Coming Soon: Lots of Space with the In-Demand Apex Address

Renee Hillman on March 24, 2016

Looking for a stellar Apex location with tons of space? This home has got it!

You’ll find lots of upgraded features like a gourmet kitchen with solid surface counters and stainless steel appliances with an open feel to the breakfast nook and family room. There are hardwood floors throughout the main rooms – a formal dining room, and living room – complete with grand foyer. Even newer carpet throughout!

The first-floor guest suite features a full tile bath and the master suite a trey ceiling and huge walk-in closet (shopping habits welcome here)! Upstairs is a gigantic bonus room with three guest bedrooms – five in total in this home.

The generous backyard includes a shed, deck, and over-sized patio – perfect for enjoying the great North Carolina weather.

This neighborhood includes a community pool, playground, and tennis course. Take a personal tour of this lightly lived in and move-in ready home as soon as it’s on the market by setting an appointment early – contact me at 919-877-6708 or Renee@HREGSells.com. In the meantime, you can also take a photo tour online at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1529889.

Relocating to the Triangle: Get to Know the Area

Renee Hillman on February 3, 2016

When I talk to real estate buyers about relocating to the Triangle, one of the first things we have to figure out is which town checks the most boxes on their wish list for their next home.

“The Triangle” is actually a pretty wide geographic area that is made up of a wide variety of mid-size cities and small-town charm, including most notably, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, but also smaller suburbs like Cary, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, and Clayton.

Here is a quick sixty-second take on each locale, but if you want to talk more in-depth about what it’s like to call any of these areas home, give me a call at 919-868-4383 or email me at Renee@HREGSells.com!

Raleigh

Nearly 440,000 people call this North Carolina state capital city home. According to VisitRaleigh.com, the “city’s founding fathers called Raleigh the ‘City of Oaks’ and dedicated themselves to maintaining the area’s wooded tracts and grassy parks.” Downtown, you’ll find a wide variety of properties – from condos to single-family homes – and the trend continues, with an emphasis on apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, as you move out from the city’s center. Wake County Public School System is the school district for this town and you’ll find lots of colleges here, too, including NC State University, Meredith College, Wake Technical Community College, Shaw University, William Peace University, and more. Several private schools serve the Raleigh area, including Wake Christian Academy, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Ravenscroft, and others.

Durham

Almost 250,000 people call the “City of Medicine” home, as does Duke University and NC Central University. Durham is known for its creative workforce, arts and cultural influences, and a well-known foodie scene. Single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments are the most common types of homes you’ll find here, but there are some condominiums in the Downtown footprint, as well. Schools are operated by Durham Public Schools and many private options exist for elementary through high school, as well.

Cary

Well known as the headquarters for tech business giant SAS, Cary maintains a population of just over 150,000 and is known for its suburban living amenities: spacious single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments are the most common, often located near shopping centers and conveniences of nearby grocery stores, movie theaters, great schools, and more. Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System, but also offers private schools including Cary Academy.

Chapel Hill

Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as UNC Health Care, this quintessential “college town” packs in the southern charm, while having a smart focus on health-related careers and quality of life. The town’s population count sits at just below 60,000 residents. Here you’ll find lots of local art, independent retailers, and farm-to-fork dining options. Public schools are operated by Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools.

Apex

Regularly featured in national publications, Apex is known affectionately as the “Peak of Good Living” by its nearly 45,000 residents – and there are plenty of reasons to support that claim. In the historic downtown district, you’ll find lots of shops, award-winning restaurants, and locally-owned and operated service providers. Festivals and special events take place here year-round for residents who opt not to drive into nearby Raleigh, although it’s close enough to not be inconvenient for regular visits or daytime commuters. In Apex you’ll find lots of single-family home planned neighborhoods, townhome neighborhoods, and some apartment developments, too. (Check out our profile of a few popular neighborhoods here!) This is another Wake County Public School System area.

Wake Forest

Homes in Wake Forest may be located in Wake County or Franklin County based on the neighborhood or street address. The charming town located just north of Raleigh is home to nearly 35,000 residents and has grown tremendously in the last ten years. Its historic downtown district hosts numerous events and is great for enjoying small restaurants and independent retailers and recently renovated and repurposed “The Factory” is home shopping, restaurants, and lots of community recreation, as well. In Wake Forest, you’ll find a traditional mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and more apartment complexes as the area continues to grow. Homes here may fall in either the Wake County Public School System or Franklin County Schools.

