In The Old North State, you get the best of both worlds: the peace and close-knit togetherness that town-based communities offer as well as all the urban pleasures that you get to enjoy from city living. In fact, for 2011Kiplinger.com - one of the Internet’s well-known sources of business forecasts – gave Charlotte, North Carolina second place in its list of Top Value Cities.

Referring it to Charlotte as a banking mecca, Kiplinger.com cited Mayor Anthony Foxx as he describes his city as one of America’s “best-kept secrets”. Charlotte today remains to be the headquarters for the Bank of America, but the banking industry is not the only one that’s providing like Family dollar Store and Lowe’s. Ninety percent of companies, however, are local small businesses and their numbers are expected to continue growing due to the government’s simplified process for business registration. The local government’s willingness to quickly provide promising companies with a small business loan program doesn’t hurt either.

Charlotte is also proving to become one of the country’s energy hubs, with Duke Energy already headquartered in the city and showing signs of becoming America’s largest utility service provider. Engineering centers of Toshiba and Siemens Energy also provide a significant number of jobs and preventing the city from suffering from brain drain the way other Southern cities are.

Now, you are probably all thinking that’s all well and good, but where’s the part about lower costs of living and having the good life? Well, bear with me for now. All those impressive facts and figures are meant to show that finding a high-paying job in Charlotte or North Carolina for that matter won’t be as hard as it could be in other states.

It’s affordable to live in the Tar Heel State because, as Mauer pointed out, taxes are truly a lot lower than what you would normally be charged with in other places. Utility rates are quite cheap as well and especially when you support the state’s bid for energy efficiency. 

Homebuilding costs are eighty percent of the national average, and the state’s real estate market had proved to be relatively stable in spite of the economic downturn. Prices for homes for sale in North Carolina are very attractive.

Last but certainly not the least, North Carolina – especially with cities such as Charlotte – is also a culinary haven as well as boasting a “cultural mile” that features mega sports stadiums, the best museums, science centers, and theaters. Festivals are also celebrated year round, ensuring that you won’t lack for any kind of entertainment day or night. 

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill was identified by Inman News as one of 10 housing markets to watch in 2012.  This is based on evaluating housing, economic and demographic data.  The 10 areas show the following strengths: 

• A "flourishing job market;
• A high rate of sales in proportion to the population;
• Strong home affordability;
• Low foreclosure activity;
• Below average percentage of distressed sales; and
• Low vacancy rates.

The report touts Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill as having 7.3% price appreciation in 2011.  It states that we also have the highest median sales price ($224,300) of the 10 metro areas; were the only market with a median sales price above the US median; and the affordability rate is also above the National rate.

The other 9 markets to watch are:  Wichita, KS; Rochester, NY; Des Moines, IA; Chattanooga, TN; Peoria, IL; Amarillo, TX; Binghamton, NY; Waterloo Cedar Falls, IA; and Bloomington, IL.

Economists are predicting that 2012 will be a transitional year for real estate.  They are stating the market will fall another 2-4% before bottoming out which will be soon.

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Laura Hall with Corporate Investors Mortgage Group in Chapel Hill, provides Team Jodi Realty with weekly interest rate updates.  The latest rates are:

It is hard to believe that interest rates keep getting better.  When you think they could not go any lower, they do!

This week I am going to share my house pick of the week.  I was out showing property yesterday and I have to say, the house at 2 Twinleaf Place in Durham’s Croasdaile Farm is my buy of the week.  This house is priced at $390,000 and it has been beautifully updated.  This house has been on the market a while and originally did not go on the market looking like it looks now. This house is a GREAT buy in an executive neighborhood at this price.  Croasdaile Farm is a $500,000+ neighborhood.  It is located off Hillandale and Carver Roads and is minutes to the Duke Hospital complex.  It is also close to the highway for easy access throughout the Triangle. 

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Beautifully appointed and maintained cottage home in Powell Place.  Kitchen with granite counter tops and gas range. First floor master with access to prívate courtyard & hot tub. Updated master bath with granite vanity top and bowl sinks.  Hardwoods throughout the first and second floors.  Loads of Windows and natural light.  Large. second floor loft is a wonderful multi-purpose space. Outstanding fenced courtyard with deck, flagstone walkway, hot tub and incredible perennial flowers and arbors. Enjoy the adjacent community park with trails, ball field & more. 

Powell Place is a located in the heart of Chatham County near Pittsboro and 20 minutes from Chapel Hill.  The neighborhood has single family homes, townhomes, a lovely park and a town center.  The town center is under development.  When completed Powell Place will be a beautifully appointed pedestrian-oriented urban community.

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Sales in Chapel Hill were fairly strong in 2011.  Year-to-date sales in November where down 3% which is far better than the last few years where we saw a 20-30% reduction in sales.  Average prices are also up slightly.  The two negatives is that the list to sales price ratio is smaller -- which means sellers are getting less of their asking price.  Also, the days on market have stretched out even further so it is taking longer to sell a house.

Chapel Hill/Carrboro (Sales are down and prices are up)

• As of the end of November, closed sales were down 3% overall;
• Average prices were UP slightly (1.2%);
• The list to sales price ratio dropped from 96.4% in November 2010 to 95.6%;
• The average days on market increased from 114 last year to 136 this year.

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Sales in Durham are not as strong as the other surrounding counties.  The bright note, however, is that although sales in Durham are down 8.4% through November, sales are trending in the right direction.  In years past, sales down as much as 20-30% over the last few years.

Durham (Sales are down and prices are down)

• As of the end of November, closed sales were down 8.4% overall;
• Average prices were down slightly (2.%);
• The list to sales price ratio dropped from 96.3% in November 2010 to 95.6%;
• The average days on market increased from 88 last year to 120 this year.

