Sep. 30, 2006 - Parade of Homes in the Triangle, North Carolina

Starting this weekend the Home Builders Association of Wake County will be showing off the new homes this area has to offer. Over 300 new homes and condos in all price ranges across the area will be open for visitors. Although more of a reverse parade (where the entertainment stays put and the spectators do all the moving) viewing the properties is free. For the Triangle folks it could be a great opportunity to peek into the various latest and greatest kitchens, baths, and more. It is also a great opportunity for those of us that are truly proud of our area to pitch "Why should I buy in the Triangle?", "Why should I buy in Cary?" ammunition. I can think of a couple friends and family we'd certainly love to convince to come live in this area. Also, if you can't make it September 30th/October 1st there are two more weekends to choose from for parade regulars:  October 6th-8th and October 13th through 15th from Noon until 5pm. 

Sep. 24, 2006 - Prepare Your Home Wisely For Old Man Winter

 I know it doesn't feel like winter yet, but it is right around the corner.  Although it doesn't get too cold hear in North Carolina it doesn't hurt to be prepared for a long winter season.   Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on the coziest of homes.

• Maintain gutters. Remove leaves, acorns, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming - a condition where water is unable to properly drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. You may also consider installing "gutter guards." Available in most hardware and home stores, gutter guards are screens that prevent debris from entering the gutter and direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.  
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind could cause weak trees or branches to break - damaging your home, car or injuring someone walking on your property. 
• Check insulation. Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. The water re-freezes causing more snow and ice to build up. This can result in a collapsed roof, and can contribute to ice damming. Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes from freezing. 
• Maintain pipes. Wrap pipes with heating tape and insulate unfinished rooms such as garages that frequently have exposed pipes. Also, check for cracks and leaks. Have them repaired immediately to prevent much costlier repairs. 
• Keep the House Warm. The temperature in the home should be at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees will not keep the pipes from freezing. 
• Check heating systems. The proper use and maintenance of furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can prevent fire and smoke damage. Have furnaces, boilers and chimneys serviced at least once a year. Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly and consider installing a carbon dioxide detector. 
• Make sure steps and handrails are in good shape. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice. Make repairs now to prevent someone from falling and seriously being injured. 
• Get to know your plumbing. Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes do freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have to prevent the pipes from bursting. 
• Hire a licensed contractor. Have a professional survey your home for any structural damage. If damage is discovered, have it repaired now so further damage will not occur during the winter. Also, find out about ways to prevent water damage due to snow-related flooding. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other methods can prevent damage to your home and belongings. 
• Take special care if you plan to be away from home. If you are not going to be in your home this winter for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting. Also, hire someone to check on your home on a regular basis. If there is a problem, it can be fixed quickly - lessening any damage. Activity at your home will also reduce the likelihood that it will be burglarized.
• Standard homeowners policies cover winter-related disasters such as burst pipes, ice dams, wind damage caused by weight of ice or snow.
• Damage to homes caused by flooding is usually excluded from most standard homeowner policies. Flood insurance is available from the National Flood Insurance Program. Ask your insurance professional about flood insurance, as well as specific advice about winter-proofing your home. 

Sep. 24, 2006 - #4 Best Place for Retirees and #3 Best Place to Reinvent Your Life

• Availability of jobs, since many in this group will work beyond age 65.
• Affordable housing—many cities have costs on par with or below the national median price of $161,600.
• Culture and entertainment (from museums and opera to shopping and sports events).
• Access to outdoor recreation, from skiing and biking to walking and hiking.
• Safety—personal and property safety, and a generally secure feeling.
• Colleges or universities (for continuing education and a multigenerational vibe).
• Sense of community (often places with a vital and walkable downtown).
• Proximity to comprehensive, well-regarded health care facilities.
• Good public high schools, since many boomers still have teens at home.
• Ease of getting around (public transportation, traffic, access to an airport).

