Cary, North Carolina.  COPPERLEAF in Cary has two section, the Estates and the Manors.  Homes in these sections range in price from approx. $650,000 to more than $1 million.  Lots range in size from one-half to three-quarters of an acre.  The subdivision’s over-all size is 137 acres.  Amenities include a family pool of 5,000 square feet that has a slide.  Also, there is a pavilion with showering facilities and a playground.  Copperleaf is located just west of Yates Store Road on Green Level Church Road.  The developer, Homescape Properties, has put together an excellent builder team.  It is comprised of Future Homes by Odell Thompson, Tingen Construction, Homescape Building Company, Barrington Homes, Woodard Builders, Rice Builders, CityScape Builders and Jerry Smith Builders.  When presales started last August 23 of 141 homes had already been sold.

The inventory currently listed on MLS shows three homes.  The first is: - 989538 - 7217 Ryehill Drive.  A brick and cultured stone 2-story home by Homescape Building Co.  It has 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, screened porch with flagstone patio, a 18 x 15 master, 20 x 15 Family room, 26 x 15 Bonus room, granite counter tops, city water and sewer, and 3 car garage.  This 4530 square foot beauty is  priced at $819,900.   The second home - 986893 - 6848 Piershill Lane is also by Homescape.  It has 5729 square feet and comes in at $1,289,000.  The exterior is brick with stone accents.  The 17 x 15 kitchen features granite countertops and Wolf appliances.  There are 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 3 half baths.  The main floor master is a spacious 22 x 15.  There is a laundry on both the first and second floors.  Other areas of interest include a 15 x 14 Keeping room, a 22 x 21 Family room, a 22 x 21 Bonus room and a media room with wet bar.  There is a two car garage and a one car garage.  The third home - 1001149 - 7213 Ryehill Drive is by Rice Builders.  The exterior is a sophisticated blend of shake, stone and fibre cement.  It has 5 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths.  Features include a private first floor guest suite, a kitchen with large island and walk-in pantry, a second floor master with sitting area, screened porch, 18 x 14 Bonus room, lush landscaping and 3 car garage.  THis 3924 square foot dream home is priced at $739,900 and is scheduled for completion in September.

Wake Forest, North Carolina - THE GROVES AT HASENTREE - Anyone who reads my blogs or knows the North Raleigh/Wake Forest areas knows about the endless stream of dream homes in the gated Hasentree subdivision.  The Groves at Hasentree is comprised of two phases.  Phase I will have 39 custom homes and Phase II will have 30.  Homes Sizes will be from 3,000 square feet and be priced in the $800s.  Hasentree currently has 160 member families and is now closed to outside memberships.  Of the homesites that surround the subdivision’s Tom Fazio golf course, only 35 remain.

Cary, North Carolina - MADISON PLACE.   The last six townhomes at Madison Place are now being offered.  They are built by Impact Design-Build.  They feature four bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, basement rec room, gourmet kitchens, 2 car garages and up to 2900 square feet.  Prices range from the $320s to the $350s.  Madison place is located between Preston and Carpenter Village in Cary.

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

Many people who desperately want to start successfull internet businesses never do.  They never do because they never start.  They never start because they feel they have to have all the pieces in place and perfectly done before they start.  They are never satisfied with the idea or site they begin with so - nothing happens.  I don’t know of a single big name internet success who doesn’t say, “Forget perfect!  Pick something, throw up a site and let time and what you learn develop the site.”  If you think about a real estate developer developing a large subdivision with homes, activity club, golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking trails, homeowner activities and more, most of the time these facilities and activies are not in place for those who buy homes during the being stages of the subdivision’s development.  One of the Triangle’s leading developers of high end subdivisions, Creedmoor Partners, just announced the opening of the Family Activity Club at their Hasentree subdivision.  Hasentree is a gated 1,000 acre project in the Wake Forest area with stunning homes, some of which are priced at nearly $5 million, that surround a magnificent Tom Fazio designed golf course.  During last year’s Parade of Homes some 10 homes in Hasentree were featured on the Parade.  The Family Actiivty Club was a future promise but a long way from reality as were a number of other facilities the area will have.  The sale of homes in an area like this help to make possible the facilities the subdivision will eventually have.  If Creedmoor Partners, or any other developer of a major subdivision had to have everything in place before starting to sell homes, the subdivision would rarely happen.  Most often the profits to be had from the subdivision don’t come until its last phase so the “goodies” they offer have to be spread out over a long period of time with ongoing land and home sales helping to over the costs.  The Hasentree Family Activity Club offers three outdoor pools, a double-loop waterslide and six HarTru lighted clay tennis courts.  The Club’s fitness center offers personalized exercise training, yoga, body sculpting and spin classes.  A media and game room features a 110″ flat screen TV, a zen room, private ladies spa treatment room, a staffed Kids Korner and much more.  A children’s playground next to the water pavilion features treehouses, climbing structures, bridges and rope courses.  So, if you have been thinking about starting an internet business I am not saying not to lay out a plan.  I am saying, lay out the basics and tthen ake a page out the real estate developer’s handbook and get going.  They don’t start with everything in place so what makes you think you have to?   Want to know more about Hasentree?  Call me or send me an email at the number or address given below.

