Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Durham Real Estate Blog and Relocation Information
Aug. 17, 2006 - Raleigh Cary Durham Chapel Hill Apex Holly Springs Real Estate Blog
Welcome to my Triangle Area Real Estate Blog. This blog provides Cary NC real estate information and resources to guide homeowners and buyers through the process of selling and buying a house, townhome or even investment property.If you are interested in Triangle Real Estate, please e-mail me here for a personal response! Thanks and let's get blogging!
Aug. 19, 2008 - Things to do with the kids in the Triangle
My only sister, Jennifer, is coming to visit this week with her two little boys all the way from San Antonio, TX. Since I only have one daughter that's seventeen I thought I might need to check around to find out Things to Do with the Kids in the in Triangle. I'm a bit rusty in this department other than advising my clients where to visit while they are in town. One of the things I really like about the Triangle is that there are so many things to do outdoors, especially in the summer time. It's time to plan my week with the boys. It's going to be tough keeping up my business, visiting, and entertaining but it will be worth every minute.
Cary
Bond Park is located just around the corner from my home off of High House Road. This stop is definitely on my list. There is a great place to have a picnic in the Kiwanis Shelter. Our next stop will be a trip to the Lazy Daze playground. And, then we'll head over to the paddle boats, sailing, and canoes. 919-469-4100.
Monkey Joes in Cary looks like another cool place to go to with the kiddies. It's in Cary near crossroads. Great for the little ones and birthday parties
Dog park and Sk-8 Cary skateboard park. I take my dog Maggie to the Cary Dog Park off of Maynard next to Godbold Park on a regular basis. Admission is $40/year and great fun for kids and your pets. Sk-8 Cary is a full fledged skate park for skateboarders!
Ice House I used to take my daughter here when she was little. It's very close to Jellybeans and Bullwinkles. 919-460-2756
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve - A great place to take a quiet and peaceful stroll through the wilderness, right in the heart of Cary. 2616 Kildaire Farm Road 919-469-4601
Railhawks Soccer Games. The Triangle has its very own professional soccer team. They play at the Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary from May through July. Maybe I'll be able to take the boys next year. 201 Soccer Park Drive in Cary.
Chapel Hill
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Educational and entertaining programs for all ages that teach and explore the science of the universe. 250 E. Franklin St. 919-962-1247
Durham
North Carolina Museum of Life and Science is one of our personal favorites! They have a butterfly house, lots of real animals and of course, a museum packed full of fun things to do! The Butterflies are released in at 11am and 3pm. The butterfly conservatory is the largest on the East Coast. My sister's boys will love the daily feeding of spiders, poison dart frogs and others fed their daily meal. 433 Murray Ave 919-220-5429
Durham Bulls If you want an inexpensive night out for your family, head to the park. There is plenty of entertainment in between innings and things for kids to play on during the game - rock climbing wall and big puffy slide to slide down. The tickets are inexpensive and the game is, well, just your regular all American baseball game.
Raleigh
Adventure Landing Miniature Golf, Laser Tag, Go Karts, Arcade, and Batting Cages. Capital Blvd 919-872-1688
JC Raulston Arboretum Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants. 919-515-3132
Pullen Park A great place for young kids with a beautiful old carousel, a train that goes through the park, a kiddie boat ride, and even paddle boats on the pond/lake. There's also a little concession area. It is spacious with lots of open space for running, playing ball, etc. There are two large playgrounds & several picnic pavilions, too. Adjacent to Pullen Park is and Arts Center that often has displays and Pullen Pool (indoor, year-round aquatic center.) 4301 Beryl 919-831-6468
Frankies Fun Park Jellybeans Super Skate Center This is great fun for the middle school crowd. Also a big hit for Birthday parties. There are two locations in the Triangle. One in Cary and the other in Raleigh.
