I hope this little blog and spreadsheet can help a few of you house hunters out there!
Please note- I elaborated on home plans that we are more interested in more than others so if I did not include yours, please shoot me an email and I'll add yours!
Thank you!

Builder/Neighborhood Website Link Plan Name	Location	Start Price - Max Price Min-Max Sq. Footage	Features	Avail. Pictures	Other Info... including link to People's Opinions and Input
KB Homes/Twin Lakes Website Link 919-460-8860 - Hours: Mon 2-7 Tues-Sat 10-7 Sun 12-7	103 Bright Sand Court Cary, NC 27519 approx. 7 miles (11 min) SE of RTP	291,990 - $359,990 1,553 to 3,872 sq. ft.	Single Family Homes Martha Stewart Community (interesting article re: MS Homes) Craftsman Style/New England Style 1- and 2-story homes 3-6 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms 1-2-car garage 10-Year Limited Warranty	Morningside model - 1874 sq feet, $291,990	There are many other floor plans. Please check out the website to view them all! Swimming pool & other amenities One poster mentioned that the plane noise is loud overhead take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Updated 10/14/08	Visited 3 times in the last year	Prices have really gone down, they only have a few floor plans left	...	really nice interiors	KB lacks craftsmanship and quality, in MHO. We skipped this subdivision because of plane noise, lot size and because the homes are on a slab and seem more like manufactured homes.
KB Homes/Twin Lakes Townhomes Website Link 919-465-7408 - Hours: Mon 2-7 Tues-Sat 10-7 Sun 12-7	3020 Freeport Drive Cary, NC 27519 7 miles (11 minutes) SE of RTP	$148,990 - $167,990 1,378 to 1,695 sq. ft.	Martha Stewart Community New England Style in Design Townhomes 4 models and 4 floor plans 2 story homes 2-3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms 10-Year Limited Warranty	Floorplans available only No Pictures Yet!	Swimming pool & other amenities take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Washington Square at Amberly Townhomes Website Link 919-469-0655 - Hours: Tue-Sat 10-6 Sun-Mon 12-6	1048 Remington Oaks Circle Cary, NC 27519 7.5 miles (about 19 minutes) SW of RTP closer to Jordan Lake	$169,990 - 206,990 1625 - 1932 Sq. Ft.	Townhomes 4 models and 5 floor plans 2 story homes 2-4 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms 1-car garage KB HOME 10-Year Limited Warranty		take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Cobblestone Place Website Link 919-359-0193 - Hours: Sun-Mon 12-7 Tues-Sat 9-7	43 Averasboro Drive Clayton, NC 27520 35.1 mi (38 min) SE of RTP	$130,990 - $183,990 1,385 to 2,914 sq. ft.	Single Family Homes 3 models and 13 floor plans 1- and 2-story homes 3-5 bedrooms 2-3 bathrooms 1-2-car garage KB HOME 10-Year Limited Warranty		Johnston County Schools take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Ravenstone Website Link 919-957-2515 - Hours: Mon 2-7 Tues-Sat 10-7 Sun 12-7	407 Ravenstone Lane Durham, NC 27703 9.2 miles (16 minutes) NW of RTP	$158,990 - $220,990	Traditional Style Homes 2 models and 8 floor plans 2 story homes 3-6 bedrooms 2.5-3 bathrooms 2-car garage		Community Swimming pool picnic area pond close to Falls Lake take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Ravenstone Website Link Hancock - Floor Plan	See Above	$220,990 - 3,396 Sq. Ft.	2 stories 4 bed + loft + den 2.5+ baths 2 car garage		My opinions after watching virtual tour: No popcorn ceilings - step up ceilings crown molding, very nice Lots of windows, bright Large Loft Master bedroom has small seating area Living room seems a tad small Family room/kitchen - sort of narrow, put opens up to dining LOVE the kitchen and the odd opening french doors Wish I could see the bathroom 3 other bedrooms all lined up in a row, kinda funky take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Ravenstone Website Link Berkley - Floor Plan	See Above	$206,990 - 2,396 Sq. Ft.	2 stories 3 bed + loft + den 2.5+ baths 2 car garage	Picture on Website of exterior was broken?	My opinions after watching virtual tour: Nice size kitchen, looks very much like the Hancock model, but fireplace situated in the middle of the living room Seems a little more cramped than Hancock but you are losing 1000 sq ft Loft is more cramped Master bedroom very similar to Hancock, but just a tad smaller take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Update 10/14/08	Too East for us	pricing was great!	...	...	Again, slab foundation, not the best location for us. I couldn't find new shopping (A harris teeter for example). A 2 lane highway would be the major route out.
