Briar Chapel Homes : Blogwatch

New Model Home Open in Briar Chapel

2012-01-29T17:06:00.001-05:00

Throughout the month of January, Briar Chapel has been featuring Homes By Dickerson in its "Builder of the Month" series. If you haven't had a chance to read about the interviews, I encourage you to check out my earlier post.

Homes By Dickerson currently offers a dozen floorplans to choose from in Briar Chapel, ranging in size from 2,000-2,900 sqft with prices starting in the $250s. Five of these plans offer a first-floor master bedroom, including the new Millhaven model home that recently opened across from the Briar Commons park in Phase 5 North (shown here).

This particular plan has a flexible layout with optional one- or two-sided fireplace, open kitchen, and elegant master suite on the main floor. The model also features a large screened porch with plenty of room for dining and entertaining, and a 2-car detached garage.

The second floor includes two additional bedrooms with a full bath, large loft area, and abundant storage. For more photos of the model, check out the virtual tour.

Whether you are searching for the privacy of a more wooded homesite, or something closer to the action - just steps away from the parks and pools - Homes By Dickerson may have just what you're looking for.

Take some time to visit their new model home at 371 Tobacco Farm Way, and see why they have such a great reputation as a green builder.

Consider Energy & Cost Savings Before Finalizing Purchase Decision

2012-01-20T17:15:00.000-05:00

If you are in the market to purchase a home, you are likely considering both new homes and older ones listed for resale. Since Briar Chapel consists only of green-certified homes, I would suggest you also consider a third category of homes before finalizing your purchase decision: high-performance homes.

In some cases, location may trump all other buying considerations. For example, if you want to live in a particular neighborhood or area, an older existing home may be your only option (unless you tear it down and rebuild). Otherwise, newly built homes can offer fewer hassles/repairs, less maintenance, higher efficiency, and increased customization. Just keep in mind - not all new homes are built the same!

Consider the chart above, for instance, which compares the annual energy cost for three different sized homes. For example, it shows the annual energy cost of a 2,400 sqft home in Briar Chapel to be approximately $390 less than a similar new home built to code elsewhere. That amounts to $3,120 in savings over an 8-year period, the average amount of time folks tend to live in a home. Similarly, it shows you could save about $6,304 over the same period compared to a home that is 15-years old - the equivalent of several mortgage payments!

Of course, energy cost savings is only one of the reasons you should consider buying a new high-performance home. Other benefits include a healthier indoor environment, increased level of comfort, more durable materials, higher market and resale value, and the list goes on...

Source: Southern Energy Management, the third-party company that conducts performance testing and green program verification on all homes built in Briar Chapel.

Introducing Briar Chapel's Newest Park

2012-01-11T10:51:00.007-05:00

Finishing touches are being made to the Briar Commons Park, Briar Chapel's newest addition to an ever growing list of amenities enjoyed by residents. Located in Phase 5 North, this 1.5 acre park features an amphitheater and large formal lawn area for festivals, concerts, and movies. All that remain to be installed are the two structures at each end of the park, which should be complete by early-April.

Most recently, Briar Chapel hosted the 4th Annual Pittsboro Pepper Festival in October and the 3rd Annual TORC 6BC Endurance Race in November near this park. Preparations are underway for another great event in April to coincide with Earth Day celebrations.

When the park is not being used for an event, residents love to use the space to kick a ball around, take a break from riding bicycles, host an informal picnic, play catch, and relax with friends and family. In addition to this park, there is another one in the works for Phase 5 North, which I will cover in a future post.

There are 174 new home sites in Phase 5 North, the newest neighborhood in Briar Chapel. These have been divided among three builders: Saussy Burbank, Homes By Dickerson & David Weekley Homes. Browse a list of available inventory homes, or contact the information center at 888.249.9429 to plan a visit. If you haven't done so already, I also encourage you to check out the interactive home designer that Homes By Dickerson offers for their Village Collection of homes being built in this neighborhood.

Briar Chapel Launches Builder of the Month Series

2012-01-06T13:28:00.011-05:00

In January, Newland (the developer of Briar Chapel) launched a new "Builder of the Month" series to learn more about the people behind the companies who are helping to make Briar Chapel a success.

The first builder being featured is Homes By Dickerson. Read about their interview with Jenn Nowalk, Director of Sales & Marketing. In addition to discussing what sets them apart from other builders, she talks the team, its longevity in the Triangle market, and its commitment to quality craftsmanship and green building practices (they are the second largest NAHB Green Certified builder in NC by volume).

View Homes By Dickerson’s current offerings at Briar Chapel.

Update #1: Interview with Brant Chesson, VP of Construction.

Update #2: Interview with Homeowners, Brian & Chandra.
Update #3: Interview with Linwood Strickland, President.

Chatham Commissioners Approve 7-Year Capital Improvement Plan

2011-12-06T21:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a seven-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The approved CIP for 2013-19 includes several new school projects for funding and keeps the proposed new high school in northeast Chatham on track to open in 2016. This is great news for residents of Briar Chapel.

The CIP also includes the addition of a library branch in the northeastern part of the county as a future project with no specified timeline. Although a location for the new library has not been announced, it is possible that the land Newland has set aside in Briar Chapel for a civic building could be used for this purpose.

"We felt that the overall CIP presented by the County Manager's Office was on target, but we did make some changes that are primarily focused on looking for additional cost savings," said Commissioner Chairman Brian Bock. "We also want to keep a library branch in the northeastern part of the county on the radar given the population in this area. Hopefully we can add this to the schedule when we identify funding sources."

The County Manager's Office noted that the current CIP will require a one-cent increase in the property tax rate or an equivalent amount of funding from other sources, such as budget cuts or revisions to the CIP projects. The commissioners said they will discuss how to fund all of the projects at their upcoming retreat in January.

To learn more about the county's capital budget, visit the Chatham County website.

McNeill Burbank and Saussy Burbank Brands Unite

2011-10-10T23:27:00.000-04:00

Over the past two weeks, I've had a number of folks ask me why some homes by McNeill Burbank in Briar Chapel have had signs with the Charlotte-based Saussy Burbank name. This is also true in the 2011 Parade of Homes guide book.

According to the builder's website, McNeill Burbank will begin operating under the Saussy Burbank name this Wednesday, October 12.

In a press release, the company said the change is primarily a marketing initiative to help prospective customers find information more easily. Partners Al McNeill and Jim Burbank stressed that the change is in name only, and that no changes are being made to ownership or personnel.

If you are interested in learning more about the beautiful homes built by Saussy Burbank in Chapel Hill (including Briar Chapel), Durham, Charlotte or Davidson, please contact me today.

Attend OktoberBEST Today in Briar Chapel

2011-10-02T09:31:00.005-04:00

Interested in checking out all of the great amenities in Briar Chapel? Then I encourage you to checkout the OktoberBEST events going on today throughout the development.

11am-1pm: Parade of Homes - Preview Briar Chapel's entries in the 2011 Parade of Homes.

1pm - 2pm: Canine Athletics at the Pooch Park - Join Dogwood Veterinary Hospital for some fun canine activities such as the “Weenie Toss,” “Peanut Butter Lick” and “I’ve Got Rhythm Musical Sit.” Arrive early to pre‐register your pooch.

1pm - 3pm: Armchair Athlete Competition in the Model Homes - Tour the “featured”

builder home of the day to compete in Wii Sports or Wii Fit games such as golf, tennis, bowling, boxing, hula hoop or BMX biking! You could even win tickets to the Pepper Festival.

2pm - 3pm: Pepper Jelly Tasting at The Briar Patch - Submit your best pepper jelly recipe by 11am on October 2nd for your opportunity to be named “Pepper Jelly Aficionado.” Judges will begin tasting at 2pm and will make decisions based on taste, texture, consistency, appearance, and creativity. You could walk away with a fun prize as well as Pepper

Festival tickets!

2pm - 4pm: Best Backyard Athlete Competition at the Briar Club - You won’t want to miss your chance to compete or view from the sidelines. In the end, the best male and female will prevail. Winners take home the starting Adirondack chair as well as tickets to the Pepper Festival.

4pm - 7pm: 4th Annual Pittsboro Pepper Festival - Great food, local bands and lots of fun. Need I say more? View my earlier post for more details.

I will be on-site throughout the day. If you have any questions, need directions, or wish to gather more information about a particular builder or floor plan, please give me a call at 919-360-1285 or contact me via email.

Triangle Brewery's Entry for Pittsboro Pepper Festival in Briar Chapel

2011-09-30T19:36:00.000-04:00

Thought you might enjoy this short preview of pepper beer in the making at Triangle Brewery for the 4th Annual Pepper Festival coming up this weekend...

4th Annual Pittsboro Pepper Festival in Briar Chapel this Sunday

2011-09-29T23:58:00.012-04:00

Final preparations are underway for the 4th Annual Pittsboro Pepper Festival, which is taking place this Sunday (October 2nd) from 4-7pm at Briar Chapel's newest community park - the Briar Commons.

Although the festival had very humble beginnings, it is quickly becoming North Carolina's premiere local food festival of the season. Featuring 25 chefs, 5 local breweries, a winery, a meadery, 2 bands (Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes + Lonnie Walker), and more, this event aims to spread the superfood power of the plentiful peppers of the Piedmont. There will also be lots of activities for the kids.

Admission is $25 until Oct 1st or $30 at the entrance, which includes all-access to food and entertainment. Beverages are cash bar. You can either purchase tickets at the Briar Chapel Information Center (ask for Shannon McSwiney) or online directly from the Abundance Foundation.

If you're a foodie, music and beer/wine lover, I hope you'll join me for this family-friendly event on Sunday!

Briar Chapel Green Homes Featured in 2011 Parade of Homes

2011-09-19T22:04:00.002-04:00

Now in its 28th year, the 2011 Parade of Homes showcases 42 new homes in our area and provides the chance for visitors to see the latest designs and technology trends. This free, self-guided tour is on October 1-2, 7-9, 14-16 from Noon to 5pm.

This year, Briar Chapel has six entries in the Parade:

1222 Great Ridge Parkway (David Weekley): 2604 sqft / $306,500
1725 Briar Chapel Parkway (McNeill-Barbank): 2407 sqft / $314,010

314 Tobacco Farm Road (McNeill-Burbank): 2199 sqft / $TBD

371 Tobacco Farm Road (Homes by Dickerson): 2004 sqft / $350,000

347 Dark Forest Drive (Homes by Dickerson): 2593 sqft / $399,900

75 Bennett Mountain Trace (Morningstar): 2994 sqft / $529,000 - Details

Builders are putting a wide range of new technology on display this year, from the latest insulation applications to advanced home automation systems. This, of course, is in addition to the other green-building features that all builders must adhere to in Briar Chapel.

This year's event also enables builders to enjoy some friendly competition, as each home on the Parade is judged by a panel of industry representatives from other markets in our region. These judges examine the design, quality, and creativity that each entry demonstrates, resulting in a numerical grade for each house. Awards are given to homes that achieve the highest scores in each price category.

