Mike's Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake County, NC Real Estate Blog

In the Spotlight? Thanks, ActiveRain!

2008-08-15T20:27:49Z

Saw this in my August 15th AR Newsletter:

"Member Spotlight"

"Mike Jaquish Keller Williams Realty, Cary, NC (Keller Williams Realty)"

"Mike Jaquish is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty in Cary NC, has been an active contributor to our community since November 2006. He is well known for his stunning pictures of local flora and fauna."

"View Member"

All accompanied by my grinning mug.

Thanks, ActiveRain. I will endeavor to be worthy of the Spotlight. And to have fun doing it.

Here's to ya!

Cary, NC Real Estate: Neighborhoods with ponds and fountains

2008-08-11T22:22:26Z

While having fun photographing neighborhoods in Cary, I like to catch a few images of the neighborhood community ponds, particularly when I can get some light into the fountains that many ponds have. The ponds are often storm water retention basins, and the fountains serve to oxygenate the water, but I still find them enjoyable, particularly with landscaping surrounding them.

Taylor's Pond, a neighborhood of affordable townhomes:

Park Village, a desirable neighborhood with Town of Cary Parks at either end, and affordable detached homes:

Devereaux, a pretty neighborhood with the pond and fountain beside the swimming pool in the heart of the community:

Coronado Village, affordable homes in the Heart of Cary. Pond, but no fountain:

Ashley Woods, pretty neighborhood with greenery and a beautiful pond and fountain:

Riggsbee Farm, Move-up neighborhood with a central pond and fountain:

Wellington Place, with two Ponds:

Wimbledon, Gorgeous neighborhoods sharing a community pond:

Edgehill Farm,with a huge community pond:

Ashley Woods, Cary, NC: Location and wooded lots.

2008-08-11T21:02:15Z

Ashley Woods is a neighborhood of 138 homes located in west Cary, NC.

Development of the neighborhood began in 1993 with just over two dozen homes. With more than one builder in the neighborhood there is a variety of home types for everyone. House styles include ranches, and transitional homes with some including basements or walk up attics. The builders include D.R. Horton and David Weekley Homes.

View Larger Map

Homes in Ashley Woods offer 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 full baths, fireplaces, and bonus rooms. The square footage of the homes in this community range from approximately 1650-2500 square feet.

Schools are managed at the county level and school assignments for the Ashley Woods community can be determined through Wake County’s public school website.

Recent homes sales reflect the variety of housing options in Ashley Woods. Recent home sales are in the $245,000-$425,000 range.

Property taxes are approximately .678% of the property’s assessed tax value. Ashley Woods has a Homeowners Association. HOA fees are $200 annually.

Ashley Woods is an excellent choice for those who prefer small neighborhoods and desire a great west Cary location.

Cary, NC: Fred G. Bond Park is a delightful facility!

2008-08-09T22:40:20Z

Fred G. Bond Park is the largest municipal park in Wake County, NC.

At 310 acres, it includes seven ballparks, several picnic shelters, a 300 seat amphitheatre, trails and greenways, The 16,000 square foot Cary Senior Center, a 29,000 square foot Community Center, a large playground, picnic tables, and a 42 acre lake complete with a boathouse, boat rentals, boat launch, and a deck with screen porch, and rocking chair for relaxing and viewing the lake.

Bond Park is a favorite play area for Cary residents of all ages. While it is busiest during the summer sports, picnic and fishing seasons, Bond Park hosts many activities all through the year. Local real estate agents love to mention that their listings ad neighborhoods are very near to this gem of a park.

Seven Ballparks like this:

Kiwanis Picnic Shelter:

Bond Park Community Center:

Boathouse complex views:

There's Bass in those waters! Lake view at Bond Park:

The lake is popular with amateur fishermen.

Various waterfowl enjoying the shallow end of the lake.

Weatherstone, Cary, NC: Gorgeous homes, beautiful neighborhod!

2008-08-09T22:34:19Z

Weatherstone is a mature neighborhood of 200+ move-up homes in Cary. Weatherstone is accessed from High House Road, east of the intersection with Cary Parkway, or from NW Maynard Road. Raleigh is a 20 minute drive. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Heavy drive-time traffic can lengthen either commute.