KB Homes/Stone Hill Website Link 919-598-7152 Hours: Tue-Sat 10-7 Sun-Mon 12-7	917 Obsidian Way Durham, NC 27703 9.2 miles (16 minutes) NW of RTP	$122.990 - 164,990 1349 - 2500 Sq. Ft.	Traditional - almost Farmhouse House 3 models and 10 floor plans 2 story homes 2-4 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms 1-2-car garage		Several small ponds and open greenway in the community After watching a virtual tour, seems light and airy but kitchen was small Master bed/bath small windows in master bedroom limit where you can put furniture formal dining small take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Bingham Station Madison Collection Website Link 919-772-5288 - Hours: Tue-Sat 10-6, Sun-Mon 12-6	1720 Ackerman Road Garner, NC 27529 30 miles (33 minutes) SE of RTP (near hwys 40/70)	$145,990 - $174,990 1558 - 2914 Sq. Ft.	Traditional w/ brick and shutters Single Family Home 2 models and 5 floor plans 2 story homes 3-5 bedrooms 2.5-3 bathrooms 2-car garage		Wake County Schools Has a train station for a rec. center take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Home/Kenion Grove Website Link 919-424-1697 - Call for Appointment	Childsberg Way Hillsborough, NC 27278 22.3 miles (28 min) NW of RTP	$209,990.00- $241,990.00 - 2118-3396 sq. ft.	Single Family Homes 10 year warranty 2 car garage	visit their website for more pictures... exterior pics not available as of 7/10/07	Orange Co. Schools Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce Link Swimming pool & other amenities take me to the Opinions and Input blog lot size?
KB Homes/Battle Ridge at Chastain Website Link 919-771-2012 - Hours: Tue-Sat 9-5 Sun-Mon 12-5	5805 Carretta Court Raleigh, NC 27610 27 miles (31 min) SE of RTP	$135,990 - $176,990 1573-2914 Sq. Ft.	Brick style traditional homes White cabinets in one picture 3 models and 9 floor plans 2 story homes 3-5 bedrooms 2.5-3 bathrooms 2-car garage		Wake County Schools The interiors look very much like Ravenstone (above) take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Battle Ridge at Chastain - Charleston Website Link 919-771-2012 Hours: Tue-Sat 9-5 Sun-Mon 12-5	5805 Carretta Court Raleigh, NC 27610 27 miles (31 min) SE of RTP	$116,990 - $149,990 1278-2217 Sq. ft.	Brick/Traditional 1 model and 6 floor plans 2 story homes 2-4 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms 1-car garage KB HOME 10-Year Limited Warranty		Wake County Schools take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Jamison's Run Website Link 919-954-4858 Hours: Tues-Sat 10-7 Sun-Mon 12-7	Fox Road Raleigh, NC 27616 21.5 miles (23 minutes) SE of RTP (40S to 540 E)	$200,990 - $249,990 1761-2914 Sq. Ft.	Traditional w/ porches - More "Homestead" Farmhouse looking 2 models and 6 floor plans 2 story homes 3-5 bedrooms 2.5-3 bathrooms 2-car garage KB HOME 10-Year Limited Warranty		Wake County Schools Weren't many pictures, but the few on the site looked good. Not too many 90 degree angles in the living/family rooms. Crown molding etc. Nice porches and white fences in front, garages are cute. take me to the Opinions and Input blog
KB Homes/Wynbrooke Website Link 888-481-6541 Hours: Mon 2-7 Tues-Sat 10-7 Sun 12-7	Strickland Road Raleigh, NC 27613 approx. 11 miles East (13 min) of RTP in between the 70 and 50, below the 540	$378,990 - $491,990 1875-3872 sq. Ft.	Martha Stewart Home 10 floor plans 1- and 2-story homes 3-6 bedrooms 2-4 bathrooms 2-car garage 10-Year Limited Warranty	Pictures aren't available yet	take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/Collington Farms - Collection I Website Link 919-563-0099 Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	Mebane, NC 27302 less than one mile from I85/40 Interstate off Mebane Oaks Road approx. 37 miles (41 min) NW of RTP	$149,000 - $178,000 1510-2444 Sq. Ft.	