If you would like a guided tour of these homes, please contact Peter Winkler. I will be more than happy to point out the various green features that are available in these homes, as well as show you the amenities that residents enjoy throughout Briar Chapel.

Homes By Dickerson Releases Six New Floor Plans for Briar Chapel

2011-09-03T11:07:00.004-04:00

Homes By Dickerson is now pre-selling six brand new floorplans in Briar Chapel - the Millhaven, the Maddingly, the Castlebrooke, the Jackson, the Riverton and the Kingspark. These plans make up their Village Collection and were designed for lots in the newest section of Briar Chapel (Phase V), including some excellent ones directly across from a large park that will anchor this section of the development.

I'm not sure about you, but many of my buyers have a difficult time visualizing what a home will look like when it is complete. To help out, Homes By Dickerson is now utilizing an online tool from Rendering House that allows you to explore the various combinations of floor plans, elevations, and color schemes they offer. The website even allows you to layout furniture and select an available homesite in Briar Chapel!

I encourage you to take the Village Collection Home Designer for a test drive. Once you have customized a home that you are interested in, scan the QR code in the upper-right portion of the screen to save your selections. If you don't have a smartphone, simply click the "Preview Brochure" tab to save the brochure. After doing so, forward a copy of your custom brochure to me, so that we can schedule a meeting with the builder and reserve your lot.

If you have any trouble using the home designer, or have any questions about the newest section of Briar Chapel, please don't hesitate to contact me.

3rd Annual 6BC Endurance Race at Briar Chapel - Save the Date

2011-08-19T20:41:00.001-04:00

The third annual 6BC Endurance Race will be held on Saturday, November 12th, starting at 10 a.m. in Briar Chapel.

Hosted by the Triangle Off Road Cyclists (TORC), the event will feature six hours of competitive biking through groves of pines and oaks, past Pokeberry Creek, and up (and down!) the rugged terrain of Bennett Mountain.

I will post more details as they become available, including a map of the race course and link to online registration. In the mean time, check out photos from last year's event on TORC's website.

Briar Chapel Residents Enjoy Close Proximity to Forbes' #1 Job Market

2011-07-20T16:09:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard the news yet, Raleigh recently topped Forbes' 13th annual list of the "Best Places for Business and Careers." Forbes’ rankings evaluate 200 metro areas, factoring in job growth (past and projected), costs (business and living), income growth, projected economic growth, and educational attainment.

Given Briar Chapel's close proximity to Raleigh, Cary and Durham, the Triangle's hot job market is driving many of the homes sales in the development. Likewise, home sales are getting a strong boost from three elite schools in the surrounding area: UNC-Chapel Hill (Go Heels!), Duke University and NC State.

If you are hoping to tap into the Triangle's strong job market and wish to relocate to the area, I strongly encourage you to check out all that Briar Chapel has to offer. Contact me to setup a private tour. On the same token, if there is a particular employer you are interested in, I would be happy to help you calculate the distance from door-to-door and estimate your driving time.

Read the Full Story

Tankless Water Heaters Gaining in Popularity

2011-07-12T17:57:00.004-04:00

Even though tankless water heaters have been in use in Europe and Asia for over 20 years, they are just starting to gain wider acceptance and use here in the U.S. This is especially true in Briar Chapel now that some builders are offering them standard.

Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional units because they heat water as it is used, rather than heating and re-heating water within a storage tank. They are gaining in popularity with homeowners for a number of reasons, including:

Endless Hot Water: tankless systems produce hot water on demand, so homeowners are no longer limited to the amount a storage tank can hold. This is especially useful for large families or those who have a soaking tub, but also makes sense .
Lower Energy Bills: tankless systems are typically 15-35% more energy efficient than traditional systems, depending on whether they are gas or electric and how much water they have to heat. This can translate into lower costs for the homeowner - provided you do not change your water usage habits!
Longer Lifespan: tankless units typically last twice as long as traditional systems.
Space Savings: compared to traditional systems, which consume about 16 sqft of valuable floor space, tankless systems are roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase and attached to the wall.

What size unit should I get?

The answer largely depends on the size of the home and the family's usage habits. A unit that heats 4-5 gallons per minute (GPM) is suitable for a one bedroom home and can usually handle a shower plus one appliance operating at the same time. For homes with two or more bathrooms, a unit with 7-10 GPM is often recommended. Your builder or qualified installer is the best person to help you choose the solution that will meet your specific needs.

How much do tankless systems cost?

Prices have come down over the past few years, as more homeowners are adopting tankless heating solutions. You should expect to spend anywhere from $700-2,000, depending on the model you choose (higher flow rate = higher cost). Installation and venting is extra. I'm not going to debate whether this investment is worth it here. Instead, I'm going to refer you to This Old House - they've done a great job summing up the short- vs. long-term costs. Another great resource is EnergyStar.gov.

Keep in mind that a $300 tax credit is available for qualifying systems placed into service between Jan 1-Dec 31, 2011. New construction and rentals do not qualify, however.

Right now, I know of at least one builder in Briar Chapel who is offering Rinnai tankless water heaters standard in their homes (David Weekley Homes). I can also show you a townhome that has a tankless system installed, and is available for resale.

Please contact me to schedule a showing of these homes in Briar Chapel, or to discuss the possibility of building a home with a tankless system.

Save the Date: 4th Annual Pepper Festival Coming to Briar Chapel in October

2011-07-07T10:38:00.000-04:00

The 4th Annual Pepper Festival will be held at Briar Chapel's Community Park on October 2nd, 2011 from 4-7pm.

This event is being presented by the Abundance Foundation and Piedmont Biofarm, and is a chance for you to celebrate our local farmers while enjoying local food, beer, wine & musicians - all with a spicy twist!

More details to come... in the mean time, check out the fantastic line up from last year's festival.

Attic Temps in the mid-80s during June? It's possible.

2011-06-29T09:59:00.012-04:00

I recently had a chance to stop by the new model home for Homes by Dickerson in Briar Chapel, and was very impressed with the quality of construction and green features.

This particular home has the optional foam insulation upgrade, which tends to be quieter and 3-4 times more efficient than conventional insulation. Combined with the ZIP System sheathing and foil-backed plywood, the spray foam helped the builder achieve attic temperatures in the mid-80s compared to 100+ degrees during the hot summer months. This, along with the benefits of a sealed crawl space, translates into significant energy savings for the homeowner.

This "Jacob A" model has a wonderful floor plan that is great for entertaining. Just shy of 2500 sqft, this 3 bedrooms home starts at a base price of $369,900. Pictures say a thousand words, so I encourage you to check out the virtual tour.

Homes by Dickerson is a relatively small company that is delivering big results. Although they have only been part of the Briar Chapel builder team since the early part of 2010, they have already sold a number of homes in the development - including their original model. Here is a sample of their current inventory of single family homes for sale, which typically range in price from $350,000-450,000:

156 Bennett Ridge (Jacob) - $393,750
62 Dark Forest (Franklin) - $397,000
38 Bennett Ridge (Aberdeen) - $429,991
70 Dark Forest (Bristol) - $440,995
122 Bennett Ridge (Aberdeen) - $459,990

If you think any of the above plans might suit your needs, please contact me for a private tour of the community. I would also be happy to introduce you to the builder and discuss available home sites, including several that have recently been released that back up to some incredible green space. We can also take a look at some of their other plans, such as the Carmichael and Montclair, or consider modifications to better suit your needs.

Of course, I would be delighted to represent you as a buyer should you decide to buy or build in Briar Chapel. Remember... it doesn't cost you anything extra to have someone look out for your best interests!

For Sale: 181 Tobacco Farm Way

2011-06-06T10:50:00.001-04:00

Built by McNeill-Burbank Homes in 2009, this end-unit is currently the only two-story executive townhome available in Briar Chapel. It is in excellent condition and includes ~2001 heated sqft, 3 bedrooms (with master on main level), 2 1/2 baths, and 2-car garage. It is currently being offered at $315,000.

Staged like a model, you will quickly see how this Arts & Crafts-style townhome lives like a detached home. The main level features cypress hardwood floors, an inviting front porch and foyer with 9-foot ceilings, tons of natural light, and a fireplace with subway tile surround flanked by windows and built-ins. The gourmet kitchen has a stainless steel dual-fuel stove, triple door cabinets, French-door refrigerator, and granite countertops.

A separate owner's entry with halltree near the rear of the home leads to a work center and the master bedroom, which features a spa-like bath with double-sink vanity, soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. You will also find the laundry on the main level. A split stairwell leads upstairs, where you will find a loft that leads to two additional bedrooms and one full bath.

When the weather is nice, the screened porch is the perfect place to relax or watch the rest of the family enjoy the fenced-in rear yard. When you feel like venturing out, the Briar Club is just across the street, which includes two salt-water pools, waterslides, splash pad, playground, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

To view a slideshow of this home, please click here. Better yet, why not schedule a private tour of this beautiful home? To do so, please contact Peter Winkler. I will be more than happy to point out its various green features, as well as show you the amenities that residents enjoy throughout Briar Chapel.

This post was made with permission of the listing agent.

Triangle Green Home Tour Starts Saturday

2011-05-12T10:36:00.000-04:00

The 6th Annual Triangle Green Home Tour starts this weekend! This free, self-guided event will feature 28 entries, and will be held on May 14-15 and May 21-22, 2011.

As always, the tour will allow you to examine a number of green building features in a wide variety of homes in all styles and price points -- ranging from Habitat for Humanity and entry-level homes to custom luxury entries.

This year, Briar Chapel will have six homes on the tour, which are listed below. However, it is important to remember that ALL homes in Briar Chapel are required to achieve at least the bronze-level of certification upon completion. So, if there is a particular home for sale that you like that's not on the tour, I would be happy to arrange a private showing for you.

11 Tabardry Mill Port (McNeill-Burbank)
207 Tobacco Farm Way (McNeill-Burbank)
1674 Great Ridge Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
26 Serenity Hill Circle (M/I Homes)
1222 Great Ridge Parkway (David Weekley Homes)
50 Windy Knoll (Morningstar Homes)

To learn more about the tour, visit the HBA-DOC website. Otherwise, I have some extra tour guides if you need one - just let me know.

Briar Chapel's Community Garden Flourishing

2011-05-07T10:55:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Briar Chapel has added yet another amenity to the community for residents to enjoy... the Briar Patch community garden!

Members of the garden club have been busy maintaining this productive garden, and harvesting the fruits of their labor. The Spring crop included bok choy, spinach, various types of lettuce, radishes, chives and more. There are also two beds of beautiful flowers, which you'll see in the photo below that I took earlier today.

If you are interested in helping out with planting a Summer crop, we'll need to start looking for a home for you to purchase right away. Contact me today to schedule a personal tour, which will include the Briar Patch if you're interested.

Briar Chapel Builder Participating in "Parade of Playhomes" Fundraiser

2011-04-02T13:36:00.006-04:00

McNeill-Burbank, one of the quality homebuilders in Briar Chapel, is building a playhome for the 19th annual Parade of Playhomes fundraiser taking place between April 1-May 6 at the American Tobacco District Campus in downtown Durham.