The neighborhood was developed in the mid/late 1990's by Weatherstone Associates, using several reputable builders. 200+ traditional and transitional homes comprise Weatherstone, with home sizes ranging from 2500 to 3700 square feet.

Typical amenities include 4 or 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 baths, bonus rooms, separate formal areas, many windows to light the home, .25 to .9 acre lots, 2 car garages, dual-zone HVAC with natural gas heat, and a surburban cul-de-sac street development. Kids ride bikes in the calm streets.

5/4 and a door, with class in Weatherstone!

School assignments are among some of the region's finest public schools, and are subject to change by Wake County Public Schools. Weatherstone Elementary School adjoins the neighborhood. Click for more information on Wake County School Assignments.

Weatherstone has a Homeowners Association to maintain common areas, tennis facility, and the community pool. Current HOA dues are approximately $142.00 per quarter.

Community pool and pool house

Tennis, Anyone?

Home sales currently fall in the $420,000-$525,000 range. Property taxes are approximately .678% of the property's assessed Tax Value. More information on Wake County Property Taxes.

Click here to view available homes in Weatherstone.

Easy access to thoroughfares, with schools, parks, dining and shopping centers within walking distance combined with fanciful street names like "Cumulus," "Nimbus," and "Clear Sky" make living in Weatherstone in Cary, NC truly, "Life in the Clouds."

Park Village, Cary, NC: Parks, Pool, and schools. And affordable homes!

2008-08-09T22:11:23Z

Park Village is a mature community of 600+ homes in Cary, NC. Park Village is situated on Davis Drive, south of the intersection with High House Road. Raleigh is a 20 minute drive. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Drive-time traffic may lengthen commutes.

Davis Drive entrance sign

The neighborhood was developed in the mid 1990's by Sunstar Homes/Solaris Development Corporation. Park Village home sizes range from 1300 to 3400 square feet.

Park Village Street Scene

Typical amenities include 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 or 2.5 baths, bonus rooms, open floor plans, many windows to light the home, .12 to .22 acre lots, 1 or 2 car garages, natural gas heat, and a surburban cul-de-sac street development.

School assignments are among the region's top schools, and are subject to change by Wake County Public Schools. The subdivision is adjacent to the award-winning Davis Drive Elementary and Middle Schools campus. More information on Wake County Public Schools.

Park Village has a Homeowners Association to maintain common areas and the community pool and clubhouse. Current HOA dues are approximately $220.00 semi-annually.

Home sales currently fall in the $205,000-$300,000 range. Property taxes are approximately .678% of the property's assessed Tax Value. More information on Wake County Property Taxes.

Easy living? Great access to thoroughfares, with adjacent Town of Cary greenways and schools and Cary's White Oak Park and Davis Drive Parks within walking distance make Park Village one of the most convenient locations in Cary, NC.

Whitebridge, Cary, NC: No better location in Cary for your move up Home!

2008-08-09T21:57:45Z

Whitebridge is a mature neighborhood of 110 homes in Cary. Whitebridge is situated on Davis Drive, just south of the intersection with High House Road. Raleigh is a 20 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Both commutes can vary during heavy drive-time traffic.

The neighborhood was developed in the mid/late 1990's by SAS Institute and Engle Homes. 110 pleasant transitional homes comprise Whitebridge, with home sizes ranging from 2400 to 3800 square feet.

Typical amenities include 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 or 3 baths, bonus rooms, separate formal areas, many windows to light the home, .25 to .55 acre lots, 2 car garages, dual-zone HVAC with natural gas heat, and a surburban cul-de-sac street development. Kids play in the quiet streets.

School assignments are among some of the region's top schools, and are subject to change by Wake County Public Schools. More information on Wake County Public Schools.

Whitebridge has a Homeowners Association to maintain common areas and the community pool. Current HOA dues are approximately $480.00 per year.

Recently, home sales have fallen in the $350,000-$460,000 range. Property taxes are approximately .678% of the property's assessed Tax Value. More information on Wake County Property Taxes.

