llms.txt - Full site archive for ChapelHillNeighborhoods.com (from local sitemap) # Page: / # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/ # Summary: Welcome to Chapel Hill Neighborhoods! Meet Marianne Briar Chapel Meadowmont Southern Village Welcome to Chapel Hill Neighborhoods! Meet Marianne Briar Chapel Meadowmont Southern Village Quiz Governors Club Lake Hogan Farms New Construction Guide Due Diligence and NC Offer to Purchase The Triangle Area of North Carolina See All of my Chapel Hill Neighborhood and Triangle Area Videos! ================================================================================ # Page: /about-2/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/about-2/ # Summary: You are here: Home / What is a real estate buyer’s agent and why do I need one? Marianne Howell Wright You are here: Home / What is a real estate buyer’s agent and why do I need one? Marianne Howell Wright , Triangle Area Real Estat e + 1 (919) 274-4365 Revised February 21, 2025 Quick Links YOUR interests come first It’s all about experience New construction involves additional skills. A new construction buyers agent should: There’s a Form for That! How Buyers and Brokers Work Together in 2025 Seeing Homes Before Signing a Full Agreement? The Property Showing Agreement Getting Full Representation? Buyer Agency Agreement Negotiating My Commission in the Offer? Compensation Agreement Making the Process Clear and Simple I can help as your real estate Buyer’s Agent! What is the process for me to work as your buyer’s agent? What I’ll want to know about you Do you know you are moving to the Triangle? Retiring? NC Buyers Agency Agreement Thanks for reading all of the way to the end! I hope you will come for a visit! I am a Realtor and real estate buyers agent specializing in relocation to Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Durham and N. Raleigh areas of North Carolina. YOUR interests come first Taking clients on a school tour A real estate agent who represents you as a buyer’s agent has your interests first. In Chapel Hill and the Triangle there are lots of mini markets with different times on the market, price ranges and negotiation strategies. Schools can also be a confusing issue. A buyer’s agent should anticipate problems before they come up from the first showings through contract, inspections and closing . So many situations come up during transactions that can cause unpleasant surprises. Knowing the transaction process and keeping things on a business basis so emotions don’t take over is important. Clients at a walk through with the builder and buyers agent It’s all about experience Resale and new homes are different. You should expect your buyer’s agent to have experience with both to help with your decision to buy an existing home or build. With a resale, the age of the home, original quality, updates, age of the roof and systems, and upgrade and renovation costs are important as well as knowing the neighborhood, schools and market trends . Good service contacts with lenders and contractors are important too. New construction involves additional skills . A new construction buyers agent should: On-the-construction-site-electrical-walk-through Be a sounding board and give advice Understand land planning and be able to visualize what a finish homesite will look like. Be able to look at a house plan and see it finished. Know the builders reputation, pros and cons Understand the builders pricing structure and financing options Know if and how the builders negotiate Help with design center selections Attend builder meetings Work with lender and builder for a smooth closing Have a good relationship with the builder representative Follow up after closing According to the NC Real Estate Commission “ Working with Real Estate Agents ” a buyer’s agent duties are: If the real estate firm and its agents represent you, they must • promote your best interests • be loyal to you • follow your lawful instructions • provide you with all material facts that could influence your decisions • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and • account for all monies they handle for you. Once you have agreed (either orally or in writing) for the firm and its agents to be your buyer’s agent, they may not give any confidential information about you to sellers or their agents without your permission so long as they represent you. But until you make this agreement with your buyer’s agent, you should avoid telling the agent anything you would not want a seller to know. There’s a Form for That! How Buyers and Brokers Work Together in 2025 If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be wondering how real estate agents get paid. The good news? There’s a form for that! Actually, there are three key forms that outline how buyers and brokers work together: the Property Showing Agreement (NCAR Form 202) , the Buyer Agency Agreement (NCAR Form 201) , and the Compensation Agreement (NCAR Form 220) . Seeing Homes Before Signing a Full Agreement? The Property Showing Agreement Not ready to commit to an agent just yet? That’s where NCAR Form 202, the Property Showing Agreement , comes in. This form allows me to show you homes without requiring a long-term contract. It simply outlines my responsibilities and how I would be compensated for my time if you move forward with a home I show you. It’s a good option if you want to explore a few homes before deciding whether to work with me as your buyer’s agent. Getting Full Representation? Buyer Agency Agreement Once you’re ready to have an agent fully in your corner, we sign NCAR Form 201, the Buyer Agency Agreement . This agreement makes it official that I represent you and your best interests throughout the home-buying process. It also explains how I get paid—because in North Carolina, commissions are negotiable. This agreement gives you the confidence of knowing that I am working solely for you, not the seller, and will advocate for you at every step. Negotiating My Commission in the Offer? Compensation Agreement A lot of buyers ask how agent commissions work. The simple answer? They are not set in stone. That’s why we use NCAR Form 220, the Compensation Agreement . This form lets us request my compensation as part of the purchase contract. If the seller is offering full compensation, great. If not, we can negotiate it within the offer so there are no surprises down the road. The goal is to make sure everything is transparent and agreed upon before you move forward with a home purchase. Making the Process Clear and Simple These forms are here to protect you as a buyer and make sure you understand how our working relationship works. If you’re just starting out and want to see a few homes, we can use a Property Showing Agreement. When you’re ready for full representation, we’ll sign a Buyer Agency Agreement. And when it’s time to make an offer, we’ll make sure my compensation is clearly outlined. If you have any questions about these forms or how they impact your home search, let’s talk! Buying a home is a big step, and I want to make sure you feel confident in every part of the process. At the closing table I can help as your real estate Buyer’s Agent! If you are moving to the Triangle and aren’t sure what part of the Triangle, neighborhood, or house will be best for you and your family I can help as your Realtor! If you have watched my videos and think I would be a good match for you as a buyers agent ( Here is a link to the NC Real Estate Commissions brochure about agency ) just give me a call +1 (919) 274-4365 or email me [email protected] . The areas I’m most familiar with are: Chapel Hill Carrboro Chatham County between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro Southwest Durham and the area around Duke Cary Apex Holly Springs North Raleigh My husband Chip is from Raleigh and is a commercial contractor and broker. He works with me often especially for clients interested in homes Inside the Beltline in Raleigh .  He grew up there and is very knowledgeable about Raleigh residential and commercial real estate. Chip Wright What is the process for me to work as your buyer’s agent? New or Resale? What I’ll want to know about you It’s helps me to have a basic idea of what you think you want. Usually, I’ll ask lots of questions because info about where you live now and where you have lived previously as well as  maximum commute time, lot size, school priority, and favorite family activities help me to get to know you. The Triangle is definitely not a one size fits all area. Buyers Agent I’ve helped clients find a home and neighborhood in a day and with one client it took four years!  The time it takes often depends on your time frame. If you are in town interviewing, I’ll spend an afternoon showing you around so I’ll have a good idea of what you like and dislike to make the most of your  home buying trip if you decide on the job. Do you know you are moving to the Triangle? If you are moving to the Triangle and have a specific time frame to find a home let me know about your visit and the dates you will be available. I’ll block the time off on my calendar and give you all of the time you need to make a decision. Everyone is different so just relax and see what you need to see until you feel comfortable about the area and homes. I can help narrow things down for you quickly so you can focus on the best options for you. If my calendar is full on your visit dates, don’t worry. I’ll enlist Chip and and we’ll work it out. Retiring? Retiring If you are considering the Triangle as a possible retirement spot, I’ll be happy to spend an afternoon showing you around to give you information to base your decision on. Depending on how you respond to what we see I’ll suggest other areas and activities to help you get familiar with things to do and help you make the right decision. New Construction-read my Guide to New Construction NC Buyers Agency Agreement New Construction Buyers Agent New Construction I have lots of information about new construction. Start with my Guide to New Construction and see if building is for you. In NC, Real Estate Companies don’t pay any salary or provide benefits.  Agents pay their own expenses and MLS fees. That’s one reason why a buyer agency agreement is important. It also spells out the agent’s duties to the buyer and the buyer’s duties to the agent. The agreement can be verbal before the time of contract ( I’m required by the real estate commission to have a written agreement before the time of offer) . It’s important for me to know that if I am spending my time with you, you are sincere about buying your home from me. So let’s meet, get to know each other and talk about it. If we have a good fit let’s go find the best home and neighborhood for you! Here is a copy of the NC Buyers agency agreement that I will ask you to sign before I write an offer for you. Please just ask if you have questions, these real estate forms get longer every year. Thanks for reading all of the way to the end! I hope you will come for a visit! Marianne with happy buyers on closing day Marianne Howell Wright, Realtor, EcoBroker Triangle Area Real Estate Please let me know how I can help you! Marianne Howell Wright Marianne Howell Wright Triangle Area Real Estate Chapel Hill NC 27514 USA 12-13-2017 +1 (919) 274-4365 by Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /2022-market-data/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/2022-market-data/ # Summary: Home » Triangle NC 2025 Real Estate Market Trends Quick Links From my Point of View Home » Triangle NC 2025 Real Estate Market Trends Quick Links From my Point of View Factors Affecting the Triangle Area Housing Market in 2025 National Housing Market Update: Trends for 2025 Conclusion: Looking Toward the Future Factors Affecting the Triangle Area Housing Market The US Housing Market The Triangle, from the Triangle MLS Previous years Triangle Market Data Finally!! The market is starting to correct- September 2022 New Construction Market Buying a home from companies that bought homes for cash Raleigh and Triangle MLS Real Estate Market Graph for 2021 A history of the market for 2018 to 2020 will give you a better idea of how unusual the 2021 real estate market is. The Raleigh and Triangle Area Real Estate Market 2018 compared to 2019 2019 was a strong real estate market Marianne’s crystal ball-Triangle Real Estate Predictions Cary New Construction Chapel Hill New Construction Moving to the Raleigh/Cary/Chapel Hill area? From my Point of View Looking at the Triangle area’s real estate market in early 2025, we’re seeing a mix of continued demand with some signs of stabilization. Mortgage rates remain a key factor in buyer behavior, with interest rates hovering around 7% to 7.5% as of January. Sellers are still cautious, holding onto their homes due to low mortgage rates, while many buyers are either hesitant due to the cost of financing or adjusting their expectations in terms of price and home features. What’s particularly interesting is the ongoing influx of buyers relocating from other states, often with significant cash reserves from selling their homes. This has kept competition high for properties, especially in sought-after areas like Durham, Cary, and Apex. As the year progresses, there’s hope that the market will gain more balance, but for now, we’re in a period of moderate price increases and competitive conditions. Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, the market is expected to show some signs of recovery as interest rates stabilize or even slightly decrease by mid-year. The demand for housing in the Triangle will continue, thanks to the area’s thriving economy and its appeal to both tech professionals and families. Factors Affecting the Triangle Area Housing Market in 2025 1. Growing Demand Demand for housing in the Triangle remains strong in 2025. With major tech companies continuing to establish or expand their presence in Research Triangle Park (RTP) and strong educational institutions like Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State, professionals and families are flocking to the region. This trend shows no signs of slowing, and the Triangle is expected to remain one of the top places to relocate to in the U.S. 2. Tech and Education Hub RTP continues to be a critical driver of real estate activity in the Triangle. In January 2025, several major companies in the tech and biotech sectors are expanding or hiring, which is expected to fuel housing demand. Additionally, universities in the region are welcoming more international and domestic students, professors, and staff, contributing to both the ownership and rental markets. 3. Inventory Fluctuations Inventory remains one of the biggest challenges in the Triangle real estate market. As of January 2025, inventory levels are still tight, although there has been a slight uptick in new listings compared to last year. Builders are working to meet demand, and some new developments are beginning to take shape in suburban areas like Holly Springs and Morrisville. However, the region still faces a significant housing shortage, particularly for entry-level and mid-range homes. 4. Price Trends In early 2025, home prices in the Triangle are seeing modest increases, but at a slower pace than in previous years. The median price for a single-family home in the area as of January 2025 is around $425,000 , up approximately 3-4% compared to 2024. While this is a slight deceleration from earlier years, it’s still a sign that the market is healthy. Experts predict a continuation of moderate price increases throughout 2025, with overall price growth expected to stay in the 3-5% range for the year. 5. New Developments Development activity in the Triangle is picking up in 2025. Construction of new single-family homes, townhomes, and mixed-use developments is ramping up, especially in areas like Wake Forest, Apex, and parts of eastern Durham. The growing demand for housing and the continued influx of tech professionals and university staff are pushing developers to build more homes. By the second half of 2025, we may see a significant increase in available housing stock, which could alleviate some of the inventory pressure. 6. Rental Market The rental market remains strong, particularly in areas near universities and major employers in RTP. As of January 2025, rents have risen by approximately 5-7% year-over-year, driven by continued demand from students, faculty, and workers moving to the region. The competition for rental properties, especially in sought-after neighborhoods, is expected to remain high, though new apartment complexes and rental communities will help provide some relief by mid-2025. National Housing Market Update: Trends for 2025 National Sales Trends in January 2025 As of January 2025, the U.S. housing market is showing signs of gradual recovery after a challenging 2023 and early 2024. New residential home sales have been modestly improving, up about 3-4% compared to this time last year. However, inventory levels are still historically low, with a continued shortage of existing homes for sale. This is leading more buyers to the new construction market, where builders are focusing on offering smaller, more affordable homes to meet demand. Price Adjustments The national median price of a new home in January 2025 is around $415,000 , reflecting a slight increase of about 2-3% from the previous year. This price trend is expected to continue throughout 2025 as the market adjusts to rising costs for materials and labor. However, analysts predict that price growth will remain moderate, particularly in markets where inventory is beginning to recover. Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize at 6.75%-7.5% for most of 2025, which should encourage some buyers to re-enter the market. While these rates are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, they are an improvement over the rates of 2023 and early 2024, providing some relief for prospective homeowners. Market Outlook for 2025 The U.S. housing market in 2025 will likely see continued modest growth, with a focus on affordability, especially in new construction. Markets in tech hubs like the Triangle, Austin, and Denver will continue to experience strong demand, while more affordable suburban markets could see increased interest as buyers seek lower-cost options. Conclusion: Looking Toward the Future The Triangle real estate market in 2025 is expected to remain competitive, with sustained demand driven by the region’s economic strength and appeal to both tech professionals and families. Though mortgage rates and inventory will continue to impact the market, we anticipate gradual price increases and more development throughout the year. As we move further into 2025, it’s crucial for buyers and sellers to stay informed about interest rates, local market trends, and inventory availability to make the best decisions. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in the Triangle area, staying updated on these trends will help you navigate the market with confidence. Factors Affecting the Triangle Area Housing Market Growing Demand : The Triangle area has been experiencing a growing demand for housing due to its robust job market, quality of life, and the presence of major universities and tech companies. This demand often leads to a competitive housing market. Tech and Education Hub : With Research Triangle Park and several major universities like Duke , UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State , the area attracts professionals and students, impacting the housing demand, especially in certain neighborhoods. Inventory Fluctuations : Like many areas, the Triangle’s housing inventory can fluctuate, affecting prices and the speed at which homes sell. In recent years, there has been a trend of lower inventory, contributing to a seller’s market. Price Trends : Historically, the Triangle has seen a steady increase in home prices, but this can vary significantly by location within the region and the type of property. New Developments : There’s been ongoing development in the area, with new housing communities and mixed-use developments , which can influence market dynamics. Rental Market : The rental market in the Triangle is also an important factor, particularly in areas with high student populations. The US Housing Market In November 2023, we’ve seen some interesting trends in the U.S. housing market. New residential home sales have decreased by 5.6% from the previous month, settling at a yearly rate of 679,000 homes. This is based on data from the Census Bureau. However, compared to last year, sales are actually up by 17.7%. The shortage of existing homes for sale is giving a boost to the new-home market. An interesting shift is happening in the median sales price of new homes. For seven months in a row, this price has been falling, and it’s now at $409,300, which is 3.1% lower than before. Homebuilders are responding to rising costs and the need for affordability by focusing on smaller homes. The Triangle, from the Triangle MLS Looking at the Triangle area over the last 12 months (December 2022 to November 2023), under-contract sales have generally fallen by 9.3%. The least affected were homes priced at $470,000 or higher, where sales only dipped by 4.4%. The overall median sales price of homes has gone up slightly, by 0.8%, reaching $395,000. Single-family homes saw the biggest price increase in this category, with a 0.5% rise to $412,000. In terms of how quickly homes are selling, the most affordable homes (priced at $244,999 or less) are moving the fastest, taking an average of 26 days to sell. Homes in the $345,000 to $469,999 range are taking the longest, averaging 30 days on the market. Inventory levels have dropped by 3.5% across the market. Single-family homes have seen the smallest reduction in inventory, with a 4.1% decrease. This translates to a 2.6-month supply for single-family homes and a shorter 1.9-month supply for townhouses and condos. In summary, the housing market is adjusting with a mix of decreasing new home sales, modest increases in median prices, and a tighter inventory, especially in certain price ranges. Previous years Triangle Market Data Finally!! The market is starting to correct- September 2022 Prices haven’t come down but I am seeing more homes on the market and some staying on the market longer.  My clients are able to make offers and get a house although it is still competitive. In the past year it was very hard for a well qualified buyer to get a house unless they had cash and were will willing to put up huge due diligence funds , often in the amount of the down payment and provide an appraisal addendum that the buyers would and could pay the difference between the appraised value and purchase price. New Construction Market New construction neighborhoods are starting to advertise inventory with no bidding. Builders are finishing homes in a more reasonable time frame than the past two years and custom builders are starting to price homes before they are complete because they are feeling more confident of pricing. Buying a home from companies that bought homes for cash One thing I have noticed that “buy your home for cash companies” like Open Door and Mark Spain  over paid for homes using their logarithm not taking into account the difference in neighborhoods and home quality, so make sure you check neighborhood comps before buying one of those listings. The price reductions may look like a good deal but usually aren’t because the original list price was too high. A look at 2021 Triangle Area Home Prices Cary, Apex_Morrisville 2021 prices up 27.7% Fuquay-Varina_Holly Springs prices up 27.5%. Raleigh prices up 20% in 2021 Orange County prices down in 2021 Chatham County prices rising 2021 Raleigh and Triangle MLS Real Estate Market Graph for 2021 A history of the market for 2018 to 2020 will give you a better idea of how unusual the 2021 real estate market is. January 2019 compared to 2020 From the Triangle MLS Homes for Sale in the Triangle The Raleigh and Triangle Area Real Estate Market 2018 compared to 2019 In the video from the Triangle MLS real estate appraiser Stacey Anfindsen compared 2018 with 2019. 2019 was a strong real estate market 2019 Was one of my best years ever. One of the reasons is that the area is growing. I represented buyers from 11 different states in 2019. Four families moved from California. Other popular states for relocation were New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Florida. Even though inventory is low clients seem happy with the choice of homes, especially if they have time to build a new home. Marianne’s crystal ball-Triangle Real Estate Predictions Crystal Ball is Broken! Cary New Construction Chapel Hill New Construction Moving to the Raleigh/Cary/Chapel Hill area? If you are moving to the Triangle in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, Cary, Morrisville,  Apex or Holly Springs I can help you understand the market and the micro markets and can represent you as your buyers agent. I will be happy to send you videos of the home/neighborhood. This is especially helpful if you are considering new construction because the online info is limited. Call Me! Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 Marianne Howell Wright, Triangle Area Real Estate 919-274-4365 [email protected] New Construction Home ================================================================================ # Page: /new-nc-offer-to-purchase-and-contract/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/new-nc-offer-to-purchase-and-contract/ # Summary: Home » NC Offer to Purchase -A Guide for Home Buyers This Home is staged and pre inspected- ready for the market Quick Links Home » NC Offer to Purchase -A Guide for Home Buyers This Home is staged and pre inspected- ready for the market Quick Links Due Diligence and the Offer to Purchase Key Differences in the NC Contract Understanding the Due Diligence Fee Canceling the Contract Due Diligence Fee Factors Earnest Money Preparation for Buyers and Sellers Tips for Well-Prepared Buyers and Sellers The Importance of Pre-Approvals Due Diligence and the Offer to Purchase Over the past 8 years, North Carolina has implemented a revised Offer to Purchase and Contract form . Please read, I have highlighted the due diligence section. If you haven’t purchased a home since 2011 or are from another state, you might be surprised by the NC contract forms. They are frequently updated, and this article will focus on the Due Diligence sections. Key Differences in the NC Contract When making an offer on a home in North Carolina, you’ll need to provide two deposits: the Due Diligence Fee and Earnest Money. The amounts for these fees vary depending on factors such as market conditions, buyer qualifications, and property condition. Customary amounts may differ across areas or towns in NC. If you successfully purchase the property, both deposits will be credited towards the purchase. If you decide to cancel the contract during the Due Diligence period, the seller keeps the Due Diligence Fee, while the Earnest Money is returned to you. Understanding the Due Diligence Fee The Due Diligence Fee is similar to an option fee. The buyer pays the seller to reserve the property while the buyer inspects the property and secures financing. During this time, the buyer can cancel the contract for any reason, even if they simply change their mind. The contract states that the house is sold “as is,” and the seller isn’t required to make repairs. However, repairs are often negotiated during the Due Diligence period since the buyer can back out and only lose the Due Diligence Fee. The seller usually prefers to reach an agreement to ensure the transaction proceeds. Canceling the Contract If the buyer cancels the contract before the Due Diligence period ends, the attorney refunds the Earnest Money, and the seller keeps the Due Diligence Fee. The deadline for this period is always a nerve-wracking time, as the buyer has likely invested in inspections, appraisals, and the Due Diligence fee. Due Diligence Fee Factors The Due Diligence Fee depends on various factors, including the time the house has been on the market, competing offers, price, and the property’s condition. In the competitive market of 2021-2022, Due Diligence Fees have soared to 30-50K, often leading buyers to waive inspections and appraisals. Earnest Money In the Triangle area, Earnest Money, a security deposit, is typically between 1-3% of the purchase price, with 1.5% being common. Preparation for Buyers and Sellers Buyers should be well-prepared, as the Due Diligence Fee requested by the seller is determined by the perceived risk of taking the house off the market. The more prepared a buyer is, the more likely they are to negotiate favorable terms for both parties. Tips for Well-Prepared Buyers and Sellers A well-prepared buyer can have the upper hand in a competitive market. Here are essential steps for buyers to follow: Obtain a pre-approval with supporting documents, including: Tri-merge Credit Report review Income documentation review 2-year work history confirmation Debt to income calculation Automated Underwriting Approval Be ready to buy within the next 60 days Offer reasonable Earnest Money Deposit and Due Diligence Fee Review disclosures and homeowner documents Not have a house to sell Have no other contingencies Be flexible with the closing date For sellers to receive a reasonable Earnest Money Deposit and Due Diligence Fee, they should also be well-prepared: Price the home correctly and be willing to accept a reasonable price Conduct a pre-listing inspection and make necessary repairs Avoid needing approval from a lender (short sale) or bankruptcy court Allow the buyer a reasonable Due Diligence Fee and period Be flexible with the closing date Stage the home and ensure it’s in excellent condition (including the yard) Provide the buyer with all disclosures and a current market analysis supporting the asking price Have a clear title and have owned the property for more than one year The Importance of Pre-Approvals Pre-approvals are crucial, as they can influence the Due Diligence period and the buyer’s perceived strength. Sellers may accept a lower fee for pre-approved buyers. Buyers should secure a pre-approval and ensure loan eligibility before risking the Due Diligence fee. Many seller agents require a pre-approval letter from a local lender with an offer. Although buyers can shop around after pre-approval, having a well-known local lender can strengthen their offer. This refers to the mortgage broker or loan officer, not just the company. A selling agent will have more confidence in closing the loan if it’s through a reputable local lender, which can make a significant difference in the transaction. Give yourself an advantage and get a strong pre approval letter!! ================================================================================ # Page: /buyers-agent/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/buyers-agent/ # Summary: Home » New Construction: Why do I need a buyers agent when buying a new home? Quick Links Can I use the builders agent to buy the new construction home? Home » New Construction: Why do I need a buyers agent when buying a new home? Quick Links Can I use the builders agent to buy the new construction home? Will the builder pay the commission? Bring your Agent In summary, when working with a builder in the Triangle area, it’s essential to: I’m going to go over some of the many aspects of the transaction that your buyers agent can help with. The lot Choose the builder Get the best deal Financing Closing costs The plan- Options- structural and design center The contract Construction Inspections closing Summary Can I use the builders agent to buy the new construction home? I get asked this question a lot. Yes, you can. Using the builders agent isn’t the best idea even if you are experienced with building. The builders agent represents the builder. Their job is to get the best deal for the builder. Most on site agents are great and know a lot about the home and process but questions and conflicts come up all of the time and it helps to have a representative to ask the hard questions and be the pushy one. Will the builder pay the commission? In the Triangle area of North Carolina, builders understand the value of real estate agents bringing clients to their new construction sites and are generally open to paying a commission. The commission rate for new construction homes is often comparable to, or slightly lower than, that of resale homes. However, it’s crucial to involve your buyer’s agent from the beginning of the process, as builders typically compensate the agent for introducing the client and facilitating the transaction. Bring your Agent When you visit a new construction site with your agent, they should accompany you during your initial visit to ensure proper representation and registration with the builder’s representative. In some cases, if you’ve already visited a site without your agent and registered, the builder may still be willing to pay a commission to your agent if they value their relationship and want future business. It’s essential to have your agent clarify this possibility during the initial stages of the process. It’s important to research and select an experienced buyer’s agent with a strong background in new construction. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the unique aspects of new construction, such as design studio options, upgrades, and warranties, and help you navigate any potential challenges that may arise during the building process. In summary, when working with a builder in the Triangle area, it’s essential to: 1. Involve your agent from the beginning of the process. 2. Ensure your agent has experience with new construction. 3. Clarify the commission structure with your agent and the builder. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and successful homebuying experience with the right representation and support. I’m going to go over some of the many aspects of the transaction that your buyers agent can help with. The lot There are several pitfalls here. Usually in a new home development you pick your lot from a pretty site plan. It really doesn’t tell you much . An agent who is familiar with new construction will want to see the development construction drawings. These show the areas of cut and fill, location of erosion control basins, drain pipes and stone (these can be ugly and dangerous), location of utilities (do you want a big green box in your front yard?), streetlights and landscaping. There is usually a topo map with the existing grade and the new grade after development. The flood maps have been recently been updated in our area and you need to make sure your new home won’t be in a flood plain. Your agent should be able to look at the lot and see if there are any potential drainage issues. Water problems can be on going and affect the resale potential of the home. Sure, you can research and find out if busy roads or power lines are planned, both the kiss of death for resale, but you may not be able to find out the inside information about what’s going on nearby that isn’t public record yet. Choose the builder Builder Sometimes even a good buyers agent can’t protect you from a builder who is having financial problems. Builders are pretty good at hiding this but an agent who has been around will know the signs and may have heard from suppliers who’s not paying their bills. Your initial deposit can be huge, sometimes as much as 10% and you need to be sure sure the builder isn’t borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. There are lots of different aspects to choosing a builder. Reputation for detail and quality is important. Also, consider lot choice, financing, deposits, design and floor plans, flexibility, and price. Get the best deal Fence provided by builder A good agent will know what builders will do with price and incentives. The on site agents job is to get the best deal for the builder but a buyers agent with a good relationship with the on-site agent and other agents who have sold in the neighborhood can usually find out the real story. Builders won’t discount the price much if at all because they need to keep up the prices for appraisals in the neighborhood. They also don’t have the built up equity in the home that a resale would. The big exception to this is at the end of the year or the end of the builders fiscal year. They want the inventory off the books! Builders will usually negotiate some incentives in addition to what if offered. A good buyers agent knows how to do this and ask for just the right amount of extras to get something without a big NO. I love driving through a neighborhood and seeing my clients homes with a builder provided fence that their neighbors don’t have. Financing financing Your agent can help to guide you through the options. It’s always good to be pre-approved with a local lender. The builder may pay some closing costs if you use their preferred lender. Always compare. There can be lots of financing options for a pre-sale. Some builders want you to contract to purchase the lot from them then you go get the construction loan. Usually in this case you are responsible for the interest on the loan. Others will want a large deposit with a contract, then they get the lot released from the bank and get the construction loan. A production builder usually wants a deposit of 5% or so with a portion of upgrades pre paid and then the remainder at closing. Closing costs Many builders will offer to give you several thousand dollars toward closing costs if you use their lender. It’s really an advantage to them to have a lender who they are certain will be able to close the loan. If the builder owns their own mortgage company it may also be a good deal. If the builder has preferred lenders you should shop around because the lender will sometimes recoup the closing cost incentive by charging you a full 1% loan origination fee or give you a slightly higher rate. I have found that sometimes if the builder has an in house lender and you are able to have another lender beat their deal they will still give you the closing cost incentive. This won’t likely  happen if the builder doesn’t own the mortgage company. The plan- I recently visited a site with a client. The on site agent showed us plans and pricing for a home that hadn’t been started yet. She offered to show us the same plan that was finished but sold. My client loved it. Looking around I noticed that the family room and kitchen looked larger the floor plan we had seen in the office. The agent insisted that it was exactly the same. I went back to the office, had her get the construction drawings of both houses and showed her the difference. My clients had not noticed this and if they hadn’t had an agent they may have contracted for a different home than they expected. A good new construction buyers agent can read the plans and help you visualize what the final product will be. Options- structural and design center kitchen with options Your agent will know what options have the most perceived value for resale and will know what you can expect to pay for upgrades based on the builders standards. Your agent should help you with the selections. The contract Builders do not use the standard offer to purchase used for resale homes in NC.  contracts protect the builder not you. In my experience they won’t change anything in the contract but you need to know what you are agreeing to. It’s usually a good idea to consult an attorney to go over the contract with you so you understand what you are signing. Construction construction framing Your agent should keep a close watch on the house during construction and inform you of anything that doesn’t look right. Your agent should be a good sounding board and help you realize what it important and what isn’t. Inspections Just because the home is new doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a private inspector. Your agent will know who is really good with new construction and should give you several names. A new home has a one year builder warranty by statute so theoretically you don’t need to have the home inspection until close to the end of the year. I like to go ahead and get it done and have any repairs made before closing. Most of the builders in our area are good with follow up but once you give them the check at closing you have lost your leverage. closing I hope you have a good lender who has followed up throughout the process and doesn’t come up with any last-minute issues. A good lender will have the loan package to the attorney a couple of days ahead of time so everyone is comfortable the loan will close. There are lots of details and your agent, lender and attorney should work together to make this process worry free. The closing! Worth the wait!! Summary When buying new construction, having a knowledgeable buyer’s agent is crucial for a successful experience. Agents can help with: 1. Lot selection: Assessing construction drawings, identifying drainage issues, and ensuring suitability. 2. Builder choice: Selecting reputable builders and understanding their reputation for detail and quality. 3. Negotiations: Understanding builder incentives and negotiating extras. 4. *Financing and closing costs: Guiding you through financing options and closing cost incentives. 5. Plans and options:Helping you understand plans, identifying discrepancies, and selecting options with the most value. 6.Contracts: Navigating builder contracts and recommending attorneys. 