North Raleigh, North Carolina.  If you are looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, if you would like to look at a few homes wthout having to drive all over creation to do it AND if the price range of $824,900 to $1,099,500 gets your attention I would recommend you motor up to The Gates At Ethans Glen.  They have an inventory of 15 homes to choose from that are in various stages of construction.  The subdivision has a great roll to it and plenty of trees so you won’t be looking at a lot of homes on a lot of lots that are bare as a baby’s backside.  Also, if you have been in the Raleigh for more than five years and if you have done your annual duty of looking at a truck load of homes during the Parade of Homes you will recognize that the subdivision’s homes are being built by some of the Triangle’s finest builders. They include Benchmark Homes (Paul Roseman), Collins & Collins, Ted Keith, Steve Gray, Cooper & Rock & J. David Payne.  I apologize to those who were left out. 

To single out any one home as the best is nonsense.  I will, however, suggest that one you might want to pay particular attention to, if you like homes with basements, is the home Ted Keith is building at 12241 The Gates Drive.  The home has 4075 finished square feet and has 4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths.  The exterior is a combination of brick, stone and fibre cement.  It has a first floor master and a first floor guest suite.  The family room is 19 x 20 and the second floor bonus room is 21 x 23.  It has a living room, dining room, a 14 x 16 kitchen with granite counter tops, dishwasher, down cook top, gas range, microwave, self cleaning oven and a 14 x 14 breakfast area. The utility room is on the main floor.  Features include ceiling fans, security system, smoke alarm, whirlpool, bookshelves, prewired for central vac, attic floored, sprinkler system, landscaped and all on a 1.10 acre lot with trees.  There is also a 3 car garage, screened porch and full, unfinished basement of 1,518 square feet.  If that isn’t enough the home has just been REDUCED $50,000!  Did I tell you everything?  Nope!  Go see for yourselves.  Oh yes, you might want to know how to get there.  Take Creedmoor Road north to Rt. 98 and turn right.  Turn right on Peed Road which is only about two blocks away.  Turn right on Tacketts Pond Dr. and left on the Gates Drive.  If you would like more information on the area and any of the homes in it let me know and I will provide it.  It would also be my pleasure to show you through any and all of the homes you would like to see.

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com   Website: www.JohnFish.com (currently being revised)

Raleigh, North Carolina.  Phase I Of Wyndcroft Offers 8 Specs In North Raleigh. The Wyndcroft builder group consists of Mike Houseman, Jerry Wagoner and Larry Smith.  All of these builders have many years of building experience and are well known throughout the Triangle.  The subdivision has 48 wooded lots that range in size from half an acre to one acre.  Wyndcroft is located close to the intersection of Strickland and Ray Roads.  The initial inventory offers Craftsman, European and Classic Traditional style homes.  THe exteriors are brick, stone and shake.  Screened porches allow home owners to enjoy views of the areas 3 acre pond. 

Interior home features include 9 and 10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, extensive millwork, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops.  All homes have either a first floor guest suite or master bedroom.  The prices of the specs ranges from $700,000 to $840,000.  More specifically, Mike Houseman has three offerings.  3932 Bending Birch Drive is a story and a half design that has 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, first floor master, formal dining room, huge game room (34 x 20), 3 car garage, open kitchen and family room, gas fuel, city water and sewer, granite counter tops and comes in at $699,900.  His second offering is a two story traditional at 3921 Bending Birch Drive.  It has double front porches, 3 side brick, 3 car side-load garage, formal living & dining rooms, kitchen with island, screened porch, 22 x 15 second floor master, large family room and granite counter tops all on a lot of over half and acre and at $759,900.  His third offering is at 3905 Bending Birch Drive.  It is a brick and stone two story home with two story foyer, formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, 2 staircases, 3 car side load garage, main floor master, kitchen with large island and bar top counter, open family room, natural gas fuel, city utilities, lot of over half an acre, 4 bedrooms, 4 full and two half baths and 4437 square feet. The price is $834,900.