Lake Johnson Park I personally like to jog around this lake but it's a bit too long for the boys. Lake Johnson has plenty of other amenities including boating, picnic shelters, and a consession are for us to cool off from all of the fun in the sun. 4601 Avent Ferry Road 919-233-2121
Marbles Kids Museum i s a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers, active learners and confident individuals in today's world. There are five galleries, two outdoor areas, and plenty of activities. Let's not forget about the IMAX Theatre which is the only 3D capable IMAX theatre in North Carolina. I plan on taking the boys to see Bugs! which is playing. They'll love it! I'm not sure I'm ready for "bugs" in 3D. Raleigh 201 E. Hargett 919-834-4040
State Capitol - One of the claims to fame of the North Carolina State Capital Building is that it is the most haunted of all state capitals. Today it's the home of our governor's office. 1 E. Edenton 919-733-4994
Umstead State Park Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers. There is an entrance off of Harrison Avenue and another one on Glenwood Avenue. 8801 Glenwood Ave 919-571-4170 Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers, active learners and confident individuals in today's world. There are five galleries, two outdoor areas, and plenty of activities. Let's not forget about the IMAX Theatre which is the only 3D capable IMAX theatre in North Carolina. I plan on taking the boys to see Bugs! which is playing. They'll love it! I'm not sure I'm ready for "bugs" in 3D. Raleigh 201 E. Hargett 919-834-4040
North Carolina Museum of History The trip to the History Museum will be the educational stop of our trip. The museum focuses on pre-Colonial to the present-day with an emphasis on sports, folk life and women's issues. 5 E Edenton 919-715-0200
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences off of West Jones Street in downtown Raleigh. Free Admission. The boys just love dinosaurs. The museum has the only-known fossilized dinosaur heart, some of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world, and much more. This museum is also free!!! 919-733-7450
I'm off to plan out the schedule. I hope I make it through the weekend!
Aug. 19, 2008 - It's a Great Time to Buy a home in Apex, NC
I recently sponsored Apex, NC with Localism.com. As a part of my sponsorship I think it's important to provide a few distinct elements for the community:
A look at what's currently going on in the real estate market in that area.
I've taken care of the 1st two items so now it's time to take a look at the real estate market in Apex.
It's a great time to buy a home in Apex! Homes are selling in Apex. The current crop of sellers that are motivated have been more flexible on price. Not like in other parts of the country but we are starting to see some wiggle room. With the current level of inventory sellers that are eager to sell really have to have their homes in tip top condition and be prepared to negotiate a bit. What might be shocking to families coming from other areas is that our average List/Sales Price Ratio is still ~ 98%.
That said, let's take a look at the current numbers in the area for Q22008:
Price
Number of Listings
Q22008 Supply
Average DOM
0-149.9
6
5
50
150-199.9
27
5
39
200-299.9
84
4
74
300-399.9
47
9
88
400-499.9
15
7
94
500-599.9
11
10
120
600-799.9
10
15
219
800-999.9
0
n/a
0
1M+
6
n/a
0
Condo
10
24
182
Townhome
68
5
86
*The data above is based on market data for Q22008.
The higher price ranges have really been hit with the slowdown in the market and the current mortgage crisis. As you can see from the table above the current supply in the $500k plus range starts at 10+ months.
The market dynamics have shifted from a strong sellers market in 2007 to a buyers market in 2008. The average supply of homes in Apex is 6 months and DOM at 86. Although the inventory is up and sales are down (23% in Q22008) pricing is still holding to the current values. The reason this is holding true is due to the fact that our area did not have the wild price fluctuations that other areas in the country have experienced.
In general the Triangle area market is seasonal. Many families interested in locating to the area move to the Triangle before school starts. After that, the market slows down until the end of December and then we pick up again around the 1st of the year heading into the Spring Market.
Besides the fact that the market has shifted there are a number of other reasons you should consider buying a home in today's market:
Great selection
Interest rates are at historic lows
Tax benefits of owning a home
Home Equity benefits
In a buyers market you are the driver
FHA financing programs available
By using an experienced Realtor you have the added benefit that can negotiate on your behalf.
For more information visit my website or contact me directly for more information.
Aug. 19, 2008 - Jimmy V Ride for Research and Cary Cycling Celebration
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Regency Park, Cary
Jim Valvano is a legendary icon in the Triangle. Ever since he succumbed to cancer in 1993 his family has carried on his legacy raising awareness of cancer and cancer research. Earlier this month I wrote about the Jimmy V Rackets for Research which is a great event and a tremendous success. Tomorrow the Jimmy V fundraisers continue with the 3rd Annual Jimmy V Ride for Research and Cary Cycling Celebration. They are expecting over 500 cyclists so watch out for traffic delays and cyclists near the Regency area tomorrow.
