• Find a real estate agent that suits you. Home buying is an emotional commitment, not just a financial one. 
• Browse nieghborood profiles to quickly get a feel for what commuities suit your needs.  Visit Raleigh Neighborhoods, North Raleigh neighborhoods, Cary Neighborhoods, Apex Neighborhoods, Holly Springs Nieighborhoods or Morrisville Neighborhoods for more information.
• Don’t plan to sell or buy your home according to the market. There is actually no right to buy or sell, so if you find a home now that you love jump on it. Changes in the market don’t occur fast enough to make much of a difference in price or interest rates. 
• It is natural that you want second or even third opinions on the house you like, but asking for too many will make it harder to make a decision that can only be right for you.
• No house is perfect, so don’t expect it to be. Focus on what is most important for you and let the minor imperfections be secondary.
• Negotiation is all part of the real estate game, but don’t try to bid so low that you will lose the house. Stay realistic about how much you can actually lower the selling price.
• Don’t get so caught up in the inside of the house that you forget about the outside. Noise, location, and amenities are just as important as how big the rooms are.
• Do all the necessary paperwork before trying to find a home. Having your mortgage approved, investigating insurance, and having a time schedule to move should be done before the first house is seen. 
• Don’t buy a house directly at the top of your budget. You need to leave room for maintenance and repair costs, even if it is a new home.
• Buying a house, especially for the first time, is a big commitment and there might be some buyer’s remorse but you need to overlook it. Everyone at some time second guesses their decisions so you need to concentrate on the positives and why you loved the house so much.
• Love the house first, and then think of appreciation. Most houses right now are appreciating but the most important thing is to love and feel comfortable in your home. 

Nestled next to the HemlockBluffsPark and Nature Reserve, this area is a haven for nature lovers.  With just 33 homes you will also have the pleasure of peacefulness while sitting on your own porch.  Most of these homes are only 10 years old and range in price from the $200s to about $380,000. If you feel like leaving natures paradise you will also enjoy the convenience of having easy access to the city of Cary, the CrescentCommonsShopping Center, and the many superb restaurants of downtown with the hassle of parking Residents of the Bluffs of Kildaire can’t wait to end a hard working week by heading to the beautiful Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve where they can wander the 3 miles of trails, look in awe n the scenic observation platforms, or admire the unique Eastern Hemlock Trees.

Directions to The Bluffs:  Take Kildaire Farm Road South past Lochmere.  Take a right on Steep Bank into the Bluffs of Kildaire.  It is the first lot on the left.

This is a must have in your arsenal of house hunting tools.  On first perusal of the site, you’ll appreciated the satellite images of the neighborhood you direct it to.  The home value estimates on top of each roof top are quick handy as well.

But this is just half of the impressive features of this site, so don’t surf away before getting the detail on a particular home.  In the screen shot below, you will see the close up satellite image of the home you are interested in.

You can rotate the image, thus seeing all four sides of a partucular property. 

• Before you starting looking for homes, get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This way you will be able to make a firm commitment to buy the home making your offer more desirable.

• Find out first about new listings that come on the market by staying in close contact with your Cary real estate agent.  Be ready to go see the house on the first day that it is being shown.

• Look on the Internet, in newspapers, and drive by the neighborhood of your choice to keep on top of new listings yourself.

• Spend time in advance deciding what you do and do not want so that when you find the home of your dreams you will be ready to make an offer.

• Make your bid realistic and competitive. Just as you wouldn’t want to bid at the top of your budget, you don’t want to go too low either and lose out on a prospective home.

• Keep your bid as desirable as possible by keeping contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as selling your home before the closing or delaying closing until a certain date will make your offer unappealing to the seller. If your house does not sell on time then talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages until it sells.

• Don’t get caught up in the competition of buying your new home. You shouldn’t buy just anything just because it is a good deal. Don’t neglect important aspects of home buying such as inspections to make your offer more attractive.

Cary is located in Wake County, which is currently on of the 10th fastest growing counting in the United States.  Many Cary residents work at the ever growing Research Triangle Park and enjoy Wake County’s superb school system. 

As of this writing, there are 129 Townhouses currently on the market.  Average price is 262,000 and averaging 1985 sqft.  Townhouses are currently averaging 98 days on the market.

Nationally, mortgage rates will embark on a volatile roller coaster ride.  Rates are predicted to move sharply up and down for 2008 with the bottom around 5.25% and the top around 7.00% for 30 year fixed home financing. Locally, the triangle real estate market has slowed down some, though homes priced 175k to 450k are selling briskly.   Here we have only a 3 month supply of homes in this range and the average “time on the market is 76 days.