The "Sunshine Cottage" by McNeill-Burbank.

A total of four playhomes will be built for the fundraiser - three by homebuilders and a fourth by students at Southern High School in Durham. Three of the playhomes will be raffled off at 6pm on May 6 (you do not need to be present to win), and the remaining playhome will be sold via an online auction.

To see photos of the other entries and purchase raffle tickets, visit www.ParadeofPlayhomes.org. Tickets are only $3 each or 2 for $5.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to organizations that help prevent child abuse through family support programs and parent education. In the past 18 years, this event has raised over $100,000 to support child abuse prevention programs in our area.

If you would like a tour of the Sunshine Cottage above, or any of the other available homes in Briar Chapel, please contact me to schedule your visit.

Briar Chapel to Host Earth Day Celebration on April 16th

2011-03-30T21:08:00.006-04:00

Briar Chapel will be hosting a series of events on April 16th to celebrate Earth Day. Come help me celebrate one of our favorite days of the year!

3rd Annual Briar Chapel 5K: starting at 9am, you can join me in running (or walking!) the scenic, USATF-certified course throughout Briar Chapel. Pre-registrants will receive a locally-made organic t-shirt by TS Designs. Following the race, there will be an awards ceremony with refreshments. Registration fees are $20 in advance and $25 on race day with proceeds to benefit the Abundance Foundation.

Local Culinary Tour: starting at 1pm, begin your tour by picking up a Culinary Tour Guide at the Information Center, then visit each of Briar Chapel's model homes where well-known local chefs will showcase menu items recently created for Chatham County Schools, through a program designed to improve school lunches in the county dubbed the Chef Challenge. Featured chefs include: Jimmy Reale of The Carolina Inn, Colin Bedford of The Fearrington House, and Gregg Hamm & Kelly Taylor of the Natural Chef Program at CCCC. Chefs from other area restaurants, including Angelina's Kitchen, Saxapahaw General Store, Bean & Barrel, and Busy Bee Café, will also be on hand with signature dishes featuring locally grown ingredients.
Hunt for Green: from 1 to 3pm, you can participate in a scavenger hunt where you'll learn all about the benefits of owning a green home in Briar Chapel. This exciting hunt will take you throughout the community, capturing photos and QR codes on your smart phone. You will then return to the information center to share your data, collect your prize, and be entered into a drawing for one of these fun prizes: a 1-month pool pass to Briar Chapel for a family of four, a rain barrel water capturing system (a $100 value), a $25 gift certificate to one the local restaurants featured at Briar Chapel Earth Day celebration, two tickets to the Pepper Festival courtesy of the Abundance Foundation (a $50 value), and an energy saving monitor courtesy of McNeill-Burbank.

Outdoor Learning Activities: from 2 to 4pm, come join me and my fellow "Green Thumb" club members and take part in fun educational demonstrations at The Briar Patch, our newest park and community garden maintained entirely by residents. There will be activities for all ages: the Abundance Foundation will be talking about local food and renewable energy, Farmer Doug will be discussing the importance of seed saving and various gardening tips, and residents will provide an educational discussion for children in our "Pots for Tots" gardening class.
Beer Garden: while you're visiting the Briar Patch, enjoy some refreshments provided by local businesses, including Sugarland Bakery and Fullsteam Brewery.

Q&A with author Jonathan Bloom: from 2 to 3pm, the author of American Wasteland will be on hand to share insights on local food recovery and on how to eliminate food waste in the home. The discussion will be followed by a question and answer session. You can even register to win a 110 gallon composter (a $100 value).

Come join me in the activities on April 16th from 9am to 4pm. If you would like to discuss the possibility of moving to Briar Chapel, I would be happy to do so. Contact me today!

Briar Chapel "Pooch" Park Grand Opening

2011-03-17T22:51:00.006-04:00

On Saturday, residents will celebrate the grand opening of the much-anticipated Briar Chapel "Pooch" Park.

Complete with separate areas for large and small dogs, time-out areas (aka "penalty boxes"), a shade structure, and beautiful landscaping, Briar Chapel's newest park is going to be a big hit. This amenity is a great addition to the development, and gives residents yet another reason to spend more time outside and socialize with neighbors - whether they have a dog or not.

During the opening celebration, folks from the Dogwood Veterinary Clinic will be on hand for nail trims and to share some great tips on nutrition and dental hygiene.

If you're a dog-lover like me and would like to live near the new park, there are some great new homes available for sale that you should check out. Starting in the low-$200s, these popular cottage homes have 3 bedrooms and are approximately 1500+/- sqft in size. Two of the four have screened porches, and several have a garage. These are worth a look!

Please contact me if you're interested in learning more about any of the homes in Briar Chapel, including those near the Pooch Park. I would be honored to be your buyer's agent.

Vote Briar Chapel for Best Community

2011-03-11T23:05:00.010-05:00

Briar Chapel has been nominated as one of the best communities in the 1st Annual "Best of Chapel Hill" Awards by Chapel Hill Magazine.

Voting ends April 15, and winners will be announced in the July/August issue of the magazine. Be sure to cast your vote today!

If you're not already convinced that Briar Chapel deserves to win, please give me an opportunity to show you around and introduce you to all that this unique development has to offer. I'm confident you will agree with my other clients - many of whom decided to make the move.

Briar Chapel’s Third Annual 5K Race

2011-02-09T21:20:00.004-05:00

I hope you will join me again on Saturday, April 16th, for the running of the Third Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race!

The race starts at 8:00 am, and will follow a well-marked, USATF-certified 5K course. Proceeds will benefit the Abundance Foundation, whose purpose is to increase public awareness of sustainable energy usage and local food consumption.

Advanced registration is $20, which includes a locally-made organic cotton t-shirt and refreshments after the race from local vendors. Like last year, there will also be a kids' run that immediately follows the 5K. Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall men and women and top 3 men and women in each age group.

Don’t miss your chance to run this beautiful new course, check out the great amenities, tour the high-performance homes, and help support your local community. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 am. For more details, or to pre-register online, visit Active.com.

See you at the race!

Briar Chapel Commits $100,000 to Chatham County

2011-01-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

Briar Chapel has just announced a $100,000 commitment to the Opportunity Chatham Campaign, a $3 million fundraising initiative spearheaded by the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation to drive and capitalize on the attraction of new business and retention of existing firms in the county. Newland Communities has pledged to pay the donation over a five-year period, with the final payment in 2014.

This is in addition to more than $42,000 that Briar Chapel donated to other local organizations and charities during 2010, including: Abundance Foundation, Woods Charter School, Chatham County Office of Human Relations, Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, Chatham County Arts Council, Green Home Builders of the Triangle, the Town of Chapel Hill and United Way of Chatham County.

Icy Day in Briar Chapel

2011-01-11T23:35:00.000-05:00

The roads were a bit too icy this morning, so I decided to abandon my vehicle and walk back home. I snapped this photo while walking along the trails.

Informative signs, such as this one, have been installed throughout the development recently. They indicate points of interest along the trails, as well as aspects of nature and wildlife nearby.

These signs are similar to ones found in State Parks across NC, such as the Jordan Lake Educational State Forest nearby. The sign shown here addresses soils and topography, whereas the one installed along the walkway near the bridge explains how Pokeberry Creek is a stream/wetland complex.

When you have some time, I encourage you to explore the many miles of trails that Briar Chapel has to offer - either by foot or bike. In addition to getting some exercise, you might just learn something!

Briar Chapel's HOA Now Managed By EWPCM

2011-01-09T20:38:00.004-05:00

The Board of Directors of Briar Chapel's HOA recently announced that East West Partners Club Management (EWPCM) would replace CAMS Management Company as Briar Chapel's HOA management company. This is great news for residents and prospective buyers.

EWPCM was founded in 1993 to provide management services to communities and other recreational facilities on a third-party basis throughout the US. It is a division of East West Partners, a national real estate development and management company with operations in North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, Florida and California. Locally, they are best known for developing master planned communities such as Woodcroft, Meadowmont, and East 54.

EWPCM's industry expertise and quality of service have already been demonstrated by Brittany Plumb, Briar Chapel's activity director. She is an employee of EWPCM.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:11:00.006-05:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year! If 2011 is the year for you to make a move, I hope you will consider Briar Chapel. Please contact Peter Winkler to schedule a private tour of the development, and learn what it is like to be a resident of this wonderful neighborhood.

Meet Briar Chapel's Activities Director

2010-12-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

Buyers often ask me what type of events are planned by Brittny Plumb, Briar Chapel's full-time activities director.

As a resident, I can tell you that she does an incredible job putting together activities for both children and adults that enrich and entertain, as well as encourage neighbors to get to know each other better.

But, don't take my word for it. Browse the January 2011 Newsletter, and see for yourself what a wonderful job Brittny does.

When you decide to become a resident of Briar Chapel, so that you can start taking advantage of the many great activities she plans, I hope you will consider me as your buyer's agent.

Ansel Adams Visits Briar Chapel?

2010-12-28T11:37:00.001-05:00

My brother-in-law took this shot while visiting the other day. Thanks to Briar Chapel's effort to preserve over 900 acres of trees, it doesn't get any more beautiful than this!

Newland Named 2010 Developer of the Year

2010-12-15T21:50:00.001-05:00

Congratulations are in order for Newland Communities on being named Builder and Developer magazine's "Developer of the Year" for 2010!

Newland is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the U.S., including Briar Chapel.

Read the full story.

For Sale: 1378 Great Ridge Parkway

2010-12-10T19:40:00.001-05:00

Briar Chapel's second resale is the Hillcrest, from the Arbor Series by M/I Homes. Casually elegant, this home includes ~3313 heated sqft, 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. It is currently being offered at $399,000.

The main level features a dramatic 2-story entry with split staircase, a formal dining room with trey ceiling, and a large eat-in kitchen with center island, stainless steel appliances, quartz counters and M/I's signature planning center. In addition to a half-bath for guests, there is a great room with gas fireplace located opposite the breakfast room as well as a study located off of the foyer with access to the front porch.

The second floor features a spacious owner's suite with a walk-in closet and ensuite bath with separate tub and shower. You will also find the laundry, three additional bedrooms and two full baths upstairs.

When the weather is nice, the screened porch is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, or watch the rest of the family enjoy the fenced-in rear yard. When you feel like venturing out, the Briar Club is a short distance away, which includes two salt-water pools, waterslides, a playground, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

If you would like to schedule a tour of this beautiful home, please contact Peter Winkler. I will be more than happy to point out its various green features, as well as show you the amenities that residents enjoy throughout Briar Chapel.

To view room dimensions and additional photos, please visit Realtor.com.

This post was made with permission of the listing agent.

Briar Chapel Featured in 2010 Parade of Homes

2010-10-04T22:50:00.003-04:00

Now in its 27th year, the 2010 Parade of Homes showcases 42 new homes in our area and provides the chance for visitors to see the latest designs and technology trends. This free, self-guided tour is on October 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 from Noon to 5pm.

