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Carla Freund, Triangle Area Realtor®

Cary, NC: Lots to Build Dream Home Now Available in Cary, NC!

The Estates at Olde Carpenter

The Development Team at The Estates of Olde Carpenter have recently released a limited number of large wooded homesites for development. Buyers are encouraged to choose from the Preferred Builder list of the Esteemed Builder Team. However, future residents can submit their builder and builder's plans to the Developer and Architecture Review Board for special approval.

Located in Cary, NC, The Estates at Olde Carpenter is a Quaint Neighborhood nestled among lush landscaping and walking trails and can be found by taking High House Rd. to Carpenter Upchurch -OR- Hwy 55 to Morrisville Carpenter then to Carpenter Upchurch. It is an established neighborhood with approximately 36 majestic homes completed or currently under construction. New homes will feature the same high quality and lovely aestetics as the current homes or should be superior. The neighborhood will continue in the time-honored tradition of value and distinction as other Olde Carpenter developments.

The Estates at Olde Carpenter is convenient to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, I-440, 540 and more. Retail, restaurants, medical facilities, leisure, and entertainment are readily available within minutes of The Estates at Olde Carpenter. Residents of Olde Carpenter can enjoy the swimming pool, tennis, clubhouse, walking trails, and other amenities located with the Carpenter Village Community.

The Estates at Olde Carpenter is without a doubt a Premier Neighborhood in Cary, NC!

signature - Carla Freund

About the Author: Carla Freund is a North Carolina Realtor® with Fonville Morisey Realty, who specializes in buyer and seller real estate services in the Research Triangle. This includes but is not limited to residential purchase & sales, short sales, first time home buying, buying & selling of luxury homes, new construction, specialty communities, out of area referrals, historic & urban homes, and corporate relocation. She represents clients within the cities of Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville and the surrounding Triangle areas. She is current with transactions in these areas, and very knowledgeable with the local schools and area services. Visit her active rain site at http://activerain.com/carlafreund.

Cary, NC: More Shopping Coming to Cary, NC

Cary, NC: More Shopping Coming to Cary, NC

A New Shopping Mall is coming to Cary, NC! It should give a boost to the already popular growing area near Hwy 55 & 540. Parkside Town Commons plans to open Summer 2011 just as the economy is expected to stabilize. The new area will include shopping, restaurants, hotel facilities, offices, and residential areas. Not only will it will be convenient for Cary residents, it's also convenient to Research Triangle Park, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh.

People Walking in Town

Many residents are looking forward to New Shopping on this side of Cary. It'll be interesting to see what shops and restaurants go into the shopping mall. I'm hoping there will be a variety and not all the same things we already have in Cary. I would personally love to see some new restaurants for a change of pace. If I could choose one restaurant that would be a good fit for this area, it would be Seasons 52 based out of Central Florida or perhaps they could bring Red, Hot, and Blue back to Cary. I'm sure it's going to be a beautiful shopping area and will fit into Cary nicely. I just hope we don't have to choose between Parkside Town Commons and Beaver Creek Commons. Two great shopping areas and so little time.

signature - Carla Freund

About the Author: Carla Freund is a North Carolina Realtor® with Fonville Morisey Realty, who specializes in buyer and seller real estate services in the Research Triangle. This includes but is not limited to residential purchase & sales, short sales, first time home buying, buying & selling of luxury homes, new construction, specialty communities, out of area referrals, historic & urban homes, and corporate relocation. She represents clients within the cities of Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville and the surrounding Triangle areas. She is current with transactions in these areas, and very knowledgeable with the local schools and area services. Visit her active rain site at http://activerain.com/carlafreund.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. The Carolina Living in the Triangle Blog and Carla Freund does not guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Entries on Carolina Living in the Triangle represent the opinions and ideas of the author(s). Carolina Living in the Triangle Blog does not express the views of Fonville Morisey, Inc or those of the broker.