Holly Springs

Nearly 30,000 residents call this popular Wake County suburb home! Holly Springs has become a popular destination for families and working professionals because of its close proximity to US-1, which connects drivers to other major Triangle roadways for workday commutes. You’ll find lots of community-organized cultural events, recreation programs, and even an occasional farmers’ market event. Here you’ll find mostly single-family homes, as well as townhomes developments and some apartment complexes. Homes in Holly Springs are in the Wake County Public School System.

Garner

Just shy of 30,000 residents have made their home in Garner, located just south of Downtown Raleigh and the first suburb of the city that you’ll meet on your way east on Highway 70 before you get to Clayton (the next town featured on this list). While Garner isn’t known as some of its suburban counterparts for a vibrant historic downtown district with shopping and restaurants, you will still find lots of modern comforts here including various shopping centers, an active parks and recreation program, and medical outposts by both UNC Rex Healthcare and WakeMed. Single-family homes are the dominant real estate listings here, with some townhomes/duplexes available and a few apartment complexes, especially closer to newer shopping centers. You’ll find listings in both Wake and Johnston counties here. Garner neighborhoods are included in the Wake County Public School System. Nearby, you’ll find Wake Christian Academy as a private school option.

Morrisville

Almost 22,000 people call Morrisville home – and it’s easy to see why. This Wake County suburb has super quick access to the Research Triangle Park, Durham, and Chapel Hill via the local highway infrastructure and its growth in the last decade has made way for lots of new home developments, shopping centers, and all the amenities you’d expect in a modern town. Homes in this area are also served by the Wake County Public School System.

Clayton

With close access via Highway 70 to Interstate 40, Clayton continues to be an increasingly popular destination for those who desire close access to Raleigh and the greater Triangle area, with more room to grow and the acreage to support it. Close to 20,000 residents are in this area within both mature and brand new builder neighborhoods. Clayton has a bit more of a rural vibe than other nearby suburbs because of its close proximity to counties where manufacturing and farming is more prevalent. Real estate listings here are in Johnston County. Homes here are within the Johnston County Schools system.

If you’re thinking about moving to any of these areas or have friends or family moving this way, my team of local market experts would love to help. Give us a call or email us anytime to set up a time to see just what this market has to offer!

Get an Insider’s Look at Top Triangle Neighborhoods in Raleigh and Apex!

Renee Hillman on November 29, 2015

Want the inside scoop on some of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh and Apex? Read up on Inside Wade in Raleigh and Salem Village and Scotts Mill in Apex in our Neighborhoods section at http://www.hregsells.com/neighborhoods/! A sneak peek of what you’ll find in each neighborhood feature is below.

Raleigh: Inside Wade

Inside Wade is nestled in one of Raleigh’s best locations. Conveniently located right off of both 40 & 440 which makes getting to RTP, Downtown, Cary & sporting events a breeze. You can even bike to Umstead State Park or walk to the PNC Arena & Carter Finley Stadium. Keep reading at http://www.hregsells.com/area/inside-wade/.
Apex: Salem Village

Residents love the Salem Village neighborhood in Apex because of its close proximity to downtown Apex (just over a mile away), US 1, I-540, and the short commute into neighboring Raleigh. Apex Elementary School is within walking distance and the neighborhood shares a border with a conservation area. Learn more about this beautiful neighborhood at http://www.hregsells.com/area/salem-village-in-apex/!

Apex: Scotts Mill

Located off Apex-Barbecue Road in Apex, North Carolina (the Peak of Good Living!), homes in the Scotts Mill neighborhood feature several variations of neo-classical designs, in both townhomes and single-family detached homes. Scotts Mill is convenient to I-540 and is near both Beaver Creek and the Beaver Creek Greenway. Residents are also just two miles away from charming Downtown Apex, which is home to a vibrant local shopping and dining district. (There’s also a mini-shopping center within the neighborhood – unique to this area!) Find out more insider’s tips about Scotts Mill in Apex at http://www.hregsells.com/area/scotts-mill-in-apex/.

There will be more neighborhoods featured in the coming months on Renee-Sells.com, so be sure to stay tuned to find where we feature next!

Got questions about these areas or would you like to visit available homes for sale in any of these neighborhoods? Give me a call at 919-877-6708 or email me at Renee@HREGSells.com to set a date!

Back on the Market in Apex – but This Won’t Last Long!

Renee Hillman on September 24, 2015

Remember that incredible house I showed you in Apex last month – the one that was under contract after just one weekend on the market? Well, it’s back on the market and if last time was any indication, it’s not going to last long this time around, either… so don’t delay on calling or emailing me if you want to see it for yourself! (Reach me at 919-877-6708 or Renee@HREGSells.com.)