Traditional - craftsman-like style Single Family Homes 3 Bedrooms 2 Full/1 Half Bath 2-3 Living Areas 1 Dining Area 1-2 Car Garage 2 Story Master Bedroom Downstairs or Upstairs	"Weatherstone" Model 2444 sq. ft.	take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/Collington Farms - Collection II Website Link 919-563-0099 Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	Mebane, NC 27302 less than one mile from I85/40 Interstate off Mebane Oaks Road approx. 37 miles (41 min) NW of RTP One home had an address of: 2012 Sugar Hill Drive Creedmoor, NC 27522	$173,000 - $201,000 1930-2961 sq. Ft.	Traditional - Craftsman-like style 7 Plans to choose from 3 - 4 Bedrooms 2 Full /1 Half Bath 2 - 3 Living Areas 1 - 2 Dining Area 2 Car Garage 2 Story Master Bedroom Upstairs or Downstairs	"Hawthorne" Model 2723 sq. ft.	take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Update 10/14/08	Too Far away from RTP for us	...	...	...	...
Centex /Dansforth Website Link 919-570-0023 Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	9008 Dansforeshire Way Wake Forest, NC 27587 approx. 26 miles (30 min) East of RTP	$256,100 - $432,500 2245-4198 Sq. Ft.	Traditional Style 3 - 4 Bedrooms 2.5 - 4 Full Bath 2 - 5 Living Areas 2 Dining Areas 2 Car Garage 1 - 2 Story Master Bedroom Upstairs or Down	"Carlyle" model - 2522 sq ft - $279,380 "Stratford" model - 3475 sq ft - $374,600	Beautiful floor plans Stratford's master bathroom is amazing with wood built-in cabinets Lots of windows, archways, not a lot of 90 degree angles. very elegant take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/Bishop's Gate Website Link Phone: 919-465-1895 Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	West High Street Cary, NC 27513 14 miles (21 min) SE of RTP	$407,000 - $495,000 2986-4728 Sq. Ft.	Traditional Style 4- 5 Bedrooms 2 - 4 Full /1 Half Bath 2 - 5 Living Areas 2 Dining Areas 2 Car Garage 2 Story Master Bedroom Upstairs or Downstairs	This was the only picture available on the website. Not sure which model this is	take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/Harrington Pointe Cottages Website Link 919-846-6678 - Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 27617 approx. 13 miles (14 mins) NE of RTP	$220,000 - $251,000 1700-2600 Sq. Ft.	Single family home 3 Bedrooms 2 Full /1 Half Bath 1-2 Living Areas 1 Dining Area 2 Car Garage 2 Story Master Bedroom Upstairs	"Avery" Model - 1935 sq ft - $237,500	The one model they had on the website looked bright and airy take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/Harrington Pointe Villas Website Link Phone: 919-846-6678 - Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 27617 approx. 13 miles (14 mins) NE of RTP	$297,000 - $349,000 1900-2700 Sq. Ft.	Ranches and downstairs master plans Landscaping maintained by HOA Neighborhood Pool and Clubhouse 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Bath 1 - 3 Living Area 2 Dining Areas 2 Car Garage 1 - 2 Story	"Lassiter" model shown - 2178 sq ft - $322,100	take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/The Pointe at Amber Ridge Website Link Phone: 919-266-7200 - Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	Smithfield Road Knightdale, NC 27545 approx. 28.5 mi (29 minutes) SE of RTP	$140,000's - $171,000's 1510-2444 Sq. Ft.	3 Bedrooms 2 Full /1 Half Bath 1-3 Living Area 1-2 Dining Area 1-2 Car Garage 2 Story Master Bedroom Upstairs or Downstairs	"Weatherstone" model 2444 sq ft - $171,000	In my opinion... doesn't have as much character as other houses. Kitchen is basic. take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Centex/Ganyard Farm Website Link 919-596-3800 - Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM Sun 1PM-6PM	Hwy 98 Durham, NC 27703 approx. 10 miles (16 minutes) NE of RTP	$170,000 - $203,000 1930-2961 Sq. Ft.	Traditional hint of craftsman 3 - 4 Bedrooms 2 Full /1 Half Bath 2 Living Areas 1-2 Dining Area 2 Car Garage 2 Story Master Bedroom Upstairs or Downstairs	"Bayfield" Model only avail. in pictures - 2566 sq ft - $196,680	Model shown was "okay" but lacked luster. Boxy with plain cabinets and other details. Exterior is pretty take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Update: 10/14/08	Location: Good location, central to everything, but you are in a congested area near the Streets at Southpoint. Makes me nervous that you have only a 2 lane highway to get in and out.	...	...	...	I like Centex... and I like this neighborhood, but I'm concerned about the congestion in this area.
