Noel's Blog

Pinehurst MLS Inventory Continuing Steady Decline

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:38:07 -0500

Homes for sale in the Pinehurst NC area MLS are still dropping in inventory. Now there are 1,069 single family homes for sale in the Pinehurst - Southern Pines area. Sales of more expensive homes are still very sluggish, but there has been more activity lately when it comes to houses priced over $500,000. We have seen price reductions of higher priced homes, plus banks have now begun to lower their interest rates on jumbo loans. In the last 30 days, there have been 10 sales over $450,000 in the local MLS. McDevitt Sotheby's has been the selling firm or the listing firm 3 of those 10 sales (both on one of them); and the buyers in each case got great deals. The average home/condo sale price in the local MLS in the last 30 days was about $255,000, which is down less than 5% from last year, so it is looking more and more like we will be able to avoid drastic drops in home values. It has been a tough year for real estate, but it does look like the worst is over!

Moore County Inventory of Homes Continues to Drop

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:30:26 -0500

About a month ago, the number of single family of homes for sale in Moore County (which includes homes in Pinehurst and Southern Pines) dropped below 1,100 and as of my last post on Sept 9 was down to 1,096 homes. As of today (Oct 15), the inventory is down to 1,074. Normal for this time of year is 900, so we are still up 15-20%. But that is not bad when you think about markets in some parts of the country being up 200%, 300% or even more. Higher priced homes are just not moving - in part because jumbo interest rates are still higher than conventional rates and in part because home buyers are more risk averse than they were 2 or 3 years ago. If you want to keep track of the inventory number, sign up on www.twitter.com and follow my daily inventory posts at http://twitter.com/pinehurstnc more info about Pinehurst homes for sale, visit us on the web at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Inventory of Single Family Homes in Moore County Dropping

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:36:22 -0500

For Pinehurst real estate and Southern Pines NC real estate, it's been an interesting year. The inventory of single family homes in Moore County NC topped the 1,000 mark in January 2009 and the number continued to rise throughout the Spring and early Summer, reaching a peak of about 1,170 in mid-June. Since then, the inventory of homes for sale in the county has declined slowly but steadily. As of September 9, 2009, there are 1,098 single family homes for sale in Moore County. This includes ONLY single family homes, not condos, farms and land. Our normal average number is around 900; and for this time of year (end of Summer), we usually have about 800 homes on the market. The number of sales tapers off in the Fall and inventory usually rises slightly. It will be interesting to see what happens this Fall. The recession has made it very hard to make accurate predictions, but check back here for updates, or visit us on the web at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Recycling Info for Homeowners in Pinehurst NC and Southern Pines NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:16:13 -0500

If you own or rent a home in Moore County, NC, you may be interested in info about recycling. Recycling doesn't have to mean saving the planet single-handedly, but it can mean making your home safer by safely getting rid of dangerous or unwanted materials around the house, in the attic or the garage. Pinehurst and Southern Pines offer some reclycling pickup for homeowners in their city limits, but there are many materials that they will not accept when they come to your home. However, Moore County maintains a number of recylcing centers around the county. Different locations accept different materials. To get more info and to see a chart showing where you can dispose of certain household items, hours of operation and telephone numbers, visit: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com/info/recycling-centers-moore.html

At McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty, we are committed to providing our past, current and future clients with information that goes far beyond real estate in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Please visit us on the web at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com or call us toll free at 888-410-4110.

Pinehurst NC to Host Men's & Women's US Opens in 2014

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:19:19 -0500

The US Golf Association recently announced that the Women's US Open will be held at Pinehurst in 2014 on the Pinehurst No. 2 Golf Course. The tournaments will be held back to back in June 2014. This is great news for Pinehurst, Southern Pines and the entire area, which is a great place to live. These events will continue to put the Sandhills areas of NC on the map as a premier relocation destination. The quality of life in Pinehurst is wonderful because of the great weather, restaurants, shopping, a major regional medical center, and above all the people from all over the US who have chosen to move to Pinehurst or Southern Pines. Real Estate values are incredible, and are complemented by the quality of life, low taxes and year round golf, tennis, cultural activities and more. Pinehurst and its sister town of Southern Pines are located about an hour from Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham, NC - close enough to get to a big city when the need arises, yet far enough away to escape the urban sprawl. For more info, visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry or give us a call at 800-788-8814.

