What is The Most Popular Zip Code to Live in the RTP?

What is the Most Popular Zip Code?

Dawn Kurry of the Triangle Business Journal, reports that according to the information formulated by Welcome Mat Services, Zip code 27519 which is the Cary | Morrisville area seems to be the most popular area to live in with an average of 405 new residents settling there each month!

Welcome Mat Services is a company that supplies coupons and incentives to the recently relocated people in a neighborhood.

Take a look at the following information and have a look at the homes that are for sale in each Zip code.

#1 Most popular is Cary|Morrisville Zip 27519 with Average 405 new Residents per month    

• HOMES FOR SALE 27519

#2 Raleigh inside the Beltline | Glenwood Area 27612 who have 337 new residents on average per month

• HOMES FOR SALE 27612

#3 Wake Forest 27587 averaging 316 New Residents On Average Per Month

• HOMES FOR SALE 27587

#4 Cary Crabtree Lake Area 27513 averaging 310 New Residents On Average Per Month

• HOMES FOR SALE 27513

#5 South West Raleigh Zip 27606 with 301 New Residents on Average Per Month

• HOMES FOR SALE 27606

Search for Your Perfect Home Here

Weekend Getaway or Personal Retreat

Weekend Getaway or Personal Retreat

9 Acre Lot on Haw River

$179,900 for over 9 acres of land with Haw River frontage! This is an amazing opportunity to build your own little get away spot or a great family weekend retreat. 

With an easy drive from Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, & Durham this would be a great place to just get away from it all without having to take a vacation. Build a home now or just go out on the weekend and enjoy your land. 

In addition to river access, there is also a stream fed half acre pond on the property with lush aquatic plants. Park a few chairs and listen to nature where sounds of the Haw River mix with the wildlife. Truly a hidden oasis. 

Fishing with the kids, bonfires with the family, tending to your own garden, camping on your own private land, what could be more relaxing?

This is a great investment to keep in the family. Even if you don't build right away and just go out for weekend fun, you will have something that will be a family asset for generations. 

Give some thought to your very own Weekend Getaway or Personal Retreat! This Land for Sale on the Haw River won't last long. Contact US to take a look!

Get More Listing Details Here

First Time Home Buyer Opportunities in Cary, NC

First Time Home Buyer Opportunities in Cary, NC

Buying your first home can be an exciting, and sometimes scary, time of your life. Maybe you’re at the point in your life where you’re seriously considering purchasing your first home.  You’re sick of paying high rental costs when you know that you’ll never own that property and it simply makes sense to start investing in your own future.

Now is a great time to consider buying your first home in Cary, NC and surrounding Triangle communities. Rates are still low and although prices are on the rise, you can still get a great deal.

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing your first home. Some of these things may include:

 Choosing a neighborhood reflective of your own lifestyle.

 Considering the layout of a home (open concept, 3 story, etc)

 Considering the size of the property and whether there is room to expand.

 Choosing a property with adequate privacy.

 Choosing a property with a backyard, trees or fencing.

 Choosing a property that offers features most important to you.

 Whether the property needs improvements (and costs associated)

 Evaluating the different real estate companies available to you.

 Understanding zoning regulations, the housing market, additional costs. 

There are other factors to consider outside of the property itself as well, so that you can purchase a home with limited risk s involved, including:

 Hiring a home inspection company.

 Financing opportunities, mortgages, and loans.

 How to put in your first offer.

 Setting a closing date that works for you and the seller.

 Understanding contracts, hiring a real estate attorney.

 Moving expenses, hiring a moving company

 Closing the deal and moving in!

All of these things may seem overwhelming at first. But the good news is that finding a great Buyers Agent to guide you through the process will make it less daunting and even fun. In NC using the services of a Buyer's Agent doesn't cost you anything. Realtor fees are paid by the seller as part of their listing agreement with the listing broker. By using a Buyer's Agent, you will have someone on your side, looking out for your best interest, not the seller. This is extremely important especially when it comes to the negotiation of price, terms, conditions and repairs.

Having said that, not all Buyer's Agents are created equal. Everyone has a different work style and a different personality. Do your homework. Visit open houses, ask friends who they have used and talk to a few agents to find the right fit. Once you have found a great Agent, stick with them.

If you are looking for a Buyer's Agent, please give me a call so we can meet. I welcome the opportunity to show you my 14 year track record, learn more about your needs and wants and help you find the perfect place to call home.

Here are some properties in Cary to consider if you are a first time home buyer. Town homes and condos are a good option for an entry level buyer. Just keep in mind the HOA fees and have your Agent research the HOA to make sure it's financially stable or that there are no major assessments in the future. 

