Questions about real estate market in South Cary (new home, neighborhood)

[hilltown]

Circling back to the topic at hand, "South Cary" is an underrated option for folks commuting into downtown Raleigh. Even with Fortify, you're looking at only 20-25 minutes, which compares favorably to the commute to North Raleigh.

[shamrock4]

I do not post much, but I thought I would chime in here. We have lived in one of the older South Cary neighborhoods for many years and really enjoy the privacy of a .75 acre lot backing up to a golf course. We are delighted that young families are moving in, some of whom grew up in the neighborhood and like the large lots, trees, terrain, and variety of home styles.

However, although we have updated with new siding (good-bye Masonite!), removed popcorn ceilings, updated baths, etc., we do not have the high ceilings, huge walk-in closets or 5 piece bathrooms which are popular today. Thus we see tear-downs, but luckily our home holds its value through the worth of the lot alone.

[C_Lan]

Originally Posted by shamrock4

I do not post much, but I thought I would chime in here. We have lived in one of the older South Cary neighborhoods for many years and really enjoy the privacy of a .75 acre lot backing up to a golf course. We are delighted that young families are moving in, some of whom grew up in the neighborhood and like the large lots, trees, terrain, and variety of home styles.

However, although we have updated with new siding (good-bye Masonite!), removed popcorn ceilings, updated baths, etc., we do not have the high ceilings, huge walk-in closets or 5 piece bathrooms which are popular today. Thus we see tear-downs, but luckily our home holds its value through the worth of the lot alone.

Would you mind sharing more info on the popcorn removal? Did you hire this out and was the process bearable from a dust standpoint when the ceilings were smoothed over?

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by shamrock4

I do not post much, but I thought I would chime in here. We have lived in one of the older South Cary neighborhoods for many years and really enjoy the privacy of a .75 acre lot backing up to a golf course. We are delighted that young families are moving in, some of whom grew up in the neighborhood and like the large lots, trees, terrain, and variety of home styles.

However, although we have updated with new siding (good-bye Masonite!), removed popcorn ceilings, updated baths, etc., we do not have the high ceilings, huge walk-in closets or 5 piece bathrooms which are popular today. Thus we see tear-downs, but luckily our home holds its value through the worth of the lot alone.

We love MacGregor for all the reasons you mentioned here. We'd definitely consider buying a remodeled home, a newer home, or doing a teardown/rebuild on the golf course over there. Beautiful place.

[shamrock4]

Originally Posted by C_Lan

Would you mind sharing more info on the popcorn removal? Did you hire this out and was the process bearable from a dust standpoint when the ceilings were smoothed over?

Yes, we did hire out as the ceiling work is pretty tough on the neck and shoulders (the guy we used has retired). He was very experienced so the process wasn't as horrible as I anticipated.

After we tested for asbestos (negative), he covered the walls and floor with plastic. Then he thoroughly wet down the ceiling and scrapped with a long, flat tool. The popcorn slid into a bucket he held underneath. We had actually painted the popcorn, which made it more difficult. Since the material was wet, there was little dust.

However, some seams and imperfections had to be mudded. He came back the next day to sand when the mud dried, and that was somewhat dusty. We had closed off vents, encased in plastic any heavy furniture in the room and kept doors closed with towels stuffed underneath. It actually was not as bad as I expected. We did sections of the house at different times. Of course, then the ceilings need to be painted.

However, the result is great! One major plus in new houses to me is smooth ceilings. It looks so much cleaner and airier. I consider it one of the best updates we did, for ourselves and perhaps future buyers.

Hope that helps! If you are thinking to try this yourself, test it out in a closet so you can gauge the difficulty.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by shamrock4

However, some seams and imperfections had to be mudded.

I would plan to have to do touch-up/re-work. Usually, if they knew they were going to do a popcorn ceiling when they were putting it up, they would not finish it as nice as for a smooth ceiling. Popcorn can cover up a lot of imperfections.

[gpr66]

Originally Posted by don6170

I would plan to have to do touch-up/re-work. Usually, if they knew they were going to do a popcorn ceiling when they were putting it up, they would not finish it as nice as for a smooth ceiling. Popcorn can cover up a lot of imperfections.

Another consideration -- going from popcorn to smooth might require more maintenance over the long haul in some rooms (small recurring cracks to be repaired due to wood movement, tape becoming visible etc). This is one of the problems popcorn was meant to solve, making that sort of thing less visible so the owner doesn't obsess about it.

[dhvb4]

Originally Posted by RedZin

We love MacGregor for all the reasons you mentioned here. We'd definitely consider buying a remodeled home, a newer home, or doing a teardown/rebuild on the golf course over there. Beautiful place.

Any suggestions on which subdivision (new or resale) to look for houses under $550k? I'd like to have a lot of at least .25 acre if possible. Any comments on Kildaire Crossing subdivision? Thanks

[MikeJaquish]

Up to $550,000, I would be looking very hard at Lochmere.
Get the lot size, and some mature trees.

[escapenc]

Lochmere is lovely--I grew up there.

With a budget of $550, I'd look at Lochmere and Cambridge/Wyndfall at Regency.