Experience One/Kitts Creek Website Link 919.993.3377 - Hours: Open Daily: Mon-Sat: 10AM-6PM Sun 1PM - 6PM	6333 Kit Creek Road Morrisville, NC 27560 4 miles (8 mins) SE of RTP	$270,000's - $550,000's 1800-4300 sq ft.	6 different "series" each with about 4 plans and 5 styles in each plan. Lots of variety. "turn of the century" architectural style Whimsical, fun & Colorful very different very small lots There is a LOT to choose from Take a look at the website for more details		HOA dues $35/month Have yet to see interior shots Opinions and Input blog
Update: 10/14/08	Location: It is centrally located. But, plane noise is loud.	A bit expensive for what you get.	...	...	Very charming outside, but inside I wasn't as impressed. They are smooshed together and you don't really get a yard. They claim that they are so crammed together to maximize the feel of a community but I found it to be too friendly.
Pulte Homes/Harmony Glen Website Link 919-387-7666 Hours: Mon- Sat 10am - 6pm Sunday 1-6	Turner Creek Road Cary, NC 27519 approx. 12.6 miles (20 min) South of RTP	$292,900's - $307,990's 2217-2474 Sq. Ft.	Traditional style 4 bedrooms 2 full baths 1 half bath "Dresden" Model for example 2217 sq ft, $292.900 4 bed/2.5 bath 2 car garage		Not a lot of information on their site. When checking JD Power & Assoc. site, Pulte got above average reviews. take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Update: 10/15/08	Pulte: McCrimmon: We came in from the 55 I believe, and if you miss your turn on the right, it's a pain. Harmony Glen - nice houses, look like the others. A tad crammed. Out of our price range		...	...	Mccrimmon: Overall, nice houses. The pool is nice, the location is ideal... if you like noise and traffic. The plane noise is substantial. I didn't like the way in or out. The infrastructure just hasn't kept up with the building, in my opinion. And, the crawl spaces are made of concrete blocks that were painted instead of brick. It looked tacky. Harmony Glen - Liked the neighborhood... but it was a bit out of our price range. Yards were big, nice floorplans.
Lennar/Stone Ridge II Website Link 919-876-2022 Hours: M- Sat 10-6 Sun 1-6	Welcome Home Center 5312 Stone Station Drive Raleigh, NC zip n/a? Near the triangle town center, I-440 & I-540	From the $270's Min-Max Sq. Footage	"Only 7 properties left!" according to their website 4-5 bedrooms 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms Couldn't get virtual tour to work	"Ashford" Model	Clunky website. When checking JD Power & Assoc. site, Lennar got above average reviews. take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Lennar/Woodbury at the Village at Rolesville Website Link (919) 453-0550 Hours: Mon - Sat 10-6 Sun 1 - 6	Welcome Home Center 529 Littleport Drive Rolesville NC zip n/a approx. 28 mi (34 min) East of RTP	From the $260's to $287's 2400-2800 Sq. Ft.	3-4 bedroom 2.5 - 3.5 bath 2 car garage stainless steel appliances including w/d, micro, fridge		Interiors seem plain except for a few vaulted ceilings & scattered columns in the entrance. Cabinets look cheap. Fireplace is *yawn* take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Anderson Homes/Pine Valley Website Link 919-528-9980 Hours: ???	Creedmoor, NC. From Raleigh- Take Highway 50 North to Highway 56 (East). Take a right on Highway 56 and community will be 1 mile on the left.	160's - 280's 1660-3653 Sq. Ft.	Mostly 2 stories w/ one ranch 2 car garage 3,4,5,6 bedroom options 2.5 - 4 Baths "Energy Star Homes" - tighter constructin to keep allergins out, vinyl coated windows, odd vent things, and other outside anti-eroding things sorry, my research brain just went to sleep.	Only one model is ready - "Redwood C" $244,900 - 4 bed/2.5 baths	Mt. Energy Elementary Granville Elementary GC Hawley Middle S. Granville High "virtual tour" wasn't working for me. I could see floorplans, but not too much more. I don't really like their website. take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Anderson Homes/Bridgewater Website Link 919-577-2211 Hours: ???	Holly Springs, NC. From Raleigh- Take US 1 south to Hwy 55 exit. Take Hwy 55 Towards Holly Springs. At the stop light intersection of Hwy 55 and Hwy 55 by-pass, turn left onty Hwy 55 (Technology Drive). This becomes E Williams St. and then N. Main St. Go about 1.8 miles and the entrance will be on your left just past Arbor Creek Subdivision and Trellis Point Apartment Community..	170's - 280's 1407-3407 Sq. Ft.	Mostly 2 stories w/ one ranch 2 car garage 3,4,5,6 bedroom options 2.5 - 4 Baths	4 beds/2.5 baths 2264 sq. ft. Price: $224,695 this one is sold	Holly Springs Elementary Holly Ridge Middle Holly Springs High Middle Creek High School take me to the Opinions and Input blog