This year, Briar Chapel has five entries in the Parade:

26 Serenity Hill Circle: 2236 sqft / $324,210
1149 Great Ridge Parkway: 1867 sqft / $324,325
1243 Great Ridge Parkway: 2247 sqft / $418,411
50 Windy Knoll Circle: 2759 sqft / $425,000

208 Windy Knoll Circle: 2660 sqft / $425,900

Art of Living Event in Briar Chapel Tomorrow

2010-09-24T22:57:00.004-04:00

If you haven't been out to Briar Chapel in awhile, I encourage you to come out tomorrow (Saturday 25th) from 10am to 6pm for the "Art of Living" event.

During the event, three new model homes will be unveiled by MorningStar Homes and Homes by Dickerson, as well as the Villas by M/I Homes. David Weekley Homes will also be introducing its latest floor plans during the event.

As you visit each model home, be sure to register for a chance to win one of five pieces of artwork by Elaine O’Neil, this month's featured artist. One of the lucky winners will receive the grand prize - a beautiful textile art piece that Elaine will personally customize for their home (see Newland's website for details). Make sure you’re here at 4 pm to meet Elaine as well as a representative of the Chatham County Arts Council.

In addition to meeting the newest builders and touring the model homes, be sure to stroll over to Briar Patch Park between 1 pm and 3 pm for some free ice cream provided by Maple View Farms. In addition to checking out the new community garden that was installed earlier this week, you'll have a chance to see the unveiling of the latest piece of community art, Metamorphis—a large metal environmental sculpture by North Carolina Artist Grace Cathey.

Cathey's sculpture was the winner of the Jackson County Green Energy Park annual sculpture competition in 2009. The sculpture is made of cor-ten steel and is interpretive of the metamorphosis of a butterfly from chrysalis to caterpillar to winged beauty.

Installing a Dual Flush Converter in Briar Chapel

2010-09-05T15:46:00.005-04:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that I had improved the efficiency of our Briar Chapel home even more by installing a whole-house hot water recirculating system.

Earlier this week, I decided to convert one of our standard toilets into a water-saving, dual-flush one by installing the HydroRight™ Dual Flush Converter by MJSI. I picked up a kit at Costco for $19, but you can also find them online for about $21-26.

Based on dual flush technology that has been used in Europe and Australia for decades, the HydroRight allowed me to quickly turn our standard toilet into two-button fixture. One button is the "Quick Flush" (#1) setting that uses up to 70% less water for liquids and paper – the setting needed 4 out of 5 times. The second "Full Flush" (#2) button uses the normal amount of water for solids.

I was able to install the system in about 10 minutes without any tools; it took another 5 to adjust the settings. Best of all, I did not have to remove the tank, but I was able to get rid of the flapper - the usual culprit of leaks.

We've been very happy with the performance of the converter so far, so I've decided to convert the rest of our toilets over the next few weeks. With these water-saving devices, we hope to save 30% of our overall indoor water usage. This is based on a recent survey by Veritec Consulting.

Briar Chapel Community Garden Breaks Ground

2010-08-27T18:04:00.006-04:00

Contractors broke ground on Briar Chapel's newest amenity today, a community garden!

The Briar Patch, as residents have decided to call it, will consist of six raised cedar planters and five fruit trees. The enclosed garden will be surrounded by a small park located within the Villas section of the development.

The garden club is currently developing operating guidelines for the garden, and plans to meet with an agriculture specialist in September to learn more about planning and maintaining a productive community garden.

Since the garden will be ready in September, there will be time for a Fall planting. Stay tuned for more info and photos of this wonderful addition to Briar Chapel.

Tax Credit Deadline Extended

2010-07-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

I am happy to report that Congress passed a bill extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline to September 30, 2010. The extension applies only to transactions that had ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, and have not yet closed.

The original closing deadline was June 30, 2010.

Chatham County Schools Technology Vision

2010-06-08T23:14:00.006-04:00

During last night's meeting of the Chatham County Board of Education, they discussed a vision for a total digital learning environment in the district. More specifically, three options were presented for the next phase of the district’s instructional technology program:

1) Replace student laptop computers at Chatham Central, Northwood and SAGE which are several years old. (Jordan-Matthews received new laptops this school year thanks to a Golden LEAF Foundation grant.)

2) Replace the laptops at the high schools in option 1 and issue an iPad to students in grades 6-8. (Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, in Briar Chapel, will open with extensive technology resources.)

3) Place a digital device in the hands of every student in the district, likely laptops for high school students and iPads in kindergarten-eighth grade. (Jordan-Matthews would not receive new laptops in option 3 because theirs were new in 2009.)

These options also include some other aspects such as staff development, replacement of some staff computers, and infrastructure. The district would need to redirect some of its existing resources, utilize community support and resources, and leverage multiple funding streams. The financial commitment would start in the 2011-2012 budget cycle.

According to Beth McCullough, Public Information Officer for Chatham County Schools, the Board decided it will propose option 3 to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on June 21st. This option would place a digital device in the hands of all students in the district. To learn more about the school district's 1:1 Laptop Initiative, check out this video.

Briar Chapel Residents Featured in Today's Newspaper

2010-06-06T10:55:00.006-04:00

In case you have not read today's News & Observer, there is a great profile of Mike and Judy Benson in the (Chapel Hill News) real estate section. They live in a home built by McNeill-Burbank at 1184 Great Ridge Parkway in Briar Chapel.

In their interview, they talk about what it's like to live in Briar Chapel, why they chose to live in the community, and the advantages and disadvantages of living in Chatham County.

Briar Chapel Now on Google Maps

2010-05-29T08:13:00.000-04:00

Google Maps just made it easier for folks to get directions to Briar Chapel.

Although the "Street View" feature is not yet available, nor are the satellite photos up-to-date, it is possible to find specific addresses within the development. To get directions to the information center, for example, click here.

Before you head out, be sure to contact Peter Winkler to setup a private tour of the community.

Briar Chapel's Pool is Open!

2010-05-20T23:04:00.000-04:00

Briar Chapel's pool facilities opened yesterday for its second season!

A number of residents and non-resident members (sorry, memberships have sold out already) enjoyed themselves under the watchful eye of the lifeguard staff. Meanwhile, the younger ones enjoyed the splash pad and zero-entry pool.

I plan to take my first dip of the season tomorrow, although I hear the water is a bit "refreshing" at the moment. I'm referring to the temperature, of course, but I could just as easily be referring to the fact that Briar Chapel uses salt-water chlorination. The water feels smooth, is softer on your skin, and has no chlorine odor.

Briar Chapel has hired a new pool management company this year. East West Partners Club Management will be overseeing the pool maintenance as well as staffing. Also new this year, there will be a gate attendant to check all access cards and sign in guests.

If you would like to see the pool, and experience what life is like at Briar Chapel, please schedule an appointment to take a private tour of the community with me. I would be happy to show you around.

Triangle Green Home Tour Coming to Briar Chapel in May

2010-05-01T15:28:00.003-04:00

The 5th Annual Green Home Tour is coming up! This free, self-guided event will feature 31 entries in six counties, and will be held on May 15-16 and May 22-23.

As usual, the tour will allow you to examine a number of green building features in a wide variety of homes in all styles and price points -- ranging from Habitat for Humanity and entry-level homes to custom luxury entries.

This year, Briar Chapel will have four homes on the tour, which are listed below. However, it is important to remember that ALL homes in Briar Chapel are required to achieve at least the bronze-level of certification upon completion. So, if there is a particular home for sale that you like, I would be happy to arrange a private showing for you.

1686 Briar Chapel Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1243 Great Ridge Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1177 Briar Chapel Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1256 Great Ridge Parkway (Vanguard Homes)

To learn more about the tour, visit the HBA-DOC website.

2nd Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race Results

2010-04-20T19:09:00.003-04:00

The 2nd Annual Briar Chapel 5K attracted over 70 runners this year, which benefited the Abundance Foundation in Chatham County. Overall winners were Russell Westbrook (18:29) and Bridget Perry (21:55). About 30 kids participated in the fun run around the circle. For a complete list of results, visit East Carolina Road Racing.

Personally, I did somewhat better than last year, and enjoyed the company of my wife during the race this year (it was her first 5K!).

Briar Chapel raised almost $3,000 for The Abundance Foundation towards their tireless pursuit to increase public awareness of sustainable energy usage and local food consumption. In addition to the runners, a big thanks are in order to the race sponsors, including: CE Group, Kimley-Horn, Southern Energy Management, Chatham Marketplace, Kennon Craver, and Triangle Electrical Services.

For photos of the race, check out Briar Chapel's Facebook page.

Briar Chapel’s Second Annual 5K Race

2010-04-09T11:08:00.002-04:00

I hope you will join me again next Saturday (April 17th) for the running of the Second Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race!

The race starts at 8:00 am, and will follow a well-marked, USATF-certified 5K course. Proceeds will benefit the Abundance Foundation, which sponsors innovative ideas to increase awareness of renewable energy and promote local food consumption.

The race will feature locally made organic t-shirts for pre-registrants, water on the course and microchip timing. An awards ceremony with refreshments will immediately follow the race, with awards to overall and age group winners.

Don’t miss your chance to run on this beautiful new course, tour the energy-efficient green homes, and help support your local community. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 am. For more details, or to pre-register online, visit Active.com.

See you at the race!

Briar Chapel Celebrates Earth Day 2010 by Showcasing Local Foods, Wellness, Environmental Education

2010-03-31T20:37:00.000-04:00

In honor of the 40th Annual Earth Day, Briar Chapel is planning to host a series of events that showcase local foods, wellness and environmental education.

In addition to the 2nd Annual Briar Chapel 5K Run on April 17th, there will be a Celebrity Chef Charity Event on April 18th from 1-4 pm benefiting The Abundance Foundation. During the event, chefs from around the Triangle will be demonstrating their favorite recipes using locally grown foods. Participating chefs include Jimmy Reale of The Carolina Inn, Jeremy Clayman of Busy Bee Café, Arthur Gordon of Irregardless Cafe and Andrew Kuty of Pittsboro General Store Café.

Also on April 18th, Briar Chapel will recognize its Sustainability in Education winners, a collaborative project with the Woods Charter School. Depending on the grade level, students were asked to answer a question that ranged from “How can I encourage my family to live more sustainably at home?” to “How can I communicate the benefits of energy cost savings to my parents, peers and community?”

I do hope you will join me in celebrating Earth Day 2010!

Announcing The Villas at Briar Chapel

2010-03-11T22:38:00.002-05:00

M/I Homes is just about ready to break ground on a brand new section in Briar Chapel called The Villas. These single-family homes will feature first-floor owner's suites and ranch plans that range in size from 1,600 to 2,300 square feet. Priced from the low $200s, these homes will include maintenance and have 2-car, front-load garages.

Here is a rundown of five new plans that will be built:

The Villa Camellia - starting at 1640 sqft / $246,900
This ranch plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open great room with gas fireplace, kitchen with center island, walk-up attic storage and large patio.