Jerry Wagoner’s home is at 3906 Bending Birch Drive.  It is three sides brick with the balance fiber cement.  Size - 4100 square feet.  First floor guest suite, 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, formal living room and dining room, 3-car garage, kitchen has island, granite counter tops, master has huge walk-in closet, family room with built-ins and fireplace, second floor bonus room 25 x 15, second floor master 22 x 13, covered rear porch, floored attic, sprinkler system, corner lot of just over half an acre.   Price for this majestic home - $774,900.

Larry Smith is loaded for bear in Wyndcroft.  He has four homes ready for your inspection.  For openers you will want to see 9207 Duncanshire Court.  It has a first floor master, open island kitchen with pantry and granite counter tops overlooking the the family room.  it has 3 side brick, 5 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths, large second floor bonus room, screened porch, first floor laundry, media room, sprinkler system, four car garage space and 4182 square feet priced at $749,900.  And, oh yes, there are the “other features too numerous to mention.” His second home is at 9105 Aspenshire Court.  This 2 story home is of brick and fibre cement construction.  It has 4 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms.  The master is on the main floor.  It features his and hers walk-in closets.  There is a formal living room and dining room, a kitchen with island that overlooks the hearth room.  The family room is 18 x 16 and the second floor bonus room is 20 x 14.  There is a two story foyer, 3 car garage, screened porch, 10′ first floor ceiling and 9′ second floor ceilings.  It is situated on a lot of over one-half acre and is priced at $759,900.  Did I leave out lot of things?  OF COURSE!  Larry’s third home is at 9212 Duncanshire Court.  This is a two story traditional that has an open plan and is 3 sides brick.  It has a two car garage, two story family room, granite counter tops, large first floor master (21 x 16) with trey ceiling and fireplace plus a vaulted master bath, 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, first floor guest room, living room, dining room, a 25 x 12 screened porch and a half acre + that comes in at $799,900.  Last but not least is his home at 9202 Duncanshire Court.  This transitional home is 4248 square feet and is a shake, stone and fibre cement exterior combinaton.  There are 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms.  The is a dramatic first floor master, 22 x 12 screened porch with skylights, living room, dining room, a bonus room of 22 x 17, 3 car side load garage, 21 x 21 family room with fireplace, attic with permanent stairs, sprinkler system.  Heck - I am tired of typing.  This home is priced at $829,900.  Do yourself a favor and visit these homes.  If they are in your price range you will find the quality excellent and the location great. 

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com   Website: www.JohnFish.com

Raleigh, North Carolina.  Top Home Theatre Builder Now Building Fine Homes.   Moving from one part of the home building process to another might seem to be a natural progression.  It isn’t.  The many aspects of building a home (framing, drywalling, plumbing, electrical, etc.) each have their own unique problems and learning curve.  This isn’t to say that some builders have not done it and done it well.  Those who have, have paid their dues by years of working in one segment of building and, over time, learning the others.  John Heidel, President of Homestead Building Company is one who, in my opinion, has.

I have known John for more than ten years.  Most of that period he was with the largest high quality home theatre, home automation and custom lighting company in the Triangle.  Many of the projects he turned out are breathtaking and have been featured in national home theatre magazines.  In 2003 John put that knowledge and his accounting degree to work but starting Homestead Building Company.  Some of the homes John’s company has built that you can see for yourself are: Wakefield Plantation (Raleigh) - 12735 Rosealie Street - $774,900 - 5097 square feet - 5BR/4BA - 3-car garage - home theatre.   In the same subdivision - 2514 Village Manor Way - $1,295,000 - 5131 square feet - 5BR/3FB-2HB - whole-house audio system - backs up to 18th fairway of TPC course.      Norman Estates (Raleigh) - 8412 Norman Estates Way - $824,900 - 3900 finished sq.ft. - 1600 square feet of unfinished lower level space.  This offers the buyers the opportunity to have exactly what they want.  5BR/4.5BA - o.93AC - 3 car garage - Parade of Homes bronze medal winner.   Princeton Manor (Youngsville) 75 Jackson Road - $349,900 - 2950 square feet - 4BR/3.5BA - 0.91AC - Farmhouse style - 1st floor master - large rec. room.  Also in Princeton Manor - 55 Princeton Manor Drive - $399,900 - 2936 square feet - 4BR/3BA - first floor guest room - large master - 2 car detatched garage. 

