Linda's Blog

New Listing in the Great Town of Willow Springs!

2008-08-25T18:38:40Z

Absolutely adorable 3 bedroom & 2 bathroom ranch-style home on 1.37 acres with 1370 SF of open living space! Living room has vaulted ceiling and wood-burning fireplace with marble surround. Dining area features bay window. Bright kitchen with smooth-top range, dishwasher, side-by-side refrigerator, and spacious breakfast bar. Spacious master bedroom with vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet and bath with vanity dressing area and garden tub/shower. Two additional bedrooms w/generous closets. The home has a 10x12 deck which overlooks large, flat backyard. New 10x12 storage shed backs to trees. The home also has a partial fence which is ideal for boat storage. Nicely landscaped, very well maintained, & ready for a quick closing!!

VISUAL TOUR:

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1649682

Glad to be Selling Real Estate in Raleigh/Cary North Carolina!

2008-08-25T18:29:28Z

The News and Observer (Triangle’s main newspaper) reported yesterday that area sales were down… “a total of 2,079 existing homes were sold in July — down 30 percent from the same month a year earlier; compiled by the Triangle Multiple Listing Service. Meanwhile, in the Triangle and several surrounding counties, there were 28,053 homes for sale in July — a 29 percent increase from July 2007”. This data is not news to our RE/MAX office or to my team as we have see the number of buyer inquiries down and the inventory of listing rise. Yet as I network with other agents around the state as well as nationwide, and from what I hear about their difficulties, I feel so grateful to be in this marketplace. We are holding our own with no drastic drop in appreciation rates and so long as the sellers are open minded to price changes (and other staging suggestions), we can successfully sell homes. Buyers are often in the best position to purchase at this time when there are plenty of homes to choose from and they have a better chance to negotiate price and/or closing costs. We need to stay optimistic with the current market, creative with our Internet and print advertising, and use this time to fine tune our professional skills. Let’s educate the buyers that it’s a great time to buy and I believe we’ll be seeing a brighter seller’s market soon enough!

Consumer Confidence Challenges

2008-08-12T21:37:16Z

While at the mini-mart, I purchased a soft drink for $1.39. However, the bottle felt smaller that the soft drink I purchased a couple days before. Low and behold, I looked at the size of each empty bottle…one was 20 oz. and the other was 16oz. There wasn’t a sign above the product which said “New Smaller Size” for the same price!

Yes, consumers are noticing the changes and challenges of our times, and it has caused the consumer to loose confidence. They feel they have to be on their toes because if they are not, someone will treat them unfairly.

In today’s market, being transparent with your clients is of utmost importance. Transparent means being open, frank, candid, and simply honest. It is important not to tell the client what they want to hear, but the truth about the “listability” of their home, their best options for buying, the condition of the market. It is important to do the homework and not fly off the cuff with answers to hard market-related questions.

To change the challenged trend of the consumer confidence and build strong trust, we as REALTORS must dedicate our time and energies in being knowledgeable of today’s market, be creative in our marketing techniques, and be forthright with our clients as we partner with them to achieve their home buying, selling goals. I’m disciplined and dedicated to the task…join me in showing the worth of trustworthy REALTORS!

4 Bedroom/2.5 Bath w/Great Living Space & Huge Fenced Yard in Garner!

2008-08-11T19:10:09Z

Located on a cul-de-sac, this 2430 SF 4BD/2.5BA + Bonus home is open, spacious, and has many valuable updates! New hardwoods through-out the 1st floor, new deck, new fixtures, new carpet on 2nd floor, fresh paint through-out! Formal dining area leads to living room featuring corner gas-log fireplace with entertainment niche. The kitchen w/breakfast area has plenty of cabinets and counter space, corner sink, new dishwasher and microwave, gas-top, double oven, breakfast bar and spacious pantry. First floor bdrm (Opt’l office) and powder bath. You’ll enjoy the second floor 16x18 bonus/recreational area wired for surround sound. Double doors lead to the huge master with his/her closets, upgraded fan, and master bath with separate shower & jetted tub. Two additional bedrooms upstairs each with their own walk-in closet. This home has a two-car garage and is nicely landscaped. Tons of play space in the fenced backyard along with a 10x14 deck ideal for entertaining. Please contact our office at 919.469.6543 for more details!

Immaculate Home in Fuquay Featuring Numerous Upgrades & Add'l Workshop!

