Looking to Buy Pre-Construction in Wake, Chatham, Durham County?

Real Estate Agents are an Asset in Pre-Construction Purchases

If you are looking to buy pre-construction in Wake, Orange, Chatham, or Durham County make sure that you are represented by a real estate professional. A real estate agent is looking out for your personal needs whereas a builder is looking out for what is best for them. They can help to smooth the rough patches of building a home and help elleviate any stresses that may present themselves. Here are other ways a real estate professional can be helpful to you in your pre-construction purchase:

■Just as a real estate professional calls on experience and knowledge of an area to help buyers locate pre-owned homes in a community, he or she can also direct buyers interested in newly built homes to developments and communities that match client specifications. With over a 100 different pre-construction subdivisions this is important because every subdivision can differ in amenities, location, builders, and HOA.
■An agent can suggest builders based on their reputation for delivering a high-quality product, responding quickly to issues, and being financially sound.
■An agent may be familiar with how a builder prices his products and where there may be room to negotiate price or upgrades.
■When relocating to a new area, agents can be particularly valuable resources. In addition to providing local area information regarding schools, day care or elder care services, public transportation, proposed development, and so on, once construction is under way, an agent can periodically stop by the work site, supply you with progress reports, and photograph or videotape phases of the construction.
■An agent can assist you as you face hundreds of design choices and consider which upgrades could potentially add value to the home when it comes time to sell.
■An agent can accompany you at the site while you okay the plumbing and electrical locations prior to drywalling, as well as on the walk-through or builder orientation.

Hopefully you can see the value of a real estate agent even in a pre-construction sale. Allow them to represent your best interests so that you are happy with a home to live in for years to come!

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Clayton or any of the Triangle communities, we are here to help. Please consider us your Triangle Experts in all things Real Estate. Looking for great tips about Raleigh area real estate check out BenPasswaters.com

Are You a "Better Buyer"

In today’s market buyers are advised to take some necessary steps to purchase a home before even getting in a real estate agent’s car. The first step is being pre-qualified by a bank or lender. This step allows the buyer to look within a price range that they deem comfortable. Real Estate teacher Tom Magnum came up with the concept of “Better Buyer;” questions that a buyer should ask themselves while starting the home buying process. Tom Magnum proclaims that “the concept of “Better Buyer” simply addresses which party is in the superior and which is in the inferior position in the negotiation process.” A “Better Buyer” is more attractive to sellers and has the upper hand. Their offers are taken more seriously and their transactions are more likely to close. A “Better Buyer” is:

• Willing to buy today
• Will pay a reasonable price for the property
• Will pay a reasonable earnest money deposit
• Have the necessary down payment and monies to close
• Has the ability to obtain the indicated financing terms or pay cash
• Does not have to sell or lease another property in order to qualify for a
loan or to complete a purchase
• Can close within a reasonable period of time
• Does not have any special contingencies outside of the normal items
associated with a typical sale

So, when you start your home buying process ask yourself: Am I a “Better Buyer?” If not, what steps can you take to be that person?

LoneRider Brewery Tasting Tonight in Cary,NC

LoneRider Brewery is holding a beer tasting tonight at Hibernian in Cary, NC this evening from 7-10pm.

Come taste some of North Carolina's best beer. http://www.loneriderbeer.com/

Hibernian is an Irish pub with locations on Glenwood Ave in Raleigh and on Kildaire Farm Rd. in Cary.

http://www.hibernianpub.com/

  Benjamin C. Passwaters
Coldwell Banker HPW
9051 Strickland Road Suite 200
Raleigh NC 27615
(work) 919-573-1757
(cell) 919-608-4226

(fax) 919-645-9337
passwatersb@hpw.com
"Showing You The Way Home."

Waiting to Buy, Could Cost you Money

On a daily basis I find myself talking to possible first time home buyers about the housing market. Most of them are waiting to make the investment and think that prices will continue to fall. While I can only tell them the conditions of the current market I do tend to emphasis the wonderful opportunity they have right now in terms of interest rates. I do my best to explain that now is the "Best Time to Buy" and that interest rates, while still low, have started to increase, and a rise in interest rates could mean much more than a few $1000 dollars in sales price.

I recently read a blog post by Jay Papason and he broke down the very situation that I try to explain. The next part in an excerpt from his post

Buyers who “choose to wait until prices come down more” are gambling that interest rates will hold steady or drop. The truth is even a 10 percent drop in home prices is nullified by a 1 percent increase in interest rates. The figure below illustrates how this works for a $250,000 home purchase and the relative likelihood of each scenario.





