Friday, December 27, 2013

Raleigh Ranks 9th in Economic Momentum Going into 2014

Raleigh Ranks 9th in the USA in Momentum going Into 2014

Raleigh is ranked No. 9 on a new list of the U.S. metro areas with the most economic momentum going into 2014 according to Bizjournals.com writer Rebecca Troyer.

Various factors are taken into account when assessing the top Economic momentum and they include "GDP growth, job growth, real median household income growth and current unemployment. To measure demographic strength we looked at population growth, birth rate, domestic migration and the change in educational attainment. All factors were weighted equally" New Geography website reported.

That is great news for our region and even though it does not cover the housing market, this will definitely affect the Real Estate Market positively.

If you are considering buying a home in 2014, you may wish to take advantage of a tepid market and if you are considering selling - this may be the year to do it in.

I would love to hear from you and lets have a confidential chat about timing.

Take a look at my article on pricing to sell in preparation for the marketing of your home.


Homes for Sale in Cary, NC Listings Search



Monday, December 16, 2013

Apex NC - Historic Town with Charm and Character

What Makes Apex NC One of The Top 10 Best Small Towns?

Apex NC is centrally situated just 20 minutes commute to downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park. Downtown Apex is steeped in history and has the most beautiful "olde world" buildings lining the main street.

There are gift shops, antique shops and amazing restaurants that spill out onto the street (weather permitting) and these are just a few that make up this gorgeous town.

The tree lined streets in the suburbs give this small town a unique atmosphere. Homes with rocking chair front porches and charming facades give Apex a flavor of its own.

Jim Cleveland

jim@jimclevelandhomes.com
 919-741-0923

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Holly Springs NC Lifestyle and Homes for Sale

Holly Springs NC - Could You live here?

Holly Springs NC started off as a "watering hole" where travelers could stop and drink of the fresh water to quench their thirst. This does not continue today, however Holly Springs is a great place to live offering an incredible lifestyle.

Bass Lake Park and Retreat Holly Springs, is an extensive Lake spread over 100 acres. One can hire canoes or jon boats and enjoy all the lake has to offer. The Lake is stocked with fish for those who love to fish. There is an education center, conference facilities with a theatre, a viewing deck, floating dock and a free bank fishing area for fishing enthusiasts. The area boasts a hiking trail and a wildlife observation platform, which is not to be missed.


Holly Springs has a great tropical climate. The winters have maybe 2 or 3 snow days a year, just enough to play in without the inconveniences! 

Would you like to come and explore Homes for Sale with me? Take a look now! 


Jim Cleveland  919-741-0923       Email:Jim@jimclevelandhomes.com


Homes for Sale Holly Springs Listings Search

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Homes for Sale in Cary NC - See the Latest Listings!

Homes for Sale Cary NC - All the Listings

Cary NC
Cary Amtrak Station
Cary NC is a great place to live. If you are looking for great schools, beautiful walks and hiking trails, shopping centers in Raleigh/Cary, entertainment, arts and culture or various dining options - then there is no better place than Cary. 

Cary sprawls across the counties of Wake and Chatham. It is also within the heart of the Research Triangle Park which is one of the most prominent hi-tech research and development centers in the United States. There are more than 170 Companies which in turn employ over 42,000 permanent staff and 10,000+ contractors. 

Cary is well situated just a 20 minute commute to Raleigh, Chapel Hill and the Raleigh Durham International Airport. It has been voted amongst the Best Small Cities in America and also on the list of Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. 

Now that you know its a great place to live, let me show you where!


Jim Cleveland   jim@jimclevelandhomes.com    919-741-0923

Saturday, November 30, 2013

1405 Wesleyn Springs Way, Fuquay Varina, 27523

Short Sale: Bank Approved

1405 Weslyn Springs Way
Fuquay Varina 27523
$275,000











KEY FEATURES
Sq Footage: 2605
Bedrooms: 4 Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 3 Bathrooms
Floors: 2
Porch: Covered Porch | Screened Porch
Garage: 2
Subdivision: Weslyn Springs
Property Style: Traditional

DESCRIPTION:

Beautiful setting in Weslyn Springs! Home has master down and functional space. Step through the front door onto glistening hardwoods in the family, kitchen and dining rooms. Two story family room with fireplace. Second bed on main floor canopt for a perfect office/study. Bonus and 2 other beds up. Screened in porch with walk out stone patio. 
Easy to view 

Call or Text for appointment today!  