Raleigh, NC: They said it wouldn't happen

Raleigh, NC: They said it wouldn't happen

Portions of the Triangle have long been in need of better travel routes to make getting around the triangle faster and less congested. The opening of 540 Outer Loop was long awaited and quickly embraced by many motorists. Now we embark on the next portion of the project; construction of the Triangle Parkway and Western Wake Freeway. The Triangle Parkway broke ground August 12, 2009 with the Triangle Parkway to be completed in 2011 and the Western Wake Freeway in 2012.

However, the Triangle Expressway hasn't come without controversy. To cover the cost of these roads, drivers will pay a toll. This will be North Carolina's first toll road. Many have spoken out against the toll road while others embrace it. Some have lived in places such as Florida and DC where toll roads are a way of life. Many reluctantly accept paying the tolls if it means better means of transportation. Most thought it would never happen.

highway

For the sake of homeowners, it will be good for the project to move along. For homeowners who live anywhere near the projected path of these roads, they may already be paying the price. In the current economy, there are so many homes available to purchase, buyers are reluctant to buy in neighborhoods that are near the new roads. Buyers are fearful of the unknown. Today's buyer can afford to be pickier than ever and may be afraid to chance living near the projected new roads.

sale tag

There are many gorgeous homes priced lower than ever in subdivision backing to or near the projected Triangle Parkway or Western Wake Freeway. Sellers have their homes priced similar or below what they paid 5 or more years ago. Would buying one of these homes be a good investment or a risk? No one can accurately predict if the value of these homes will increase, decrease, or stabilize. However, if what happened in North Raleigh is any indication of what's to come, we'll see plenty of new construction pop up around the new roads once they're built.

Interestingly enough, when looking at homes, many buyers, find close proximity to major roads a plus. Many want to get more home for the money and at the same time have an easy commute to work, entertainment, family, and recreation. Buyers often count the ability to access the highways or ease of their commute on these roads as a plus when considering a home.

So that leaves us to speculate:

What's a seller to do if they need to sell a home in today's market that's near a projected major road?

Should a Buyer invest in better home for a lower price near projected roads?

Perhaps...only time will tell who benefits and who loses out. dollar

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Contact Carla Freund, Broker, Fonville Morisey Realty/ A Long and Foster Company, Licensed Realtor® in North Carolina at 919-602-8489 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Chapel Hill, Johnston County, and the surrounding areas.

Now accepting referrals. **Not meant as a solicitation to individuals already working with a Professional Real Estate Agent.**

Cary, NC: Cary Bargain Days – a window of opportunity for home buyers in this highly sought after town.

Cary Bargain Days - a window of opportunity for home buyers in this highly sought after town.

Those familiar with Raleigh-Durham and Research Triangle Park are also familiar with Cary, NC. The town of Cary boast a population of just over 100k and has received many accolades such as one of the safest town to live, one of the fastest growing towns, and overall best place to live.

When you visit Cary, you immediately know there is something different. You may not find oversized, brightly colored billboards & signs or lawn art. But, what you will find is miles of green walking trails, lots of friendly smiling faces, and a myriad of community activities.

People move here for the proximity to technology & medical employment, the schools & universities, seasonal weather, affordability, lifestyle, convenience to mountains & beaches, and so much more.

lighthouse

These things and more have made Cary a very desirable place to live & play. In turn, for approximately the past 10 years, Cary's attraction has given homeowners a very nice return on their home investment making it a little challenging for some to buy and live in this beautiful community.

Finally, those wishing to live in this highly acclaimed town, have a window of opportunity to invest in one of the fastest growing and most valued towns. Cary is still experiencing growth and appreciation but, in some cases, at a slower rate. However, there are bargains to be found as well. If you're looking for a home over $400,000 you may just find a great deal. But don't delay, if a home is priced right and is model ready, you may find yourself in the middle of multiple offers.