The Villa Gardenia - starting at 1849 sqft / $263,990
This is also a ranch plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious great room and breakfast area. The kitchen features hardwood floors, a beautiful center island and convenient planning center that M/I is often recognized for. There is walk-up attic storage with optional bonus room or fourth bedroom on the second floor.

The Villa Lantana - starting at 1909 sqft / $268,990
This 1.5 story home has a first-floor owner's suite, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open great room with gas fireplace and convenient eat-in kitchen. An additional study/flex room is on the main level. The plan also features a covered front porch, as well as a patio in the rear.

The Villa Magnolia - starting at 2024 sqft / $278,990
This ranch plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a spacious kitchen and breakfast area that opens to the great room. The plan also features a beautiful formal dining room with bay window and tray ceiling, as well as a large rear patio. Similar to the Villa Gardenia, there is an optional bonus room or fourth bedroom on the second floor.

The Villa Nandina - starting at 2234 sqft / $293,990

This 1.5 story home has a first-floor owner's suite, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and stunning covered front porch. This plan also features a flex room with the option for a guest suit with full bath on the first floor. The large owner's suite has ample closet space and a bath with seated shower. In addition to some additional storage space in the walk-up attic, the home has a charming courtyard off off the breakfast area.

If you are interested in The Villas at Briar Chapel and wish to have buyer representation, please contact Peter Winkler to review floor plans, available homesites, and answer any questions you might have about the specific features/specs of these new plans.

Briar Chapel Energy Auditor Named 2010 National Energy Star Partner of the Year

2010-03-04T20:15:00.008-05:00

Southern Energy Management (SEM), the company that audits homes built in Briar Chapel to determine if they meet or exceed a minimum Bronze rating in the GHBT Certification Program, has been named a 2010 National Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SEM is being honored for its work in qualifying new homes to earn Energy Star certification, including those built in Briar Chapel. The company also received the award in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and joins just three other companies in the U.S. that have received this award four times.

SEM recently certified its 5,000th Energy Star home, and serves more than 300 builders across the state. In fact, there are just over 10,000 Energy Star qualified homes in North Carolina, and SEM has verified almost half of those. Since SEM began inspecting and verifying Energy Star new homes, the company has helped offset about 1.9 million pounds of carbon emissions through its Energy Star services alone, saving North Carolina homeowners a total of $2.2 million on utility bills.

SEM will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010. To hear the team react to news of the award, watch the following video:

Briar Chapel Expands Builder Team

2010-02-28T21:15:00.005-05:00

Newland Communities recently selected two additional builders to join its builder team for Briar Chapel, both of whom will be required to build sustainable, environmentally responsible homes.

Homes by Dickerson and Morningstar Homes will join the existing builder team, which consists of Chatham Builder Guild, M/I Homes, McNeill Burbank and Vanguard Homes.

I will be posting information about their plans and homesites as details become available. In the mean time, please do not hesitate to contact me today if you are interested in learning more about Briar Chapel.

Time is Running Out for $5000 Credit

2010-02-22T21:31:00.001-05:00

Now is the perfect time to move to the largest green community in the Triangle!

In addition to the $8000 or $6500 federal tax credit that you may qualify for (see my previous posts), Briar Chapel is offering a $5000 credit at closing if you sign a contract before March 9, 2010.

There truly isn’t a better time than now to find a healthier, more meaningful life in Briar Chapel. Contact me today if you are thinking of buying a home, and wish to have buyer representation throughout the process. It doesn't cost you a thing to have someone look out for your best interests.

Briar Chapel Custom Builder Wins National Award

2010-02-18T22:27:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to JD Mahoney Construction for recently being named a Gold Winner in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Sales and Marketing Awards for Best Product Design Custom Home. The custom builder was recognized with this award for “Villa Sienna,” a historically accurate Robert Martignoni design located in Briar Chapel.

At 3,677 heated square feet, this 4 bedroom/4.5 bath Certified Silver Level Green Built/Energy Star^® home features extensive custom interior trim and select white oak hardwood floors with custom walnut borders throughout the first floor. The flowing floor plan is enhanced by an epicurean kitchen with Cambria^® countertops and Bosch^® appliances, overlooking a covered side porch connecting with a private side yard and patio for outdoor living options. Ten foot first floor and 9’ second floor ceilings augment the feeling of spaciousness in “Villa Sienna.” Oak stairwells in the front and back of the home, a stunning first floor owner’s suite with fabulous tile work in the luxury bath, and a full guest suite plus two more bedrooms upstairs combine with storage and a huge bonus room with a full bath and a wet bar over the expansive 3-car/rear-entry garage to make this entry stand out from all others.

“‘Villa Sienna’ has won every awards category in which it has been entered,” says Dan Mahoney, the company's president. “It won in its category in the Parade of Homes for the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties; it won at the NC Home Builders Association STAR Awards; it was a Silver Finalist for the NAHB National Sales and Marketing Awards; and now, it has captured the Gold Award for the NAHB Nationals, signifying it as the Best Product Design Custom Home for its size on an international level. I worked with the designer to modify this plan to fit at Briar Chapel, and I can personally say that the plan uses every inch to its advantage. ‘Villa Sienna’ is a beautiful, historically accurate, very cool home; totally livable. It’s rewarding that this home has received this recognition… I’m very proud of it.”

The Chatham Builder Guild has the exclusive rights to the portfolio of Robert Martignoni, a renowned designer specializing in award-winning custom historic home styles such as Victorian, Italianate, Greek Revival, and Bungalow. Martignoni’s designs are nationally recognized for their beautiful elevations and classic proportions while incorporating today’s open floor plans and innovative style. Called the New Urban Classic Collection at Briar Chapel, these homes are built to Certified Green Building and Energy Star^® standards. Many options to improve energy efficiency and to create healthy living environments are featured. Homes in the New Urban Classic Collection range in size from 2,600 to 4,200 square feet and are priced from the $400s.

Congratulations to Dan Mahoney and his entire team on this incredible accomplishment!

If you are interested in learning more about customizing a Martignoni designed home in Briar Chapel, please contact Peter Winkler.

Home Buyer Tax Credit Alert

2010-02-10T21:21:00.001-05:00

First-Time Homebuyers MUST be under contract no later than April 30,2010 to be eligible for the $8000 federal tax credit. My recommendation is to find a home within the next few weeks and be under contract by late-March. This will allow some time to recover in case the purchase falls through at time of inspection.

The same holds true for existing homeowners and the $6500 tax credit. To learn more about the specifics of the tax credit program, see my earlier post.

Co-Founder of Chatham Builders Guild Named Builder of the Year

2010-01-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Mike Tarr of Commonwealth Construction & Design, a member of the Chatham Builder Guild. He has been named 2009 Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties.

This coveted award is presented annually to a builder member of the association who has demonstrated dedication to the home building industry through leadership and participation in industry-related events. It is also intended to take into account the long term contributions of the person recognized.

The award was presented to Tarr at the January HBA Awards and Installation of Officers meeting by Frank Wiesner and Michele Myers, both past Builder of the Year recipients.

Tarr was a founding member of the Chatham Builder Guild, a select group of award-winning builders created to provide custom homes in Briar Chapel. If you would like more information on custom homes in this green community, please contact Peter Winkler.

Briar Chapel Helps Bring Glenn Miller Orchestra to Northwood High School

2010-01-17T12:59:00.007-05:00

Northwood High School's Jazz Ensemble will present a special concert for the community on Tuesday, February 9, at 7 p.m. at NHS’s newly renovated Benjamin J. Lee Auditorium.

In addition to the Jazz Ensemble, the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will also perform at the concert. Originally formed in 1937, they have recorded a number of hits over the years, including "Tuxedo Junction," "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo."

Tickets to the concert are available online until January 26 and thereafter, if any tickets remain, at the door. Reserved seats are $10 and General Admission is only $5. Profits will underwrite the Jazz Ensemble trip to Florida next month to compete in the internationally recognized Disney Jazz Celebration.

Partial funding for the Glenn Miller Orchestra was provided by ChathamArts & Briar Chapel.

Home Buyer Tax Credit – Who Gets What?

2010-01-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

I continue to get questions from my clients regarding the recently extended & expanded homebuyer tax credit, so I thought I would provide readers with a brief overview...

Who qualifies as a First Time Home Buyer?

For the purposes of the tax credit program, a first time homebuyer is anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price with a maximum available credit of $8,000. This applies to single taxpayers and married couples.

Who qualifies as a Current Owners?

The tax credit program now gives those who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years an incentive in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500. Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

What are the Income Caps?
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased. Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn more than $245,000 are ineligible.

What is the Maximum Purchase Price?
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

What is a Tax Credit?
A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by and individual to the IRS. In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 26 months of ownership is no longer and individual’s primary residence.

Want to learn more?
For more detailed information, please visit the IRS or NAHB websites. I also recommend that you check out this whitepaper, which addresses many of the questions my clients have been asking.

Note: This information is not intended as tax or financial advice. It is strongly recommended that you consult with your tax and financial advisor prior to making any decisions about your tax situation.

Does Your Home Have Leaks?

2010-01-02T09:39:00.004-05:00

Is your home able to handle the cold? It would be if you lived in Briar Chapel.

That's because all homes built in Briar Chapel must meet or exceed a Bronze rating in the GHBT Certification Program*, and be certified by a third-party auditor (Southern Energy Management).

In fact, Briar Chapel is the first community in the Triangle to require homebuilders to comply with the rigorous new home construction requirements and third-party testing of the North Carolina Green Build Initiative, in order to create high performance, healthier homes with measurable cost savings for its residents and contribute to an improved quality of life.

If you're ready to upgrade to a home in Briar Chapel, please contact me to schedule a private tour. Otherwise, I encourage you to get in touch with your power or gas company and ask about a home energy audit. PSNC Energy, for example, began offering $25 energy audits this fall for houses built before 1993. In addition, Duke Energy now offers free audits for home-owning customers who have electric water heaters or electric heat. As a Certified EcoBroker, I would be happy to recommend additional steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your home, save money and live comfortably.

* Note: The GHBT program is in the process of switching to the National Green Building Standard as the basis for certification.

Hot Water Recirculating Pump Installed

2009-12-28T13:31:00.007-05:00

This past weekend, I decided to improve the efficiency of our Briar Chapel home even more by installing a whole-house hot water recirculating system. I picked up a unit made by Watts Premier at Costco a few months ago for under $200, and spent another $30 or so for plumbing supplies at the hardware store.

The system includes a pump that you install adjacent to the water heater, and a temperature actuated bypass valve that connects the cold and hot water supply lines at the fixture that is farthest away from the water heater. According to the manufacturer's website, this combination creates a pressure differential that allows the cold and cool water in the hot water supply line to "bypass" (at a low volume) into the cold water supply line through the thermostatically controlled sensor valve, keeping the water in the hot water supply line at a "no-wait" temperature throughout the home. The timer on the pump makes it more efficient during downtime.

