Monday, April 26, 2010

Limited Opportunities Left for New Homes in Berewick North Carolina Neighborhood

Consider making Berewick you New Home in North Carolina.

Here, beautiful open spaces and neighborhood parks are interspersed between villages that connect to the Berewick Manor clubhouse.

Abounding with history that dates back to the 1700’s when a group of Scots settled along the shores of Lake Wylie. In honor of their heritage this amazing master-planned community bears the name Berewick.

New Homes in the North Carolina neighborhood include brick fronts (per plan), 9’ flat ceilings, brushed nickel hardware, 42” cabinets, granite countertops as well as other great standards. There is also access to a separate amenity section, featuring a neighborhood pool and playground!

Limited opportunities remain in the Castlecove village so act fast if you’d like to own a new home in this section of Berewick. Here, you’ll be a short distance from the Berewick Town Center. Or if you want to get out and enjoy nature, walking trails lead to the planned 195-acre park. The Berewick District Park will have over 3 miles of trails including a mountain bike trail, soccer fields, ball fields and even a dog park. The natural beauty of the land will be enhanced with unique planting areas designed in cooperation with Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.

For a list of available new homes in North Carolina, visit www.SheaHomes.com.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Great Benefits to Living and Working in Raleigh, N.C.

North Carolina New Homes

Raleigh is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. A great economy, top universities, and outstanding health care facilities are some of the attributes that attract people to the triangle area. The mild climate, diverse workforce, and proximity to Research Triangle Park combine to make Raleigh a great place to live and work.

Interested in working for the City of Raleigh? Here is a summary of the benefits that the City offers to full-time permanent employees:

  • Vacation Leave - 12 days earned per year
  • Sick leave - 12 or more days earned per year
  • Additional sick leave - Up to one year additional sick leave
  • Petty leave - Up to 12 hours per year may be used
  • Holiday - 11 paid holidays per year
  • Award for service -Lump sum annual payment to employees with at least 5 years of service
  • Employee’s coverage paid by the City for: Medical, dental, life insurance
  • Retirement - The City provides a contribution to the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System, and provides for optional supplemental retirement plans
  • Merit Pay Plan - Periodic pay adjustments based upon job performance

Looking for a new home in North Carolina?

Check out Mackintosh on the Lake.

Mackintosh on the Lake is a 612-acre community located off I-40/85 between Raleigh and Greensboro at Exit 140, It is an idyllic canvas of open meadows surrounded by historic oaks and bordering Lake Mackintosh in Alamance County. Greensboro is just 15 minutes away and Raleigh is 40 minutes down I-40.

Lake Mackintosh is a crystal-clear lake that is more than six miles long and covers over 1100 acres, with 100 miles of shoreline. Well-known to fishing and boating enthusiasts, the lake enjoys a resort-like atmosphere, complete with a marina, sailing, rental boats, picnic areas, paddleboats and more.

Mackintosh also features over 80 acres of community open space and 2.5 miles of protected shoreline, with tree-lined sidewalks and pocket parks throughout the community, including a private 10-acre lake, and a lakeside pavilion and fire pit. The Aquatic Park features several pools, plus a 120 foot long slide. Residents with dogs will have fun with their furry friends at the local dog park.

New homes at Mackintosh on the Lake feature crawl space foundations with front porches and stone accents, plus decorative garage doors. The homes are open and airy with 9' ceilings, allowing an abundance of natural light inside. Basement home sites are also available.

For more information on North Carolina new homes by Shea Homes visit www.sheahomes.com.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

New Furniture For Your New Home in North Carolina

So, you’ve purchased your new home in North Carolina and now need to furnish it....

You’re in luck! The Carolinas are famous for well-crafted furniture, often sold at competitive prices.

Before heading out, be sure to plan for your shopping trip. Luckily, many of the furniture stores are close to one another which means you may not have to drive far for a good selection.

Thanks to writer Katherine O. Pettit and CarolinaLiving.com, there is good advice available to think about before grabbing your keys and hitting the road. Here are 10 good tips to keep in mind while furniture shopping in the Carolinas:

1. Plan ahead. Know your furniture needs. Make a list of the pieces and sizes you plan to buy. If you have a color scheme, bring fabric, paint swatches along with room dimensions. Bring your decorator if you must!

2. Don’t be shy to ask questions about the reputation of dealers and manufacturers. Shopping with an experienced sales person makes a big difference. Insist the business is a member of the Better Business Bureau and Chamber.

3. Not everyone accepts credit cards - have another payment method ready.

4. Comparison shop instead of buying compulsively - selection, price, quality and service are all important factors.

North Carolina New Homes

5. Consider comfort. Furniture should be comfortable, so sit on it! Are coils centered in the seat area? Check edges for support. Padding should be firm, not lumpy.

6. Examine the finish. Trust your senses, touch and look carefully. Is the piece smooth and does it flow? Are grains and patterns matched? Are glass tops thick and fitted perfectly?

7. Check construction. Is the pattern centered and does it match top-to-bottom and side-to-side? Are seams reasonably straight? Don't hesitate to rock a table back and forth. Sit in a chair to assure it is sturdy. Do drawers open smoothly?

8. Always consider your lifestyle when selecting upholstered items. Ask the sales person for advice. Do you have young children or pets? Cotton, vinyl or leather work well in a family room. Silk, velvet and satin work best for adult-only families. Is the fabric stain resistant? Evaluate seating options: down fill, eight-way hand-tied springs, foam?

9. Remember to get cleaning instructions for your new purchases!

10. Get a commitment on delivery date. Expect a minimum of six weeks for special orders. Custom orders can take four months or longer. On arrival, inspect each piece while the delivery person is still in your home.

Enjoy your new furniture in your new home!

Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.