Condos & Town Homes in Cary Under $200,000

Condos & Town Homes in Cary From $200,000 to $350,000

Condos & Town Homes in Cary Over $350,000

You might also consider single family homes with a nice layout that could accommodate a roommate. Many people are also now combining households with a family member.

Homes in Cary Under $200,000

Homes in Cary From $200,000 to $350,000

Homes in Cary Over $350,000

Something else to consider is not trying to find your "dream home" for your first home, but be more in the mindset of a great investment. Think of finding a property that would make a great rental in five years or maybe a property with good upside potential. A good experienced Realtor can help you weigh all these options and find the right fit for your goals.

DIY Weekend Projects - How to Add Value to Your Home

DIY Weekend Projects

How to Add Value to Your Home with Do it Yourself Projects

DIY Weekend Projects are a great way to improve your home and garden in your own time. It's also a great way to add value to your home by taking on the labor, design ideas and searching for deals on materials. The more you can save in time, money and materials, the more you will add to your bottom line. And the best part is that most improvements, if done right, will result in adding value to your home.

There are a host of different things you can do, some of which will improve the general ambiance of your home, others that will enable you to enhance your lifestyle and standard of living, and still others that will be sure to add value to your home, which is particularly important if you are planning to sell sometime in the future.

While you don’t have to have any professional skills to undertake many of the most popular DIY weekend projects, it is an advantage to have basic handyman-type skills and some good tools. With a small investment in proper tools and maybe a few classes at a local building store, you could be well on your way to home improvement guru.

For instance if you can work with wood, there are some amazing do-it-yourself projects that will have friends and family gasping at what you have achieved. With a small investment in some important tools, like a jig saw, a router and an maybe a radial arm saw, you will be able to do some fun projects to add value to your home. Since many newer homes are "standard build" they can all look the same, so adding some unique character to your home will yield a return on investment. Just make sure to do a quality job and keep it simple and not too over the top or personalized.

Here are some Do-it-Yourself Woodwork Projects:

• Add shutters to the outside of your house and/or detail trim around windows.
• Change bathroom or kitchen cabinets fronts to update the look.
• Remove small builder standard baseboards and replace with taller baseboards.
• Add wainscoting or bead board to walls for a custom finished look.
• Build a pergola to define a patio or add shelter to your outdoor living area.
• Construct a trellis screen that can be used to add privacy to a special corner of your backyard or to hide unsightly garbage cans.
• Construct built in shelving in open spaces on walls or build other functional built-ins.

Being able to lay bricks and blocks is another great skill to master. Masonry projects are another place you can save some money and have fun. The tools are simple, but you do need to do some research on the best types of mortar to use for different purposes.

Here are some Do-it-Yourself Masonry Projects

• Build a nice solid BBQ unit that will add character as well as functionality to any patio. Those with more advanced bricklaying skills might even consider building an outdoor kitchen over a few weekends.
• Extend your concrete slab patio with brick pavers or flagstone. Or make a new walkway in a high traffic area that is lacking one.
• Line a driveway or walkway with brick or stone.
• Construct raised planters made from either bricks or larger blocks for a veggie garden or to define areas of the yard.
• Build a pond that can be used as a reservoir or for a fountain, or even stocked with fish.
• Add stone to the face of a fireplace to add character and warmth. Or add stone to an exterior wall.

Painting is probably the easiest and best value adding improvement. A fresh coat of paint in modern colors can really change the appearance of a home. Anyone can paint, so it's a perfect DIY project for beginners. The key to a successful paint job is preparation and patience. Blue painters tape is your friend.

 Here are some Do-it-Yourself Painting Projects

• Paint the front door and shutters of your home to add curb appeal. 
• Paint or stain the deck and fences. This will add value and help maintain this expensive asset to the home.
• Spend a weekend painting your living room and see what a difference it makes. Add some coordinating pillows on the sofa and a few new accessories and you will feel like you are in a new home.
• Stain the concrete on an outdoor patio for a fresh new look. Be sure to pressure wash first.

At the end of the day, whatever do-it-yourself weekend projects you decide to tackle, make sure you have the skills required to do them. Also ensure that you are in fact improving the value of your home. Some improvements, if done carelessly or in bad taste can have the opposite affect.

If you are considering selling your home down the road, feel free to give me a call and I can guide you as to what improvements will yield the greatest return on your investment.

Triangle Real Estate Market Update October 2013

Triangle Real Estate Market Update October 2013

Housing Market Stats for the Raleigh Metro Area

Once again, the Triangle (Raleigh Metro area) has continued to show a strong recovery in the local housing market.

As we near the end of the selling season, when inventory is generally lower, we are not seeing a decrease in buyer activity.