2008-08-05T20:41:02Z

I am so excited about one of our recent listings. This home is in immaculate condition and the Sellers have taken much pride in the upgrades. They have removed the deck and finished an inviting sun room with ceramic floor, vaulted ceiling, fan, and skylights. The living room with fireplace has 13' ceiling and the formal dining room with hardwoods and beautiful Palladium window has 14' ceiling. Kitchen with all appliances and breakfast area. This home is an open, ranch-style home so the master suite and two additional bedrooms are on the main level. The Sellers have finished an upstairs bonus room ideal for 4th bedroom, exercise room, hobby room and they have floored the walk-in attic area for tons of storage space! Not only does the home have a finished two car garage, the Sellers are proud of the 24x30 additional garage/workshop which is fully insulated and has HVAC/electricity. The second floor has additional storage. This extra space is ideal for hobby shop, boat or camper storage....it's endless! Lovely patio, landscaping, and raised beds and home backs to trees. Please visit http:www.LindaTrevor.com to learn more about this home or take a visual tour at http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1620353

Two Fabulous Homes for Sale by Award Winning Builder - Huntley Design Build!

2008-07-22T15:30:56Z

I have two listings built by Huntley Design Build that are just beautiful and I want to share them with you. The first home is located at 3832 Westbury Lake in Raleigh's Westbury Manor located off Lake Wheeler and 1010. The home features warm hardwood floors, formal dining, huge great room with oversized stone fireplace, open gourmet kitchen with inviting keeping room with fireplace. First floor master, 3 bedrooms up + a huge bonus room! The home is filled with fine details situated on .59 Acres! 4200 SF - Priced only at $664,900. Visit http://www.3832WestburyLake.com for more photos.

The second home contains many of the fine features listed in the first home. This home is located at 6040 Larboard in Apex near the Westlake schools. It has beautiful hardwoods, stone fireplace in family room, gourmet kitchen, 1st floor master, living room/office, patio and deck! 3410 SF - Priced only at $450,000. Visit http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1397337 to see a Visual Tour of this property.

One of the Nation's Top Towns to Live - Holly Springs, NC

2008-07-22T15:09:26Z

While driving down Main Street in Holly Springs, NC today, I thought what a great community! Filled with around 21,000 residents and growing weekly, this quaint town had only 900 residents in 1992. It still contains the charm of a small community with buildings dating back to the 1800s and the luxury lifestyle of golf/swim communities like Sunset Ridge North/South which began development in the 1980s and continues to expand.

Another premiere development by Wakefield Development is 12 Oaks which is a 687-acre development with single family homes and townhouses plus a Nicklaus Design 18-hold golf course. Spectacular homes from the $260’s to over $1 million. Their grand opening will be on September 13th, 2008 from Noon til 5PM.

Looking for a townhome? You’ll be impressed with Twisted Creek by Vesta Homes located off Sunset Lake offering one-car garage and 1st floor master averaging $180,000 to $210,000.

This growing town, poised for residential and commercial development, also attracted the pharmaceutical giant Novartis who is building a vaccine manufacturing facility in the business park of Holly Springs.

Holly Springs consistently receives national accolades and is considered to be one of the nation’s best places to live. Some of it’s recent improvements were the construction of the Town Hall in 2003, Parrish Womble Park – 46 acre athletic complex, Bass Lake Park & Retreat Center, and Holly Springs Library & Cultural Center.

I have helped many families buy and sell homes in this great community and look forward to many more opportunities to contribute to the success of Holly Springs, North Carolina. To learn more about Holly Springs, visit my webpage The Town of Holly Springs.

2BD/2BA Immaculate Town Home End Unit in Cary, NC

2008-06-20T09:57:08Z

MLS # 1606067

This adorable one-story townhome end unit is perfectly situated in the heart of Cary. The home features numerous valuable upgrades: ceramic floors in foyer and kitchen, upgraded light fixtures, extensive trim work added. The home has 2BD/2BA & 1150 SF of living space. The spacious living room features wood burning fireplace and leads to open dining area. The kitchen has new granite counters, ceramic backsplash, pantry, & all appliances which were updated ‘04. Spacious master bedroom with attractive window cornice, walk-in closet, full bath with new vanity/commode. Additional bedroom with double closet and ceiling fan and another full bath. The patio is inviting, has a fence for added privacy, and a spacious storage closet. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the home does not face the parking lot. Additional value-added features include a security system, new air purification system, new bath cabs and countertops. This home is in immaculate condition & ready for a quick closing! Check out the Visual Tour at

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1568957

New Construction in Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Holly Springs

2008-06-06T15:00:17Z

Where do you find new homes in the Triangle?