It's going to take a few months to determine how much this system will save us each year, but most estimates I have come across are in the neighborhood of 11,000-15,000 gallons of water saved per year. Obviously, this is offset somewhat by the additional expense of running the pump, but this can easily be minimized by setting the timer on the pump for peak use.

There are other ways to accomplish the same results, depending on your needs and budget. If you are interested in installing such a system in your home, be sure to bring this up with your builder early in the process to avoid change fees. Better yet, hire me to represent you throughout the purchasing process, and I'll be happy to inform you of other energy-saving features you can ask for.

Next project... a whole house water filtration system!

ChathamArts 2010 Winter Classes Announced

2009-12-19T16:32:00.001-05:00

ChathamArts will once again be offering classes this winter at Briar Chapel. All classes are held at the Briar Club, except for Art History and Voice (see website for details).

Classes include: Creative Dance for Children, Dance Choreography, Hip Hop, Intro to Improv, Screen Printing, Self-Publishing Children's Books, and more. For a complete list of classes offered, and to register, visit www.chathamarts.org. Be sure to mention you are a Briar Chapel resident to receive a 10% discount.

ChathamArts, the Chatham County Arts Council, is a not-for-profit organization that supports and presents the arts and artists in our community. They encourage community participation in the arts to enrich the quality of life of the county's residents. They foster arts awareness and education, and encourage the use of arts as a tool for economic development.

2009 BC6 Endurance Race Results

2009-11-22T15:11:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Lee Matthew, yesterday's overall winner of the BC6 Endurance Race! He completed 11 laps (66 miles) in 5:41:08. Alex Hawkins and Kip Clyburn came in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

In all, 58 individuals or teams participated in this year's race. For a complete list of results, choose one of the following: Division Details – Overall Details – Division Summary – Overall Summary.

First Annual Briar Chapel Endurance Bike Race this Saturday!

2009-11-19T23:01:00.007-05:00

Please join me for a day of thrilling excitement at Briar Chapel's first annual 6BC Endurance Race this Saturday (Nov 21st) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hosted by the Triangle Off Road Cyclists (TORC), the event will feature six hours of competitive biking through groves of pines and oaks, past Pokeberry Creek, and up (and down!) the rugged terrain of Bennett Mountain.

Registration on race day is $60 for all categories. Pre-registration is available online, with prices ranging from $35-$45. All race proceeds will benefit local trail projects. A map of the race course is available here (PDF). For more information, visit the TORC website.

Even if you're not planning to race, spectators are welcome and invited to enjoy guided trail walks, live music, delicious BBQ, and a beer garden. This is also a perfect time to check out the community. Please contact Peter Winkler to schedule a tour and take a look at the available homes for sale.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended & Expanded

2009-11-15T15:03:00.003-05:00

With the new Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation passed on November 6th, now is the perfect time to purchase a home in Briar Chapel. The new credit extends the deadline to April 30th of next year, raises the qualifying income limitations, and expands the offer to include current homeowners who have lived in their residence for five consecutive years.

The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reason to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

For more detailed information, please visit the IRS or NAHB websites. I also recommend that you check out this whitepaper, which addresses many of the questions my clients have been asking.

PSNC Energy Offers Discounted Rate to Customers in Briar Chapel

2009-10-17T15:16:00.007-04:00

PSNC Energy, the utility that provides natural gas service to Briar Chapel, recently started offering a discounted rate for residential customers who qualify for service and whose homes meet the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® for Homes qualification standards, or equivalent.

Since all homes in Briar Chapel are required to exceed the ENERGY STAR rating, they qualify for Rate 102 (high efficiency residential service). As a result, homeowners pay $.05 per therm less than under otherwise applicable Rate 101.

This discount isn't automatic, however. You must mail, fax or email the ENERGY STAR certificate or equivalent documentation you received from your builder or Southern Energy Management to PSNC in order to qualify:

Builder/Commercial Group

PSNC Energy

PO Box 1398

Gastonia, NC 28053-1398

Fax: 704-810-3118

E-mail: PSNCBuilderGroup@scana.com

Should you have questions regarding the discounted rate, please contact PSNC directly at 1-877-776-2427. Otherwise, if you're interested in purchasing a home in Briar Chapel and take advantage of this discount, please email or call me at 919-360-1285.

2009 Parade of Homes Starts Today

2009-10-03T16:07:00.003-04:00

Now in its 26th year, the 2009 Parade of Homes showcases 59 new homes in our area and provides the chance for visitors to see the latest designs and features. This free, self-guided tour is on October 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 from Noon to 5pm.

The event also enables builders to enjoy some friendly competition, as each home on the Parade is judged by a panel of industry representatives from other markets in our region. These judges examine the design, quality, and creativity that each entry demonstrates, resulting in a numerical grade for each house. Awards are given to homes that achieve the highest scores in each price category.

This year, Briar Chapel has four entries in the Parade:

133 Saxapahaw Run: 3171 sqft / $549,900

207 Tobacco Farm Way: 2574 sqft / $425,000

1152 Great Ridge Parkway: 1402 sqft / $323,216

72 Grovewood Lane: 1584 sqft / $265,712

If you would like a guided tour of these homes, please contact me. I will be more than happy to point out the various green features that are available in these homes, as well as show you the amenities that residents enjoy throughout the community.

Minta Bell Designers Complete Model Home

2009-09-25T19:03:00.003-04:00

Earlier this month, the Minta Bell Design Group started furnishing the McNeill-Burbank townhouse model in Briar Chapel. They stayed true to Al McNeill's vision of creating an authentic home by using real furnishings and accessories instead of props. The finished product is quite impressive!

A few of the special touches include an Eastlake Chest, in which they discovered some linens and old photographs of its previous owner. If you look closely, you will find some of these portraits framed and placed around the home.

In keeping with Briar Chapel's green philosophy, they also used local sources for furnishings and art whenever possible. The table in the art studio, for example, is made of an old door with a new base and a piece of glass on top. The canisters in the kitchen are works by Mark Hewitt, and the vase on the coffee table is by Joseph Sand. The painting over the fireplace is by Marvin Saltzman.

To see photos taken by the designers during the installation, check out their blog: part one, part two, part three, and part four. When you're ready to see the townhomes for yourself, or any of Briar Chapel's other model homes for that matter, please contact me to schedule a tour. I would be honored to introduce you to this wonderful green community.

Murry Handler Art Exhibit Opening at Briar Chapel

2009-09-03T23:03:00.017-04:00

The first-ever Briar Chapel/ChathamArts Gallery Satellite Exhibit is set to open later this month. The exhibit will feature the work of NYC artist and award-winning illustrator, Murry Handler.

A reception will be held to celebrate this exclusive exhibit at one of Briar Chapel's model homes while Mr. Handler discusses his work. In addition, one lucky guest will take home a limited edition print of Handler's "Girl with Butterfly" giclee print (below), among his most prestigious pieces. If you wish to attend the event, please call me at 919-360-1285 for more details.

Used With Permission From the Artist

Handler lives in Fearrington Village, and is the author of "Almost a Jew: One Man's Search for God."

Briar Chapel Enjoys National Press Coverage

2009-08-20T19:15:00.004-04:00

In case you haven't already seen it, the Associated Press ran the following story recently that featured Briar Chapel: "Homebuilder sentiment index rises in August." This story was picked up by a number of major news outlets around the country, including: New York Times, ABC News, Houston Chronicle, Union-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, and more.

This led to a number of other follow-up stories, which also mention Briar Chapel...

Salt Lake Tribune: Home building rises for a fifth month; San Jose Mercury News: Single-family home building rises for 5th month; New Brunswick Business Journal: Construction of US homes falls one per cent in July...; Examiner.com: US home construction falls 1 percent...; The Plain Dealer: New-home construction flat, but builders optimistic of housing

Experience the Briar Chapel Lifestyle

2009-06-16T19:48:00.004-04:00

Throughout the year, Briar Chapel invites my clients to amazing events that give them a taste of what life is like in the community. Past events have included a Sustainable Living Event that featured a cooking demonstration by executive chef of The Fearrington House Restaurant and Country Inn as well as a Wellness Event with the University of North Carolina Wellness Center.

Most recently, we celebrated the 17th annual National Trails Day with guided tours of the trail system in Briar Chapel by the Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) followed by a cookout and pool party.

If you are interested in participating in upcoming events planned for this summer, and experiencing the Briar Chapel lifestyle, please contact me to start receiving invitations.

Trail and Art Guide Maps Now Available

2009-06-12T06:25:00.001-04:00

Already, over six miles of trails are now open at Briar Chapel. As I've mentioned in previous posts, there will eventually be about 24 miles of trails throughout the community. These will include a mixture of single-track mountain biking trails, boardwalks, paved or mulched walking trails, and sidewalks.

If you are interested in exploring the trails, I suggest you stop by the Information Center and pick up a copy of the new Trail and Art Guide. The free guide illustrates the best routes to see the community’s new art installations, including “Art in Nature” added in spring 2009. When you do, please be sure to let the great folks there know I sent you!

Once you've had a chance to explore the trails, I encourage you to consider helping the Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) build the emerging network of mountain biking trails in Briar Chapel. They are doing a wonderful job, and deserve everyone's support.

See you on the trails!

First-Time Homebuyers Take Advantage of Tax Credit

2009-06-08T23:21:00.004-04:00

A number of first-time homebuyers have already taken advantage of the tax credit when purchasing a home in Briar Chapel, and so can you!

In case you haven't already heard, Congress recently approved an $8000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit for principal residences purchased between Jan 1st and Dec 31st, 2009, with no requirement for payback. Since I'm often asked about this tax credit, I thought I would share some of the most frequently asked questions here:

1) Who is eligible for the tax credit? Only first-time homebuyers are eligible. Someone is considered a first-time buyer if s/he has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years prior to the day of the 2009 purchase.

2) How much is the incentive worth? Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 credit. Otherwise, if the home costs less than $80K, the credit will be equal to ten percent of the purchase price (i.e. $7500 credit on a $75K purchase).

3) How does the tax credit work? Every dollar of the tax credit reduces your income tax by a dollar. All you have to do is claim the credit on your individual income tax return. In other words, a qualified purchaser would first calculate their total tax due and then reduce this amount by the applicable credit. For example, if someone has a tax liability of $8,500 and is eligible for the full $8000 credit, they can reduce the total tax due to $500. In the event that someone is eligible for the full credit, but they entire tax liability for the year is only $6500, then the IRS would send them a check for $1500.

4) How do I apply for the credit? There is no pre-purchase authorization, application or similar approval process. Eligible homebuyers simply claim the credit on their tax return. The credit will be reflected on a new Form 5405. Visit the IRS website for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: I'm a real estate broker, not a financial advisor! Therefore, I strongly encourage you to talk with a CPA or tax specialist if you have any questions or concerns about this program and its impact on your tax liability. Otherwise, if you'd like to put the credit to good use, and purchase a home in Briar Chapel, I'm here to help!