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Orange County is doing well  This county is very close to going positive on sales for the year.

Orange County (Sales are down slightly and prices are down)

• As of the end of November, closed sales were down 0.2% overall;
• Average prices were down (4.3%);
• The list to sales price ratio dropped from 96.1% in November 2010 to 95.2%;
• The average days on market increased from 108 last year to 129 this year.

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Chatham County is doing well.  It is the only county in the surrounding area where sales are actually up from 2010.  This is great news.  Not only are sales up; prices are up slightly as well. 

Chatham County (sales are up and prices are up)

• As of the end of November, closed sales were UP 5.4% overall;
• Average prices were UP slightly (1.1%);
• The list to sales price ratio dropped from 95.2% in November 2010 to 95.5%;
• The average days on market increased from 134 last year to 140 this year.

Search homes for sale in Chapel Hill and Durham and the surrounding Triangle NC area.

In the Triangle, although sales were down, they were down 5% as compared with the 20-30% we have seen over the last few years.  Sales are trending in the right direction.

Triangle Overall (Sales are down and prices are down)

• As of the end of November, closed sales were down 5.4% overall;
• Average prices were down slightly (2.6%);
• The list to sales price ratio dropped from 96.4% in November 2010 to 96.1%;
• The average days on market increased from 104 last year to 126 this year.

  Search homes for sale in Chapel Hill and Durham and the surrounding Triangle NC area.

Elegant award winning European model in an elegant, security condo building.  First floor unit faces the back with a screened porch.  Beautiful open floor plan with large living and dining rooms with a shared fireplace.  Beautiful detailing in the crown molding.  Lovely eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and upgraded appliances.  Master bedroom with sitting area, two closets, and a master bathroom with double vanities, a large soaking tub and a separate shower.  Wonderful split floor plan with separate guest wing.  Security system.  Washer/Dryer convey. Wonderful walking trails in nearby Cascade Park.  

Brier Creek is home to the Brier Creek Country Club.  The condo comes with the club socialization package which includes access to the club and the dining room and the pool.  The social package does come with guest passes for the pool, free use of rooms at the clubhouse, e.g., banquet halls and the Governors Lounge.  There are many events and activities at the club including: mah jong, coffee and wine meetings and more.  For an additional fee you can have access to the fitness room and tennis courts and golf.

Ideal second floor condo with large attached garage near the main entrance.  Chic two bedroom, two bath unit with nice upgrades.  The kitchen has 42” cabinets, granite counter tops, a stainless steel undermounted sink, recessed lighting and upgraded appliances.  The family room is a generous size with a fireplace.  Nice sitting room could be an office.  There is a large master suite with a sitting area.  The seller will pay the $2,500 mandatory club initiation fee.  The 52” flat panel TV, two bedroom sets and the refrigerator and washer/dryer will stay in the home with an acceptable offer. 

Brier Creek is home to the Brier Creek Country Club.  The condo comes with the club socialization package which includes access to the club and the dining room and the pool.  The social package does come with guest passes for the pool, free use of rooms at the clubhouse, e.g., banquet halls and the Governors Lounge.  There are many events and activities at the club including: mah jong, coffee and wine meetings and more.  For an additional fee you can have access to the fitness room and tennis courts and golf.

Winton Place is a lovely community of custom homes located minutes from downtown Hillsborough and area shopping.  This is a very nice wooded, flat 3.5 acre lot.  In addition to being close to downtown Hillsborough, Winton Place is 15 minutes to Chapel Hill and Durham.  The lot has been perked for a 4 bedroom home.

Private, quiet, wooded 6+ acre lot in established neighborhood filled with beautiful custom homes.  Neighborhood allows individual home design and builder choices.  Sellers have construction-ready CAD drawings for a 2,600 SF, 4 br/3ba passive-solar green home.  They also have a zoning compliance permit, a well/septic permit & an erosion control permit.  Located in Carrboro-Chapel Hill School District with quick access to 15-501.  Minutes to UNC & downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Luxury Hilltop Condo with top floor location.  Only two residents on the floor offers maximum privacy.  Elegant and spacious floor plan with large living room with built-ins and gas fireplace.  Dining room perfect for entertaining.  Kitchen and butlers panty with custom cherry cabinets and granite. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances (Dacor double ovens, 5-burner gas cooktop and Asko dishwasher) and custom tile backsplash.  Large master suite with two additional bedrooms.  Sunroom seamless to breakfast room & kitchen.  Private balcony on floor.  Private end unit.  Large storage room with shelving in basement.  Covered parking for two cars.

Meadowmont is a mixed use neighborhood just minutes to UNC and downtown Chapel Hill.  Meadowmont has a vibrant town center with offices, retail space, restaurants, condos and more.  The neighborhood is home to the UNC Wellness Center, a swim club and homes ranging in size from small cottage homes to large luxury homes.  The neighborhood has luxury condos and townhomes.  Meadowmont is also home to The Cedars, a retirement community.  Meadowmont is walking distance to the new East 54 complex and is also minutes to I-40 for access throughout the Triangle.

Contemporary home perfectly placed on 3 acre lot. Beautiful private setting and creek views. Hardwood floors on main level.  Spectacular family room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace and wall of windows with wooded view. Kitchen with granite counter tops and new tile backspash. First floor master with dramatic ceiling, second fireplace, door to deck.  Spa master bath with Jacuzzi tub, marble floors and marble steam shower. Finished basement with large family room, fireplace, 4^th bedroom, wine cellar and access to large, protected patio.  Minutes to Carrboro & Chapel Hill.  County taxes.

This home is not in a subdivision.  It is located just minutes outside Carrboro just across University Lake.  It takes only minutes to get to Carrboro or Chapel Hill and it is 4 miles to UNC.  This home is located in the buffer where there are County taxes and City schools.