If you are thinking of building a home and want not only a builder that will deliver excellence but can produce an exceptional home theatre as well you would do well to contact John.  www.homesteadbuilt.com   If you do, tell him I told you to call.

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com   Website: www.JohnFish.com

Raleigh, North Carolina.  Rose Hall - A Subdivision Well Worth Going To See.  Hidden away in what I would call upper-middle North Raleigh is a community of upscale homes called Rose Hall.  It’s a subdivision that has a look and feel I like and if you haven’t seen it I think you would like it as well.  It has 43 lots which will eventually contain the type of home you want to consider if you are looking for grand stairways, double master master suites, and just about anything else your heart might desire.  Currently the Multiple Listing Service provides information on eleven Rose Hall homes that are in various stages of construction.  Several are completed (or nearly so) and the others are far enough along to provide a very accurate picture of what they will provide as well as move in dates that are not very far down the road.  The areas builders are all well know to Triangle residents: Houseman Custom Homes, Mark Massengill, Builder, Spectrum Homes, J.M. Davis Custom Homes, Inc., Gulledge Building Co. Inc., Nancy Fields & Company, TA Blanton Construction, Richard Gaylord Homes, Inc. and James C. Fields & Co.  Lot sizes range from .94 to 4.15 acres.  Schools listed for the area - FOR THE MOMENT - are Brassfield Elementary, Wakefield Middle and Millbrook High.  If you are thinking about a home in Rose Hill - call the school board for assignements before making a decision!!  Rose Hill offers natural gas, community water and private septic, front entrance sidewalks, Cul-de-sacs and lots of trees.  Of the eleven homes currently listed, square footage ranges from 4252 to 7223.  Prices of those homes range from $999,000 to $1,399,000.  Ten of the homes have 4 full bathrooms and one has five.  Four of the homes have four bedrooms and seven have five bedrooms.  Below is a photo of the home at 11305 Moonsprite Way which is listed at $1,260,000.  It is an English Manor style home with 5 bedrooms and four full bathrooms.  The main floor contains a dining room, office/study, kitchen, breakfast area, keeping room, master bedroom and utility room on the main floor.  On the second floor are four bedrooms and the bonus room.  There is also a screened porch, 3 car garage, deck and patio.  If you would like more information on any of these homes call me or send me an email at the telephone number given below.                                                                                                

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com   Website:  www.JohnFish.com

Raleigh, North Carolina.  The News & Observer lists Parade of Homes Winners.  There must be a thousand headlines that fit the announcement of the the Parade of Homes award winners.  Marvelous Homes Win Ribbons!  We Was Robbed!   The Judges Liked What?!   To The Victors Belong The Spoils!  I have often thought it would be interesting to see who the winners would be if the public could vote.  I have hosted a considerable number of Parade homes and listening to the comments people make is quite illuminating.  At any rate I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone that judges judge on the basis of a lot of factors the general public doesn’t take into consideration.  None-the-less, a public vote would be interesting.  

The Parade is a fun time for the public for the most part.  This year they have 400 homes to choose from that are spread out all over Wake County and they can concentrate on any price range that suites them.  Of course the most expensive homes draw the largest crowds.  I think we could all do without the crowds, the traffic congestion, the parking problems, trying to get the “booties” on and off or leaving your shoes at the front door.  However, to the home builders, interior designers, home designers/architects, pool builders and the providers of an endless number of paints, papers, stone, brick, appliances, lighting, flooring, roofing, furnishings, art work, and whatever, it is all very serious business.  It is their individual and collective chance to be seen and judged by the judges who really matter - the buying public!

The bottom line is that the public does vote in the most important of all possible ways; what they buy or don’t buy.  I don’t know that I have ever seen any figures as to what the Parade means in the way of sales.  I doubt that there is any realistic way to accurately gauge it.  That doesn’t change the fact that it has a significant impact on the areas economy. For example, at a time when the furniture show in High Point has really been taking a beating because of the national slowdown in the housing industry, any sales generated from what is seen during the Parade is of great importance to the furniture manufacturers. 