7. Construction and inspections: Monitoring construction, scheduling inspections, and ensuring repairs are made. 8. Closing:Coordinating a smooth and worry-free closing process. A skilled agent can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls during the new construction home buying process. Here is a link to my post about Settlement and Closing in the Triangle . I hope this post helps you realize why it is important to have a buyers agent when buying new construction. To learn more about building a new home check out my Guide to building a new construction home. By Marianne Howell Wright updated 9/2017 ================================================================================ # Page: /living-in-chatham-county-nc/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/living-in-chatham-county-nc/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Living in Chatham County, NC Quick Links You are here: Home / Living in Chatham County, NC Quick Links Chatham County: From Overlooked to Key Player Pittsboro The Epicenter of Growth: North Chatham Mailing Address vs. Actual Residence My Move to Chatham Planning for the Future: Cary and Chatham’s Joint Efforts Green Planning in Chapel Hill and Beyond Sewer Services Shaping Chatham’s Growth The Cost of Land in Chatham Jordan Lake: A Hub of Recreation and Conservation The Multifaceted Role of Jordan Lake Recreation at Jordan Lake Bird Watching and Wildlife Neighborhoods of Chatham County Bonterra: Briar Chapel: Chapel Hill Address Chapel Ridge: Chapel Hill address Chatham Forest: Chatham Park: Encore at Briar Chapel: Fearrington Village: Governors Club: Governors Forest: Governors Lake: Governors Park: Governors Village: Highland Forest: Horizon: Legacy at Jordan Lake: Legend Oaks: Polks Landing: Powell Place: Riverstone Estates: Stonecrest at Norwood: The Preserve at Jordan Lake: Westfall: Windfall: Chatham County Neighborhoods with a Cary Address Chatham County: From Overlooked to Key Player Over 25 years ago, when I moved to Chatham County from downtown Chapel Hill it was a quiet, rural area, often unnoticed in the Triangle region’s media. It was never mentioned in weather forecasts or the local news. Lacking a large population center, it seemed hidden among neighboring counties like Orange, Durham , and Wake . But things have changed. The growth of the Triangle and new highways have thrust Chatham County into the spotlight. Pittsboro Pittsboro is the county seat of Chatham County and will be the site of major growth in the next 30 years. I’ve always loved Pittsboro for it’s local flavor and arts and music. Downtown Pittsboro The Epicenter of Growth: North Chatham In 2006 someone added Developers Paradise to the Welcome to Chatham sign. I actually thought it was an official sign a first glance. Now, North Chatham and Pittsboro, the county seat, are experiencing significant residential growth. These areas, especially around Jordan Lake , are becoming known for high-priced homes in the Triangle. Mailing Address vs. Actual Residence In Chatham County, where you get your mail and where you live can be different. When I moved to Chatham County in 2006, my address said Chapel Hill. The county line between Chapel Hill Town and Chatham County was significant. It determined schools, regulations, and taxes. It still does, though, perceptions have shifted. If your mailing address is Chapel Hill you feel you live in Chapel Hill even though it isn’t the town. The low tax rate in Chatham County is a big plus for being in Chatham. My Move to Chatham Jordan Lake at Farrington Point I chose Chatham County for its strategic location and to be closer to the regions I serve in real estate. From here, Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary , Apex, and Holly Springs are just about 20 minutes away. The low taxes and scenic drives near Jordan Lake are a plus. Planning for the Future: Cary and Chatham’s Joint Efforts Cary adjoins Chatham County and some Cary properties are in Chatham with Chatham County Schools. Chatham and Cary are working together on a joint land plan. This partnership is crucial as Cary is known for its well-planned development, a factor in its popularity. Green Planning in Chapel Hill and Beyond Homes by Dickerson in Chatham Park Over the last three decades, Chapel Hill , Carrboro, and Raleigh have been at the forefront of eco-friendly urban planning. Developers have been encouraged to adopt practices that favor compact housing and the preservation of natural spaces. Consequently, many new neighborhoods now feature smaller lots, ranging from 6,000 sq ft to a third of an acre, while ensuring ample green spaces are left untouched. It’s tough when clients ask for a quarter or half acre and a new home. It’s usually either very small or over an acre because that is required for a septic system. Sewer Services Shaping Chatham’s Growth The expansion of Chatham County has been closely tied to the availability of sewer services, which are primarily concentrated in Pittsboro City. Homes in areas without sewer access require septic systems, which need larger land parcels, typically over an acre, for the septic field. This has led to developments with spacious acre-plus lots. However, with new waste treatment technologies, like spray irrigation and community systems, high-density neighborhoods are emerging near attractions such as golf courses and parks. These developments feature smaller lots, so homebuyers in Chatham County can expect either large communities with small lots or smaller ones with acre-plus lots. The Cost of Land in Chatham In Chatham, homes on acre-plus lots typically exceed $800,000 due to the high cost of land. Homes under $800,000 are often either pre-1990s constructions on larger lots or newer constructions on smaller lots. Jordan Lake: A Hub of Recreation and Conservation The Multifaceted Role of Jordan Lake Created in the late 1960s by the Army Corps of Engineers, Jordan Lake’s 46,768 acres serve multiple purposes. It’s not just a beloved recreational spot but also a crucial water source for neighboring cities, playing a key role in flood control, water quality, and wildlife conservation. Recreation at Jordan Lake One of 7 Jordan Lake Boat Ramps Jordan Lake’s prime location and its nine recreation sites within the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is ideal for activities like boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and family outings. After a long day, residents often enjoy boating on the lake or fishing until sunset. With facilities for boat rentals and numerous storage options nearby, the lake is easily accessible. Notably, The Preserve at Jordan Lake, a nearby golf community, even offers its residents a dedicated boat storage lot. Bird Watching and Wildlife Wildlife Jordan Lake is also a hotspot for bird watching enthusiasts. The area is especially renowned as one of the largest summertime habitats for the bald eagle, adding another unique aspect to this diverse and thriving natural environment. Neighborhoods of Chatham County This isn’t a list of all of the neighborhoods, but they are neighborhoods I have had personal experience with over the years.  Most of the neighborhoods listed are in the North Chatham area and some have a Chapel Hill address. Bonterra : Bonterra Bonterra is located in Chatham County with a Chapel Hill address just a few miles from the town’s border. Built by Robuck Homes in 2022, the homes are on acre lots with prices just over 1 million dollars. Some floor plans have 2 kitchens, one for prep or catering and one to look pretty! My husband actually thought the double kitchens were a good idea but he isn’t the cook in the family and I wouldn’t want to have to work in the prep kitchen to keep the show kitchen tidy! Briar Chapel : Chapel Hill Address Briar Chapel This large, eco-friendly development of over 2000 homes offers a mix of homes, from townhouses to single-family homes. With 2 saltwater pools, a clubhouse, 20 miles of walking trails, commercial area, and neighborhood parks. It also has an elementary school, middle school, charter school, and Montessori school in the neighborhood area. The neighborhood opened in 2008 and is built out except for a few homes in the million+ price range. One of the key reasons for its popularity is the wide range of home sizes and prices it offers. This diversity allows residents to have the flexibility to move up to larger homes or downsize to smaller ones as their needs evolve over time. I’ve sold more homes in Briar Chapel than any other neighborhood except for neighborhoods that I was the listing agent and represented the builder. Most of my sales in Briar Chapel Chapel Ridge : Chapel Hill address A luxury golf community offering large, single-family homes, and beautiful views. It’s a very social neighborhood, and although it is kind of out in the country, residents like the more rural feel and find there is so much to do just staying in the neighborhood. Chatham Forest : Located in Pittsboro, Chatham Forest is a community with a mix of home styles. Known for its quiet, residential streets, and walking distance to the Town of Pittsboro it is more affordable than the new homes in adjacent Chatham Park. Chatham Park : Chatham Park This expansive development, spanning over 7000 acres, signifies a transformative undertaking currently underway in Pittsboro. The developers envision a diverse array of residential and commercial offerings within a thoughtfully planned, mixed-use community that integrates work, leisure, and residential living. Their inspiration points towards Reston, VA, a master-planned community celebrated for its balance of living, working, and recreational spaces. With a projected 30-year buildout timeline, Chatham Park is an ambitious project but I think it will do well especially since the developers developed much of Cary and know what they are doing. For more in depth information see my Chatham Park page. Encore at Briar Chapel : A distinct and inviting section of the larger Briar Chapel community, specifically designed for residents aged 55 and over. This age-restricted neighborhood comes with its own exclusive amenities, including a swimming pool and a clubhouse for social activities. David Weekley Homes built a range of floor plans to suit diverse lifestyles, all while promoting a sense of community and active living. With access to the broader Briar Chapel amenities and activities, Encore has been popular with my clients. Fearrington Village : Fearrington This planned community is known for its English village-style design, complete with a village center. Home to the Fearrington House Inn, shops, and restaurants. The developer, RB Fitch, has been building around 25 homes a year since the1970’s, with new homes currently under construction. The English countryside charm of this village is always a pleasure to visit. Clients are surprised how large and wooded the development is. New homes are under construction and new phases are planned. I think the village lifestyle is the most popular reason buyers choose Fearrington. Governors Club : Governors Club This is an upscale, gated community located on Edwards Mountain in Chatham County with Chapel Hill addresses. It’s known for its 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and beautiful custom homes, many with expansive views. Governors Club always leaves me amazed with its magnificent views. In the Fall, I don’t need to go to the mountains for Fall color, I just drive through Governors Club. Governors Forest : Governors Forest This community features large acre+ lots with homes on septic systems. It’s always interesting to see the large lots and unique homes in this community. Governors Village, Governors Park, Governors Forest and Governors Lake share amenities and covenants. Governors Lake : Governors Lake Townhomes Frequently bundled with Governors Village listings, Governors Lake was built by M/I Homes in 2008 and 2009, wrapped around a quaint, small lake featuring peaceful walking paths. Townhomes In Governors Lake were built by Robuck Homes during the same time period. Governors Park : This neighborhood also gets included in Governors Village listings. Even though they are distinct neighborhoods, they share covenants and amenities. Governors Park began as a custom neighborhood and then was finished by M/I Homes. Governors Village : Distinguished by its charming white fencing around the homes, Governors Village stands out for its convenience and accessibility. It offers a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Part of the neighborhood was built in the 1990s, with a second wave of construction around 2007. I worked with a builder planning and marketing many homes in Governors Village. Highland Forest : Highland Forest House This older late ’80s residential neighborhood is known for its large lots, wooded surroundings, big boulders, and single-family homes. The distinct natural aesthetics and homey vibe here always make it a pleasant experience for me. This was my daughters house in Highland Forest. Horizon : This large-lot neighborhood on the west side of Chatham County is notable for its spacious surroundings and rural feel. Legacy at Jordan Lake : A gated, resort-style community located close to Jordan Lake. This neighborhood offers a mix of townhomes and single-family homes, with amenities like a pool, fitness center, and trails for hiking and biking. It’s famous for the giant waterfall at the gated entry. Legend Oaks : Nestled in Chatham County, yet with a Chapel Hill address, this neighborhood is a haven for nature lovers. Legend Oaks is known for its picturesque wooded lots, topography, and single-family homes situated on acre-plus lots, each equipped with septic systems. While the neighborhood lacks its own pool or amenities, it is conveniently located a few miles from Southern Chapel Hill Park. The balance of serene country living and proximity to Chapel Hill always strikes me as a great combination. Polks Landing : Located near Chapel Hill, Polks Landing is an established neighborhood reminiscent of Chatham Development, featuring 1970s single-family homes, some of which boast large, wooded lots and some of the lowest prices in the area. Powell Place : A planned community in Pittsboro, Powell Place offers a mix of housing options and has parks and walking trails for residents. I find its accessibility to Hwy 64, granting easy access to Raleigh and the RDU airport, to be a significant advantage. Riverstone Estates : This community features spacious lots and custom homes, offering residents a sense of privacy and tranquility. Set in a beautiful rural setting near Jordan Lake and with easy access to HWY 64, it has a rural country feel. Stonecrest at Norwood : Stonecrest is a lovely small residential neighborhood with acre plus lots custom single-family homes. Although it holds a Pittsboro address, it’s actually closer to Chapel Hill. The Preserve at Jordan Lake : Located near Jordan Lake, The Preserve is a neighborhood that always leaves a lasting impression with its luxury homes, golf course, pool, and fitness center. The lots are around a half acre in size, with custom style homes. Many homes have brick construction, adding a classic touch to the area. The downside is it is around 15 minutes to a grocery store, Westfall : Westfall area map Situated near Chapel Hill, Westfall is an upscale development known for its large, custom-built homes and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The community is divided into three unique neighborhoods, each offering its own character and charm. I live in Westfall Pines. Westfall Woodlands : This neighborhood features spacious lots ranging from 1/3 to 1/2 acre, providing residents with ample space to enjoy their homes and the beautiful natural surroundings of Westfall. The wooded landscape creates a serene atmosphere that is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Westfall Pines : Westfall soccer field before the storm Nestled within Westfall, the Pines neighborhood offers homes on 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots. Homes are a mixture of one and two story. There is always something going on in the soccer field. It is used for a variety of activities from adult exercising, tumbling, ball practice, toddler running around and of course, soccer. Westfall Estates : Westfall Estates This neighborhood is characterized by its generous lots of .75+ acres. The Estates is situated on a high ridge, offering breathtaking views and a topography that resembles a neighborhood in the mountains. Residents of Westfall Estates enjoy the exclusivity and privacy that comes with larger lot sizes, creating a sense of retreat and tranquility. Most homes have a first floor master bedroom and a first floor guest suite along with some rooms on the 2nd floor. Floor plans are open with large modern kitchens. While each neighborhood in Westfall offers its own unique features, a paved walking path connects them all. This pathway leads from Westfall Woodlands, passing through Westfall Pines with its tot lot and soccer field, and continues across a charming wooden bridge to the pool in Westfall Estates. This cohesive design fosters a sense of community and allows residents to enjoy the amenities and natural beauty throughout Westfall. Westfall walking path Windfall : Nestled near Jordan Lake, Windfall is a luxury community offering large, estate-style homes on sizable lots. It’s prided for integrating the homes with the stunning natural landscape of rolling hills and hardwood trees. Chatham County Neighborhoods with a Cary Address Weycroft Reserve Sequoia Creek The Piazza at Stonewater Montvale Dunhill Courtyards on O’Kelly Carolina Preserve ================================================================================ # Page: /living-in-pittsboro-change-and-charm-in-the-triangle-area/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/living-in-pittsboro-change-and-charm-in-the-triangle-area/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Living in Pittsboro: Change and Charm in the Triangle Area Quick Links You are here: Home / Living in Pittsboro: Change and Charm in the Triangle Area Quick Links Why is the town named Pittsboro? Pittsboro’s Place in the Triangle Today: Real Estate City Sewer or Septic System? Pittsboro in Town Property Values Chatham Park Local Arty Things to Do around Pittsboro: Marianne Howell Wright Why is the town named Pittsboro? Pittsboro Courthouse with a Christmas tree instead of the statue of a Confederate soldier that was removed a few years ago. A few years ago I was showing an out of town client around, I think she was from New Jersey, and she said “The town is so cute but why does it have to be named PITTSboro? I can’t see telling my friends I’m moving to PITTSboro!” I had never thought why the town was named Pittsboro. This is how Pittsboro got it’s name: “It was incorporated in 1787 as the county seat of the recently-formed Chatham County, and was originally named “Pittsborough,” after William Pitt the Younger, the Earl of Chatham. Many of the original founding families came from sections of eastern North Carolina in the early nineteenth century and built large homes in town.” from carolana.com Pittsboro’s Place in the Triangle Today: Real Estate Pittsboro, North Carolina, the county seat of Chatham County , presents a varied real estate market as of late 2023 and into early 2024. One of the reasons for the variability is is Pittsboro, the town, vs areas with a Pittsboro address in Chatham County. City Sewer or Septic System ? City sewer is only available in the Town of Pittsboro so homes outside of town limits require septic systems. Septic systems require large lots from around 3/4 acre and up. Land is expensive so new homes on acre plus lots in Pittsboro, Chatham County, have a median price, in January 2024, of $1,370,000, with an average of 3700 sq ft and $350 sq ft. Some large neighborhoods like Governors Club and Briar Chapel have their own sewer plants so the lots can be small and homes can be lower priced. Sometimes even real estate agents don’t realize that if an address is Pittsboro it may not actually be IN Pittsboro. Addresses are assigned by the post office and don’t mean anything except the house is in Chatham County. My information comes from the Triangle MLS and I noticed properties were listed in town limits when they were 20 minutes outside of town and actually closer to Chapel Hill . Pittsboro in Town Property Values Garman is building homes in the 500’s in Chatham Park Median Home Prices and Trends : In 2023 The low sold price was $205,000 and the high price was $1,433,875 . The median sales price was $525,000. Average New Home Values : In 2023 The low sold price was $400,000 and the high price was $1,433,875 . The median price was $540,000 and $243 sq ft. Sale-to-List Price Ratio : Homes in Pittsboro sold for approximately the asking price in 2023 with a sale-to-list price ratio of 100%​ ​. Market Activity :With so many new homes it is hard to understand the days on the market. New homes are often listed before the house is started. and the MLS shows new homes as 0 days on the market. Inventory and Listings Update: The current abundance of inventory in Pittsboro is largely influenced by the developments in Chatham Park. Last year, Chatham Park alone saw the sale of 87 homes. As of January 2, 2024, there are 36 active single-family listings in the area. This increase in inventory is partly due to builders preparing for Pittsboro’s Spring market, a popular time for moving, especially among families looking to relocate during the summer school break. In the Triangle area, the typical duration from contract to closing ranges between 30 to 45 days. Chatham Park This massive planned mixed use development will change Pittsboro and  the Triangle bringing an additional 60,000 residents over the projected timeline for development. For an in-depth exploration of Chatham Park, including exclusive photos and personal experiences, check out our full feature Chatham Park page. Local Arty Things to Do around Pittsboro: Clyde Jones’ Critter Crossing : Clyde Jones, a legend on the folk art scene, is known for his hand-carved and painted critters made from scrap wood. Some of his famous works are on display near the Haw River in the Bynum community​​.  Bynum is interesting to drive through and then take a walk over the old Haw River Bridge . Clyde Jones’ Critter Crossing Fearrington Village : This community features restaurants, shops, and gardens, along with folk art although I noticed the other day Vollis Simpson’s whirligigs were missing. Hopefully by the time you read this they will be repaired and reinstalled. Fearrington Whirligigs French Connection : An eclectic goods shop offering folk art for yards, sustainable textiles, and more, housed in a building from the 1900s​​. I often bring out of town folks here because it is such fun to browse the interesting collections. French Connection Pittsboro Screaming for Vintage : You never know what you will find! My husband and I enjoy  looking at vintage accessories and furniture and my son found a couple of t-shirts, one from his favorite local bar in Nashville. Screaming for Vintage The Rosemary House B&B: A colonial home built in 1912, serving as a gathering place for folk artists and enthusiasts, featuring The Kindred Gallery​​. Small B&B Cafe and Folk Art Museum : Offers a bed and breakfast and cafe experience, owned by folk art advocates Dave Clark and Lisa Piper​​. The Folk are museum just moved to Siler City in Chatham County but the Cafe is still there. Pittsboro Gallery of Arts: This gallery provides Chatham County and the surrounding area with high-quality local fine art and fine craft created by regional artists and craftspeople​​. One of my favorite local artists, Rita Baldwin , is featured in the gallery. Annual Studio Tour by Chatham Artists Guild : Held on the first two weekends of December, this tour is a highlight for many local artists. I go almost every year to find unique Christmas presents.  It offers an opportunity to visit artist studios scattered across Chatham County’s rolling hills and pastoral farmlands. Visitors can meet the artists, learn about their processes, and browse affordable original artworks​​. I usually buy pottery from Doug Dotson studio and also from Mark Hewett. The Phoenix bakery : The cakes are a work of art. I like the seating area with eclectic furniture. Good coffee, sandwiches and of course, the delicious baked goods. Phoenix Bakery and Cafe Marianne Howell Wright Triangle Area Real Estate 919-274-4365 [email protected] ================================================================================ # Page: /are-there-termites-in-nc/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/are-there-termites-in-nc/ # Summary: Home » Are there termites in NC? Quick Links A Termite Tale in North Carolina Home » Are there termites in NC? Quick Links A Termite Tale in North Carolina It Was an All Brick House The Inspector Found Termites The Buyers Backed out Understanding Termites in North Carolina Prevention and Control Methods Stay Vigilant Against Termites Marianne Howell Wright A Termite Tale in North Carolina Oh yes, we have termites in NC, and if you own a house, it’s not a question of if you will get termites, but rather when they’ll arrive up from the ground (they don’t fly, unlike Florida termites) in their tunnels looking for moisture and to gobble up your framing. Let me start with an example of a termite infestation I encountered on one of my real estate listings. It Was an All Brick House This particular property was an all-brick house, perfectly maintained, complete with bait traps and a regular termite contract with a well-known exterminator. When the house went under contract, everything seemed in order, and the sellers prepared to move. The Inspector Found Termites However, surprisingly, the inspection revealed that the foam insulation in the sealed crawl space was full of termite tunnels. It turned out that termites evidently love foam insulation, and their tunnels were hidden. Builders are required to leave a space at the top of the insulation so that these tunnels can be visible, but this crucial step was overlooked in this house. The Buyers Backed out The deal initially fell apart, the buyers were freaked to know the insulation was full of termites, and the sellers had to undergo the strenuous task of chiseling out all of the spray foam in the foundation walls. Fortunately, all ended well, with the house eventually selling for a higher price, and luckily, the house structure wasn’t affected. But it was a stressful ordeal that highlighted the stealth and persistence of termites in NC. Understanding Termites in North Carolina Eastern Subterranean termite In North Carolina, the most common culprit is the Eastern subterranean termite. These insects live underground in moist environments and are known for their silent yet destructive behavior. They’re particularly active in the spring, which is when homeowners should be most vigilant. Prevention and Control Methods Preventing and controlling termites is crucial for homeowners. Remember termites love moisture. Here are some effective strategies: Regular Inspections : Schedule annual inspections with professional exterminators. Moisture Control : Fix leaks, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers. Avoid Wood-to-Ground Contact : Keep structures like decks and fences from direct contact with the ground. Clear Yard Debris : Remove fallen branches and dead trees to eliminate potential termite habitats. Use Termite Barriers : Implement both physical and chemical barriers around your home. Seal Entry Points : Close any cracks and openings in the foundation. Ensure Proper Ventilation : Keep your home well ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. Use Treated Wood : For construction or repairs, opt for wood that’s been treated to resist termites. Install Bait Stations : These can help in monitoring and controlling termite populations. Seek Professional Help : At the first sign of termites, it’s crucial to consult with an expert. inspector Stay Vigilant Against Termites I hope my story of the all-brick house serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant against termites in North Carolina. Even the best preventative measures can sometimes fall short, so it’s crucial to remain proactive in inspecting and safeguarding your home against these persistent pests. Remember, in the fight against termites, it’s better to be overly cautious than to face the consequences of an infestation. Marianne Howell Wright Triangle Area Real Estate 919-274-4365 [email protected] ================================================================================ # Page: /briar-chapel/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/briar-chapel/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Briar Chapel, a Chapel Hill NC Neighborhood Briar Chapel Pool You are here: Home / Briar Chapel, a Chapel Hill NC Neighborhood Briar Chapel Pool Quick Links Homes for sale in Briar Chapel Introduction to Briar Chapel Briar Chapel- a Favorite Triangle Neighborhood Briar Chapel Pricing: Understanding the 2023 Market Range of Prices and Influencing Factors Price Per Square Foot Lot Size and Premiums Garage Types and Access Customization and Builder Influence A Community in Transition A Growing Community The Current State of Development Looking Ahead Several things set the Briar Chapel neighborhood apart from others. Pros: Potential Cons of Living in Briar Chapel Location Briar Chapel Builders Saussy Burbank Homes by Dickerson David Weekley Retire to the Triangle Garman Homes All of the Briar Chapel new and resale homes for sale Briar Chapel Homes for sale in Briar Chapel Briar Chapel Master Plan Introduction to Briar Chapel Briar Chapel- a Favorite Triangle Neighborhood One of my favorite neighborhoods, Briar Chapel, is a very social community in Chapel Hill , Chatham County, NC. Known for its landscaping, trees, and eco-friendly homes, this neighborhood offers a unique mix of home styles by several local builders and natural charm. Just 15 minutes from downtown Chapel Hill, it features many housing options from townhomes to luxury single-family homes. My clients love the family friendly amenities including saltwater pools, 19 miles of mountain bike and walking trails, Sports Park, and various recreational parks. With excellent schools in the neighborhood and a focus on green building standards , Briar Chapel is an great choice for those seeking an active, friendly lifestyle in the Triangle area. Briar Chapel Pricing: Understanding the 2023 Market Range of Prices and Influencing Factors Clients often ask me why there is such a differences in the prices per square foot in Briar Chapel. The reasons depend on the builder and included standard and upgraded features, lot size and location in the neighborhood, and amount of customization the buyer could do when building the house. More about this below. In 2023, Briar Chapel’s many housing options were reflected in a wide range of prices. The neighborhood sold the last of new construction single family homes in 2023. The average sales price of all homes sold was approximately $600,000, with homes varying from $386,000 to $1,489,000. This price range accommodates a broad spectrum of buyers, from those seeking more modest homes to those looking for luxury properties. Price Per Square Foot Prices per square foot in Briar Chapel ranged from around $180 to over $375. This significant variation indicates the diversity in home sizes and styles within the community. Lot Size and Premiums A key factor in pricing is the size and type of the lot. The developer, Newland , specified the width of the lot determined the size of the house, with wider lots allowing for larger homes. Additionally, some homes were situated on premium lots, commanding higher prices due to their desirable location or larger size. Garage Types and Access The type of garage and its access also played a role in pricing. Some homes featured detached garages with alley entries, which could affect the overall price of the property. These architectural details and property layouts contributed to the diverse pricing structure in Briar Chapel and is part of the appeal and charm of the neighborhood. Customization and Builder Influence The original pricing was heavily influenced by the builder and the extent of customization available. Each builder had their own pricing strategy and included features, making it essential to understand who built the house and the pricing at the time of its construction to fully grasp the value of a home in this neighborhood. A Community in Transition Briar Chapel has undergone significant changes since its grand opening. Initially launched in September 2008, this community has shifted from new home sales to predominantly resale homes on the market. A look back at my first Briar Chapel video from 2010 highlights just how much the neighborhood has changed. You may want to take a look at all of my past Briar Chapel videos to see the changes. A Growing Community Spanning nearly 1600 acres, Briar Chapel is designed to house approximately 2400 residences, including a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, along with 900 acres of open space. While the single-family home section is nearly sold out, with only a few homes over one million dollars remaining, the neighborhood continues to expand and diversify. Row Houses in Briar Chapel 2020. The Current State of Development As the neighborhood nears completion, the availability of new homes has significantly decreased, with most properties being sold before they’re even built or fully finished. Reflecting this shift, the information center has recently closed, with the developer moving on to new projects. This transition marks a new phase for Briar Chapel, as it steadily grows into a well-established and thriving community. Looking Ahead As we move into 2024 and beyond, the focus shifts to the growing resale market. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Chapel Hill, just a 15-minute drive down Hwy 15-501, continues to make it an attractive option for many. The video below is about the commercial area at the entrance of the neighborhood. Some of the restaurants have changed over the years but it is great and very busy. There is also a new Food Lion. Several things set the Briar Chapel neighborhood apart from others. Pros: Scenic Parkway : The neighborhood boasts a 2-mile Briar Chapel Parkway, surrounded by woods and trails, free from housing development. Prime Location : Just 15 minutes from Chapel Hill and Franklin Street and artsy Carrboro , Briar Chapel offers a rare opportunity for new home inventory in this area. Affordable Pricing : Despite price increases since its inception, Briar Chapel remains the most cost-effective option for newer homes in this part of the Triangle. Diverse Builders : The neighborhood features five builders, ranging from national and regional to small custom ones, with prices from the low 400’s to 1.4. Green Building Standards : All homes and amenities in Briar Chapel meet the minimum Bronze level of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), ensuring eco-friendly living. Exceptional Amenities : The community includes saltwater pools, a large water slide, trails, parks, a clubhouse with an activities director, and various events. Schools : The neighborhood houses Primrose preschoo l, elementary , middle , and charter schools. Demographic Diversity : Due to the varied home styles and prices, the community attracts a wide range of demographics. Shopping : There are 3 grocery Stores within a mile of the 3 entrances to the neighborhood. Restaurants : In Veranda, at the main entrance there are four restaurants and several around the neighborhood and with Chapel Hill so close the possibilities are many. Construction is complete: Yay!! we can drive down the streets without construction noise or trucks lining the street. Potential Cons of Living in Briar Chapel While Briar Chapel has many pros, there are a few cons to consider: Transportation : The area is not really walkable. While nearby shopping and dining are accessible by bike or walking, it’s a couple of miles down the trails. A car is necessary for most activities. Grocery Accessibility : It’s a 15-20 minute drive to Whole Foods, though Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Food Lion are closer, about a mile from the entrances. Lot Size : Many lots are small, which might not appeal to everyone, despite some backing onto woods. Power Lines : There are big power lines going through the neighborhood. I think the power lines are ok for resale if they aren’t in your backyard. There are different opinions and studies about the health risks so I advise you to research if it is a concern. Public Transport : The lack of public transportation could be a drawback for some, with the nearest park and ride 10 minutes away. Developing Areas : Newly developed sections may appear bare, but the landscape is quickly evolving. No new homes: That’s a big downside for many who are going on down the road to Chatham Park in Pittsboro to find new construction. Location and Accessibility Briar Chapel, located in Chatham County (with a Chapel Hill address), is approximately 7 miles and a straight shot down 15-501 from UNC Chapel Hill. It offers a quick commute via a 4-lane road. The neighborhood’s new home prices are competitive, and its well-maintained amenities add to its appeal. Commuting Distances UNC Chapel Hill: 8 miles Duke University: 20 miles RDU Airport: 25 miles Raleigh: 40-45 minutes Small lots in Briar Chapel Power lines in Briar Chapel There isn’t public transportation. There is a park and ride in Southern Village but that’s 10 minutes down 15-501. The new sections look bare. but trees grow fast! New phase Briar Chapel Streetscape. Briar Chapel Streetscape, first phase. Trees grow fast! Location Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC is a large mixed use neighborhood in Chatham County, NC (Chapel Hill address). It’s one of the best new neighborhoods because of the location, builders, prices and amenities. It’s a straight shot of around 7 miles down 15-501 to UNC Chapel Hill on a 4 lane road so it is a quick easy commute. The prices for new homes In Briar Chapel are the best in the area and I really like that the amenities are in and that the neighborhood is well maintained. The first buyers in a neighborhood get the best prices but have a greater risk that the neighborhood won’t be developed as planned. I feel good when there are signs that the developer has deep pockets and will be around for the long haul. The Developer is Newland and here is a link to their site . Briar Chapel Builders Saussy Burbank Saussy Burbank is one of my favorite builders because the houses are well done and ready for the walk through. Here is a client showing off their new kitchen. Homes by Dickerson Homes by Dickerson kitchen They are a true custom builde r and will build your home however you want as long as it meets the neighborhood architectural review. Homes by Dickerson builds a classic home with all of the latest updates without being too trendy. David Weekley David Weekley Encore I have worked with David Weekley Homes for years and know they build a good energy efficient home. Their plans are excellent and you get a good price along with the good plan. The features are really nice too. I especially like the customer service and how proud they are of their homes. Retire to the Triangle Encore is a neighborhood within Briar Chapel by David Weekley Homes for over age 55 buyers. The floorplans are open and bright. There is a separate clubhouse and pool for this neighborhood and other Briar Chapel amenities are shared with the neighborhood. Prices start around $500,000 with lot premiums and some design center options. I have a video to help you see what Encore is like. Garman Homes Garman Homes has been building in the neighborhood for years and they have their own style. They are also a local builder with their main office in Cary. My clients who have built with them have been very happy. They have an interesting concept for one of their home collections. They make buying simple by having pre selected packages for each home plan. There is a beautifully designed package for each of the most popular design styles so you just pick your home plan and then choose your style package. It’s easy and more efficient for the builder too and that’s reflected in the prices. New construction is my speciality. Although, I can show you or help you buy any resale home on the market. It’s always good to compare. Let me know if you would like more information or would like to visit Briar Chapel.  Marianne 919-274-4365 Or, if you would like me to represent you as your Buyers Agent. Why do you need a Buyers Agent for new construction? Here are some of the reasons. I’ll get back out to Briar Chapel again soon and do a video update. All of the Briar Chapel new and resale homes for sale Briar Chapel by Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /statistics/the-oaks/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/statistics/the-oaks/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Market Data / You are here: Home / Market Data / The Oaks,A Chapel Hill Neighborhood: Homes for Sale, Market Statistics and Schools Homes for sale in the Oaks A Neighborhood with a Story Nestled in the charming town of Chapel Hill, The Oaks stands out as one of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. This picturesque community, with the Chapel Hill Country Club at its heart, began in the 1970s. A decade later, a well known local developer added a new dimension to The Oaks, building homes with both mid century modern and traditional styles. Location and Schools: A Key Consideration The Oaks straddles two counties, with the majority of its homes in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools School District and a smaller section in Durham County, served by Durham County Schools. Despite both areas sharing a Chapel Hill address, it’s crucial for potential residents to pay attention to the county line – especially if school districts are a priority in their home search. Diverse Homes with a View The architectural diversity in The Oaks is remarkable, offering a range of styles and sizes to suit different tastes. Homes overlooking the golf course are particularly coveted, boasting expansive views and standing as some of the neighborhood’s most luxurious properties. Nature and Nurture: The Evolving Landscape When I drive clients through the leafy, well-kept streets of The Oaks, the most common reaction I hear is “this is so beautiful!”. Over the years, the neighborhood’s landscaping has matured and is beautifully maintained (for Chapel Hill, which tends to have less manicured and more natural yards than the rest of the Triangle) However, this beauty and exclusivity come at a price, often leading homebuyers to explore other neighborhoods in Chapel Hill for more budget-friendly options. What are the schools for the Oaks? Oaks school district map Most of the homes in the Oaks are in the Chapel Hill Carrboro School District .  For residents in the Burning Tree Rd. area, Rashkis Elementary , Culbreth Middle , and East Chapel High are the schools of record. A turn onto Pinehurst Dr. from Burning Tree changes the school zone to Ephesus Elementary , Phillips Middle , and East Chapel Hill High . It’s also worth noting that a portion of the neighborhood falls under the Durham County School district. Additional Insights Community Engagement: The Oaks has a strong sense of community, often hosting neighborhood events and activities that bring residents together. Access to Amenities: Proximity to downtown Chapel Hill and the Chapel Hill Country Club means easy access to a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, enhancing the living experience in The Oaks. Outdoor Activities: Beyond golf, the neighborhood’s location offers easy access to parks and trails, making it ideal for those who love outdoor activities. ================================================================================ # Page: /about/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/about/ # Summary: Home » About Marianne Quick Links Marianne Howell Wright Home » About Marianne Quick Links Marianne Howell Wright Realtor, Owner/Broker Triangle Area Real Estate. About Chapel Hill Homebuilding New Home Marketing General Brokerage Triangle Area Real Estate Triangle Area Real Estate Chapel Hill Neighborhoods Apex Family time What I can do for you (in a couple of sentences). Marianne Howell Wright Realtor, Owner/Broker Triangle Area Real Estate. Hi, I am Marianne Howell Wright. I’ve been involved with homes and real estate my whole adult life. I am a Realtor focusing on helping relocating buyers find the right home and neighborhood for them in the Triangle Area of NC. You can call, text or email me I would love to hear from you! 919-274-4365. Email: [email protected] or text may be the best because I get many spam calls a day and may not pick up if your name doesn’t show up. About I grew up in the DC area, Fairfax Va. and Potomac, Md. I went to school at New Mexico State University and the University of Cincinnati. My Dad was a developer and homebuilder. My first memories were riding around “the job” in my Dad’s jeep. Chapel Hill When I moved to Chapel Hill from Cincinnati in 1980’s (for a  husband’s job) I had no idea what to expect. My choices were NJ (I pictured towns filled with factories) and Chapel Hill (I pictured Andy and Mayberry ). I pushed for Andy and Chapel Hill and my Mom, who was originally from Texas, helped me practice a Southern accent. I was really surprised when we came for a visit that Chapel Hill wasn’t like Mayberry, even back then! Walking down the street and talking with folks I rarely heard a Southern accent but did hear languages from all over the world. Chapel Hill has been home for many years now and I love the Triangle area. Homebuilding A year or so after we moved to Chapel Hill I was the contractor for our first house. Following in a family tradition, I decided home building was what I wanted to do with my life and career. My interest in neighborhoods and what made them different started then. In the 80’s and early 90’s I built homes in Chapel Hill and Durham in many neighborhoods including The Oaks and Chesley in Chapel and Hope Valley and Fairfield in Durham. New Home Marketing New homes have always been a love for me. In the 90’s I shifted from building to my favorite part of the business, working with builders and new home buyers helping with home plans, selections, marketing and sales. General Brokerage Marianne with CEO of Coldwell Banker In 1999 I joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate later to become Coldwell Banker as a general brokerage agent because I had an opportunity to sell and market a big new home project and at the same time represent the builders I had been working with. I won many awards for being a top listing agent in my office. I found this article about my website when cleaning out closets. It’s from the Chapel Hill News, June 2000. I think we still had MLS books then but changes came fast. 12 years of the corporate real estate world was more than enough and I decided I wanted to focus on helping buyers relocating to the area. Triangle Area Real Estate Triangle Area Real Estate First Settlement April 2011-Happy buyers! I found over the years, that the Triangle is so huge that people moving to the area have no idea where to start. I knew I could help with that problem after so many years of watching the Triangle grow. Triangle Area Real Estate After leaving Coldwell Banker I went to work in my own company, In April of 2011 I had my first closing with my and my husband Chip’s company, Triangle Area Real Estate. We licenced the company in 1995 for my husbands development and commercial real estate business. NC real estate firm license #C8533.  