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

Wake Forest, North Carolina.  St. Ives Has 17 New And Resale Homes Available.  If you are looking for a convenient location in the Wake Forest area you should look at homes in the St. Ives subdivision.  Anyone who knows the Wake Forest area knows where the McDonald’s restaurant at Rt. 98 and U.S. 1 is.  From that point go just a half mile west on Rt. 98, go right on Wake Union Church Road, left on Kearney Road and right into St. Ives.  It is very close to good shopping and restaurants, is away from aircraft noise and is close to both Routes 1 and 98 without having to put up with loud highway noise.  Prices range from $599,000 to $934,900 and home sizes from 3403 to 5132 square feet.  Furthermore, their is a variety of styles to choose from including English Country, Bungalow and even a 1.5 story home that looks like a ranch and lives like two-story and has 5 bedrooms and 5 full baths.   Great features abound in these homes.  One home has a family room with barrel vault ceiling.  Another has a master that has soft lighting recessed with a triple-trey ceiling. There are home theatres, screened porches, great kitchens with granite, granite, granite and, as real estate agents are fond of saying, “other features too numerous to mention.”  Exteriors offer all brick, fibre-cement, fibre-cement and stone, etc.  If you would like more information concerning any of these homes or would like to visit any of them call me or send me an email at the number and email address given below.

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

Wake Forest, North Carolina.  Purnell Road - Tobacco Road With A Gilt Edge.  A trip along the approximately nine mile stretch of Wake Forest’s Purnell Road is a deceiving one.  It ranges from a serene and pastoral countryside to some very tired and well worn homes and mobile homes, junk cars and the remains of a time long gone. However, the watchful eye notices splendid entryways into a world of fine homes.  The subdivisions behind these entryways feed the need for quality homes near the areas of shopping centers and businesses in Wake Forest and along Route 1.  Along Purnell and just off of it you will find such subdivisions as (the following are price ranges of homes currently listed in the subdivisions mentioned) Fairlake: $325,000 - $550,000   Forrest Ridge: $390,000 to $545,000   Kensington Manor: $460,000 - $677,000   Covington Ridge: $460,000 - $609,000   Hillcrest Farm: $475,000 - $715,000   Greycliff: $500,000 - $650,000.  Along the arteries between Purnell and Rt. 98 you will find:  Great Falls Estates: $428,000 - $550,000   Kimmon Place: $390,000 - $500,000   Caudle Wood:  $475,000 - $540,000   Glenmoor:  $$489,000 - $590,000   Keighley Forest:  $399,000 - $495,000.   This is not all of them and there is considerable room for more but if your need is to be in the far north Raleigh and/or Wake Forest areas and these prices are within your range, you will find beautiful homes, quiet surroundings and (for the most part) elbow room.  It should also be noted that things that add character and charm to an area for some are blaaagh to others.  But, like it or not, those things which are not attractive are rapidly be replaced by things that are (or are at least new).  Purnell Road is approximately 3 miles north of Rt. 98 and runs parallel to it.

For information about any of the subdivisions, the homes in them or about north Raleigh and Wake Forest contact me at the telephone number or email address given below:

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

Triangle, North Carolina.  Triangle Unemployment In December Unchanged From A Year Ago.  The State Unemployment Security Commission released figures on unemployment on January 25.  They show that unemployment for December was at 3.6% which is the same rate they showed in December of 2006.  These figures are for the seven-county area that comprises the Triangle and they are not adjusted for seasonal effects.

Last Leg Of N.C. 98 Bypass Ready To Start.  It will run from Capital Boulevard to N.C. 98 close to the Thompson Mill Road Intersection.  N.C. 98 runs through the heart of Wake Forest.  It enters from the west as Durham Road and leaves from the east as Wait Avenue.  The purpose of the project is to make downtown Wake Forest more quickly accessible to Research Triangle Park and other areas west of it.  The various portions of the project have spurred development along it.  These projects include the 250 acre mixed-use Holding Village and the 900 acre Traditions project.  The initial phase of Traditions is to include 173 townhouses and 449 single family homes.

