PAGE: 1B, PUB. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 C M Y K

+

+SUNDAY JANUARY 10 2016 CHAPEL HILL NEWS 1BReal EstateCHAPELHILLNEWS.COM

KirkMetty and Chuck Lewis are gettingready to open up another section of CedarMountain inNorth ChathamCounty, just10minutes from downtownCarrboro offJones Ferry Road. A short drive south – pastUniversity Lake and Terrell Mountain –hang a left onto Cedar Grove Road whichmakes a wide arc around CedarMountainconnecting two new-home neighborhoods:Cedar Grove and CedarMountain— bothdeveloped over the past five years by LewisMetty Development Inc.

There are 10 lots available in of CedarMountain Phase III split evenly betweenMetty’s TuscanGroup building companyand Lewis Building Company.When com-plete, CedarMountain will have 65 homes— each on 2- to 4-acre lots. Amile-longroad is also going down and around themountain—Phase IV for 31more homesites— and the road will T back into Cedar

Grove, which has 34 total homes sold andmost occupied year-round.

There are no home owners associationdues. The roads in both Cedar Grove andCedarMountain are statemaintained withcul-de-sac side streets also statemaintained.With a nod to reducing light pollution, theneighborhood relies on each homeownerto supply their own outside lighting which

so farmakes star gazing a pleasure in thismountain community that enjoysmildPiedmont weather and close proximity tomajor universities in Raleigh, Durham andChapel Hill.

CedarMountain’s location is also close tohigh-qualitymedical facilities— includingUNCMemorial Hospital, the LinebergerCancer Institute at UNC, DukeUniversityMedical Center, UNCWellness Centers inOrange and Chatham counties andDukeWellness Centers in Chatham andDurhamcounties.

Whether you like a windy bluff or aserene valley, there are building sites to suit

newsobserver.com/homes

AN ADVERTISING FEATURE

Article by Sally Keeney // Photos Contributed by Randi Greffeuille and Marilyn Peryer

Narrowing your optionswhen buying a home

SMART MOVES

CEDAR continues

For many months, wannabe home-buyers in popular neighborhoods havebemoaned a shortage of what real estateagents call “inventory” the volume ofhomes available on the market.

But a slowing of home sales in Novem-ber, as reported by theNational Association ofRealtors, could meana gradual rebuildingof inventory levels insome of the hottestcommunities.

“In 2016 there mightbe a lot more starterhomes available if theeconomy continues to

improve,” says Sid Davis, a seasoned realestate broker and author of “A SurvivalGuide for Buying a Home.”

More inventory could translate to morechoices for homebuyers. But surprisingly,the prospect of more home choices is notone that thrills all buyers.

“Some people find decision makingharder when there are more options. Theycan feel paralyzed by what they perceive asover-choice,” Davis says.

During his more than 30 years sellinghomes, Davis says he’s often observedthat the buyers who make the best choicesare those who define their search criteriacarefully, rather than simply visiting anindefinite number of places.

“Believe it or not, there’s an art to creat-ing a short list of houses to visit and thenexamining each one on your short list verycarefully,” he says.

Here are a few screening tips for buyers:Start by comparing houses on the

basis of square footage.“After you’ve picked the right neighbor-

hood, I recommend you sort on the basisof square footage. Price per square footremains a very important factor,” says JohnRygiol, a long-time broker who’s affiliatedwith the National Association of ExclusiveBuyer Agents (naeba.org).

Though it’s surprising to clients, Rygiolsays it’s not uncommon to find that a smallhome could cost significantly more persquare foot than a mid-sized property inthe same neighborhood. And over time,the mid-sized home should be worth more.

“If for any reason the square footageisn’t shown on the listing in the MultipleListing Service, ask your agent to pre-screen the place and take measurementsfor you,” he says.

Factor in bathroom count whendeciding which homes to visit.

Once it was common for several familymembers, particularly the children orteenagers in the household, to share thesame bathroom.

But as Rygiol points out, the currentideal is for every member of the family tohave his or her own bathroom.

Of course, homes in older communitiesare likely to have fewer bathrooms thanthose in recently built subdivisions. Butwhether you’ve targeted an older commu-nity or a newer one, Rygiol says it’s wise tofavor homes with more bathrooms.

“The best-case scenario is to find a placewith ‘his and her’ bathrooms off the mastersuite, a feature that today’s buyers greatlyappreciate,” he says.

Consider homes within their neigh-borhood context.

Cedar Grove and Cedar MountainDevelopers: Lewis Metty Development Inc.Cedar Grove Road, Pittsboro325 acres in two neighborhoods — Cedar Grove and Cedar MountainBuilding Packages (large lot and custom house) starting at $400,000(2,000-square-foot minimum)Cedar Grove: 34 homes on large, 2- to 4-acre lots – 34 homes completedCedar Mountain: 65 homes on large, 2- to 4-acre lots – 20 homes complet-ed in first 2 phasesBuilders: The Tuscan Group and Lewis Building CompanyKirk and Kellee Metty at The Tuscan Group at 919-250-8222Chuck and Lisa Lewis at Lewis Building Company at 919-619-9878

Relax –CedarMountainis waiting for you

Ellen JamesMartin

Contributed Report

SMART continues

Built by Lewis Building Company,The Stillbrooke, has a large front porch that gives this American cottage design a southern accent.