Briar Chapel Wins Six MAME Awards

2009-06-01T07:18:00.006-04:00

Briar Chapel was a big winner at this year's MAME Awards (Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence) from the Triangle Sales and Marketing Council of the N.C. Home Builders Association. They took home top honors in each of the following categories: Best Advertising Campaign for a Master-Planned Community, Best Web Site for a Master-Planned Community, Best Community Information/Welcome Center, Best Community Ad for a Newspaper, Best Community (On-Site) Signage, and Best Brochure.

This competition recognizes local advertising, marketing, merchandising and product design efforts as well as sales volume. Honor recipients included area builders, developers, advertising agencies, graphic firms, interior design firms, landscaping firms, sales professionals and sign and display designers/fabricators. Winners of these coveted awards are recognized as leaders in the industry, providing cutting edge solutions to the home building industry. Kudos to the entire team at Newland for this accomplishment!

Summer Camps & Classes

2009-05-24T09:22:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't yet heard, Chatham Arts Council will be offering summer camps & classes at Briar Chapel this summer!

These art camps are meant to give your child an opportunity to experience music, painting and drama. They will also be teaching an adult drawing class.

All classes are held at the Briar Club, and are open to the public with limited space, so act quickly if you’re interested. To learn more or download a registration form, click here.

The Pool is Open!

2009-05-21T18:19:00.002-04:00

Briar Chapel's pool facilities opened yesterday for the first time ever!

A number of residents and non-resident members (sorry, member-ships have sold out already), as well as some Newland staff, enjoyed themselves under the watchful eye of the lifeguard staff.

As expected, the water slide and diving well were a big hit among the adults and children. Meanwhile, the younger ones enjoyed the splash pad and zero-entry pool. I particularly like the fact that Briar Chapel uses salt-water chlorination. The water feels smooth, is softer on your skin, and has no chlorine odor.

Folks that were not swimming relaxed on comfortable furniture that was installed last week. For shade lovers (like myself), there were plenty of places to sit under umbrellas or cabanas.

If you would like to see the pool, and experience what life is like at Briar Chapel, please schedule an appointment to tour the community.

1st Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race Results

2009-05-10T19:51:00.000-04:00

Over 150 people signed up for the 1st Annual Briar Chapel 5K, which benefited the Abundance Foundation in Chatham County. Overall winners were Jack Morgan (19:04) and Tiffany Thompsen (20:14).

Personally, I had a tough day, and finished much further back in the field. I did, however, enjoy the course - except for the last hill. I'm in the process of getting back into shape, and will be much better prepared next year!

For a complete list of results, visit East Carolina Road Racing.

Green Incentives at Briar Chapel

2009-05-01T07:47:00.000-04:00

In honor of the Green Home Tour, Briar Chapel's builder partners are offering the following green home features on all pre-construction sales until May 10th...

McNeill Burbank: Receive a free “Rain Water Harvesting System” as shown in the McNeill Burbank home showcased in the Green Home Tour.

Vanguard Homes: Receive a free tankless water heater.

M/I Homes: Receive an upgraded, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system (14SEER) for both zones of the home.

Chatham Builder Guild: Receive a free tankless water heater or an upgrade to Icynene® spray foam insulation in the roof.

Please contact me to learn more about these incentives, or to schedule a tour of homes in Briar Chapel.

Briar Chapel’s First Annual 5K Race

2009-04-26T17:26:00.012-04:00

I hope you will join me next Saturday (May 9) for the running of the First Annual Briar Chapel 5K Race!

The race starts at 8:00 am, and will follow a brand-new, well-marked, USATF-certified 5K course. Proceeds will benefit the Abundance Foundation, which sponsors innovative ideas to increase awareness of renewable energy and promote local food consumption.

An awards ceremony will immediately follow the race, with awards to overall and age group winners, with refreshments for all participants. You and your family can then attend a private showing of Briar Chapel’s model homes from 8:30 to 9:30 am.

Don’t miss your chance to run on this beautiful new course, tour the energy-efficient green homes, and help support your local community. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 am. For more details, or to pre-register online, visit Active.com.

See you at the race!

4th Annual Green Home Tour Starts Tomorrow!

2009-04-24T15:03:00.003-04:00

The 4th Annual Green Home Tour will be held on April 25 & 26 and May 2 & 3. This free, self-guided tour will include 36 green homes in Wake, Chatham, Durham, Orange, Granville, and Alamance Counties.

All homes are enrolled in the green-building certification program administered by the Green Home Builders of the Triangle. Each entry is required to achieve sufficient goals in all of the green building program areas and must conform to at least the bronze level of green certification. See my previous post for a list of homes in Briar Chapel on the tour.

You can pick up a free tour book at a number of local outlets during the week before the tour, including the Briar Chapel Information Center. Otherwise, visit www.TriangleGreenHomeTour.com for more detailed information.

Triangle Green Home Tour Coming Soon!

2009-03-30T07:47:00.006-04:00

The 4th Annual Green Home Tour has been expanded to two weekends in 2009: Apr 25-26 and May 2-3. This free, self-guided event will feature 36 entries in six counties.

As usual, the tour will allow you to examine a number of green building features in a wide variety of homes in all styles and price points -- ranging from Habitat and entry-level homes to luxury custom entries.

This year, Briar Chapel will have five homes on the tour, which are listed below. However, it is important to remember that ALL homes in Briar Chapel are required to achieve at least the bronze-level of certification upon completion.

1190 Great Ridge Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1194 Great Ridge Parkway (McNeill-Burbank)
1256 Great Ridge Parkway (Vanguard)
1269 Great Ridge Parkway (M/I Homes)
256 Windy Knoll Circle (Chatham Builders Guild)

To learn more about the tour, visit the HBA-DOC website.

Briar Chapel Townhomes Now Underway

2009-03-08T22:13:00.003-04:00

McNeill-Burbank has broken ground on their much-anticipated townhomes near the pool! The first of these units will be ready this summer, and each will have a master bedroom on the main floor with direct access to a private courtyard. They come in sizes ranging from 1925-2500 sqft, and are available in 3/4-bedroom, 2.5/3.5-bath configurations. Basements are also available.

Priced from the mid-$200s to high-$300s, these townhomes are sure to be popular with those looking for maintenance-free living in Briar Chapel. If interested, please contact me so that I can tell you about the current incentives being offered and setup a meeting to view floor plans.

Briar Chapel Middle School May Benefit from Federal Stimulus Package

2009-02-24T06:32:00.001-05:00

Congressman Bob Etheridge met with Chatham County and school officials recently to discuss the money that the state will receive from the federal stimulus package. A number of local projects may benefit, including construction of Briar Chapel Middle School and renovation of Northwood High School. View the full story, as reported by NBC 17.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-02-23T07:46:00.002-05:00

In its efforts to stimulate the economy and revive the housing market, Congress has enacted legistlation providing a tax credit of up to $8000 for qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

Learn how you can take advantage of this tax credit to buy a home in Briar Chapel.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Briar Chapel Middle School

2009-02-03T07:06:00.001-05:00

Community leaders were on hand last Thursday (1/29) just off Andrews Store Road to break ground on the new site of Briar Chapel Middle School. The new 120,000 sqft site will be home to a new $26.5 million facility that is built to be energy efficient and LEED certified, making it Chatham County's first green school.

Read the full story that News 14 published, which includes video coverage of the event.

Tree Spade Earthcasts at Briar Chapel

2009-02-01T15:57:00.006-05:00

If you've been to Briar Chapel, you undoubtedly noticed the large earthcast sculptures that adorn the traffic circle near the Briar Club and pool. These were created by Thomas Sayre, a Raleigh-based artist and co-founder of Clearscapes, a multi-disciplinary design firm.

Sayre’s large-scale sculpture and public artworks are installed worldwide, from Atlanta to Portland, and from Turkey to Thailand. Thomas is probably best known for the Gyre, the monumental earthcast rings he created at the NC Museum of Art. His local works also include the Shimmer Wall at the Raleigh Convention Center, the gleaming marble World Wall at Marbles Kids Museum, and the Pas de Chat outside the Progress Center for the Performing Arts on Lichtin Plaza.

Currently, Sayer is exhibiting two new bodies of work at the NCSU Gregg Museum of Art & Design. Similar to the installation at Briar Chapel, he is displaying a group of site-specific earthcasts made from a commercial tree spade. To see how he creates these sculptures, check out this time-lapse video on his website.

Briar Chapel Middle School Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled

2009-01-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

On Monday, the Chatham County Board of Education announced that a groundbreaking ceremony for the new middle school in Briar Chapel has been scheduled to be held on Thursday, Jan. 29th at 9:00 a.m.

According to Chatham County Schools Superintendent Robert Logan, the new middle school is projected to open in August 2010, and will cost an estimated $27 million. Here are just some of the details:

650 student capacity / 800 core
LEED Silver Certified

Learn more about Chatham County Schools.

Briar Club Achieves LEED Silver Certification

2009-01-07T21:56:00.006-05:00

Newland Communities recently announced that Briar Chapel's community clubhouse, the Briar Club, has earned LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver status. Here is the full press release:

Triangle’s Largest Green Community Receives Green Building Certification

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Newland Communities’ Briar Chapel, a 1,589-acre mixed-use community in Chatham County, has achieved Silver certification for its community clubhouse under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System™ from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The LEED for New Construction certification was obtained for the community’s 11,000-square-foot clubhouse. The building is the first Newland-owned community building to receive LEED certification. The LEED standard, created by the USGBC, is a third-party certification system and a benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Briar Chapel received points for the Silver certification level under the LEED for New Construction, which is the second of four levels of certification. Some of the sustainable and green elements incorporated into the facility include:

95 percent of space is daylight accessible
Low emitting materials such as low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints, composite woods and agricultural fibers
Water consumption reduced by 40 percent through low-flow toilets and showerheads
50 percent more efficient landscaping by using indigenous plants and a rainwater harvesting system

The LEED program regulates energy efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and sustainable sites. The certification is based on a points system, and each category requires specific requirements, which must be met before points are awarded. The LEED for New Construction Rating System is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government buildings, recreational facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories.

“The certification of Briar Chapel’s clubhouse is a tremendous achievement for the entire Newland Communities team and marks a great accomplishment for our company,” said Keith Hurand, senior vice president, division manager for Newland Communities Carolinas division. “This reflects the level of commitment we have to our homebuyers, as well as Chatham County and North Carolina and establishes Newland as a leading developer that creates healthy, long-lasting communities which preserve and conserve natural resources.”

Briar Chapel opened in September 2008 with more than 900 acres of open space just south of Chapel Hill. It is the largest community in the Triangle to require homebuilders to comply with rigorous new home construction requirements including the Green Building Initiative developed by Green Home Builders of the Triangle and ENERGY STAR®, creating high performance, healthier homes with measurable cost savings for residents and contributing to an improved quality of life.

Vanguard Concept Home Recognized By EPA

2008-11-19T22:07:00.016-05:00

Next Tuesday, November 25th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will recognize the Vanguard Homes’ “Sensibly Green” Concept Home in Briar Chapel as the first home in the country to be WaterSense™ labeled. The press conference will be held at 1:30pm in the Concept Home with a reception to immediately follow.