McCar Homes/Miramonte Website Link	Apex	$270's 2400's sq ft.	2 stories 4 bed 2.5 bath Garden Tub in Master 15 year warranty		in my opinion Kitchen is too small Many posts on NC boards point to McCar being poorly built, shady, and hard to work with or they take your earnest money completely, I'm going to stay away Some pretty molding & ceiling features expensive for what you get (how big is lot size?) take me to the Opinions and Input blog
??/Flowers Plantation - Mill Creek West Website Link 866.553.1984 - call first? Mill Creek Drive & Box Grove Court	4880 NC 42 East Clayton NC 27527 Approx. 38.8 mi (41 min) from RTP	Mill Creek Drive $279,900 2471 sq ft .20 acres Box Grove Court $213,500 1855 sq ft .23 acres	3 beds 2- 2.5 baths	Mill Creek Drive Box Grove Court	How many new homes are there? when were these built? Very cute... too far away from everything (1 hr from S&A)? Not a lot of info on their website. Very Pretty but too far out for us, personally take me to the Opinions and Input blog
M/I Homes/Latta Woods Website Link 919-477-8600 Hours: Mon-Fri 11-6 Sat 10-5 Sun 1-6	5013 McKittrick Lane Durham, NC 27712 directions: I-85 to guess rd. north exit. Turn right at Latta Road. Latta Road and McKittrick Lane.	From the $210's 1700-3376 Sq. Ft.	2 stories 2 car garage 3-4 bed 2.5 - 3 bath	Ashwood Slab Hendricks Slab	Ashwood:Kitchen setup is not appealing to me. Cabinets look cheap. Moldings in the house look cheap :( Master bedroom is huge. Hendricks: Interior looked better than Ashwood to me. Master bed looked really nice with step-up wall shelf thing on one side. Had crown molding, but kitchen still needed "something". I wish I could see the bathrooms. take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Rhein Interests/St Lawrence Homes/Ashfield Place Website Link For more information call: Randy Cox Phone: (919) 477-9985 Pager: (919) 310-6632 rcox@stlh.com Hours: Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 6pm	Durham. No exact address - off the 157, take bramble drive? east. One specific house: 5205 Paces Ferry Drive	$269,900 - $360's 2100 - 3504 Sq. Ft.	3-5 bedrooms 2.5 - 4.5 bath For a list of features, click here	"The Savannah" 1 story smallest home	Would like to see the inside! HOA dues are $600 annually Eno Valley Elementary Carrington Middle school northern High School take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Rhein Interests/St Lawrence Homes/Morgan Creek Website Link Terri Perry Phone: 919-557-4446 Pager: 919-625-8107 tperry@stlh.com Hours: Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 6pm	Fuquay-Varina. No specific location, off the 401. Address of one of the homes: 809 Bluff Creek Drive (Lot 46)	$259,900 - $375,900 2142-3588 Sq. ft.	3-5 bedrooms 2.5 - 4.5 bath For a list of features, click here		take me to the Opinions and Input blog
D R Horton/Swann's Mill Website Link Sales Office: (919) 471-3805 Main Office: (866) 625-0012 Fax:(919) 477-9838 HOURS: Open Daily! Monday-Saturday 11AM-6PM Sunday 12-6PM	1204 Calvander Court Durham, NC 27704	$157.990 - $206,990 1,511- 3,055 Sq. Ft.	Clubhouse with pool - with a waterwheel! 3 - 4 2 - 2.5 bath 1 and 2 story 2 car garage	"Payton" model $206,990 - 3,055 square feet	take me to the Opinions and Input blog
D R Horton/Savannah Website Link (919)388-8757 sales office (866)625-0012 Main office Hours: Mon - Sat 11 am - 6pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm	100 Old Savannah Drive Morrisville, NC 27560	$307,990 - $357,990 2282- 3000 Sq. Ft.	3-4 bedroom 2 - 3.5 baths 3 story 2 car garages Community Park and Pool		take me to the Opinions and Input blog
Update: 10/14/08	okay location... central to RTP, Durham and Raleigh	...	...	...	Beautiful homes, gingerbread dollhouse exteriors, but the garages are detached and the lots are itty bitty.

