Fall 2013 - Triangle Golf Courses & Golf Events

Fall 2013 - Triangle Golf Courses & Golf Events

Fall is a great time to hit the green in the Raleigh/Cary area.  The first hint of cool dry air appears and the slow change of the leaves begins to show.  Next thing you know it winter is here, so take advantage of this wonderful time of the year!

Here are a few upcoming charity golf events.  What better way to get out and enjoy a course, meet new people and help a great cause all while enjoying the beautiful NC Fall weather.

CHARITY GOLF EVENTS - Fall 2013

First annual Top Shelf Hockey Team Charity Golf Tournament
This First Annual Tournament benefits Advancingtheheart.org advancing the heart for those living with a congenital heart defect.
When: Saturday September 7, 2013
Where: Eagle Ridge Golf Course - Raleigh

Chris Wilcox Golf Outing
Power Forward to Save Lives
This golfing event raises money to help fund research for The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter and The American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate. This year is Wilcox's 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing.
When: Monday September 9, 2013
Where:The Hasentree Club - Wake Forest, NC

First Annual North Raleigh Charity Golf Tournament
This Golf Tournament is hosted by the Hibernian Pub and will benefit the national MS Society.
When: Tuesday September 10, 2013
Where: River Ridge Golf Club - Raleigh

9th Annual Tees for Tots Golf Tournament
All monies raised from the Tees for Tots Golf Tournament go to support Learning Together's vital programs and services.
When: Monday September 16, 2013
Where: Brier Creek Country Club - Raleigh

2013 Tournament of Hope
Passage Home's 4th Annual Tournament of Hope is going be better than ever with a full day of activities for you and your family. Golf, contests, BBQ dinner, cocktails, silent auction and live music!
100% of the funds raised through the tournament will go directly to providing housing for sixty homeless families, children and veterans over the next year.
When: Friday September 20, 2013
Where: Lochmere Golf Club, Cary

Tom Alexander Memorial Golf Tournament
9th Annual Tom Alexander Memorial Golf Classic for Hospice of Wake County! This is a four-person Captain's Choice tournament.
When: September 23, 2013
Where: Northridge Country Club - Raleigh

Western Wake Crisis Ministry 11th Annual Golf Tournament
The Golf Tournament will benefit WWCM whose mission is to provide a helping hand for our neighbors in need in Apex & Holly Springs who are experiencing unexpected financial circumstances.
When: Monday October 7, 2013
Where: MacGregor Downs Country Club - Cary

SAS Championship
Tickets on Sale now.  This week long event is an official Champions Tour tournament featuring the top golfers in the world over the age of 50. Proceeds benefit area organizations dedicated to youth and education including the YMCA of the Triangle through the Triangle Community Foundation.
When: October 7 - 13, 2013 - Event Schedule
Where: Prestonwood Country Club - Cary

CAMPS & CLINICS

TGA Fall League West Wake County
TGA Fall League - 7 Week Junior Golf League at Knight's Play in Apex.  Tuesday nights from September 17th - Oct 29th

Considering Selling Your Home in Cary?

Considering Selling Your Home in Cary?

Why now is a great time to list your home for sale in the Triangle area:

1. Inventory is low compared to this time last year.  About 16% less.
2. List prices are up overall, about 12% higher than last year.
3. Closed sales are up 39% and Pending Sales are up 22%
4. Interest Rates are still at historic lows, making it very attractive for both first time buyers and move up buyers.
5. This "perfect storm" may not last long.  As soon as rates start to climb, demand will slow and inventory will rise.
6. Many multiple offer situations lately.  Wouldn't you want buyers fighting over your home?

CLICK HERE for more information about Selling your Home in Cary.

Have you been wondering what your home is worth in today's market?  Here is a great tool to learn more about your home's value.  For a no obligation personal market analysis, give me a call.  I'd be happy to tour your home and give you specific sales comparable information to help determine how much your home would sell for right now.