W2 Development DBA Triangle Area Real Estate. In the past 8 years I have represented many buyers with both new and resale homes. My clients come from all over the US and the world. Many clients can live anywhere they choose and they choose the Triangle because of the quality of life for their family. It’s so rewarding to see clients learn about the area and neighborhood and find a home that is just right for them and their family. Happy buyers Brian and Aubree 2019 Chapel Hill Neighborhoods I started in Real Estate in Chapel Hill and Carrboro specializing in the best neighborhoods based on clients feedback about schools, builders and amenities. In those early days North Raleigh was the only other option with good schools. Even in the 90’s there was constant school reassignment within Wake County schools. Cary As the years went by I realized that Cary was really growing and not many real estate agents knew both areas. It’s hard to believe that when I moved to the Triangle, Cary had only around 10,000 residents. Preston and Cary Parkway didn’t exist. Now there are over 160,000 people calling Cary home. I have watched it grow and know the good builders in both the new neighborhoods as well as the older neighborhoods on larger lots. Apex Apex didn’t really get growing until Cary was basically built out. Holly Springs is booming too since HWY 540 was extended to Holly Springs. I can help you get to know those areas too. Family time My husband Chip and I live between Chapel Hill and Cary near Jordan Lake.  Chip has been a real estate broker since the 80’s and works with me now as well as doing commercial real estate and contracting. Chip Wright My children, raised in Chapel Hill, don’t have a Southern accent although they know how to put one on and show off their Southern heritage. Kristin and William My husband Chip and I have a rescue Bassador who had the name of Frank when we adopted him. We kept Frank and gave him the middle name Lloyd. He basically sleeps all day but keeps one eye open in hopes we’ll take him in the car on our neighborhood tours. Frank Lloyd Wright What I can do for you (in a couple of sentences). My knowledge of the local market, neighborhoods, new construction and school systems will help you have the information to make the best decisions for you and your family. The most important thing to me is to help my you move on with your life with the least amount of stress. I know it is very confusing to decide on a move and figure the best path through all the possible options. Give me a call and let me know how I can help you find the right home and neighborhood. Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 or email [email protected] Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 Broker, e-pro, Ecobroker Email Marianne My Blog ================================================================================ # Page: /loan-qualification-be-prepared/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/loan-qualification-be-prepared/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Mortgage pre-approval-Be Prepared It’s important to get a pre-APPROVAL not a pre-qualification! You are here: Home / Mortgage pre-approval-Be Prepared It’s important to get a pre-APPROVAL not a pre-qualification! Watch more videos about financing on Whitneys website! Gather these items and documents together and get a pre-approval before you start looking. It’s a competitive market out there and pre-approval is more important than ever with the NC NC Offer to Purchase and other revised forms. Checklist of items needed for Loan Pre-Approval &/ Application- All Loans Copy of Driver’s License(s) and Social Security card(s) Current pay stubs covering the most recent 30 days Most recent two months bank and asset statements for all accounts (all pages) W-2 Forms for the previous two years Federal Tax returns for the past two years (all pages – pg 2 signed) If Self-Employed or own 25% or more of a business, Business Tax returns (all pages and schedules) for the past two years plus Year-to-Date Profit and Loss Most recent 1st and 2nd mortgage statements (refinance only) Copy of declaration page of home insurance policy (refinance only)V If a VA loan you will need in addition to above: Certificate of Eligibility / DD 214 is discharged (Member 4 copy) Original Statement of Service, if active duty Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) Copy of orders, if applicable Name, address, and phone number of nearest living relative If ‘ETS’ date is within 12 months of closing, evidence service member is eligible to re-enlist and letter indicating service member intends to re-enlist Upfront Fees (estimate only, varies with lender) Loan origination fee 1% of loan amount. This can vary depending on the rate. If a lender waives the fee you will have a higher rate. They make it up one way or another. Appraisals $475.00 Credit Reports $60.00 (credit will be applied at closing if fees are less than collected) ================================================================================ # Page: /chapel-hill/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/chapel-hill/ # Summary: Home » Living in Chapel Hill Getting the keys to 2nd new home in Chapel Hill’s, Briar Chapel neighborhood. Updated February 5, 2021 Home » Living in Chapel Hill Getting the keys to 2nd new home in Chapel Hill’s, Briar Chapel neighborhood. Updated February 5, 2021 Quick Links What’s it like to live in Chapel Hill? Tree lovers paradise Parks and Trails in Chapel Hill Trail maps of Chapel Hill The Feeling of Chapel Hill Music for all ages Neighborhoods Neighborhoods with a commercial area 70’s and 80’s neighborhoods with large lots 90’s neighborhoods Carrboro Historic districts New homes in Chapel Hill What’s it like to live in Chapel Hill? Chapel Hill, North Carolina is a town built around the University of North Carolina. It’s a university town but it is much more than that. It is an international eco-friendly town filled with good restaurants, coffee shops, music, parks, trails and interesting things to do. Take a drive down Chapel Hills main street, Franklin Street, with me and see how the town transitions into Carrboro. People from all over the world choose Chapel Hill to live because of UNC and the UNC Hospitals but also because of the proximity to Research Triangle Park and the quality of life. There is lots of good food (very important to me) and buses are free.  There are plenty of opportunities to work off those meals walking, running or biking through the parks and trails. Tree lovers paradise As long as I can remember Chapel Hill has been a home to tree huggers. It was in the 1990’s when tree preservation ordinances were put in place but protecting trees always been the culture in Chapel Hill. Compared with some areas of the Triangle many neighborhoods look kind of unkempt because  trees haven’t been cut down since the homes were built. This is a very good video by the Town of Chapel Hill about the care the Town takes of it’s trees planning for the future as well as taking care of the big old trees. Beautiful street scenes around downtown Chapel Hill. Parks and Trails in Chapel Hill Chapel Hill Trails Chapel Hillians (I’m not sure what someone from Carrboro is called) tend to love the outdoors because the weather is so mild here and there are so many parks and trails for walking and biking. The town of Chapel Hill Website has a list and description of parks and the trails in Chapel Hill. Map of Chapel Hill/Carrboro Bikeways Trail maps of Chapel Hill Bolin Creek and Battle Branch Trails Cedar Falls and Dry Creek Trails Lower Booker Creek Trail Morgan Creek and Merritts Pasture Trails Tanyard Branch Trail More Chapel Hill Park Information Chapel Hill even has a skate board park! Many neighborhoods are adjacent to the trail system or have their own system of trails. The town encourages public transportation,biking and walking. The Feeling of Chapel Hill Franklin and Columbia Chapel Hill This is really subjective as there is something for everyone here. That’s one of the charms though. You can be yourself, whatever that may be, and find others with similar ideas, thought sand lifestyles or mix with different people not like you and have new experiences. Music for all ages The town is casual with coffee shops filled with people of all ages with their laptop or ipad enjoying life.  There is also a music scene with concerts of all types all over town and Carrboro. Music is not just a young persons activity in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Every year Carrboro has a music festival with music pretty much in every building, parking lot,bar and restaurant in town. Buses run constantly dropping people off at one venue or another. This is a family affair with all ages including little children and grandmas dancing to music and enjoying the day. I like being able to walk down the streets of Chapel Hill and see people I know but just as easily meet someone new who has just arrived bring their different experiences and interests. The neighborhoods in Chapel Hill have their own personalities, that’s one of the reasons for this web site, so you will find a spot that’s just right for you. Neighborhoods Neighborhoods with a commercial area Southern Village Market Street Shop Some neighborhoods are the new “old” neighborhoods with a neighborhood main street and commercial area . The homes in these neighborhoods tend to be close together because they are planned to foster community and leave large areas undeveloped as green space. You will always see people out walking, walking dogs, and children on bikes. You have to drive very slowly in these neighborhoods. Meadowmont and Southern Village have walkable town centers. 70’s and 80’s neighborhoods with large lots Stoneridge~acre lots Chapel Hill also has many older (70’s and 80’s) neighborhoods with large wooded lots(.5 to 1 acre+)  and contemporary homes mixed with more traditional homes. These homes can seen quite dated but are popular because of the large lots and unusual open spaces in the contemporary homes. Many of these homes are built around a small lake, Eastwood Lake. Lake Forest is one of these neighborhoods. They definitely don’t have the cookie cutter look! 90’s neighborhoods Lake Hogan Farms Then there are the 90’s neighborhoods with 1/3 to 1/2 acre lots, maybe a community pool and landscaping that has matured enough to set off the homes and soften the streetscape. There were a lot of homes built in the 90’s and they are starting to be dated although some have had kitchens updated. Not very many have baths updated though so you see a lot of white tile and brass fixtures. Lake Hogan Farm s, Wexford and Sunset Creek were build in the 90’s. Carrboro Roberson Place Carrboro Carrboro has a mix of old mill houses and ranchers, some brick and some 70’s-80’s contemporary. As you move away from the center of Carrboro there are more of the 90’s homes with a more builder neighborhood feel. There are also a couple of newer small neighborhoods in town. Here is a link to a walking tour of Historic Carrboro. Carrboro has a reputation as being on the funky side of Chapel Hill and right in town I think this is true. There is a certain “Carrboro pride” in the arts, thinking and music that sets it apart from Chapel Hill. Historic districts UNC presidents house The Historic districts of Chapel Hill are located in the area around UNC and Franklin Street. Some of the homes are really beautiful but that area can be very mixed with student rentals next to very expensive properties. There is also noise from partying students and the fraternity and sorority houses. It’s also not an ideal area for children to bike ride without an adult. It is an advantage though to walk to the area of Franklin Street with shops and restaurants and to feel a part of this beautiful town. New homes in Chapel Hill A new home in Chapel Hill There aren’t many new homes in the town of Chapel Hill and the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district.  Just a few neighborhoods with more than 40 homes. In the 2010 time range, Ballentine,  Winmore, and Claremont were developed.. Other new construction is on small infill developments or left over lots. It is unusual that a national homebuilder, Lennar, is building in Chapel Hill now. (February 2021). That’s more of a Cary/Apex look. There are areas surrounding the Town of Chapel Hill ,with a Chapel Hill address, in both Chatham , Durham and Orange Counties. In the areas with a Chapel Hill address but not in the Chapel Hill school district you will find more new homes, especially in Chatham County. The schools in North Chatham are very close when test scores are compared to the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools so many of my clients are choosing N. Chatham to get lower taxes and a new home. If you are thinking about building a new home in the Triangle I have new construction buyers agency as a big part of my business. The builder pays my fee if you involve me early in the process, at the first appointment with the on site agent. Going to visit models without an agent is fine but if it’s something you might consider seriously call me to make the first appointment. I have lots of new home construction information on this site under the new construction tab. You can get started with my Guide to Building a New Construction Home. Marianne Howell Wright Triangle Area Real Estate 919-274-4365 ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Getting-the-keys-to-new-home-in-Chapel-Hills-Briar-Chapel-Hill-neighborhood..jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Getting-the-keys-to-new-home-in-Chapel-Hills-Briar-Chapel-Hill-neighborhood..jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /building-a-new-home-in-the-triangle/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/building-a-new-home-in-the-triangle/ # Summary: Home » Guide to Building a New Construction Home in Cary, Chapel Hill and the Triangle Quick Links The new construction building process in the Triangle Home » Guide to Building a New Construction Home in Cary, Chapel Hill and the Triangle Quick Links The new construction building process in the Triangle Here are the steps to building a new construction home. Phase one-research Phase two- decision Phase three-planning Phase four-construction Phase five-closing and warranty Phase one- research: Some advise The on site agent Your buyers agent Pre-approval Decide on a neighborhood and builder Production builders Custom Builders Ask questions Choose a lot Lot Hold Price estimate before structural and design center options Work on floor plan and structural options Production builders and semi-custom builder options Negotiate Contract Financing Design center appointment Budget Preconstruction meeting Pre-drywall meeting Walk through Home Inspection Final walk through Closing Home Warranty Call, text or email me if you are thinking about building a new construction home in the Triangle Area of NC. I can help as your buyers agent! Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365. [email protected] The new construction building process in the Triangle Who is the  best builder for you? Are you dreaming about building a new home and getting  what you want, on the lot of your choice? It takes time and work but new construction can be worth it, especially if you know what you want and are flexible. Your best building opportunities are in the far North of the Triangle near Wake Forest, West of Raleigh in Apex, Holly Springs,West Cary  and in Chatham County just south of Chapel Hill. There are many new home neighborhoods to consider for your new home. Here are the steps to building a new construction home. I will describe each step below the list. Follow the links to pages with more in depth information. Get in touch with a buyers agent experienced with new construction before you do anything! Phase one-research Research the area to find the best fit for you. Work with a buyer’s agent who understands new construction Research and choose neighborhood and builder Phase two- decision Choose lot and reserve lot Decide on structural options Negotiate Sign contract, pay deposit Arrange financing Phase three-planning Schedule design center appointment, make selections Builder meeting pre construction to go over plan Sign off on final selections and pricing Phase four-construction Site and pre construction meeting with builder Pre drywall builder meeting Walk through typically 7-10 days before closing Home inspection Builder orientation Final walk through Phase five-closing and warranty Settlement and closing at attorney’s office Builders call back and warranty program Phase one- research: This is the best time to engage a buyer’s agent who understands new construction and knows the market and builders. Most general broker real estate agents don’t really know new construction. Builders will pay the buyers agents commission so get your agent involved early. Research the area to find the best fit for you. Think about why you want a new home, what is really important to you, activities you like, commute time, realistic price range, and your home, school and neighborhood wish list. Some advise Decide if building is a good option for you. Some people should not build! Building a home requires trust in the builder do do their job and your agent to guide you. I don’t mean that you shouldn’t be involved all of the way through the process, but you will be miserable if you agonize over every decision and worry about every detail. Remember, there isn’t only one right decision with details. There are many very good decisions, so relax and enjoy the build and you will be happy with your new home. The on site agent Building a home is a process that usually takes 5-7 months. The on site agent represents the builder and must work in the builder’s best interests.  Often there are questions that come up and sometimes disagreements during the building process. Your buyers agent A good buyers agent will be with you from the first steps of pre approval and homesite selection through closing. The builder pays the buyer’s agent fee if you bring your agent on your first visit or before you seriously discuss pricing and the contract. It won’t cost you more to have a buyers agent. Read my post about why you need a buyers agent with new construction. Pre-approval It’s always a good step to have a loan pre approval with a local lender before you start looking for a neighborhood and builder. The market is competitive and if you are prequalified the builders agent is more likely to work with you. Most builders offer to pay $2000 to $3000 in closing costs if you use their preferred lender and attorney. Sometimes this is a good deal but not always. Some builders own the mortgage company. When the builder has outside preferred lenders the builder doesn’t actually pay closing costs.  The contribution comes from the rate and fees. It’s always good to shop around. Sometimes we can get the closing costs paid even with your lender if they are local and have a good reputation. In this case, think of the closing costs as part of the negotiations. You may get closing costs instead of another incentive. Decide on a neighborhood and builder Who is the best builder in the neighborhood? Most builders follow a similar process when a home is sold before construction has started . Often called a pre-sale, this is a way for you to get the home you want on the home site of your choice. The building company determines how much customizing allowed. Most custom and semi custom builders start with an existing plan they have built before and work with you to tweak it to fit your desires. You should let the site agent you are shopping around and don’t act too in love with anything to help out later with negotiations. In the Triangle it usually takes around 5 or 6 months from permit to build for a production builder home. The building time can vary depending on how many homes are ahead of yours on  the builder’s production schedule. Production builders New Cal Atlantic Home in Lake Castlebury Large national or regional builders are often called production or tract builders. There are some very good production builders. Examples of production builders in the Triangle are Cal Atlantic , Pulte , M/I Homes , Lennar , DR Horton, Beazer, Toll Brothers, NV Homes and Drees. These big builders have priced many structural options  (changes to the plan that are necessary for the building permit). These are usually the only structural changes allowed. Many production builders only sell showcase homes which previously were called spec homes. The days of going to the design center and choosing all of the finishes for your new home are over for many buyers of a production home. Custom Builders Custom and semi custom new construction builders have many options, Sometimes the builders architect will design the plan exactly as you want it. In the Triangle a couple of my favorite custom builders are Wardson Construction and Homes by Dickerson  . Home in Chapel Hill built by Homes by Dickerson Ask questions There are many questions to ask the builders representative if you have narrowed down your neighborhood choices. What are the included features in the base price of the homes? How much does the typical buyer spend on design center options? What is the estimated  build time after contract? Are the lots developed yet? If not what stage is the development in? What lots are available and  what are the lot premiums? What incentives does the builder offer? Has the agent heard these are going to change? How does the builder usually structure price increases? I always ask to see the recorded plat, the pretty colored site plan map doesn’t have real information that you need when choosing a lot. How much are the deposits and how do the builders structure them? Choose a lot map of neighborhood Read more details in “Choosing the Lot” First get the recorded plat. I usually ask the builder’s rep what lot they think is the best. They are on site everyday and have walked them all. This is helpful and a starting point. You can get good info from that question especially if the site is under construction. Some lot premiums are worth it and some not, it’s humans grading the lots so a good lot may have been overlooked. We’ll look at a lot of factors like the slope, drainage, easements, position, yard, trees and resale. After you have decided on a lot it’s time to do a lot hold. Lot Hold Most builders will do a lot hold while you work on the plan. You should be serious about building with that builder and on that lot. A lot hold is usually for a few days to 2 weeks, $1000-$5000 and is refundable.  It makes sense to pick the lot first because you will be spending time and energy working on the plan. We need to make sure the house will fit on the lot. Price estimate before structural and design center options This is hard! Trying to figure out the price before you have customized the plan is necessary so you can keep on budget when making changes. I usually ask to see a list of priced specs for a similar plan that we have seen. Every builder is different with the pricing structure. You can’t assume by looking at the standard feature sheet you won’t add $$$$ at the design center. I go through the spec sheet and see how it compared with what the buyer wants. It’s usually surprising how much extra you can spend, even when everything is included. I have never had a client spend nothing at the design center. Work on floor plan and structural options Structural options are options that you choose at time of contract with the cost added to the builder’s base price for a contract price. Structural options  affect the building permit. Some examples of structural options would be room bump outs, coffered and trey ceilings, screened porches, door  and window changes, fireplaces, gourmet kitchen upgrades, extra baths, and plumbing extras. These can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Production builders and semi-custom builder options Production builders have structural option choices that are usually set in stone. They won’t change anything that isn’t on their option list. Some builders will do a special request for plan options and pricing but don’t expect this to be common or quick. Custom and semi custom builders have a lot more flexibility to make the plan your own. The process is lots of pricing and back and forth tweaking the plan.  The process can be quick for minimal changes or take a long time if you are doing a custom plan. The goal is to get it right but as quickly as possible. Builders tend to raise prices as homes sell and it’s good to get under contract and have the price locked in. Negotiate It’s not common to get a deal with a pre-sale. Some builders won’t negotiate. Builders usually offer incentives and sometimes if a home is started or sitting finished we can get a better price or free options.  Knowing what the “get “possibilities are depend on experience with the builder, supply and demand, time of year etc. Don’t expect huge discounts but we can usually get something in extras or a bit off the price. See my post about negotiating new construction Contract It’s time for the contract. The contract price will be the base price plus the lot premium and structural options. Design center options will come later. Builders contracts are totally biased toward the builder and they won’t change the contract. This is where there is risk and you have to trust the builder’s reputation. Deposits vary. Here is a link to a post I wrote about new construction deposits. In most cases the deposit (varies between $5000 and 10%) is all you pay until closing when the deposit is applied to your down payment. Financing You should have been pre-approved before looking at homes. The contract will require you to apply for a loan by a stated date. Most builders have a preferred lender or several to choose from and will pay $2000 or $3000 toward closing costs. I would compare rates and fees with the lender who pre-approved you. Sometimes the builder doesn’t actually  pay closing costs, the lender makes the money up from the rate. Design center appointment Most big builders have a design center with a designer to help you with selections by appointment only. Sometimes you have one appointment and with other builders you may have 2 or 3 appointments. Be prepared by having a list of the features you may want to upgrade based on the inventory spec sheet we got before contract. Have exterior photos of the colors of homes you like. Have a couple of choices because there are usually restrictions about colors being close together on the street. You may not get your first choice. Occasionally,  my clients won’t be able to come back for appointments. If that is the case, we need to do as much as we can with the on site agent before you leave town. I like builders who have selections in the model home. There aren’t as many choices but it’s convenient. Sometimes you can go to vendors in your area to see the selections. It depends on the builder and level of customization. Budget Know your budget and be ready to stick to it. It’s so tempting to upgrade especially when an item doesn’t seem very expensive. It all adds up. I can help with what is best for resale or suggesting what will give a similar look without upgrading. A good place to spend your money is hardwood floors and stairs. That makes a difference with resale. Preconstruction meeting This is where you meet your builder or project manager, go over the plans and specifications including design center options, in detail, and discuss any special concerns.  The pre-construction builder meeting takes around 2+ hours and is important because you are building a relationship with your builder while making sure you are on the same page. Pre-drywall meeting The pre drywall (sheetrock) meeting  is a walk through with the builder after framing, electrical, plumbing and heating and air rough-ins. This is to make sure light fixtures, cable and phone outlets are in the right place and you are good with placement before sheetrock covers the walls. Walk through Walk through for new construction blue tape. 7-10 days before closing you will do a walk through with the builder. This is a new home orientation as well as a time for you to point out cosmetic items that you want repaired. This list is called a punch list. Some builders do a great job getting the house ready for the walk through. I don’t feel like it’s the buyer’s job to do a builders punch list for them so I expect the house to be ready. No house is perfect though and you may use a lot of blue tape. Home Inspection A home inspection is a  good idea even for a new home. In NC builders warranty is one year. The builder comes back before the end of the year to do a last repair list. Sometimes my clients don’t have the inspection before closing but wait until right before the end of the year to have the inspection. This gives the home time to settle and for drainage issues under the house to show up. The downside of this is the builder could go out of business or just not come back. Builders usually want the home inspection done around the same time as the walk through, 7-10 days before closing so the contractors can take care of issues on the same visit. Final walk through Right before closing we have a final walk through to make sure the punch list and inspection items are done. It doesn’t take long.  We usually go straight to closing at the attorney’s office from the final walk through. Closing The builders usually pay the attorney fee if you use their attorney. It’s just easier for them to close everything from one office. The closing is where you sign the loan documents. When the deed is recorded in the court house the house is yours and you get the keys. I think it’s fine to use the builders attorney for closing. Most people wire their down payment funds or bring a certified check.. Here is a link to more detailed information about closing. Home Warranty New homes have warranties. Builders typically come back and do warranty work (defects on workmanship and materials)  within the first couple of months and additionally at the end of the year. This is a builder backed warranty. Your systems and appliances have their own warranty. The builder contract usually addresses warranty. Some builders buy a warranty for an extended period of 10 years. The structural warranties have defined limits which is good for builders. It’s a protection for them as well as the buyer. Call, text or email me if you are thinking about building a new construction home in the Triangle Area of NC. I can help as your buyers agent ! Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365. [email protected] ================================================================================ # Page: /chapel-hill-schools/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/chapel-hill-schools/ # Summary: Home » Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Quick Links SAT Scores for 2019. Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School district still has the highest average in the State. Home » Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Quick Links SAT Scores for 2019. Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School district still has the highest average in the State. Compare CH high school SAT’s with Cary and Apex Great schools and high taxes This house has a Chapel Hill address, why isn’t it in the Chapel Hill School District? Language Programs in the Schools The Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools website has information about the language programs. Redistricting in Chapel Hill What Chapel Hill High School is best? AP Performance Chapel Hill Schools ~Eleven Elementary Schools What is the best Chapel Hill Elementary School? Northside Elementary Carrboro Elementary Ephesus Elementary Estes Hills Elementary Frank Porter Graham Elementary Glenwood Elementary Mary Scroggs Elementary Morris Grove Elementary McDougle Elementary Rashkis Elementary Seawell Elementary What is the best Chapel Hill Middle School? Chapel Hill Schools~Four Middle Schools Guy Phillips Middle School McDougle Middle School Smith Middle School Grey Culbreth Middle School Chapel Hill Schools~Three High Schools Carrboro High School East Chapel Hill High School Chapel Hill High School Cary/Apex/Holly Springs Schools are good too! Compare By Marianne Howell Wright Triangle taxes SAT Scores for 2019. Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School district still has the highest average in the State. There are only 3 high schools in the district and all are excellent. You can see there isn’t a huge difference in the scores. Test scores don’t tell the whole picture. NC has a School Report Card website ranking the schools on a number of different factors. Here is a link to the report cards for Orange County Schools. Chapel Hill is in Orange County but has its own school district. The Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School District. Carrboro High – 1,290 Chapel Hill High – 1,272 East Chapel Hill High – 1,301 It is always best to visit the school rather than relying on test scores. That’s been hard for the past year but schools are opening this spring 2021. Compare CH high school SAT’s with Cary and Apex Green Hope and Panther Creek SAT scores are similar to Chapel Hill high schools and you will have more choice in a home. Panther Creek is capped at this time (Sept 2019) and the overflow schools are Green Level (new) and Green Hope. Green Hope, Cary- 1262 Panther Creek, Cary- 1270 Cary High- 1156 Apex High- 1201 Apex Friendship- 1158 Great schools and high taxes The Chapel Hill Public Schools are known as some of the best in the state. Taxes are high in Chapel Hill compared with the rest of North Carolina and home prices are high too with very few new homes for sale in the school district.  Many homes were built in the 90’s and are getting dated. It may be worth it to you to have an older, smaller home and pay higher taxes to get the best schools. Generally the public schools in the Triangle are excellent ( based on the NC Report Cards website ). , especially Chapel Hill, Wake , Orange and Chatham Counties , so your child should get a very good education in most Triangle school districts. This house has a Chapel Hill address, why isn’t it in the Chapel Hill School District? Chapel Hill address Chatham Schools Sometimes it’s hard to figure what homes are for sale in the Chapel Hill School District because not all homes with a Chapel Hill address are part of the Chapel Hill School District. Homes with a Chapel Hill address may have Chatham, Orange County or Durham schools. The easiest way to find only homes with Chapel Hill/Carrboro schools is to contact me 919-274-4365. Auto search I’ll explain why, set you up with an auto search that includes only the schools you want or see or help you find just what you want.  If you prefer to look on your own, take a look at my lifestyle map (opens in a new page) that shows all the homes for sale in with the schools you want. It only works on a desktop now but I’ll have a mobile version soon. Below the map on this page  is information about the schools with test scores. Chapel Hill is an International town. Language Programs in the Schools Chapel Hill is an international town and attracts people from all over the world who choose Chapel Hill because of the casual lifestyle, wonderful public schools, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and proximity to Research Triangle Park. The Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools website has information about the language programs. “ CHCCS currently offers a Dual Language program at Glenwood Elementary (Mandarin Chinese/English), and at Carrboro Elementary School (Spanish/English), Frank Porter Graham Elementary (Spanish/English), and Mary Scroggs Elementary (Spanish/English).  Beginning in 2013-14, the Spanish/English program will change to a magnet approach, with Spanish/English dual language classes at Frank Porter Graham   Dual Language Magnet and Carrboro Elementary . The World Language program at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools offers challenging and engaging curriculum and instruction in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Latin, and Spanish. Students hone their skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, in authentic, culturally-rich contexts.” Redistricting in Chapel Hill Redistricting happens in the Chapel Hill school district every few years when a new school is built. The Town isn’t growing fast so it has been a few years since a new school has opened. Many people like the stability this brings and choose Chapel Hill Schools for this reason. Here is a link to the  current  Chapel Hill/Carrboro City  Schools student assignment maps. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools attendance map I especially like the map because you can click on a neighborhood area you like and can see the schools assigned. Redistricting in the past in Chapel Hill was partly based on government sponsored free and reduced lunches to help decide socioeconomic status. That is no longer allowed so instead they are using relative housing values along with test scores. The good news is that the Chapel Hill Schools are all good, have always been all good and should stay consistent. What Chapel Hill High School is best? The 3 schools are very close. Many of my clients start by looking in East attendance area but end up buying in Chapel Hill High or Carrboro because of the home or neighborhood. East Chapel Hill High has the highest Sat Scores, although not by much. Chapel Hill High and East Chapel High were the same for AP performance. Chapel Hill Sat Scores SAT Chapel Hill 2018 AP Performance AP Chapel Hill I know test scores are just one reason to judge a school. I think it’s always a good idea to visit the schools and meet the principal. School tours can be arranged and I can give you names of parents with children in the school you are interested in to answer questions that only a parent can. McDougle Middle School Below is some information about the demographics of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools along with the test scores. You can see from the photos that some schools are newer and some older. What I like about that is that there is such personality in each school.  Academically they are all excellent .The older schools all have up to date technology and are sparkly clean but also have that special quirkiness of the buildings that echo the past of Chapel Hill. 70’s Pods at Seawell Elementary Chapel Hill Schools ~Eleven Elementary Schools Elementary schools in Chapel Hill open early-at 7:25 AM. School is out at 2:30. There is bus service for all children living farther than 1.5 miles from school. What is the best Chapel Hill Elementary School? From the NC Dept. of Instruction EOG (end of grade testing). Glenwood is #1 followed by Morris Grove, Mary Scroggs and Seawell. Top ranked Glenwood has the Mandarin Dual Language program. It’s not always about test scores. I always recommend a visit because they have their own personalities. Northside Elementary The site that Northside was built on has been a school site since 1916. Some of the original stone stairs were kept when the old Northside school was torn down in 2012. The new school is very green and even has a roof garden. The Triangle is very high tech and this new school has the best new technology. Carrboro Elementary It’s so Carrboro! A little older, a little arty, and filled with a community spirit. It’s right in town and lots of kids walk. Inside the classrooms have modern tech and there is an old style auditorium. Carrboro Elementary Ephesus Elementary What you see in the photo is the newer part of the school. Driving by it looks like it was built in the 60’s and is surrounded by 1960’s era houses with lots of children walking and riding their bike to school . It’s like going back in time. It’s a much requested school. Ephesus Elementary Estes Hills Elementary This is another school bordered by 60’s and 70’s era houses set on beautiful lots. It’s really old style with classroom doors opening to the outside. The former principal has moved on to the new Northside Schools. Estes has a special charm. Can you see the children’s drawings outside the classroom doors on the front of the school? Estes Elementary Chapel Hill Frank Porter Graham Elementary It doesn’t really look like a prison! Behind the plain façade are several buildings bordering a huge play area and lots of park like grounds. The school is the systems first dual language magnet school. Spanish Dual Language program Frank Porter Graham Elementary School Glenwood Elementary You have to know where Glenwood is to find this school. It’s tucked away behind a busy shopping area and feels totally secluded.  It’s an older school and is one that is requested by my clients.Glenwood has Mandarin Dual Language program Glenwood Elementary Mary Scroggs Elementary Mary Scroggs Elementary If you are in Chapel Hill stop by Scroggs. It’s right in Southern Village and borders the Southern Chapel Hill Park. I’m going to have to get a photo of all the tiny bikes that are sometimes in bike racks and sometimes just dropped on the ground by the many kids who ride them to school. Here’s a video of my client Hazel Nichols telling me about Mary Scroggs School. She was nice enough to let me video her unexpectedly  while we were having their home inspection. Morris Grove Elementary Morris Grove is on the Northwest side of town behind Lake Hogan Farms and Ballentine.  There isn’t a path to walk to the school now but should be when Ballentine is finished. The school is just a few years old with all of the modern tech that goes along with that. Morris Grove Elementary School McDougle Elementary McDougle Elementary is connected to McDougle Middle school by the Carrboro Public Library. Many children walk and ride their bikes from surrounding neighborhoods including Sunset Creek, Barrington Hills, Cates Farm and Cobblestone. There is also a path to some older neighborhoods and Lloyd Square. McDougle Elementary Rashkis Elementary Rashkis Elementary Seawell Elementary Seawell Elementary What is the best Chapel Hill Middle School? Chapel Hill Schools~Four Middle Schools Again it depends on your child and what is important. If it’s test scores,the four schools are just a few points apart.  Smith Middle is #1 followed by McDougle, Phillips and Culbreth. Chapel Hill Middle School Comparisons Guy Phillips Middle School Phillips Middle School McDougle Middle School McDougle Middle School Smith Middle School Smith Middle School Grey Culbreth Middle School Grey Culbreth Middle School Chapel Hill Schools~Three High Schools Carrboro High School East Chapel Hill High School East Chapel Hill High School~Chapel Hill Schools Chapel Hill High School Chapel Hill High School~Chapel Hill Schools Cary/Apex/Holly Springs Schools are good too! Compare Lots of Cary info on my Best Cary Neighborhoods site. Many of my clients look at several Triangle areas before deciding on a home. Check it out and call me 919-274-4365 or email [email protected] if you want me to help you as a buyers agent. By Marianne Howell Wright Google+ ================================================================================ # Page: /chatham-county-schools/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/chatham-county-schools/ # Summary: Home » Chatham County Schools Margaret Pollard Middle School Quick Links Home » Chatham County Schools Margaret Pollard Middle School Quick Links North Chatham County Schools Two new North Chatham County Schools under Construction Why Live in Chatham County? Chatham School of Science & Engineering Early College Diverse and High Tech Schools Test Scores North Chatham County Schools Test Scores and demographics Perry Harrison Elementary Margaret Pollard Middle School Northwood High School North Chatham County Schools Two new North Chatham County Schools under Construction Chatham Grove Elementary, It’s Open! Chatham Grove Elementary is under construction across Andrews School Road from Briar Chapel and Woods Charter School. Seaforth High School, 444 Seaforth Road in Pittsboro, off U.S. Highway 64, on the western side of Jordan Lake near Apex will open in 2021. Most of the areas I work with are in the North Chatham area. This would be from Chapel Hill south to Pittsboro. East and West of 15-501. Why Live in Chatham County? Chatham County is just outside the Town of Chapel Hill . The 14,000 acre Jordan Lake is in Chatham Co. and just 15 minutes from the center of Chapel Hill and UNC.  