If you are selling a home and it has a septic system, don't wait until you get an offer and the buyer gets the system tested.  Be proactive - get your system pumped and tested before your even get an offer.  If it needs to be repaired, get it repaired.  Make sure you get a full report and document any repairs.  The reason - problems with septic systems can be routine and relatively inexpensive to fix.  But, a faulty septic system is very disturbing to buyers.  It makes them wonder what else has not been maintained and often, buyers pull out of the deal when these kinds of problems are encountered.  Plus, it's not healthy to have a busted septic system.  So, inspect, fix and document before you list your property.  For more info about us, visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

If you are looking for a new home in Pinehurst NC, there are some amazing financing deals available.  There are still a few "spec homes" on the Pinehurst Real Estate market - spec homes are new homes built by local builders who in turn offer them for sale.  The builders usually get a construction loan from a local bank and the loan is of course paid off when the house sells.  The banks want to help their builder-customers sell these homes, so several local banks now have loan programs that are only available to buyers of houses built by the builder-customers.  In some cases, you can get a new home loan of up to 97% of the purchase price at rates as low as 3.81% - fixed for 10 years.  Homes in this category are available in numerous communities, including Pinehurst gated communities.  For help finding one of these deals, e-mail me at noel.mcdevitt@sothebysrealty.com.  You can also visit our web site at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com - or give us a call at 800-788-8814.

For 9 consecutive months and 3 consecutive Quarters, sales stats have been better than the same period in the previous year.  For example, sales in May 2010 were better than May 2009 both in terms of total sales and in terms of total sales volume, the 2nd Quarter of 2010 was better than the 2nd Quarter of 2009... and so on.  That changed in July 2010; and the sales numbers were NOT as good as July 2009 - or for any July going all the way back to 2005.  In July 2010, there were 85 sales in Moore County, compared to 102 sales in July 2009, 125 sales in July 2008, 159 sales in July 2007 and 165 sales in July 2006.  These sales inlcude the sales of single family homes, condos and farms in Moore County, NC only.  Vacant land, lots, commercial and multi-family dwellings are not included, nor is property in any adjoining county.  It is hard to say why the 9 month streak was broken.  The expiration of the home buyer tax credits on June 30 may account for some of the slowdown, but it is unusual in our market to see such a slow July on a comparative basis (to other months and to the same month in previous years).  For more info about real estate in and around Pinehurst & Southern Pines, NC, visit us at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com.  If you have specific questions about our market or background info about the data summarized above, just e-mail me and I will be happy to send you details and even the raw data if you are interested. noel.mcdevitt@sothebysrealty.com

As of today, the inventory of homes for sale in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines MLS has dropped to 1,048.  That means that we are inching our way back to normal levels.  Normal would be 900 - 950 units for sale at this time of year; and under normal conditions supply and demand would be roughly equal.  A high inventory basically means that supply exceeds demand.  The good news is we are moving toward a situation of supply/demand equilibrium.  The Pinehurst - Southern Pines MLS includes all of Moore County, NC.  Pinehrust is the home of the world renowned Pinehurst golf resort, while Southern Pines is a quaint, friendly place with a vibrant downtown and is known as an equestrian haven.  Moore County and it's many small towns are about 1 hour from the Raleigh NC metro area and within a short commute of Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Camp Mackall.  It's a great place for those seeking a great lifestyle with housing prices that are very reasonable compared to other communities offering the same quality of life.  Southern Pines and Aberdeen have also become very popular with members of our armed forces who are seeking a safe environment with great schools and an abundance of activities for children.  It is also a beautiful place that is great to call HOME. For more area info, visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com or give us a call at 910-693-7901. 

As of today, there are 1,061 single family homes for sale in the Pinehurst area MLS.  That's a little higher than we would see in in normal market, but it's actually down slightly from the same time in June (1,073)and the time in May (1,084).  The best news is that the number is going down not up.  The home buyer tax credits had a mild positive effect on our market, but that's essentially gone so we are not likely to have any more artificial forms of stimulus in the near future.  Of course, there are some exceptions that will cover buyers who had contracts but could not close by June 30 - and and there are certain extensions that members of our military can take advantage of.  We'll be watching the market closely to see if it continues to improve.  The inventory levels tell us a lot, so stay tuned!  Visit us on the web at http://mcdevitttownandcountry.com for more info about real estate in the Pinehurst - Southern Pines area of North Carolina.  Or give us a call toll free at 800-788-8814.

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club is a classic place in the history of golf in America.  Owned by the Bell family since the 1950's, the resort has hosted the U.S. Womens Open 3 times.  Peggy Kirk Bell put the place on the map with her legendary clinics for Women, and the clinics are now popular with Men and Children.  The result is a very family oriented atmosphere, with patrons returning year after year.  It is located off historic Midland Road in Southern Pines just 5 miles from Pinehurst.  The Lodge offers great accomodations and it even features grass courts for the tennis purist.