See all Home Values in the Triangle Market Here.

If you have been dreaming of moving up to a larger home, there is no better time than the present.  Let's meet and discuss your options for moving up to your dream home.

Finding the Right Agent

Finding the Right Agent

When you are selling a home, it’s important to find a real estate agent that you can trust and depend upon.

While it’s only “human” to want to find someone who will get as much money as possible for your property, it is a mistake to base your choice on real estate agents who promise to list your home at the highest price and charge you less commission than anyone else. 

Finding the right agent to sell your home can be an emotional roller coaster, but if you know what a good real estate agents represent, your task should be a lot easier. 

What to Look for in a Good Real Estate Agent 

1. You need somebody who has experience in realty – otherwise you might as well do the job yourself. Ask for proof of experience. 
2. You need a real estate agent who is qualified to do the job – with degrees and/or reputable certifications. Ask!
3. You want to deal with an honest real estate agent. Ask for references.
4. You need somebody who knows how to network and has other reputable real estate agents they can contact. You are within your rights to ask which people and agencies the agent will connect with. 
5. You need somebody who has great negotiation skills: someone who can get the best price in the shortest possible time, but not at your expense. 
6. You need a real estate agent that you can talk to and communicate with. 

Finding the right agent to sell your home is not rocket science, but you need to ask the right questions and expect honest answers. You also need to be sure that the real estate agent you opt for knows your neighborhood and can give you good advice in terms of pricing and staging. Together you can become a team. 

Thinking of Selling Your Home. Let me assist you with getting Your Home SOLD. 

Money Magazine Best Places to Live 2013 - Apex in Top 10

Best Places to Live 2013 - Apex in Top 10

Money Magazine Names Apex, NC #9

The highly anticipated list from Money Magazine was recently released naming the nations best places to live. Money Magazine takes into account many factors when compiling this list of 50 cities and towns.  They say that this year, economic factors weighed heavily into the mix.

Landing in the Top 10 at #9, Apex named as best place to live!  Well, we all knew that - but thank you Money Magazine!

See the full list of Money Magazine's Best Places to Live 2013.

The Town of Apex, situated just outside of Raleigh, NC with convenient access to Research Triangle Park (RTP) and RDU.  I540 offers easy access to the conveniences of city living, while charming downtown Apex takes you back to the more simple days.  Apex is the best of both worlds. 

Shopping and dining options in Apex range from locally owned establishments, like Anna's Pizzeria and Peak City Grill, to major national chains.  Target, Kohls, Home Depot, Lowes, TJ Maxx, Homes Goods and pretty much any major retailer you want is located in Beaver Creek Commons in Apex. 

Cary, NC, just a few miles away also offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, medical and other conveniences.  Cary has also earned spots in the Money magazine's Top 10 Lists many times.

Here are some local links for Apex, NC.

Apex Parks and Recreation
Wake County Public School System (WCPSS)
Town of Apex

If you would like more information about Living in Apex or about Homes for Sale in Apex, NC - Contact Jim Cleveland Real Estate today for a free Relocation Guide with local information.

CONTACT ME

Keeping and Eye on Neighborhood Homes for Sale When Selling Your Home

Keeping an Eye on Neighborhood Homes for Sale when Selling

You probably appreciate how important it is to evaluate a neighborhood before you decide to buy a property; but do you realize how important it is to keep an eye on neighborhood homes for sale when you’re selling?

There are a number of reasons why you should watch out for houses for sale in your neighborhood when you decide to sell, all of which are likely to have an impact on your home for sale. 

Why You Should be Aware of Neighborhood Houses for Sale 

The houses in your neighborhood, and the people who live there, will be two of the most important factors that potential buyers will look at when they are searching for real homes for sale. While they will also be assessing services in the neighborhood, including shops, banks, schools, parks, and elements like safety and security, other houses in the area always make a big impact. 