The announcement of the winners in today’s N & O will allow the public to go thundering out to stomp through the winning homes.  Some years the judges seem to lean toward the more traditional offerings and in other years toward plans less often seen.  I have personal likes and dislikes just like everyone else.  Fortunately for all of us there is a great diversity of styles and sizes available which is, after all, what makes a horse race.  Viva la difference!  So, if you have not gotten out there is still time.  Brave the crowds and charge into the fray knowing that the judges don’t have an ounce of sense and that the real winners are ________, _______, and ________.  YOU fill in the blanks.  Enjoy!  As to the high end winners, my congratulations to Steve, Jay and Phil.   Oh yes, call me when you want a private showing.

John Fish (919) 696-3474      Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com    Website:  www.JohnFish.com

Triangle, North Carolina.  Triangle jobless rate down again.  The eight county Triangle region jobless rate fell to 3.7% in August from 3.8% in July.  The state rate was 4.8% and the national average was 4.6%.  Various areas of the health and technology fields are fueling the demand for jobs throughout the Triangle.  However, as I have previously reported the malaise in the housing sector is slowing the local housing market as well.

The Parade Of Homes in this area starts today with about 400 new homes open for viewing.  The Parade dates are Sept. 29 and 30, Oct. 5,6,7 and Oct. 12, 13 and 14.  The following is the number of homes one can view in the various price ranges: $119,800 to $199,990 - 17 - - $201,000 to $299,900 - 52 - - $301,490 to $399,900 - 75 - - $401,259 to $499,900 - 70 - - $500,399 to 599,900 - 39 - - $608,900 to $699,900 - 36 - - $700,000 to $799,900 - 28 - - $814,000 to $899,900 - 15 - - $924,900 to $998,900 - 13 - - $1,045,000 to $1,985,000 - 33 - - $2,295,000 to $4,495,000 - 13  Happy viewing!   If there is any information you would like concerning the Parade of Homes call me or send me an email at the number and/or address below.

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com    Website: www.JohnFish.com

Raleigh, North Carolina.  New Million dollar plus homes inside the Beltline.  Homes under construction of $1 million and above inside the beltline, by subdivision, are: Anderson Heights - 4, Budleigh - 2, Bloomsbury - 1, Coley Forest - 1, Country Club Hills - 1, Dairyland - 2, Glenannneve - 1, Hayes Barton - 1, Lakestone Place - 1, White Oak - 1, Woodrow Park - 1.  Here are four that you might want to jot down as homes to see.

First of all, 2010 White Oak Road.  If you are interested in unusual designs and if you like to entertain this could be your cup of tea. As I just did a post on elevators, this home has one. (MLS 926831).

Golfers should see Jim Dargan’s latest effort at 512 Orange Street in Country Club Hills.  It isn’t finished but if you wait until it is it might be too late.  It overlooks the 13th and 14th holes at Carolina Country Club.  It is a Carter Skinner plan. (MLS 944962)

I did a post on the eleventh of this month about the Greek Revival style of home (Scarlett O’Hara’s Tara).  To see one somewhat like it go see 2319 Lake Dr.  It doesn’t have as grand a porch as Tara’s but the interior conveniences are well beyond what Tara had to offer.  And yes, it does have an elevator.  (MLS 943869)  

A home under construction you might want to keep an eye on is on Duncan Ray is building at 1108 Cowper Dr. in Hayes Barton.  It has a stucco on block exterior.  (MLS 889284)

To see any of these homes (or anything else you have in mind) call me or send me an email at the number and/or email address below.