The Donald Ross course is challenging and when played from the Pro tees (7,015 yards, 73.5/135), it is very difficult.  The Gentlemans' tee positions are called the "Ross Tees" (6,436, 70.6/126).   The Regular tees (5.985, 68.5/120) make for a much easier round at Pine Needles.  Pine Needles is a classic course built on gently rolling terrain through mostly pine forest.  It's always in great shape.  The course loops all the way out and the front nine does not return to the clubhouse, although there is a great halfway house on the 9^th tee.  The most difficult holes are the 4^th (Par 4 with an intimidating tee shot across the water, followed by an uphill approach shot), the 5^th (long Par 3), the 10^th (Par 5).  The long Par 3  - 13^th hole starts a stretch of closing holes that are very difficult except for the par 5 - 15^th hole which presents a good birdie opportunity.  14 and 17 are very hard par 4's if you are a mid to high handicapper playing from the Ross or Pro tees - even good drives on these dogleg fairways can leave you with a very long shot to the green (sometimes from a bunker).

My favorite holes are the 3^rd hole (a 135-145 yard Par 3 that is visible from the road); the 14^th and 17^th (the difficult Par 4's that play like Par 5's for me); the 10^th (Par 5 with a tee shot over a lake) and the 18^th, a downhill Par 4 with a beautiful approach back to the Lodge.

The owners and staff at Pine Needles are great and they will go out of their way to make your experience memorable.  Winter rates are very low for a course like this (around $100).  High Season rates are over $200 per round.  Although not quite as difficult as it's neighbor Pinehurst No. 2, this is a much more playable course with a rare opportunity to play a U.S. Open venue.  It is also much more scenic than Pinehurst No. 2 and the experience is a lot more personal.

When you finish your round, enjoy a meal in the grill room, where you can order from the bar menu or the dining room menu.  The food is great and once again, the staff is the best in the area.

The course weaves its way through the historic Knollwood Heights neighborhood, where houses range in price from the $200,000's to over $1 Million.

If you are interested in playing at Pine Needles, give them a call at 910-692-7111 or call our office and we'll make arrangements for you to play.  Visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com if you are interested in purchasing or leasing property in or around Pinehurst.  You can also give us a call at 800-788-8814 or 910-693-7901.

Mark Elliott of Elliott's on Linden has opened a quintessential British Pub in Southern Pines at the intersection of Morganton & Broad.  Or at least it's about to open.  We were lucky enough to attend the "soft opening" last night.  The only thing about The Sly Fox that's not 100% authentic is that the FOOD IS AWESOME.  Mark has been perfecting gourmet pub food for years at his Pinehurst restaurant, and now you can enjoy the payoff.  Last night, the waitstaff served guests samples of a lot of the new menu items.  Everything was delicious - and The Sly Fox has probably one of the best selections of great beer anywhere in the Southeast.  Not sure when they will open for good, but don't wait long to dine at The Sly Fox.  You can't miss the place - it's been beautiflly renovated.  For long time Southern Pines residents, it's located in the old Austin's Business Supply location.  If you need directions or another restaurant suggestion, just give us a call at 910-693-7901 or visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

The inventory of single family homes for sale in the MLS for the Pinehurst - Southern Pines area has risen to about 1,100 from the 2009 year end level of under 1,000.  In a normal year, our inventory would be in the 900's.  It is prime "selling season" in the local market, so hopefully some of the inventory will begin to move.  The oversupply consists of higher priced homes and homes that are in need of a lot of updating.  There is also a huge oversupply of horse farms for sale in the Southern Pines area.  Supply of updated single family homes may actually be a little short - and consequently, home prices in that category have not suffered as much as prices in categories with higher than normal inventories. For more info about Pinehurst Real Estate and informaion about the area, visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Caterino's in Southern Pines has just made the transition from a deli to a full service restaurant serving lunch and dinner.  The italian dishes and authentic and they are huge.  Nick Caterino and his wife have done an awesome job creating a small spot with big flavor and unmatched hospitality.  Great specials in addition to standby favorites.  Full bar and a good selection of wine.  If you go often enough, they might just name a sandwich after you.  Located at 1150 Old US 1 in Southern Pines near Bill Smith Ford.  910-693-1222.  Try it for lunch or dinner.  You'll be glad you did.  If you need info about Southern Pines Real Estate, visit us at http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com or call 800-788-8814.

Actually, one month into 2010, it is good news that there are 1,001 single family homes on the market in Moore County.  We are still running 10-15% over normal.  In this market, that's pretty good compared to other areas of the country.  The excess inventory is dominated by homes that are in need of updating and by homes in higher price ranges.  We are hoping for a good selling season through the Spring and Summer while interest rates remain low.  It is a great time to buy real estate in the Pinehurst area.  For more info, visit us on the web at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com or call us at 800-788-8814.