The luxury home market (450k & up) in the triangle is a completely different story.  There is currently an 11 month supply of luxury homes on the market.   This luxury home market is soft right now and is decidedly a buyer’s market.  Luxury homes are selling for an average of 89% of list price (compared to medium income homes at 97%). 

THE BIG NEWS:  right now in the triangle,  new home construction is  remarkable affordable.  Typically new construction is 15 to 30% more than comparable re-sale homes.  Currently New construction is on par with re-sale prices.Locally,  job growth has slowed from 5% to 2% and this has stalled demand for homes and builders are really hurting.  They are offering steep discounts to just keep afloat, in some cases.  This is an unique situation and I don’t expect it to last much longer.

To summarize, if you’re in the market to upgrade to a new home in the triangle, this is fantastic time to do it.  Rates are very low (5.5% 30Yr. Fixed) and new home construction is truly a bargain.

Here are 10 questions to help you get started:

1.    What kind of qualifications do you have?  Are you a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors?

2.    Are you currently licensed in the state of North Carolina?  Are you required to be licensed in this state?

3.    How many inspections do you do each year, and are they similar to this house?

4.    Can you provide references?

5.    Do you have professional errors and omission insurance that I can have a copy of?

6.    Do you provide a guarantee of any kind?

7.    What will the inspection cover?

8.    What type of report is produced after the inspection and how long will it take?

9.    How long will the inspection take?

10.  What are the costs involved in the inspection?

2. Even in this strong market, selling or buying a home can be very time consuming.  Many homes stay on the market for many days or even months.  It also takes an additional 60 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted. 

3. The language of real estate is complex and difficult to understand if you have no experience.  If you don’t know what a CMA or a PUD is then you can understand why it is important to work with someone who does. 

4. REALTORS® have done it all before whereas you may have just bought and sold a house just a few times in your life.  Also, because there are a few years in between each you may not be aware of new laws and regulations.  Having an expert on your side to update you on these laws is crucial when you are making the biggest purchase of your life.

5. REALTORS® provide objectivity when you might not have any. A home purchase is often more than just four walls and the roof to you.  It symbolizes family and security.  It is more emotional for you whereas a third party such as a realtor can look at everything objectively and keep you focused on the business side of the deal.  

1. Take the purchase price of the home defined by the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.

2. Add any adjustments such as:

Cost of the purchase which includes transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections, but not points you paid on your mortgage.
Cost of sale which includes inspections, attorney’s fee, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale.
Cost of improvements which includes room additions, deck, etc. and not here that improvements do not include repairing or replacing something already there, such as putting on a new roof or buying a new furnace.

3. The total of this is the adjusted cost basis of your home.

4. Subtract this adjusted cost basis from the amount you sell your home for. This is your capital gain.

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains

Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:

A) you have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.

B) You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.

Also note that as of 2003, you may also qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

2. Replace the shower curtain, put out fresh towels and new guest soaps to every bath.

3. Make fresh baked goods or set out potpourri for a homey smell.

4. Have the table set with pretty dishes and candles.

5. Put out a fresh doormat with a clever saying.

6.  To create a sense of spaciousness, take out one or two pieces of furniture in the main rooms.  

7. Put away kitchen and personal bathroom appliances to give the illusion of more counter space.

8. Make a fire in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

9. Depersonalize your space by putting away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork.

10. Make your lawn sparkle by turning on the sprinklers for 30 minutes.

2. Decide what features you are looking for in a home before you start looking.  Convey this to the agent that is helping you to avoid seeing homes you are not interested in. 

3. Get your finances such as your credit report, closing costs, and down payment in order before you start house hunting.

4. Talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan before you start looking to avoid having to do it after you have already found your new home. If you need a good recommendation for a good lender in Cary, NC, just let me know!

5. If you need second or third opinions just as 1 or 2 people versus everyone who knows you.  It will just drive you crazy because they all might have different ones.

6. Deciding when you can move is important before you start the process.  Find out when your lease is up, if you can sublet, and how tight the rental market is. 

7. You need to consider long term options such as if you are buying a starter house with the intention of moving again soon, or do you want something long term.  This will help decide the mortgage options as well.  

8. Don’t let yourself be house poor by maxing yourself out on buying the biggest house you can afford.  You need money to afford decorating and maintenance once you move in. 

9. Don’t be naïve by avoiding the home inspection.  Insist on one and if possible get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.

10. Consider hiring a REALTOR® as a buyer’s representative to get the help you need. A buyer’s representative is working only for you whereas a listing agent is more concerned with the seller. Often, buyer’s reps are paid out of the seller’s commission payment

Cary is the other name for charisma unlimited. This small American city has made a permanent place in the heart of people by virtue of sheer beauty, excellent geographical location and ample availability of various facilities. Starting its journey as a small bedroom community, the horizon of Cary now includes everything from attractive shopping malls, business parks, and fantastic neighborhoods to all other essential facilities of daily life.

