Confused-- Twin lakes, Amberly, Umstead park townhomes (Cary, Hamilton: condo, townhouses) - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - North Carolina (NC) -The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

BMW25 · 03-13-2008, 07:36 AM

I really like 3 communities but I cant decide which one is bvetter.
-Twin lakes(single family homes) (2198 fairfield floor plan) $237,000
-Amberly (Memphis floor plan) $208,000
-Umstead park townhomes(Hamilton floor plan) $197,000

Can someone please help... I cant decide whats better...
Im really confused...I'am pre-approved by the bank and they want me decide asap.

Funky Chicken · 03-13-2008, 08:35 AM

I'd start with an analysis of the relative locations of the 3 choices on the table. Where will you be working, where are your family/friends/social interests, how close to RDU do you need or want to be?

sandycat · 03-13-2008, 09:03 AM

We've looked at all of them and I would say hands down I liked Amberly the best. We even considered the Memphis floor plan. But in the end, we decided the commute would be hellish and with 2 small kids we opted for a house with a yard. I still sometimes think of those townhouses, I really liked them. I did not like the Umstead ones. The just felt way too cramped. And when we were on the deck, we could probably hold hands with our neighbor. I didn't like them at all.

BexNC · 03-13-2008, 09:18 AM

I've heard nice things about Amberly but never visited. We chose Twin Lakes and have been very happy with it so far... Like Funky Chicken said, it really depends on your preferences. My husband works on Perimeter Drive, so his commute is about 4 minutes in the morning, and our cousin lives a street away. That factored hugely into our decision.

(As an aside: my cousin has friends in Amberly, and said the clubhouse-- while free to residents-- charged their guests to use the pool. She was invited by her friend, and had to pay $6 to bring her newborn son in with her. Can anyone verify that? My cousin sometimes has a flair for the dramatic, so I'm just curious.

)

Janecj · 03-13-2008, 10:23 AM

In general, resale value of single family homes are better..

DanielChang · 03-13-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janesellshomes

In general, resale value of single family homes are better..

In general, the maintenance of single family homes is significantly higher as well. It is a lifestyle choice to buy into a townhouse or condo instead of a detached house.

BMW25 · 03-14-2008, 10:44 PM

I finally decided to get a house in Twin Lakes but after choosing the lot and signing a buyers agreement I noticed theres a 20' storm drainage easment between my house and the house next door. Will this negativly affect my home resale value? Can this flood my house?
Im so confused and very stressed out rite now. What should I do?

BMW25 · 03-14-2008, 10:47 PM

I liked Amberly also, but its about 31 miles from my job(one way). Thats why I went with Twin Lakes.
But now as you can see on my previous post, I'm in a bigger dillemma. Very Upset...

Gabagole · 03-15-2008, 08:56 AM

My Wife and I have bought a 2198 in Twin Lakes and are so excited to move in the end of May. This is just my opinion but I would never choose a condo/townhome over a Single family house. I like my privacy and a like at least a little space from my neighbors. However, I can see why an older couple that doesnt want to deal with the upkeep of a house would choose a townhome. As far as the storm easment I would not be too concerned. I think that part of Cary (27519) is building so quickly and becoming a very desirable area and will be a grear investment in the future.

wrxsti04 · 03-15-2008, 11:01 AM

IMO i'd stay away from KB Homes. Personally I don't see what the attraction is with stripped homes that cost a fortune to get decent standards in their homes. Granted twin lakes is on the higher end of those standards, who honestly wants mushroom lights and pop corn ceilings in their home at least thats the kind of stuff I noticed in Amberly. Along with charging for grid lines in windows.