News & Events Archives | Homes By Dickerson

Lower Rate & No Wait

November 15, 2023 Homes By Dickerson

Have you been holding off on buying your dream home because of interest rates? We have good news! You don’t have to wait much longer. Homes by Dickerson is working with a trusted lender to offer you a rate buydown incentive. You can get a rate buydown on the interest rate for homes that close by the end of March!

Buy down your rate on select designer homes with our rate buydown offer.

What is A Rate Buydown?

Temporary rate buydown programs offer a reduced mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for a set amount of time, which can help lower the initial loan payments. After the temporary buydown period has ended, the mortgage returns to its original rate by gradually increasing by 1% each year.

How Does it Work?

If you are offered a 2-1 buydown, it allows you to enjoy reduced interest rates for the first two years of your mortgage. The interest rate drops by 2% in the first year, 1% in the second year, and then returns to the full interest rate by the third year. The costs of the payment reduction are paid at loan closing. The servicer will hold the fees collected at closing in escrow and will remit the funds from this account to cover a portion of the monthly payments for the 2-year buydown term. Buydowns allow you to more easily qualify for mortgages with a lower interest rate.

EXAMPLE OF A RATE BUYDOWN:

Let’s say you qualify for a 3-2-1 buydown for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 7.5% interest rate. Your buydown would lower your rate to 3.5% in the first year, 4.5% in the second year, and 5.5% in the third year. Then, your loan’s original 7.5% rate would apply from the fourth year onwards until your loan is paid in full or you refinance.

Featured Designer Homes

Buy down your rate with our rate buydown offer. Available on select homes!

Wendell Falls | Wendell, NC

1178 Cottonsprings Drive

Townhome

1164 Cottonsprings Drive

Townhome

136 Mossy Falls Way

Single-Family Home

Chatham Park | Pittsboro, NC

Rates as low as 4.99%* on these select homes!

36 Shergold Drive

Single-Family Home

107 Banning Drive

Single-Family Home

270 Wendover Parkway

Single-Family Home

Blanton’s Creek | Wake Forest, NC

1445 Blantons Creek Drive

Single-Family Home

Braden Place | Southern Pines, NC

315 Braden Road

Single-Family Home

Nexton | Summerville, SC

163 Pocket Bend Circle

Townhome

695 Blueway Avenue

Single-Family Home

Let us know if you have any questions! Contact us today to schedule a tour.

Parade of Homes Floor Plans Sneak Peek

September 8, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

It is that time of year again, and we cannot wait to show you what we have planned. No, it is not the anticipated holidays, it is the Parade of Homes! Each year in October, our dedicated team works tirelessly to showcase some of the best and boldest home designs. And this year is no exception. Homes By Dickerson is here to take it up a notch with an exciting new collection of homes… with character.

Our theme this year is built around homes with character. For each home, we created a fictional character and a story to represent them living their romanticized lives within them. Take a look!

Lagniappe Rosé in Chatham Park

This beautiful Cooper plan embodies 2,029 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Inspired by the historic scenery of New Orleans and its southern charm, this home will be designed to the nines. Step into a long foyer to find the glorious kitchen with a waterfall island. Then, explore the primary bath with a zero-entry design and linear shower drain. In this home, you will feel as if you have walked into a southern dream where you can sip iced tea on the covered front porch and then glide through the sliding glass doors to the screened back porch. It is the perfect mix of historic and modern touches.

The story of Lagniappe Rosé invites you to meet Valeria Lucentio. She is an accomplished jazz band musician who falls in love easily. If you are lucky, she will play you a song on the guitar and write a letter that romances you.

Maison Des Fleur in 751 South

The Willow floor plan found in this year’s Parade of Homes will have you traveling to a charming English countryside village. With 7 bedrooms and 5 and a half bathrooms spanning across 3,300 square feet, this home is the quintessential dream home for growing families and avid entertainers. The additional living unit above the 2-car garage is ideal for adult children visiting from college or relatives coming to spend a long weekend. It boasts a beautiful view of the future family garden. Additional features like the fireplace with pre-cast concrete and the creative craft room are special highlights of this home.