If you have a home for sale at this point in time, it’s going to be very important to make it look good from the outside. If you don’t maximize curb appeal, buyers may decide they don’t even want to go inside. That is understandable; but the shocker is that if your neighbor’s house looks a mess from the outside – or even the house a few doors away – this can also put people off buying. 

And if neighborhood homes for sale look shoddy, it’s inevitably going to affect their selling price. Even if your home for sale at the same time looks stunning, a buyer can use the lower selling price of your neighbor’s “dump” as a negotiating tool to bring down your price. 

Another important reason to keep an eagle eye on neighborhood homes for sale is to monitor what they actually sell for. For instance if houses for sale in the same neighborhood are fetching good prices, you may be able to match the price for a fast sale. If a badly kept house sells, you need to know what the selling price was. 

Unfortunately when neighborhood homes for sale have been rented out, outward appearance and general maintenance often do affect the eventual selling price. But once the house has been sold, and new owners move in and start to renovate, the prices of other houses for sale in the neighborhood are likely to go up. Predicting this possibility might mean waiting a little longer to sell your home for sale at this point, but it may well be worth the wait. 

Thinking of Selling? Let me Help You - Take a look and see what your neighborhood homes are selling for.

The Preserve at Jordan Lake - Neighborhood Open House

The Preserve at Jordan Lake - Neighborhood Open House 

Tour 12 Spectacular Golf Course Community Homes

Saturday August 3, 2013 from 1 - 4 pm

Located at the shores of Jordan Lake, just south of Chapel Hill and west of Raleigh in Chatham County, The Preserve at Jordan Lake is a golfers dream neighborhood.  This luxury home community is built around an 18-hole championship golf course, that according to Golfweek Magazine, was rated one of the Top 40 golf courses in the country. In addition to the spectacular golf course, neighborhood amenities include:

•    Community Clubhouse 

•    Swimming Pool 

•    Exercise Facility 

•    Walking Paths

•    Tennis Courts

The community clubhouse offers features junior-Olympic sized pool and a fully equipped fitness center. With tennis courts, scenic walking trails, and playgrounds for children you don't even have to leave the neighborhood to find something fun to do.  Homes are situated on large private lots, many with golf course views and wooded lots.  The rolling hills, manicured lawns, and picturesque streets make this one of the area's premier communities.  

Minutes away you can enjoy boating, sailing or fishing at Jordan Lake's 9 recreation areas and numerous boat ramps. The Preserve at Jordan Lake is exclusive and secluded, yet a short distance from nearby shopping, restaurants and major metro amenities.  Chapel Hill, Durham, Research Triangle Park, Cary and Raleigh are all within a quick commute.  The Streets at Southpoint Mall is a great shopping destination featuring Nordstrom, Macy's and Dillard's along with all other major retail shopping chains and restaurants.  

Nearby Fearrington Village features a quaint village square with two fabulous restaurants, a Spa, boutiques, wine shop, deli and ice cream shop, book store and other unique shops.  The Fearrington House Inn is a member of Relais & Chateaux, an association of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world.  Special events throughout the year are featured in the Village.  

The Preserve at Jordan Lake Golf Club is a semi-private golf course offering one of the best golfing experiences in the area.  A Davis Love III signature course, The Preserve has been designated as an Audubon International Certified Sanctuary Golf Course. The rolling, heavily treed North Carolina Countryside has been skillfully molded into a championship course reminiscent of the old traditional courses found in the Northeast. 

Come experience the lifestyle The Preserve at Jordan Lake has to offer this weekend.  An exclusive neighborhood open house will be held Saturday August 3, 2013.  Pick up a map and tour flyer at the front gate and prepare for a luxurious journey through one of Chapel Hill's most coveted neighborhoods.