To figure out which was a smarter bet–counting on home prices to fall further or interest rates to rise–our research department took the last ten years of monthly home price and mortgage interest rate data and ran the numbers to see which was more likely: an increase in mortgage rates or a further drop in home prices. Here’s what we found:

1. A one percent increase in mortgage rates is ten times more likely to happen than a ten percent drop in home prices.
2. A one percent rate increase more than offsets a ten percent reduction in home prices.
3. When interest rates fall by one percent, the total interest paid is almost three times more than the interest savings from a ten percent drop in home prices.
4. The probability of both happening at the same time is ridiculously small, and homeowners would still pay 15 percent more in interest over the life of the loan.


I feel that that this powerful information not only for a first time home buyer but anyone thinking about moving up or downsizing. The power an interest rate has on the cost of home ownership over time. If you have any questions about today's interest rates or the current homes on the market in your neighborhood check out my website.

Neuse Golf Course Top 5 for Course Conditions

The Neuse Golf Club is a semi-private club located just minutes away from the Triangle featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by John LaFoy. The Neuse, long recognized as one of the best courses to play in the state, has most recently received recognition from Golf Digest as being ranked in the TOP 5 golf courses for course conditions and in the TOP 10 courses for service in the state of North Carolina. Year after year Golf Digest has awarded the course a 4-1/2 star rating. The course provides you the challenging yet relaxing experience that golfers of all ability levels enjoy. Today's specials are 18 holes with a cart for only $25. Click http://bit.ly/9NgBbh for today's specials.

  Benjamin C. Passwaters
Coldwell Banker HPW
9051 Strickland Road Suite 200
Raleigh NC 27615
(work) 919-573-1757
(cell) 919-608-4226

(fax) 919-645-9337
passwatersb@hpw.com
"Showing You The Way Home."

Tour Cary, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh by Eating

This morning I was researching unique things to do when my mother in-law visits next weekend. I wanted to find a unique way for her to experience the Triangle area. This is when I came across Triangle Food Tours, the Triangle's original Walking Food Tour. Tours provide guests the opportunity to "discover the cultural and historical perspective of downtown Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Cary only an insider would know." Each tour is a guided tour that allows guests to sample different cuisines offered at different restaurants while receiving unique knowledge of the area.
Raleigh features two different guides tours. One for those interested in the international flare, Downtown Raleigh’s District Dining via the R-Line, and the other tour being the Comfort Food Edition which takes a look at Raleigh's past and older established restaurants.
Cary's tour focuses on the heritage and diverse culinary landscape in downtown Cary. Stops along the tour vary from an original soda fountain to Eastern European cuisine.
Other available tours are the Chapel Hill/Carrboro tour and Downtown Durham. Each providing guests with a unique inside of the towns with sample tastings and fun interactions with chef's.
As someone who likes to explore I took the opportunity to view a few videos of the tours and have already signed up for Cary's tour next weekend. It looks to be a fun way to explore my city, meet some people, and enjoy enjoy some hidden gems often overlooked.
If you attend any of these tours I'd love to hear your feedback.

Success for Parade of Homes Entries In Cary, NC

Impact Properties Group- Parade of Homes Success

Having spent the final weekend of the 2010 Parade of Homes on site in three of the four communities that Impact has Highcroft Village, Southlakes, and Weycroft I would say that they had a very successful parade. In the first two weekends of the parade both of the Weycroft, 2010 Community of Year, parade homes sold. I personally hosted the Homes by Dickerson parade home and was impressed with the detail throughout the home. The molding and the different ceiling styles stood out to curious parade vistors and left them appreciating the custom builder's work. With these two sales Weycroft has sold 34 in 2010 and has 18 available Pre sale lots remaining with 11 custom builders to choose from. Offering an unparelled location just one mile from 540 and five minutes from RTP Weycroft is creating a diverse streetscape of homes(3000-5000+ sq. ft.)

Impact's Southlake community in Fuquay-Varina displayed four different homes in this year's parade and had two Pre sale homes put under contract. The 2009 Master Planned Community of the Year is where you will find five lakes and 129 acres of greenways and open space, recreation center with a junior Olympic pool, and much more. Parade vistors were impressed by the different options available, Ranch, 2 story, 1.5 story for Pre sales as well as the granite kitchens and exterior storage.

If you are looking for new construction in Wake County look at the Impact Property Group Communities. They each feature great location, great schools, amentities and features that make these neighborhoods the most award-winning communities in North Carolina.

2010 Parade of Homes

Looking for something to do the next three weekends? Why don't you head out and check out some of the great homes in this years' Parade of Homes. Whether you are in Wake, Durham, Chatham, or Orange County there homes open for you to check out! Stop by to see the latest trends, new decorating ideas, or find your new home. If you head out, I'd love to hear which place was your favorite.

Greens Are In Great Shape At Chapel Ridge in Pittsboro

Chapel Ridge is southwest of Chapel Hill, north of Pittsboro, just off NC 87. This newer golf course that has matured into a good layout currently has some of the best greens in the Triangle. They featured some undulation, rolled very true, and were in good shape. With coupons offering a weekday round for only $35 it is worth the drive to this hidden gem. 