Supply over the summer months was down to 3 months, indicating a very strong market. With only a slight increase in the Fall months, it has held stable. Notice 50% of homes for sale only stay on the market for less than 30 days, that certainly shows that demand is still there. This is exactly why we have seen many multiple offer situations this year. Homes that are priced well, in good condition combined with a motivated seller, don't last long.


Take a look at the video below where TMLS predicts that sellers will be less likely in the near future to make concessions.

I believe we are in the transition phase from a buyers market to a sellers market. The one thing that may affect a true swing to a sellers market is a rise in interest rates, so be aware of what's in store.

If you would like a more detailed analysis for the local housing market and what it means for you as a buyer or a seller, give me a call. I'd love to meet with you and discuss your unique real estate needs.

Selling Your Home in West Cary Neighborhoods 27513

Selling Your Home in West Cary Neighborhoods 27513

Low Inventory and Buyer Demand Means It's A Sellers Market

The inventory of homes in the 27513 zip code varies by price range, but overall is very low. In the $150,000 and below range, you will mostly find town homes and condos and maybe a few older smaller homes.  The $150,000 to $250,000 price range is in high demand because of affordability. Even the upper price ranges have very little inventory, unlike many other markets. 

If you click on the links below, in each category, you will only find a handful of available properties in each price range. As you can see on the above graph, existing inventory and new listings to market are both down. There is also a slowdown in sales this time of year, which is normal.

It's a sellers market in many West Cary Neighborhoods in the 27513 area. These neighborhoods are very desirable and there are not many listings to choose from, making prices very stable and in fact rising in most neighborhoods. If you are considering selling your home, take a look at the competition in your price range. You may be surprised to see that there isn't much competition at all! Especially this time of year, if you can handle a move between now and spring, there are Buyers out there ready to buy and pay top dollar in today's market.

Thinking about moving up to a larger home? Now may be the time while buyer demand is high and interest rates for your new home loan are still very low. When rates rise, it will create a very different market.

Homes for Sale 27513 Under $150,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $150,000 to 200,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $200,000 to 250,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $250,000 to 300,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $300,000 to 350,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $350,000 to 400,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $400,000 to 450,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $450,000 to 500,000
Homes for Sale 27513 From $500,000 to 550,000
$550,000 and Above

If you live in West Cary 27513 and are curious about your home's value, CLICK HERE to get a free Market Report. Or Contact Me for a free, no obligation consultation. Let me help you and your family make the right move.

Building a New Home in Cary - Lots, Land, New Construction

Building a New Home in Cary - Lots, Land, New Construction

Lots & Land For Sale in Cary, NC

There are many people who dream of finding a special piece of property to build their dream home. While it can be very rewarding to create something from the ground up, it can also be challenging. However, if you understand the process and are ready to tackle the adventure of building your dream home in Cary, NC - below are some available pieces of property that may interest you.

Some things to consider when Buying Land to Build a Custom Home

• Hire an Agent experienced in land transactions who will guide you through all of the potential pitfalls and help you accurately assess the value of the property. An experienced agent will know what tests should be performed on the property for percolation and drainage. A good agent will be able to advise you on the sales comparables of homes in the immediate area, so you don't "overbuild". 
• Hire a contractor and an Architect before you buy the property. Have them give their expert opinion on build-ability and cost before you invest.
• Shop around for loans and lenders. Not all lenders are experienced in land loans. Be prepared to make a substantially larger down payment than you may have to on a already built home.

LOTS & LAND FOR SALE IN CARY

Here are other possibilities in surrounding areas.

LOTS & LAND FOR SALE IN APEX

LOTS & LAND FOR SALE IN MORRISVILLE
LOTS & LAND FOR SALE IN PITTSBORO
LOTS & LAND FOR SALE IN HOLLY SPRINGS

New Construction Homes in Cary

For most people the cost and time factor outweighs the desire to build. Another option, if you are looking for a home that is brand new, is to look at new construction neighborhoods. Here are some homes that have been built within this year and some that are still under construction.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN CARY
NEW CONSTRUCTION IN APEX
NEW CONSTRUCTION IN MORRISVILLE
NEW CONSTRUCTION IN HOLLY SPRINGS

Whether you are considering finding some land to build your dream home or you want to look into new construction options, please give me a call to discuss. I have been selling real estate in this area for over 13 years and can guide you through the process.

Buyer Representation

Keep in mind that buyer representation doesn't cost you a thing - sellers and builders pay the broker fees. Using a buyer agent is especially important with new construction. The builder is looking out for their bottom line, not yours. I know what's negotiable and can get you a great deal. Let's Meet!