Sep. 21, 2006 - Raleigh NC Real Estate>>North Hills Begins Pre-sale of Homes on October 10th

I wanted to share with you the latest community coming to the newly redesigned North Hills area with a Midtown address.  Kane Residential is pleased to announce that, on October 10th, pre-sales will begin for Ramblewood at North Hills, a community of brick townhomes, brick condominiums, and single-family Garden Homes. This project, introduced by Kane Residential, has been anticipated by the Triangle community and I wanted you to be the first to know.  Appointments will begin to scheduled on October 2^nd with a start date of October 10^th.  Completion date for the first homes is scheduled in the summer of 2007.  The community will have three types of homes:

• The Townhomes will have Brick exteriors featuring a traditional architecture.  Siteplans range from 2,300 to 4,500 square feet.  The townhomes will include 9 and 10-foot finished ceilings, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.  In addition, first-floor master suites and finished attics will be available.   There will be X units and the base pricing starts in the high $400k’s going up to the $700k range.  There will be only 40 Townhomes in Ramblewood. 

• The Stacked Flats will be Single level floor plans offering 2 and 3 bedroom options at 1,150-2,000 square feet.  The raised ceilings will include 9-foot finished ceilings, Hardwood floors, Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and gracious terraces.  They will also have reserved, covered parking with elevator access and storage located in the parking level.   The stacked flats will start just under $300k and go into the $400k range with 80 units available. 

Garden Homes With only 18 sites available they will go fast.  The architecture will be influenced by classical English, French and American architecture and begin at 3000 square feet.  The floor plans will be either open or formal with first-floor master suites.  These Modern amenities, including state-of-the-art kitchens, delivered with timeless style will include Double-car, carriage style garages.    In addition,  outdoor spaces offer a variety of landscape design options, including cutting gardens and water features.  These luxurious high-end homes will start in the $900k range.

If you would like more information please feel free to call me at (919)656-5310 or email me at Tracy@TracySantrock.com

Sep. 19, 2006 - The Parks at Meadowview- A New Gated Community Planned just South of Chapel Hill

Sep. 17, 2006 - Cary, NC Real Estate - All about Cary, NC Round 1

Sep. 15, 2006 - Buy vs. Rent...Why Homeownership is the way to go...

Sep. 14, 2006 - Invest or not to invest in the Triangle? That is the question of the day.

Sep. 9, 2006 - Wil-Mar Golf Course Property To Be Sold

Sep. 8, 2006 - Wake County School Update-19 Schools Chosen for Year Round Status

The Wake County School board voted yesterday to decide which elementary schools will be converted to year round status. This has been a big controversy because there has been so much growth in the area that the schools cannot handle the growth. This year when the school doors opened in Wake County the enrollment increased over 20%!!!! As a result, the school board is proposing conversion of many of the areas schools to year round programs to maximize the number of children that can be accomodated by the school system. The 19 elementary schools that have been selected to become year round include: Ballentine, Baucom, Brassfield, Green Hope, Harris Creek, Highcroft, Hodge Road, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Leesville Road, Lockhart, Middle Creek, Olive Chapel, Pleasant Union, Rand Road, Salem, Vance, Wakefield and Willow Springs.

Those elementary schools will transition from the traditional to the year-round calendar in 2007-08. The school board also added a magnet program to Forestville Elementary in Knightdale. The school system also says that the school board "reached consensus on a number of items" and directed the county school staff to come back with a plan for making the following accommodations for Wake County families:

• Children of teachers at all year-round schools will be guaranteed placement on the same track as their parents
• Children of 12-month staff at year-round schools will be given priority of placement on the same track as their parents
• Fourth- and fifth-graders at year-round schools whose base attendance area is converted to year-round will be allowed to grandfather without transportation
• Kindergarten through third-graders at year-round schools whose base attendance area is converted to year-round will be given priority to stay on the same track Siblings will be given priority placement on the same track at year-round elementary and middle schools

On Tuesday, September 12, the board will continue discussions on possibly converting some middle schools to the year round calendar. The board will hold a public hearing regarding the middle schools at 7pm, Thursday, September 14; the location is yet to be determined.