The land is rural and beautiful country with lots of trees and rolling hills. The tax rate is about the lowest in the Triangle at just .74 per $100. ($740 yr for every $100,000, a $400,000 house is $2960 a year for property tax) There are many new homes for sale (unlike in the Town of Chapel Hill). Prices are amazingly low for the area. Chatham School of Science & Engineering Early College Students who qualify can earn an associates degree while still in high school. Diverse and High Tech Schools School test scores, teacher and student demographics My clients who have bought in the Chatham County Schools have had good things to say about the schools. I always encourage  you to tour and visit the school to see for yourself because test scores and online reviews don’t tell the whole story about how the school will be for your child. I’ll be happy to go with you. More visits and different client reactions help me have a better understanding of what the schools are like to help my next clients. Chapel Hill and Chatham County are full of people from all over the world attracted to the area because of the universities and high-tech jobs in the Research Triangle Park.  It isn’t surprising that every high school student in Chatham County is issued a Mac to use as their own. Middle and elementary students in Chatham County schools have a Mac too but they don’t take them home, they are distributed daily. I’ve been on school tours of Perry Harrison Elementary and North Chatham Elementary and my impression are the schools are older (that’s subjective-some clients say look at that nice new school!).  I was impressed with the friendliness of the staff. North Chatham is well liked and has lower test scores than some area elementary schools but that may because it is the ESL and Spanish language immersion school Margaret Pollard Middle School in Briar Chapel is just a few years old.  I recently toured the school with clients  and met for a long time with the principal. I was impressed. A new elementary school,Chatham Grove, is under construction in the Briar Chapel neighborhood completion  2020.  A new high school, Seaforth, completion 2021 and is located on the south side of HWY 64 near Jordan Lake. Test Scores If you look at the test scores for North Chatham County Schools ,they compare favorably with Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools for the middle and elementary. and high school. All are ranked “B” by NC Department of Public Education School Report Card .  Northwood High has many AP classes and the parents I’ve talked with say that it’s community style school where the principal really knows the kids. The high school has an active sports program and the first high school dance program in NC. North Chatham County Schools Test Scores and demographics Perry Harrison Elementary Margaret Pollard Middle School Margaret Pollard Middle School Northwood High School Northwood High School By Marianne Howell Wright Broker/Owner Triangle Area Real Estate Buyers Agent ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Northwood-High-School.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Northwood-High-School.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /winmore/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/winmore/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Winmore Quick Links You are here: Home / Winmore Quick Links See all of the homes in the Winmore neighborhood that are for sale now! Thinking about Winmore? Why are the lots so small and narrow in Winmore? See all of the homes in the Winmore neighborhood that are for sale now! Thinking about Winmore? It’s a good choice if you like a neighborhood that isn’t cookie cutter, with walking trails and a pool and excellent schools. Why are the lots so small and narrow in Winmore? That’s a question I get often. The answer is that the town of Carrboro has clustering guidelines that new developments are required to follow to help protect the environment and keep much of the land as green space. The narrow lots have helped make the homes more interesting as builders have had to get away from the traditional box shape. So it isn’t a cookie cutter neighborhood and the homes are surprisingly large inside. ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2011/02/winmore1.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/winmore1.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /moving-tips/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/moving-tips/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Here are the links to your free moving tip ebooks! Thanks for requesting the ebooks! I hope they help with your move to the Triangle. I have purchased a license that allows for your personal use only. Posting on the web or copying for distribution isn’t included. You are here: Home / Here are the links to your free moving tip ebooks! Thanks for requesting the ebooks!  I hope they help with your move to the Triangle. I have purchased a license that allows for  your personal use only. Posting on the web or copying for distribution isn’t included. Moving Tips and Checklists Tips for moving with children Tips for moving with pets Best wishes for a simple move! Marianne ================================================================================ # Page: /one-level-living-chapel-hill/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/one-level-living-chapel-hill/ # Summary: Home » Looking for One Level homes in Chapel Hill? Quick Links Single Story Homes are Scarce Home » Looking for One Level homes in Chapel Hill? Quick Links Single Story Homes are Scarce FEARRINGTON VILLAGE HAS NEW ONE LEVEL HOMES I can represent you as a buyers broker in Fearrington Do you wonder why there are so few new one level homes on the market? Builders have resisted building one level homes for several reasons. Area under the roof is wasted Single Story Homes are Scarce One Level Homes in Chapel Hill First Floor Master Homes for sale in Chapel Hill Triangle Area Active Adult Homes for Sale One level living in Briar Chapel Clients ask me often for a new single story home and there just aren’t many in the Triangle outside of the few age restricted, over 55 communities, like Del Webbs Carolina Preserve  in Cary and Carolina Arbors in Brier Creek near RTP in Raleigh. There are more being developed every day so I will fill you in with a different post covering the Triangle. Chapel Hill has Chapelwood and Culp Arbor (both age restricted neighborhoods are in Durham County).Both are sold out and occasionally resales come up. The Courtyards at Homestead in Chapel Hill, Orange County,  just finished selling in the summer of 2018 so there may be resales in the future. David Weekley has an over 55 neighborhood, Encore, in Briar Chapel. Now selling 2020. Not everyone wants a neighborhood without age diversity. There are a few new single level homes in Briar Chapel that aren’t age restricted. Those are built by Homes by Dickerson and start in the upper 300’s. Homes by Dickerson one level home FEARRINGTON VILLAGE HAS NEW ONE LEVEL HOMES Fearrington isn’t an age restricted community but is definitely targeted toward over 55. It’s very cute with shops, restaurants, and Inn. Lots of walking trails through the wooded neighborhood. There is also a clubhouse, pool and croquet court. The neighborhood has ongoing development since the 70’s with around 25 new homes built each year. The Harris Teeter is just a couple of miles down the road. UNC Hospitals and University is 20 minutes down the street The University provides stellar health care and interesting classes. I can represent you as a buyers broker in Fearrington Fearrington has it’s own real estate company and there are also different homes listed in the MLS. I can represent you with both new homes and resale Fearrington homes in the MLS and the Fearrington Real Estate. They will pay my fee if you bring me along and register me as your agent. Do you wonder why there are so few new one level homes on the market? One level won’t fit! Builders have resisted building one level homes for several reasons. Most new homes are built on very small lots. Planning departments have required developers to cluster homes and leave lots of natural area. There just isn’t enough room on the small lots for the larger footprint of a single story home. The least expensive way to build is to go up. The extra foundation on a one level home adds up especially if the lot is sloped. It’s the style to have complicated roof lines that add character to the homes but result in wasted space. Roofs are expensive and all of that area under the roof  is wasted space. It’s way too much space for just storage. It’s tempting for builders to go ahead and finish that space. They think that after all, it’s not that expensive to do and think of how it brings down the price per square foot. Area under the roof is wasted Many people just don’t want that extra finished area ,don’t want to pay for it, and don’t want to clean it. (I hear that a lot!) The one level homes in the video below in Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill were all sold out a couple of years ago but there are resales that come up from the mid 300’s to around $500,000. ================================================================================ # Page: /fearrington-village/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/fearrington-village/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Fearrington Village Neighborhood Video by Marianne Howell Wright You are here: Home / Fearrington Village Neighborhood Video by Marianne Howell Wright Quick Links Not over 55 restricted but is age targeted. Charming Farm Setting Fearrington isn’t too cute Not over 55 restricted but is age targeted. There is so much to Fearrington Village that makes it different than other Triangle area neighborhoods. Making a video about Fearrington has been something I have wanted to do for a long time but every time I would start I would quit because it is so hard to show the neighborhood well. Fearrington Village that makes it different than other Triangle area neighborhoods than the houses although the houses are great with many different styles and types of homes. Charming Farm Setting The charm of the Village is evident when you drive up to the entrance on Village Way and 15-501. t doesn’t look like you are driving into a neighborhood does it? The village is built on the site of a farm and the developer has incorporated  the pastures, barn, farm house and outbuildings into the neighborhood center as shops, restaurants, and a venue for weddings and events. Fearrington isn’t too cute The developer has been working on the neighborhood since the 1970’s. Age keeps it from looking too cute unlike some new neighborhoods that  have a theme park feel.  The hay in the field actually feeds the trademark belted cows who look right at home in Fearrington. ================================================================================ # Page: /meadowmont-of-chapel-hill/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/meadowmont-of-chapel-hill/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood Quick Links You are here: Home / Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood Quick Links View Meadowmont Homes for Sale Meadowmont Village Video Tour Meadowmont~A walkable neighborhood View more Chapel Hill neighborhood and area videos on my video web site View Meadowmont Homes for Sale Meadowmont Village Video Tour Hi! I’m Marianne Howell Wright and today on my video tour I want to show you Meadowmont Village. In the video Kathy and Joe are thinking of moving back to Chapel Hill from Raleigh to be closer to work so they came along. After spending the morning checking out the neighborhood we decided to have lunch on the patio at Brixx in the Village. It was a beautiful day and we were looking forward to wood fired pizza and a discussion of what we liked. Real estate is hungry work! Meadowmont~A walkable neighborhood Meadowmont, a walkable, planned neighborhood in Chapel Hill, was over 9 years in planning and includes luxury town homes, condos, estate homes and Craftsman style cottage homes, and parks. There is a neighborhood school, Rashkas Elementary School , and a Harris Teeter grocery store. Meadowmont Village is a commercial area modeled after an old time Main Street with banks, shops, restaurants, offices and other service businesses. The Cafe Carolina in Meadowmont is one of my favorite places to meet clients. I almost always get the chicken salad. The wifi is good , it’s very fast (food and wifi) and I can usually get a table with some privacy. Part of Meadowmont is in Orange County with Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and part of the neighborhood is in Durham County with Durham County Schools . The entire neighborhood has a Chapel Hill mailing address. Meadowmont has a state of the art fitness center and wellness center open to the public, The UNC Wellness Center. Kathy is the centers Lifestyle Enhancement Director so Meadowmont would be really convenient for her. Join us on our tour and visit while we enjoy Brixx and Kathy and Joe discuss their perfect home. Take a tour of Meadowmont and let me know what you think! View more Chapel Hill neighborhood and area videos on my video web site by Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /retiring-to-chapel-hill-and-triangle-nc/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/retiring-to-chapel-hill-and-triangle-nc/ # Summary: Home » Chapel Hill and Triangle NC, Best Places to Retire Quick Links Chapel Hill, NC is one of the best places to retire Home » Chapel Hill and Triangle NC, Best Places to Retire Quick Links Chapel Hill, NC is one of the best places to retire Taxes Retirement Community Encore 55+ Chapel Hill, NC is one of the best places to retire Retire to Fearrington Village Active adult (over age 55) homes for sale in the Triangle Area Chapel Hill,NC and the Triangle in general are some of the best areas to retire in North Carolina and the country. The three universities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State and Duke University provide an enriching atmosphere with always something going on.  Art, music (all kinds!), dance, good food and learning, choosing what to do is so hard. Medical care is stellar. The University of North Carolina  Hospitals and Duke University Medical Center, both large teaching hospitals, are within 15 minutes of each other. The weather is fine in Chapel Hill with 4 seasons. We may have a little snow or ice but it’s usually gone in a day or so and then the temp may be 70 a couple of days later. The summers are pretty hot in July and August but that’s a great time to head to the mountains or the beach, each around 3 hours or less away. Retire to Fearrington Village Taxes Clients from the Northeast tell me our taxes are low here.  Triangle and Chapel Hill taxes vary depending on the county, city and school district. For example, the taxes on a $300,000 house in Chatham County with a Chapel Hill address would be around $2040 a yr. In the town of Chapel Hill   the taxes for a $300,000 house would be $4620. Driving just a few miles will cut your taxes. Retirement Community Stonebrook in Governors Club Many people want a real community with amenities when they retire. It makes it easier to meet friends when there are activities and good restaurants close by. Take a look at my post and video about some one story homes. Some of the more popular retirement neighborhoods and communities in Chapel Hill are Governors Club , and Governors Village Fearrington Village. Encore 55+ Briar Chapel has Encore, a new age restricted over 55 neighborhood with really nice one level homes by David Weekley. There is a private pool and clubhouse for Encore. Yards are maintained. Video of pool David Weekley Encore By Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /governors-club-video/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/governors-club-video/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Governors Club Hi, I’m You are here: Home / Governors Club Hi, I’m Marianne Howell Wright and I want to show you around Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC a gated golf neighborhood and give you information about the homes for sale with  informal  photos and videos of the homes and neighborhood that will help show you what Governors Club is really like.  Governors Club  has over 800 homes with prices ranging from the mid 400′s to the millions. Quick Links Lots in Governors Club Homes for sale in Governors Club Neighborhoods in Governors Club The Estates Saddle Ridge Governors Square Tryon Court Walker Falls Morehead Forest Highland Pond Stone Brook Vance Villas Lots in Governors Club Lots for sale in Governors Club It may seem like you have a great choice of lots to choose from in Governors Club. The reality is most are difficult to build on. Governors Club is a mountain like resort so many of the lots are way up a hill or downhill.  If the homesite slopes up from the street there are lots of steps or the backyard is a retaining wall. If the homesite slopes down you will have a steep driveway and likely a basement. Sometimes even the basement is way above ground. The views are spectacular but be sure to budget for the expense of building on a mountain. Homesites in Governors Club have a lot of topography. A good way to get an idea of the topography of the lot you are interested in is to go to the Chatham County GIS site. Look at the contour lines. The closer together they are the steeper the site. Also check for lots that back up to the big power lines and are near the community sewer. Homes for sale in Governors Club With over 800 homes and lots of topography it made sense to have different neighborhoods and price ranges in Governors Club. First developed in the 80’s the neighborhood has had spurts of building in the 90’s and then again from 2000 to around 2009. Builders snapped up the easiest lots to build on. If you like a mountain view or terrain and are up to the challenge of a difficult lot you have choice. Neighborhoods in Governors Club The Estates As you drive through the gates of Governors Club past the guard house the homes you pass will be part of The Estates community of Governors Club. Estate home sites are scattered in sections throughout the neighborhood. Homes in the estates were built by various custom builders and have a variety of styles, finishes, floor plans and exteriors. These are some of the larger ots in the neighborhood. Saddle Ridge If you traveling down Governors Drive and take the first right turn on Manly and go off to the right on Eastchurch  past estate homes you will find the Saddle Ridge area. Lots in this area are around 1/2 to 3/4 acre and are located on cul de sacs. Some of these home sites are fairly steep both up and down. Great views and a challenge for building! Governors Square If you hate yard work and want a golf course view you may want to consider  Governors Square. The small 1/4 homesites feel larger because of the site planning and views out the back. The home sites are level and the plans have a similar look and feel.  There are additional HOA dues because of the yard maintenance. Tryon Court Along with Governors Square Tryon Court has its own association with dues required for the yard maintenance. The home sites are slightly larger than Governors Square and there are more traditional 2 story plans. Walker Falls Going on down the road we can take a turn off to the left on Morehead. Walker Falls is off to the right and the 1/4 to 1/2 acre lots have golf course or lake views. The lots are flat and yard maintenance is included. There are additional HOA dues for this service. Close to the sewer so sometimes odors. Morehead Forest Adjacent to Walker Falls Is Morehead Forest. It’s one of the largest neighborhoods in Governors Club. Some homes have golf or lake views. The prices are great for the neighborhood, ranging from the upper 400′s. This area is popular because the homesites are level and there are sidewalks for walking. Highland Pond The top of the mountain! These homes have awesome views. You can see for miles. Homes are over two million dollars and go way up from there. The lots are exceptionally large ranging from 2 to 3.5 acres. Stone Brook Stone Brook has beautiful rolling wooded topography with homes made of natural materials like cedar, stone and copper. The style is often described as French country. Stone Brook has it own neighborhood amenities including a pool, tennis, playground, pavilion, tennis and scenic waterfall. The homes are all a variation of a few plans so the community has a cohesive look. Some people love it and others prefer the more varied look of other Governors club neighborhoods. There are additional HOA dues for this neighborhood. Vance Villas The Vance Villas started out as townhomes but as time went on they didn’t sell as well as the single family homes. They were also stucco whick was a drawback. Today the remaining homes sites are being developed with single family homes. This is a great location in the neighborhood right across the street from the Club. In Lunch on the Terrace below I show a video of my actual clients viewing the club amenities because the lifestyle of the neighborhood was as important to them as the homes we viewed. It turned exactly as they had hoped and they then went on to find the perfect home for them. The Property Owners Association in Governors Club plays a big part in keeping the neighborhood so attractive and a beautiful place to live. Read the Governors Club Community newsletters to get insights about life in Governors Club By Marianne Howell Wright Today I’m taking you on a video tour of the Governors Club neighborhood amenities and having lunch on the Club’s terrace with my clients, Gretchen and Bill, who are moving to Chapel Hill from Ohio.This is their second trip to Chapel Hill, and we’ve narrowed down their search to Governors Club.They love the neighborhood located on on Edwards Mountain with the great views and Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. The gated community provides 24 hour security for peace of mind. Here is the transcript: Hi. I’m Marianne Howell Wright from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Today I’m taking you on a video tour of the Governors Club neighborhood amenities and having lunch on the Club’s terrace with my clients, Gretchen and Bill, who are moving to Chapel Hill from Ohio.This is their second trip to Chapel Hill, and we’ve narrowed down their search to Governors Club.They love the neighborhood located on on Edwards Mountain with the great views and Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. The gated community provides 24 hour security for peace of mind. Before deciding on one of the several homes they like best Gretchen and Bill wanted to visit with the clubs membership director and ask some questions about the facilities. They also wanted to visit with the tennis pro and check out the pool and fitness programs to make sure this was the right place for them. And because Real Estate is Hungry Work we had a wonderful lunch on the terrace overlooking the golf course. Join us! Governors Club is a gated community and they take security very seriously. As many times and as often as I’m in and out of the neighborhood, I always sign in and show my identification. We’re going to pull up now and say hello to Michele. “Good morning.” “Good morning.” The staff is really friendly in Governors Club. Our first stop is going to be the clubhouse, where we’ll meet with the membership director and then have lunch out on the terrace overlooking the golf course and then we’ll head over to the fitness center and pool and tennis facility. This is the clubhouse, we’re pulling up in front right now. Bill and Gretchen have questions for the membership director. Director: We’ve got the main dining room. Gretchen Mm-hmm, I like the dining room. And then, what’s that? That’s for like a private function room. Oh I think we did look out there. Like the ballroom and the boardroom and then the member’s lounge. Bill: So all the locker rooms are on this floor? Mm-hmm. I mean, yeah, this level. Mm-hmm. Sarah: Yes, the ladies locker room is located right to the left as well. Yeah. Good. Marianne: Sarah took us for a quick tour of the ladies locker room. It’s a perfect day for lunch out on the terrace, overlooking the golf course, the sparkling water, the sky was blue, the temperature was perfect. Governors Club Terrace And the food was fantastic. Our waiter was really helpful. He took some video for us so we could all be in it. That’s Bill and Gretchen, the waiter and m,e and I’m going to zero in on the food right now: my shrimp salad, Gretchen had a pizza with artichokes and Bill had fish tacos. So after lunch I asked Bill and Gretchen to tell me what they thought about the houses that we’ve seen so far. So it’s our second day on this trip and are you as confused as ever? Bill: Yes. Gretchen Yes. We’ve narrowed it down, but confused between the ones that we have left. Marianne: Do you have an idea of which one you like? Bill: No. Gretchen: No. We’ve just seen the first one of the four again, and we’ll have to see the last three to make sure we’ve taken into account everything that is important to us. Marianne: We’re going to go take a tour now of the tennis facilities before we see the rest of the houses: Bill: I think I want to get playing doubles some. Unidentified Speaker: Yeah. Doubles is much more popular. Bill: Yeah, that’s what I figured. Marianne: Next we met with fitness instructor Chantell, who showed us around the indoor pool, the weight room and outdoor tennis area: Chantell: And then, so we have six play courts, two hard courts. They all teach lessons. I even teach lessons. Bill: Two pros? Chantell: Two pros. Bill: OK. Gretchen: How about the women? Chantell: We have women groups and then we also have clinics. Gretchen: OK. So if I’m just getting back into it there’s like a lower level? Chantell: There’s a beginner clinic in the morning and at night, that Tom teaches the one in the morning, Neil teaches the one at night. Gretchen: Great. Chantell: They can get you fitted for the shoes and the racket and everything like that, so we can get you all set back up. Marianne: Chantell showed us around a little bit more. She was so energetic, she had me even wanting to join a class. Then we went on over to the clubhouse again to say goodbye to the membership director and thank her. Bill: We got some good information from somebody we talked to today about the tennis, so that was good. Chantell: OK great. And then how was lunch today? Bill: Oh it was great. Gretchen: It was delicious. We loved it, that was so wonderful. Chantell: I’m glad. Gretchen: We had totally different things, and they were all wonderful. Yeah. It was real good. Chantell: Good. Marianne: Bill and Gretchen were happy with the club and the club amenities, so we were off to spend the rest of the afternoon revisiting their favorite homes. By the next morning, they had made a decision and picked a gorgeous house. They’ll be moving in just a few short weeks. This is Marianne Howell Wright, from Governors Club in Chapel Hill North Carolina. ================================================================================ # Page: /what-is-the-triangle-in-nc/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/what-is-the-triangle-in-nc/ # Summary: Home » Triangle, NC Quick Links What is the Triangle Area of North Carolina Home » Triangle, NC Quick Links What is the Triangle Area of North Carolina Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are towns in NC that form the points of a triangle. The area has been called the Triangle since the 60’s, named after Research Triangle Park. What is Research Triangle Park (RTP) Counties,towns and cities I would include in the Triangle: Population of the Triangle Area About Triangle counties: Wake, Durham, Chatham, and Orange Wake County Orange County Durham Hip part of the Triangle now Chatham County Johnston County Living in the Triangle Is the Triangle, NC liberal or conservative? (Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary, Holly Springs) The weather in the Triangle area It’s big and varied What is the Triangle Area of North Carolina When I get calls from people considering relocating to the Triangle I often hear “We are moving to Raleigh , will you help us find the best neighborhood?” Raleigh doesn’t usually mean Raleigh but one of the many towns in the Triangle. I want to answer the question, What is the Triangle and what towns and cities are included besides Raleigh? Raleigh is in the Triangle area of NC Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are towns in NC that form the points of a triangle. The area has been called the Triangle since the 60’s, named after Research Triangle Park. What is Research Triangle Park (RTP) RTP is a research and technology industrial park about 7 miles long and 2 miles long located in Durham County in about the middle of the Triangle. It isn’t a town or city, it’s an area in the middle of the Triangle set aside for research and development. Many big companies are located there. Driving through RTP you would never know there is anything there because the buildings are set back behind trees and it really does look like a park. It os very convenient to RDU airport. Each of the 3 towns has a large university. Chapel Hill is the home of the University of North Carolina (UNC) , Duke University is in Durham and NC State is located in Raleigh. The 3 cities are about 30 minutes apart. Duke University Hospital and UNC Health  are huge, award winning hospital centers. As time has gone on more towns and 5 counties are considered part of the Triangle even though they don’t fit in the triangle of Raleigh , Durham and Chapel Hill. Fearrington Village, Pittsboro Counties,towns and cities I would include in the Triangle: Raleigh, Cary , Apex , Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville,Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon and Clayton are in Wake County Chapel Hill , Carrboro and Hillsborough are in Orange County. Durham County and Durham City are in Durham County Pittsboro, and some homes with a Chapel Hill address are in Chatham County. Clayton is in Johnston County Population of the Triangle Area The Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area has a population of around 2 million people. About Triangle counties: Wake, Durham, Chatham, and Orange Wake County Wake County has several towns that share a school district, the Wake County Public Schools . Raleigh is in Wake County and is the state capital. There are around 425,0000 people living in Raleigh Metro Area. Cary , Apex , Fuquay-Varina, Garner,Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville,Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon are all towns in Wake County. You may have heard of Cary (not so little any more with 160,000 residents). Raleigh downtown Orange County Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough are three towns in Orange County NC. Chapel Hill has a population of around 60,000 and Carrboro 20,000. Carrboro is next to Chapel Hill and has the highest density in the State . These numbers increase when UNC is in session. Hillsborough has about 6500 people living in that charming small town and is the county seat of Orange County. There are two school districts in Orange County. the Orange County Public Schools and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School District, rated very highly in the State. Homes for sale in the Chapel Hill School District The University of North Carolina is in Chapel Hill. Take a drive down Franklin Street in Chapel Hill with me. nbsp; Durham Durham is a large county with a  population of around 250,000. The school system is Durham County Public Schools. Durham was a tobacco town When I moved to the Triangle back in the early 80’s Durham was pretty much a tobacco town. Not too far out in Durham County farmers raised tobacco and dried it in tobacco barns. In the city of Durham, old factories processed the tobacco. It seemed everyone smoked in Durham back then. Hip part of the Triangle now Durham Bulls The old tobacco warehouses have been converted into shops, offices and commercial space. New restaurants have opened and the music scene is lively. Lots of Triangle residents come to Durham now and many live and work there. Chatham County Chatham County Court House, Pittsboro Chatham County was the forgotten county when I first moved to Chapel Hill. It wasn’t even mentioned in the local news or weather forecasts. Things have really changed over the years and now the area is called the next Cary. Development is moving into the area in a very big way. Chatham County Developers Paradise. This was years ago and a joke but I thought the County Commissioners had put it up when I drove by and spotted it. My husband looked at the photo and noticed developers paradise was stick on letters. The big neighborhood Briar Chapel had just been approved, The Chatham County Schools are good, especially in the area between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. You can get a new home with a great price in Chatham. Pittsboro is the county seat. Jordan Lake is a 14,000 acre lake with camping, fishing, boat ramps and kayak and canoe tours . You will see all kinds of wildlife around the lake. There are no homes built on the lake. It’s a reservoir for the area including Cary. One of 7 Jordan Lake Boat Ramps Johnston County Johnston County is south of Raleigh. Clayton is a town usually considered part of the Triangle. It’s around 45 minutes the airport and RTP with no traffic. When the extension of 540, the outer loop road around Raleigh is completed in around 10 years it will be much easier to get to. Living in the Triangle I enjoy asking my clients what’s it like for them living in the Triangle and how it’s different from what they imagined and how they feel about the differences. Over and over I hear similar things. The Triangle is green! The roads are so well-kept and wide and there’s not much traffic There are so many trees, you can’t tell there are neighborhoods behind them It’s much more rural than I expected The schools are so new It’s hard to tell what isn’t a good area (there aren’t many) The houses are more expensive than I expected The lots are so small in the new neighborhoods I expected it to be more urban Those are a few common impressions and are characteristics of the Triangle.It does depend where you are coming from too.The area has grown so fast it is new. Cary just had about 6,000 residents when I move to the Triangle. Now there are over 140,000 people living in Cary. Chatham County, right outside Chapel Hill, has really grown  recently but for years it was never mentioned on the local TV stations and weather forecasts. We are lucky that growth has been planned with developers required to leave lots of green space and cluster homes. (that’s why the lots are so small and there is so much woods left). Roads must be widened and turn lanes and sidewalks added with each new development. Larger developments will have to donate land for schools and parks so the schools are new with park like settings. New homes are very close together Is the Triangle, NC liberal or conservative? (Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary, Holly Springs) It’s common for my clients to ask  if Chapel Hill ( or Carrboro, Raleigh,Cary, Apex, Holly Springs,  etc) is conservative or liberal . I usually answer that the area has people moving from all over the country and world and there will be people similar to you in any area of the Triangle. There are lots of unaffiliated voters and micro areas where one party may outnumber another but it’s mostly pretty evenly distributed. If you are  concerned about having neighbors with differing views this is an excellent tool. Just put in the street you are considering for your new home and you can see the neighbors and their party affiliation. You don’t need an exact address, just the street. You can get the adjacent streets on Google Maps and check those streets too. Voter Registration by Address . The weather in the Triangle area We have seasons and both very hot and very cold weather, at least for a day or two. Most of the year it’s wonderful. The summers are hot and humid from June to September. Sometimes people are surprised that we usually have  a few days of snow every year especially when I say the secondary roads aren’t plowed. It doesn’t matter, everything closes and it melts in a day or so. Snow in Triangle NC It’s big and varied The Triangle is a huge area . It helps to have an idea what kind of commute you want to the office, school or the airport. If schools are a priority you will want to do some research. I can help with that and have more information on my Chapel Hill web site and Cary web site . Come for a visit and find out what the Triangle has to offer. The Triangle area real estate market has a lot of options if you are thinking about moving. What are the best places to live in the Triangle? Marianne Howell Wright , Realtor. Broker Owner Triangle Area Real Estate , 919-274-4365 [email protected] ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Raleigh-.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Raleigh-.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /homes-chapel-hill-carrboro-school-district/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/homes-chapel-hill-carrboro-school-district/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Homes for Sale in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School District All Homes for sale in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School District. Map and search results! You are here: Home / Homes for Sale in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School District All Homes for sale in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro  City School District.  Map and search results! About the  Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School District Search the Triangle ================================================================================ # Page: /global-wrapper/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/global-wrapper/ # Summary: You are here: Home / global wrapper [DAKNO_BODY] You are here: Home / global wrapper [DAKNO_BODY] ================================================================================ # Page: /builder-deposits-in-a-new-construction-neighborhood/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/builder-deposits-in-a-new-construction-neighborhood/ # Summary: Home » Home Builder Deposits in a New Construction Neighborhood Quick Links Builder Deposits Home » Home Builder Deposits in a New Construction Neighborhood Quick Links Builder Deposits Here is a video in case you would rather watch New home down payments vs builder deposit Do you need a buyers agent for new construction? How much is a builder deposit for a new home? Custom home builder deposits Should you get the construction loan? Construction lender controls payments to builder Production builder deposits Spec home-Move in Ready deposits Contract specifies deposit amount Deposits when you have a small down payment loan Get pre-approved first Builder’s lender incentives Builder Deposits Revised November 25, 2019 Builder discussing deposits Here is a video in case you would rather watch Builder Deposits in a New Home Neighborhood. New home down payments vs builder deposit The downpayment on your new home is determined  by your mortgage lender and is due when you close on your home . The builder deposit is the money you pay the builder at time of contract and is usually non refundable if you walk away from the house. It will be applied to your down payment when you settle on the home. Do you need a buyers agent for new construction? It will help with risk and negotiation if you have a buyers agent familiar with new construction sales. The builder pays the buyers agent for bringing you and repeat business to the neighborhood. It also avoids the liability of seller agency for the builder. You won’t save money if you don’t have an agent. The fee is already factored in. Builders want agent sales. Why you need a buyers agent for new construction. How much is a builder deposit for a new home? The deposit can be as little as $5000 or as much as 10%. The amount and timing of deposits depends on the neighborhood and builder. In the Triangle you will find new home neighborhoods with builders selling just a few custom homes a year to large national and regional builders (production builders). Builders allowing changes  vary from only cosmetic upgrades to structural changes. The builders contract (totally biased toward them of course!) will detail the amount and timing of deposits and other payments. Read about the differences between custom and production builders. Custom home builder deposits A small custom builder (up to about 20 houses a year) usually requires the largest deposit , often 5%-10% due at contract signing. It’s pretty much always non refundable so you will need to make sure you can get financing before you sign the contract.  Builders feel justified with this large deposit because they will have to buy  the lot from the developer, get a construction loan, and build to your specifications. If you add upgrades after you sign the contract you will usually have to pay for a % of changes and upgrades in cash at the time of the change. Building a home ties up a significant amount of cash. If you have a home to sell you should go ahead and do that before you contract to build even if you have to rent during construction. Builders  won’t do contingencies except in special cases when they were planning on building the home as a spec anyway. I would not recommend signing a Custom builder contract and then putting your house on the market expecting a sale, even if you have the cash because the deposit is non refundable. Should you get the construction loan? In many developments ,the builder gets the construction loan and adds the construction loan interest to the cost of the house. You pay the builder deposit at signing and when the house is finished the builder pays off the loan with the proceeds from the sale. Sometimes a small builder doesn’t have the capital to buy the lot and get a construction loan. They will ask that you get the construction loan. Lenders usually will lend you 75-80% of the appraised value for a construction loan and you will be responsible for construction loan interest (interest only on the amount drawn) and any changes and upgrades above the amount of the loan. Construction lender controls payments to builder The bank will send a representative to check the progress of the home and releases construction funds to the builder depending on the % of completion according to a preset schedule. You can convert your construction loan financing to permanent financing at completion.  Your lender will tell you when to lock in. There are some great long locks available for an extra cost.  You shouldn’t have to give a builder deposit if you are getting the construction loan. Production builder deposits The production builders in our area really vary with the amount of deposits required. They range from a set amount of $5000-$10,000 or a percentage of around 3%-5%.  Ask about additional deposits for change orders and upgrades in the design center. If you are getting a low down payment loan such as a USDA or doctor loan , we can often negotiate the deposit amount and timing. Spec home-Move in Ready deposits If a builder has a home under construction the construction stage and the amount of customizing determine the deposits. If the house is basically finished (move in ready) and you are pre-approved 1% will usually be enough deposit.  You may also be able to negotiate the price but more commonly upgrades depending on what other inventory the builder has. Contract specifies deposit amount The contract specifies the deposits and when they are due.. The builder contract protects the builder not the buyer. In my experience the builders won’t make changes at all to their contract but it is a good idea to have your attorney go over the contract with you so you understand what you are signing. You should also check the builder references and suppliers because there is risk involved for your deposit money and sometimes the clues that a builder is in financial trouble are not obvious. Buying an existing home is the easiest way to go and you may be able to negotiate the price . Building your home is a fun and rewarding process If you prepare. Deposits when you have a small down payment loan Some lenders have little or no down payment loans even in 2019. These are often called doctor loans. FHA loans have small down payments .  