Distances:
1. 25 miles (departs 10:00 a.m.)
2. 50 miles (departs 7:00 a.m.)
3. 75 miles (departs 7:00 a.m.; follows the 50 and 25 mile routes)
4. 100 miles (departs 7:00 a.m.)
If you've been motivated by the Tour de France this year this event is a good option to grab a bike and head to the event! It's great exercise and a wonderful cause to support.
There are a number of options for the cyclists ranging from a 25 mile ride all the way up to a Century Ride.
Other options for family members include a bicycle rodeo for kids aged 6-12 and family fun tours in the afternoon.
I moved to the Triangle in 1991 and have lived in Cary since 1994. I'm practically a native. I've watched Cary blossom into and established and well planned community. Here are some of the reasons I love to call Cary, NC home!
Location & proximity to Research Triangle Park
Many of the Triangle area residents commute North into the RTP (Research Triangle Park) area rather than downtown Raleigh. Now that the widening of two major alternative routes to I-540 (HWY 55 and Davis Drive) has been completed the commute into RTP is a quick 10-15 minute drive to the major employers in the area. Cary is also a quick commute to the RDU Airport and the 3 Major Universities in the area.
The Great Outdoors
Cary's land-acquisition ordinance requires builders to donate land to the city's Parks and Recreation Department based on the number of houses that will be built. Currently, Cary has 20 city parks, including the Fred G. Bond Metro Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. There's also the Kids Together Park with a large playground. In addition to community swimming pools, tennis courts and some of the finest golf courses in the area, these green spaces are what make people from all over the country want to call Cary home. There are also plenty of public sports venues around town including Cary Tennis Park, Triangle Aquatic Center (TAC), and the USA Baseball Park.
Cary has the highest median household income in Wake County ($89,623), and more than two-thirds of Cary residents hold a college degree. Cary is also been touted as having the highest number of Phd's in the country. Cary schools are a part of the Wake County Public School system and continue to rank as some of the highest rated schools in Wake County. Many are still on the traditional school calendar also.
Planned Community
Planning, planning and more planning is Cary's adage. It takes but one drive around the Maynard loop, which circles Cary, to understand the vision: planned neighborhoods with large homes, two-car garages and well-groomed lawns are scattered throughout the town. National Geographic even wrote a great article on Cary a few years back titled "All roads lead to a cul-de-sac in this mushrooming high-tech hometown of transplanted Yankees. A friendly game of bunco, anyone?"
Business
Cary is home to such leading companies as SAS Institute-the largest privately held software company in the World. American Airlines and John Deere also have a big presence. However, unlike many towns, commercial development is regulated much the same as residential development. While other Triangle towns have rules governing residential neighborhoods, Cary insists on tasteful commercial buildings that match the surroundings.
Downtown Cary
Downtown Cary is undergoing a major revitalization over the next few years called Cary Streetscape. The goal is to preserve the days gone past but bring in businesses and shops that allow residents to live, work, and play in the downtown area. This is also where Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is held annually, which is considered one of the finest festivals in the state. Page-Walker Arts and History Center, formerly the Page-Walker Hotel, which was built in 1868 to serve train passengers is also located in the downtown area and a great destination point.
Cultural & Performing Arts
Jordan Hall Arts Centerfeatures an art gallery for monthly exhibits that promote and support local artists. Studio time for potters, painters and portrait artists is regularly scheduled. The center is also monthly meeting place for The Fine Arts Leaque of Cary. If you enjoy art on a larger scale the North Carolina Museum of Art, in Raleigh, is one of the finest art galleries in the Triangle. For performing arts Koka Booth Amphitheatreis located in the Regency area of Cary, has regularly scheduled concerts and venues, and is a fantastic way to enjoy an evening outside in the summertime.
Medical Care
WakeMed is Cary's top notch hospital and is located near Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road. WakeMed has helped to serve the growing population's need for, and access to, convenient medical care.
Accolades
The list keeps growing every year. Money magazine is in love with Cary and the Triangle in general. Cary was recently named best place to live in the country and the hottest town on the East Coast. Click here to watch Kiplinger's Video on why the Raleigh-Cary Area is ranked the #2 Best Place to Live in 2008.
Growth of Cary
Attention to detail has proved very beneficial when dealing with the population explosion in Cary. In fact, Cary has doubled its population every decade since 1960. Cary is the seventh-largest municipality in the state and has grown from 43,000 in 1990 to more than 120,000 today.