Homes on Tour Will Include:

128 Brown Bear

59 Ruffed Grouse

380 The Preserve Trail

39 Forked Pine Ct

111 Mountain Heather 

327 Davis Love Dr

204 Bear Tree Creek

15 Grey Squirrel

19 New Rhododendron 

442 Mountain Laurel

179 Mountain Laurel

The Preserve at Jordan Lake Tour Map

View Larger Map

Tips on How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Bidding War

Tips on How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Bidding War

As the property market picks up, the chances of buyers finding themselves in a bidding war is also increasing. All you need for a bidding war to start, is one other bid on the house that you want to buy. And the more offers – or potential offers – there are, the more intense the bidding war will become. 

Where is a Bidding War Most Likely to Happen?

According to research released by a major online real estate brokerage mid-June 2013, the most competitive US markets in May 2013 were:

1. San Francisco, with 87.9% of offers made on homes facing competition from multiple buyers
2. Los Angeles: 86.1%
3. Orange County: 83.9%
4. San Diego: 72.6%
5. Boston: 68.1%
6. Seattle: 67.4%
7. Washington DC: 66.8%

Interestingly, it was also in San Francisco that the highest percentage (96.8%) of offers were over the asking price; while those over the asking price in LA were only 25% - and the rest varied from 36.1% in Washington DC to 60.9% in San Diego.

So how do you get your offer accepted if you do encounter a bidding war?

Ten Tips to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Bidding War

1. Offer your top offer up front. Remember this is a bidding war. All you need to do to lose your bid on the house is to offer less than the next person. Find out what similar properties in the neighborhood have sold for recently and base your offer on this. 
2. Add an escalator clause. This is essentially a clause that asks for the right of first refusal to beat a higher bid. You can put in a figure that you will increase a higher bid by; just be sure to specify a cap.  
3. Offer cash. If you can make a cash offer when you are buying a house, do so. As the old saying goes, “cash is king”. If you don’t have sufficient cash, go to the bargaining table with as big a down payment (or deposit) you can rustle together.
4. Have at least 20% for a deposit. If you hope to get your offer accepted, you’re should have at least 20% of the offer in hand. Apart from anything else, banks generally won’t lend more than 80% of the purchase price. 
5. Check your credit record. Four to six months before you plan to buy, check your credit record and pay off as many debts as possible. If there are any “errors” on record, dispute them. It stands to reason that someone with a squeaky-clean credit record will win the bid on a house over someone who has one or more bad debts. 
6. Get a preapproved home loan. Truth is there are not that many people who are able to bid on a home with cash only. The next best way to get your offer accepted is to have a guaranteed mortgage. 
7. Have your paperwork ready and available. In a bidding war sellers will tend to accept an offer from a buyer who is able to prove he or she has cash, a holding deposit and/or a preapproved mortgage. So have this proof with you when you put in your bid on the house. 
8. Minimize contingencies. There’s no point on taking unnecessary risks, but keep contingency clauses short and sweet. For instance, there’s no reason for you not to include a home-inspection contingency, but guarantee it will be done within a limited time period (a week to ten days). If you lose out on buying a house because the seller doesn’t accept your contingency clause, so be it. Chances are there is a problem. 
9. Meet the seller’s timelines needs. Sellers sometimes need time to find another property, or to relocate. In this instance, consider offering a rent back or lease back option for a specified period of time. 
10. Introduce yourself to the seller. Real estate agents sometimes advise their clients to connect with the sellers, especially when they are relocating from another state, and haven’t met fact-to-face. You might be surprised how many people actually care who buys the house that has been their family home for many years. 

Communities Served

• Homes for Sale in Cary, NC
• Homes for Sale Lochmere, Cary NC
• Homes for Sale MacGregor Downs
• Homes for Sale MacGregor West
• Homes for Sale Normandie Cary
• Homes for Sale Northridge Raleigh NC
• Homes for Sale Picardy Pointe Cary
• Homes for Sale Preston, Cary, NC
• Homes for Sale Sunset Ridge, Holly Springs, NC