Capp's apizza Coming to Briar Chapel on Thursday Nights this Summer

Briar Chapel is pleased to announce that Capp’s apizza will be selling their delicious pizzas in front of the Briar Club every Thursday night from 6-8pm throughout the summer.

Capp's specializes in true artisan wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, utilizing all natural and fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from our local landscape.

In our opinion, what makes Capp’s Apizza unique is their mobile pizza oven, fondly named "Vesuvio." This wood-fired masonry oven was designed around the original ovens of Pompeii, the area just outside of Naples, Italy. The oven is fired using local hardwood (they prefer oak) and reaches temperatures between 850-1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Each personal sized, cooked-to-order pizza takes just 60-90 seconds to cook to perfection.

We hope to see you at the Briar Club on Thursday nights! Please plan on wait times between 15-20 minutes, and prices between $9-13 per pizza.

Become a "Resident for the Day" and Experience the Briar Chapel Lifestyle

As we tell all of our clients, Briar Chapel isn't just a neighborhood... it's a lifestyle!

So, we don't just show homes to prospective buyers when visiting this unique community.We also spend time exploring all of the opportunities the community offers its residents to be active, explore nature, engage with family & friends, and participate in enriching activities.

If you are looking for a new home, and would like to experience the Briar Chapel lifestyle firsthand, please consider registering to become a "Resident for a Day" and enjoy the following:

• One-day pass to enjoy the saltwater pools & waterslides. 
• Mountain bikes that can be checked out from the Info Center and used to explore our trails and the community (2 adult and 2 child bikes along with helmets available). 
• Map of our trails and fun ideas for ways to explore it, including a scavenger hunt and butterfly nets for the kids. 
• The ability to participate in one of our resident clubs, such as gardening, knitting, Mahjong or cards.
• Cool swag, including chairs, water bottles, books on the type of trees and birds native to our area, etc.

Registration also provides invitations to private events and notifications about new offerings as the community develops.

The pool just opened this week, so please be sure to contact Jen Winkler at Jen@TeamWinkler.com or 919-593-3662 to register today! 

Chapel Hill Ranks in Top 15 of America's Most Affordable Places to Live

Chapel Hill, where Briar Chapel is located, recently ranked No. 11 on a list of "America's Most Affordable Places," published by personal financial website NerdWallet.

The ranking is based on price variations in several categories – such as groceries, health care, utilities, transportation, goods and services – as well as U.S. Census Bureau data on median income. Places with the biggest difference between the income index and the cost of living index were ranked favorably as the most affordable places.

Read the full article.

For Sale: Custom Contemporary in Briar Chapel

We just learned that one of Homes By Dickerson’s recent custom builds has become available for sale, but hasn't yet been listed with the MLS.

Situated on one of the largest homesites in Briar Chapel with a wooded buffer in the rear, this 3931sf contemporary-style home has 4 beds, 4.5 baths, and a master & guest suite on the main level. The saltwater pools, fitness center, and trails are nearby.

The owners added a number of incredible features to the home, including:

• 10kW solar PV system
• Professional sound system
• Thermador appliance package
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Radiant floors in master bath
• Custom closets system
• HexaLED lighting 
• and more! 

This home is priced at $800,000. For more information, or to schedule a private showing before the rest of the world learns about it through MLS, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

 This post was made with permission of the listing agent.

10th Annual Triangle Green Home Tour May 2-3 & 9-10

The 10th Annual Triangle Green Home Tour starts today! 

This free, self-guided event will feature over 30 green-certified homes across the Triangle, and will be held on May 2-3 and May 9-10, 2015 from Noon to 5pm.

The tour will allow you to examine a number of innovative 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. 

Briar Chapel will have five homes on this year's tour, which are listed below:

• 110 Old Piedmont Circle (Homes By Dickerson) 
• 33 Old Piedmont Circle (David Weekley) 
• 23 Old Piedmont Circle (Saussy Burbank) 
• 77 Sagebrush Road (M/I Homes) 
• 1954 Great Ridge Parkway (Lennar Homes) 

However, it is important to remember that ALL homes in Briar Chapel are required to be green-certified upon completion. So, if there is a particular home for sale that you like that's not on the tour, Jen Winkler would be happy to arrange a private showing for you. Give her a call at 919-593-3662. 