When I first listed this house, I called it the “coolest house I’ve ever been in”, and that statement still stands! Located in The Villages of Apex, you will be awestruck at the exquisite detail and thought put into this home. Featuring hand-hewn, 175-year-old beams, reclaimed wood accents, upgraded fixtures, and hardware throughout, and five-inch oak floors, this the builder/designer’s personal dream home and it shows.

Inside you’ll find a gourmet kitchen with exotic granite, stainless appliances, walk-in pantry, and even a prep sink! Outside, there’s a fully-fenced backyard with bamboo garden and covered porch… just perfect for enjoying fall’s cooler temperatures!

There are four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and an oversized two and a half car garage here. In addition to the beautiful home itself, this neighborhood is super attractive and close enough to walk to always popular and welcoming Downtown Apex.

Take a virtual tour online right now at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1414304 and let me know when you want to take a look in person!

A Must-See Beautiful Home in Apex Under $200,000!

Renee Hillman on August 23, 2015

Be part of the Peak of Good Living and see what all the hype is about in Apex – recently ranked the #1 place to live by Money magazine! This beautiful detached home is a hard to find option in the town that everyone wants to live in.

There’s an open floor plan with white kitchen, stainless steel appliances, an island and even a bar top. Enjoy the unique butler’s pantry with tons of extra storage – keep extras of everything on hand and avoid those extra trips to the store. The master bedroom suite is a relaxing retreat with soaker tub and shower in the master bath and features two closet!

Take at-home entertaining to the next level with the fantastic fenced backyard. You’ll find a custom covered stamped concrete patio and a really cool firepit! The private backyard backs to a wooded buffer and comes complete with a shed. The easy living continues thanks to the low-maintenance vinyl siding!

Homestead Park neighborhood is near schools, convenient to shopping, and a quick drive to access I-540. All of this comes with a great price tag, too – just $185,000! Take a tour online at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1412423 and then call or email me to visit in person. You can reach me at 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com.

Make Plans to See the Coolest House in Apex!

Renee Hillman on August 5, 2015

Don’t get me wrong, I get excited about all of my clients’ homes. But this one… this is a new level of excitement for me during my 15 years in real estate! This place is more like a work of art than a suburban home.
Located in The Villages of Apex, you will be awestruck when you step inside this home situated on a premium lot with lake view. There’s exquisite detail throughout that you won’t find elsewhere – this is the builder/designer’s personal dream home and it could be yours next. (Take the virtual tour online now!)

Inside you’ll find hand hewn 175 year old beams, reclaimed wood accents, and upgraded fixtures and hardware throughout. All of these features look amazing set against 5 inch oak floors! In the kitchen, things get gourmet with exotic granite, stainless appliances, walk-in pantry, and prep sink! There’s also unique tile in all the bathrooms.

Outside, you’re getting a fully fenced backyard with bamboo garden (so zen) and a covered porch that you’ll quite honestly never want to leave.

Keep the cars clean and the extra stuff organized in the over-sized 2.5 car garage, and I do mean “keep the cars clean” because you’ll be able to walk to Downtown Apex. (Which, by the way, was just named MONEY’s Best Place to Live for 2015.)

So are you ready to come see this super cool home in person? Visit our open house on Saturday August 22 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. or stop by on Sunday August 23 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. I’ll see you in Apex at 1062 Tender Drive!

Coming Soon: 1002 Parsifal Place in Apex

Renee Hillman on April 5, 2015

This beautifully decorated Georgian Colonial home in Apex is move-in ready and close to everything! Need a pick-me-up from Starbucks? Just around the corner! A few lawn maintenance tools from Lowe’s? It’s just behind the neighborhood!
Set back deep in the neighborhood, you’ll enjoy all the perks of a well-designed neighborhood, but with limited traffic. And this type of basement home doesn’t come on the market often.
Take refuge in the huge master suite with fireplace, two walk-in closets, tile bathroom with individual vanities, separate shower and jetted tub – ooh la la.
Additionally, there’s room to spare with three additional bedrooms with nice closets, and a bonus room that could be used as rarely found fifth bedroom. The basement is a nice bonus with large rec room, full bath, and tons of unfinished storage/potential.
In the yard you’ll find a sprinkler system, which makes keeping the yard beautiful a breeze and in the neighborhood, enjoy the community pool in the long Carolina summer. Also, you’re just a short distance from all the conveniences of Beaver Creek.
Take a virtual tour online at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1332245 and then call me at 919-877-6708 or email me to set the date and time for your personal tour!