Holiday Events in Southern Pines

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:31:41 -0600

Southern Pines NC has a lot of holiday events that are fun for the whole family. Three biggest events are:

1. The Southern Pines Christmas Parade. The Parade takes place on the first weekend in December. Broad Street is blocked off and the sidewalks fill up quickly before floats, antique cars bands and civic groups make the annual march through town. Santa is there for the kids. The shops and restaurants in town are of course open all day, so you can get a lot of shopping done.

2. The Carriage Parade. This unique event takes place on the second Saturday in December. The carriages are all drawn by horses, and the event is organized by the Moore County Driving Club. This event is one of the highlights of the year here in the heart of North Carolina Horse Country.

3. First Eve. On New Year's Eve, the town once again blocks off the streets for a variety of entertainers to spend a few hours celebrating the New Year. The great thing about this event is that it's designed for families, so the hours are 6 - 9 pm. This gives children the chance to celebrate with their parents and grandparents. There's even a ball - drop at around 8. And the adults still have time to do some late night celebrating if they still have the energy.

Visit us on the web for more info about these and other events in Southern Pines and Pinehurst during the Holidays. Pinehurst and Southern Pines NC events

Woody's Restaurant at Whispering Pines Country Club - Great Food and Service in Whispering Pines NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 20:30:51 -0600

The dining room at Whispering Pines Country Club is now being managed by the Ironwood Cafe and it's owner, Vince Continenza. The restaurant is now called Woody's and they are doing a great job. The menu is similar to Ironwood, except for the fact that there is a lot more "comfort food" available at Woody's - and it's excellent. We ate there tonight and the service was just as good as the food. They had a pretty good sized crowd. Whispering Pines finally has a fine dining restaurant after all these years. I highly recommend the trip out to WPCC to have dinner at Woody's. Call 910-949-3000 for reservations and to make sure they are open. I am not sure about their hours, although I know that they are open on Friday and Saturday nights in addition to some other nights of the week. Ironwood is also handling lunch, which I am sure is equally impressive. If you go over the holidays, and go by way of Ray's Bridge Rd so you can enter Whispering Pines along the Pine Lake dam. Lakefront homes have their Christmas Trees lighted on their docks and that alone is worth the trip - it looks great. If you need directions, don't hesitate to give us a call or visit our website: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com. We can be reached at 800.788.8814 toll free or 910.693.7901 locally.

Great Pinehurst Area Golf Deal from Avestra

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:49:46 -0500

There's a great opportunity to get membership privileges at 4 different golf clubs in the Pinehurst area at a very good price. Avestra golf management is offering a program called Sandhills Originals, which includes Southern Pines CC, Whispering Pines CC, Foxfire CC and Hyland Hills Golf Club. There is a $500 activation fee, and then rates begin at $150 per month. This entitles members to full golf privileges and all you pay is the cart fee, which is either $16 or $20 depending on which course you play. (SPCC is $20). In all there are 6 great courses. You can add a $145 to your monthly bill and you never pay a cart fee. It's a great deal and all of the courses are in very good shape and getting better. Visit our website at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com or Avestra Pinehurst Golf Deals for more info.

Wolcott's - A Great Restaurant in Southern Pines NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:39:43 -0500

Looking for new place to go for a gourmet dinner. Try Wolcott's in Southern Pines NC. The restaurant is not exactly brand new - it has been around for well over a year now. It is located on Pennsylvania Avenue right between Broad Street and Bennett Street and across the street from The Pilot Newspaper Office. It is a small place that packs a big punch. All of the food is great and they have a good wine selection. Wolcott's is convenient to Pinehurst as well, and last night, there were a number of people eating dinner who are associated in some way with the US Amateur Golf Tournament which is being held at the Pinehurst Country Club in Pinehurst NC this week. Wolcott's is just in the phase of being discovered, and I highly recommend that you try it if you have not done so already. If you a visiting the area to search for Pinehurst NC property or if you are just visiting on vacation, Wolcott's has an intimate atmosphere that is sure to make you feel at home. Give them a call at 910-695-1551, as reservations are recommended. If you want to find out more about Pinehurst or Southern Pines NC, please give us a call at 800-788-8814. We have helped hundreds of families relocate to the area, and we love showing off this wonderful part of the world. You can also visit us in the web: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com . If you are planning a visit, be sure and call our office to request an Area Guide, which we have compiled based on years of experience in the area.