To handle the expansion, city leaders and developers carefully control development and have built an infrastructure to absorb the growth. In fact, it wasn't until recently that the voice to slow down Cary's growth was heard. Lately, Cary officials have been developing innovative growth controls. Some of these include requiring developers to prove there are enough roads and classrooms to accommodate the newcomers, as well a $70 million expansion of the water treatment plant that serves Cary and nearby Apex.
If you are thinking of relocating to the area feel free to contact me or send me an email with any questions you might have on the area.
Aug. 17, 2008 - Beautiful Updated All Brick Home in Preston
Description
Hard to find all brick low-maintenance ranch in the Preston area appropriately appointed with many updates. 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 2 Car Garage. Gorgeous private backyard w/stamped concrete patio is excellent for entertaining. Convenient to shopping, RTP, and the airport. Walk to the Preston club house! Welcome Home!
Jul. 31, 2008 - Charming Charleston Style Home in Downtown Apex
Charming Charleston Style Home in Downtown Apex
Location: Salem Oaks
Walk to charming downtown Apex from this showstopper! Custom features include wrap-around porch, hardwood floors, extensive trim work, like crown moulding & chair railing,focal-point fireplace,brush nickel fixtures,formal dining with trey ceiling. Master bath has tile floor with separate shower & tub & dual sinks. Fresh paint inside is warm neutral tone. Large 500+ sq ft attic. Fenced backyard with patio also. This one won't last long!
Jul. 31, 2008 - Carolina Preserve Rental -Ready for Move-In
Photo Gallery
Gorgeous Stone and Shake Elevation
Gourmet kitchen w/SS Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Island, and Pantry
Elegant Formal Dining Room
Light and Bright Breakfast Room
Sunroom w/a view
Premium lot w/great view
Description
Move-in now to the Hottest Active Adult Community on the East Coast! NEW Emerald, Chesnut Garden plan + SUNRM. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. Gourmet kitchen w/gas cooktop and SS Appliances. Premium lot overlooking one of the many ponds. Enjoy the amentities of the 34.000 Square Ft Bradford Hall, Tennis Courts, and Bacci Ball! HOA fees included
Jul. 29, 2008 - 3021 Olde Weatherstone Way - My New listing in Glenkirk
Immaculate Executive Home in the best location in Cary!
Location: Glenkirk
This executive home has sophisticated southern charm and is located on a premium elevated lot. Gorgeous inside and out, a must see to appreciate its splendor. Spectacular luxurious MSTR suite w/nursery/fitness rm., gourmet kitchen w/all the bells and whistles, double covered porch.. Irr. system. Sold Furnished for $640k
Jul. 10, 2008 - Heritage Pines in Cary, NC - A Top Notch Active 55+ Community
City: Cary
Location: Off of Apex Barbecue Road and HWY 55
Scotts Mill can be accessed by taking HWY 55 South from Cary towards Apex past Beaver Creek Commons Shopping Center. Turn right into Cameron Park on Cameron Glen which will lead to Scotts Mill. Or From US 1 to HWY 55 towards Apex, left on S. Salem, approx 1 mile to right on Apex Barbecue Road.
Neighborhood Facts:
Price range is from the mid $200s - high $300s
Single Family Homes and Duplex Homes
Located in a central location in Cary
The homes in Heritage Pines are ranch homes built by K.Hovanian beginning in 2000 and completion of all of the homes will conclude by the end of 2007. This community has approximately 225 homes, all built with Active 55+ Seniors in mind.
Community Amenities
The Heritage Pines club house offers a Junior Olympic sized pool and a fun filled community activities calander. A sampling of some of the activities include a ladies luncheon, "Polish Night", and a community brunch. Heritage Pines residents also rave about the arts and crafts classes at the clubhouse. In addition to the pool Heritage Pines has two hard court tennis courts.
Neighborhood shopping
Stone Creek Shopping Center is located just a mile around the corner from Heritage Pines. This gorgeous new shopping center has restaurants, boutiques, and even a Harris Teeter.
Beaver Creek Shopping Center is located approximately four miles from Scotts Mill. Apex's newest shopping center has over 750,000 square feet of retail space including several notable anchor tenants - Dicks, Circuit City, Target, Lowes, Borders, and Kohls. There is also plenty of restaurant's and even a movie theatre.
