Moving to Raleigh/Durham/Cary Area, NC (Clayton: for sale, foreclosures) - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - North Carolina -The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

KZG · 12-23-2011, 08:11 PM

Hi All,
Thank you in advance for reading my long post and hopefully sharing your advice. We're a family of four (2 daughters ages 7 and 2). We lived in NJ and are currently living abroad. We're looking to move to NC in 2012. We are looking for a new (or as new as possible) construction under $120,000. We are thinking of paying cash ($100,000 max in that case). We homeschool our kids and I work online from home. We want some place safe that has nice weather, parks, and convenient shopping. We have never been to NC, and it seems to be very difficult deciding where to go just by researching books and searching the internet. PLEASE HELP: ADVISE!

zthatzmanz28 · 12-23-2011, 08:27 PM

Not sure if there is new construction under $120K in Cary? Durham has some nice areas, but the $120K limit could still be a problem. You might look at Clayton area of Johnston County.

goldenage1 · 12-23-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KZG

We are looking for a new (or as new as possible) construction under $120,000.

Are you open to manufactured housing? I don't think you will find a site-built house for that price.

KZG · 12-23-2011, 10:26 PM

Thanks for the replies.

What are the good places in Durham (and those to avoid)?

I really have no idea about manufactured housing. Thanks for bringing it up though.

goldenage1 · 12-23-2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KZG

I really have no idea about manufactured housing. Thanks for bringing it up though.

Look at this, and see the Genesis display model half-way down the page:
Ready to Occupy & Featured Special Homes in Raleigh NC - Royal Homes | Royal Homes You would have to locate and purchase a lot.

Francois · 12-24-2011, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KZG

We're looking to move to NC in 2012. We are looking for a new (or as new as possible) construction under $120,000. We are thinking of paying cash ($100,000 max in that case). We have never been to NC, and it seems to be very difficult deciding where to go just by researching books and searching the internet.

Curious as to what has made this the area you want to move to specifically, if you have never been and don't trust what you're researching? That price is quite low for a good house in this area. There are many other places that fit your criteria for that price, but it will be hard to do in the Raleigh/Durham area. Are you looking at other places, too? You really should visit anywhere before 'deciding' to move there based on a little bit of research, if there is nothing like a job pulling you here--especially with such a low (for this area) budget.

goldenage1 · 12-24-2011, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Are you open to manufactured housing? I don't think you will find a site-built house for that price.

I'll have to correct myself. In Raleigh, there are 18 houses for sale on Realtor.com that are less than 5 years old. They are mostly in Zipcode 27610 in southeast Raleigh, and between 1300 and 1900 SF. I'll have to let others more knowledgeable tell you about the area.

RedZin · 12-24-2011, 03:33 AM

Why here? You said you've never been and aren't coming here for work, as you can work from anywhere. Family in the area?

It's nice here and all, but you could get more bang for your housing buck elsewhere.

PatRoy1 · 12-24-2011, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

It's nice here and all, but you could get more bang for your housing buck elsewhere.

Agree.

Last spring, we looked at a number of $150,000 homes in the area that looked great on Realtor.com but were dismal when we got there. Holes in the roof, maintenance that had been deferred for decades, decks that were rotting away, sketchy neighborhoods...

Foreclosures were the worst. Musty smelling and in need of repair, every one of them.

$120,000 homes? There were condos in that price range, but no houses that were liveable. Even the handyman specials would have required considerable financial investment to get them up to speed.

And a new house in that price range? I'd be leery about the construction of that one.

That's not to say that you can't find a good deal in that price range if you look far and wide in North Carolina. Or perhaps Tennessee or Kentucky or ??

Good luck on your next adventure and good for you guys for setting your sights on paying with cash. Smart move.

goldenage1 · 12-24-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatRoy1

$120,000 homes? There were condos in that price range, but no houses that were liveable. Even the handyman specials would have required considerable financial investment to get them up to speed.

And a new house in that price range? I'd be leery about the construction of that one.

Thanks PatRoy. I suggest that the OP look at buying land out in the country and buy a manufactured/mobile home to set on it. They have no need to be in the city limits. That way they can find a safer area also. I'd suggest Johnston, Harnett or Lee County.

OTOH, there are 4 nice new bungalows on Gerard east of the Duke campus in Durham zip 27707. It's near Burch Avenue and the Maplewood Cemetery. The area is about 65% minority, and the Lakewood ES is rated 3 out of 10. But if the buyers are OK with the situation, the house look great. For example: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/81...49972433_zpid/