What do you do if the builder deposit is 5% or 10% and you don’t have that? I have found that builders will usually reduce or stage their deposit if their preferred lender has confirmed the situation. This is my experience around the Triangle. Deposits may be different where you live. Get pre-approved first Builder deposits are often non refundable and you want to make sure you can get your financing before you sign the contract. Often builders will pay some of the closing costs if you use their preferred lender. It’s still OK to get a local lender to pre qualify you first and then compare with the builder’s lender. Make sure you tell all lenders you shop know you are comparing. The pre-approval is only as good as the information you provide your lender. Be very thorough at this stage, you don’t want expensive surprises later. Your lender will check your credit and review your income and debts to determine the loan amount you will be approved for and the loan options. You will discuss what is a comfortable payment for you, what cash you will need for a down payment, and closing costs. Builder’s lender incentives Why get pre approved if most builders will pay some closing costs if you use one of their preferred lenders? If the incentive is coming from the lender and not the builder it pays to shop around because the lender will make up the incentive from the rate or fees.  The closing cost incentive can be a good deal if the builder owns the mortgage company or if the builder contributes to the closing costs as well as the lender. The deal is always better if the lender knows you are comparing. Your buyers agent will help with the deposit negotiations as well as the rest of the offer process. ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Builder-deposits.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Builder-deposits.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2011/01/custom.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/custom.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2011/01/production.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/production.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /new-construction/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/new-construction/ # Summary: Home » Why aren’t there many basements in North Carolina? Raleigh and the Triangle basements are walk out in back Are there basements in North Carolina? Home » Why aren’t there many basements in North Carolina? Raleigh and the Triangle basements are walk out in back Are there basements in North Carolina? Do you wonder why there are so few basements in North Carolina and the Triangle ? There are basements, just not many. Most are walk out with doors and windows. Our soil is heavy clay and doesn’t drain well and the frost line is shallow so builders don’t need to go deep with the foundation footings. Watch the video below to find out more, if you would rather read about it, see the video transcription below. Here is the transcript of the video: Hi. I’m Marianne Howell Wright from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When people come to North Carolina, often they’re really surprised that we can’t have many basements here. Basements aren’t typically done in our area for several reasons. The first reason is our heavy clay soil. Clay particles are really small and won’t let the water drain away from the house. An underground basement would be really wet. It would almost be like the house was sitting in a swimming pool. Also, in the North you have to go down pretty deep to do your foundation to get below the frost line. In North Carolina we only need to go down 18 inches, while up in New England you’d need to go down as much as 5 or 6 feet and it’s just not as cost effective here to do a basement. Builders will do basements on sloped lots. In North Carolina, we tend to call a sloped lot a basement lot. The slope allows for the water to be carried away from the house. This is a poured concrete foundation basement and poured concrete is much more popular than the masonry brick and block that was done in the past. Carlos is just going to tell me why. Carlos:It’s a lot better Marianne: It is? What makes it better? Carlos: You got  rebar every 16 inches on the center. 3,000 PSI concrete. Marianne: The basement put on a slope will have drain tiles and gravel all the way around the foundation to carry the water away from the house. This is the house framed up and this is the back, just to show you what the basement would look like when it’s framed. I hope that helps to explain why basements aren’t common in the triangle area of North Carolina. This is Marianne Howell Wright. Be sure and watch my other neighborhood videos on my Youtube channel Homes for sale with basements in Raleigh [listings market=”triangle” polygon=”$c540c4600bd323719af90498a4ae623d” polynames=”Raleigh” location=”%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22%24c540c4600bd323719af90498a4ae623d%22%2C%22name%22%3A%22Raleigh%22%7D%5D” status=”ACTIVE” keyword=”basement” listingType=”residential” sortfield=”daysOnHJI” sortorder=”asc” pageSize=”20″ grid_size=”0″ map=”1″ search_widget=”1″] By Marianne Howell Wright Google+ ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/039-187278-Photo_034_resampled.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/039-187278-Photo_034_resampled.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /contract-to-closing-in-nc/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/contract-to-closing-in-nc/ # Summary: Home » Contract to Settlement and Closing in NC Quick Links You are under contract! What happens next? Home » Contract to Settlement and Closing in NC Quick Links You are under contract! What happens next? The settlement and closing process in the Triangle Area of NC Inspections Homeowners Insurance Utilities Appraisal Your documentation Signing (settlement) You are under contract! What happens next? The settlement and closing process in the Triangle Area of NC Agents and attorneys often use the terms closing and settlement interchangeably but there is a difference. Settlement=Signing of the paperwork in the attorneys office Closing = Recording of the deed in the courthouse. That is when you will own the house and get the keys. In North Carolina attorneys and lender do the closing paperwork, not a title company. Usually the seller doesn’t go to settlement here, it’s basically for the buyers loan and paperwork.After we are under contract I will send the attorney the contract and schedule the settlement. They will be sending you a buyer info sheet to fill out . Inspections We will need a home inspection, price depends on the size and age of the home usually between $400-$800. I have several good inspectors I like to use. If you have an inspector you prefer just let me know. You may want a radon test. Around $150 (radon is not common here but occasionally is higher than EPA recommended limits). Based on the home inspection we may want an HVAC inspection $200, termite inspection $85. If the home inspector finds some structural issues we may want to have an engineer take a look. That can get into the 100’s depending on the time and the report.  All approximate costs. I will schedule and have inspectors contact you for credit card info. If you can come to the home inspection it would be great. You will learn a lot about the house.In any case  the inspector does a complete digital report with photos. You may want to pay the inspector to come back and verify the repairs were done correctly around $200. The NC contract says the home is sold “as is”. Because of the due diligence clause in the contract you can decide to buy the house for any reason or no reason during the due diligence period. That is an incentive for the seller to make repairs. Homeowners Insurance You will need to have homeowners insurance before the closing. Check with the company that has your cars or previous home first and then compare. Right before settlement we will do a walk through to make sure the house is in the same condition as when we went under contract. Utilities Arrange in advance to have utilities switched the day of closing. The Loan The lender will process your loan. You will get a good faith estimate when you make loan application so you will have a very close idea of costs. There are several steps during the underwriting process. Appraisal The lender orders the appraisal. When the appraisal comes back the underwriter has to review it and approve it. Sometimes the value will come out at or above purchase price but the underwriter will ask the appraiser for more or different comps. If the value comes out lower than the purchase price you may need to bring more money to closing and your loan amount will be based on the purchase price. You also may re-negotiate the purchase price with the seller. It’s important to have the appraisal completed before the end of due diligence. If you are getting an FHA loan you won’t have the option of bringing more money to closing. Your documentation You will be asked for all kinds of documentation about your work and finances that may seem excessive and maybe crazy to you but just give the underwriter what they ask for asap. You won’t get your final number for the amount due at closing until a day or two before after the attorney gets the loan package from the lender and prepares the Closing Disclosure. The Closing Disclosure is a standard settlement statement (it’s the same form in every state)  showing all of the debits and credits in the transaction. The attorney collects and disburses the funds so you will only need one wire. The lender will usually prepare the Closing Disclosure for the Buyer. As the Buyer you will have the closing disclosure 3 days before closing. It should be very close to the loan estimate you got from the lender 3 days after loan application.   You will arrange to have the down payment funds and closing costs wired to the attorneys office or bring a certified check. Check with the attorneys paralegal to see which they prefer. If you wire funds don’t wait until the last minute! It can take 48 hours to come through. Signing (settlement) You will have a huge stack of papers to sign. You don’t see these before settlement. The attorney will go through each page before you sign and point out the important details. Signing takes around an hour if you sign fast, more if you have questions. The attorney will explain anything you don’t understand. You will need to bring your driver’s license to settlement. After the documents are signed the documents are sent electronically back to the lender to review. The lender will wire the loan proceeds the same day as signing and the deed will recorded that day (Closing) if the signing is before mid afternoon. You will get your keys when the deed is recorded and the house will officially be yours. You may not know the exact amount to have wired depending on when the closing statement is ready. If you don’t know the exact amount, your lender can give you a close number based on the good faith estimate. If it turns out that number is low you can write a personal check for the difference or if it is high you will get a check back from the attorney. When the deed is recorded the home is yours and you will get the keys. Happy Homeowners Originally published on Best Cary Neighborhoods by Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /quiz-really-live-triangle/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/quiz-really-live-triangle/ # Summary: Home » Quiz: Where should you REALLY live in the Triangle? Home » Quiz: Where should you REALLY live in the Triangle? ================================================================================ # Page: /builder-design-center-options/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/builder-design-center-options/ # Summary: Home » The Builder Design Center, Q&A Design Center Choices Quick Links Home » The Builder Design Center, Q&A Design Center Choices Quick Links Also read my guide to building a new construction home A Guide for Making Good Design Decisions What does the builders base price include? What are design center options? What are structural options? Where Is the design center? What should I bring to the builder design center? How much time should I plan for design center selections? How much will I spend at the design center? When do I pay for design center options? How will I know what is included in the base price and what is an upgrade? What exterior options will I choose at the design center? What interior options will I choose at the design center? Kitchen cabinets Countertops Flooring Tile Lighting Electrical Structural Wiring Plumbing fixtures Appliances Other selections Will I be able to make changes ? Also read my guide to building a new construction home A Guide for Making Good Design Decisions I usually go with my clients to all design center and builder meetings. Building in a long process and my clients have told me it is helpful to have an experienced person along. There is more in this article about why you need a buyers agent for new construction. The design center meetings are where you make the home your own. Your own style will set your home apart from all the other homes out there. I hope this guide helps you prepare so you make the best decisions and have fun and not stress at these exciting meetings. You decided on structural options, your homesite, and negotiated incentives at contract. You have a realistic budget for design center options and plan to stick to it. Let’s go to the design center! Keep in mind there will be exceptions to the answers below.This is a general guide for planning. What does the builders base price include? Everything was included in their home. The base price is the price of the home with standard options before structural and design center options. Before you even start looking at new homes it’s important to realize that structural and design center selections can mean big money. Builders have different included features. Local and semi-custom builders have a good level of included options, with most production builders, everything seems to be an upgrade. Garman Homes has a collection where everything is included and picked out for you. No extra cost but no option for changes. Prices and styles are great! With most builders you decided structural options at contract. Design center options are usually chosen within 2 weeks after contract. What are design center options? Stair details are design center options The design center meetings are where you make the home your own. This is the part that surprises people. So many details! Design center options include: Exterior colors, cabinets, flooring, countertops, tile, lighting, electrical  light fixtures, door style, door hardware, staircase design and pickets, appliances, mirrors, plumbing fixtures and colors, tub and shower niches and seats, cabinet height, carpet and pad upgrades, structured wiring, toilet height and flush type, tile layout patterns and more. What are structural options? Screened porch is a structural option Structural options are options that you choose at time of contract with the cost added to the builder’s base price for a contract price. Structural options  affect the building permit. Some examples of structural options would be room bump outs, coffered and trey ceilings, screened porches, door  and window changes, fireplaces, gourmet kitchen upgrades, extra baths, and plumbing extras. These can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Where Is the design center? The design center is usually located at the builder’s main office and is appointment only. Sometimes there are public preview days or you can have a browse appointment. Smaller builders or “everythings included” builders will have a room set up in the model home for selections. It can be easier when there aren’t so many choices! What should I bring to the builder design center? Bring photos to the design center Your wish list Bring photos of your present home and furniture so you can show your designer what you like and what you don’t want again. Tablet, phone or camera for photos. Take photos if you go to the design center preview and at the first design meeting not only of what you choose, but also of some of the selections for the next day so you can think ahead and research. Have a link handy to your houzz, pinterest board or idea file. Sometimes it’s helpful to bring  fabric and paint samples with your colors as a guide. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a jacket or sweater. The design centers have snacks and drinks but you may want  bring something more substantial. Leave kids with a babysitter. You will need to focus. This is an important intense meeting and there is a lot of work to do. How much time should I plan for design center selections? Usually you will have 2 or 3 design center appointments with the builders designer. Sometimes you can schedule a preview appointment to get an idea of what’s available. You really need to come to town for design center visits unless you have seen an inventory home and had selections priced out and chosen at time of contract. I have helped with selections by face time but we aren’t really there yet. Some builders have a detailed homework sheet that is really helpful. It’s a lot to do in a short time! Often my clients will schedule the first visit from 1-5 and the next day from 9 to 12. A third day is sometimes necessary. It’s fun but hard and a lot of pressure even if you think you know what you want.   I try to go to all of my building clients design center meetings to add another perspective. How much will I spend at the design center? Know your design center budget I have never seen a buyer not spend anything at the design center. If you are building with one of the big national production builders plan on 15%-30% of the base price. More if you have expensive tastes. With “everything’s included builders” you may just spend a few thousand dollars. Sometimes the builders will include, or we have negotiated, free options as an incentive. It sounds like $10,000 would be a big help, right? It’s usually just a drop in the bucket.  One piece of advice is to know your budget and plan to stick to it. Pick a couple of important features to upgrade that represent your style and try to go with the builders included features with a similar look to high end expensive features. Think about what you can do later for less money. When do I pay for design center options? Builders usually want a non refundable percentage of the total design center options. Sometimes they want the full amount upfront after you exceed a percentage of the purchase price or if you choose non standard options. This is in addition to the deposit you paid at contract. You will be credited these deposits at closing. Builders don’t want you to go over the neighborhood appraised values. Builders want to be sure you can buy the house if it doesn’t appraise. As long as the house appraises the design center deposits can go in your mortgage. How will I know what is included in the base price and what is an upgrade? Price options in a home you can see When we visit a builders model one of the first things I ask the builder rep  is how much do buyers typically spend over the base price on lot premiums, structural options and design center options and what the builder rep spends when they spec out an inventory home. I usually know the answer to this, but ask, so my client can hear and help see how upfront the sales agent is about costs. I ask the builder rep for a print out of all the structural and design center options for  a completed home my client has seen. Sometimes this may be a sold home or the model. I want to see what the costs were to get the home from base price to final price line by line. This is also helpful to plan for your possible upgrades. What exterior options will I choose at the design center? choose stone at the design center You will choose the exterior color selections, brick, siding, stone, and shingle colors. Your choices may be limited by what other homes on the street have planned.  Drive around and think about color combinations, including brick, stone and shingles, before the visits. Take photos of several homes you like to make your color choice easier. Have a few options. What interior options will I choose at the design center? Kitchen cabinets Cabinets at design center Usually there are several cabinet colors in the base cabinet level. Most buyers upgrade at least one cabinet level and do 42” upper cabinets. You may want  staggered cabinet heights or cabinets going up to the ceiling. Shaker style is a common choice these days and is usually an upgrade.  Think about cabinet design and color. Do you want the island a different color?  Do you want extras like trash and recycle, pull out shelves, crown molding, glass doors, cabinet knob or pulls and finish color, and under counter lights with light rail? Countertops The included granite choices often don’t include light colors so many buyers upgrade to a higher level granite or quartz. Cultured marble or level 1 granite is included for the baths. You will also pick out sink style either oval or rectangle. Rectangular usually costs more. You will choose the backsplash when doing tile selections, sink faucet when doing plumbing selections and light fixtures with lighting. It’s best to think about finishes ahead of time. It’s ok to mix oil rubbed bronze with chrome or satin nickel but confusing so have an idea when you have your design center visit. Flooring Site Finished Hardwood Floors Flooring tends to be the biggest upgrade item in the selection process. Hardwood Most builders don’t include hardwood flooring in all areas of the first floor and may not include hardwood stairs. Production builders won’t do site finished solid wood flooring so expect engineered flooring. The base grade isn’t very stylish. You’ll likely upgrade. If solid wood is important look for a local, custom or semi custom builder. Carpet Carpet is standard in bedrooms and usually the upstairs landing and hall. Many people upgrade the pad and carpet. Standard pad is usually a 6#,  An upgraded pad will make your carpet last longer. One thing to think about is how long you want the carpet to last. If you have little kids or won’t be living in the home forever you may want to stick with the standard carpet because you will replace it. Laminate Some builders are offering laminate as a small upgrade. Laminate has come a long way and is durable and looks a lot like wood. It can be really realistic. It’s very trendy now. Tile Many of my clients stay close to the budget with tile. Pick a stylish neutral in most cases with the exception of the kitchen backsplash. The backsplash is a good place to add your personal style because, in the whole price of the house, it’s not that expensive and adds a lot to the look. Remember that the colors in your accent tile will likely limit your decorating color choices for years so sometimes it’s best to skip the accent tiles and go with a classic tile and add color with accessories. Most builders offer a tiled shower with fiberglass pan  in the master bath as standard with tile shower floor as an upgrade. Sometimes a tile tub surround or shower is included in secondary baths usually it is fiberglass . Some builders only offer fiberglass shower pans because a tile floor can be a call back problem. After you chose the tile you will need to decide how you want it laid. Straight pattern is what’s included anything other is an upgrade. You will also need to choose tile size. Think about the size of the floor or shower. Lighting How to choose the perfect light fixture size It’s best to add all the recess fixtures, pendant lighting and ceiling fan prewires in the design center. I suggest taking the basic lighting package and upgrading the fixtures and adding fans after you move in. It’s a lot less expensive and you can find unique fixtures that fit your style. Some builders let you choose placement of hanging fixtures and recessed lights others don’t. If it’s really important we can ask before contract and possibility make it a condition. Electrical Receptacles (outlets) are placed by code. The code is good with placement, generally every 12 ft. More in the kitchen. You may want to add outlets in places important to you. For example, in the master closet for ironing or high on a wall for a tv. You can add extra ceiling fan prewires which include a heavy duty box and wall switch for a light and fan. You may want more recessed lights or ceiling fixtures. Most builders don’t install dimmers. You may want to add dedicated outlets for appliances like garage refrigerators. Structural Wiring Structural wiring includes video, audio and data . You will meet with the builders structural wiring contractor for phone, security system, internet, tv, home theatre and speakers. The structured wiring contractor is a salesman. Think about what you want or need before the design center meeting. Think about what is and will be wireless. You can spend more time and money on structural wiring than on your kitchen. It may be totally worth it to you,  but my advise is to plan and price out security, home theater and components  and think about where you can easily add later. Plumbing fixtures Builders standard plumbing fixtures are chrome. All other fixture finishes are an upgrade. Finishes are usually matched in bathrooms. Sometimes the lighting and cabinet pull finishes are different, but faucet, shower enclosure, tub and shower fixtures match. Sometimes the master bath is a 8” spread on the faucets and 4” in secondary baths. 8” looks better. Most builders seem to have pretty good standard selections. My clients usually only upgrade finish and kitchen faucet.. The shower door is full frame standard. Semi frameless and frameless are upgrades. Frameless is $$$. The frame matches the plumbing fixtures finish. Toilets are usually white elongated standard height. Some builders offer dual flush and comfort or adult height as an upgrade. Whirlpool jets on tubs are an option. The kitchen sink can be upgraded. Sometimes a farmhouse is standard and sometimes it’s not offered at all. Appliances Builders usually have appliance packages. Ask the site agent about these and decide before the design center visit. Other selections Selections that aren’t usually too hard for buyers but are worth thinking about include: Mirrors Towel bars Door hardware finish and style Stair pickets Interior door style Extra trim (crown, wainscoting, taller baseboards) You may want to add if you have 10′ or taller ceilings Finishing sheetrock in garage if not included Will I be able to make changes ? Usually there is a schedule for making changes and a change order fee involved. Cabinets are one of the first things ordered for a house so expect those choices to be firm. Mistakes happen when there are changes, so go to your meetings, be ready, and have fun! ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Stair-details-are-design-center-options.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Stair-details-are-design-center-options.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cabinet-at-design-center.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cabinet-at-design-center.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /choosing-the-best-lot-in-a-new-construction-neighborhood/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/choosing-the-best-lot-in-a-new-construction-neighborhood/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Choosing the best lot in a new construction neighborhood Quick Links You are here: Home / Choosing the best lot in a new construction neighborhood Quick Links How to pick the best lot The lot will be important for resale Research the development plan Register of Deeds and Planning Application The view Drive around the neighborhood Topography Why aren’t there basements in NC? Is the lot flat or sloped? Power lines Peace and Quiet Orientation of available lots Fill Retaining walls Erosion Control Sewer pump (lift) stations and manholes Pick your lot How to pick the best lot  The lot will be important for resale Lot is staked out There is so much new construction going on in the Raleigh area with new home developments popping out of the ground in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and south of Chapel Hill in Chatham County. Choosing the right lot is as important as the builder and floor plan when it comes to resale in the future. Having worked with buyers of new homes for years I have some tips to help avoid surprises and choose the best lot. Research the development plan Site plan When you go into a new home community the model home is sometimes the only home in the neighborhood. The sales office will have a pretty layout of the neighborhood showing home sites, common areas and amenities. I don’t pay any attention to that. It’s a good idea to get a list of available lots, the home site premiums, and which plans will fit on the lots. Often the largest lots aren’t the best lots because of slopes, drainage and useable area. Register of Deeds and Planning Application I go to the county Register of Deeds website in the county where the site is located  and get the recorded plat which shows lot dimensions, size of the lots, easements, and retaining walls and common area. I enlarge the lot sections that are available and save to dropbox to view on my phone and tablet and sometimes print. The Register of Deeds will also have the HOA Documents and covenants. Next is a visit to the town planning department website and look at the development application for more information about the sewer, utilities and neighborhood landscape plan. It’s also worth checking out the flood maps. The view There goes the view from your lot! Many people want a wooded view and privacy. Homes backing up to common areas often have high lot premiums. Recently I learned a couple of things about recorded common areas. If a neighborhood has a perimeter buffer you may feel secure that the buffer area is protected and those trees will always be there. What happens if the developer buys adjacent land and incorporates it into the subdivision? The perimeter buffer is moved to the new perimeter and you may end up looking at houses not trees. In another case, in Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, the builders sold homes with a wooded view on common area behind the homes. The builders weren’t told that the developer had sold extra sewer capacity to a 1000 home neighborhood a few miles away. Long story short this was allowed per the covenants and the neighbors woke up one day to the sound of bulldozers in the common area behind their homes. Drive around the neighborhood Sewer stub out posts will be on every lot If the neighborhood is new it can be hard to tell where the lots are. Sometimes there are stakes or even builder signs on the home sites. If the utilities are in you can get an idea of the size and location of the lots by looking at the white sewer stub out pipes. Sewer Stub outs on small lots When driving around notice: Topography Are the lots flat? is one side of the street sloping down and the other up? A downward sloping lot could be a basement lot. A basement can add $60,000 to $100,000 to the cost of a home. That may be fine if you want one. Why aren’t there basements in NC? Transcript: Hi. I’m Marianne Howell Wright from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When people come to North Carolina, often they’re really surprised that we can’t have many basements here. Basements aren’t typically done in our area for several reasons. The first reason is our heavy clay soil. Clay particles are really small and won’t let the water drain away from the house. An underground basement would be really wet. It would almost be like the house was sitting in a swimming pool. Also, in the North you have to go down pretty deep to do your foundation to get below the frost line. In North Carolina we only need to go down 18 inches, while up in New England you’d need to go down as much as 5 or 6 feet and it’s just not as cost effective here to do a basement. Builders will do basements though on slope lots. In North Carolina, we tend to call a sloped lot a basement lot. The slope allows for the water to be carried away from the house. This is a poured concrete foundation basement and poured concrete is much more popular than the masonry brick and block that was done in the past. Carlos is going to tell me why. Karl:It’s a lot better Marianne: It is? What makes it better? Karl: You got rebar every 16 inches on the center. 3,000 PSI concrete. [inaudible 00:01:22] Marianne: The basement put on a slope will have drain tiles and gravel all the way around the foundation to carry the water away from the house. This is the house framed up and this is the back, just to show you what the basement would look like when it’s framed. I hope that helps to explain why basements aren’t common in the triangle area of North Carolina. This is Marianne Howell Wright. Be sure and watch my other neighborhood videos. Is the lot flat or sloped? An upward sloping lot will have stairs to the front door. a steep driveway and the backyard may be up against a hill. A lot that slopes toward the back will have more foundation costs or a basement, adding to the cost of the home. A flat lot with other flat lots around it may have drainage problems. Where will the water flow? Is there a stream behind the house? If the home site slops toward the back and there is common area there is usually a stream. That could mean a flood plain. I bet there is a creek behind those lots. Check the flood maps. Power lines Lots with power lines problem for resale Kiss of Death I don’t remember who used that phrase to describe a busy road and power lines. New homes have underground power, but in almost every neighborhood there are power lines that bring electricity to the underground power. Every few lots may have a big green electrical transformer box in the yard. When the development is finished the green boxes just blend in but it can be a shock when you find out there is one in your yard. If you care about resale don’t buy a home under a power line or backing up to a busy road unless you get a really good deal. Remember that when you sell you will have to offer a really good deal too. Peace and Quiet Does road hum drive you crazy? May sure you check out your neighborhood during rush hour and listen. Check out the airports runway maps. Depending on the winds planes use different runways so noise will vary day to day and some times are much busier than others. RDU has a good page about aircraft noise. How long will construction be going on in the neighborhood. How will you feel on a Saturday morning when the nail guns sound like machine guns. What is around you? Quarries are often hidden but dump trucks roaring past your house you will notice. Same goes for landfills. My personal noise problem is leaf blowers. We live on a country lot so I notice the blowers when I’m a manicured neighborhood. There is one in particular in Chapel Hill that has constant blowing noise. Not just in the fall! There are armies of landscapers on the roads and yards blowing away. What noise really bothers you? Orientation of available lots North South East West facing lot Is the orientation important to you? Some people want a home with sun streaming in the back big windows. Others prefer the north light in the hot South. Even though we don’t get much snow and ice in the Triangle no one scrapes their driveway so getting snow melted fast can be a priority. Others want their deck to be in the shade in the afternoon for enjoying cookouts so want a west facing house. A cul de sac is great for kids but lots will be very narrow in the front and there isn’t much street parking. Figure out what is most important to you. Fill Filled lots Usually builders fill and compact dirt when grading the site, especially when a lot slopes to woods but isn’t enough of a slope to be a basement lot. Take a look at the lot you’re interested in and notice the relationship with the lots around it. Has it been cleared? Is there a different slope? It’s possible the lot could be filled, and it’s something you should know. Keep an eye out for fill because the home might have more settlement in the future. When there is cut and fill there are often retaining walls. Retaining walls Many people like having their house back up to a retaining wall because of privacy. If it’s an uphill slope notice what your view will be looking out of the windows. If the wall is tall it could make the house dark, the back yard could be small and the view may not be what you are thinking. If the retaining wall is on a down slope see if the builder is going to put a fence on top of it to keep kids from falling off. Erosion Control Pond and retaining wall Erosion control is something else to look at. Sometimes storm water detention ponds are temporary but other times they’re permanent, and they can be either beautiful or a mosquito breeding ground. Sewer pump (lift) stations and manholes Pump Station A pump station is a collection site for neighborhood sewage to pump it up hill to the treatment plant.  They shouldn’t smell but they can, the pump can be noisy and a pump station can make a difference in your resale value. Many neighborhoods have them it may not be a problem at all in a newer neighborhood. Ask around about smells in the area.If a lot backs to a sewer easement that can be a great thing for privacy. I don’t see problems come up unless a buyer is surprised by a manhole in their back yard. Just be aware that can happen. A manhole is better than a house behind the lot, in my opinion! Sewer Manhole on lot Pick your lot Lot is staked out Walk your favorite lots with your buyers agent, the on site agent and the builder if available. When you are serious about going under contract see if the builder will stake the house on the lot or at least put the home on the lot in a cad drawing to see where it will fit in the setbacks. Ask if there is a chance the house will be flipped. This happens because of the streetscape or to have the driveway on the high side of the lot. It’s really disorienting to be picturing your house in one way and then find it’s been flipped. It’s time to go under contract . Depending on the builder you may do a lot hold while you are in the design phase. Most production builders won’t do a lot hold unless it’s a really slow time of year. Find out what is next in my Guide to New Construction In Cary. Apex, Chapel Hill and the Triangle. ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sold-house.jpg # URL: http://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sold-house.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2018/05/North-South-East-West-facing-lot.jpg # URL: http://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/North-South-East-West-facing-lot.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /triangle-area-real-estate/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/triangle-area-real-estate/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Triangle Area Real Estate Triangle Area Real Estate You are here: Home / Triangle Area Real Estate Triangle Area Real Estate Triangle Area Real Estate Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 Triangle Area Real Estate (w2 development) was licensed and incorporated in 1996. Real Estate firm License C8533. My husband Chip Wright started the company for his commercial real estate and development. When I left Coldwell Banker in 2011 after 13 years as a broker in Chapel Hill and the Triangle I became the broker in charge of Triangle Area Real Estate. Neighborhoods, Best Cary Neighborhoods , Chapel Hill Neighborhoods , and new construction are my specialty. The construction knowledge helps with showing resales too. Thirty years of experience with Chapel Hill and Triangle Real Estate has given me insights into the character and personality of different neighborhoods. I started my career in 1980 as a home builder in Chapel Hill and Durham. For over 12 years I built homes in neighborhoods including: The Oaks Stoneridge Chesley Fairfield Hope Valley New Hope Valley Surrey Green Innisfree and moved into residential real estate sales and marketing in the early 1990’s when home building had a down turn. The inside story about Triangle Neighborhoods My favorite part of building was working with clients  so I am so happy to be doing what I love best. I’ve watched most of the neighborhoods in Chapel Hill and the newer areas of the Triangle in Cary, Apex and Holly Springs be developed and know the inside story on the land, developers and builders as well as the history and possible pitfalls of different Triangle areas. Call me if you are looking for a home and neighborhood in any of the areas below. (919) 274-4365. Chapel Hill Chatham Orange County Cary Apex Holly Springs Southwest Durham North Raleigh Find out about working with me as your buyers agent. Because the Triangle has so many counties and towns there are micro markets with different price ranges, lot sizes, school systems and neighborhoods. My area of focus includes Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Chatham County north and east of Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and Morrisville. My husband Chip usually shows Durham,Raleigh and Fuquay Varina. Our Office -Triangle Area Real Estate As the Triangle has grown we represent clients relocating to different Triangle towns. I hasn’t made sense for a long time to keep an office in Chapel Hill when we would be showing homes in Apex and Cary. Our office these days is in the coffee shop nearest the area where we will be looking at homes or at your hotel where we can look over the listings we will be seeing and then get right to work looking at neighborhoods and homes. All of our “paperwork” is digital. We make your move a simple move! by Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 Triangle Area Real Estate Marianne Howell Wright William B. Wright (Chip) PO Box 12525 Raleigh, NC 27605 ================================================================================ # Page: /chapel-hill-neighborhoods-with-a-community-pool/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/chapel-hill-neighborhoods-with-a-community-pool/ # Summary: Home » Chapel Hill Neighborhoods with a Community Pool Sunset Creek pool These Chapel Hill neighborhoods with a community pool are in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools. A community or neighborhood pool is a wonderful way to cool off on a hot summer day and a good way to get the kids outside and ... Home » Chapel Hill Neighborhoods with a Community Pool Sunset Creek pool These Chapel Hill neighborhoods with a community pool are in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools. A community or neighborhood pool is a wonderful way to cool off on a hot summer day and a good way to get the kids outside and having fun.  Meeting neighbors is easier with a natural neighborhood gathering place.  