Even with the recent slow down of new construction in the Triangle, there are still many builders persevering through this season with neighborhood development. Whether it is low maintenance townhouses or estate living, there are many great options and buying opportunities to be found. Below are a few websites and neighborhoods we would recommend, if you are shopping around for new homes in the Apex, Cary, Morrisville or Holly Springs area.

One dedicated website to luxury living is CaryLuxuryLifestyle.com. This site has information on new construction and resale subdivisions. In addtion to the above site, below are some links to other neighborhoods or larger developments that have lots, pre-sales or spec homes available. Happy searching and feel free to call us with questions regarding any of these neighborhoods.

Abbington in Apex
Villages of Apex
Tuscany Place of Holly Springs
12 Oaks of Holly Springs
Church Street Townesin Downtown Morrisville
Horton's Creek of Cary
Branston of Apex
Churchill Estates of Cary
Stonebridge of Cary
Seagrvoes Farm of Apex
Laurel Park of Apex
Terrington of Cary

Active Adult Community, Cary North Carolina

2008-06-04T20:01:54Z

Carolina Preserve, Amberly Planned Development

Carolina Preserve at Amberly is becoming the premier community for active adults in the Triangle. Designed for people 55 years-old or better, this neighborhood is nestled into a larger mixed used community which features walking trails, a fitness center, state-of-the art recreational facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, and retail shops. Located in Cary, North Carolina, Del Webb has taken the charge at creating residences uniquely tailored for active adults. All the cottages feature low maintenance landscaping, open floor plans, first floor bedrooms and custom details for luxury living. An added bonus for this phase is that some of the cottages back to Jordan Lake Game Land reserve for extra privacy.

These detached homes range from 1400-4000 square feet and start in the $260's. Townhomes can be found in the low $200's as well. Currently on the market are both new construction and resale. Home Owner Association dues include yard maintenance and residents club. Buyer's Incentive Programs are currently available in this neighborhood!

Raleigh Real Estate - A Buyer's Market or A Seller's Market

2008-03-27T09:54:40Z

Overall the activity in the Triangle area real estate activity is picking up with more showings on existing listings and new listings popping up like spring flowers! I've heard many asking, in the Raleigh real estate market "is this a buyer's market" or "is this a seller's market". I have had two quick thoughts and responses. It's a seller's market when the home is in excellent showing condition and priced right. It's a beauty contest out there! Days on market for these homes are amazingly less than unstaged, over-priced homes. You must use care right now when preparing comps for pricing the homes keeping in mind recent trends and media input.

It's a buyer's market for those looking at homes that need a little TLC and that have already been on the market for over 100 days. The inventory of homes in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex real estate area is up and many new homes are being added daily which should help give buyer's plenty of options. Do remember though that the immaculate ones are moving quickly.

I am optimistic that we will see a fantastic 2008 year of real estate transactions for the Raleigh area, and if I can be of assistance in helping you with your real estate needs, I would love the opportunity. Don't hesitate to call!

New Listing in Cary MacGregor Downs

2008-01-13T18:20:25Z

209 Annandale Drive, Cary $749,900 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths On Golf course Updates include new hardwoods, carpet, paint, gourmet Kitchen, Baths www.209Annandale.com Visit this site for detailed information, extensive photos, school information, area information and more! This home is in an ideal location! Incredible home on .77 acres backs to 5th hole of MacGregor golf course! This English Tudor is filled with character and countless updates. New oak/honey hardwoods, carpeting, granite counters/vanities, GE stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, paint, fixtures, and more! Home has 3875 SF featuring formal dining & living rooms, open gourmet kitchen w/center island, spacious family room with inviting stone front fireplace, spacious 2nd floor luxury master suite w/Jacuzzi tub, skylight, and huge walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms on 2nd floor and 3rd floor has versatile living space, ideal for teen suite with full bath as well as bonus room. Two-car garage includes 1/2 bath, 3 additional storage areas, and 1st floor laundry room. The landscaping is attractive with rear patio and elevated deck w/built-in bench seats ideal area for entertaining. This home is a MUST SEE!!