Seller Says on 1003 Tamora Court, Apex, NC

Renee Hillman on December 1, 2014

We always love to hear our sellers story behind their home & what better way to share it with you!  Here is what they had to say about their home in Apex:

Things you love about Apex: It is the Peak of Good Living! Named in the top 10 places to live, it has parks, trails, shopping, restaurants – everything you could want within a short drive. And despite all it has to offer, Apex has maintained its hometown feel with an awesome downtown area filled with unique stores and restaurants you’ll love exploring.

Where do you love to eat (think date nights, quick bites, upscale, the hole in the wall place): We love the Salem Street Pub downtown for a fun, family-friendly outing – this is also where we always go whenever we have guests in town. The Peak on Salem is the perfect date night (or lunch!) spot – also fun for girls’ nights out. You can’t go wrong with a slice of Namoli’s pizza. If you’re looking for delicious Mexican food, Tacos Mexico is the place to go. It looks like a hole in the wall, but trust us, it’s amazing. And Buttercream’s Bakery has the BEST cupcakes!

Where do you do your grocery shopping & other conveniences (bulk items, pedicure, etc): We shop at theHarris Teeter in Haddon Place or the Target in Beaver Creek. For special steak nights, we’ll take the short drive to the Meat House close-by in Cary. For coffee, we get fresh beans roasted to order from Muddy Dog Roasting Company in Cary. The Beer Dispensary in downtown Apex has a wide selection of choices. Jay Andrews salon is reasonably priced and has an awesome staff of hair stylists. If you’re into antiques, Sunflowers on Highway 751 (just north of 64) has amazing finds at great prices! And if you’re looking for a unique gift, you can’t beat the selection you’ll find at all the stores in downtown Apex.

What were you drawn to when you bought your home: With all the accolades Apex is getting, there are a lot of new homes being built on small lots with little privacy. We fell in love with the backyard. We’ve had lots of fun gatherings like birthdays, dinner parties, and holiday gatherings, and the backyard has been the perfect place to host and entertain. We also loved the flow of the house – the connection between the kitchen and family room areas means you never miss a thing. To top it all off, the kitchen is wonderful, complete with granite countertops, and stainless appliances, including a gas range that cooks like a dream.

What do you love/enjoy about the area: We love the small town feel with the conveniences of suburban living. Apex takes a lot of pride in maintaining its uniqueness with annual events like the Christmas parade (complete with tree lighting, sleigh rides, and pancake breakfast with Santa meet-and-greet), Peak City Fest, Pig City Fest, and Jazz Festival to name a few. There is an amazing cultural arts center downtown that provides a variety of fun events for every age. Free concerts and movies are offered at the Apex Nature Park. You can’t beat the hometown feel of Apex! You are minutes from the American Tobacco Trail in Woodridge. And, if you need to get toRDU, RTP, Durham, or Chapel Hill – 540 is minutes away and will get you there in no time.

Tell us something about your neighborhood: Woodridge does neighborhood gatherings and activities like meet-and-greets at the pool, a Halloween “parade,” and neighborhood yard sales. Being an established neighborhood with sidewalks, it is a great neighborhood for walks or short runs. And, the neighbors on Tamora Court are awesome!:)

Improvements we made –

-Stainless steel appliances

-Fence

-New faucets

-New lighting in kitchen and bathroom

-Added grass to the back yard

-Privacy trees; other landscaping around house

-Added dual zone heating/air

-New carpet upstairs and in stairwell in 2010 (except for bonus room); new carpet in master bedroom in 2014

-New hot water heater

Free things to do this weekend 6/22! Tour de Fat & Peak City Pig Fest

Renee Hillman on November 29, 2014

Happy Monday!

I promised from the beginning this wouldn’t be all about real estate but love a chance to brag about our area and explore. We have so many neat things to do here in the RTP area!!! With that being said here are a couple of highlights this weekend, figured you would need to start getting prepared now!

Tour de Fat – This is an all ages friendly event that supports many of our local non profits and cycling awareness. I had a blast last year – I am not sure words can do this justice, it is definitely an eclectic scene but one that has something for everyone! You will be sure to laugh quite a bit. Shows, food, demos and right by the heart of the American Tobacco District on the grassy area by the DPAC in Downtown Durham. You can even dress up & do the bike ride (sign up required I believe). Definitely a great way to explore a new area/culture. This only goes to 15 cities a year & we are very lucky to have New Belgium Brewery put on this event…they are even opening a new east coast location in Asheville, North Carolina. Directly from their website: “For those who haven’t experienced Tour de Fat, it is a thrilling rite of passage that includes an unparalleled costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, eccentric entertainment, local food, unusual bike contests and much more. The free event, which raises money for local nonprofits through beer and merchandise purchases, will soon exceed the $2 million mark for total funds raised.”