In some neighborhoods the pool is included in the HOA dues and in some it is a voluntary membership. Some of the pools are open to membership outside the neighborhood so if you really want a community pool check and see if outside memberships are allowed. It may open up your search to more home possibilities. Let me know if you would like more information or insight into any of these neighborhoods. The Chapel Hill Summer Swim League is a good resource if your child wants to swim competitively. It’s a volunteer organization. Quick Links Stoneridge/Sedgefield Swim and Racquet Larkspur Pool Lake Hogan Farms (pool fee included in HOA dues) Wexford (pool fee included in HOA dues) Sunset Creek pool (pool fee included in HOA dues) Southern Village pool Claremont (pool fee included in HOA dues) Winmore (pool fee included in HOA dues) The Oaks (Chapel Hill Country Club) Meadowmont (pool owned by the YMCA) Neighborhoods in Chatham County (Chapel Hill address) with a neighborhood pool. Chatham County has lower taxes and good schools Governors Club,Briar Chapel,Westfall,The Preserve at Jordan Lake all have community pools. Governors Forest, Governors Park, Governors Lake, Governors Village, Stoneridge/Sedgefield Swim and Racquet These neighborhoods are north of town. Developed in the early 1980’s Stoneridge was the first phase. The 2nd phase, Sedgefield, was developed later in the 1980’s. I-40 was built after Sedgefield was developed and some of the homes have road noise. The neighborhoods have large 1+ acre lots with prices in the $400’s and up. The homes are of varying styles, contempory (1980’s style) and traditional. The convenient location between UNC and Duke,  the beautiful lots, and  neighborhood amenities help compensate for the  dated interiors of many of the homes. Stoneridge homes for sale and Sedgefield homes for sale Larkspur Pool Larkspur is in North Chapel Hill convenient to I-40 but not so close that’s it’s a noise problem. There is a railroad track running through the neighborhood. The only train using the track delivers coal to the UNC power plant and doesn’t run often. Homes are in the $450,000-$800,000 range. Larkspur homes for sale Lake Hogan Farms (pool fee included in HOA dues) Lake Hogan Farms is north west of town in the Carrboro planning district and a Chapel Hill address . Homes for sale in Lake Hogan Farms Wexford (pool fee included in HOA dues) Wexford has 1/2 acre lots and has been built out since the mid 1990’s except for a few homes built several years ago on Traemore. It’s across Homestead Road from Lake Hogan and connects to other Carrboro neighborhoods. Homes are in the upper 400’s and up to around $700,000  Here is a quick video with some neighborhood info. Homes for sale in Wexford Sunset Creek pool (pool fee included in HOA dues) There are only 68 homes in this neighborhood within walking distance to Mc Dougle Schools. More info here. http://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/sunset-creek/ Homes for sale in Sunset Creek Southern Village pool Residents of other neighborhoods can join the Southern Village Club and Pool. This is great because there are several neighborhoods within walking distance. Homes for sale in Southern Village Here are some homes for sale in neighborhoods in and around Southern Village. Ridgefield/Briarcliff are older neighborhoods built in the 1960’s. Prices are great, mostly in the mid $200’s to around $400,000. The lots are pretty and the location is great and on the bus line. Briarcliff homes for sale Ridgefield homes for sale Ridgefield Claremont (pool fee included in HOA dues) Claremont is by the same builder/developer as Larkspur and followed along shortly after. It’s been very successful and a new phase is planned across Homestead Road from the current phase. Prices are in the 400-700,000 range. Home plans are traditional with some builder design features that are different and set the homes apart in style. The big drawback I hear is that the homes are very close together. Large homes on very small lots. I think that in a few years landscaping will grow up and soften the street scape. Claremont homes for sale. Winmore (pool fee included in HOA dues) Winmore is adjacent to Claremont with similarly priced homes. More about Winmore here. Homes for sale in Winmore The Oaks (Chapel Hill Country Club) More info The Oaks homes for sale (some homes in the Oaks are in Durham County and Durham County schools) Meadowmont (pool owned by the YMCA) Meadowmont i ndoor pools Homes for sale in Meadowmont (some homes in Meadowmont are in Durham County and Durham County schools) Neighborhoods in Chatham County (Chapel Hill address) with a neighborhood pool. Chatham County has lower taxes and good schools Governors Club,Briar Chapel,Westfall,The Preserve at Jordan Lake all have community pools. Governors Forest, Governors Park, Governors Lake, Governors Village, These neighborhoods are located about 7 miles south of Chapel Hill. They all share the pool, tennis, playgrounds, common area lake (small).  The Amenities are located in Governors Park and the use is included in the HOA dues. Governors Club ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2012/08/orig_IMG_0012_1004336.jpg # URL: http://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/orig_IMG_0012_1004336.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /sitemap/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/sitemap/ # Summary: You are here: Home / sitemap Pages You are here: Home / sitemap Pages About Marianne Agency Disclosure in NC Are there termites in NC? Best Triangle Areas to Live Briar Chapel Homes for Sale Briar Chapel Update, Veranda Commercial and Infocenter Briar Chapel, a Chapel Hill NC Neighborhood Chapel Hill and Triangle NC, Best Places to Retire Chapel Hill Neighborhoods with a Community Pool Chapel Hill Neighborhoods-Triangle Area Real Estate Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Chatham County Schools Chatham County Schools~Homes for Sale Choosing the best lot in a new construction neighborhood Condos in Chapel Hill Contact Contents Contract to Settlement and Closing in NC Durham Fearrington Village Neighborhood Video global wrapper Governors Club Guide to Building a New Construction Home in Cary, Chapel Hill and the Triangle Here are the links to your free moving tip ebooks! Home Builder Deposits in a New Construction Neighborhood Home Search Homes for Sale in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School District Homes for sale in the East Chapel High Attendance Area Living in Chapel Hill Living in Chatham County, NC Living in Pittsboro: Change and Charm in the Triangle Area Lloyd Square, a Carrboro Neighborhood Loan Approval Do’s and Don’ts Looking for One Level homes in Chapel Hill? Marianne’s Blog Market Data Lake Hogan Farms, a Chapel Hill Neighborhood The Oaks,A Chapel Hill Neighborhood: Homes for Sale, Market Statistics and Schools Meadowmont Meadowmont Homes For Sale Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood Meadowmont HOA Documents UNC Wellness Center MLS Map Search MLS Map Search Mortgage pre-approval-Be Prepared My Listings My Listings My Listings NC Offer to Purchase -A Guide for Home Buyers Neighborhood Safety Neighborhood Videos Neighborhoods New Construction: Why do I need a buyers agent when buying a new home? Newsletter Quiz: Where should you REALLY live in the Triangle? Real Estate is Hungry Work search sitemap Southern Village Neighborhoods near Southern Village Pool Stressed out about selling your home? Find out what to do first Sunset Creek Ten Reasons to Buy a Resale Home The Builder Design Center, Q&A The Triangle Area Real Estate Market in 2016 and 2017 Predictions Triangle Area NC Triangle Area Real Estate Triangle NC 2025 Real Estate Market Trends Watch out for these pitfalls when building a new home Watch Out! Your credit will be repulled prior to closing What is a real estate buyer’s agent and why do I need one? Why aren’t there many basements in North Carolina? Will Builders Negotiate on New Construction? Winmore ================================================================================ # Page: /durham/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/durham/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Durham Living in the Triangle offers so much to do and you can take advantage of just about everything with a less than 30 minute drive. Durham is more fun and interesting than many people realize with Duke University, the arts, great food, music, sports, shopping and kids activ... You are here: Home / Durham Living in the Triangle offers so much to do and you can take advantage of just about everything with a less than 30 minute drive. Durham is more fun and interesting  than many people realize with Duke University, the arts, great food, music, sports, shopping and kids activities. You don’t have to live in Durham to enjoy the city. Here are some fun things I’ve found  to do in Durham. Find out what it’s like to enjoy Durhan and if you have things you enjoy please  let me know! Durham was a tobacco town. My husband Chip Wright painted this view of the old and new Durham. Durham was a tobacco town but not any more! The warehouses have been transformed into living space, offices, shoppes, and restaurants. Duke Duke University is in Durham. The University offers classes  in continuing education. The Sarah Duke Gardens is a beautiful garden around the campus at Duke. It’s huge, 55 acres. You can take a walking or trolley tour or just walk around on your own. That’s what I like to do. Here is a map of the gardens. Duke sports are a huge draw in Durham. The Blue Devils win national championships in basketball and football. The rivalry between the area universities make for fun and mostly good-natured discussions. Durham Restaurants Nana’s restaurant Durham NC Some of my favorite restaurants in the Triangle are located in Durham. Rue Cler is a French restaurant with wonderful beignets. Another French restaurant I like is Vin Rouge . It’s a Bistro with outdoor seating. If you like Mexican food, Nanataco is a fun restaurant with a more healthy  and different menu than the typical chain Mexican restaurant. Nana’ s is a fine dining restaurant very popular since the 90’s. My sister and I love to go out to lunch and have Indian food. Our favorite Indian restaurant for the lunch buffet is Sitar. Sitar for Indian food in Durham In the spring it’s really nice to sit outside on the terrace at Guglhupf Bakery and Cafe . Mateo Bar de Tapas Is another restaurant that I would highly recommend, great wine and tapas. Fosters Market is great for weekend morning coffee, biscuit or muffins. If you want a hearty breakfast try Elmos on 9th Street. I could  go on and on about the food in Durham but there is so much else to do we should move on. The Arts If you like concerts and performing arts you should check out the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham. DPAC in Durham The Durham Performing Arts Center ( we call it the DPAC) is part of the American Tobacco Campus . This area includes the Durham Bulls baseball park and renovated tobacco warehouses with some cool restaurants and businesses along with an outdoor area mall area for concerts and events that are fun for everyone. Converted warehouses in Durham The Durham Arts Council is a non-profit that supports art in the community  including theatre , music, dance, and visual arts. they offer classes for all ages. Durham Arts Council Associated with Duke University, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a contemporary art gallery with programs that involve the university and community. Right before the holidays in downtown Durham is the Holiday Art Walk with music, food trucks, and art and crafts available for sale all around town. On Saturdays, at the same time as the Farmers Market in downtown Durham,  is the Craft Market. It’s always fun to go buy some locally sourced fresh veggies and take a look at local crafts. Music and Drinks Weekend at Motorco Durham Do you like music and craft breweries? Motorco and Bluenote Grill (music and BBQ, how Southern) are two places to go for music in Durham. Fullsteam Brewery is popular and  right across the street from Motorco. Some don’t have food but there are often food trucks parked nearby and restaurants in the area . Durham is known for it’s Indie music scene. If you like wine, stop by the local wine shop, Wine Authorities . They specialize in estate wines that are not expensive. I loving the tastings and learning about wine in a snob free way. For Kids Top on the list for kids is the Durham Museum of Life and Science. it’s an interactive museum for kids, has a great gift shop, and a train that is especially popular at Christmas when Santa drives it. One of my favorite parts of the museum is the dinosaur walk. Full-sized fiberglass dinosaurs are hidden in the woods and along a path throughout the park. Durham Life and Sicence Museum There’s also an archaeological dig spot where kids can sift through sand and find sharks teeth and other fossils. it’s really nice to have an outdoor area as well as an indoor area at a museum so that the kids can really run around and get out some of that energy. There are a lot of parks in Durham. The Eno River State Park is especially fun for kids. they offer classes and nature walks and have festivals along the river too. I mentioned Sarah Duke Gardens previously and it’s beautiful for adults but it’s great for the kids too because they are wide open for them to run and play. There’s a pond with ducks and big hills to roll down. If your kids have lots of energy you should check out Skyzone Trampoline Park . It’s indoors and your kids will be so tired when you leave. It’s the perfect thing to do when you need to take a break from looking at houses. Durham has all of the sports for kids you would expect. The northern part of the County has horse farms offering riding lessons. Durham riding lessons Trails There are two big trail systems in Durham other than the typical park and greenways. Duke Forest is huge, 7000 acres and in in three counties. There are some beautiful areas with a variety of trails. You should take a look at the website for Duke Forest to see what is offered. Shopping Brightleaf Square Durham The Streets at Southpoint is the biggie mall with Nordstroms, Pottery Barn etc. but it is actually closer to Chapel Hill and West Cary than downtown Durham.  Downtown, Brightleaf Square and the 9th Street area have local shops. Look at Houses! House in Forest Hills, Durham There are more of the interesting older homes in Durham than you will find in Cary and Chapel Hill. Neighborhoods like Trinity Park, Rockwood, Forest Hills and Watts-Hillandale are walkable to local businesses and restaurants with tree lined streets and charm missing from newer neighborhoods. Street in Forest Hills, Durham Interesting house in Durhams Trinity Park There is much more to do in Durham but this should give you an idea of where to start! By Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /statistics/lake-hogan-farms/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/statistics/lake-hogan-farms/ # Summary: Home » Market Data » Lake Hogan Farms, a Chapel Hill Neighborhood Home » Market Data » Lake Hogan Farms, a Chapel Hill Neighborhood Lake Hogan Farms is a neighborhood of 400 homes and includes over 90 acres of common area. Walking trails wind through woods and fields and pass a 3 acre lake and follow  wide creek. The clubhouse hosts parties for the whole family and the pool, tennis courts, basketball hoops and playground give lots of opportunities for an active lifestyle. The neighborhood has sections of homes with different lot sized and price ranges of homes. If you are looking for a home in the 400’s or 800’s you will find a home that is right for you. Homes for sale now are at the bottom of the page. Quick Links Amenities in Lake Hogan Farms Pool Playground and Common Area Lawn Clubhouse Lake and Gazebo Walking Trails Glen Ridge Townhomes in Lake Hogan Farms In the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Statistics Amenities in Lake Hogan Farms The amenities include miles of walking trails, a pool, clubhouse,lake, tennis courts, basketball,playground, and 90 acres of common areas. Pool Lake Hogan Farms Pool The Lake Hogan Farms pool is especially popular because its huge with lap swimming and swim team as well as adult lap swimming and planned activities. Walking trails follow Bolin Creek for miles and wind around the neighborhood and lead down to the lake. The 95 acres of common space are a real plus for the neighborhood. Sidewalks line the streets and make for a neighborly experience as well as a safe walk to and from the bus stop. Playground and Common Area Lawn Lake Hogan Farms playground The playground is adjacent to the clubhouse and you’ll usually find a few Moms or Dads there sitting on a lawn chair watching the kids play. Clubhouse Lake Hogan Farms Clubhouse The clubhouse is always hosting events both for the neighborhood and for private parties. One never miss event for me is the jewelry and art show put on by neighbors and local artists. Lake and Gazebo Lake Hogan Farms Lake and Gazebo Prefect for fishing with the kids or a canoe (no swimming) the lake adds an extra amenity that is beautiful too! Walking Trails Lake Hogan Farms Walking Trails With 95 acres of common space in Lake Hogan Farms, trails and sidewalks wind through the neighborhood and extend along Bolin Creek Glen Ridge Townhomes in Lake Hogan Farms There are really nice town homes in the Glen Ridge townhome section of the Lake Hogan Farms neighborhood in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district. Prices for homes for sale range from around $300,000 to $400,000 with 2600 to around 4000 sq ft and there are a few rentals in the $1800 to $2400 month range. What I especially like about the townhomes are the detailed mouldings and also the size of the homes. They are like a very nice home that just happens to be a townhome.  Another nice feature is that the homes almost all back up to natural common areas. This provides privacy as well as a feeling of nature in the back yard. In the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Chapel Hill High School~Chapel Hill Schools Lake Hogan Farms is in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district. The schools are subject to change but at this time in 2012 the schools are Morris Grove Elementary , McDougle Middle School , and Chapel Hill High . Chapel hill high 9-17 Mc Dougle Middle School Morris Grove Elementary 9/17 Statistics If you are thinking about a home in Lake Hogan you have to move fast. Here is a graph showing Days on the Market, Lake Hogan Farms homes for sale now [listings market=”triangle” polygon=”$7fdf8d202d0864504c686ceafd67fd45″ polynames=”Lake Hogan Farms” status=”ACTIVE” listingType=”residential” sortfield=”daysOnHJI” sortorder=”asc” pageSize=”20″ grid_size=”4″ map=”1″] By Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /be-a-detective/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/be-a-detective/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Watch out for these pitfalls when building a new home By Marianne Howell Wright You are here: Home / Watch out for these pitfalls when building a new home By Marianne Howell Wright Quick Links New Construction~be a detective Protect your investment There are some clues that things may not be going so well for the development. Your buyers agent You may be in competition with the builder when you sell New Construction~be a detective Protect your investment If you are thinking about buying a lot and building a home in a new home neighborhood something to keep in mind and investigate carefully is the financial strength of the developer and the builders in the neighborhood. Especially in a down real estate market you have to be careful to protect your investment. A new home and neighborhood have wonderful possibilities but you need to be a bit of a detective. There are some clues that things may not be going so well for the development. For example: When you drive in the neighborhood is the entry planted with seasonal flowers and well kept? If the entry looks tired that’s a bad sign. Are the shoulders of the roads seeded with grass and mowed? Take a look at the construction going on in the neighborhood. There should be evidence of recent work. If you see weeds growing in the soil around the foundations beware! The air should be filled with the sounds of backhoes beeping, hammers, and saws. Even a little mud on the street can be a good sign. You want to see activity. Are the amenities completed? That’s important because if the developer goes out of business the promises made may never be kept. Also pay attention to how the development is phased. You want like homes to be clustered together because if something should happen and the current developer and builders are replaced the new product may not be up to the quality level of those existing homes. Find out the sales trend in the neighborhood for the past year and don’t go by the red dots on the developers map! This information is available from your buyers agent and in the public records or sometimes in the MLS. Your buyers agent A buyers agent familiar with new construction can be helpful in knowing the buzz about the neighborhood, developer and builder. If buyers have had issues with homes being delivered on time, a lot of sub contractor switching going on and liens being filed there is a good chance your agent will have heard. Something I usually do is knock on the doors of neighbors or ask people out walking about what is going on in the neighborhood and if they are happy with their builder. Read my post about why you need a buyers agent for new construction. You may be in competition with the builder when you sell Also keep in mind that if you need to sell before the neighborhood is built out you will be in competition with the other builders for sales. If the developer is also the builder they may have the ability to really cut prices if things get tough because they have the lot profit they can cut as well as construction costs. Buying a home in a new neighborhood isn’t that different than buying in a resale neighborhood you just have to use your imagination a little more because you are buying a dream. You might want to take a look at my post about the advantages of buying a resale . (I’m not pushing for one or another. I LOVE new homes, I just want to give you all of the pros and cons.) Google+ ================================================================================ # Page: /statistics/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/statistics/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Market Data The 2015 year end market data reports for the Triangle are in and one thing is clear. You are here: Home / Market Data The 2015 year end market data reports for the Triangle are in and one thing is clear. Triangle Market Data December 2015 4th Quarter 2015 New Construction Market Data Quick Links We need inventory! Why are Chapel Hill and Orange County struggling? We need inventory! Showings in December were the best ever according to the Triangle MLS. Up 12% from this time last year. That was my experience too. Usually December is a time to enjoy the holidays, after all, who will look at houses then? My clients were looking  and there wasn’t and isn’t much out there. Days on the market are 45-55 days and in some neighborhoods it’s 30. According to Stacey Anfindsen, an appraiser who prepares the market data reports for the Triangle MLS, that is about as short as it can get. Prices are up 5% for the year and 7% for December 2015. Stacey reports in the video below that with high demand and rising prices there should be more inventory but it’s not happening. Read my post about not waiting until Spring to put your house on the market. If your are thinking about selling 2016 seems to be the year to do it! Closings were up 10% for the year and up in December by 33%. Stacey mentions one reason for the December increases is builders try to get sales by the end of the year to make their numbers look good. D ecember is the best time to get a deal on a new home. https://youtu.be/q9LbJ7fjLSM Why are Chapel Hill and Orange County struggling? Orange County includes Chapel Hill and Carrboro.Wake County includes Cary Apex, Holly Springs and Raleigh. Chatham County includes some Chapel Hill addresses and Pittsboro. Something I’ve noticed from showing homes and these statistics back up is that Orange County is down compared to rest of the market.Well, it’s down in almost everything. Days on the market are up and that’s another sign that the Chapel Hill market is having hard times. One reason is the towns have been so restrictive with new construction there is nothing new on the market that’s affordable. The houses are dated-and expensive. Another reason is that the schools have been rated as the best in the State for many years. Other area school systems are good and Cary in Wake County has some great schools and a big choice of new homes. Chapel Hill is still a very cool place to live if you can afford to buy a home and update it or just want to live in a 80’s or 90’s home and enjoy the benefits of a college town. ================================================================================ # Page: /real-estate-is-hungry-work/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/real-estate-is-hungry-work/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Real Estate is Hungry Work Quick Links You are here: Home / Real Estate is Hungry Work Quick Links 102 Founders Ridge Drive What sets 102 Founders Ridge Drive apart from other homes in the Chapel Hill school district? Healthy home with energy saving and sustainable materials. Exceptional details Healthy home Schools are top rated Location Chancellors View is a very special neighborhood The neighborhood Schools are top rated Healthy home with energy saving and sustainable materials. 102 Founders Ridge Drive 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4600 sq ft, Green built Heated Pool and Spa $1,125,000 102 Founders Ridge Drive, Chapel Hill NC MLS Listing What sets 102 Founders Ridge Drive apart from other homes in the Chapel Hill school district? 1.  Exceptional detailing in every room. 2. Green built with sustainable materials. 3. Top rated schools. 4. Located 2.5 miles from Downtown Chapel Hill. 5. Beautiful Chancellors View neighborhood. 6. Heated pool with spa. 7. Private fenced back yard. 8. Cooks kitchen with Wolf gas range. 9. 3 car garage. 10. one mile to Southern Village with shops, restaurants, and services Healthy home with energy saving and sustainable materials. Exceptional details What is the first thing you notice about 102 Founders Ridge? It’s a feeling of a well kept gracious home that could have been is a movie you saw about the South. Healthy home Healthy homes were rare in 2010. Only a few of the area’s top builders were environmentally conscious. Hampton Green Homes was the builder of 102 Founders Ridge Drive. The home is Energy Star rated and Green Home Certified. Why you should have a sealed crawl space: If you live in the eastern half of the United States and want a damp, moldy crawl space, just make sure that it is vented to the exterior. Within a few short years, the fiberglass batts installed in the crawlspace ceiling will become so damp that they’ll hang down like stalactites. You’ll end up with a classic moldy crawl space—one that represents a significant source of moisture for the house above. – Fine Homebuilding Heated pool with spa is therapeutic and relaxing. Some of the notable green features included a sealed crawl space, Solar hot water, locally sourced oak floors, low voc carpet, and spray foam insulation. Heated pool and spa for relaxation and exercise. Schools are top rated Mary Scroggs School Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools 3 high schools were ranked US News for 2018 as gold level schools and are the top 3 traditional high schools in the State. Carrboro High is the newest of Chapel Hill’s high schools. Mary Scroggs Elementary and Culbreth Middle are also highly ranked in the State. Location Chancellors View is a very special neighborhood Chancellors View is located 2.5 miles from downtown Chapel Hill and 2.3 miles from Southern Village with shops, movie theatre and neighborhood pool (you can join). There is also a Weaver Street Market , a local co-op grocery for healthy foods in Southern Village. Chancellors View is close to, but so different from the neo traditional neighborhoods. Bordered by a preserve and walking trails, the homes have a gracious Southern, neighborhood feel with sidewalks and spacious homes. You can expect the highest quality building with 10 ceilings and 3 car garages. City ( OWASA ) water and sewer. Green Features Energy Star, 3rd Party certified- Silver HBA Green Building Certification Energy Saving Features: Solar water heater High SEER / high efficiency heating a cooling system Hot water circulation pump Sealed and certified ductwork Sealed crawlspace Solar landscape lighting ENERGY STAR appliance package ceiling fans ENERGY STAR certified windows Tyvek energy -saving house wrap Icynene spray foam insulation Water Saving Features: Weather -based irrigation control system Dual flush toilets Low flow showerheads and faucet aerators Native, drought -tolerant landscaping Low maintenance lawn (minimum sod/maximum mulch) Air Quality: Enhanced indoor air filtration system Energy recovery ventilator system Sealed and certified ducts throughout ENERGY STAR certified exhaust fans No-VOC interior paints Low-VOC sealants and water -based floor finish Green Products: Built-in recycle center Composite, low -maintenance exterior decking Green label carpets Locally -harvested oak hardwood flooring CertainTeed Hatteras 30 year roof shingles TECH SHIELD radiant barrier roof sheathing High efficiency light fixtures, AdvanTech sustainable sub flooring/sheathing Hardiplank 30 year fiber cement board siding Locally -fabricated, Forest Stewardship Council certified designer cabinets Locally -produced brick and natural stone walkways Certified wildlife habitat natural preserve and walking trails *information provided by builders original marketing materials The neighborhood Chancellors View is a charming small neighborhood only 2.5 miles from downtown Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina. Located high on a ridge surrounded by preserved natural area and walking trails you will have the benefits of city water, sewer and sidewalks. All of the homes in Chancellors View are custom built with exceptional quality and details. Schools are top rated Chapel Hill’s 3 high schools were ranked as gold level schools and the top 3 traditional high schools in the State by US News for 2019. Carrboro High is the newest of Chapel Hill’s high schools. Mary Scroggs Elementary and Culbreth Middle are also highly ranked in the State. Healthy home with energy saving and sustainable materials. Healthy homes were rare in 2010. Only a few of the area’s top builders were environmentally conscious. Hampton Green Homes was the builder of 102 Founders Ridge Drive. Some of the notable green features included a sealed crawl space. If you live in the eastern half of the United States and want a damp, moldy crawlspace, just make sure that it is vented to the exterior. Within a few short years, the fiberglass batts installed in the crawlspace ceiling will become so damp that they’ll hang down like stalactites. You’ll end up with a classic moldy crawlspace—one that represents a significant source of moisture for the house above. – Fine Homebuilding Quick Links The Town of Carrboro The Best Neighborhoods in Carrboro Lake Hogan Farms: Claremont: Winmore: Sunset Creek: Wexford: Cates Farm: Bolin Creek: Roberson Place: Quarterpath Trace: Parkslope: What you will like about living in Carrboro Dining: Local Markets: Events and Festivals: Outdoor Activities: Education: Arts and Culture: Public Transportation: New Construction in Carrboro: The Town of Carrboro Carrboro, a distinct town that seamlessly blends with Chapel Hill, is known for its vibrant and eclectic community. The neighborhoods in Carrboro offer a unique blend of history, charm, and character, all underlined by an influential tech and medical scene due to its proximity to UNC-Chapel Hill. The school district in Chapel Hill/Carrboro is often celebrated as one of the best in the state, making it an attractive choice for families. Carrboro and Chapel Hill aren’t visually distinct towns. If you are new to the area you will need the signs to tell when one starts and the other stops. Carrboro is just a little to the left. Carrboro sign photo from years ago. I have always had a laugh when I think about it. Carrboro.com Carrboro was a mill town so there are lots of little houses right in town by the renovated Carr Mill. Some are charming, some are funky. They all have big price tags and are considered cool. Clients who love Carrboro often ask for a walkable home. The Best Neighborhoods in Carrboro While the many of the neighborhoods in Carrboro are generally more typically suburban compared to the in-town areas, the closer you get to the town center, the more you’ll experience the unique Carrboro vibe. Here are some of my favorite neighborhoods in Carrboro that offer a mix of desirable features, some with a neighborhood pool , and a distinct sense of community: Lake Hogan Farms: This neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes and scenic 95 acres of open space, including a picturesque lake, pool, tennis and basketball courts. It offers a suburban feel with larger properties and amenities like walking trails and community events. Lake Hogan Farms has a Chapel Hill address but is in the municipal area of Carrboro. Claremont: Located near the Carrboro-Chapel Hill border, Claremont offers a mix of single-family homes built by Zinn Design/Build and townhouses. It features a well-planned community with green spaces, playgrounds, and a clubhouse. Winmore: Winmore is a new old neighborhood with more narrow lots than Claremont that blends traditional architecture with modern amenities. It emphasizes walkability and fosters a close-knit community through walking trails and pool. Sunset Creek: Situated a couple of miles from downtown Carrboro, Sunset Creek has 64 homes and was built in the 90’s by local custom builders. There is a playground, pool and clubhouse. Wexford: Wexford is a family-friendly neighborhood that features a variety of housing styles, from townhouses to larger homes. It offers amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, and walking trails. Cates Farm: Known for its spacious homes and large lots, Cates Farm offers a more rural feel while still being close to Carrboro amenities. The half acre lots provide  a peaceful and private setting, ideal for those seeking a retreat-like atmosphere. Walking distance to Mc Dougle Elementary and Middle Schools are a big plus. Bolin Creek: Bolin Creek is a neighborhood situated near Bolin Creek Trail, a popular outdoor recreational area. Wooded lots and Carrboro style homes  focus on nature and outdoor activities. Roberson Place: This highly walkable neighborhood is located within close proximity to downtown Carrboro and Weaver Street Market. It features mostly single-family homes, allowing residents to enjoy the town’s vibrant culture and entertainment without having to use a car. Quarterpath Trace: Quarterpath Trace is a small, secluded 90’s neighborhood that offers a tranquil setting with it’s flowering tree lined streets. It is characterized by homes in the 2200 sq to 3000 sq ft size range and wooded surroundings, providing a sense of privacy and serenity. Parkslope: Parkslope is another walkable neighborhood known for its proximity to downtown Carrboro. It is a clustered style of pocket neighborhood fitting into the Carrboro setting. What you will like about living in Carrboro Dining: Thai food in Carrboro Carrboro, and adjacent Chapel Hill have lots of great restaurants that offer a global culinary journey. You can savor farm-to-table creations at Acme Food & Beverage Co., indulge in delicious sandwiches at Neal’s Deli, or enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria Mercato.  For those who enjoy Asian flavors, the Lantern Restaurant is in Chapel Hill,  serves mouth-watering Asian cuisine with a Southern twist. I love to go to Oak Leaf for more upscale dining and my favorite Thai restaurant is Thai Station. Local Markets: The Carrboro Farmers’ Market i s a beloved community event that takes place year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This market is producer-only, which means everything is sourced within a 50-mile radius. It’s a popular spot to buy fresh, local produce, dairy products, meats, baked goods, and even artisan crafts. I like to go at different times in the morning to see who is an early riser and who just rolled out of bed at noon. Events and Festivals: Carrboro hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, adding to its vibrant community life. The Carrboro Music Festival, a free two-day event, offers live music performances across various genres, attracting artists and music lovers alike. I usually sit outside at Glass Half Full and dig into french fries along with a draft beer. The Carrboro Film Fest is another popular event that showcases the talents of local and national filmmakers. Then there’s the annual Carrboro Day on the first Sunday in May, which includes a wealth of activities like poetry readings, live music, and interactive field games. Outdoor Activities: T here are nearly a dozen parks in Carrboro , with facilities like playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and picnic areas. The Carolina North Forest and the Bolin Creek Greenway trail offer miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking, fostering a healthy, active lifestyle. Education: Carrboro falls under the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) district , which is consistently ranked among the top school districts in North Carolina. CHCCS operates three high schools, four middle schools, and eleven elementary schools, with a graduation rate of 90.1% . Arts and Culture: Carrboro is known for its rich arts scene. The ArtsCenter in Carrboro is a community hub for classes, exhibits, and performances. Years ago I took classes at The Arts Center and learned how to produce and edit videos for my real estate business. The Carrboro Art Walk is a recurring event where local artists display their work at various venues throughout town. Public Transportation: Carrboro is served by Chapel Hill Transit, the second-largest transit system in North Carolina, offering fare-free bus service throughout Chapel Hill and Carrboro. New Construction in Carrboro: New construction is rare in Carrboro because the town is fully developed. It is possible that a new home or two will come on the market on an infill lot but the last couple that have sold have been in the million dollar, 2600 sq. ft. range . Read my guild to building a new home in case an undeveloped lot comes on the market. I’ve lived in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area for many years and my children went to the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools. With my local knowledge of Carrboro, I am confident that I can help you navigate the local real estate market, understand the unique culture and vibe of each neighborhood, and ultimately find a home that is the perfect match for your lifestyle and values. Quick Links Welcome to Chapel Hill Neighborhoods! Featured Video~ Southern Village a Chapel Hill Neighborhood Are you moving to Chapel Hill for the schools? What are the best neighborhoods in the Chapel Hill school district? Historic Districts Downtown Chapel Hill Neighborhoods Chapel Hill Neighborhoods South of Chapel Hill in the Town limits and in the Chapel Hill school district Carrboro Best Neighborhoods Marianne Howell Wright, owner and broker with Triangle Area Real Estate and member of the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors. Welcome to Chapel Hill Neighborhoods! by Marianne Howell Wright, Triangle Area Real Estate, +1 (919) 274-4365 Google+ Featured Video~ Southern Village a Chapel Hill Neighborhood Map of Town of Chapel Hill and Map of Town of Carrboro. Are you moving to Chapel Hill for the schools? One of the reasons my clients choose to live in Chapel Hill is the excellent Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district. If a home isn’t in the shaded area of the above two maps it is not in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools . That isn’t necessarily a problem because there are other good school systems, it just can be confusing if you are specific about being in the Chapel Hill Schools. Here is more about the Chapel Hill Schools. What are the best neighborhoods in the Chapel Hill school district? Southern Village was developed in the 90’s. It was the first planned development with small lots and a commercial area. Even though the homes have some age on them it’s still hugely popular because of proximity to UNC, community pool and tennis, variety of homes, and shops and restaurants. Meadowmont is a planned development with commercial area, YMCA, variety of homes, shopping, restaurants, elementary school and walking trails make it a top choice for Chapel Hill neighborhoods. It’s pricey though. The Oaks surrounds the Chapel Hill Country Club. It’s a friendly neighborhood  more manicured than many in Chapel Hill. Gimghoul is in the area around UNC. Some of the most expensive homes in town. It’s beautiful, small and university focused. Chesley.Very hilly nice big homes. Springcrest. Great location and popular price range. 400’s to 500’s but not manicured. I don’t think many people have a yard service here. Colony Lake is popular with UNC employees and staff. It’s on the bus line and a good neighborhood to get out and walk. Modest homes. Lake Forest was built around Eastwood Lake. This neighborhood is for you if you like trees and an overgrown look, many homes from the 70’s and 80’s. Larkspur was built in the 2000 and has some really good floor plans, tall ceilings and a neighborhood pool. Very good quality homes. There isn’t much variety in the exterior materials. Stoneridge was built in the 80’s and has a neighborhood pool, acre + lots, mixture of home styles, lower County taxes but still in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district. Historic Districts Chapel Hill has three historic areas Franklin-Rosemary, Gimghoul, and Cameron-McCauley. Franklin Street generally has the highest priced homes in the historic areas ranging from the $800,000’s and up. Downtown Chapel Hill Neighborhoods Westwood- a campus area located off South Columbia Street near the UNC Hospital. It has winding streets and wooded lots with an eclectic collection of homes built from the 1920’s to an occasional home on an infill lot today. Prices start at around $400,000 but sometimes a little rental cottage will come on the market for less. Franklin-Rosemary Historic Laurel Hills Gimghoul Historic Tenney Circle Cameron-McCauley Historic Franklin Hills Greenwood has a neighborhood conservation overlay with regulations about building and renovations. View Chapel Hill Neighborhoods in a larger map The area around the star on the map is the University and downtown historic area. Chapel Hill is a university town and while we have some beautiful older homes most of the historic area homes are fairly simple compared to those in Southern towns that were formed because of business and manufacturing. Chapel Hill The Town Center is considered the intersection of Franklin St and Columbia St. Franklin Street is Chapel Hill’s main street with lots of local restaurants and shops.  The main downtown crossroad is Franklin and Columbia Street, which goes South through the UNC campus and will take you to Chatham County and Pittsboro. North of Franklin St. the same street is MLK Blvd and will take you to I-40 and Hillsborough.   Many people define Chapel Hill by the area within the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School District. If you are thinking about building or renovating a home in the Town of Chapel Hill there are neighborhood protection areas and districts regulating what you are allowed to do with the property. Neighborhoods South of Chapel Hill in the Town limits and in the Chapel Hill school district If you start at the center of town and continue down South Columbia Street past UNC you’ll cross Fordham Blvd. (some call it The Bypass) and the road name will change to 15-501 south. Southern Village will be just ahead on your right. Development started in the mid 90’s and has just finished so there are only resale homes for sale now. It’s a planned, new-old neighborhood with a combination of apartments, condos, town homes, single family homes priced from the $400’s and a retail area including restaurants, a movie theater, elementary school, church, day care and other retail and service businesses. It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods in town with one of the highest appreciation rates Also South of downtown are the neighborhoods of Southern Village , Chancellors Ridge and Hundred Oaks along with The Reserve and Hunts Reserve.The Reserves are the only two neighborhoods in Chapel Hill with  OWSA (city)water and sewer and acre plus lots. Other large lot neighborhoods are in the county with well and septic are Hunters Ridge, Sun Forest, Beechridge,and  Laurel Hills. East of Downtown Chapel Hill Neighborhoods Greenwood is bordered by 15-501 and hwy 54 and is just down the hill south of UNC and Chapel Hill. The playwright Paul Green developed the neighborhood in the 1930’s as a special place with affordable homes for artists and intellectuals. The beautiful lots are at least an acre and wooded. Home prices have varied from the $300’s up to over a million. Recently a developer tore down an existing home and built a large new home that sold for over 1.8 million. This was a wake up call to the neighbors who had the town designate the area as a Neighborhood Conservation District to protect the neighborhood from mega sized homes and preserve the harmonious look of Greenwood.  