919-741-0923

For More Information visit my website and see the Detailed Listing


Homes for Sale Fuquay Varina Listings Search


www.JimclevelandHomes.com




Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Things To See and Do in North Carolina

Things to See and Do in North Carolina

North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern area of the US. It has the distinction of being the  10th most popular state in the USA. North Carolina is also  known as  the “Tar Heel State”.

The state of North Carolina consists of 100 counties and the city of Raleigh and Charlotte are among the fastest growing cities in the country. The state offers a variety of interesting things to do, recreational and entertainment opportunities for all ages.

Explore Breathtaking Beaches
The beauty of the beaches in North Carolina is just breathtaking! The enchanting clear waters provide a relaxing environment for tourists, and the charming beach houses and towns dotted alongside the coast line make the North Carolina beaches a major tourist attraction.

While exploring the lighthouses and different interesting beaches on the coast, you get to enjoy the exquisite natural beauty and fun discovery opportunities available in this area.  No trip to North Carolina is complete without at trip to the Outer Banks where there is much to do and don't miss out on seeing the wild horses that live on the island! The Oak Island Lighthouse on the Brunswick Islands and the Baldhead Island Lighthouse on Baldhead Island are famous exploratory sites. The Baldhead Island Lighthouse has the distinction of being the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse on Crystal Coast is reached by ferry and is a beautiful sight.

The Wrightsville Beach provides ample opportunity for fishing, boating, surfing and paddle boarding, etc. It is a beautiful location with spectacular views and interesting attractions. The Carolina Beach also offers a variety of fun filled festivals and events. The North Topsail Beach, Topsail Beach and the Surf City are enchanting beaches with an interesting pirate history, which adds an element of mystery and adventure to this area. Read all about the Beaches using this link.

Magnificent Mountains
North Carolina offers a variety of beautiful mountain vacation spots in the Appalachian Mountains offering a breathtaking sights and incredible walking trails.. The Morgantan hills offer a spectacular view while Black Mountain is the perfect place for camping. Asheville is a hotspot for tourists avid to experience the wonderful enjoyment of hiking and camping in mountains and foothills around the area.

These mountains and foothills provide an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views and marvel at the natural beauty. Different restaurants and hotels provide services to tourists to make their visit a memorable one.

The Grandfather Mountain State Park situated in Linville is a 12 mile area of alpine trails which is a great site for people interested in hiking. The beautiful trails are a great picnic site for families.

Beautiful Vineyards

North Carolina is the state where every major grape variety is grown. There are over 400 vineyards and about a 100 wineries all over the state. Biltmore has the distinction of being the most visited winery in the country. The most important vineyards and wineries in the state are the Hanover Park Vineyard located in Yadkinville, Flint Hill Vineyards, RayLen Vineyard and Winery and the Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery, etc.

Interesting Historic Areas
The state of North Carolina has a rich history and cultural heritage. Tourists come from all over to visit the largest home in America, Biltmore, the Tryon Palace and the historic home of the poet Carl Sandburg. The historic Yates Mill County Park, Asheville's Grove Park and the historic Stonewall Manor are major tourist attractions and important historical sites in the state.

The state of North Carolina provides interesting and entertaining opportunities to tourists and residents for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of this wonderful state. It is a great place to live and to play!

Thinking of moving to North Carolina? I live in Cary NC and I can truly recommend Raleigh, Cary area as a great place for young and old to live and work. The climate is fantastic, the convenience of urban living with many beautiful parks and recreational lakes, great hiking and cycling trails what more could one ask for? The Schooling is fantastic, the work opportunities abound and the Universities amongst the best in the country.

Take a look at my website and see what homes we have to offer in this beautiful area.

Homes for Sale in Cary, NC Listings Search

Friday, November 1, 2013

MacGregor Downs in Cary, NC - What's Happening this Fall?

MacGregor Downs in Cary, NC - What's Happening this Fall?

Events, Fun and Things To Do in and Around MacGregor Downs

MacGregor Downs is a great neighborhood for enjoying the beautiful 4 seasons in NC. Fall is absolutely spectacular with the abundance of trees showing off their vibrant Fall colors. The golf course is especially picturesque with a cool morning mist hanging over the perfectly manicured greens. There is no better time to take a walk on the beautiful neighborhood trails that wind past stately homes and stunning golf course views. Enjoy a sunny afternoon boat ride and take in some fishing, Or just grab a book and enjoy one of the many sitting areas around the course or on the deck of the clubhouse.