  Benjamin C. Passwaters
Coldwell Banker HPW
9051 Strickland Road Suite 200
Raleigh NC 27615
(work) 919-573-1757
(cell) 919-608-4226

(fax) 919-645-9337
passwatersb@hpw.com
"Showing You The Way Home."

Just Opened in Durham, NC

Nordstrom Rack just opened up off of exit 276 across from the Southpoint Mall in Durham, NC. A wonderful store offering all of your designer names at discount prices. Visit Today!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Great Lunch Spot Near Southpoint In Durham,NC

Their great food, quick service, and tasty salsa fit the bill for anyone looking for a good Mexican restaurant for lunch. It is right off exit 276 across from the Southpoint Mall.
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Support Local Produce

Great local produce coming back to the NC State Campus!

http://bit.ly/9m5bfy

Weekend Activities

Looking for something to do this weekend in the Triangle? This link will provide a variety of activities for all ages! Enjoy and please feel free to share your experiences!
http://events.triangle.com/raleigh-nc/venues/show/456735-quail-ridge-books-music

Cary Living's New magazine edition is out

Take time to search through this great digital publication. Now only does it tell of the wonders of cary, but it has also lists their "bests" of the area. I'd love to hear your thoughts on their "winners!"


http://caryliving.com/articles.asp

May Contracts

I would like to extend a congratulations to Lavar Edwards, Jay Jaycobson, and George and Susan Mullowney for putting a new home under contract. The April reports shows that home sales in both Cary and Raleigh improved and researchers contribute that increase to the Tax Credit avaiable to home buyers. Even though the tax credit has passed Coldwell Banker HPW now has a Cash for Closing program where you can earn free money for Closing Costs with the use of Towne Mortgage of the Carolinas. Feel free to contact me for more details.

Raleigh Weekend Activities

Not sure what to do this weekend? Looking for something else to do since the weather looks to dampen your boating or beach trip? Look no further: http://bit.ly/ci8ll0
A Beer Festival an a Downtown Food Tour highlight a packed weekend. In the mood for a play? The hit play Wicked comes to the Durham Performing Arts Center this weekend and following week. So, have a great weekend and feel free to share your experiences!

How can I improve my garden?

A garden whether it is large or small is something that can really be inviting to family and friends and well as a beautiful back drop for your home. If you are like most homeowners you have many ideas of what you want your garden to look like but don't have any real direction on where to start. HGTV has a great website that provides tip for starting your garden, perfecting your garden, and maintaining the beauty that you create. http://www.hgtv.com/gardening-basics/package/index.html

Cary Real Estate Market Jan-Feb 2010

Cary's real estate market continues to rise and expand. In the first two months of 2010 it showed its ability to be attractive to future buyers. 69% of the 1156 homes closed in Cary's 27519 zip code were new construction. A lot of this construction is west of 55 in the areas of Cary Park and the Greystone communities. Cary's 27513 zip code had 89% of its 534 closings be re-sale home. It just continues to prove whether you have a home to sell or want to purchase a a home Cary, NC market is thriving. If you have any questions about Cary's real estate market, expansive greenway, or the great school districts feel free to ask!

Benjamin

Cary Appeals to more in 2010

In a survey of Cary's residents a majority of them are finding Cary to be more satisfactory. http://bit.ly/b0jHsp

I personally feel that is has been in the influx of new restaurants, schools, and retail while still keeping the small town feel. The expansive greenway and efforts to preserve the environment also proved to a be a important issues for those who filled out the survey. Bond Lake is a personal favorite, ball fields, space for dogs, lake, and multiple walking trails all make it attractive and fun for residents.

Government Unveils Plan to Shrink Home Loans

Obama's administration has announced their plan to help those troubled borrowers with their loan. It will be funded by $14 of the $75 million exisiting foreclosure-prevention program.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100326/ap_on_bi_ge/us_mortgage_aid

Pickup18- Golf @ Crooked Creek Tomorrow 3/27

Pickup18.com is holding a gathering tomorrow @ Crooked Creek golf course in Fuquay-Varina. All golfers of skill and experience are welcome to join. It is only $39 dollars and tee times start at 11:00. This is very large savings for a weekend round on a fun course. If interested go to Pickup18.com for more information

Durham Bulls' Season Set to Begin

The Durham Bulls start their season in two weekends Away from Durham Bulls Stadium. The second weekend of April the Bulls will host Norfolk Tides, a Baltimore Orioles affiliate. Here is the Full Schedule: http://durhambulls.com/schedule/full_schedule_season.html

Raleigh Housing Market Trends Up

Raleigh/Cary Ranks first among 100 US housing markets to rebound in 2010 says Hanley Wood Market Intelligence. http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/02/19/346681/raleigh-housing-market-ranks-first.html Chapel Hill/Durham are 6th on the list.