Where to live in the $650,000 to $750,000 range? (Raleigh, Durham: 2009, chapel)

[Funky Chicken]

Copperleaf in West Cary has the largest lots you will find in that area, beautiful homes by great local builders, and arguably the easiest RTP commute of any location mentioned in this thread. You will be at the low end of neighborhood pricing and I think that's a smart thing.
If I had your budget and an RTP commute it would be game over-Copperleaf.

[csgood]

Thanks for all the ideas. Keep them coming!

Both Copperleaf and Parker Falls look great, although they are pushing us on the price point and we have already moved up a bit. We have a pool in our backyard now and if we spend that much on a house, our pool dreams may have to go. So I like the idea of a community pool (I guess I should say I can live with the idea). What are the middle and high schools like for those two developments?

[rfb]

No idea on Copperleaf, but Parker Falls is assigned to West Millbrook Middle School and Millbrook High School. I don't have any children in either, but I've heard at best mixed opinions on Millbrook High School.

[Funky Chicken]

I believe Copperleaf is Salem Middle/Panther Creek HS.

[ReefAreCoolToo]

Actually why ask the forum? For that range you can basically stay anywhere...hell you can even hired a professional planner/realtor that don't work for % instead of a lump sump for you directly to find a place for you...
Spend 10% of your total 700k for finding a house LOL

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by myselfdotcom

Actually why ask the forum? For that range you can basically stay anywhere...hell you can even hired a professional planner/realtor that don't work for % instead of a lump sump for you directly to find a place for you...
Spend 10% of your total 700k for finding a house LOL

Actually, if he hires a buyer's agent, he pays $0.

I know you say that the price is built into the cost of the home and so is the electrical work, the landscaper, etc.

When buying brand new, the onsite agent works for the builder. You still need a buyer's agent. And if you think you are saving by not using a buyer's agent, you really are wrong.

If there is no buyer's agent and the buyer buys directly from the onsite agent, in most cases, the fee goes back into the marketing account, although in some communities, the onsite agent gets a bit of it.

A serious buyer in this price range would already have a buyer's agent...right?!!

Vicki

[csgood]

Yes, we do have a buyer's agent. But ... we are definitely getting nudged into buying an existing home in the area the agent knows very well. When we want to look at lots or go, let's say to Chatham county or some other area, we are not getting very far. Thus why I am asking the forum for advise.

The agent is assigned to us by the relocation company. For me, agent's usually know the area where they sell very well and try to sell in that area. Nothing wrong with that. But when someone like us comes from out of town and wants to get a feel for the whole area, it is tough. This happened when we moved to Connecticut and we had to venture out on our own to get the look and feel of the area. We built in an area where our agent was not familiar at all. We found it.

I am getting a much better feel from everyone's responses on this forum. It is much appreciated.

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by csgood

Yes, we do have a buyer's agent. But ... we are definitely getting nudged into buying an existing home in the area the agent knows very well. When we want to look at lots or go, let's say to Chatham county or some other area, we are not getting very far. Thus why I am asking the forum for advise.

The agent is assigned to us by the relocation company. For me, agent's usually know the area where they sell very well and try to sell in that area. Nothing wrong with that. But when someone like us comes from out of town and wants to get a feel for the whole area, it is tough. This happened when we moved to Connecticut and we had to venture out on our own to get the look and feel of the area. We built in an area where our agent was not familiar at all. We found it.

I am getting a much better feel from everyone's responses on this forum. It is much appreciated.

Perhaps the agent is SUGGESTING that you stay within the Wake County area instead of giong to Chatham County for reasons such as re sale, etc.

If you feel you are being "nudged", please tell your agent. You are paying a lot of money for a new home and you should get as much help as you need.

You may want to contact your relo folks and tell them that you are considering Chatham County and ask if you can have an Agent that knows that area. It is somewhat the norm to have more than one Agent if you are looking in totally different counties.

Vicki

[csgood]

VickiR - I was just using Chatham as an example. I could have also said North Raleigh, Wake Forest, etc. It is not where the agent is comfortable selling since they know Cary so well. Thats not to say we won't end up being in Cary, but I am just trying to get a feel for the ENTIRE area before making a decision on where to live. The forum is great in giving ideas instead of just talking with one person - our agent. It is certainly not a criticism of the agent at all.

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by csgood

VickiR - I was just using Chatham as an example. I could have also said North Raleigh, Wake Forest, etc. It is not where the agent is comfortable selling since they know Cary so well. Thats not to say we won't end up being in Cary, but I am just trying to get a feel for the ENTIRE area before making a decision on where to live. The forum is great in giving ideas instead of just talking with one person - our agent. It is certainly not a criticism of the agent at all.

Sorry...you hit a nerve! I get frustrated at the buyers who later claim AFTER they purchased their new home that their Agent "steered" them. I know with my personality, no one can really talk me into anything!!!

I do hope you will speak with your agent and let her/him know that there are other areas that you want to check in to. The listings are on MLS and if she has a GPS, she should be able to find her way out of Cary! If not, I have heard that some people can read maps (I was not born with that gift!).

So, have your agent show you other areas and what ever she doesn't know about the area, hopefully she can gather that info. and if not, you have us! And in case you haven't noticed, WE are not shy about giving our opinions!

Vicki