The Donald Gardner designed kitchen includes granitecounters, polished nickel hardware and stainless steel

appliances and plumbing fixture.

Thank aRealtor...

for helping you findthe perfecthouse in theright neighborhood!

Do It Right,Hire a Professional.

Supporting the Triangle Real EstateIndustry for over 100 years.

PAGE: 2B, PUB. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 C M Y K

+

+2B SUNDAY JANUARY 10 2016Real Estate CHAPEL HILL NEWS

CHAPELHILLNEWS.COM

the tastes of anyone whowould likeliving a short drive from downtownCarrboro and enjoy lowChathamCounty taxes. Children living inCedar Grove and CedarMountainwould attend ChathamCounty PublicSchools: Perry Harrison ElementaryandMiddle School, NorthwoodHighSchool or apply toWoods CharterSchool.

Recreational activities are justa short drive away at Jordan Lake.Manymuseums, shopping andsporting events are within a half-hourdrive, as is the international airportat RDU, Research Triangle Park andSouthpointMall.

LewisMetty Development Inc. hasjust opened 10 lots in Phase III (Lots34-43) of CedarMountain, althoughLots 40 and 41 are already sold. TheTuscanGroupwill start constructionof aModern Farmhouse on Lot 35this month. They are also buildinga spec house on Lot 9 of Phase I thisyear. The TuscanGroup is alsomar-keting Lot 61 in Phase II as a lot and/or proposed building package.

About Lewis Building Company:Chuck and Lisa Lewis began buildingcustom homes in ChathamCounty in1986. They have completedmore than200 new homes, additions and re-model projects in Chatham, Orange,Durham andAlamance counties.

Chuck says, “We build all ourhomes as if we were going to livethere. This means we use the highestquality products and themost endur-ing styles.”

About the Tuscan Group:Kirkand his wife, KelleeMetty, havebeen working in Cedar Grove/CedarMountain as The TuscanGroup since2005, and built their own personalhome there in 2008. The couple haslived internationally several times—including fairly long stints in Italy andHaiti— but have called North Caroli-na home formore than 20 years.

Their travels in Europe and staysin North Carolina’s westernmoun-tains have influenced their designs toinclude a blend of rustic withmodernelegance.

“We pay close attention to trendsin residential building and arecurrently enjoying styles that include

bright interiors, rustic beams, customcabinetry and Craftsman detailing,”Kellee says.

Lewis orMetty can build your plan

on any available lot. Find the home ofyour dreams and get started today.

AN ADVERTISING FEATURE

CEDAR from previous page SMART from previous page

To contact Ellen JamesMartin, send email toellenjamesmartin@gmail.com.

One online tool for placing homes within their neigh-borhood context is Google Maps, which uses satelliteimagery to pinpoint the location of properties simply bytyping in an address.

“This way you can quickly see if a house is located ona busy, cross-through street versus a dead-end avenue ora quiet cul-de-sac. And you could tell, for example, howclose a property is to a ‘big box’ retailer,” Davis says.

He says you should also take note of the direction thata home’s front faces.

“Most people like a house that faces south betterthan one that faces north. Over time, chances are thesouth-facing house could be worth somewhat more,” hesays.

In addition, you can narrow your search by askingyour real estate agent to drive by properties in an areathat interests you. That way your agent can help youpre-screen for curb appeal, another important factor indeciding which homes to consider.

Search for a place with “good bones.”Most architects are well aware of the hidden value

contained in a house that’s well designed, structurallysound and that has energy-efficient systems such as su-perior heating and air conditioning units. They say sucha property has “good bones.”

Discerningbuyers, workingwith attentiveagents, canreadily cullthrough avail-able propertiesto identify suchhouses, Davis says. These properties usually give the buy-er more for their money than homes that are superficiallyappealing but have fundamental issues.

Think through your lifestyle needs when compar-ing floor plans.

When touring homes, Davis suggests you trust yourinstincts about the impression a place makes after you’vefirst entered the front door.

“A good floor plan gives the visitor a feeling of harmo-ny. The rooms and major features are all in proportion.For example, window sizes are in proportion to overallfloor space, neither too small nor too big,” Davis says.

You should also think carefully about the layout of anyhome you’re visiting, he says, because a floor plan can beinfluential in helping shape your lifestyle.

For instance, an empty-nest couple that often holdsdinner parties will likely want a formal dining roomthat’s well positioned within their home. But familieswith young children typically place more emphasis on alarge family room that flows into a country-sized kitchen.

“Don’t let yourself get wowed by a home’s shallowerattributes. Rather, think of a place that will underscoreyour happiness for as long as you choose to live there,”Davis says.