Great access to thoroughfares, with schools, parks, and shopping centers within walking distance combine to make Whitebridge one of the most desirable locations in Cary, NC.

Giverny, Cary, NC: The best kept secret in Cary!

2008-08-09T21:44:34Z

Giverny is a pleasant and mature neighborhood of 92 homes off the Cary Parkway. Giverny is nestled in between Bishop's Gate subdivision and Gralyn neighborhood of MacArthur Park. Access to the neighborhood is through Gralyn.

Raleigh is a 20 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Both commutes can vary during heavy drive-time traffic.

The neighborhood was developed in the early/mid 1990's by New Fortis Homes, now KHovnanian. Ninety-two pleasant transitional homes comprise Giverny, with home sizes ranging from 2000 to 3300 square feet.

Typical amenities include two story family rooms, 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 or 3 baths, separate formal areas, many windows to light the home, .25 to .4 acre lots, 2 car garages, dual-zone HVAC with natural gas heat, and a surburban cul-de-sac street development. Kids play in the quiet streets.

School assignments are among some of the region's top schools, and are subject to change by Wake County Public Schools. More information on Wake County Public Schools.

Giverny does not have a Homeowners Association. There are no HOA dues.

Recent home sales have fallen in the $260,000-$400,000 range. Property taxes are approximately .678% of the property's assessed Tax Value. More information on Wake County property taxes.

These attributes and a great location tucked off main thoroughfares combine to make Giverny truly Cary's "Best Kept Secret."

Apex and Cary, NC: An evening photo cruise through Suburbia.

2008-08-08T22:58:52Z

An evening hour spent cruising neighborhoods and capturing images is relaxing to me. I enjoy looking at landscaping, mature trees, and community amenities.

And even though I know my way into neighborhoods in my home area, that is not the same as driving the streets and culdesacs.

The other evening, I took a ride through several suburban Cary and Apex neighborhoods, and the warm evening sun lit the homes up and made them seem so inviting.

Brookstone, Cary, NC:

Tatton Place, Cary, NC:

Devereaux, Cary, NC:

Charleston Village, Apex, NC:

Montclair, Apex, NC:

Sutton Place, Apex, NC:

St. James Village, Apex, NC

Montclair, Apex, NC: Suburban charm!

2008-08-08T21:46:52Z

Montclair is a small neighborhood of single family homes in northeast Apex. The community is close in proximity to NC 55, Davis Drive, US 64 and downtown Apex.

Montclair's location makes it one of several neighborhoods in the area that provides easy access for commuting on nearby major routes. Several shopping and dining options are available at the Beaver Creek shopping centers located off of NC 55. Just a few minutes away at Stone Creek Village, off Davis Drive in Cary are more shopping and dining options. And don’t miss the quaint shops and eateries nearby in historic downtown Apex.

Montclair was developed from the late 1990’s by Fortis Homes. Homes in Montclair typically include 4-5 bedrooms, 2-3 full baths, fireplaces, and lots that are approximately ¼ of an acre. The square footage of the homes in this community range from approximately 2600-3700 square feet.

Recent home sales in Montclair have ranged between $290,000 and $410,000. Click here to view currently available homes in Montclair.

Montclair Homeowners Association dues are approximately $190 yearly and are used to support maintenance of common areas and administration of the HOA.

Schools are managed at the county level, including school assignments. Click here to view Wake County School assignments by student address.

Wake County Real Estate taxes are based on 2008 tax value assessments, which are loosely linked to market value at the time of reassessment. Click here to see Wake County Property Tax Rates, for the county and all towns and cities.

Montclair is an excellent choice for those that desire a plenty of square footage on a spacious lot in a great northeast Apex location.

Devereaux, Cary, NC: Mid-range pricing. High-end beauty!

2008-08-08T21:29:48Z

Devereaux is a desirable neighborhood of single family homes in Cary, NC. The neighborhood is located off of NC 55. The popular northwest Cary location provides easy access to Research Triangle Park and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

The community was developed in the late 90’s by Beazer homes. Homes in Devereaux typically include 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 full baths, fireplaces, and bonus rooms. The square footage of the homes in this community range from approximately 1800-2700 square feet.

