Barbara Green

With so many beautiful homes to choose from, it's not surprising buyers can't make a decision. Even in Cary NC, where real estate is faring better than many towns, at any given neighborhood can have as much as 15 - 20 homes on the market at a given time. Builders sponsor incredible open houses that are more like family events with incredible food, games for the kids, music and door prizes. In addition, they are offering free upgrades and generous closing cost packages. Most serious sellers of resales homes are resigned to doing what it takes to sell; they have their homes in top condition, and are priced to sell! Yet still, their home is one of many from which to choose.

I recently worked with one couple that actually had a very good idea of what they wanted, and still got caught up in too many choices. I narrowed the list each week and showed them the best of the best, and then they would drive around later and find a few more. So what did it take to get them off the fence and to the closing table? A reverse offer. They had visited a certain home twice - once separately, once together. He loved it ...it worked, she loved it ....but....

We've all been there. She's wondering...Have I seen all the good ones? What if something else shows up on the MLS tomorrow? He's thinking, yes this one is great, but if she doesn't absolutely love it, will we be happy there?

Then the sellers came forth with a generous offer to my buyers - thus the reverse offer. It had great terms and several other creative incentives. They were respectful, professional and very reasonable. It was both the offer they presented and the efficiency of the process that captured my buyers. It felt good to them to be courted, singled out with an offer presented to them that met their specific needs.

Next time your listing seems to attract second and third showings, consider a reverse offer. It may be just the trick to get overwhelmed buyers off the fence!

Highcroft is a neighborhood, a village and a community. Located off Green Hope School Road in Cary (just off Highway 55), Highcroft is 1/2 mile north of High House Road, and only 3 miles south of Research Triangle Park. Residents enjoy easy access to the Triangle from the new 540 extension just off Hwy 55.

At the center of the community is Highcroft Elementary School which allows neighborhood children to walk to and from school. Highcroft Elementary enjoys top ranking among Wake County Schools. Older children attend Salem Middle School and Panther Creek High School, which also boast some of the best test and scores in the State. The community is surrounded by Parks. Adjacent to the neighborhood is Sears Farm Road Park, a Town of Cary Park with play areas, trails, hoops and shelters. Tom Brooks Metro Park is home to some of the nice baseball fields, hiking trails and greenways. U.S.A. Baseball has opened a new national training center here and hosts many well know coaches and teams.

The Highcroft amenity center has a junior Olympic pool, allowing kids the opportunity to participate in area swim teams and events. There is a playground for the little ones within the community. Residents enjoy tree lined streets, sidewalks and an old time community feel.

The homes are a beautiful craftsman style, with extensive use of brick and stone. Large front porches are common, perfect for greeting neighbors. The finest building materials are used throughout the homes. Hardwood floors, granite, tile and elegant moldings are commonly found throughout. As you search for homes in Highcroft, you will find both resale and new homes available. Highcroft Village which is the newest section of the community offers large beautiful homes on smaller, low maintenance lots. Larger lots and homes are found within the original Highcroft neighborhood.

West Cary Real Estate Update: August 2009

West Cary in the Real Estate world is the area from the Chatham County border on the west, over to Davis Drive, with the southern part ending at Hwy 64. The northern boundary up to the RTP area. This information covers only single family detached homes.

Homes for Sale in West Cary:

• 406 Active listings
• 102 Pending Listings
• 62 Closed listings

Pricing Information:

• Average sales price for active Listings: $440,000
• Average sales price for pending listings: $404,123
• Average sale price for closed listings: $367,256
• Average closing price to list price ratio: 97%
• Average Days on Market for closed homes: 66

Other market data of interest including Cary Park is available here

Students of west Cary/Apex high schools score higher on SATs than the Wake County School avererge and the overall state average. Although there are many excellent schools throughout the Triangle, there are often a few that consistently stand out. The surrounding Cary neighborhoods offer beautiful homes in all price ranges. Outstanding schools and outstanding communities are among the top reasons many families have chosen to relocate here.

We've got more...!

This new home has it all! Beautiful one story ranch style home in Heritage Pines, Cary's most established Active Adult community. The home features a bright open floorplan with extra windows to bring in the Carolina sunshine. Enjoy the beautiful hardwood floors throughout the home, and light tile in the kitchen and baths. Entertain your friends and family in your gourmet kitchen with Silestone countertops, new appliances and brushed nickel hardware finishes. Large great room, 2 bed, 2 full bath, gas fireplace, seperate utility room, 2 car garage, built in 2005, private patio. Located on a quiet street, among warm, welcoming neighbors. Great club house with year round events, pool, tennis, trails. Offered at $269,000.

View pictures of this home and all homes in Heritage Pines.