Craftsman cottage designed by Donald Gardner was built on Lot 8 at CedarMountain by the Tuscan Group.The 2,400-square-foot home has four bedrooms,2.5 baths and a two-car garage has lighted cabinets in the entry and great room,rustic ceiling beams and a stacked-stone fireplace surround.

Lewis Building Company built a Frank Betz design whose open floor plan of 4,100square feet also allows for the creation of cozy spaces via visual separation createdby the use of built-up columns.

81413 AlexanderBeautiful and desirous open floor plan! Familyroom into kitchen. Also wonderful living room oroffice/study, den or music room.$385,000 Kay Dunson 919-210-6738

103 Lake Ridge PlaceNew Price! Fantastic property/ Amazing value! Beautiful,graciously-sized home sited on premium ESTATE lot! The BESTBACK YARD with tons of room to play, entertain, relax, garden.$799,000 Pace-Smith & Doan 919-593-5190

3127 Coachmans WayFabulous 2 BR/2BA end unit for sale. Bright, updatedkitchen. Spacious living area w/ fireplace. Lrg Bdrms w/private full baths. BRAND NEW HVAC. All appliances convey.$134,500 Chad Lloyd 919-606-8511

90105 HoeyBeautiful home with wraparound porch on gorgeous 1+acre estate lot in gated Jack Nicklaus Signature golf coursecommunity! New roof! Open floor plan ideal for entertaining.$749,000 Kay Dunson 919-210-6738

Interestedin a

Real EstateCareer?

19023 Stone BrookNEW PRICE for 19023 Stone Brook! Propertyoffers casual, yet stylish living at its best! Beautifulcustom home. Huge screen porch.$489,000 Pace-Smith & Doan 919-593-5190

1118 John Breckenridge DriveRanch home lovingly maintained with new HVAC in2009. Repainted interior 8/15. New kitchen faucet.New carpet. Fully fenced backyard.$128,000 Kathy Legnaioli 919-306-7653

1911 Phelps RoadBreathtaking home with fine upgrades on 10+acres. Magnificent detailing in mill work, roomconfiguration, red oak flooring throughout,and landscaping.$849,900 Kathy Legnaioli 919-306-7653

10006 Hammock BendInviting and immaculate custom home withgorgeous stone exterior detail situated on alarge estate site. Gourmet Kitchen.$589,900 Pace-Smith & Doan 919-265-4559

154 Lake Ellen DriveWonderful J.P. Goforth modernist home in N.Forest Hills.Renovated ktchn w/ stainless steel appliances & granite counters.Beautiful refinished hardwood floors. Lrg main floor master suite.$359,000 Russ Cole 919-869-1136

6201 Acorn Ridge TrailBeautiful ranch home in coveted Grand Oak Estates w/largelot and spacious outbuilding/workshop in a fabulous locationclose to historic Hillsborough, Durham, Duke and RTP!$274,900 Angela Bordbar 919-619-5900

409 Fairoaks CircleUpdated Village West townhouse - new slidingglass doors, HVAC, carpet, paint, kitchen countertops, stove and kitchen floor.$169,000 Amy Guskiewicz 919-302-6682

Special Financing

262 Willowbend DriveImmaculate custom home in gated communitybeautifully situated on 10.93 acres where horsesare allowed.$895,000 Rachael Elliott 919-616-4141

Special Financing

2900 Laura Duncan RoadDon’t miss your opportunity to own this fabulous 3bed/2.5bathon corner lot in the beautiful Brookgreen Forest just minutesfrom schools & all conveniences.$250,000 Rachael Elliott 919-616-4141

Special Financing

2555 Ryans PlaceWOW! Pristine home with great price is move-inready. Natural light floods through the soughtafter Ranch style home.$150,900 Rachael Elliott 919-616-4141

Special Financing

82103 EhringhausWonderful Morehead Forest location in Governors Club. Fullyrenovated in 2010 with high end upgrades. Wooded cul-de-sacsetting with wooded common area in back.$480,000 Gary Martin 919-886-7789

Special Financing

1623 Providence Glen DriveTERRIFIC LOCATION with quick access to Duke,UNC, and RTP. On the free bus line w/communitypool, tennis and playground.$205,000 Faye Kamrani 919-619-3609

271 Colonial RidgeTRULY EXQUISITE GREEN BUILT HOME on beautiful 1+AcreLot in desirable Chapel Ridge. Resort Style Gated Golf Comm.w/ Pool/Slide/Tennis/Soccer/B-Ball & more.$469,500 Chad Lloyd 919-606-8511

2444 Sedgefield DriveUpdated Colonial in East Chapel Hill. Walk zone for ECHHS,easy access to Erwin, 40 & UNC. Remodeled kitchen withstainless appliances. Bamboo-flooring & new carpet in den.$400,000 Ann Koonce 919-971-3051

Open House 1-3 PM

74 N Wickham DriveDouble lot in Powell Place! Beautiful home withsite-finished hardwoods, 9-ft ceilings, & largekitchen island open to the family room.$260,000 Ann Koonce 919-971-3051

Open House 2-4 PM