Legacy Golf Club - Pinehurst Area Golf Course Reviews

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:38:13 -0500

Legacy Golf links is a very good course located near Pinehurst NC in Aberdeen. It is also the location of Legacy Lakes, a new real estate development with golf front homes and golffront property. It is a Nicklaus Jr course that is a great alternative to the courses that are right in Pinehurst. It is one of the courses that golfers liek to play when they come to town to play all of the Pinehurst CC courses. Often, they throw Legacy into the mix. There are some nice long holes if you play from the Pro or Mens tees. The course plays just over 7,000 yards (73.2/132) from the Pro tees and about 6,500 (70.8/124)from the Mens. My favorite holes are the 1st (Par 4) , the 12th (par 4) and the 16th (Par 5). The Pro Shop is OK and the grille is very good. Legacy has a great practice range. Legacy Lakes offers new homes beginning in the $300K's, and it also has a very nice Clubhouse with a great tennis facility. Legacy Lakes in convenient to Pinehurst and Southern Pines, and it is also very close to Fort Bragg, NC. For more info on Legacy Golf Course or real estate at Legacy Lakes, please give us a call at 800-788-8814 or visit http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Southern Pines Country Club, Southern Pines NC - Pinehurst Area Golf Course Review

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:31:04 -0500

Southern Pines Country Club in Southern Pines NC is a Donald Ross Course that is a great place to play golf. It's open to the public so anyone can have the experience of playing a Ross course that has been there for over 100 years. The course is kind of short, but it has typical Ross greens that can be very difficult even when you hit a good shot to get on the green. The course is always in decent shape despite the fact that the maintenance budget is a fraction of many other area courses. The rates are very fair as well. In the Summer, the fees can be as low as $70 inlcuding cart. In the Spring and Fall, rates get up to about $100 on ther weekends. My favorite holes are the middle 12 holes. That doesn't mean the other 6 are not great. The course is at edge of an established nieghborhood in Southern Pines, but there is only limited golf front real estate on this course. There are a few new condos on the course. The Club itself is located in a residential neighborhood that has wonderful moderately priced homes. The Pro Shop is good & the grille is above average for the area. The driving range is below average. But still, this is just about my favorite course to play in the Pinehurst area. It's a very relaxing place to play, & I have a much better chance to shoot a good score than on some of the other Donald Ross courses in Pinehurst. There are a couple of options when it comes to joining the Southern Pines CC, both of which are very affordable http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com/info/Avestra-golf-deal.htm For more information about the Southern Pines CC, about golf or real estate, please give me a call at 800-788-8814 or visit us on the internet: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Foxfire Country Club, Foxfire Village NC - Golf Course Reviews, Golf in Pinehurst NC area

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:09:21 -0500

Foxfire Country Club has 2 golf courses (East Course and West), and both are very good courses that are open to the public. Foxfire CC is located in the Foxfire NC residential community, where golf course homes and lots are available. Condos are also for sale in the neighborhood, which is only about 10 minutes from Pinehurst NC. The East Course is my favorite of the 2 courses, which were both designed by Gene Hamm, who designed the course at nearby Beacon Ridge CC. Foxfire has a great clubhouse and a good grille. The Pro Shop does not have a lot of inventory. The courses are both long from the back tees, with the East Course being a bit longer. There are some great holes on both courses. All of the Par 5's are a lot of fun. The Par 4's are generally pretty average. The Par 3's, like the Par 5's, are above average. The greens were about average in terms of firmness, but they were generally on the flatter end of the scale as far as Pinehurst Area Golf Courses are concerned. I played most recently during the Summer and got a rate of $45 inlcuding the cart. If I had decided to stay and play the other course, it would have been an extra $25. Rates are not quite this low in the Spring and Fall, but it is still a very good deal. Real Estate in Foxfire is a great value as well. There are a lot of nice golf front homes available, along with golf front lots. New homes are also for sale in Foxfire. Average home prices in Foxfire are slightly less than in Pinehurst, so homes in this area are a great buy. Foxfire is a much quieter than Pinehurst because it is off the beaten path. However, it is just a short drive to shops, restaurants, the hospital, etc. - no more than 10-15 minutes. If you want more info about Foxfire CC Golf or Property, please call McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty at 800-788-8814 or visit us at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Mid Pines Golf & Country Club - Southern Pines, NC Golf Course Review