While looking out the window at the view of the garden, you will find our Maison Des Fleur character planting flowers with her family. Eight-year-old Sadie Brown loves helping her family with the garden. Along with her twin brother and parents, she lives with her sweet grandmother, who enjoys a spot of tea in her in-law suite.

Grand Vin in Wendell Falls

As the name suggests, the Grand Vin parade home is inspired by Napa Valley’s modern wineries. There are a ton of features to love in this customized Bristol floor plan. Firstly, you will find not one, but two cozy fireplaces. One inside the home and one outside. Secondly, before going up the stairs, there is a quaint dog kennel for the favored furry friend in the family. Thirdly, barrel vault ceilings can be found over the wet bar and in the butler’s pantry. Come to the Parade of Homes event to see even more fun features of this home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,930 square feet of living space.

Doctor Talia Stoll is the relatable character of Grand Vin. While she loved her life in Sonoma Valley, CA, she could not help but feel drawn to the sweet southern atmosphere of NC. Missing her family, you can find her in the craft room putting together a package for her niece.

Treelight Chic Townhome in Wendell Falls

In this collection of parade homes, we cannot forget our wonderful luxury townhomes. Nothing says “healthy, active lifestyle” like a townhome surrounded by walkable conveniences. But after a long day, it is nice to come home to a relaxing retreat in a chic styled home. This Park Ave floor plan has plenty of room for entertaining and a 2-car garage with ample storage. Throughout the 2,282 square feet of living space, you will find 3 bedrooms and 3 and a half bathrooms. The 10-foot ceilings create an open, airy feel in the large living, kitchen, and dining room areas. The second floor provides access to an uncovered rear deck where you can relax and take in the fresh air.

In this townhome, the story of Sofia Gonzales comes to life. By day she is a journalist and editor, but by night she is either reading or listening to some good music. She loves her private life here with just her and her Yorkie. However, tonight she is headed to Treelight Square to prepare for her dinner party!

These are just a few of the details of our Parade of Homes floor plans and their unique character stories. If you are impressed now, just wait until you see the full designs that complement their layout. Ready to save the date on your calendar or view models that are just as special? Connect with us online or contact our new home sales consultant at 919-205-3404.

Meet Our New Lender Partner

July 22, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

So often in the home buying process, the financial details seem to be an afterthought – especially when it comes to choosing a lender. But at Homes By Dickerson, we believe that you deserve to navigate the mortgage process with the same confidence and ease you experience in your home buying process.

This is why we are so thrilled to offer you the expertise of our new Mortgage Partner, Twin State Lending. This is a company that shares our dedication to luxury customer service. With Twin State Lending, you will find a trustworthy mortgage professional that offers top notch service and extensive guidance to meet your unique financing needs.

Through this partnership, our homebuyers will enjoy the flexibility, convenience and ease of working with a trusted partner. Plus, you’ll appreciate quicker, more efficient processes since Twin State Lending is the exclusive Homes By Dickerson Lender. Plus, we will be able to offer extremely competitive rates with rate buy-downs, and more.

Our experienced Mortgage Loan Originator, Kevin Dail, will offer the same upscale experience you’ve come to love at Homes by Dickerson. A lifelong resident of the Triangle, Kevin has experience working with both large national banks and local community banks, cultivating his commitment to availability and tremendous service for his clients.

After taking a break from banking to work in real estate development, and to operate an indoor athletic training facility for local youth, Kevin returned to banking, specifically the mortgage industry. For the last seven years, most recently as a preferred lender for a large regional builder, he has used his diverse banking, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal approach to help potential buyers achieve their dream of home ownership. Kevin enjoys golfing, watching and coaching baseball, and spending time with his wife and two kids.

We can’t wait for you to meet Kevin, and experience the smooth and seamless approach he and Twin State Lending bring to your homebuying process at Homes By Dickerson.