Recent home sales in Devereaux have ranged between $260,000 and $395,000. Click here to view currently available homes in Devereaux.

Homeowners Association dues are approximately $540 yearly and are used to support maintenance of common areas, tot lots, community swimming pool and pond, and administration of the HOA. Schools are managed at the county level, including school assignments. Click here to view Wake County School assignments by student address.

Devereaux is an excellent choice for those considering neighborhoods with amenities in a great west Cary location.

"No, THIS is how referrals work!"

2008-08-08T20:41:27Z

Twice this week I have had calls from kids who tell me that they "Help Buyers find agents," and they want me to be their local contact.

What a heady experience. Until I tell them how referrals work.

Me: "Are you licensed?"

Wonderkid: "No."

Me: "Well. see, I can't pay your referral fee at closing until I have your licensing information in hand."

Wonderkid: "Well, no... It doesn't work that way."

Me: "You don't have a license, but you are going to tell ME how real estate referrals work?"

Wonderkid: "We do not sell leads."

Me: (Huh? how did we get to lead-selling?) "Look. Here's how it works: You send me a referral form, with contact information. I sign and my broker-in-charge signs, and I return it. If I close the deal, I send you 20%-25% of the Buy side commission."

Wonderkid: "No that is not how it works."

Me: "Yes. Yes it is. Otherwise, call me when you get into an honest line of work."

Nice kids. Dumb jobs. Too bad.

It starts when someone says, "We/You can get around that if you..."

2008-07-16T09:16:29Z

"You can get around the downpayment gift letter, if you..."

"We can get around the income requirements/guidelines, if we...

"You can get around the bank statement requirement, if you...

"We can get around the appraisal, if we..."

When I was studying to take the Real Estate Salesperson's test, the instructor said, "Burn these words into your mind. If you hear them, they should trigger a strong reaction. When you hear someone say, 'You can get around that by...,' you are most likely going to hear something that you really don't want to be a part of.'" I thought that was well put.

High standards are their own reward, I think.

Thanks to Randy Prothero..........

Oh, a flower for you, Randy. ;)

Hard Drive Crash and Burn... Oh, the Humanity!

2008-07-15T06:33:35Z

"Oh, the Humanity!"

What else does a feller need to say?

Regular backup seemed like a good idea, and I was within two weeks of being current.

That was with Microsoft's Live OneCare. Easy stuff.

Then I restored files. Again, easy stuff. I had almost all of my Cary, NC, photos intact and almost all of my real estate files. And I learned another lesson. OneCare's Express Backup just adds the most recent changed files, but does not update and remove the stuff that I have deleted. So all the junk that I had deleted came back. Jeeze, in duplicate. ??? So I deleted most of it again.

Full backups, routinely done, will be the "wave of my future."

Of course, being under warranty, I went through Dell support, and they twice told me my hard drive was fine. I restored after reloading factory-setting functionality. That meant I had to delete AOL, AOL, AOL, Earthlink, Netzero, QuickBooks, WordPerfect12, McAfee(particularly irritating). I did all that TWICE (well, 2 1/2 times).

Only THEN did Dell Support agree that the drive was bad.

Which is what I told them on my first call, a few days earlier. "I have a hard drive problem."

Things are tough all over. In the greater scheme of tough things, this rates a pretty low score on the old "Tough-O-Meter." I miss the time I have lost on this mess as much as anything.

Oh, well. Time for breakfast. I haven't lost my appetite... I guess that's in my BIOS, not on my HDD.

Localism? Top Neighbors? GROUP HUG for the harried AR Fellers!

2008-07-10T06:27:54Z

I just figure that you guys need a little break from the hectic pace you set sweating your fannies off every day finding ways to give us all the great FREE STUFF WE GET AS MEMBERS AT ACTIVERAIN. It is appreciated much more than you will ever know, at least some days.

Have a very nice day!

Hyper-Local service vendors and "The Necktie Rule"

2008-07-09T22:16:20Z

Had a couple of laughs today, and was reminded of all the fun we had with, "Hey! Are we idiots...?"