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

Wake Forest, North Carolina.  Yankee Pitcher Takes Strike Three.  I grew up living, breathing and playing baseball in the land of the Cubs and Cardinals.  Therefore, it was only natural that I hated - - the Yankess. 

A few years ago a friend and business associate introduced me to Tommy Byrne at Tommy’s home.  I vividly recall the goose bumps I got in seeing the signed bats, baseballs, photos and other memorabilia of his years as a pitcher in baseball but more particularly of his Yankee team mates and friends.  Tommy played with the Browns, Senators and White Sox as well but his Yankee years were his most memorable.  Meeting Tommy was not meeting a hated Yankee but meeting baseball in the flesh and all the memories that went with it.  Being able to ask him questions about other players and listen to his stories about some of them - - - it doesn’t get any better than that.

I saw him several times after that and also got to know one of his sons, Tommy, Jr.; another very fine man.  Tommy served as a town commissioner in Wake Forest for eight years and two terms as mayor.  He had many business interests including being a partner in the building of the Wake Forest Country Club golf course.  After baseball and his wife, golf was Tommy’s first love. 

How often it’s the small moments in life you remember the most.  Getting to know Tommy, if just a little, will one I will never forget.  He has now rejoined his team mates and I do hope they play baseball in heaven.  I wonder if God has a favorite team?

HASENTREE - continued from yesterday’s post.   These photos are of the wine room, the lower level kitchen and the exercise room.  I could go into detail about them but I think you would rather look than read.  To view each photo full size just click on it and click - Back to return to the next one.

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

Wake Forest, North Carolina.  Hasentree - Describing The Best Is A Tough Job.  An add that everyone remembers is what copywriters dream about.  Some come because the writer is truly exceptional, others come through a flash of inspiration and still others, to barrow a line from a Harry Potter movie, come through “sheer dumb luck!”.  At the moment the add that comes to my mind is the one from Hallmark Cards “When You Care Enough To Send The Very Best.”  I hope they paid whoever came up with that line a bunch of bucks because he or she earned every cent of it - and then some.

Describing elegance and the unique in a home is a difficult assignment and is best done if you have several days to devote to the task.  The obvious tendency is to use words and descriptions you get tired of using and that readers get tired of reading.  They are used in endless MLS listings and, for the most part, are used for homes that are at opposite ends of the pole in price.  Unfortunately I don’t have the time to give to describing the home I am going to show photos of and a manner that it deserves so I will simply give the price - $3,997,5000, the finished square footage - 10,841 and list the Special Features as they were given for the home in this year’s Parade of Homes book:  * Olde-World English Tudor Style  * 3-story spiral staircase  * Seven fireplaces  * Gourmet kitchen with two islands  *  Master retreat with coffered and cathedral ceilings  * Two second-floor master suites with a four-floor elevator  * Three laundry rooms  * Fitness room, spa and steam shower  * Wine cellar; theatre and billiars room and bar  * Multiple screened and covered porches  * Multi-level pools with waterfalls and firepits  * Spectacular golf course views.  If this doesn’t whet your appetite perhaps photos will.  As with the first Hasentree home I showed, the photos will be provided over several days; probably several weeks.  If you have any questions call the number at the bottom of the post or send me an email.  I would be happy to arrange a showing but as I have said before, you will need to talk to the lender I use first so I know that you can handle the freight.   To view these photos full size just click on them.  To return to the next one click on - Back.  Enjoy.

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

Wake Forest, North Carolina.  Developers Desire To Deliver THE Premier Private Golf Community In The Carolinas.  Creedmoor Partners has a history of developing the finest high-end subdivisions in Wake County.  These subdivisions include Birklands, Devon, Chatsworth, The Overlook at Chatsworth, Crossmoor, Glenmoor, Galloway, Linville, The Moorlands, Olde Creedmoor, Renaissance At Regency Park, Stonemoor and now - Hasentree. 