*********************Everything below was added 10/14/2008, everything above was put together at the beginning of 2007***********************************

Drees Homes Website Link Brightleaf	Durham 27703 off of Sherron Road and the 70/Glenwood avenue	307+ 2500 square foot +	Great amenities.... nice pool, tennis courts but the annual dues are very high. Drees is a great builder.		I've been over to the Drees side several times, including a jaunt over to the Brandywine subdivision in Cary. I love their homes and they are built really well but the prices at Brightleaf have fluctuated a lot since early 2007. That's to be expected in this market, but it was alarming at how much of a difference in a year. The lots available now aren't ideal. I don't like the location. It's too far East for our needs and there isn't a lot of newer shopping areas around. I really want to like Brightleaf, but it's just not living up to the expectations they promised back in 2007.
Shea/Brightleaf Website Link Brightleaf	Durham 27703 off of Sherron Road and the 70/Glenwood avenue	350K+ 2600 sq ft +	Beautiful homes... great floorplans		I love shea homes. I liked this subdivision and that each home backed up to woods (well, most of them). They were a little out of our price range (cheapest right now is $388K), but I think that Brightleaf's location just isn't what we want right now Great lot sizes, too..
MI Homes Website Link Stone Bridge	In Cary/Apex off of Kildaire Farm Road and 10-10 road	320K + 2500 square ft +	Built really well		I love this subdivision minus five things... no pool, tiny tiny lots (.25 acres), up against Kildaire Farm road, they have a standing water run off drain directly behind some of the homes against a walking trail and they are really far south away from RTP and Durham. If I could get a really good deal I would consider this, but I had to let it go after weighing our options.