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:47:15 -0500

Mid Pines Golf & Country Club - Southern Pines, NC

Mid Pines is a Donald Ross golf course that is part of the Pine Needles/Mid Pines Resort. The course is open to the public year round. It is located in Southern Pines, just 5 miles from Pinehurst and right across the road from its more famous sibling Pine Needles. The Mid Pines course reminds you a lot of Augusta National. Obviously, it is not as long or quite as scenic, but the topography, the pine trees and the azaleas sure do make you miss those rare visits to the Masters. The course is challenging, but it is the most accessible of the world class Donald Ross courses in the area that is meticulously maintained. Rates, including cart, range from about $130 in the off season to $180 in high season, so this is definitely not an everyday course. My favorite holes are the 2^nd(Par 3), the Par 9^th (Par 4) and the 15^th (Par 5), probably because they are only holes where I shot par the last time I played at Mid Pines! They are all great looking holes and they are tough but par-able for someone with average skills like me. The clubhouse is like something out of an Earnest Hemingway novel. It opened in the 1920's and there's a lot of history from the oak paneled locker room to the ornate ballroom to the pub and pro shop. The people at Mid Pines are the best, and they'll surprise you with a lot of nice touches. For a special occasion when you want to enjoy a very relaxing round with your best friends in a beautiful setting where you can shoot a decent score on a Donald Ross course, Mid Pines is the very best - and maybe even better than Pinehurst No. 2 or Pine Needles because it is just such a peaceful, pressure free place - and again, a fair test of golf for the average player. Mid Pines is a resort course, not a residential one. There are a handful of homes on the course, but not many. Mid Pines does offer some great lodging deals. If you want more info about Mid Pines or real estate in the vicinity of Mid Pines, please give us a call at 800-788-8814 or visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com.

Longleaf CC Golf Course Review - Southern Pines NC Golf Community & Perfect Location

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:45:47 -0500

Longleaf Country Club

Longleaf is located between Pinehurst and Southern Pines on the site of former horse racing track, and the course actually weaves its way through remnants of the original fence around the track. The 18 hole course is on the easy end of the scale as far as Pinehurst Area courses go. Pro Tees - 6,600 yards (70.9/124). Men's Tees - 5,400 yards (65.3/112). I'm a very average golfer and I played from the Pro Tees - and it actually kept a few of the fairway bunkers out of my reach! The front and back are totally different, with the front being pretty flat as it weaves through the old race track; and the back is very hilly. Both are really picturesque. The best part was the price - $35 for 18 holes including cart after 2 p.m. It's not much more during the week, and I think only about $50 on the weekends. The course was in great shape, with very soft greens. Not crowded at all. Longleaf is a residential community with a lot of different housing options, including condos and townhouses right on the course starting out in the high $100k's to low $200k's. There's also a good selection of other housing options. The club itself is a real bargain to join, and features a nice pool, tennis courts and a croquet court. Longleaf has a very active croquet community. Finally, it is in an ideal location right along beautiful Midland Road, which connects Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Longleaf is just 2 or 3 minutes to either town, where you'll find great restaurants and cultural things to do, not to mention great shopping. Longleaf is also less than 5 minutes from the Hospital and Sandhills Community College. All in all - a perfect place for a permanent residence or even an affordable second home. For more info, give us a call at 800-788-8814. You can also visit us on the web at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com If you are interested in visiting Pinehurst in person, we provide our clients with 2 nights of complimentary lodging for 2 in our golf condo in Pinehurst on a first come first serve basis. So come for a visit - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Carolina Golf Course Review - Whispering Pines, NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:47:24 -0500

The Carolina is a public course in Whispering Pines, NC, just 3 or 4 miles from Pinehurst. Designed by Arnold Palmer, The Carolina is a challenging course from any tee box, requiring fairly straight and accurate shots on a lot of the holes. Back tees - about 7,000 yards (73.2/142), Mid tees - 6,500 (71.6/134), Men's tees - 6,000 (69.8/122). Terrain is flat to slightly hilly. Greens are tough and protected by hazards on a lot of holes. This is a great course even if you are an average golfer like me, but unlike a lot of other Pinehurst area courses, balls hit into the woods are probably gone for good on most holes. Hit the clubs that you hit the straightest. Rates are very reasonable. I played last Sunday afternoon for $45 including cart, and the fee is only $25 on weekdays after 4 o'clock. I got these deals by going to the website and printing out a coupon (thecarolina.com). In high season, rates might be slightly higher, but are still among the lowest in the area. They have a pro shop and a grill - both are adequate but nothing fancy. The practice range is poor, so don't go there if all you want to do it hit some balls. The Carolina is a gated community that has just never gotten off the ground. The Developer did a great job with the entrance and the golf course, but never built a clubhouse or any other amenities. There are only about 12 houses in the community. At some point, that will change because The Carolina is convenient to just about everything - Pinehurst and Southern Pines are both only about 4 miles away. Whispering Pines itself is a great place to live. It is not a bad drive to Fort Bragg for families who want to live in the Pinehurst area and send their children to the Moore County Schools, which are great. For info about real estate or golf at The Carolina or anywhere in the Pinehurst area, give us a call toll free at 800-788-8814 or visit us on the web at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Hyland Hills Golf Course Review - Southern Pines, NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:18:48 -0500