To learn more about the tour, visit www.TriangleGreenHomeTour.com. Otherwise, Peter Winkler has some extra tour guides if you need one - just stop by his office at 307 Dark Forest Drive in Briar Chapel. You can also view a virtual list of homes on the tour by downloading the iPhone or Android app, or downloading the tour book. 

Green Tour Kickoff Brunch at Briar Chapel 

From 10:30am-Noon on Saturday, May 2nd, please join us at the Briar Chapel Information Center (16 Windy Knoll Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27516) for Brunch & Mimosas. You'll learn more about green building techniques and the benefits of owning a green home. The President of the Home Innovations Research Lab will be attending and has some exciting news to share!

Just Listed: 136 Owen Towne

Jen just listed one of Homes By Dickerson’s popular "Millhaven" models for sale in Briar Chapel. 

Situated on a coveted homesite on an established street, the home faces Briar Commons Park and Amphitheatre and backs up to Adventure Park. This custom home features a number of upgraded features, including:

• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• granite counters
• undercabinet lighting
• granite counters in master bath
• dual shower heads 
• laundry sink 
• ample walk-up storage over 2-car garage 
• and more! 

This home is priced to sell at only $365,000 and refrigerator, washer/dryer convey. See more photos here, but you really have to see this home in person to appreciate all of the details and its location. To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

 

Meet Homes By Dickerson's Architect in Briar Chapel this Sunday from 1-3pm

In case you're going to be in town this weekend, please consider attending Homes By Dickerson's Meet the Architect event in Briar Chapel on Sunday, April 19th, from 1-3pm at their Sales Model & Design Center (307 Dark Forest Drive).

Drop in and enjoy some light refreshments while you tour their design center and watch Jeff Williams, Homes By Dickerson's registered staff architect, sketch new floor plans on his drawing board.

He will also be answering questions about his profession and how he helps create custom designs & elevations for the builder's prospective buyers in Briar Chapel.

Please RSVP to Peter Winkler (919-360-1285) if you plan to attend.

Springfest at Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel this Sunday, March 29th

A couple of our neighbors will be playing at Springfest this Sunday, March 29, at Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel.

Music starts at 1pm with Jason Derrick, followed by Hal Mekeel's Doc Branch Band until 4pm.

Little Dippers Italian Ice, Carolina Brewery, and American Meltdown will be on hand to provide refreshing treats for all ages!

Groundbreaking of Briar Chapel's Commercial Parcels Underway

As a community that encourages connections and celebrates an integrated way of life, Briar Chapel residents are excited that construction has begun on Phase 1 of a 500,000 sqft, high-end commercial development including restaurants, retail shops, & offices. This initial phase is located at Briar Chapel’s main entrance along the 15-501 corridor.

Design and permitting for the commercial parcels are underway while the land is currently being prepared for vertical construction to start this Summer with businesses possibly opening as soon as early-2016.

We've learned from several sources that a variety of potential tenants have already expressed interest in the project, including a cafe, preschool, dentist, pediatrician, grocers, and other professionals. Please note that tenants will not be named until contracts have been signed and announced.

For more information about the project, including possible site plans, visit Montgomery's website or contact John Fugo at jfugo@mcarolina.com or 919-969-7301.

Disclaimer: The drawings and uses depicted here are proposed and hypothetical in their nature. The layouts, size, and positioning of all the buildings, as well as the exterior elevations, are all likely to change and/or be modified as approvals are achieved and tenants and uses are confirmed. Any information on such properties is presented to set forth certain prospective developments for general informational purposes only. See Montgomery's website for additional information.

7th Annual Briar Chapel Earth Day 5K & Kids Dash on Saturday, April 25th

We hope you will join us for the 7th Annual Briar Chapel Earth Day 5K & Kids Dash! Here are all the details...

Who: 100% of proceeds benefit the Abundance Foundation.

What: 5K (USATF Certification Pending) & Kids Dash
Where: Great Meadow Park - get directions here
When: Saturday, April 25, 2015 - race starts at 9am
How: Registration is $25 by 4/19 or $30 after 4/19 - register online or onsite at 8am.

Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall men and women and top 3 men and women in each age group.

Google Fiber Commits to Triangle Area

Google Fiber has just announced it is coming to the Triangle!