Golf Tournament - The Gobble-Gobble Turkey Tournament will be held on Saturday November 16th at 2:00 pm. The format will be stroke play with 80% of your junior league handicap. There will be 2 Divisions – PLAY 9 and PLAY 4. Tee Times will begin at 2 pm. Entry fee is $10/person plus 3 cans of canned food for charity. Prizes - One Turkey for each division and a raffle drawing for a turkey.

Club Events - One highly anticipated event coming up is the annual MacGregor Country Western Night at the Club House. Get your boots and your dance moves on Saturday, November 16th from 6:30 to- 9:30 pm. Registration ends November 14th, so please make you reservations TODAY, by calling the club at 919-467-0146.

Holiday Parties - Are you planning on hosting a party this holiday season for your office or family and friends? The MacGregor Downs Country Club is a great place for any size gathering. Book now if you are interested because space may fill up fast. MacGregor Downs Club House: 919-467-0146

Member Activities - Being a member of MacGregor Downs Country Club is a great way to socialize, network and make lifelong friends. There are many planned events and activities through out the year such as Wine Club, Bingo for the whole family, Casino Nights and much more. Log into the member section of the MacGregor Downs site to see a full calendar of events.

Waverly Place - Nearby at Waverly Place enjoy Light Nights, Waverly Events fall Jazz Series featuring local jazz favorites, great fall weather, and the peaceful ambiance of the Promenade. Enjoy the company of friends, a glass of wine and shop our mini craft market.

Are you looking for a wonderful family neighborhood in Cary, NC? Come take a look at MacGregor Downs. My family and I have been here for many years and we truly believe it's one of the best places to live in Cary!

HOMES FOR SALE IN MACGREGOR DOWNS

Friday, October 25, 2013

When Is It The Right Time to Downsize Your Home?

When is it The Right Time to Downsize Your Home?

Traditionally most average homeowners start out small and end up small, sometimes increasing the size of their homes in between. Commonly the decision to buy a larger house is motivated by a growing family, though increased wealth and growing acquisitions are also common factors. 
Additionally, there is a growing body of people that has decided smaller is better.   
It you’ve followed the traditional route and bought the biggest and best home you can afford, why would you want to downsize your home? Once you have established the advantages of downsizing, you can decide whether this is what you want to do, and when it is time for you to downsize your home. 
Popular Reasons to Downsize Your Home
While a smaller home will inevitably result in fewer belongings, and may lead to space restrictions, there are a number of good advantages that you should consider if you have an inkling that it’s a good time to downsize your home. 

  • It’s very likely going to cost you less money on your mortgage payments
  • It will definitely save on time in terms of cleaning and general maintenance. 
  • Your utility bills will be lower because it costs less to heat or cool smaller spaces. 
  • You are less likely to buy new items quite simply because there’s no space for them; this results in reduced spending. 
  • Overall if you downsize your home the demands of a smaller house will be less, which minimizes the stress factor.
If you have been considering downsizing or perhaps want to know how much your home is worth in todays market, please call me and lets have a chat about the pro's and con's of downsizing and the cost involved for your lifestyle change.



Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Cary, NC Golf Courses

Cary, NC Golf Courses

Golf Courses and Golf Course Communities

For the golfer, living in Cary, NC is like living in paradise. The area is home to world class golf courses, with the perfect climate to allow golfing year round.

Fall is the perfect time to get out and hit the green in NC. The air is crisp and cool and the leaves are starting to put on their seasonal show. Lucky for us, our winters are fairly mild here so many die hard golfers are playing through to spring. But in my opinion, Spring and Fall are the best times to play local courses.

In addition to fine golf courses and golf course communities, Cary also offers many other recreational opportunities. Many communities also off tennis and swimming clubs as well as biking and walking trails. The Town of Cary Parks and Recreation Department also offers a wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities year round.

Private and semi-private golf courses in the Cary area include:

Prestonwood Country Club, Cary

MacGregor Downs Country Club, Cary

Lochmere Golf Club - Semi-private, Cary

Devils Ridge Golf Club, Holly Springs, NC

Raleigh Golf Association, Raleigh

Brier Creek Country Club, Raleigh

Raleigh Country Club, Raleigh

Carolina Country Club, Raleigh

North Ridge Country Club, North Raleigh

Old Chatham Golf Club, Durham

Public golf courses near Cary include:

Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State University, Raleigh

Wildwood Green Golf Club, Raleigh

401 Par Golf, Raleigh

Knight’s Play Golf Center, Apex

Lakeshore Golf Course, Durham

For a locator map, reviews and statistics, visit North Carolina Golf

Whether you’re a pro or just a happy hack, you’ll love playing the variety of gorgeous golf courses in Cary, NC.

