Real estate agent doesn't want us to look at Durham (Raleigh: crime, chapel)

[Francois]

I've PMed you the name of a gay real estate broker who specializes in Durham.

[senalj]

When I was relocating to Durham, I had a real estate agent who told me she knew all about Durham. I came for a visit and she had me sign an agreement. After I signed on the "dotted line", she told me she didn't know anything about Durham and proceeded to try to steer me towards Raleigh. I was so upset! Needless to say it all worked out because I couldn't buy a house right away, so I just let the contract lapse and found an area I liked (Grandale) and am having a house built. I say RUN from this real estate agent and don't look back. I MADE the agent I hired take me around Durham and it was really, really painful; she didn't know if the areas were good or bad, what the property taxes were, what schools they were zoned for, etc. So it was a complete waste of time.

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by coltank

I think there are plenty of neighborhoods in durham that offer what you are looking for, and what your agent is doing is illegal, it is called "steering".

Steering... "The illegal funneling of home buyers to a particular area based on the desire to keep the makeup of that neighborhood the same or intentionally change it."

Based on the original poster's commentary, this accusation made was not steering. Especially if the information was based on published statistical data that may be pertinent to the buyer's financial decision making (and that published information is not information that can be used to actually 'steer' someone from a neighborhood that would violate fair housing laws). But who knows except for the OP what the "blah, blah, blah" meant.

Nonetheless, there isn't anything that precludes an agent from making a financial assessment of an area based on facts or published reports that give a negative impression of an area. If that were the case, it would be equally as poor for an agent to make "positive" commentary about a city too. Agents do have a right to an opinion, last time I checked (again, as long as they do not violate certain fair housing laws with regard to protected classes: Race, Color, National Origin, Religious Preference, Sex, Family Status, Handicap, etc.).

Durham's not a bad place to live, but the OP has made some constructive assessments of the city. Sure, there are areas that will suit his needs, but there are other areas outside of Durham that may suit more of those needs.

[Heathercp]

There are lovely places all over the Triangle, but I can only agree with all those who suggested you find another agent. There's really something to be said for living and working in the same community.

We looked for our home from out of state and, after I'd decided that I wanted to be in Durham, I called a small real estate company that one of the more prolific posters, Bull City Rising, had mentioned. These folks specialize in listing older homes in Durham (but, of course, that's not all they have to offer). We were looking for an older home in a walkable neighborhood downtown - but that's not exactly what we ended up with. Still, we couldn't be more pleased with our location (west side of Durham), and I'm really grateful to our agent for her advice.

One of the things I love about our corner of Durham is the proximity to the Duke Forest trails including the Al Buehler trail, a 5k loop. It's wooded and hilly. At some times of the day there are lots of folks running, walking, taking their dogs or kids for a stroll, but at other times, it's almost empty. I love it. You can find more information here: Duke Forest

Lots of people walk and run on the Duke Forest trails that are accessible from NC 751.

The other fantastic trail is the American Tobacco Trail. A friend of mine lives close to this trail, which is paved (the part south of downtown, at least) and perfect for biking.

Good luck on your interview!

[dcgrl]

You could consider the Duke Forest neighborhood. It's not exactly a walkable neighborhood like Watts-Hillandale and Trinity, but it has hiking trails that are very popular. The housing stock in the neighborhood is mostly 50s and 60s ranches--both traditional and contemporary. The lots are large and wooded. The neighborhood is located south of Duke's West Campus. There are houses available now from 250s to nearly a million.

You could also look at Forest Hills.

[CarolinaCowboy]

Originally Posted by zitsky

I'm flying out for an interview on Tuesday with a company in north Durham. I've been researching neighborhoods in case they make an offer and we decide to move. I talked to a real estate agent today who is basically trying to discourage us from looking at Durham. She said the usual, "schools aren't good", "bad resale value" blah blah blah. I will admit, there are some nice older houses in downtown Raleigh, but it doesn't seem practical to live there.

I've looked at a lot of houses in Durham, but can't find a lot of things that excite me. I either find (1) overpriced houses in popular neighborhoods (2) derelict houses in "urban pioneer" areas or (3) nice and cheap houses that aren't really walking distance to anything. I have started to think that I won't be able to find something in Durham that is under $400K, has decent resale value and is in a walkable neighborhood. Maybe I just not looking in the right places. I've looked at Watts-Hillandale, but there aren't too many houses that I like. I've found a lot of new development in Durham priced under $300K, but there is so much on the market that I wonder if we'll be able to resell the house in a few years.

My partner says he wants to be close to a park (or walking/hiking trail). I think he's listening to the agent too much and we'll end up living in God knows where. How do I convince him that Durham will be the best area for us to be?