Below are some home price statistics for Cary:

Average Cost of 3BR, 2BA, detached single family home:

2007 - Approximately $242,000

2008 - Approximately $244,000

December 19, 2008 - January 17, 2009 - approximately $261,000

Average Cost of 4BR, 2 BA, detached single family home:

2007 - Approximately $324,000

2008 - Approximately $317,000

December 19, 2008 - January 17, 2009 - approximately $346,000

While the number of sales in Cary have decreased, the sale prices show the average sale price has increased. Homes in the $200-$300 price range are very popular while some homes over $400,000 may take a little longer to sell and/or are having to reduce the sale price. Recently, as mentioned before, there are some homes receiving more than one offer. From experience, those homes are the ones priced right and are in move-in ready condition. With interest rates and home prices low, there are true signs of an improving market for Cary.

For Sale Sign

Top selling Large neighborhoods/subdivisions in Cary are: Amberly, Belmont, Braeloch, Brookgreen, Brookstone, Cameron Pond, Carpenter Village, Cary Park, Copperleaf, Fieldstone Village, Harmony, Highcroft, Kildaire Farms, Lochmere, MacArthur Park, MacGregor, Oxxford Hunt, Park Village, Preston, Regency, Royal Oaks, Scottish Hills, Stonewater, Wellsley, and West Lake.

Smaller but, popular neighborhoods/subdivisions to look for are: Bishops Gate, Cambridge, Charleston Village, Cotswold, Glenkirk, Kensington, Picardy, Sherwood Green, Reserve, Weatherstone, Weston Pointe, Windermere, and Wyndfall.

There are so many wonderful neighborhoods in Cary and all couldn't be mentioned. The important thing is finding just the right neighborhood for the right price.

*Information above is the "opinion" of author based on research from the Triangle Multiple Listing Service and other resources. It is recommended anyone looking to purchase or sell a home work with a real estate professional that can target the needs of the individual buyer and seller and give data on their specific location and criteria.

Contact Carla Freund, Broker, Fonville Morisey Realty/ A Long and Foster Company, Licensed Realtor® in North Carolina at 919-602-8489 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Chapel Hill, Johnston County, and the surrounding areas.

Now accepting referrals. **Not meant as a solicitation to individuals already working with a Professional Real Estate Agent.**

North Carolina Living! Top 10 Reasons to Move to The NC Triangle

lighthouse

Carolina Living!

Top 10 Reasons to Live in The Triangle

When my family & I moved to North Carolina 11 years ago, it was a surprise to many people who knew me. I absolutely loved and enjoyed living in Central Florida. While there are so many wonderful things about Orlando, we now call Cary, NC home. It may not be for everyone, but, here are the top reasons we think residents find living in the Triangle irresistible.

#10- Recreations: There are so many things to do in the Triangle. Many people find boating, water skiing, wakeboarding or swimming at Jordan or Kerr Lake at the top of their list. If you enjoy cultural arts, make sure you visit one of the many museums NC offers or spend the day at an outdoor concert at Koka Booth Amphitheater or Pavillion at Walnut Creek. Take in the ballet or a musical at the Progress Energy Center for Performing Arts.

Sailing

#9 - Professional Sports - If you enjoy professional sports, you'll be swept up with the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey team. You may score a goal with the Carolina Railhawks Men's Soccer Team or hit a home run with the Durham Bulls. The Carolina Panthers are just a short drive away. Local Universities bring out the sideline athlete in Triangle residents. Who will you cheer for...UNC Tarheels, NC State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, ECU Pirates, or Wake Forest Demon Deacons?

check flag

#8 - Mountains - Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall, if you enjoy the mountains, you'll especially love the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A day trip may find you snow skiing at one of the NC Ski Resorts such as Sugar Mountain or Ski Beech. If you like hiking, golfing, camping or fishing, a summer escape may be just what the doctor called for. People drive from all over just to see the trees change colors in the fall.

Fall Scene

#7 - Beaches - Ahh! Relax on the Carolina Crystal Coast! History and Beauty are plentiful on the Coast of North Carolina. You'll have fun discovering the different beaches up and down the coast of NC. Go for the day or week, you'll love the beautiful sand beaches and crystal views. Visit the historical site where the Wright brothers first took flight, NC's famous lighthouses, or learn about NC's sea life. A short drive and a couple hours, you'll be dining on fresh seafood straight from the ocean. You may even find yourself there during the holidays. For those who have always wanted to learn to sail, a day trip to historic Beaufort might be just for you. There is so much to do you'll never want to leave. Trivia: Did you know Nicholas Sparks's new movie, Nights in Rodanthe, was filmed in parts of the Outer Banks?