Yesterday, I decided to go out and get in a round of golf at nearby Hyland Hills. Hyland Hills is an 18 hole course in Southern Pines, NC - one of over 40 courses within about 10 minutes of Pinehurst. There are golf front homes and condos right on the course. I showed up at about 4 thinking I would play 9 holes to get back in time to catch live coverage of the US Open. In the Pro Shop, they told me the "after 1 pm rate" was only $29 for 18 holes (cart fee included). GREAT deal for a decent course in the heart of North Carolina Golf Country. In any event, the course plays 6,300 yds from the Men's tees (rating of 69.1) and 6,900 from the back tees (71.9). Playing from the back really isn't that long because a lot of the tee shots are downhill. It's been dry here and the greens were really soft. The fairways are generally very wide and foregiving and the hazards are few and far between. The course is located on one of the highest spots around, so the views are nice and there's usually a gentle breeze (which is nice in the Summer months. You'll get your share of uphill and downhill lies because the course is very hilly. The fairways are in nice shape and generally well maintained. My favorite hole - No. 7, which is a nice straight par 5 with a slightly uphill first shot that you have to hit at least 220 yards in order to be able to see the green for your second shot, with a good approach for us average golfers. The pro shop leaves a little to be desired, but the staff is great. Hyland Hills offers very inexpensive lodging - probably the cheapest in the area, and a restaurant with the basics. The course is about 2 miles north of Southern Pines, and is the closest one to horse country. It's also pretty close to Fort Bragg - 30 to minutes away. For tee times, call 910-692-3752, although I have never found it to be very crowded. Oh, there's also a very basic practice range. If you are looking to relocate to golf country here in NC, there's no better value for your money than you'll find in the Pinehurst areas. Give us a call at 800-788-8814 or check us out on the web at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com If you are looking for golf game, you can always e-mail me at noel.mcdevitt@sothebysrealty.com

Southern Pines NC Youth Soccer Opportunities - Sandhills Youth Soccer League

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:10:11 -0500

The Sandhills Youth Soccer League, based in Southern Pines NC, is an extraordinary organization with the obvious mission to organize and promote youth soccer in Southern Pines, Pinehurst and the surrounding area for children from ages 4 -18. League play is conducted in three different competition levels based on skill and commitment - Recreation, Challenge and Classic. In addition to league play, SYSL also organizes tournaments and camps for players as well as coaches and referees. For information about registering your young players or about serving as a referee or coach, contact the Leauge Office at 910-693-0662 or gosysl.com. The SYSL is the kind of league that you'd ordinarily find in a much larger area, and it is run by folks with an incredible amount of soccer experience. Moreover, the Town of Southern Pines has been very supportive, most notably through the construction of a state of the art Youth Soccer Complex in a convenient and central location. For info about Southern Pines in general and real estate in particular, give us a call at 800-788-8814 or visit us on the web to request an area info packet: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Pinehurst NC Named by AOL as a Top Retirement Community

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:46:39 -0500

Pinehurst NC is a hidden gem as a retirement desitination according to an article yesterday by AOL (May 27, 2008). For those of us who live here, we've known it for years! Pinehurst is an incredible place for "retirees" who want to live an active lifestyle. In addition to golf, every day reveals another thing to do in the area. Best of all, Pinehurst is a great value when it comes to real estate. Home prices start around $200,000 and go all the way up over $3 Million. Our clients who have relocated from all over the country tell us that you can get 2 to 3 times more for your money in Pinehurst than you can in other places. Pinehurst is only about 60 miles from the Raleigh, NC area, the RDU Int'l Airport and the UNC and Duke hospitals. However, most of us don't make the drive very often. Pinehurst and the adjoining town of Southern Pines offer hundreds of restaurants, great shopping and an incredible major regional hospital that employs over 4,000 people and serves about a dozen counties. Add the great location (2 hours from the beach and 3 hours from the mountains), wonderful weather and the best neighbors, Pinehurst is worth consideration - we promise you'll be surpirsed if you have never made the trip. For more info and a hefty packet of area info, inlcuding a free area DVD, just give us a call at 800-788-8814 or visit us on the web at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

