuilders will be building in the neighborhood. There isn't much to see yet. I'll have more on the builders and plans as the information comes available.

If you are interested in a new home in the Triangle give me a call 919-274-4365 or email me Marianne@Howright.com. I'll fill you in with all of the inside information.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:47:05 -0600

Chip

Buddy

Kristin

What fun!!

My daughter Kristin Williams, my husband Chip, faithful dog Buddy and I had good intentions to get an early start Saturday. We did pretty well but had to go back home for my checkbook. It was necessary because most artists don't take credit/debit cards and you know what happens if you go shopping without money. I didn't want to take any chances of missing the art piece of a lifetime.

We pretty much followed our schedule that I wrote about Friday and I thought I would report on what we found.

Our first stop at Rusty Sieck's Chicken Bridge Pottery was as expected. People lined up to buy. My husband saw a platter he liked, showed it to me, set it down when I didn't rave about it, and a woman quickly snatched it up. He found a small vase he liked a lot that he bought but it was the missed platter that he kept thinking about.

Chips Vase

On to Siglinda Scarpa's, where we stayed for a long time. I know one of her terra cotta cooking pots is in our future but we just couldn't bring ourselves to buy one. It was close.....

In my future?

We continued on the tour but didn't buy anything else until we came to Sally Resnick Rockriver's studio. She specializes in blown glass and ceramics. Kristin bought a wall hanging that also could be a platter. Chip and Kristin also bought blown glass ornaments. Chip likes to hang them in the window to enjoy all year long.Kristin's Wall HangingGlass Ornaments

We toured on stopping at Mark Hewitt,' to take a look at his new kiln . Chip talked with Mark a while and told me that he had a new insight into his work from the conversation.

Marks Pot

Our last stop was Rita Baldwin's. Kristin had seen her work on display at the new Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro and was interested in seeing her show and studio. Kristin's favorite painting of the Haw River was sold but she saw another she liked almost as well and took it home.

Kristin's painting

By then it was getting dark. We had visited ten studios and had a wonderful day full of interesting art and artists.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:51:07 -0600

It's the next two weekends

I'm really excited about the Chatham County Artists Guild Studio Tour this weekend December 1st and 2nd and next weekend December 8th and 9th. My husband and I have been going for the past several years and look forward to seeing the work of our favorite artists in their studios and also meeting and seeing the work of new to the tour artists. There are over 50 artists on the tour so it's kind of overwhelming to try and see them all.

On Friday night November 30th from 7-9 there is a free to the public artists reception at the Pittsboro campus of the Central Carolina community college. This is a juried show and the winners will be announced at 8PM.

I'll tell you about our favorite artists but be sure to check out what looks interesting to you. Art is personal and that'd what makes it so much fun. We tend to skip around on the tour so use the map to plan your route.

Our first stop will be at Siglinds Scarpa's studio, The Goathouse Gallery.

Siglinda Scarpa

The Goathouse Gallery

680 Alton Alston Rd

Pittsboro, 919.542.6815

www.SiglindaScarpa.com

clay & mixed media

This is a picture of her studio minus the beautiful tame peacock that's usually in the yard. However we did get a picture of one of her goats.

Siglinda does beautiful terra cotta cooking pots and platters that are meant to be used in the oven but are so beautifully decorated you might think twice. Please visit her web site to see examples of her work. She also makes exquisite tea pots. We bought a beautiful small tea pot with oak leaves and acorns on the handle and a little toad for the stopper a couple of years ago but haven't used it for tea because I like it so much I'm afraid it will go flying up in the air if I touch it.

Usually Siglinds serves some wonderful Italian dish that she has cooked in one of her special pots and had hot cider.

Next we'll stop by Rusty Sieck's studio.

Rusty Sieck

Chicken Bridge Pottery

1469 Chicken Bridge Rd,

Pittsboro, 919.545.2077

www.ChickenBridgePottery.com

clay, stoneware & porcelain

We have several of Rusty's pieces and have given his work as gifts. Last year there was a line out the door of people waiting to buy so get there early. I'm not sure if he keeps things back to add as things sell so you might want to check about that.