Hal and I were talking today about how I decided his company would be a good fit for workng on my real estate website.

Way back when, I had told him that it was a great example of decision-making influenced by feasibility of invoking "The Necktie Rule."

Hal: "The Necktie Rule?"

Me: "That's right. 'The Necktie Rule.' You are a Cary vendor, hyper-local to me. If I'm unhappy, within 10 minutes, I can walk to your house, and have my meat hook wrapped around your necktie."

Him: quietly: "oh..." (You know, ever since then, whenever I meet Hal, he never has a tie on. Always something like a crew neck T-shirt. Sometimes a spiked leather collar.)

This all came up when we were discussing logistics of upgrading my IDX solution today, and how and when it may be implemented. Hal muttered something about some other vendors being a pain to coordinate with. I said, "NO PROBLEM! He lives in the same town with your guy. 'The Necktie Rule.' Just in case he knows about it, tell your guy to carry a tie with him when he goes over." (I dunno. It might be like the gun studies, that an amateur with a necktie may be more likely to have the tie turned against himself, or something....)

Well, heck, this time Hal was all over "the Necktie Rule" with glee. I guess it is much more fun to contemplate invoking the Necktie Rule, than to contemplate being on the receiving end of invocation of it. "More blessed to give than to receive, and all that."

Using local NC vendors as much as possible is still my desire. Community support. Human interaction. Personal touch. And... Hal offered to buy me lunch again. Probably not a formal affair, with neckties and all. Still, life is good.

Continuing Education Personal Record! Only 10 days into the year!

2008-07-07T16:21:30Z

Just set up my schedule to earn my CE credits for the year, on Thursday, July 10. I just took last year's mandatory class in May, 2008. This year, without procrastination, I am going to take my mandatory update and also get my elective course all in one day. That is July 10, just 10 days into the real estate CE year. It will be such a relief not to have to think about mandatory CE for another 12 months. It helps that the RRAR is located right here in Cary, NC.

We have newly updated Realtor forms, and I want to get a leg up on them. Last year, I adopted the new forms in the fall, at nearly the final extended deadline. I have already updated with ZipForms, and have sent out some sample forms. I think I better learn the changes and updates so I can use them properly.

I want to start work on my CRS this year, and one way to clear my mind is to have the mandated CE done and out of the way. If I get some free time and see something I really like, I will also do next year's elective course, and carry it over. Maybe one of the CRS courses will count as a CE elective.

Either way, it will be a fine day, learning and getting the CE worry off my mind.

Does a good Web 2.0 site "Trap" visitors?

2008-07-06T22:17:25Z

My friend and webguy, Hal, mentioned I might reconsider how easily I offer multiple links in neighborhood profile blogs that take visitors off my site. And I jumped up onto my personal Web 2.0 soapbox. Hal should know by now that I always carry a soapbox with me, but he seemed to have forgotten.

I think that one of the fundamental defining values of a great neighborhood is the number of nearby amenities, retail, services, etc. I am not helping my web site visitors if I try to restrict what they learn. And, frankly, I don't have time to pound out 200 words on every shopping center. Heck, they pay folks a lot more than I do to create websites for the shopping centers. Why not offer my visitors the link to their professional site?

Here's my Royal Ridge Cary, NC, neighborhood profile, links and all. I have been expanding the number of links in the later profiles.

Now, sure, I want people to stick to my real estate site and continue to learn about the local markets and about me, the "uber-agent." So, despite the Royal Ridge example, now I try to always open the linked site in a new window. But I consciously decided that I will live with the losses if someone is distracted by the Crabtree Valley Mall site, or the Research Triangle Park site, or the NC State University site.

I'll keep putting them in my profiles, and will expand that link posting.

Will Google fail to find me if I have over 120 links? Possibly. Or, more likely, maybe they will find me less. But I am convinced that offering links to good information in my profiles is better service that makes it a better experience for my visitors, and that they will remember me for that experience.

If I "lose" someone by offering a link to an amenity, I think I didn't "have" them to begin with.

