Jamie McDevitt

When choosing a vacant building lot in Pinehurst nc, southern pines nc or any anywhere else, consider these 10 very important things to do or questions to ask:

1. Ask for copies of all existing real estate surveys and consider getting one of your own to make certain that you are aware of any encroachments, easements, etc. on the property.

2. Find out whether public water is available to the lot when you build a new home. If so, what's the tap fee? If not, what is the price range of getting a well drilled? (a range is the best you are likely to get, even from the most reputable companies).

3. Find out if the property has access to a public sewer system. If so, what's the cost of hooking up? If not, what is the cost for constructions of a septic system and what is involved in the permitting?

4. What are the taxes?

5. Are there any homeowners fees or governmental assessments?

6. Are there any building setbacks, restrictive covenants or architectural guidelines that apply to building a new home? Read all of these documents before making an offer to buy. If there is a homeowners' association, don't be shy about calling the association president if you have unanswered questions.

7. What school district is the vacant lot in?

8. What can be built next door to the property?

9. Get a title search and when you buy, make sure that you get a title insurance policy that includes what is called "survey coverage".

10. Find out if there is any pending or threatened moratorium on building new homes. Believe it or not - it happens!

Get all of these questions answered by your real estate broker and by a lawyer who specializes in property and real estate closings. For more information, please also visit us on the web at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com or call 800-788-8814.

Jamie McDevitt is Broker/Owner of McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty, a full service real estate brokerage serving the Pinehurst and Southern Pines, NC market.

copyright 2008, McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty

Pinehurst Travel Plans Should Include the 2008 U.S. Amateur Golf Tournament this August. From August 18-24, Pinehurst will host this prestigious event on two of it's famed courses, Pinehurst No. 4 and the signature course at Pinehurst, Pinehurst No. 2. Stroke play takes place on the first 2 days; and match play continues for the final 5 days. So, for 7 days, you can watch the future of professional golf in one of the most beautiful golf settings in the country. During your stay, schedule a round or two for yourself on one of 40 local world class courses, dine in the many wonderful area restaurants, or shop in the vibrant downtown shopping district of historic Pinehurst and trendy Southern Pines. Pinehurst is easy to reach from the RDU Airport, just 60 miles away in Raleigh. McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty is offering free tickets to it's clients who happen to be in town during this wonderful event. For more information, call 800.788.8814 and visit us on the internet at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com/

Thinking about visiting the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area? If so, consider making a trip during the first weekend of April. In addition to being a great time to play golf, the 57th running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase takes place at the Carolina Horse Park on April 5. The Steeplechase is a full day of fun with family and friends, with a chance to see some very exciting horse racing. If you have a trip scheduled in March, consider visiting the Carolina Horse Park on March 15-16 again March 21-23 to see the Carolina Horse Trials and experience the speed and excitement of Eventing. For more information, call the Carolina Horse Park at 910.246.9808. For general information about the Pinehurst Southern Pines area in general, visit us on the internet at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Pinehurst, North Carolina is one of the best golf destinations in the US. In addition to being a great golf resort area, it is also a wonderful place to live. Best of all, it is still very affordable. The easy going quality of life in the area, combined with wonderful restaurants, an abundance of cultural activities, a superb health care community, and easy access to the RDU International Airport - make Pinehurst a perfect place for a second home or investment property for international property seekers. Homes and Condos, with Memberships to the famed Pinehurst Country Club, begin in the $100,000's USD. Pinehurst has a sister town that is the center of Equestrian activity in North Carolina. In Southern Pines, NC, hundreds of horse farms dot the landscape less than 5 miles from Pinehurst. Horse farms are available beginning in the $300,000's USD. Vacant tracts of horse property are also available in the area, beginning under $100,000 USD. When travelling to the US, don't miss Pinehurst and Southern Pines, especially if you have an interest in golf or horses. It is the perfect location for couples who pursue both interests to enjoy their hobbies year round in an area that combines small town charm with big city sophistication. For more information, visit us at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com

Farm Maintenance

When you own a horse farm, you will need help from time to time even if you have your own equipment and do most of your own work. Several local farm maintenance companies provide excellent service. When considering the purchase of a farm or vacant land to build a farm, the cost of maintaining pastures, correcting drainage problems, over seeding, fertilizing and mowing must be factored into any buying decision. At McDevitt Sotheby's International Realty, we have first hand knowledge about who to call for all of your farm maintenance needs whether you need to clear timber to create pastures or if you simply need to have soil analyzed to choose the right fertilizer.

Local Farm Maintenance Companies

Knollbrook Farm (Rod Lynch): (910) 692-4642 (office): (910) 315-6886 (cell)

Any type of earth moving, pasture clearing, farm road building/maintenance, seeding, fertilizing and general farm maintenance. Mowing.

Huberth Farm Service (Harry Huberth): (910) 692-5331. Specializing in farm maintenance, seeding, fertilizing, drainage issues, consulting on pasture stability and environmentally friendly farm maintenance. Mowing.

Mike's Backhoe Service: (Mike Simpson): (910) 245-3483. Earth moving, clearing and excavation including trenching and installation of septic systems.

Banfield Backhoe Service: (Jeff Banfield): (910) 315-3821. Mowing, seasonal seeding, excavation, brush clearing.

Superior Tree Svc. (Steve Farr): Tree removal and waste management:(910) 639-2180. Excavation and hauling of material, clearing, tree removal, brush removal, demolition.

Erik Parbst Land Clearing: (Erik Parbst): (910) 639-4983 or (910) 692-5891. Brush clearing, driveway/road maintenance. Mowing. Excavation.

For more info, visit us at: http://www.mcdevitttownandcountry.com