My favorite stop for Xmas gifts is Norma Hawthorne's home/studio. Here is a picture of Norma and an artist friend. Norma and her husband built a really cool home a few years ago. It's stucco, passive solar with finished concrete floors. they have a wonderful country view.

110 Blue Heron Farm Rd. Pittsboro

919.274.6194

normahawthorne@mac.com
She makes interesting jewelry with gemstones, pearls, gold and silver and features Diachronic glass in some of her pieces.

Her knitted scarves, hats and other pieces feature combinations of natural fibers and are beautiful and unusual. I usually buy quite a bit then decide what I want to keep and what to gives as gifts when I get home. It's hard to give anything away.

We really enjoy Forest Greenslades ,Forest Dwellers Sculpture Garden

149 Tinderwood
Fearrington Village
919.545.9743
website: www.forrestgreenslade.com

Another favorite potter is Mark Hewitt. Mark is pretty famous and his work goes quickly. We have a few of his pieces but my favorites are the huge jars and pots. If we ever get around to building a new house we'll buy a couple of big pots for the front porch.

424 Johnny Burke Road

Pittsboro
919.542.2371

http://www.hewittpottery.com/

Salt glazed and alkaline-glazed stoneware

Just down the street from Mark is Rita Baldwin of Hanks Chapel Orchids so be sure and stop by and take a look at her work and say hello.

2698 Hanks Chapel Road
Pittsboro
919.542.6076
email:rita@emji.net

There are so many more artists to see so plan on taking a day or two. Let me know what you like best.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:18:08 -0600

Use orchids when staging a home

When I'm staging a home for sale I love to use live orchids. The blooms last at least 30 days, (usually enough time to get the house sold!) and add simple, large structural interest without being fussy. Here is an orchid arrangement in the dining room of my new listing at 107 Buckeye Lane, Sunset Creek in Chapel Hill.

Today I took a drive through beautiful country side to my orchid supplier and orchid babysitter in Chatham County, Orchids by Hanks Chapel.

They sell many orchid hybrids and species and will arrange them for you in one of their containers or you can bring your own. The best part for me is that for a small monthly fee I can bring them back when the blooms are gone for orchid pampering until they come into bloom again.

I like having the same plant for years but always seem to buy new ones when I am there. They also do rentals and arrangements and rentals of live orchids for weddings and special events.

Orchids by Hanks Chapel is really a family business. Rital Baldwin, her son Jeff and wife Agustina are full of helpful information and Augustina is especially good at arrangements and suggesting good orchid combinations.

Jeff and Augustina's have been bringing their baby Otto to the greenhouses since he was born and now at about a year and a half he's running around trying to help with the business too.

Rita is also an artist and has just remodled her barn for her studio. It's a wonderful place to display her art of mostly Chatham County, NC country scenes.

Rita's work will be on display in her studio the first two weekends in December as part of the Chatham Artists

Chatham County is beautiful. Let me know if you would like me to help you find just the right country scene for you.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:48:46 -0600

Yesterday I wrote about this being the time of the year to get a bargain from a national homebuilder. Last year at this time I had an experience that really demonstrated this.

Lake Hogan farms is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Chapel Hill where I have sold many homes.

David Weekley Homes was just finishing out the neighborhood with three lots for new homes remaining plus the model home left to sell. They wanted to move the on site agent on to another neighborhood and listed the last four with me. The model was to be returned to new condition before pricing and putting it in the MLS. It was a beautiful home so I had a list of people who wanted to be notified when it was listed on the market.

Only one of the three lots had a home started on it yet and I had been emailing with a ReMax agent, Dave, about it. He had a buyer that he was going to take out to the site on that Sat. but I wasn't able to meet him as I had another appointment. Dave said if his buyer liked the neighborhood he would call me and we would meet on Monday. On Sat I got a call from Dave who said he was at the model and it looked like it was being fixed up to sell. The workers were there and could they take a look? I told him to go ahead. It always helps to see a finished home. Later I got a call from Dave who said they wanted to make an offer on the model. I was confused because ReMax Dave had told me his buyer wanted to custom build. Well, that was when I realized that this was a different Dave! He and his wife just happened to be driving through the neighborhood and saw the dumpster outside the model. I told him that it wasn't officially on the market and wasn't for sale at that time. Dave said "does that mean I can't make an offer?" I said of course I would present all offers but for them not to get their hopes up as I had a list of names of interested buyers waiting for it to become available and the builder knew that.