Cary, NC, Real Estate: Northwoods, Affordable homes to Luxury-something for everyone!

2008-07-06T21:04:00Z

Northwoods is a group of neighborhoods, a PUD, that was developed from the 1960's through the late 1990’s in Cary, NC.

Northwoods is conveniently located near I 40. Just a short drive down Harrison Ave brings you to exit 287 on I 40. Plenty of shopping is also available nearby at Northwoods Market and Harrison Pointe.

Many housing options are represented in these neighborhoods, from 1960's brick ranch homes, to affordable townhomes, affordable starter homes, and move-up homes. Single family homes typically include 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2-3 baths, natural gas heat, and fireplaces. The square footage of the homes in this community range from 1300-3500 square feet.

The average lot size is .15 - .34 acre.

Schools are administered at the County level. School assignments for Northwoods neighborhoods can be determined through Wake County’s public school website.

Recent home sales are true to the variety of housing options and have been in the $200,000 to $375,000 range.

Click to view available homes in Northwoods.

Property taxes are currently under assessment, and have been approximately 1% of the property’s assessed tax value.

There is no homeowner’s association in the Northwoods PUD, except for the townhome neighborhoods.

Northwoods is an excellent choice for those that desire the convenience of north Cary in a diverse residential neighborhood.

Cary, NC, Real Estate: Irongate is affordable and centrally located

2008-07-06T20:51:57Z

Irongate is one of several affordable neighborhoods near the Heart of Cary, NC.

Irongate is perfectly situated near downtown and shopping at the Cary Towne Mall and Crossroads Plaza. The neighborhood is also minutes away from Exit 291 (Cary Towne Blvd) on I-40.

Residents of the neighborhood can enjoy Dunham Park’s playground and tennis courts located off of Walnut Street. The Cary Swim Club is also in close proximity to the neighborhood. Irongate was developed in the late 1970’s.

Typical Irongate homes include ranches and split levels. The homes typically include 3-4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and fireplaces. The square footage of the homes in this community range from approximately 1350-1650 square feet. And the average lot size in Irongate is a spacious 1/3 of an acre!

Schools are administered by Wake County. School assignments for the Irongate neighborhood can be determined through Wake County's public school website.

Recently, Home sales have fallen in the $165,000-220,000 range. Click here to view available Irongate homes.

Property taxes are under reassessment, but have been approximately 1% of the property’s assessed tax value.

There is no homeowners' association in Irongate.

Irongate is an excellent choice for folks who desire an affordable home near downtown Cary with the added convenience of easy access to Cary Towne Mall and I-40 minutes away.

Raleigh NC Real Estate: Avallon offers luxury and is "Close to Everything."

2008-06-23T19:46:13Z

Avallon is a custom home community by Drees Homes in a prime Raleigh, NC, location just off of Edwards Mill Road.

View Larger Map

Very close to major shopping areas and the I-440 beltline, this community is a great option for anyone wanting luxury living combined with the convenience of still being in close proximity to all major Raleigh attractions. A commute to Cary, for work or shopping is also easy.

Residents in Avallon enjoy cul-de-sac homes where yard maintenance is included in your homeowner’s fees. The homes are also close to great shopping like Crabtree Valley Mall, and are also just a short drive from downtown Raleigh.

Avallon is a newer home community having been built in the last few years. Homes have a distinct European flare with brick, stone and shake accents and have 3-4 bedrooms and 2-3 full bathrooms, as well as two and three car garages. Custom touches like top-of-the-line appliances, heavy mouldings and hardwood floors are just a few of the typical features. Square footage ranges from around 2700 square feet to over 5000 square feet.

Schools are managed by Wake County Public School System and school assignments can be found on their web site.

Recent sales in Avallon have been from the low $500,000’s to the upper $600,000’s.

Wake County real estate taxes are currently under reassessment, but have been approximately 1% of the home’s assessed tax value.

Avallon Homeowner’s Association fees of $150 monthly include common area maintenance, and exterior grounds and building maintenance.

Convenient to everything, yet still in beautiful surroundings, Avallon will win over even the most discriminating buyer.