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email:  Marvmax@mindspring.com   Website: www.JohnFish.com

Raleigh, North Carolina -  As hard as it is to believe, the annual Parade of homes is only three months away.  At this point the builders who will have homes in the Parade are doing their annual “go crazy” dance trying to get their homes ready.  The larger the home the more wild the dance.  This year’s big collection of “who can afford this?” homes will be in Hasentree.  Hasentree, when finished, will have 600 homes that range in price from $800,000 to $5,000,000.   It is a gated community that features a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a 12,000 square-foot Family Activities Center, a clubhouse with spa, a $2.5 million pro-shop, a seven-mile trail system and (as they say in real estate listings) ”other features too numerous to mention.”  At this point I don’t know how many Hasentree homes will be on the Parade. I think it is safe to say eight to ten.  Two homes in the $4 million plus range will be featured and are certain to draw the mamouth crowds that each year’s most expensive home(s) draw.  Keep watch here for more information.  If you are looking for a fine home or would like to buy or build in Hasentree or any of this area’s other fine subdivisions contact me and I will arrange a tour for you.

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: marvmax@mindspring.com   Website: www.JohnFish.com

Top Triangle Homes.  The Raleigh gated community of Linville currently offers two new homes of $1,925,000 and $2,499,000.  The $1,925,000 home is by Steen Construction (Walt Steen) and has 7112 finished square feet on a 0.98 AC lot.  The home has 4 bedrooms, 5 full baths and 3 half baths.  It is a marvelous brick and stone home that offers a swimming pool, hot tub, stamped concrete surround, two story foyer, cherry paneled library/study, and octagonal living/music room.  The main floor family room is 24.8×21, the office/study is 16.5×16.5 and the main floor master bedroom is 24×16.  The second floor media room is 22.5×16, the second floor bonus room is 22.5×21.5 and the second floor billiard room is 14.5×21.5.  There is a four car garage. 

The $2,499,000 brick and stone home is by SilverCrest Homes and has four bedrooms, five full baths and one half bath.  The main floor square footage is 5831 while the lower level square footage is 2063 for a total of 7894.  It has two large covered porches and the lower level ceiling is 12 feet.  The chef’s kitchen has 3 dishwashers, 2 refrigerators, multi ovens, warmer drawer, ice machine, 2 copper sinks, large walk-in pantry plus butler’s pantry.  The second floor master suite has his & hers walk-in closets, plasma TV over the whirlpool, coffee bar and double fireplace.  The main floor family room is 25×22.5, the kitchen is 26×15 and the breakfast room is 18×13.  The lower level theater is 23×13.5 and the lower level rec room is 30×21.  The second floor bonus/craft room is 24.3×20.3.  Also on the second floor is a double laundry and a bonus that is 21×16.3.  There are two, 2-car garages.  Between the first and second floors is a marvelous combination office/study/wine room that is 14.6×14.  The lot size is 1.9 AC.

If you would like to tour these homes call me at 919-696-3473 or send me an email at marvmax@mindspring.com

John Fish (919) 696-3474  Email: Marvmax@mindspring.com  Website: www.JohnFish.com 

Raleigh Dream Homes.  What do you get in Raleigh for $1,000,000?  One new million dollar home gives you 4 bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 4565 finished square feet, Dining room, Family room, Office/Study, Kitchen, Breakfast room, Hearth Room, a 3 car garage and a 1.095Ac lot.

What do you get for $4,000,000?  How about 7 Bedrooms, 8 Full Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath, 10558 finished square feet above grade, 4854 finished square feet below grade, Living room, Dining room, Family room, Office/Study, Kitchen, Breakfast room, Bonus room, Theatre, Exercise room, Billard room, Nanny Suite, 2 wet bars, elevator and an interior 72 x 30 sports arena (basketball court if you will!) and situated on a 1.32 acre golf course lot.

What do you get for $32,000,000?  How about a 20,000 square feet main home and a 3,500 square foot 3 bedroom guest home.  The main home has a 40-foot-high-ceilings, 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 5 half baths, a 1930s style movie theater, built-in cigar humidor on a 14 acre tract.  In addition there are approximately 57 more acres that have been divided into 27 smaller lots for high end home development - should the buyer wish. This Raleigh home is owned by Peter Loftin, founder of a telecommunications company, who purchased the Florida home of Gianni Versace and now spends most of his time there. 

If you find such homes to be of interest let me know.  However, to view the second and third homes, verified ability to purchase is required.  Obviously, it would be my pleasure to show them to you. 

John Fish (919) 696-3474   Email: marvmax@mindspring.com   Website: www.JohnFish.com