We met at the house. I explained agency in North Carolina to the buyers who them chose to work with me as a dual agent. We filled out the buyer agency and dual agency forms and went on the discuss the details. As a dual agent in North Carolina I can't advise the buyers what to offer or the seller what to take but I could share with them the market analysis that I had just prepared for the neighborhood. They decided on an offer price and I wrote it up. It was lower than I had suggested to the builder for a sales price and I didn't think they had a chance to get the house but did spend the time to go through the house to make sure everything they wanted was on the offer. That's really important because with a builder once the house is under contract you can forget any changes/additions. I sent it over to the builder who called me the first thing in the morning and said if they could close by December 31st they had a deal. I was shocked and very happy for the buyers. Everything went smoothly and the house closed on time with buyers who got the house they really wanted and a deal too.

This is why I advise to ask for what you want, ask again and ask again in a different way because if you don't ask the answer is always no.

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com

The Briar Chapel Clubhouse is finished!

Clubhouse great room

Briar Chapel Entry with it's distinctive sculpture

Street scene Vanaguard Homes

View from the Briar Chapel Clubhouse across the commons

The whole family will love the pool. Look at the slide!

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:10:15 -0600

It's time to get a deal on a new home!

No, our Triangle market is not having a housing slump but there are deals out there and if you can close before the end of the year you can really save some money. In the past years new homes have almost always sold for the list price with builders offering small incentives for using their in house lender and attorney but no discounts or free options. This has changed not because the Triangle is experiencing a slowdown but from what the builders are experiencing in other markets.

Our market has been holding up very well and hasn't had the drop in prices seen in other markets. With a strong job market and responsible growth prices have continued to rise. According to the July 2007 issue of Forbes Magazine Raleigh is #1 on the list of best places to sell a home.

So, in an area like Raleigh/Durham and Chapel Hill that is still a sellers market how do you get a deal on a new home?

The answer is to buy a new home from a national homebuilder that is suffering from the down turn in other markets. In many cases the corporate offices in other parts of the country are calling for an across the board cut in prices to reduce inventory.

Here are a few examples of national homebuilders offering incentives in the Triangle:

Centex Homes~ Year end Event

M/I Homes is offering discounts and special financing incentives

Beazer Homes is having a special Unwrap a Home for the Holidays promotion

Last week a representative from Hovnanian Homes came to our Coldwell Banker HPW Chapel Hill sales meeting with a wonderful breakfast to tell the agents of their huge price reductions and incentives.

Most national builders will have specials but be sure to ask, and then ask again and then maybe ask again in a different way and you'll get an idea of what they will do.

Close by the end of the year

You'll find deals in almost all new home neighborhoods especially if you can close before the end of the year. This really is the key to the most savings. The builders want to make their year end numbers and will sometimes give surprising deals. It will help if you have a knowledgeable (with new homes-it's a different business than resale) buyers agent to help you negotiate the best deal. The builder will not give you a better price if you go it alone and you may leave money on the table. Your agent should know how to find out from the on site agent, together with his or her knowledge of the neighborhood and market what the builder is likely to do with price and incentives.

It woud be my pleasure to help you with your new home search. Just call or email me and visit my web sites for lots of local information.

Marianne Howell Wright~The Triangles new home construction expert

919-274-4365

Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com

Coldwell Banker HPW

Chapel Hill, NC

Visit my Chapel Hill web site

Visit my Raleigh and the Triangle web site

Marianne Howell Wright
Your Neighborhood Expert

Broker, Epro, Eco Broker - Coldwell Banker HPW
Chapel Hill, NC
tel.:919-274-4365
fax:919-313-9841
Marianne@TheSimpleMove.com
http://www.TheSimpleMove.com