A Great Time to Buy a Lot in Pinehurst, NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 25 May 2008 07:15:56 -0500

It is a great time to buy a lot in Pinehurst NC, especially one that carries with it a transferrable membership to the Pinehurst Country Club. If you are not familiar with Pinehurst, it is the home of the famed Pinehurst golf resort. Pinehurst has 8 courses in all, and 6 of them come with the Pinehurst membership - including Pinehurst No. 2, where the US Open was played in 1999, 2005 and will be played again in 2014. The bottom line is that a membership at Pinehurst rivals a membership at a premium club anywhere in the world. Memberships are available to landowners in Pinehurst - and some of the lots in Pinehurst carry with them a "transferrable membership". That means that the owner of the lot, at the time of purchase, may join the Pinehurst CC for a transfer fee of $12,000 with no further initiation fees. Buying a lot in Pinehurst, therefore, is a great investment if you are a golf enthusiast whether you live in Pinehurst or not. Moreover, if you plan to move to Pinehurst one day, you'll have a lot ready for your new house. The best news is that a Pinehurst Membership lot is a solid investment - and year in and year out, that's proven true. For example, Pinehurst Membership lots sold for an average of $33,000 in 2005, $35,000 in 2006, $50,000 in 2007, and $51,000 in 2008 so far. You hear nightmares about the real estate market all over the country. However, Pinehurst is still a solid investment. You won't get rich flipping real estate here, but you aren't likely to lose. Why? - Value and demand. A Pinehurst Membership lot stayed on the market for about 97 days in 2007. In 2008, the average is down to 86 days - that's from the time a lot is listed until the day it closes. Prices up slightly combined with the ability to sell more quickly than last year - that's a sign of a healthy market. The last good reason to buy a Pinehust lot is that they are likely to surge in price when the US real estate market gets going again, which it will. At the average pricepoint, a Pinehurst Membership lot is a great investment - one that will hold its value and one that you can actually use! For more info about lots in Pinehurst, call us at 800-788-8814 or visit McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty on the web at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Pinehurst, NC - Just a Short Drive to the Wachovia Championship

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:24:03 -0500

Pinehurst and Southern Pines have of course played host to numerous Mens' and Womens' US Open Golf Championships over the last decade, but if you live in Pinehurst, you can make the short drive over to Charlotte every year to enjoy the Wachovia Championship. It's a favorite among tour players and it is a great chance to see the world's very best players each year since there's only a US Open (either Men's or Women's) every 3 or 4 years. Charlotte is one of the up and coming cities in the country if you prefer a larger (and getting bigger) city. If you prefer the quality of life of a small southern town combined with the sophistication of a larger city, come to Pinehurst and Southern Pines for a visit. It's in the heart of NC golf country, with great real estate values, perfect weather and of course some of the best golf in the world. For more information, give us a call at 800-788-8814 or visit us at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Southern Pines NC Real Estate - A Great Quality of Life Convenient to Fort Bragg, NC

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:51:06 -0500

Looking for an alternative to living right beside Fort Bragg? Consider Southern Pines, a quaint and very sophisticated town only about 30 minutes from Base. Great restaurants, nightlife and opportunities to meet a lot of cool people. Seeing is believing - just come over for a visit. For more area info, call our office at 800-788-8814 for a relocation guide and tons of other info. Or, go to http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Things To Do In and Around Pinehurst and Southern Pines NC - the Carolina Hurricances

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:35:00 -0500

Those of us who live in Pinehurst or Southern Pines, North Carolina often make the traffic free 1 hour 15 min drive to Raleigh to take in a Carolina Hurricanes game at the RBC Center. The arena is very easy to find, and it is right off the highway with easy and cheap parking. Ticket prices are reasonable, much more so than in other metro areas. The Canes won the Stanley Cup a couple of years ago; and the many transplants from big hockey towns love having an NHL team in town. When we have out of town customers, we often treat them to a game and a great dinner up in the Raleigh area. This year, the team is once again in the running for the division title - and who knows, maybe even another Cup! The best of both worlds is to enjoy a round of golf in Pinehurst during the day, and then drive up to a playoff game. For more info about our area, visit: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com We'll be happy to show you around.