Presque Isle-condos, Colony Woods,  Colony Lake, The Oaks, Provendence Glen-condo, The Oaks, Finley Forest, Pickard Oaks-duplex town homes and Springcrest. Carrboro Best Neighborhoods Some of the most popular neighborhoods in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district are in Carrboro. They may have a Chapel Hill address but that’s just the post office. They are in the Town of Carrboro, Lake Hogan Farms Claremont Winmore Sunset Creek Wexford Cates Farm Bolin creek Roberson Place Quarterpath Trace Parkslope In today’s competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Chapel Hill with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you’re thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Please browse my website for listings, reports and important local real estate information. Sincerely, Marianne Howell Wright, owner and broker with Triangle Area Real Estate and member of the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors. 919-274-4365 ready for a swim Quick Links Summer is over and the pools are closed. Where are indoor pools in Chapel Hill? Town of Chapel Hill has 2 Indoor  Pools UNC’s Bowman Gray Indoor Pool Chapel Hill Carrboro YMCA UNC Wellness Center Hollow Rock Swim and Racquet Club Summer is over and the pools are closed. Where are indoor pools in Chapel Hill? We have a pretty good selection of indoor pools for year around swimming. Take a look at my list below and let me know if I missed any. You may also be interested in my page describing which Chapel Hill neighborhoods have neighborhood pools. Town of Chapel Hill has 2 Indoor  Pools Swimming is available with a daily pass or you can purchase packages. We are lucky to have 2 great indoor pools provided by the Town of Chapel Hill Chapel Hill Community Center Pool 110 South Estes Drive, Chapel Hill (located across from the main Post Office) You can’t see it from the road it’s well hidden. It’s been recently renovated. Telephone: 968-2790 Homestead Aquatic Center (919.968.2799)  is fairly new and nice. It’s right off MLK Drive  and located in Homestead Park. There is also an indoor pool at the Orange County Sportsplex in Hillsborough UNC’s Bowman Gray Indoor Pool If you are a student or a full or part time employee of UNC you are eligible to use the Bowman Gray Indoor Pool. The web site has information about fees and schedules . Beware of the campus parking problem! Remember buses are free and there are lots of park and ride lots around. This Olympic-length pool includes two 50-meter, six 25 meter, and six 25 yard lanes and is accessible through the Woollen men’s and women’s locker rooms. Chapel Hill Carrboro YMCA The indoor pool for the Chapel and Carrboro YMCA is located on MLK near the Estes Rd. intersection. It’s been there for a very long time. I remember taking my plump 6 month old for baby swimming lessons in the 1980’s. So many memories of the Y, it was the only indoor pool in town back then. Here is a link to membership information UNC Wellness Center UNC Wellness Center This is my first choice now. The UNC Wellness Center is a wonderful facility and has the whole package. Swim, walk ,use the weight machines, have a massage, take a class then go over to Brixx for lunch and have a healthy salad or because you have worked out so hard have a pizza and beer. Hollow Rock Swim and Racquet Club This is a good location if you live on the North side of town and like to swim laps. Hollow Rock has been around for a long time. The club has a  25-meter 8 lane heated lap pool that is open year round. During the colder months the lap pool is protected by a high quality “bubble”, making swimming possible year-round. If you know of any other indoor pools in Chapel Hill please let me know. by Marianne Howell Wright Google+ Quick Links Don’t wait for Spring to Sell Your Home Checklists Start with photos Exterior Inside The Professional Photographer Video Let me know if you want me to help! Don’t wait for Spring to Sell Your Home Is Fall the Right Time to Sell your Home? Due Diligence and the NC Offer to Purchase and Contract Contract to Settlement and Closing in NC The holidays are over and it’s time to think about what needs to be done now to put the house on the market this Spring. We have a very seasonal market here in the Triangle Area of NC but don’t wait until March or April to list your house. Buyers are out and looking in February and listing your house in February will give you an advantage over those who wait. So get your house ready to sell now! If you have been watching HGTV you may already have your home ready to go.  Buyers have been watching too and want a pinterest perfect updated home. There are things you can do to make a dated home look fresh. Checklists I have some printed room by room house selling checklists if you are the checklist loving type of person. Download them here. You may want to join Angies List for specials and suggestions for contractors. My clients have generally had good experiences. Start with photos The way I usually start when I am preparing to put a house on the market is to walk through and make notes and take a lot of photos. Inside and outside. It’s really about the photos these days. When buyers are looking for a new home they start early looking at listings on line. The better the quality and the more photos the more likely your home will catch their eye, be shown and sell. So that’s where I start. The photos show me what needs to go in (and out of) a room and where furniture needs to    rearranged to make the best presentation possible. Our eyes will fool us that the rooms look good when there is still a lot more work to be done. Exterior Add bright color for the photos I almost always recommend having the outside of the home and deck power washed, screens removed and the windows washed. Sparkling windows bring light inside and give the house a new feeling. Paint the house if it needs it. It will look well cared for and you will get a higher price. It’s a good idea to give the deck a coat of semi-transparent stain in a light neutral wood color. Sherwin Williams Banyan Brown SW3522 is good. Only one coat though so it looks natural. Painters often will say it needs two-don’t do it! You want the deck to look new and natural not painted because it’s old. Trim the bushes and add flowers and fresh mulch to the beds. (in that order, you’ll mess up the mulch with soil if you plant later). Don’t skimp on the mulch. If you are a do it yourselfer you can order a load of mulch delivered for $150-$200. Spread it thick. Paint or re-stain the front door and buy a couple of pots for each side of the front door. Plant a green arborvitae or spruce pine in each and plant pansies around the base of the plant. Buy a new door mat. I like the rubber mats that look like wrought iron. They don’t get wet or shed and look great. New door mat Put new cushions on the porch furniture. Even if it’s cold and wet outside stage your deck and screened porch for the photos. Deck stained and staged If you have a lawn service make sure they do the spring maintenance as early as possible. You want the greenest grass in the neighborhood when the house goes on the market. Have the greenest grass in the neighborhood Then take some outside photos and see what you’ve missed. Make those adjustments. Inside I basically do the same thing. Get out all of the clutter. Rent a storage unit and buy lots of plastic tubs.Only keep out a few of the kids toys and books (the ones that are colorful and look new). Remember your house is a product for sale. Make the kids rooms look like a magazine. Kids room Have a deep cleaning. Baseboards, cabinets, closets. Paint any rooms and trim that look tired. It’s worth it, you’ll get your money back with a higher price and quick sale. Buyers love hardwoods so take up your rugs and carpets and let the floors shine. Take up the rugs and let the floors shine You can get your bathroom grout refinished. Your bathroom may not be updated but it will look clean and a buyer will think “I can live with that for a while”. Have your grout refinished I’m sure you have heard that’s it’s important to neutralize and that’s true to a point. You don’t want plain vanilla though because you need a bright focal point of color in each room for the photos. A bowl of green apples in the kitchen with a few other green accessories to tie it together (or red apples or oranges etc) just one color in each room. A few throw pillows on the bed with towels in the same color in the bath. Same with soaps and other accessories. Buy for the color and think how it will look in the all important photos online. Even a vacant house needs a spot of color After you think it looks great take more photos and see what you’ve missed. The Professional Photographer Now you have seen the photos and the final touches are perfect. It’s time for the professional photographer. You want your rooms photographed. Pinterest perfect . Buyers are scrolling through houses online and they pick the houses they want to see based on the photos. Photos have to be great to give you the competitive advantage. If you don’t get the most showings you won’t get the opportunities for a high priced sale. Video I like video and think it is an essential addition to the marketing plan. It’s a second tier to the photos though. It all starts with the photos. The photos will be the basis for the homes web site, brochures, MLS data feed, national real estate sites and postcards. When you shoot your video don’t just walk through and give a tour. Pick out some of the great features of the home and demonstrate them so your video is a compliment to the photos. There are many components for marketing your home including a good Realtor to get the buzz going 🙂 Let me know if you want me to help! [contact-form-7 id=”285″ title=”Contact form 1″] Quick Links Chapel Hill Chicken Ordinance (no roosters) Carrboro’s Chicken Regulations Neighborhood Homeowners Associations Covenants Not in a Neighborhood If you are thinking about having chickens pecking in your back yard you aren’t alone. It was about 5 or 6 years ago that I was looking at the Meetup.com site to see what meetups were happening in the area. I was surprised to see a chicken and egg exchange meetup with 50 members signed up. That gave me a big clue that chickens were happening in the Triangle. A few months later I was shopping in Costco and what did I see? A chicken coop, in stylish plastic like a Little Tykes toy. Except it wasn’t a toy. I knew then chickens are a big deal. The Raleigh  Durham Backyard Poultry Meetup Group has over 800 members! You can find resources and friends interested in chickens there. The towns are catching up with their laws, chickens are allowed in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Neighborhood HOA’s are still restrictive. Here are some things to consider if you want to raise chickens in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Chapel Hill Chicken Ordinance (no roosters) For residential zoning. The Town of Chapel Hill Chicken Ordinance: Agriculture, female chicken:  The use of land for the keeping of female chickens in accordance with the following regulations: (1)   No person shall allow his or her female chickens to run at large. (2)   It shall be unlawful for any person to keep more than ten (10) female chickens. (3)   Female Chickens must be kept a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the nearest residence other than that of the owner and may not be kept between the street and a line drawn parallel to the street facing walls of a residence. (4)   All female chicken houses and lots must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. (5)   It shall be unlawful to raise female chickens for commercial purposes.” Carrboro’s Chicken Regulations Carrboro may be revising it’s chicken ordinance. There have been complaints that the law is arbitrary and unfair. 10,000 sq ft (see below) doesn’t relate to the number of chickens and how much room they need. What I really think is strange is that the eggs can only be consumed by the people who live on that lot.  It would be illegal to give away eggs or even make a friend an omelet! No barn, cage, pen, or similar structure used for the keeping of rabbits or fowl shall be erected or maintained within 15 feet of any property line or street right-of-way line. (1) The tract where such livestock are kept shall consist of at least 10,000 square feet. (2) Such livestock may be kept only (i) on a lot used for residential purposes and only for the consumption of persons who reside at that lot, or (ii) on a common open space area within a residential development with the written permission of the owner of such common space land accompanied by a copy of association minutes reflecting the approval decision, and only for the  consumption of persons who reside within that residential development. Such livestock may not be kept for commercial purposes. (Amend. 10/6/09) Neighborhood Homeowners Associations Covenants Many people want to be in a neighborhood and ask me what neighborhoods allow chickens. It’s not that easy to tell. This is where you have to be really careful. Read the covenants before buying. Check to see if there have been any amendments to the covenants. HOA covenants may not allow (usually don’t) poultry. Even if the covenants don’t mention poultry they may address outbuildings and the need for approval. The association may deny your request for a chicken coop. If you see chickens in the neighborhood that doesn’t mean they are allowed. The neighbors may be overlooking them but that doesn’t mean your neighbors will. Even new green and environmentally friendly neighborhoods may not allow poultry. When a developer plans the neighborhood covenants they will often use boiler plate covenants that they adapt for the neighborhood. The poultry and live stock restrictions are already in the covenants and they don’t think about taking them out. Here is a great guide to Carrboro HOA’s and their restrictions. Use as an initial screening but don’t substitute for research and reading the covenants. If chickens are the deciding factor in buying your home you should get an attorney to read the covenants if you don’t think they are clear. There can be conflicting information in the covenants. Not in a Neighborhood Homes listed in the MLS as not in a neighborhood will not have restrictive covenants. That is your best bet for having chickens. You would only be subject to the town ordinances. Lot of older houses right in town in Carrboro and Chapel Hill fall in this category so you don’t have to be out in the country to have chickens. If you want me to help you as a buyers agent I can set a search for homes not in a neighborhood as a start. I hope this makes it a little more clear about raising chickens in Chapel Hill and Carrboro! 1 2 3 Next Page » ================================================================================ # Page: /southern-village/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/southern-village/ # Summary: Home » Southern Village Southern Village Street Scene Quick Links Home » Southern Village Southern Village Street Scene Quick Links Neighborhood Video About Southern Village The History of Southern Village Walkable Neighborhood Prices in Southern Village Southern Village Club and Pool Schools in Southern Village Neighborhood Video [spatialmatch_map id=13 show_title=true width=100% height=650] About Southern Village Southern Village was developed in the 1990’s into the 2000’s. The neighborhood is modeled after an older neighborhood from the 1920’s a time when homes were close together with front porches and garages behind the home entering from alleys. This was a new concept for Chapel Hill. The developers started with the larger lots surrounding a park so it wasn’t such a big shock for a town used to large wooded lots on tree lined streets. As the neighborhood was developed with a commercial area and different builders building custom plans Southern Village became the best selling neighborhood in town. The neighborhood elementary school was brand new and mothers and fathers would walk their children to school and home visiting with friends along the way. Weekends would have a farmers market on the commons or a movie outside at night where neighbors would enjoy the summer weather. The pool, clubhouse, tennis courts and soccer fields are always busy and a great meeting place for friends. The main drawback of Southern Village is one of the things that also makes it desirable. The houses are very close together and the streets are rather narrow. This fosters community but some people just don’t feel comfortable living so close to neighbors. Also, there aren’t big play areas in the small yards Most residents don’t mind this though because there are acres of common area and walking trails along with sidewalks on both sides of the street. The History of Southern Village Southern Village was developed in the early 90s and was a new concept for Chapel Hill. The plan was to build a new old neighborhood reminiscent of the way people lived in the early part of the 20th century. There would be a Main Street (now Market Street) with shops restaurants and small businesses. Homes would have front porches and alleys for the garages in back. The neighborhood would be quite dense with approximately 300 acres with 90 acres of that green space. Southern Village would have 1150 housing units consisting of single family homes, condos, town homes and apartments. This type of neo traditional neighborhood had been done successfully in several parts of the US including Kentlands in Gathersburg Md. Before Southern Village was developed Chapel Hillians loved their large lots and trees. Here is a link to a detailed history of Southern Village. I along with others wondered if it would ever get off the ground.  My sister lived in Kentlands so I was familiar with the concept but Gaithersburg Md. was very different from Chapel Hill. It was also FLAT! The Southern Village property was very hilly and I just couldnt imagine how they would get all of those houses on small lots with all of that topography. Walkable Neighborhood As it turns out, they did and the neighborhood has been a great success. Clients that I have sold homes to in Southern Village love it. The walk-ability of the neighborhood with the trails, sidewalks and the wonderful commercial area make it a fun and friendly place to live. The commercial area includes several restaurants, many shops and businesses, a movie theater, church, day care center, elementary school, and common green where there is always something going on. Prices in Southern Village The neighborhood has been built out for several years so all homes for sale are resales. The neighborhood has condos (230 surrounding the commercial area) priced from the mid $100,000s (one bedroom one bath) to the upper $200,000s (3 bedrooms 2 baths). The 150 town homes in the neighborhood  are priced from the upper 200s (2 bedroom 2 bath with siding exterior) to the mid $400s (Brick) The neighborhood has 530 single family homes ranging in price from the 400s to over a million. Southern Village Club and Pool The Southern Village club, tennis and pool is open to everyone not just residents of Southern Village. Membership is $750 for a family. There is always something going on including swim and tennis lessons plus classes and activities for both adults and children. My friends especially love the yoga and Pilates classes. for more information visit the Southern Village pool and club membership web site. Schools in Southern Village Mary Scroggs Elementary Mary Scroggs Elementary in Southern Village There is an elementary school, Mary Scroggs, right in the neighborhood. Many children ride their bikes and walk to school. I love to see the colorful bikes lined up in front of the school. It’s just something you don’t see often these days. Mary Scroggs in Southern Village test scores Grey Culbreth Middle School The middle school , Culbreth, is adjacent to the neighborhood and children also walk and bike there. I recently went with a client on a school tour. Grey Culbreth was built in the 70’s and despite the age of the building it was sparkling clean. One thing that I noticed were the computers everywhere. Stations outside and inside classrooms and students working on laptops in the classrooms and in the library. Culbreth Middle School test scores Carrboro High Carrboro High is silver leed certified. Natural light abounds. The high school Carrboro High is the newest of the three Chapel Hill High Schools. It’s just a few years old and besides being academically excellent (SAT scores for reading, math and writing for 2010 was 1733)  the school itself is is North Carolinas first Leed certified high school and earned a silver rating. Southern Village Schools~Carrboro High test scores [listings market=”triangle” polygon=”$7f2295520eb12ef2073ac9fb189157c8″ polynames=”Southern Village” listingType=”residential” sortfield=”daysOnHJI” sortorder=”asc” pageSize=”20″ grid_size=”3″ map=”1″] By Marianne Howell Wright. Visit my Southern Village web site for more information. ================================================================================ # Page: /briar-chapel-update-december-2016/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/briar-chapel-update-december-2016/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Briar Chapel Update, Veranda Commercial and Infocenter 2016 is just about over. Recently, one of my clients told me that my videos don’t do Briar Chapel justice. I agree! It’s been 3 years since I have done a Briar Chapel video and the neighborhood is maturing in a great way. It... You are here: Home / Briar Chapel Update, Veranda Commercial and Infocenter 2016 is just about over. Recently, one of my clients told me that my videos don’t do Briar Chapel justice. I agree! It’s been 3 years since I have done a Briar Chapel video and the neighborhood is maturing in a great way. It’s definitely one of the best neighborhoods in the Triangle because of the location, close to the Town of Chapel Hill, amenities, great builders and the commercial center with medical, preschool, restaurants. The schools are excellent with a new high school and elementary school coming in 2020. Not a Cookie Cutter Neighborhood People are surprised when I point out the big street trees were planted just a few years ago. Trees grow fast in NC. That combined with the many different builders, parks and price ranges keep the neighborhood from having a cookie cutter look. When I did my first video only 100 families lived in Briar Chapel Now there are over 1000. Still, it’s less than half finished. I decided to video the neighborhood in a systematic way starting with the new commercial area at the entrance of the neighborhood. Then, a visit to the information center. With a neighborhood this large you need a plan and focus for a tour. Then a drive through while I tell you about the builders, parks and neighborhoods. Finally a visit with each builder to see the price ranges and features. This will take a while so I’ll be adding to this page into 2017. Briar Chapel Veranda Commercial Commercial Briar Chapel 3rd Phase Briar Chapel Commercial New Phase Briar Chapel Commercial Next Phase The streetscape on 15-501 is really changing with new phases of Briar Chapel commercial under construction now. I can’t wait to see what will be there! Briar Chapel Information Center Here is a transcript of this video: Marianne: Hi, I’m Marianne Howell Wright with Triangle Area Real Estate. Today we’re going to stop by the Briar Chapel Information Center. It’s a good place to start our tour of the neighborhood. It’s run by the developer, not the builders. And it’s where we can pick up a packet, learn about the neighborhood. We’ll also learn about the Residents for a Day program. Let’s run in and take a quick look and then go look at houses. Homes by Dickerson built the Information Center and it’s a real single family house. The entrance is on the side. The interior is really up to date. Gray cabinets have sort of taken over from white. This is an aerial map that I really like. It shows the relationships of Briar Chapel to the rest of the Triangle. We’re going to talk to Samantha and she’s going to tell us about the Resident for a Day program. Samantha: So Resident for a Day is a program we have here at Briar Chapel. You can come and rent out the bikes. We have two adult mountain bikes and two kid bikes and hit our 14 miles of trails. During the summer we can also give you pool passes and you can explore all that Briar Chapel has to offer. Marianne: So do they rent those bikes? Samantha: They are free so you can just come in, sign up online or give us a call and we can sign you up for a certain day that works best for you and you can take them out. Marianne: That would be good for somebody to plan it if they are coming to visit. Samantha: Yep, exactly. Marianne: Good. The interactive display is a new feature that can help you understand the neighborhood before you actually go out and look. You also get a packet of information with a map of the neighborhood, an inventory list, a list of the builders, a map of the trails, a newsletter about the events going on in the neighborhood, and school information. So now that we have checked out the Information Center let’s go look at some of the homes. This is Marianne Howell Wright with Triangle Area Real Estate in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. ================================================================================ # Page: /2667-2/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/2667-2/ # Summary: Home » Best Triangle Areas to Live Quick Links What are the Best Triangle Areas? Home » Best Triangle Areas to Live Quick Links What are the Best Triangle Areas? How do you decide what is best for you? Chapel Hill/Carrboro in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City School District. Chapel Hill/North Chatham County Cary Apex Holly Springs What are the Best Triangle Areas? Cary new home interior Raleigh and the Triangle are huge. Most of my clients choose to buy a home in Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex or Holly Springs. These areas are popular because they are convenient to RDU Airport, Research Triangle Park, Duke University, Downtown Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The schools are also ranked high in the State.  North Raleigh is also popular but commute times can be long depending on  traffic. Inside the Beltline in Raleigh is really nice but you have to have a big budget to live there. How do you decide what is best for you? School Buses Some of the factors that make a difference to my clients when making the decision of what town in the Triangle is best for them are inventory of available homes in their price range, location and commute times, schools, taxes, shopping, parks and walking trails, lot sizes, neighborhood amenities and characteristics of the town itself. That’s quite a list! Some clients start by taking my quiz. Where you should really live in the Triangle . Chapel Hill/Carrboro in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City School District. Chapel Hill Home Prices for a single family home average around $500,000. Taxes are highest in the Triangle $1640 a year per $100,000. Schools are excellent, stable and not capped Shopping and restaurants are more local than other areas of the Triangle Commute time to RDU airport and Research Triangle Park is around 25 minutes. Raleigh 35 minutes. Lots of Greenways and Parks , more hidden, not as manicured as Cary Almost no new homes, most homes dated and built in 90’s Lot sized larger in pre 2000’s neighborhoods Some neighborhoods have community pools. University town with lots of music and cultural activities. Popular neighborhoods include: Southern Village , Meadowmont , The Oaks, Lake Hogan Farms , Wexford, Sunset Creek Chapel Hill/North Chatham County Briar Chapel Great Meadows Park Briar Chapel is a favorite for clients because of amenities, new homes, low taxes, good schools. My average sales price for buyers is $385,000 Neighborhoods with larger lots(1 acre), average sales price $426,000,  include Fieldstone,  Westfall, Manns Crossing, Horizon, Harrison Grove, Heartland Grove (some have Pittsboro address but not in Pittsboro) Taxes $740 per $100,000 Schools Perry Harrison Elementary, Margaret Pollard Middle and Northwood High are good. Commute to RDU and RTP is 35-40 minutes. UNC 15 minutes, Duke 25 minutes. Briar Chapel has 14 miles of mountain bike and walking trails. 9 parks, a sports court and 2 saltwater pools and big clubhouse and fitness center. Lots are either small in a planned community or big with septic systems. Very good selection of new homes. Has country feel, but close to Chapel Hill Cary Weycroft, a Cary Neighborhood Prices for single family homes are in the 300’s and up with the best selection in the $500,000-$700,000. Schools are generally excellent, some with caps Some production builder new homes around $500,000. Custom builder new homes start in 700’s. Resales are hard to get under $350 because of multiple offers. Wonderful system of parks and greenways. Commute to RTP and RDU is excellent, less than 15 minutes Excellent shopping, new Whole Foods is West Cary, Southpoint Mall 15 minutes, Targets everywhere. Lots of big box and chains. Wide clean roads, manicured, trees Older homes (90’s) have larger lots new homes very small. Favorite neighborhoods: Preston Village, Amberly , Cary Park, Carpenter Village, Sedgefield , Copperleaf. and Highcroft Apex Preserve at White Oak in Apex Prices range from 300’s with most hew homes in the 450,000-$600,000 range. Excellent schools, some caps new neighborhoods and new schools. 20 minutes to RDU and Research Triangle Park. Cute little main street with restaurants, shops. Lots of events and festivals Nature Park, Sports Park, Skate Park Feels rural in areas. Lots of newer homes Shopping at Beaver Creek Commons (Target, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s etc. New Costco Favorite neighborhoods, Scotts Mill, Bella Casa, Salem Village, Arcadia. Many new developments under construction. Stillwater, Mckenzie Ridge, Saddlebrook, The Preserve at White Oak, Lake Castlebury , Green Level Estates, Enclave and Regency at White Oak. Holly Springs 12 Oaks Holly Springs Holly Springs is booming because of the new toll road I-540. I travel on that road showing clients the area and love it! The commute from the airport to many new developments is 25 minutes on a 70 mph straight road. It’s so easy to get around the Triangle from Holly Springs. Good schools. New schools. Cute tiny downtown with identity. Lots of new shopping and restaurants. New construction with prices much less than Cary. Favorite neighborhoods include Holly Grove, 12 Oaks (good amenities and golf), Woodcreek (great amenities), Sunset Ridge and  Sunset Oaks ================================================================================ # Page: /13-reasons-buy-resale-home/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/13-reasons-buy-resale-home/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Ten Reasons to Buy a Resale Home Quick Links You are here: Home / Ten Reasons to Buy a Resale Home Quick Links New vs Resale 1.  No decisions! It’s done 2.  You know how the house will look on the site 3.  The lots are often larger and the landscaping mature 4.  You know the price 5.  The builder kinks have been worked out 6.  The houses on your street are finished 7.  The neighborhood values are established 8.  No need to have temporary housing and move twice 9.  You don’t have to worry about the builders financial status 10.  You really like it, it feels like home! If you do want new construction Should you use a buyers agent for new construction and if so will the builder pay the commission? New vs Resale I love new construction but sometimes a resale home is the way to go. Here are ten reasons to buy a resale home. 1.  No decisions! It’s done Just move on in. Building can be stressful because of all the decisions.  You’ve saved hours of time avoiding design meetings and sleepless nights (worrying about your decisions). 2.  You know how the house will look on the site This is a big one. It’s hard to imagine many things from a plan. How many steps will the house have? Will there be a big ditch in the side yard?  Will the driveway be steep? Is it what you envisioned? If not, you will be living with it for a long time. Watch this video and see some of the possible pitfalls in choosing a home site. 3.  The lots are often larger and the landscaping mature These days, new homes come with very small lots unless you are out in the country with a septic system. Established neighborhoods have homes with lovely established landscaping. Often there are garden features and fenced yards. Trees grow and the bare new home site will look better in a few years but you may not want to wait. Many people buy a resale for the lot. Mature landscaping with a resale home 4.  You kno w the price I know, you think you are going to stick with the specs and stay on budget. It’s hard to do when you get to the design center and presented with all of those beautiful options that you have always wanted. The just a little more adds up to a lot more. [pullquote]The “just a little more” adds up to a lot more.[/pullquote] There is also more room for negotiation with a resale because the seller has built up equity over the years. With a new home the builder has to pay off a construction loan that was based on the appraised value. From the low 300’s? Could be. Depends on you. 5.  The builder kinks have been worked out In the first year a new home has warranty issues to be worked out with the builder. Building a new home involves many trades and is a complex puzzle that usually comes together as a wonderful new home. There is no perfect home and those pieces don’t always fit together as they should. Most problems with a new home come up in the first year. If you buy a newer resale these warranty kinks have been fixed and you don’t have to deal with messy builder call backs and contractors intruding on your time. 6.  The houses on your street are finished Think about the sound of hammers on an early Saturday morning or the roar of the dump truck going down the street. If friends come over there is nowhere to park because there is a pick up truck in every space. Sometimes my clients worry about their children darting out in the road and being hit because of all the construction traffic. It’s also nice to know what is around your home and that the other houses are as nice as yours. Trucks everywhere 7.  The neighborhood values are established A resale home in an established neighborhood has established property values. Past history is a good indication of future property values.This is a graph of the Southern Village neighborhood in Chapel Hill. 8.  No need to have temporary housing and move twice When you build a new home you will likely need to sell your current home before your home is finished because most builders will want contingencies removed before sheet rock. Moving twice is stressful. Temporary housing is shockingly expensive and usually not that nice. Temporary housing is expensive. 9.  You don’t have to worry about the builders financial status Custom builders often ask for a 10% deposit that isn’t earnest money but goes into their operating account. Even if you check the builder customer and client references your deposit can be at risk because there can be something going on with their business in another location or division that can put the builder out of business. Your house may not get finished and your money is gone. Read more about builder deposits. 10.  You really like it, it feels like home! This is usually the deciding factor. When my client says this house feels so homey I know it’s the one. If you do want new construction You will want to make sure your agent is familiar with new construction and is able to guide you through the process. Take a look at an article I wrote on my Chapel Hill Neighborhoods web site. Should you use a buyers agent for new construction and if so will the builder pay the commission? Marianne Howell Wright by Marianne Howell Wright Google+ ================================================================================ # Page: /how-safe-is-the-neighborhood/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/how-safe-is-the-neighborhood/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Neighborhood Safety Raleigh/Durham/Cary crime map You are here: Home / Neighborhood Safety Raleigh/Durham/Cary crime map How safe is the neighborhood in Chapel Hill that I’m considering? That’s a question I get asked a lot and it is difficult to tell from most online crime maps what are the safe areas and neighborhoods. Trulia is helping solve that problem with a neighborhood safety crime map that shows exactly where crime happens and what crime it was. You can go to a neighborhood you are thinking about and compare the neighborhood safety. I’ve looked around this site for a while and was surprised at some areas considered safe had much more crime than I would have expected. Crime really does occur in pockets. Chapel Hill The Chapel Hill Police have an apartment crime statistics page that lists apartment crimes. For Chapel Hill Neighborhoods call: Chapel Hill Police Information 919-968-2760 It’s also a good idea to check the national sex offender web site . If you are seriously considering a neighborhood I recommend knocking on a few doors or talk with neighbors you see out in their yards or walking a dog. Every neighborhood has a quirky person two so keep that in mind as you check things out. Neighborhoods also have personalities. Some have neighbors who are home and keep an eye on things during the day. Other neighborhoods clear out in the morning and are pretty deserted so take a look at your possible neighborhoods on weekdays as well as weekends, and several times a day to get a feeling what they are really like. If you have a question about a specific neighborhood just let me know and I’ll help you with your research. By Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 ================================================================================ # Page: /will-builders-negotiate-on-new-construction/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/will-builders-negotiate-on-new-construction/ # Summary: Home » Will Builders Negotiate on New Construction? Quick Links It Depends… Home » Will Builders Negotiate on New Construction? Quick Links It Depends… Real Estate is Local When negotiating on a new home, supply and demand is a big factor. Supply Demand National or local builders The Pre-sale Incentives Price discount Move in ready Timing Qualification The sweet spot is important [email protected] New Construction in the Triangle It Depends… Builders have a bottom line for negotiations that depends on supply and demand, their numbers, their financing, inventory on the ground, timing and your ability to buy with no contingencies. Real Estate is Local Real estate is a local business. The market in your city is likely different from the market in the Triangle. You should have a buyers agent familiar with new construction to help you. New home representation is a specialty and takes experience with new homes and different builders to know the sweet spot for negotiations. Make sure the builder knows you want representation so they will pay your agents fee. When negotiating on a new home, supply and demand is a big factor. Supply Raleigh is building more new single family homes than anywhere in US. According to Forbes, December 2015, The Triangle Area of NC (Raleigh)  has more  single-family new construction as a percentage of the existing housing base than any other  city on the country. Raleigh is #2 if you factor in multi family construction. So if you want a new home, move to the Triangle. Demand Lottery for Homes in Cary The demand for new homes in the Triangle is high too. Some neighborhoods in Cary are  pre-selling by lottery. You can look out over hundreds of homes, all pre-sold. There are no deals there. The builder reps say to make your best offer above the base price. A little farther out from the RDU Airport and RTP, in Apex, Holly Springs, and Chatham County there is new construction. The possibilities of negotiating are better there. National or local builders The Triangle has a variety of home builders. National, regional, semi regional, local and custom. Most are production builders. You can read about the differences on my page Who is the Best Builder in the Neighborhood? National builders are all about their numbers so if sales are slow or the neighborhood is just getting started you have a better chance to get free upgrades. Local custom builders seem to be more focused on the end of the year sales for reductions or incentives. The Pre-sale It’s really hard to negotiate on a pre-sale.  The builders will charge you a base price, add options and a lot premium. Some builders include much more than others and depending on the price  the same builder will include more options in the price in one neighborhood than another. Negotiations sometimes happen though. The buyers of the pre-sale above were able to get some seller concessions because the neighborhood was just getting started and we asked for them. It is hard to really know how much your home will cost with a pre sale because with a production builder you don’t choose the options until you are in the design center and you are already under contract at that point. When visiting a new home neighborhood I don’t pay much attention to the base price. I ask the on site agent to show me the model and an inventory home and compare the prices of each. I always ask how much the typical upgrades run for that builder in the neighborhood. With a production builder upgrades can be an extra 20%.Custom builders often include pretty much everything. Incentives Ashton Woods design center I always ask about incentives too. These could be an appliance package, design center options, or closing costs. Occasionally the incentive will a price reduction for a short period. The on site sales rep will sometimes tell me when incentives are going to change and what they will likely be so if a good deal is coming up we can wait or go ahead and make the offer with the new incentives. It’s very rare, but sometimes you can get something off or added upgrades plus the incentives especially in a neighborhood with several builders.  If the builder knows there is a good chance you’ll go down the street they are more likely to do something for you. I’m not talking about something really big like hardwood floors or a screened porch but maybe a refrigerator or a couple of thousand toward upgrades. I want to emphasize this is the exception because most builders have a firm policy not to deal on a pre sale. Price discount It is rare to have a discounted price because the builder needs to keep the appraisals up in the neighborhood and because they often have to borrow money to build the house and need certain ratios. Even if the builder is self financed they need the numbers to look right. Move in ready We used to call these specs. Some production builders only do pre-sales because they want to sell from a totally upgraded model and are selling a dream. Some custom builders don’t have the financial backing to do spec homes. If you want a deal, a move in ready home is what to buy. You can sometimes get extras when you buy the home before it is completed but a home sitting finished , especially a home sitting finished at the end of the year is ready for a deal. I would consider a good deal 1-6% off asking price with extras added in for the 1%-2% off. If the house has already been reduced you won’t get that much and maybe nothing as the builders have a bottom line that they won’t and sometimes can’t go below because of their financing. Timing Your timing and the builders timing can be a factor in negotiations. If you buy at the end of a quarter, the end of the year or the builders fiscal year (Google the builder to find out the year-end) you have a better chance to negotiate. If the builder is leaving a neighborhood they usually want to be completely out so the last home or two will go at a great price. With multi-family homes an investor may be able to pick several units at a big discount. Qualification If you are pre-approved and can close quickly on a finished home with no contingencies, make an offer. Because the house is finished, asking for options isn’t an option so ask for a price concession and anything that can be added. Sometimes it can be a washer/dryer, fence, window blinds, extra landscaping. The sweet spot is important This is my best advice. Know what the sweet spot is and don’t get greedy. If you ask for too much you likely won’t get anything. The sweet spot depends on the factors I discussed above. Realize that builders have a bottom line that depends on supply and demand, their numbers, their financing, inventory on the ground, timing and your ability to buy with no contingencies. Call me or email if you want buyer representation with a new home. Marianne Howell Wright 919-274-4365 [email protected] New Construction in the Triangle [spatialmatch_map id=38 show_title=true width=100% height=600] ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2017/03/construction.