Last year, Google began working with cities in the Triangle region to explore the possibility of bringing super-fast Internet to residents and businesses. Based on the level of interest, enthusiasm and commitment shown by the community, they have chosen to bring Google Fiber to Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas.

Just how fast is Fiber? Really fast. It's up to 200 times faster than 5 Mbps broadband, and 50 times faster than 20 Mbps broadband. Meanwhile, Briar Chapel residents are currently relying on either Time Warner, AT&T Uverse or various satellite providers for Internet access.

Google Fiber costs $70 a month for up to 1,000 Mbps WiFi speed with no construction fee. The company also provides basic 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed for free with a $300 construction fee. There's also a more expensive plan that includes cable TV.

Learn more about Google Fiber.

Just Listed: 83 Kimbolton Place

UPDATE: Jen put this home under contract!

Jen just listed one of McNeill-Burbank's popular "Bynum" models for sale in Briar Chapel.

Situated on an established street only one block from the clubhouse, saltwater pools, playground and community garden, this home features a number of upgraded features, including:

• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• screened porch  & grilling deck
• upgraded appliances
• farmhouse apron kitchen sink
• custom built-ins & wainscoting
• granite countertops
• frameless shower surround in master bath
• and more! 

This home is priced to sell at only $378,900. See more photos here, but you really have to see this home in person to appreciate the beautifully landscaped corner homesite and Craftsman details. To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

Builder Model Leaseback Programs in Briar Chapel

Did you know that several of the homebuilders in Briar Chapel offer their model homes for sale to investors who are interested in making a return on their money without the hassle of having a live-in tenant, or to someone who wants to eventually live in the home but might not be ready to move in right away and wants to take advantage of today's low interest rates and prices?

It works likes this... a buyer purchases a model home and then immediately leases it back to the builder so the builder's sales team can utilize the model as an office and show an example of the type of homes they are building in the community. Most leaseback programs last for a period of 1-2 years, but occasionally they can last for as long as 5 years (as is the case with the info center in Briar Chapel). The length of time will usually depend on how quickly the builder can sell out the community in which the model is located, or moves onto a new phase and wants their model to be located closer to where available homesites are.

Here's the best part about builder model leasebacks. Unlike a typical investment property scenario, the investor with a model home leaseback doesn't have to worry about tenants damaging the home or not maintaining the landscaping. The builder has every reason to keep the property looking its best, and typically takes care of all maintenance and repairs. Additionally, they may even make improvements along the way to keep the home looking brand new.

In exchange for use of the model home, the builder pays the owner a monthly rent payment that is typically more than the mortgage payment on an 80% LTV mortgage. Since they have a commercial lease, as opposed to a residential lease, the builder often pays for the property taxes, insurance and HOA dues as well.

If you are interested in learning more about builder model leaseback opportunities in Briar Chapel, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

Kids Movie Night at Briar Chapel

Since she was 4 years old, one of our daughter's favorite monthly events in Briar Chapel is Kids Movie Night.

Last night was no different. She got to throw on her PJs, grab a sleeping bag, and head up to the Briar Club to watch Mr. Peabody and Sherman with 30 of her friends from the neighborhood.

The cost is only $12/child (plus $8/sibling), which includes pizza for dinner and an intermission halfway through the movie to play some fun games and have dessert.

Best of all, Kids Movie Night gives parents a chance to reconnect and be adults. We like to use the time to go out on a fun date together, host a dinner party at the house, or get together with a group of our friends at a nearby restaurant or beer garden.

Just another example of the great lifestyle residents enjoy!

Chapel Hill Ranks Among "Best Places to Live in America" from Money Magazine

Chapel Hill earned accolades in Money magazine's recent annual rankings of the “Best Places to Live in America” in the following categories:

• No. 36 for "Best Places to Live"
• No. 8 for "Youngest Places to Live"

This year, Money Magazine set out to find the nation's top small cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000.

Starting with a pool of 781 cities, they used data from
Onboard Informatics and other sources to comb through everything from the local economy and housing market to schools and healthcare—more than 50 factors in all. Then, they sent reporters to visit the top scoring places, looking for a sense of community and other intangibles.

If you are considering Chapel Hill for your next home, please reach out to Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662 to setup a private tour of the community and homes for sale.