I have mentioned Hasentree in previous posts and during the last couple of weeks I have been showing photos of a home in Hastree built by Walt Steen.  Today’s photos are the last of that home.  The movers and shakers of Creedmoor Partners, Henry MacNair and Carlton Midyette are determined that Hasentree will, indeed, be the finest private golf community anywhere in the Carolinas.  The developements golf course is a masterpiece by golf course architect Tom Fazio.  As Creedmoor Partners didn’t want members to try and function out of some “shanty” until the 30,000 square foot Clubhouse was completed they had a 5,200 square foot Pro Shop Cottage built to handle member needs. It was designed by Small/Kane Architects of Raleigh, has 12-foot ceilings and elegant mahogany woodwork.  It will eventually be linked to the Clubhouse.  The Clubhouse will include both casual and formal dining and include a the Pro Shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms, banquet facilities a grill and valet services.  In addition there will be a 13,000 square foot Family Activities Center with three separate pools, whirlpools, waterslides, and a poolside grill.  The Center will also have six lighted clay tennis courts, a Kids Club Room and Media Room and a state-of-the-art Fitness Center.  The Clubhouse will be managed by East West Partners Club Management.  Hasentree has more than six miles of nature and fitness trails.  Creedmoor Partners has made a full commitment to protect the adjoining Falls Lake watershed.  In so doing the community as been registered as a member of the Audubon International Gold Signature Program and the partners are working toward a designation as an Audubon Gold Signature Sanctuary which calls for a strong environmental stewardship commitment.

Hasentree is close to the stores and shops at the corner of Route 1 and Route 98 and also the Wakefield subdivision shopping areas.  For those you who can afford the finest it would be hard to improve on what Hasentree has to offer.  I also mentioned Hasentree several times with regard to the Parade of Homes.  Currently, there are eighteen Multiple Listing Service listings of Hasentree Homes.  The prices range from $936,135 to $4.595,000.  If you would rather build than “buy off the rack” there are hundreds of excellent lots available both on and off of the golf course. 

This last group of photos of the home by Walt Steen prove that the back of the home is equally as breathtaking as the front.  You see the master bedroom deck and the vast scope of the window walls and the latticed deck that are spread grandly across the entire range of the home.  What a magnificent Christmas or Valentine give this home would make.  For more information about this home, the other homes in Hasentree and about the Hasentree community call me or email me at the telephone number and email address below. 

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

Raleigh, North Carolina.  How Sweet It Is!  Countrywood Raleigh sold Fairway Apartments at 3801 Rolling Green Court for $24.7 million; approx. $64,300 per unit.  The 384-unit complex was purchased by Fairway Apartment Partners of Jupiter, Florida.  The sale price was 39% more than than the Sellers paid for it in 2000.  Triangle Apartment Association data indicates that monthly rents at Fairway have increased 12% during the last four years. 

On November 30 and December 4 I included photos of a fine home in Wake Forest’s Hasentree subdivision.  Here are more photos of that home.  From the foyer you enter the family room (22X24) with its expansive window wall.  The warm and inviting fireplace is framed by handsomely crafted cabinetry.  The family room open directly into the elegant kitchen.  Gatherings in the family room do not exclude the chef.  If the current 70 degree Triangle weather continues you can hang the stockings on the fireplace with care but make it easy for St. Nick to leave the presents by leaving the door open for him.  Open letter to Santa - “Please bring water!”. 

To view these photos just click on each one.  Click on Back to return to this page and next photo.

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

Wake Forest, North Carolina.  It’s a gasser!  In my day, and we won’t go into how long ago that has been, something that was extra special was said to be a “gasser”!  The array of marvelous homes in this year’s Parade of Homes is hard to put into proper perspective.  The quality of many of them is truly exceptional.  Saying that one is the “best” is to be almost simple minded.  Yet, the judges have come and gone and this week there will be an awards dinner at which each price catagory of home will we awarded its own gold, silver and bronze medals along with a bunch of awards for special features.

There are homes that, to say the least, have a commanding presence because of their very size or because of unique exterior design.  And then there are homes that are deceptive.  The one I have in mind is very obviously a very fine home (it should be for a price of nearly $4 million) but as you approach it, it frankly doesn’t “knock your socks off.”  It is beautiful but understated.  The exterior design is not unusual and yet it is most certainly elegant.  But in the interior, and in what has been done with the area in back of the home - the gloves come off! Wow!!  I could describe it for you but why bother?  I will say that it is 10,841 square feet and is priced at $3,897,500 and was built by Don Collins.  The reason I won’t try to do a blow by blow of the home is because you can see it for yourself.  Go to www.doncollinsbuilder.com.  Once there, there are photos of several of Don’s homes.  Look for the Stephanie Brooke 2007 Parade Home.  As I said before, ”IT’S A GASSER!”.  

For a private viewing of this and other fine Parade homes call me and I will make the arrangements.  Call me or send me an email at the telephone number or email address given below.  As you know, I require a brief call to the lender I use to be certain you can handle the price before taking anyone to see anything.  Real estate is a business and I treat it as such.  Business people who can afford such homes have no problem with this.  I think the mortgage broker I use is the best available but should you find a home you like you may, of course, you any lender you wish.

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