The town’s proximity to popular and important landmarks like Research Triangle Park, Raleigh and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport deserves special mention. The town is further supported by sound medical services at Western Wake Medical Center and strong schools in the Wake County Consolidated System. To make life further more comfortable and rejoice-able, Cary residents can often experience the thrill, excitement and passion of various entertainment events like symphony etc. When it comes to business activities, however, Cary is much ahead of many growing cities. The town houses 75 prominent and rising companies including the likes of SAS Institute, Bahlsen, Inc., MCI Corporation, American Airlines Reservations Center to name just a few.

If you have a natural craving for social life and gel well with groups then Cary seems to be the right place to reside as you can find ample opportunity to hang out with groups in golf clubs, neighborhood pools, public and private tennis complexes, several parks, and ice rink and a new family YMCA. But what makes it one of the best places for residing is the planned development of residential sites here. The town is characterized by varying types of housing grouped into various Planned Unit Development comprised of all amenities. Cary is the other name for youth and so it is proud of its youth programs and its nationally recognized high school marching band. Cary, thus truly deserves to be the residential choice of thousands who seek peace while flowing in the stream of life.

Being lose to major work centers,  Apex NC Real Estate is in high demand.  With facilities like shopping, businesses, entertainment, and sports venues within close proximity, Apex has of late refurbished its downtown featuring a number of nineteenth-century buildings. Listed on the national register of historic places as one of the few turn-of-the-century railroad towns, Apex has a train depot built sometime between 1867 and 1873. In its early days, Apex was a shipping point for forest products such as lumber, tar, and turpentine. As the railroad furthered more growth, the town became a focal point for tobacco trade.

Apex has “peak of good living” as its motto, and observes a street festival each year on the first Saturday in May. This “peak week” festival includes arts and crafts, food, children’s activities, and live music. Having a varied assortment of music on offer the Apex train depot stages concerts during the spring, summer, and fall. Apex also has remarkable facilities for those who love the outdoors. Not only does it feature nine town-owned parks, Apex also has a huge community park. Covering 160 acres, the Apex community park features a series of playing fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds. Apart from these, there is a two-mile walking/running trail running along the lake spanning more than 50 acres. Boating is restricted to kayaking and canoeing and fishing is allowed with a permit.

1. When you are looking for a real estate agent, make sure they are someone you feel comfortable with. They should suit your personality and be more concerned with finding something that will fit you rather than what they want.

2. Yes, the market fluctuates, but do not wait for what you think is the “right” time to buy. The right time should be when you find the house that you love. Changes do not happen fast enough to make any real difference in the interest rates or price.

3. Asking too many opinions can make your decision even harder, so try to decide with the help of only one person who knows you well.

4. Focus on what in the house is important to you, and remember that not every house is perfect.

5. Negotiation is always going to be part of the real estate process, but don’t negotiate so low that you lose the house.

6. When looking at the home, remember that you need to look around the neighborhood and the outside yard as well. If you are not happy with the noise level or the neighbors then no matter how great it is on the inside you will not enjoy living there.

7. Don’t wait until you find a home before getting your mortgage pre-approved. Sellers like to know that you already have approval, insurance, and a schedule to move otherwise they may not want to accept your bid.

8. Factor the cost of repairs and maintenance into your new home, even if it is newly built. There will always be some minor details that you have to pay for before you move in.

9. Make a decision on which home to buy knowing you might have buyer’s remorse. This is perfectly natural, but buying a home also means big benefits.

10. Think about appreciation only after you realize you love the home.

Carramore buyers can benefit from their many years of building and will be able to choose from a variety of floor plans.  They even include basement options.  The estate homes ensure there are plenty of room for children to play and more room for the adults to entertain.

Ranging in price from $510,000 to $520,000 the commitment to quality and the attention to detail is evident in every home.  Click to see all the currently listed homes in the Carramore Neighborhood in Cary, NC

Directions to Carramore:  Take I-40 East to Aviation Parkway/ Morrisville-Carpenter Road(exit 285).  Go West approximately 5 miles and turn left on Davis Drive.  Carramore is on the right side. 

Well if your in the market for a brand new home, West Cary and the neighboring town of Morrisville are currently overbuilt with new home communities.

 New Home Builders are currently offering some very enticing deals to move their spec homes (pre-built homes ready for sale).

 This area is growing like crazy, as many folks in Wake county desire to be close to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) as it’s a huge center for employment in this area (the other being downtown Raleigh).  Also Many people Seek out Cary for it’s excellent schools.

 It’s also very convenient to the RDU airport, which is also the only draw back to this area: airplane noise.  So check your perspective neighborhood for noise, first then enjoy one of the best real estate deals in Wake county