If you are looking for a perfect golf course view or golf course community home for sale, contact me. I am the local expert on golf course properties and I often know about homes coming up for sale, before they hit the market. If you have a specific neighborhood or a specific type of home in mind, I will find it for you. I will network, knock on doors, send letters and do what it takes to get you into the home of your dreams. If you have a golf course property to sell, I will find you find a buyer!


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Cary Golf Course Home For Sale on the Fairways MacGregor Downs

GOLF COURSE RANCH STYLE HOME CARY

Home for Sale 303 Edinburgh Drive, Cary

Great Home for Sale in Sought After Cary, NC



GOLF COURSE RANCH STYLE HOME FOR SALE! 
This Home sits on a 1.25 acre lot that backs up to #15 fairway. Unlimited potential with ranch floor plan. Quality Home sporting Maple cabinets, beautiful pine hardwood floors and smooth ceilings. 
The Stone fire place and vaulted ceiling set the style for this lovely family room. The enclosed sunroom overlooks a tranquil backyard. This home has a fresh coat of paint on the outside. You MUST SEE this home!

SEE THE LISTING DETAILS FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME BY CLICKING HERE


Vacant Land for Sale New Hill 6.17 Acres


Vacant Land 4332 New Hill Holleman Road

New Hill NC


6.17 acres of level to rolling terrain with lots of mature trees and a small pond


COULD THIS BE THE DRIVEWAY TO YOUR NEW HOME?







Homes for Sale New Hill Listings Search

Fuquay Varina Short Sale - 1405 Wesley Springs

FUQUAY VARINA SHORT SALE

1405 Weslyn Springs 
$300,000


Take a Look at the Listing Details by clicking here

Wide opens spaces! Brick front with great layout and features! Vaulted family room with feature fireplace. Hardwoods in the family room, kitchen and dining rooms. Wired surround sound! Extensive trim package. Granite countertops, smooth cook-top & double ovens featured in this great kitchen! Master suite downstairs  with trey ceiling, his/her closets plus private sitting area. 1st floor bedroom could be made into a superb  office space. Bonus room upstairs. Beautiful surroundings! Lovely Home!


Living in Apex NC

Living in Apex NC

Apex was voted in the Top 10 Small towns and best places to live by CNN Money. The economy is good and it's a perfect place for families and singles to live. Great schools and an easy commute to RTP and RDU airport are just two of the many reasons Apex is a great place to live.

Apex has a beautiful "Old Town" area with quirky and interesting shops and restaurants.  Feel like you are stepping back in time when you attend one of the many small town parades and festivals downtown.  Or just stroll the main street, stop for an ice cream cone and relax.




old town apex nc
Old Town Apex, NC

The Schools in the area are sought after and with the growing population a new school will open its doors in 2015.

Apex has a great sense of community and it is a happy environment to live in. There are over 400 acres of parks, baseball diamonds and tennis courts.

It is an easy commute to downtown Raleigh, the Research Triangle (RTP) and its close to RDU International airport.

Make Apex your home! Here one one great featured property that offers a true Apex lifestyle.

Apex Home For Sale | 1013 Sunset Meadows 

This Could Be Your View of The Lake 



This great water front all brick home offered for sale in Apex.With Newly painted areas and a great WATER FRONT POND view and lifestyle, what more could you want? This is a rare find in convenient location. 1.92 acres includes part of pond.  


The home has hardwoods throughout main floor. A 2 story family room with open plan views and the Main floor has the master suite. Basement has several options for use. Close to Beaver Creek and 540. 



The area boasts great schools! Awesome properties! Take a look at the listing here!





Friday, October 4, 2013

27511 Cary, NC Living Here

Heart of Cary Living - 27511

There are four primary zip codes in Cary, NC.  27511, 27513, 27518 and 27519.  The 27511 zip code is the older, more established area of Cary. Downtown Cary, is  a picturesque quintessential small town with quaint streets, historic buildings and tree-lined streets. The Heart of Cary Association works to preserve the rich heritage of the area while supporting businesses in the downtown area and bringing people downtown for all it has to offer.

Neighborhoods surrounding downtown Cary were built in the early days of the town into the 1960's. Historic bungalows and Victorian charmers can be found in this area. A revival has happened in recent years and now historic homes are rarely available for sale. There are still opportunities for refurbishing older homes, but you have to act quickly when a home comes on the market.