For more information you can go directly to the Heritage Pineswebsite or for information on additional Active 55+ communities in the Triangle you can read my Top 10 List.
Jul. 10, 2008 - Carolina Preserve by Del Webb Active Adult Living Community in Cary, North Carolina
Carolina Preserve by Del Webb at Amberly, a new Active Adult Community is located in presitigous Cary, North Carolina. Why live in Cary, NC?
Cary has earned numerous awards for its high quality of life and has been rated the #1 place to live on the East Coast by Money Magazine
It's ranked as the safest city in the South and the 6th safest out of 327 large cities in the nation
Location, Location, Location that's why!! It is located in th heart of the Triangle, adjacent to Research Triangle Park, and only minutes away from RDU International Airport, the state's capitial, and the burgeoning theatre and arts community in Chapel Hill.
Carolina Preserve is located a short distance from some of the best healthcare in the nation including:
Wake Med in Cary, Raleigh, and coming soon to Apex.
The University of North Carolina Wellness system has also agreed to partner with Carolina Preserve to provide their residents with fitness and wellness programs!
Carolina Preserve's grand opening celebration occurred July 15, 2006. At the opening, Del Webb unveiled nine model homes. The total number of lots will be rolled out in five phases with a total of 1,260 homesites.
Amenities & A Sense of Strong Community dominate Carolina Preserve
The hub of this active adult community will be its clubhouse and residents will have access to numerous activities. Planned for this premier community are an indoor year round pool, state of the art fitness center, billiard room, multi-purpose room and lounge area. There will be a second outdoor pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and picnic pavilion. Carolina Preserve is one of 7 neighborhoods in Amberly. Residents of Carolina Preserve will also have access to Amberly's clubhouse, pools and walking trails!
Arts, Culture, Sports & More are located near Carolina Preserve
The greater Raleigh area offers an abundance of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Enjoy a performance at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts featuring theater, ballet, the symphony and opera. Delight in outdoor performances at the Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park in Cary. Raleigh provides numerous sports teams: The Carolina Hurricanes (NHL Hockey), Carolina Mud Cats and Durham Bulls (AA Baseball); and the great college sports including ACC NC State, UNC & Duke! Our area also features several major universities and community colleges to choose from including Duke University, UNC/Chapel Hill & NC State University that can offer you accredited courses for continuing your education or just for fun!!
What about golf? Is there are golf course too?
Located near the Carolina Preserve are several world-renowned championship golf courses that offer daily golf and Private memberships:
Prestonwood CC
Briar Creek CC
Lochmere
MacGregor Downs
Pinehurst, only a short 50 minute drive away offers over 100 public golf courses
Community Details:
Age Restriction: 55+
Type of Home: Single Family, Villa/Town homes
Home Sizes: There are Four Collection of Homes:
Cardinal Collection: 1103-1414 square feet
Dogwood Collection: 1590-1919 square feet
Emerald Collection: 2050-2597 square feet
Villas: Duplex units
Price Range: Base Pricing $210,000-$401,000
As your trusted real estate professional, I am committed to offering you specialized services that focus on your needs. I understand that the sale or purchase of a home is one of the biggest events in your life and potentially one of the most stressful events in your life. My goal is to use my skill and expertise to guide you step by step through the process making the transaction easier and more pleasant. I strive to provide patient, caring, professional support and excellent service that exceeds your expectations.
Update: The next delivery for homes in Amberly is scheduled for August 2008 except for a few homes in the Emerald Collection!! This neighborhood has sold quickly, so be patient if you want to buy in this area.
Click on the map to the left for driving directions or call me for additional information on the community.
Jul. 10, 2008 - Cary's Hottest New Community is Amberly
The number one selling new home community in Wake County in 2006!! This planned community, when completed, will offer natural areas, retail space, shopping areas, 276 acres of common areas, miles of greenway trail and many exclusive amenities!
Amenities include a gymnasium, village green, event lawn, children's playground, Jr. Olympic pool, family fun pool, and residents club. Within the residents club you'll find a fitness center, aerobics room, children's play room, teen room, decks and patios and flexible meeting areas. With an abundance of amenities and an incredible location, Amberly is a must see community!