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/construction.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /selling-your-home/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/selling-your-home/ # Summary: Home » Stressed out about selling your home? Find out what to do first Quick Links The first step to getting your home sold~It had better be perfect! Home » Stressed out about selling your home? Find out what to do first Quick Links The first step to getting your home sold~It had better be perfect! It’s all about getting ready for the professional photos Blame it on HGTV Is staging really necessary? Why didn’t this townhome sell? It’s a retail product A pre-inspection is a good idea I’ll make a calendar~your schedule for preparing your home for the market Are you a keeper? Are you a minimalist? Download my tips and lists of things to do to get your home ready to sell It’s photo shoot day! Selling a house is complicated. It’s not throwing darts at a price and putting a sign in the yard. Those are the houses that sit on the market with price reduction after price reduction. In this series I am going to explain the necessary components involved in getting your home sold. It’s always easier to break down a big task into stages. Make a plan to make your home appealing to your target buyers Today I’m going to start with getting the home ready for the market and that means photo ready. The first step to getting your home sold~It had better be perfect! It’s all about getting ready for the professional photos The all important shoot will be about a week before your homes goes on the market. I’ve already talked about why professional photography is so important . Your target date to list your house may be in 6 months or it may be in 2 weeks. Together we’ll talk about strategic timing and set a date.  We will also make a plan to have your home picture perfect. Blame it on HGTV Buyers want a designer house so they come ready to look at homes with checklists of their must haves. In most cases my clients have spent months looking on line at homes and watched every episode of House Hunters. They have Pinterest boards-here is a link to mine. I think my grey is the new brown was from 2007. I wonder what will be the new Buyers have already ruled out many homes because the  photos are bad or the house needs updating. Many buyers are using all of their savings for a down payment and don’t have the money (or sometimes the imagination) to update after they move in. They are so picky! You may feel that you have lived in your home for 15 years and it’s just fine. Buyers will come in and pull it apart. She has been looking at homes on line for months! Is staging really necessary? It is now. During the past few years I have worked with more buyers than I ever have. If your home is well staged buyers want to stay, have a seat in the family room or the kitchen table and talk about an offer. One of my clients told me this summer that they may not have been interested in their new home if it wasn’t so well staged.  They love it and it was the staging that helped them imagine their family living there. I was sure to get that stagers card! If the house won’t be vacant when it’s listed I can help with staging. I’ll have you put accessories and pictures in one room when you are clearing out. Then I’ll spend a day arranging the furniture to open up the rooms and add the finishing touches that will add just the right amount of detail. Plain vanilla is as bad as clutter. If you move before putting your home on the market it’s worth it to pay someone to come in and stage. I can refer you to some excellent stagers. You will sell your home faster and for more money if it’s staged. It will be picture perfect! Why didn’t this townhome sell? You may recognize the townhome below from my HGTV House Hunters episode . My clients didn’t choose it. It really is a beautiful home but the furniture is arranged in a totally illogical way and there isn’t any color or pop. No wonder it didn’t sell!  The sellers were trying to sell the home FSBO and thought they were doing the right thing by getting rid of clutter. They just didn’t know that they needed to go to the next step and add personality back in. Their marketing photos were non professional too. Other well staged town homes in the neighborhood were selling fast but this one had few showings and no sale. It’s a retail product Your house is a retail product when you put it on the market, so just like in the best stores your home has to be displayed, photographed and advertised to appeal to your target buyers.  Together we’ll identify those buyers based on your neighborhood, home and my local experience. Everything we do to get your house ready will be focused on what those buyers want in a home.  I’ll have marketing specific to each buyer persona. After we have a picture of the future homeowner it’s time to get started clearing clutter and presenting your home to fit your potential buyers fantasy. Homebuyers Fantasy A pre-inspection is a good idea A pre-inspection can help identify possible problems and eliminate them. Recently I represented buyers who contracted to buy a house that hadn’t been preinspected. The seller didn’t want to spend the money for a pre inspection. I can understand that, the extra $400-$600 is a lot to spend when the house has been just fine. What the sellers didn’t realize was the contractor who had remodeled their bath had left a mess under the house. There was actually a leak and the sub-floor was wet and rotten. The contractor never got a final inspection.  The buyers inspector found the water issues when he pulled away insulation in the crawl space along with a whole list of other problems. Even though the sellers went right to work making repairs, the buyers waited until the last day of due diligence, 2 weeks before closing, and backed out. They were nervous there was other hidden damage. The sellers lost important time on the market. My clients found another wonderful home and the sellers never sold that house. I think they ended up renting it out. That’s sort of extreme but why take the chance after all of the work you have done getting the house ready for the market. So after your pre inspection I’ll help you with the schedule. I’ll make a calendar~your schedule for preparing your home for the market home marketing calendar I know, it’s overwhelming to think about everything that needs to be done before you put your house on the market. It’s my job to help you prioritize the tasks and help you with a schedule to make sure the house is ready on our target photo day. That’s about a week before the home goes in the MLS because all of my marketing depends on professional photos. I’ll make a Google calendar just for you with the important tasks you need to get done.  There is an order that seems to work and makes the process smoother. During this time I’ll be putting together the marketing so I can just pop the photos in when they are ready. Are you a keeper? Clearing the clutter one room at a time is the first step. This can be  hard to do if you are a keeper so I suggest you get a friend to help out or hire a college student to help. Sometimes they’ll be happy to have your giveaways, that can make the parting easier. Renting a storage unit is a good idea because the garage just won’t do. It has to be clutter free too. Try numbering your boxes and take a photo before closing them up. That can save a lot of digging around later! Are you a minimalist? You won’t have the clutter to worry about but you are probably a perfectionist so the calendar will be important to help you feel comfortable that you will be ready on the target day. Start preparing yourself for showings- you’ll have people walking on your clean floors, using your bathrooms and kids bouncing on your beds. Remember retail product… Download my tips and lists of things to do to get your home ready to sell This is a great check list. You won’t need to do everything so don’t be over whelmed. It’s more of a guide to give you ideas and help you to stay organized. Moving tips with checklists It’s photo shoot day! We’re ready! Your home will be on the market in about a week.  In part two of selling your home I’ll talk about the market analysis and how we came up with a price for your home. Call if you have questions! (919) 274-4365 or email [email protected] by Marianne Howell Wright Google+ ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/hammock-bend1.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/hammock-bend1.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/270-Bingham-Ridge-8.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/270-Bingham-Ridge-8.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fantisy.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fantisy.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/calender.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/calender.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/100_1384.jpg # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/100_1384.jpg # Summary: ================================================================================ # Page: /homes-sale-east-chapel-high-attendance-area/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/homes-sale-east-chapel-high-attendance-area/ # Summary: Home » Homes for sale in the East Chapel High Attendance Area Sometimes you may already know which high school is the one for your child. The map below just shows homes for sale in the East Chapel High school area. [listings market=”triangle” highSchool=”CH/Carrboro – East Chapel Hill” status=”ACTIV... Home » Homes for sale in the East Chapel High Attendance Area Sometimes you may already know which high school is the one for your child. The map below just shows homes for sale in the East Chapel High school area. [listings market=”triangle” highSchool=”CH/Carrboro – East Chapel Hill” status=”ACTIVE” listingType=”residential” pageSize=”15″ grid_size=”3″ sortfield=”listingDate” sortorder=”asc” map=”1″ pagination=”1″] ================================================================================ # Page: /contact/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/contact/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Contact Please let me know how I can help! You are here: Home / Contact Please let me know how I can help! 1-919-274-4365 My email address is [email protected] Also, phone or text are fine too 919-274-4365. Thanks, and I hope I hear from you! Marianne ================================================================================ # Page: /condos-in-chapel-hill/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/condos-in-chapel-hill/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Condos in Chapel Hill Fannie Mae Compliant` Presque Isle Villas You are here: Home / Condos in Chapel Hill Fannie Mae Compliant` Presque Isle Villas There are lots of condos in Chapel Hill.  Lots of different price ranges, sizes and styles. A condo is a form of legal ownership not a building style. In a condo the interior space of a unit is individually owned with the land and parts of the building owned in common with the other owners. Condos in Chapel Hill usually specify individual ownership as “paint to paint” but this varies by community and is detailed in the Declaration of Condominium which is recorded in the court house along with the by-laws, restrictions and covenants. A condo is different from a town home (another legal form of ownership) because in a town home the land under the home is owned individually and there may be common grounds owned collectively. Quick Links Why it it so hard to finance condos in Chapel Hill? FHA Federal National Mortgage Association ( Fannie Mae) So what condos in Chapel Hill are FHA approved and Fannie Mae compliant? Why it it so hard to finance condos in Chapel Hill? When I am contacted by a potential buyer who asks about condos in Chapel Hill I always take a deep breath because I know I will have to explain why it is so hard to obtain financing on some condos in Chapel Hill (although not all). I’m tempted to just say trust me, condo approval has to be on a case by case basis, there are no easy answers, but if you are interested here is a brief explanation. Back in the days of easy real estate money, when just about anyone could get a loan with no money down, FHA loans (government insured loans) weren’t especially popular in Chapel Hill because there was really no need. FHA The Village Green Condos in Chapel Hill are recently FHA approved. This makes them more valuable. Then when lending standards became tight in around 2007 buyers started to really consider FHA loans because of the low money down, lower closing costs and easier credit qualifying parameters. Not many condo developments had gone through the FHA approval process (lots of paperwork ,time and often improvements required) but financing was still possible through an approval for the individual condo being sold called a spot approval. Since 2010 spot approvals are no longer allowed by the FHA.  All condo neighborhoods FHA approved before 2008 were required to be re-certified and then then approvals have to be re-certified every 2 years. This is expensive for the associations and  they just aren’t being done by many condo associations. If an FHA approval expires you won’t be able to get the loan so it is important to check to see the status of condos you are interested in. Even if a condo development is approved, FHA also requires that 51% of the condominium units  be owner occupied. This is a big problem because the count can change from day to day so make sure your agent knows to check on the ratio before contract and also keeps track of any pending units and possible rentals if the ratio is close. You don’t want your loan denied on closing day because the ratios have changed. Federal National Mortgage Association ( Fannie Mae) Fannie Mae  is a private corporation sponsored by the government that buys mortgages from lenders and guarantees loans. If the condo isn’t Fannie Mae compliant (called a non warrantable loan) you probably  won’t be able to get financing on the condo. Fannie Mae has requirements that the HOA has to meet such as amounts of reserve funds, no litigation against the association and occupancy requirements. So what condos in Chapel Hill are FHA approved and Fannie Mae compliant? FHA approved condos in Chapel Hill that are approved today, December 9, 2013 are: (Click on the condo name to see condos for sale in the neighborhood.) FINLEY FOREST CONDOS A002217 001 341 FINLEY FOREST CIRCLE CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 ORANGE HRAP APPROVAL REINSTATED 6/6/96 FOR ALL PHASES (1-62) BASED ON FIELD REVIEW BY OFFICIALS FROM THIS OFFICE. None Recorded/ Uploaded No 3.49% Approved 06/18/2012 06/18/2014 PROVIDENCE GLEN A006193 001 500 PROVIDENCE GLEN DRIVE CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514 ORANGE HRAP 192 units None Recorded/ Not Uploaded No 0.52% Approved 04/11/2012 04/11/2014 VILLAS AT CULP ARBOR A005872 001 CULP HILL DRIVE CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 CHATHAM DELRAP Buildings 1-2-3-4-5. None Recorded/ Uploaded No 4.68% Approved 02/24/2012 02/24/2014 T hat’s it! As you can see there aren’t many FHA approved condos. If the condo is FHA approved it still has to be compliant so check with your lender. To check which condos are Fannie Mae compliant you really need to check with a good local lender. Your agent can help with this by obtaining the sellers HOA disclosure and checking with the condo association to find out the investor concentration in the development and providing this to the lender. If the condos are not FHA or Fannie Mae approved you will need CASH to buy. By Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /statistics/88-2/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/statistics/88-2/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Market Data / You are here: Home / Market Data / Meadowmont Meadowmont homes on the market now What I like most is that Meadowmont is a walkable neighborhood  just 3 miles from the center of town in Chapel Hill. Meadowmont Village has it’s own commercial area designed like a tiny main street. There is a fitness Center in the community as well as a Harris Teeter grocery. Meadowmont is located at the HWY 54 entrance to Chapel Hill just a couple of miles from UNC and a couple of miles from I-40. The neighborhood is approximately 450 acres including a commercial area, homes, town homes,condos and apartments along with the Cedars, a continuing care community. Rashkis Elementary school is in the neighborhood. Meadowmont is all about convenience. Residents love to walk to shopping restaurants and to school. The UNC Wellness Center is located in Meadowmont and is a wonderful facility. The  Wellness Center put out an excellent map of the trails and distances around Meadowmont. Meadowmont trail map ================================================================================ # Page: /southern-village/neighborhoods-near-southern-village-pool/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/southern-village/neighborhoods-near-southern-village-pool/ # Summary: Home » Southern Village » Neighborhoods near Southern Village Pool Home » Southern Village » Neighborhoods near Southern Village Pool [spatialmatch_map id=34 width=100% height=650] ================================================================================ # Page: /newsletter/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/newsletter/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Newsletter I thought I’d include some of my past newsletters. You are here: Home / Newsletter I thought I’d include some of my past newsletters. ================================================================================ # Page: /chatham-county-schoolshomes-sale/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/chatham-county-schoolshomes-sale/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Chatham County Schools~Homes for Sale Homes for Sale in the Chatham County School District You are here: Home / Chatham County Schools~Homes for Sale Homes for Sale in the Chatham County School District There are a great selection of homes for sale in the Chatham County School District. Prices are great and the schools are good. The best schools based on test scores are in the North Chatham County area.  The most popular schools are those closest to Chapel Hill including Perry Harrison Elementary, North Chatham Elementary, Margaret Pollard Middle and Northwood High School. Here is a link to detailed information about the Chatham County schools . I hope you enjoy my map and all of the lifestyle features. [spatialmatch_map id=4 show_title=true width=100% height=650] ================================================================================ # Page: /174-2/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/174-2/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Watch Out! Your credit will be repulled prior to closing It’s a different time for loans these days! You are here: Home / Watch Out! Your credit will be repulled prior to closing It’s a different time for loans these days! Recently buyers have been turned down for their loan at the last minute because of a change in their credit score.  Be careful, pay your bills on time and don’t make any new purchases before closing. It could cost you your new house and earnest money. LOAN QUALITY INITIATIVE FANNIE MAE REQUIRES CREDIT TO BE REPULLED PRIOR TO CLOSING Fannie Mae requires that lenders re-pull credit on all mortgage application submitted beginning June 1, 2010. This is to verify that borrowers have not taken on new debt during the underwriting phase of the mortgage. If new debts are found, the mortgage is subject to a re-underwrite and a possible turndown. Even if your loan has been fully approved, the re-pulled credit will validate: Current Debits – additional credit or increased balances that change debit-to-income ratios more than 2% will require the loan to be suspended and re-submitted to underwriting. Credit Score – if the FICO has dropped below minimum lending standards, the loan may be denied subject to a new loan-level pricing adjustment. Loan level pricing adjustments are mandatory loan fees based on your credit score. Credit Inquiry – has applicant applied for credit elsewhere? Any and all inquires from other lenders or credit suppliers must be verified that no new debit was opened. New debit must be included in the borrower’s ratios and loan must be re-underwritten. The Loan Quality Initiative improves Fannie Mae’s loan pools for selling to the secondary markets. Unfortunately, it’ll mean more loan denials for mortgage applicants. It is important for homebuyers to take extra care of their credit between the time of application and the time of closing. A supposedly cleared-to-close loan can be revoked at the eleventh hour. ================================================================================ # Page: /mls-map-search-2/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/mls-map-search-2/ # Summary: You are here: Home / MLS Map Search [spatialmatch_map id=1 width=100% height=650] You are here: Home / MLS Map Search [spatialmatch_map id=1 width=100% height=650] ================================================================================ # Page: /meadowmont-of-chapel-hill/hoa-documents/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/meadowmont-of-chapel-hill/hoa-documents/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood / You are here: Home / Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood / Meadowmont HOA Documents Home Owner Association Documents Right Click to Download and Save Quick Links Articles of Incorporation Declaration of Rights, Restrictions, Affirmative Obligations and Conditions Applicable to all Property in Meadowmont Meadowmont Village Covenants Bylaws (for condos only) Declaration of Condominium Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Mixed-Use Buildings Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions of the Meadowmont Community Association, Inc. and Meadownmont Development Company Ask me a question! Articles of Incorporation Declaration of Rights, Restrictions, Affirmative Obligations and Conditions Applicable to all Property in Meadowmont Meadowmont Village Covenants Bylaws (for condos only) Declaration of Condominium Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Mixed-Use Buildings Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions of the Meadowmont Community Association, Inc. and Meadownmont Development Company Ask me a question! [contact-form 1 “Contact form 1”] ================================================================================ # Page: /meadowmont-of-chapel-hill/unc-wellness-center-at-meadowmont/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/meadowmont-of-chapel-hill/unc-wellness-center-at-meadowmont/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood / You are here: Home / Meadowmont, a Walkable Chapel Hill Neighborhood / UNC Wellness Center Quick Links UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont Living in Meadowmont is convenient My experience with the UNC Wellness Center First a tour of the facilities All members have access to a free 45 minute health evaluation On to the Equipment Orientation Take a tour and see what you think. UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont UNC Wellness Center Living in Meadowmont is convenient One of the great things about living in Meadowmont is convenience. The UNC Wellness Center  is open to the community and includes a fitness center along with programs and resources promoting good health. No need to have a dedicated fitness room at home. Have a swim, workout with weights take a fitness class or relax with a massage all just down the street from your home in Meadowmont. My experience with the UNC Wellness Center Take a look at the website . There is something for everyone. I’ll tell you what is is like for me. I’ve had pretty much experience at the UNC Wellness Center. One of my clients and now friend bought and sold homes with me and is the Lifestyle Enhancement Director at the UNC Wellness Center. (she and her husband are in the video) .When we met I decided to join and improve my fitness. I’m not very athletic and this was a big step for me. First a tour of the facilities I was really surprised to see all that was in that 52,000 sq ft. building. It’s architecturally beautiful with open spaces and big windows looking out onto pretty landscaping. When you walk in you see a posting of classes, both fitness and health related. It’s busy there with people of all ages checking in and working out. Straight ahead is the strength training and cardio workout room. One section of the space can be closed off and is used by the UNC Hospitals cardiac rehabilitation. Those defibrillators hanging on the wall kind of made me feel more secure. One whole side of the UNC Wellness Center is devoted to massage rooms, a big physical therapy room, demonstration kitchen for nutritional classes, and a multipurpose room. The 25 ft. pool is the home of water aerobics classes. I only went to those once. I thought it would be an easier workout than the upstairs aerobics classes but it was rough! I never went back and stuck to the weights and walking around the inside track which is on the 2nd floor circling around the whole building going around workout and spinning rooms. All members have access to a free 45 minute health evaluation You’ll need to fast for 4 hours before the evaluation because it includes a cholesterol and blood sugar test. You will have strength assessments and body fat and weight checks. I wasn’t as unfit as I had imagined. I guess running up and down many sets of stairs and in and out of the car every day is a pretty good workout. On to the Equipment Orientation After the Health Evaluation it was on to the hour long equipment orientation. A trainer demonstrated all of the machines and showed us how to use the fitlinxx computer used to keep track of settings and workouts. There are lots of free clinics to go on and learn more about the equipment. There is also a starter personal training package of 3 sessions for $180. I did that to get my goals established and decide on a plan and how to work it. Take a tour and see what you think. I especially like that there are no contracts. You can pay by the month or by the year. Take a tour and tell me what you think. There is so much more to the UNC Wellness center at Meadowmont than I can tell you in this blog post. Call Judy Rawlins, Membership Services Representative at 843-3275 by Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /sunset-creek/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/sunset-creek/ # Summary: Home » Sunset Creek Sunset Creek Pool Sunset Creek is one of my favorite Chapel Hill Neighborhoods. It is actually located in the Carrboro planning district but has a Chapel Hill address. It is in the Chapel Hill/Carborro School District which is rated as best in the state. Home » Sunset Creek Sunset Creek Pool Sunset Creek is one of my favorite Chapel Hill Neighborhoods. It is actually located in the Carrboro planning district but has a Chapel Hill address. It is in the Chapel Hill/Carborro School District which is rated as best in the state. Back in the mid 90’s I worked with the developer and builders as marketing director for the neighborhood so I have fond memories of watching the first homes go up and I spent many afternoons walking the streets showing the homes to future buyers. One of the best things about Sunset Creek is the size. There are only 68 homes, just enough to have a real neighborhood feel but also not a sea of houses. The pool, playground, clubhouse and common area bring neighbors together. By Marianne Howell Wright ================================================================================ # Page: /loan-approval-dos-and-donts/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/loan-approval-dos-and-donts/ # Summary: Home » Loan Approval Do’s and Don’ts Here is a list of helpful tips From Susan Trimmer with Towne Mortgage of the Carolinas to ensure a virtually effortless loan approval. These DO’S and DON’Ts will help your buyers avoid delays in getting their Home » Loan Approval Do’s and Don’ts Here is a list of helpful tips From Susan Trimmer with Towne Mortgage of the Carolinas to ensure a virtually effortless loan approval. These DO’S and DON’Ts will help your buyers avoid delays in getting their loan approved. Don’t Don’t make a major purchase (car, boat, jewelry). Don’t apply for new credit (even if it says preapproved). Don’t open a new credit card. Don’t transfer any balances from one account to another. Don’t pay off charge offs without a discussion with the Loan Officer first. Don’t pay off collections without a discussion with the Loan Officer first. Don’t buy any furniture. Don’t close any credit card accounts. Don’t change bank accounts. Don’t max out or over charge on credit cards accounts. Don’t consolidate your debt onto 1 or 2 credit cards. Don’t take out a new loan. Don’t start any home improvement projects Don’t finance any elective medical procedure. Don’t open a new cell phone account. Don’t join a new fitness club Don’t pay off any loans or credit cards without discussing it with the Loan Officer first. DO Do continue making mortgage or rent payments. Do stay current on all existing accounts. Do continue working at current employer. Do keep the same insurance company. Do continue living at current residence. Do continue to use credit as normal. Do call the Loan Officer if you have any questions Marianne Howell Wright~Your Triangle and Chapel Hill Neighborhood expert ================================================================================ # Page: /agency-disclosure-in-nc/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/agency-disclosure-in-nc/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Agency Disclosure in NC By Marianne Howell Wright You are here: Home / Agency Disclosure in NC By Marianne Howell Wright Agency disclosure in NC has been required by the Real Estate Commission since the mid 1990’s. There was a good reason for this. When I first moved to NC in 1979 my husband and I had a real estate agent who helped us buy our first house. He was really nice but in those days there was no buyer agency or disclosure of agency. We thought he was OUR agent but at that time all real estate agents represented the seller. We had no idea that was the case and took his advise about what to offer on the town home we purchased. It was new construction and he told us that new construction sold for full price in the Chapel Hill market. That was generally the case but when I found out the next year in my NC real estate licensing class that he was required to get the best price for the seller I worried for a long that we had over paid. NC now has required agency disclosure. I’ve included the disclosure below. Do you know who “your” agent represents? If you haven’t told “your” agent you want to be represented by them as a buyer’s agent “your” agent is an agent of the seller and required to get the best price and terms for the seller. The NC Real Estate Commission requires that agents explain the following agency brochure at first substantial contact and have proof in their file that they have done so. Agency disclosure in NC is explained in the brochure  below. Working With Real Estate Agents~Agency Disclosure in NC When buying or selling real estate, you may find it helpful to have a real estate agent assist you. Real estate agents can provide many useful services and work with you in different ways. In some real estate transactions, the agents work for the seller. In others, the seller and buyer may each have agents. And sometimes the same agents work for both the buyer and the seller. It is important for you to know whether an agent is working for you as your agent or simply working with you while acting as an agent of the other party. This brochure addresses the various types of working relationships that may be available to you. It should help you decide which relationship you want to have with a real estate agent. It will also give you useful information about the various services real estate agents can provide buyers and sellers, and it will help explain how real estate agents are paid. SELLERS Seller’s Agent If you are selling real estate, you may want to “list” your property for sale with a real estate firm. If so, you will sign a “listing agreement” authorizing the firm and its agents to represent you in your dealings with buyers as your seller’s agent. You may also be asked to allow agents from other firms to help find a buyer for your property. Be sure to read and understand the listing agreement before you sign it. Duties to Seller: The listing firm and its agents must • promote your best interests • be loyal to you • follow your lawful instructions • provide you with all material facts that could influence your decisions • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and • account for all monies they handle for you. Once you have signed the listing agreement, the firm and its agents may not give any confidential information about you to prospective buyers or their agents without your permission. But until you sign the listing agreement, you should avoid telling the listing agent anything you would not want a buyer to know. Services and Compensation: To help you sell your property, the listing firm and its agents will offer to perform a number of services for you. These may include • helping you price your property • advertising and marketing your property • giving you all required property disclosure forms for you to complete • negotiating for you the best possible price and terms * reviewing all written offers with you and • otherwise promoting your interests. For representing you and helping you sell your property, you will pay the listing firm a sales commission or fee. The listing agreement must state the amount or method for determining the commission or fee and whether you will allow the firm to share its commission with agents representing the buyer. Dual Agent You may even permit the listing firm and its agents to represent you and a buyer at the same time. This “dual agency relationship” is most likely to happen if an agent with your listing firm is working as a buyer’s agent with someone who wants to purchase your property. If this occurs and you have not already agreed to a dual agency relationship in your listing agreement, your listing agent will ask you to sign a separate agreement or document permitting the agent to act as agent for both you and the buyer. It may be difficult for a dual agent to advance the interests of both the buyer and seller. Nevertheless, a dual agent must treat buyers and sellers fairly and equally. Although the dual agent owes them the same duties, buyers and sellers can prohibit dual agents from divulging certain confidential information about them to the other party. Some firms also offer a form a dual agency called “designated agency” where one agent in the firm represents the seller and another agent represents the buyer. This option (when available) may allow each “designated agent” to more fully represent each party. If you choose the “dual agency” option, remember that since a dual agent’s loyalty is divided between parties with competing interests, it is especially important that you have a clear understanding of * what your relationship is with the dual agent and * what the agent will be doing for you in the transaction. BUYERS When buying real estate, you may have several choices as to how you want a real estate firm and its agents to work with you. For example, you may want them to represent only you (as a buyer’s agent). You may be willing for them to represent both you and the seller at the same time (as a dual agent). Or you may agree to let them represent only the seller (seller’s agent or subagent). Some agents will offer you a choice of these services. Others may not. Buyer’s Agent Duties to Buyer: If the real estate firm and its agents represent you, they must • promote your best interests • be loyal to you • follow your lawful instructions • provide you with all material facts that could influence your decisions • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and • account for all monies they handle for you. Once you have agreed (either orally or in writing) for the firm and its agents to be your buyer’s agent, they may not give any confidential information about you to sellers or their agents without your permission. But until you make this agreement with your buyer’s agent, you should avoid telling the agent anything you would not want a seller to know. Unwritten Agreements: To make sure that you and the real estate firm have a clear understanding of what your relationship will be and what the firm will do for you, you may want to have a written agreement. However, some firms may be willing to represent and assist you for a time as a buyer’s agent without a written agreement. But if you decide to make an offer to purchase a particular property, the agent must obtain a written agency agreement. If you do not sign it, the agent can no longer represent and assist you and is no longer required to keep information about you confidential. Furthermore, if you later purchase the property through an agent with another firm, the agent who first showed you the property may seek compensation from the other firm. Be sure to read and understand any agency agreement before you sign it. Services and Compensation: Whether you have a written or unwritten agreement, a buyer’s agent will perform a number of services for you. These may include helping you • find a suitable property • arrange financing • learn more about the property and • otherwise promote your best interests. If you have a written agency agreement, the agent can also help you prepare and submit a written offer to the seller. A buyer’s agent can be compensated in different ways. For example, you can pay the agent out of your own pocket. Or the agent may seek compensation from the seller or listing agent first, but require you to pay if the listing agent refuses. Whatever the case, be sure your compensation arrangement with your buyer’s agent is spelled out in a buyer agency agreement before you make an offer to purchase property and that you carefully read and understand the compensation provision. Dual Agent You may permit an agent or firm to represent you and the seller at the same time. This “dual agency relationship” is most likely to happen if you become interested in a property listed with your buyer’s agent or the agent’s firm. If this occurs and you have not already agreed to a dual agency relationship in your (written or oral) buyer agency agreement, your buyer’s agent will ask you to sign a separate agreement or document permitting him or her to act as agent for both you and the seller. It may be difficult for a dual agent to advance the interests of both the buyer and seller. Nevertheless, a dual agent must treat buyers and sellers fairly and equally. Although the dual agent owes them the same duties, buyers and sellers can prohibit dual agents from divulging certain confidential information about them to the other party. Some firms also offer a form of dual agency called “designated agency” where one agent in the firm represents the seller and another agent represents the buyer. This option (when available) may allow each “designated agent” to more fully represent each party. If you choose the “dual agency” option, remember that since a dual agent’s loyalty is divided between parties with competing interests, it is especially important that you have a clear understanding of • what your relationship is with the dual agent and • what the agent will be doing for you in the transaction. This can best be accomplished by putting the agreement in writing at the earliest possible time. Seller’s Agent Working With a Buyer If the real estate agent or firm that you contact does not offer buyer agency or you do not want them to act as your buyer agent, you can still work with the firm and its agents. However, they will be acting as the seller’s agent (or “subagent”). The agent can still help you find and purchase property and provide many of the same services as a buyer’s agent. The agent must be fair with you and provide you with any “material facts” (such as a leaky roof) about properties. But remember, the agent represents the seller – not you – and therefore must try to obtain for the seller the best possible price and terms for the seller’s property. Furthermore, a seller’s agent is required to give the seller any information about you (even personal, financial or confidential information) that would help the seller in the sale of his or her property. Agents must tell you in writing if they are sellers’ agents before you say anything that can help the seller. But until you are sure that an agent is not a seller’s agent, you should avoid saying anything you do not want a seller to know. Sellers’ agents are compensated by the sellers. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission P.O. Box 17100 • Raleigh, North Carolina 27619-7100 919/875-3700 • Web Site: www.ncrec.state.nc.us REC 3.45 5/1/01 WORKING WITH REAL ESTATE AGENTS This is not a contract By signing, I acknowledge that the agent named below furnished a copy of this brochure and reviewed it with me. ______________________________________________ Buyer or Seller Name (Print or Type) ______________________________________________ Buyer or Seller Signature ______________________________________________ Buyer or Seller Name (Print or Type) ______________________________________________ Buyer or Seller Signature ______________________________________________ Date ______________________________________________ Firm Name ______________________________________________ Agent Name Disclosure of Seller Subagency [_]When showing you property and assisting you in the purchase of a property, the above agent and firm will represent the SELLER. For more information, see “Seller’s Agent Working with a Buyer” in the brochure. Buyer’s Initials Acknowledging Disclosure:_______ Agents must retain this acknowledgment for their files. ================================================================================ # Page: /my-listings-2-2/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/my-listings-2-2/ # Summary: You are here: Home / My Listings My Listings All Sold in 2012 You are here: Home / My Listings My Listings All Sold in 2012 I was selective with my listings in 2012. The market was just coming out of a very tough place and I wanted to be able to spend the time it would take to get them sold. It was a great year, all 7 sold! I want to thank my listing clients for working so hard to make their home ready to sell. If you are thinking about selling your house call me, I’ll get yours sold too. 204 Silverberry Presque Isle, Chapel Hill 1618 Timber Wolf 508 Oxfordshire 10011 Hammock Bend 120 Solterra Way ================================================================================ # Page: /neighborhood-videos/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/neighborhood-videos/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Neighborhood Videos You are here: Home / Neighborhood Videos ================================================================================ # Page: /meadowmont-homes-for-sale/ # URL: https://chapelhillneighborhoods.com/meadowmont-homes-for-sale/ # Summary: You are here: Home / Meadowmont Homes For Sale You are here: Home / Meadowmont Homes For Sale ================================================================================