Sep. 8, 2006 - Brand New Golf Community Designed by Freddie Couples in Chapel Hill

Chapel Ridge is a brand new golf community that opened April 2006 which is situated on 790 acres of rolling countryside, with access to the conveniences of Chapel Hill, Raleigh-Durham and the entire Research Triangle area.

 In addition to the Fred Couples signature 18-hole golf course, Chapel Ridge also features a golf clubhouse, swim and tennis center, and a master plan designed to embrace time-honored family traditions. Chapel Ridge offers the unique opportunity to purchase spectacular golf-view and nature-view homesites with no time restrictions on when to build.   The Nature/Wooded Homesites are from the low $90s and golf course homesites are from the low $140s. Homesites range from 1/3 to 3/4 Acre.  Homesites on the 16th Fairway have just been released.   The entire neighborhood will have 615 custom homesites with over 390 acres of open space. 

Sep. 8, 2006 - Looking for a Vacation Homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Picture a resort that combines the splendors of the Biltmore Estate with the 5-Star Ambiance of the Greenbrier. Look no further than Laurelmor which is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of  North Carolina.  Laurelmor is envisioned to ignite the remergence of the true mountain club experience. A reintroduction to the ageless traditions that have gotten lost in the is age of e-tickets and iPods. Most importantly, a place where everyone from grandfather to granddaughter will feel at home.

Located on 6,000 acres of Blue Ridge splendor (larger than Manhattan and a bit friendlier), Laurelmor will be limited to less than 1,500 homes integrated into its natural beauty. Its dramatic changes in elevations will offer a variety of picturesque views and the opportunity to create experiences unlike anywhere else. Your initial drive will be cut out of a scenic ridge where you will get your first glimpse of the Club and Community nestled throughout the valley. At the heart of LaurelMor will be aspacious mountain lodge that will not only feel as if it was always there, but that it was meant to be there. There will also be an inviting Champoionship golf course designed by PGA great, Tom Kite. It doesn’t end there—-the mountain spa will offer a seamless indoor/outdoor experience that will include spectacular mountain views and first-class pampering.

Pre-sale of homesites available now. Lot deposit is transferable. Additional ammenities include:

Fine and Casual Dining

Camp Laurelmor for Children

Equestrian Center

Skeet Shooting and Archery Range

Fly-fishing

Kiking and Biking Trails

Pet Parks and Lodge

For more information send me an email at Tracy@TracySantrock.com or call me at (919)656-5310.

Sep. 6, 2006 - What Your Should Do Now if You Plan on Selling This Fall

Home sales during the fall are traditionally a bit slower than the frenzied spring and summer months. But fall can be a good time to sell because there are (usually) fewer houses on the market - meaning less competition - and buyers typically want to buy quickly before winter and the holidays set in.

If you plan on selling this fall, you'll want to do everything in your power to attract would-be homebuyers. One of the first things you should do is examine, and, if needed, repair any major structural systems. If you're unaware of any, you may want to hire a professional home inspector. Chances are a potential buyer will hire an inspector to examine the house, so you might as well save yourself any surprises down the road.

The American Society of Home Inspectors says a typical home inspection includes drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks, chimney, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation, ventilation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.

Once that's done, you should make sure you don't have any loose shingles. Repair and paint your gutters, if needed. Once the structural systems are repaired or given the thumbs-up, then you should turn to appearance.

And when it comes to looks, if you're selling in the fall, there are many things to consider, including:

Sep. 1, 2006 - West Regional Library Opens Its Doors on Sept. 16

I live in Carpenter Village and my home backs up to the new library being built.   The community is so excited about the much needed library that will open in Cary.  West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive in Cary, will open its doors Saturday, September 16, immediately following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. To celebrate the occasion, the library will host a day of fun-filled events and performances for all ages that start at 10:30 a.m. and run until 5 p.m.

Sep. 1, 2006 - Town of Cary Road Expansion Update