The two primary builders at Amberly are KB Home & Pulte Homes. At present, the prices range from the low $200's & $300's for KB's town home and single family home products, to the $500's for Pulte's Blackstone at Amberly Neighborhood.
The Peninsula - custom homes from the $400s to $800s, custom lot sales will begin in February from the $120s (very limited supply). Builders are 1st American Builders and Royal Oaks Building Group. Estate Home builders and prices to be announced soon.
Village Square - single family and townhomes from the $300s to $600s, built by the Bedford Builder Group (great variety of homes, including 3-story brownstone townhomes with elevators).
Blackstone - Pulte Homes from the $330s
Arlington Park & Lexington Park - KB Homes from the $200s
Amberly can now be accessed through Carpenter Fire Station or the newly opened McCrimmon Parkway.
One question that comes up often-Where will my children go to school with all of the growth? Not to worry. Panther Creek High School opened last year on McCrimmon Parkway. This high school will be grades 9-12 through the 2008-2009 School Year
Jul. 6, 2008 - Bedford at Falls River – It's a wonderful life!!
I would say that this is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Raleigh. As a result, this planned community has received numerous awards and accolades from the National Association of Home Builders and others and is one of the reason this neighborhood has sold so well. There really is something for everyone in this neighborhood where prices start in the low 200s and peak at over $1M.
City: Raleigh, North Carolina
Directions:
From the Airport: Take US-70/Aviation Parkway West to I-540 East toward US-70. Exit Falls of Neuse Road(Exit 14). Take a left onto Falls of Neuse Road. Turn right into Bedford onto Dunn Road. Enter roundabout and take 3rd exit onto Falls River Avenue.
Recreation Center - Over 3,500 Square Feet with two sitting areas, a TV, VCR, and wireless Wi-Fi internet access throughout the building.
Pools at the Recreation Center - There's plenty of swimming in Bedford. The Recreation Center has two pools-a competition sized pool and a standard size pool. The kids favorite is Mt. Gushmore, the 110-foot long, 15-foot high mountainous waterslide!
Parks and Greenways - There are over 205 acres of parks, greenways and open spaces at Bedford, along with 26 miles of tree-lined sidewalks including Jellystone Park, Pottersville Park, Central Park and the Secret Garden.
Clock Tower - This is the center of Beford and the Town Square marked by the bold and beautiful brick Clock Tower.
The Shoppes at Bedford Square - Plan for a small commercial section in Bedford and sometime Farmers Market at the Square.
One of the neat aspects about Bedford at Falls River is its walk-ability aspect.Walkscore.com has done a study of the different aspects of a neighborhood to see how close amenities are to the neighborhood. Bedford scored well in terms of a central location near the library, grocery stores, coffee shops, gas stations, etc.
Here is a list of Builders and the communities they represent:
1st American Builders - Greenbrier Collection, Sonoma Collection, The Townes at Bedford Square
Check out Bedford's Interactive Neighborhood Website for more information or view my video tour below:
If you'd like more information on this community or information on relocating to the Triangle in general please visit my website or contact me via email by completing the contact form.
HOA Fees: $2,048 per year including recreation center
Builder Team:
Helton Homes Inc. - With a home building history and reputation for 30 years, Helton Homes, Inc. is one of the most respected companies in the Triangle area. President Rick Helton now runs the award-winning company begun by his father in 1972, and prides himself in maintaining the level of excellence they have achieved in producing quality homes.
Loyd Builders LLC - Trip Lloyd was born and raised in North Carolina and specializes in custom homes in the Triangle.
M.J. Evans Homes LLC - Michael J. Evans has 18 years of experience in quality and commitment to excellence in the home building business. He is a member of the Orange County Homebuilders Association and the Wake County Homebuilders Association. He has received various forms of recognition throughout his professional life.
Aiello Builders Inc. - Custom builder, Bob Aiello, has homes in and around the Triangle including Hope Valley and Regency Park
Rufty Homes Inc. - My favorite custom builder in the Triangle. Jon Rufty's accolades include 4-time MAME award for "Builder of the Year", Parade of Homes Awards, National HBA award for "Excellence in Home Design", NC Custom Home of the Year and recognition in National Publications.
Upright Builders Inc. - Wes Carroll, a prominent local custom builder, is an active member of the Wake County Home Builders Association, Wes has been in two "Dream Home Showcase" events, and Habitat for Humanity's "Build a Home in One Week" campaign.