Low Property Taxes - Pinehurst NC & Southern Pines NC Real Estate

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:25:03 -0500

North Carolina boasts low real estate taxes in the country - and for the quality of life in NC, the value you get for your real estate tax dollar is extremely high. For example, a house that was built in 2006 in Pinehurst in a very nice community on a small lake sold recently for $580,000. The annual taxes for that property in 2088 will be about $4,600. The house has about 4,300 square feet. Here's another example - a house that sold in Southern Pines in an older, well establised neighborhood in Southern Pines recently sold for $275,000. The taxes for that house in 2008 will be approximately $2,550; and the house was a little over 2,000 square feet. These are approximate numbers, but they are pretty close. For more detailed info about taxes in our area, go to http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com/info/realestate-tax.html

The figures listed above inlcude all municipal and county taxes. I am sure that there are places with slightly lower taxes, but these are surely on the low end. Better yet, the quality of life, especially in the Moore County communities of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Carthage, Cameron, Seven Lakes, Whispering Pines, etc. Just an hour South of the Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill area, Moore County is a great place for families or retirees.

6 Things You Can Do to Get the Best Deal on Real Estate in a Buyer's Market

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:11:24 -0500

Even in a "Buyer's Market", it's sometimes hard to tell which houses you can really get for a great price. Here are 6 things that you can do to maximize your chances of getting a great deal.

1. Use an experienced real estate agent who can help you do your homework.

2. Pick your favorite 5 houses and rank them in order of your preference.

3. Line up your financing or source of funds.

4. Get an inspection done on each house before making any offers by a reputable contractor. Use a contractor so you can get an idea of what kinds of repairs you might have to make.

5. Make an Offer on your first choice, offering a low price, but a quick closing (less than 3 weeks), taking the house "as-is" without any further inspections, make the offer contingent on the Seller provding a clean pest inspection certificate and a 1 year termite bond that you will reimburse the Seller for at closing; making it clear that the offer is your highest and best offer; include a 12 hour Expiration of Offer clause.

6. If the Offer is not accepted on your 1st choice, move on the 2nd choice and repeat. Remember, you are not looking for your dream house - you are trying to get a great deal.

For more info about buying property in general, visit us on the web at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Tips for Choosing a Builder For Your Custom Home

Noel McDevitt (McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:59:28 -0600

Choosing a Builder for Your Custom Home.

If you have not been able to find the perfect house on the market and you decide to build on a vacant lot, you'll be faced with a very important decision - choosing a builder. Your builder is someone you are going to have an ongoing relationship with for about 12 months. Start your search by asking your real estate agent for a few referrals. Once you have some direction, here are a few basic tips to help choose a builder and keep your project on track:

Get references - and don't hire a builder until you have visited 2 or 3 other houses completed by the builder. Ideally, get the address of every house the builder has built in the last 2 or 3 years and contact several of the owners randomly. Don't expect a perfect report card. Building a house is tough business and it is almost impossible to make a homeowner happy at every turn.

Pick a day and time to meet with your contractor each week and in person. Don't ever miss this meeting - it will keep the project on track, keep costs and changes to a minimum and establish a great working relationship. Make sure that all "change orders" are reviewed and signed during the meeting.

Visit the builder's other working job sites to make sure that they run a tight ship. Specifically, look to see if unused materials are organized and protected from the weather. Make sure that there is some evidence of a temporary workspace to review plans.

Make it clear to your builder that you expect progress every day of every week. Your money is being used to build a house that you cannot move into until it is completed. A day of inactivity at the site costs you money and you deserve progress in exchange for that money.

Don't expect your builder to have a crystal ball. Do expect some minor deviations from what is planned. You will have fewer surprises cost-wise if you take the time to make sure that every possible item is included in the construction price.

Building a house can be a great experience. Chances are, if you take this advice, you will move into your new house on time, within budget and as a happy customer. The builder will be happier at the end also.

For more tips on real estate related topics- http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Noel McDevitt is Managing Broker/Owner of McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty in Pinehurst & Southern Pines, NC. He is also a licensed attorney with nearly 20 years of experience in real estate and construction law.