Stephen Johnson, the 11th Administrator of the U.S. EPA, will be one of the special guest speakers, and will discuss the WaterSense New Homes Pilot Program (of which Vanguard Homes is one of only seven builders in the country to participate).

Learn more about the WaterSense™ program, or read the full press release regarding this event.

Parade of Homes Entries

2008-10-03T20:53:00.006-04:00

Briar Chapel has 7 entries in this year's Parade of Homes, ranging in price from $345-699K.

I encourage you to stop in a take a look while the Parade is going on from Noon-5pm each of the next three weekends (October 4-5, 10-12 and 17-19). Stay tuned to find out who wins the Parade!

If you like what you see, please give me a call (919-360-1285) so that we can setup an appointment with one of the builders you like the most.

Briar Chapel Grand Opening Today!

2008-09-27T10:44:00.002-04:00

Today is the day! Briar Chapel is celebrating its Grand Opening today from 11am-3pm, and you're invited.

In addition to the many activities that have been planned, TORC will be on hand to conduct guided tours of the new walking/biking trails. Cycling Spoken Here will also be on hand for support, and will even have some demo bikes that you can take out for a spin. Hope to see you there!

Grand Opening of Briar Chapel

2008-09-22T22:19:00.003-04:00

I hope you'll join me in celebrating the grand opening of Briar Chapel this Saturday, Sept 27th, from 11am-3pm. We've waited a long time for this event, so you know that Newland Communities is going to make it extra special. You don't want to miss it!

In addition to taking a tour of the beautiful model homes, there will be plenty of wonderful activities for the whole family. For directions, click here. Once you get there, please register at the information center and let them know that Peter Winkler sent you.

Virtual Tour of "Briar Club"

2008-09-18T21:09:00.005-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Briar Chapel's clubhouse, the Briar Club, has been completed. Take a virtual tour of this LEED-Certified facility, which includes a number of gathering rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, classrooms, and more.

Vanguard Concept Home Announced

2008-09-17T00:11:00.003-04:00

Vanguard Homes announced today that it is currently building a "state-of-the-art" concept home in Briar Chapel, which will "...bridge the gap between ENERGY STAR and extreme green technologies."

According to the press release, the concept home will feature a number of sustainable features, including Water Sense™-qualified dual flush toilets and low-flow faucets, a whole house water filtration system, solar hot water heater, computer-monitored irrigation system, cisterns, an ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package, solar tubes, LEED-certified ceramic tile, and more.

New Feature: Progress Report

2008-09-02T22:45:00.002-04:00

If you haven't checked out Briar Chapel in awhile, I encourage you to do so. The development is buzzing with activity, as the four builders prepare for the upcoming grand opening. Already, two homes have been completed (the first residents have already moved into one!), and another 15 are under construction. This is in addition to the 8 model homes that are in the finishing stages. Yes, you read that correctly... 25 homes in a few short months.

To help you keep track of the progress, I will periodically update the report you see to the right of this page. When you're ready to see the progress for yourself, give me a call to setup a tour. Otherwise, if you're in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by the information center and say hello to the great folks from Newland Communities for me!

New Woods Charter School Opens

2008-08-25T22:30:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Woods Charter School celebrated the grand opening of its new 65,000 sqft facility near Briar Chapel. In addition to computer, biology and chemistry labs, the new school includes a gymnasium, a stage for a variety of events, and a soccer field. The new school is already near capacity at more than 485 students, due in part to the fact that the school's SAT scores rank sixth highest for a public school in North Carolina. Newland Communities (the developers of Briar Chapel) donated the 19 acres for the school.

If you're interested in learning more about Woods Charter, check out the school's website, my earlier posts, or the recent article by Chatham Journal.

Early-Bird Incentives Won't Last Long

2008-07-12T11:40:00.005-04:00

Folks are always surprised when I show them around Briar Chapel... they're amazed at how much work is being done already. In addition to finishing up their model homes, which have been designed and built specially for Briar Chapel, builders are busy at work on a number of homes for those who signed contracts in early-June. Work also continues on the two pools that are being built behind the new clubhouse. If you haven't already seen the Briar Club, I would love for the opportunity to give you a tour!

If you are at all interested in building a green home and becoming part of Briar Chapel, I encourage you to take advantage of some great incentives being offered before they're gone. Let's schedule some time to visit the community and talk about the green building practices being put into place to give residents the benefits of better energy efficiency, superior indoor air quality and water conservation.

TORC Continues Trailwork at Briar Chapel

2008-06-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

Volunteers from Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) continue to make progress on the emerging network of trails in Briar Chapel. Here are some pictures from their most recent work day. Approximately 15-20 miles of trail will ultimately be built, and open to the public, as construction advances through Briar Chapel.

Initial Briar Chapel Homesites Sold Out

2008-06-11T22:56:00.010-04:00

Newland Communities announced today that 15 contracts were signed for new homesites during a private preview event held between May 31 and June 6. Briar Chapel’s first buyers were able to personally select their homesite from Phase I of the 2,400 single and multi-family homes planned for the community over the next eight years. Read more...

If you weren't one of the initial buyers, don't fret. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to get together and identify your ideal homesite and builder. Just be aware that the current incentives won't last forever, and prices are likely to increase over time.

Give me a call at 919-360-1285 if you'd like to schedule a tour of Briar Chapel. In addition to showing you around, I would be delighted to discuss the green building and environmental sustainability initiatives they're implementing and practicing at this new 1,589 acre mixed-use, master-planned community.

LEED-Certified "Briar Club" Completed

2008-06-01T11:28:00.008-04:00

Briar Chapel's clubhouse, the Briar Club, was recently completed and looks incredible. This LEED-Certified (pending) facility includes a number of gathering rooms (many with beautiful stone fireplaces), a state-of-the-art fitness facility, catering kitchen, classrooms, and offices for HOA staff. All of the artwork, furniture and decor was chosen with one thing in mind, nature. Outside, they're still working on the two pools, a diving well, water slide, splash pad, cabanas, barbecue areas, a children's playground, and picnic glade. I hope you enjoy the slideshow I've put together.

Have You Reserved a Lot Yet?

2008-05-26T07:44:00.001-04:00

Only 6 days remain until builders start writing contracts for Briar Chapel on Saturday, May 31st!

If you haven't already met with me and reserved your favorite lot, now is the time to do so. Give me a call today at 919-360-1285 to schedule an appointment.

Limited Release Preview Event

2008-05-15T07:41:00.000-04:00

Would you like to have the opportunity to select the home of your choice in Briar Chapel before the public grand opening? If the answer is "yes," please let me know and I will get you an invitation to attend a private, LIMITED RELEASE PREVIEW EVENT that's being held on May 31st.

In order to prepare for this special event, we need to get together to pick a floor plan and location that's right for you. Once we've done that, we'll start the pre-qualification process with an approved homebuilder and get a priority number, which will allow us to choose an appointment time for the preview event.

Time is running out, so let's get started right away. Please call me at 919-360-1285 to get the process started.

Prime Briar Chapel Lots Still Available

2008-05-14T19:22:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in Briar Chapel, now is the time to build! Prices are only going to go up, and the best lots won't last long.

I would love to show you all of the great floor plans available to choose from, and introduce you to all that Briar Chapel has to offer. Give me a call today at 919-360-1285 so we can prepare for the upcoming pre-sales event in less than two weeks. Priority numbers are being given out, so time is of the essence.

Misconceptions about Briar Chapel

2008-05-10T08:59:00.007-04:00

The other day, I was talking with somone who wasn't all that thrilled about Briar Chapel. As I listened, it quickly became apparent that they had several misconceptions about the development, which were a result of some of the rumors that were floating around Chatham County during the planning stages.

Here are some facts I shared with them about Briar Chapel, which helped to clear up some of the confusion:

developers have preserved more than 50% (900 acres), including steep slopes, stream beds, significant tree stands, and several historic structures found on-site
it is the first (and largest) community in the Triangle to require homebuilders to comply with the rigorous new home construction requirements and third-party testing of the N.C. Green Building Initiative, creating high performance, healthier homes with measurable cost savings for residents and contributing to an improved quality of life
contrary to earlier rumors, Briar Chapel will NOT include a golf course
30 percent of the homes face south to increase efficiencies and solar capabilities
the clubhouse will be LEED-certified
the developers convinced Thompson Contracting, who is handling site development, to use biodiesel in some of its earth-moving equipment
64 units will be made available for affordable housing
Newland Communities has already donated over $1 million to our local Habitat for Humanity
all stone used in Briar Chapel is native to the site, including its beautiful masonry walls, roadbeds and trails (but excluding the gravel in the parking lot at the Info Center)
meandering, bifurcated roadways were designed to maximize the tree canopy for the native birds
24 miles of trails connect the entire community
a $10 million sewage treatment plan was constructed allowing for spray irrigation and the use of reclaimed gray-water irrigation for all open space
the developers have created and funded a foundation that will support local artists and various green initiatives (more on this later)

I could go on, but I think you get the point. Although no housing development is perfect, I hope you'll agree that Newland Communities is striving to be responsible and make a positive difference in the world by creating enduring, healthier communities.

Briar Chapel Builders Announced

2008-05-06T07:48:00.006-04:00

Newland Communities has announced that they have selected four area builders to comprise the builder team for Briar Chapel, who will all be required to build sustainable, environmentally responsible homes. The builder team consists of Chatham Builder Guild, LLC; M/I Homes, Inc.; McNeill Burbank; and Vanguard Homes.

I have already met with some of these builders, and am prepared to assist you in choosing one that will best meet your needs. Please contact me today to get started.

About Chatham Builder Guild
The Chatham Builder Guild, LLC, is a select group of custom builders serving the Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham County area. Based in Chatham County, N.C., this group of award-winning builders was created to provide truly custom construction, innovative design and personalized service which individually-owned and operated firms can offer. Guild associates are long-standing members of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties, are consistent Parade of Home winners, and are active participants in the Green Building Council.

About M/I Homes
M/I Homes, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is one of the nation’s leading builders of single family homes. M/I Homes has established an exemplary reputation based on a strong commitment to superior customer service, innovative design, quality construction and premium locations. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, M/I Homes serves a broad segment of the housing market including first-time, move-up, luxury and empty nester buyers.

About McNeill Burbank
McNeill Burbank, an affiliated company of Saussy Burbank, has been crafting new homes in the Raleigh, N.C. area since 1992. McNeill Burbank has built more than 700 new homes and won numerous awards for quality and style. The unique designs borrow architecturally from the past while blending a contemporary, timeless look that's rare today. McNeill Burbank prides themselves on the new communities they have chosen to build in, in just the right locations. Saussy Burbank is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based homebuilder, nationally recognized for building homes with distinctive architectural details and innovative floor plans.

About Vanguard Homes
Vanguard Homes was established in 2006 as the outgrowth of a successful North Carolina-based homebuilding company in operation since 1980. With unwavering determination, Vanguard remains committed to being an area leader in homebuilding quality, service, and innovation validated by measurable differences in community development, product design, and home efficiency.