Colvard Farms Amenities
300 beautiful acres of open space, trails, and greenways
Jul. 6, 2008 - Don't miss Holly Hill Daylily Farm in Moncure, NC
In January I wrote about moving across town in, "Tracy Santrock's Moved On & Checking In w/Activerain". Our new neighborhood and neighbors are warm and inviting. They've really made the transition an easy one. I was asked today by another agent in my office, "Are you happy about your move to Glenkirk? What do you like about Glenkirk?" and I replied, "There isn't one thing I regret - the location, quality of home, neighborhood amenities, and the neighbors are all a big plus.
So, it can't be perfect. What would be the ONE thing you would change? Well everyone, I spent many years growing an established garden at my previous home and I miss it. The landscape had matured - Leyland Cyprus, Butterfly bushes, Crepe Myrtles, Clematis vines, Tomato garden, Herb garden, and lily plantings really made the home sparkle. I vow to make this home just as warm and inviting as the last but it will take a while.
If you're just moving to the Triangle there is a well hidden secret about buying the most unique lilies in the Triangle.Holly Hill Day Lily Farm has been growing lilies in the Triangle for 28 seasons and they are the best lily grower in North Carolina.
If you have an afternoon free and are in for an adventure head out to Holly Hill Day Lily Farm. They are only open to the public for seven weekends per year starting June 7th and commencing July 20th. I'll never forget my first trip to the farm. I met the owner, Jim Massey, and he is quite a trip. He has stories about all of the lilies he grows. The farm has over 1,000 varieties available for purchase during the lily season. I happened to purchase a unique yellow variety called, "Davies Moon Pie". I think that has to do with one of Jim's friends but I'd rather not ask. I forgot to mention that the farm is almost as well known for its eclectic garden folk art as it is for its daylilies!
I know I'll be out there on June 7th collecting new varieties for my new home. I hope to see you all there. Moncure is located just outside of Pittsboro and about 15-20 minutes West of Apex, NC.
What a difficult task - Pick just 5 things to do in the Triangle area
I wouldn't have said that when I moved to the Triangle in 1991 but the Triangle has come a long way in such a short time and our area has so much to offer. The Triangle area is now consistently receiving national attention as one of the Best Places to Live for its revitalization of the downtown Raleigh & Durham areas, consistent job growth, highly educated workforce, major universities, cultural activities, great nightlife, and much more.
If you are planning to move to the Triangle area of North Carolina or your kids are considering attending one of the many universities in the area, I'm here to help you with a few things to do in the area. With that said, it's time to visit the Triangle Area.
Tracy Santrock's Top 5 Things to do in the Triangle
1. Visit one of the three Major Universities in the Area - A visit to the Triangle would not be complete without a visit to one of the three major universities in the area. North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, or the University of Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill. UNC-Chapel Hill is nestled in the quaint college town of Chapel Hill and the college is one of the top public universities in the country. A str
TX. Since I only have one daughter that's seventeen I thought I might need to check around to find out 
919-872-1688
3D capable IMAX theatre in North Carolina. I plan on taking the boys to see Bugs! which is playing. They'll love it! I'm not sure I'm ready for "bugs" in 3D. Raleigh 201 E. Hargett 919-834-4040 
Related Posts
provide a few distinct elements for the community: 
The higher price ranges have really been hit with the slowdown in the market and the current mortgage crisis. As you can see from the table above the current supply in the $500k plus range starts at 10+ months.
carried on his legacy raising awareness of cancer and cancer research. Earlier this month I wrote about the 
I moved to the Triangle in 1991 and have lived in Cary since 1994. I'm practically a native. I've watched
Cary blossom into and established and well planned community. Here are some of the reasons I love to call Cary, NC home! 
Department based on the number of houses that will be built. Currently, Cary has 20 city parks, including the 
monthly meeting place for The 
was recently named best place to live in the country and the hottest town on the East Coast. Click 
w/Activerain". Our new neighborhood and neighbors are warm and inviting. They've really made the transition an easy one. I was asked today by another agent in my office, "Are you happy about your move to Glenkirk? What do you like about Glenkirk?" and I replied, "There isn't one thing I regret - the location, quality of home, neighborhood amenities, and the neighbors are all a big plus.