NC Beach

#6 - 4 Seasons - NC offers enjoyable weather year round with four distinctive seasons. Just when you're ready for a change-you get change. You'll enjoy the beautiful colors of fall across the parkway and throughout NC as the trees begin to change to shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. Excitement is in the air as school and football crank up the fall season. The sun still shines in the winter and if we're lucky, we'll receive a stunning blanket of white snow to enjoy. What a great time to travel to the mountains to cut a fresh Christmas tree for your home. Spring bounces in with magnificent shades of pinks, yellows, lilacs, and pale green. The community comes alive in the spring with outdoor activities. Summer won't be outdone with its glorious sunshine and long days. Residents cherish the time at the pool or spent with friends and family at BBQ's. Just when you're ready for a break, the seasons begin again.

snow trees

#5 - Universities - You'll find some of the top Universities in the Triangle area which is what brings many families here. Known for its schools of medicine and technology, NC has a lot to offer the scholar. In the heart of Raleigh you'll find NC State along with many Wolfpack fans. Not far away, Chapel Hill offers the University of North Carolina and in Durham, Duke University. The list is endless.

graduates

#4 - Schools (SAT Scores): North Carolina continues to set and achieve higher goals each year. That evidence is strongest in Wake County where the average SAT scores exceed the state and national average. Not only will you find great public schools, charter, magnet, and private schools are widely available.

report card

#3 - Youth Opportunities: There are so many activities for kids in the Triangle that you can't possibly do everything. When it comes to sports, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, dance, cheer, gymnastics, ice hockey, golf, horseback riding, football, and baseball are just a few. By the way, there are many adult sports leagues too. If your child is fortunate enough to be creative, you'll find many opportunities for them to practice their skills through music, drama and art. Maybe your child enjoys more intellectual activities? There are many interactive museums and programs such as IMACS to stimulate their minds. You'll find church activities and community service projects for the entire family. Other notable organizations to check into are National League of Junior Cotillions, YMCA of the Triangle, C'est si Bon! Cooking School, Impact Athletics and Fitness Center, Duke Talent Identification Program, and Institute of Reading Development at NCSU.

Soccer Shoes

#2 - Job Opportunities: The Triangle is known for "Research Triangle Park" where you'll find several top employers. Wake, Durham & Orange Counties as well as individual towns are active in keeping and bringing jobs to the Triangle area. The Triangle is known as one of the "Best Cities to Live and Work".

best city

#1 - The People: It's true; some of the friendliest people live in the South. However, Triangle residents aren't all originally from the South. You'll find individuals from almost any state and a large variety of countries. Because there are so many transplants in the area, you'll notice people eager to make friends and learn about each others culture and traditions. So what makes Triangle residents so friendly? Well, I think it's all the reasons I just mentioned and more.

happy people

Disclaimer: There are so many people, locations, schools, teams, and events that make the quality of life in the Triangle that I couldn't possibly mention everyone. It was difficult enough to narrow down my list. So, if you're from the triangle and I didn't mention your favorite, please don't hold it against me. However, please feel free to mention your favorite thing about the Triangle in my comment section. Thanks and Enjoy Carolina Living!

About the Author: Carla Freund is a North Carolina Realtor® with Fonville Morisey Realty, who specializes in buyer and seller real estate services in the Research Triangle. This includes but is not limited to residential purchase & sales, short sales, first time home buying, buying & selling of luxury homes, new construction, specialty communities, out of area referrals, historic & urban homes, and corporate relocation. Carla represents clients within the cities of Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville and the surrounding Triangle areas. She is current with transactions in these areas, and very knowledgeable with the local schools and area services. Visit her active rain site at http://activerain.com/carlafreund.