****************Resale neighborhoods, my opinions..... 10/14/08*********************************

Haddon Place, Apex zip 27502 - Brittley way, Haddon Hall Drive
Love this subdivision. Houses built around 1997. Vinyl siding, good sized lots (.25+) great sidewalks and pool. Close to Beaver Creek shopping It's a little far west and south, but we'd consider this location.

Scotts Mill, Apex zip 27502 - Scotts ridge trail
SO charming, LOVE this subdivision because the homes are so unique. Gingerbread dollhouse with great easter egg bright colors. Some have 1 car garages, didn't like that it's a tad rural for us and even farther south and west than we want to be. Oh, and it's sort of close to the nuke plant (I'm a worrier).

Amberly - Raleigh/Morrisville - Mccrimmon pkwy & yates store road
ohmigosh, the pool. It's awesome. The houses are on top of each other and expensive. Such great floorplans you almost don't care. Expensive... 300-600K. plane noise HIGH.

Streets at Southpoint Durham Area - 27517
I drove all around here. Fayetville road, Massey Chapel, Barbee and hwy 751. It's easy to get lost for me in this area. Smaller streets (any widening any time soon?). Great location, close to hwy 40, but ugh... come xmas, I won't want to live here. MI, Centex, toll brothers... Settler's Mill (didn't like), Chancellors ridge (5 year old houses shouldn't look this bad... who is the builder?), Grandale forest (didn't like this neighborhood for some reason). Huntington Ridge (LOVE this neighborhood, but totally priced out, over 350K to 500K), Frenchman's Creek (cute...), Woodcroft (really like the area but a lot of homes have 1 car garage and I keep reading about termites, foundation settling and masonite problems.. I'm going to avoid this for now) etc etc. All here... totally congested. again, my opinion.

Hope Valley - Durham 27713 - north of streets at southpoint
I didn't make a lot of notes on this one, and it's sort of a blur... but I think I liked the area. I need to go back and do more research.

Governor's Park - MI homes in Chapel Hill area
OH MI GOSH.... if we could afford this, this would be the ideal place for us!!! 400-600K. Craftsman homes, lovely porches,

Forest Brook - Durham (near chapel hill) 3403 Denada Path, Durham NC 27707
Loved this little NEW neighborhood. Nice floorplans, colorful fronts... but tiny yards and lots. No pool, very small subdivision. Only way in is on a one way street, sort of. I wish it had better access in and out. Nice shopping a few miles away (Parkway plaza), but in-between it's not so nice. 10-15 minutes from chapel hill.

Magnolia Place - Durham 27703 - Centex resales
Great subdivision... I didn't see anything wrong with it. Great houses, great lots... great pool near Briar Creek but not a lot of shopping right near the subdivision. Train runs pretty close by. I want to go back and "observe".

My thoughts overall... (as of early 2007)

Centex seems like the best builder by JD powers, talking to a few inspectors and by looking their pictures. I've only logged about 1/3 of their properties, need to finish that.

KB is okay, but lacks charm and the homes look similar to manufactured homes. Overall, they seem higher than average. On the Boards, KB's upgrades add up really quick, is a deal breaker to some.

Lennar has no charm (in my opinion), but I haven't seen them yet

Kitts Creek was the leader until I read their long mission statement. Forcing us to socialize as we did in pre WWII America isn't everyone's cup of tea. I love their look but the lot sizes are itty ("on purpose!")

Pulte... their single family homes seem pricey for what you get. Website doesn't show interiors and the "we reserve the right..." is everywhere. Seems cold. Found some info on the construction features with "Steel reinforced poured concrete elevated foundations" and info on the 10 year protection plan and extensive customer service program. Perhaps that's why they are pricier?

Anderson Homes. I didn't like their website and I felt as if I was on the Walmart website (only my opinion). It just seemed a tad cheesy. The houses available were farther away from RTP than we would have liked. If I see more "buzz" about them, I'll do more research. It's hard to assess a property without seeing the inside. One person on the forum loves her Anderson home in Cobblestone ("ask for Cheryl"). Look into that. She saw others and swears by hers. In other places where the "upgrades" cost a fortune, Anderson has them standard... according to this owner Check bridgewater, too.
Another poster's opinion: "I have been doing lots of research btwn both and have found that #1 - Anderson just had their new lots released for building Mid May, thats why you have not seen any homes going up. #2 - time = quality, b/c of the Energy Star qualifications Anderson goes thru many more inspections then KB does (I would rather wait a bit for a better built home) #3 - Anderson starts at 170 not 200 and Anderson offers ALOT more already included (9foot smooth ceilings, f/p, bath with sep shower/tub, upgraded doors, etc, etc,etc) and their lots start at about a 1/4 of an acre (I belive that KBs are around .15?) #4 - 28 year history of zero warranty claims for Anderson IMO that speaks volumes!"

McCar Homes seemed okay, but to see the price you are advised to "Call an agent". Website was confusing.

• Foreclosures:
  Read the whole thread & check out the links