Don't convince him of anything, FIRE HIM! He is doing what many agents do, what is best and easiest for him and not you. There are plenty of nice neighborhoods in durham. This guy probably just does not typically sell there and has no interest in the area, or it might be a little out of his way.

I would strongly suggest finding a new agent. There are probably a few right here on this forum that would love to show you homes in durham.

[skaternum]

Originally Posted by Charlton Dude

The Triangle is very walker/biker friendly, <snip> There are many other options available. The walkability/bikeability is what really caught our eye down here. It's great.

Uh, what?? Hardly any bike lanes. Sidewalks that end abruptly, if they even exist at all. WTH are you talking about??

[Charlton Dude]

Originally Posted by skaternum

Uh, what?? Hardly any bike lanes. Sidewalks that end abruptly, if they even exist at all. WTH are you talking about??

Currently we live in Cary. There are sidewalks everywhere, bike lanes and greenways. We walk and bike to just about everything. Almost all new developments that we have seen in the Triangle have sidewalks. This was striking to us, as we cam from an area that had none. Not even a small breakdown lane. We moved to Durham when we first came down and there were sidewalks all around Woodcroft Parkway, plus the American Tobacco Trail. Spending time walking up and down the winding sidewalks of Durham's Woodcroft Parkway is a very pleasant experience. I think you need to get out and about a little more to actually see what the Triangle has to offer. You may be surprised. Are you new to the area? A lot of newbies don't know what the area has to offer. We are in our 4th year and are still discovering. There is just so much.

[VickiR]

Someone "made" you sign on the dotted line? Did they have a gun to your head?

Here is MY take on this whole Durham "steering" thing. Note that many of the Agents on here are avoiding this issue like the plague!

First of all, let me say that I do not show houses in Durham simply because "I" do not know Durham. I will take my clients to anywhere in Wake County and Johnston County, Franklin County and Granville County (as those are the areas that I know best). I simply cannot know every inch of North Carolina! I've had clients ask me to show them Wilmington. I don't know Wilmington; therefore, I am honest when I suggest to them that they find a Wilmington Agent or I will be happy to send them through my relocation dept. and find them an experienced agent in Wilmington. But I am NOT going to take them to Wilmington! I have only had ONE PERSON in my years' of being a Realtor that got angry over it. I then realized that this was not a client I wanted to work with anyway! We parted ways.

So, if you find an Agent who says they do not want to show you Durham. That is fine. There are a zillion Realtors IN Durham. Hop into your car and head to the nearest Real Estate Company. The large companies (mine included) have Agents "on duty" 7 days a week.

Ok...now lets say you have found an Agent that will show you the Durham area. Hopefully, you have found an agent that KNOWS the Durham area. And yes, there are ALOT of agents that want you to sign an agreement with them the first 5 minutes they meet you. JUST SAY NO. That is right. I'm a Realtor and I'm telling you to say NO. You are an adult. They cannot force you.

If you feel that you simply cannot say NO, sign that agreement. Notice there are many blanks. The blanks are NEGOTIABLE! SIGN THAT AGREEMENT FOR ONE DAY! SIGN THAT AGREEMENT FOR ONE PROPERTY! SIGN THAT AGREEMENT FOR ONE HOUR! Nothing and no one can force you to sign anything. If that agent won't work with you, find another one.

Yes, people, it IS that easy.

No one can talk you into anything you do not want to do. If that Realtor has a gun and forces you to sign any type of paperwork, legally that won't hold up in court. That is called coersion or distress or something like that!

There are so many Realtors in this area. If you cannot find someone to refer an agent to you, run to the nearest real estate company in the area that you are seriously considering. Find an agent. Find an agent that you can TRUST. Buying or selling a home means that you will be working with your Agent very closely and very often. Do you want to spend time with someone you don't like or trust?

YOU are in charge. YOU choose YOUR AGENT. YOU choose when you SIGN any type of documents, whether it is with a Realtor or a contractor or a surgeon who is going to operate on you. YOU are in charge. YOU make your own decisions. YOU have CHOICES!!! At least that is what I tell my 15 year old daughter!

Vicki

[Wisertime]

I have lived in Raleigh, Cary and currently Durham. While, I don't love Durham, there are some decent areas. Consider HopeValley, Croasdaille CC & Croasdaille farms. Very walkable, country feel, with golf course (former member here). Easy access to I85 and 15-501 and 20 min to RTP. You can prob get a good deal on a Unique home in this area too. If you want to go further out check out Brier Creek or Treyburn.

Down by Old Chatham golf club there are some nice newer neighborhoods booming too. ITs a pretty central location for the area, that is lesser known. The club is very expensive though, but not affiliated with the real estate.