Chapel Hill Among Money Magazine's Best Places to Live

Money magazine recently selected Chapel Hill as the 10th best small city to live in the United States.

In addition to referring to its "town within a park" beauty, the magazine noted the community's strong job opportunities, great schools, low crime, quality health care, and variety of things to do.

Residents of Briar Chapel have a Chapel Hill mailing address, but enjoy a lower tax rate in Chatham County.

Playing Golf Near Briar Chapel

Since many prospective buyers ask me about opportunities to play golf near Briar Chapel, I thought I would share some information about the courses nearby. We have a number of places to play within a short drive... here are just a few of them, listed in order of distance:

• Twin Lakes: 9-hole course that is adjacent to Briar Chapel, but not for the serious golfer!
• Governors Club: private club, 36 holes, about 5 minutes from Briar Chapel. They offer memberships to Briar Chapel residents.
• Chapel Ridge: one of my favorite courses in the area, about 15 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• The Preserve: a little more challenging due to environmentally-sensitive areas, about 20 minutes from Briar Chapel. They offer a membership ($1000 initiation + $160-207/month) that gives you access to both Chapel Ridge and The Preserve.
• Finley: UNC’s course… a bit expensive, but a great alternative that is only 20 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• Chapel Hill Country Club: private course across from Finley, about 20 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• Old Chatham: very exclusive, so I haven’t had an opportunity to play this one yet, about 30 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• Falls Village: I haven’t played this course yet, but it is part of the Traditional Clubs (similar to Chapel Ridge & Preserve), about 30 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• Sanford Municipal: good course and very inexpensive during the week, about 35 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• Tobacco Road: fun course (not for everyone, though), about 45 minutes from Briar Chapel.
• Pinehurst: golf capital of the world, about 60 minutes from Briar Chapel.

We have a number of folks in the neighborhood that like to play, and even have some groups that get together and play on a regular (if not weekly) basis.

Swing straight!

Virtual Tour: "Oberlin" Ranch Model

Homes By Dickerson's "Oberlin" is the only true ranch plan currently being built in Briar Chapel. This particular home features an open kitchen, breakfast area and family room with gas log fireplace and access to a covered porch and beautiful courtyard garden with water fountain feature. A large owner suite (16x16!) has an extra large shower and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms are located off the foyer and share a second bath.

View the Tour

Briar Chapel Builder Launches New HomeBuilder iPad App

Homes By Dickerson, a member of the Briar Chapel builder team, has just released the first edition of its new HomeBuilder iPad App. This app enables users to find and design their home, search floorplans, and get ballpark pricing on some plans. You can download it for free from the Apple App Store by searching for "Homes By Dickerson" or simply click on the link above.

Homebuyers and REALTORs will especially enjoy the features of this app:

• Search for communities where Homes By Dickerson is building, including Briar Chapel
• Search a catalog of available floorplans that can be built in each community, or as part of their "Build on Your Lot" program
• See multiple elevation options for each plan and change exterior color schemes
• Select structural options to customize the home
• See available home sites within each community
• Create a brochure with custom selections under the "Your Home" option, which can be saved and shared with others
• Using the built in mortgage calculator, show changes in monthly payments based on interest rate, down payment and price of the home

Please keep in mind this is the very first introduction of the app, so Homes By Dickerson is eager to get your feedback as they continue to make enhancements and additions to it. To ensure you have the latest updates, use the refresh button in the lower righthand corner of the screen.
 

Just Listed: 208 Windy Knoll Circle

Homes By Dickerson's former model has been listed for resale in Briar Chapel. Located at the heart of the development near the clubhouse and saltwater pools, this "Bristol" plan was a Gold Winner in the 2010 Parade of Homes and includes a number of upgraded features.

You really have to see this home in person to appreciate the quality of its construction. To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

 

This post was made with permission of the listing agent.

Virtual Tour: "Franklin" Model

It's been awhile since I posted photos of some of the homes being built in Briar Chapel, so I thought I would start sharing some on a more regular basis. Here is a tour of the Tudor elevation of the "Franklin" plan that was built on Lot 16 along Dark Forest Drive by Homes By Dickerson.

To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

View the Tour