The Cary Arts Center, one of the main focal points of downtown Cary.  It is a recent addition to the town and a source of great pride. The original school house was revamped into a modern facility where residents can enjoy performances, take art and dance classes and enjoy special events.  The downtown Cary Farmer's Market is also located on Academy St.


As the area grew in the 1970's, thanks to water being routed from the Johnson Reservoir and the job growth of the Research Triangle, Cary began to grow from a sleepy little country village into a suburban town. Neighborhoods built in the 60's through the 80's surround downtown Cary in the 27511 zip code. Although these homes are older, they do offer large lot sizes and mature trees. This area is also coveted for its convenient location, close to downtown Raleigh, US 1 and I40. Major shopping such as Crossroads Plaza and the Cary Towne Center Mall are also conveniently located in this area. Homes in the 27511 zip code built in this era are affordable and a major attraction to first time home buyers.  It's a great area to invest.


Also available in this zip code are established luxury home communities, such as MacGregor Downs - which offers a Country Club, lake, walking trails and tennis. More Info about MacGregor DownsTrader Joe's, Staples, a fitness club and other amenities are also conveniently located in this area of Cary.



Public Schools in 27511 zip code, part of the Wake County Public School System include:
Farmington Woods Elementary - An International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet School

Note: School zoning changes may impact the schools assigned to a particular address. Always check with the school district to confirm zoning.

If you are looking for a home in the Cary, NC 27511 area, please give me a call.  I'd be happy to give you a personalized tour and give you more information about the area.



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Should I Renovate or Sell "As-Is"?

Are you trying to decide whether to renovate or sell "as-is"?

So you are thinking of selling your home, but you aren't sure if you should do some improvements first - and if you do, will it bring in more money when you sell it?

This is something I encounter a lot when I meet sellers.  Rarely is a home "show ready" the day someone decides to sell. And there are plenty of homes on the market that are certainly not show ready. Really each home, each owner's financial situation, each market, and the sellers motivation can factor into the answer of whether to renovate or not.

Renovations may include a new kitchen, bathroom, adding more square footage, changing the floor plan or even changing the architectural style of the home.  Renovations are definitely more costly and take more time than simple improvements.  So doing them should be thoughtfully considered.

So why would you bother to renovate to sell? 

An unappealing floor plan, a worn out kitchen, broken bathrooms, a deck in disrepair and other signs of wear and age may turn off buyers and cause them to view your home as a "fixer" they can get at a discount. A home that doesn't appear well maintained looks like $$$ flying out the window to buyers.  Unless you are prepared to sell below market, you should consider renovating - or at best making some improvements.

Consider renovations are generally expensive, and if you can’t recoup what you spend, well it’s a no-brainer - why bother?  Sometimes selling below market is actually a win.  It's really the bottom line that matters.

If you decide to renovate, do your home work, hire trusted professionals and stay in a budget.

That said, there is always a return on investment for putting in a a few weekends of decluttering, yard work and cleaning.  Staging is proven to help homes sell faster and for top dollar.  How far you want to take the fix-ups takes a more in-depth analysis.

There is a happy medium here between sell "as is" and renovate to sell. It just depends on your situation and the local market.

If you would like me to come out and take a look at your home in the Cary/Raleigh area and give you my expert opinion, I'd be happy to do that - just give me a call.

Friday, September 20, 2013

MacGregor Downs - New Listing

Golf Course Community Property in MacGregor Downs 

New Listing!

303 Edinbrugh Drive in MacGregor Downs - Cary NC


Fantastic new listing on Edinburgh Drive in the highly sought after MacGregor Downs Neighborhood!

Sought after single story ranch home with modern features on a over an acre of land.  This beautiful home boasts 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and over 2,300 square feet of living space.  Enjoy a beautiful park like back yard view from a large screened sun room.

This is one of Cary's best neighborhoods.  The MacGregor Downs Country Club offers golf, tennis and a beautiful pool overlooking the lake.  Walking paths, biking trails and a peaceful lake for canoeing and fishing are just some of the great things to enjoy in MacGregor Downs.  Conveniently located to US 1 with easy access to 540, 440 and 40 for a quick RTP commute.

Watch this Video about MacGregor Downs Here



CONTACT ME today if you are interested in viewing this property or if you are interested in buying a home in MacGregor Downs.  Ask me about more listings coming soon!