Raleigh and Cary, NC: Another Boost from Kiplingers!

2008-06-23T09:39:05Z

Walkable cities indeed! #2 city in the USA!

Raleigh and Cary, NC, are featured in this video from Kiplingers.

It is SO easy to be a local booster when one routinely has news like this promoting the area.

And it sure helps the practice of real estate, when relocatees have had access to great stories like this. The video supports the affordable nature of housing in the region, showing existing homes available in the $250,000 range. It also celebrates the budding of renaissance in Downtown Raleigh.

Nice way to start the week!

Cary NC Real Estate: Seeing Red over color of homes?

2008-06-22T12:57:57Z

WRAL-TV reported this story on June 12.

Assault on Decency, or Exercise in self-expression protected by property rights? What do you think?

It seems that some Cary, NC, residents are considering asking the Town of Cary to intervene and to develop subjective appearance standards for homes in Cary.

Cary subdivisions have historically utilized Home Owner Association structure to enforce individual architectural standards, and this has allowed residents to choose to buy in neighborhoods with or without HOA's. Without an HOA, or without architectural restrictions in loosely-restricted HOA neighborhoods, homeowners in older subdivisions have been free to express their tastes, within the bounds of health and safety. Interviewing Buyer clients to learn their wants and needs has included asking what neighborhood restrictions were desired.

Town Government has not played a role in approving color. Last year, Cary did extend its reach into design, in mandating less repetition in roof lines and elevations in new development.

Raleigh NC Real Estate, Rue Sans Famille, Affordable enclave in desirable spot!

2008-06-21T22:35:16Z

Located within close proximity of I-440, and Glenwood Avenue, is Rue Sans Famille, an older established neighborhood.

View Larger Map

Rue Sans Famille is close to major shopping areas like Cameron Village or Crabtree Valley Mall; a fine medical facility, Rex Hospital, and is literally a jump away from the highway if you are commuting to RTP, or Cary.

The neighborhood was developed in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Rue Sans Famille homes sit upon heavily wooded lots and the architecture ranges from typical ranch style homes to single story modern designs. Many homes feature cedar siding that was popular during this time period (and still desirable even today). There are some two-story homes in Rue Sans Famille and you may even find a couple of passive solar homes in the neighborhood as well.

Homes typically have 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths and range from 1250-2200 square feet.

Schools are managed at the county level and school assignments for Rue Sans Famille can be found on the Wake County Public School System’s website.

Raleigh and Wake County Real Estate Taxes are currently under reassessment and have been approximately 1% of the property’s assessed tax value.

Recent home sales have been in the $170,000 - $290,000 price range. Click here to view currently available Rue Sans Famille homes.

Rue Sans Famille has a homeowner’s association to maintain common areas. HOA dues are around $250 a year.

Rue Sans Famille is a great choice for someone looking for an affordable home in a tucked away quiet neighborhood with mature trees, while being close to everything.

Raleigh, NC, Real Estate: Meredith Townes, Wonderful, affordable location!

2008-06-21T21:51:36Z

Located along one of the major arteries of Raleigh, NC, Meredith Townes is a townhome neighborhood quietly nestled on wooded lots, in a prime location near the I-440 beltline, Rex Hospital, and other Triangle amenities.

View Larger Map

The residents of Meredith Townes get to enjoy the convenience of Crabtree Valley Mall, Cameron Village, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Museum of Art, and downtown Raleigh. This heavily wooded area was developed in the late 60’s and early 70’s and most of the properties have 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and fireplaces. Some homes have basements. The townhomes have square footages that range from around 1300-2300 square feet.

School assignments for kids living in the Meredith Townes community are determined by the Wake County School board and can be found on their web site.

Recent home sales have been in the $180,000-190,000 range. Click here to view currently available Meredith Townes homes. Raleigh and Wake County Real Estate Taxes are currently under reassessment and have generally been about 1% of the homes assessed tax value.

Meredith Townes is an excellent choice for those who are looking at townhome neighborhoods, and want to be tucked away in a nice wooded area, close to services, shopping, and I-440 … and best of all, reasonably affordable.