Peak City Pig Fest – Downtown, Apex, NC Another great community event that is free! This is the only Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event in the Triangle area. There will be about 30 barbeque teams competing for $15,000 in prize money. Their website has a schedule of events, be sure to join and check out all the fun! If you happen to see the Pharm-A-Que Team, tell them HI, this is my boyfriends’ team & they have been working hard on their recipes & rubs! I believe I have also consumed enough BBQ to last me a while. Wishing them the best of luck on a win!

Get out enjoy our area & explore! You only live once.

Toll, Transponders & the Good of 540!

Renee Hillman on November 3, 2014

I know many many people are not too happy about the fact that we have a toll road right in the heart of where we live, especially since the toll is only applicable to the new section. 540 will serve as a well needed corridor to Apex & Holly Springs from the RTP/Durham area. I can only imagine the time it is saving several of those residents to what seems to be the mecca for our employment base. I know several of my clients have tweeted that the time savings is worth the toll expense they are paying, although I know it is costing most from Apex lunch out for the day. I live in Raleigh but do quite a bit of sales on the 540 side of Cary/Morrisville/Apex etc. I had NO idea how much I used 540 until I received my first bill. OUCH! That prompted me immediately to go ahead & purchase the sticker transponder. It was a fairly painless process, I created an account from the bill I received, put in my credit card info & a few days later the stickers arrived. You have to have one per car and I believe they will allow 5 cars on one account. Now I will not have to worry about bills in the mail as it will auto debit from the initial balance you have to put on ($20) & I will get an email statement once a month. As much as I don’t like to pay a toll as the next guy, getting to Apex was so easy last night after picking up my sister from the airport. Not to mention 40E was backed up because of a car fire and the normal rush hour traffic. If I had to take the traditional way it would have easily taken me 40+ minutes, taking 540 took us less than 20 minutes with no lights & no hassle!!! The NC Quick Pass saved me about $1 for just that trip…I say the $5 investment is worth it. I am definitely interested to see once the next section is open how much traffic is alleviated off of 40E bound! I hope it really makes a HUGE difference.

New Listing in the Peak of Good Living!

Renee Hillman on November 1, 2014

I appreciate that Apex is often referred to as the “Peak of Good Living” because this Triangle-area community really does have so much to offer its residents. It’s one of the many reasons I love being able to announce new listings in this area!

Located in the Woodridge neighborhood, off of Olive Chapel Road, you can see more about this great three bedroom, two and half bathroom house in the featured listings section on my homepage or by clicking here.

This Apex beauty has lots of great upgrades including a soaring family room with open floor plan, 42″ maple cabinets, granite counter tops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and even a bar – absolutely made for holiday entertaining!Once the entertaining is over, enjoy the first floor master retreat with new carpet, bay window, walk-in closet, dual vanity, soaking tub AND separate shower. (I told you this thing was loaded with upgrades, right?)

The upgrades don’t stop in the backyard, either. Plan to spend extensive time outside on the stone patio. The yard is fully fenced and even includes a tree fort. A FORT!

And while it’ll be a few months before you can really enjoy it, this neighborhood also features a community pool. Get ready to soak up some sunshine and even a splash or two.

Give me a call today at 919-877-6708 if you’d like to schedule a showing. I can’t wait to show you just how impressive this property really is!

COMING SOON…Woodridge subdivision in Apex!

Renee Hillman on November 1, 2014

About 1003 Tamora Court in Apex, North Carolina:

I truly can’t wait to for this home in to hit the market in Apex. Nestled nicely on a cul de sac lot fully fenced. Nice open floor plan with plenty of bells, whistles & upgrades! Over 2200 square feet with first floor master, two guest bedrooms upstairs plus flex space (bonus or potential for a 4th bedroom). There is even walk in storage! This boasts hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. The gourmet kitchen has warm 42″ maple cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances (all newer) including a gas range. Plenty of additional updates throughout! One of my favorite features is the awesome backyard – tons of stone work with sitting ledges, two patios, deck, play fort (you’ll even love it as an adult!) & fully fenced.

About the subdivision Woodridge:

Woodridge in Apex is a smaller boutique style neighborhood with larger lots than most of the new construction! There are under 200 single family homes. It has a wooded established & non cramped type feel. Yet minutes to 540 & 64 plus easy “backway” access to Beaver Creek Commons. Packed with plenty of your everyday needs stores, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kohl’s, movie theater, eateries etc.

Coming soon & offered at $300,000