WHY YOUR LENDER MATTERS

If you are in the market for a new home or have been watching the news, you are aware of the volatility in mortgage rates right now. In short: The Federal Reserve is hiking the fed rate up to battle rising inflation. (June 2022 experienced a hike of 75 basis points.)

These hikes will continue until inflation starts to decrease. Any time this happens, it causes a bit of chaos in the markets. Mortgage rates are increasing as the rate hike makes it more expensive to finance goods (i.e. home, car, appliances, credit cards, etc). All of this uncertainty may give buyers in the market pause. In some cases, it can price them out of homeownership entirely.

What we have to remember is this: Mortgage rates always have and always will fluctuate based on markets and the economy. The average refinancing cycle is every 2-3 years. Historically, that means rates will go up and down. If you purchased a mortgage at a peak rate, then you can refinance into a new lower rate when the rates lower.

If a traditional mortgage is out of reach right now, there are now other options on the table. We are seeing 7-10-year ARM mortgages make a come back. (ARM stands for adjustable rate mortgage.) This means you buy in at a lower rate now, and the rate will go up (based on the current market rate) in the designated time frame (7 or 10 years, whichever you purchase). If you choose an ARM, you will most likely get to refinance down to a lower fixed rate before that time passes, based on the historical 2-3 year mortgage cycle.

Even in this unpredictable rate environment, it’s still a good time to make a move. Remember, while you can maneuver around rates, you can never replace land and location. If you find the community, homesite or home of your dreams, don’t wait to act. This opportunity may not come around again, and you deserve to enjoy your life to the fullest.

Homes By Dickerson is so excited to partner with Twin State Lending because we are able to offer our homebuyers some very aggressive rates and programs in this new rate environment. Currently, we are offering options ranging from 14-month mortgage rate locks to fixed rate buy-down options. Please talk with one of our onsite new home consultants or our preferred lender for more details.

Summer Festivals in Charleston

June 15, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

Charleston is a beautiful city all year round, but summer is the “hottest” time for visitors. Despite the heat and humidity, Charleston plays host to a variety of events and festivals all season long. And residents of our communities in Mt. Pleasant and Summerville will have plenty of summer fun to choose from this year!

JUNE

As residents and visitors alike head toward the sea islands north and south of the city, there are several big festivals this month.

Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals | May 27 – June 12

America’s premier international performing arts festivals feature events and performances across the city.

Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival | June 18

This festival celebrates the food, music and culture of the Caribbean, with a carnival and a parade.

Juneteenth Week | June 13-19

Events celebrating Juneteenth, including a festival at The Bend, North Charleston, with food trucks, live music, children’s activities, fireworks and other entertainment.

ArtWalk | First Friday of every month

Art walks in downtown Charleston galleries

Party at the Point | Friday evenings, May 6 – July 8

Happy Hour concert series at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, Mount Pleasant

JULY

Despite the heat, there are fun happenings in addition to the 4th of July festivities.

4th of July Fireworks

Don’t miss the huge fireworks display at Folly Beach

Uncle Sam Jam | July 4

Live music and dancing at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Tickets required.

Southeast Crab Feast | July 9

All you can eat blue crab seafood festival at Wannamaker Park, North Charleston. Tickets required.

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival | July 23

Annual celebration of Gullah-Geechee heritage in Mt. Pleasant, with sweetgrass basket demonstrations, arts and crafts, and other entertainment. Free admission.

Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series | July 31

Triathlon races at James Island County Park, with 600 yard freshwater swim, 12 mile cycle and 5K run.

AUGUST

Charleston is beyond hot and humid in August, and most people head for the cool breezes on the sea islands. There are fewer organized events, other than the music-and-dancing series at Mount Pleasant, and various concerts.

Beer From Here | August 19

Refreshing event at the South Carolina Aquarium featuring a selection of local and regional beers.

SC Reggae Jerk & Wine Festival | August 27

Celebrating Jamaican food and music, with taste-offs, demonstrations, chili-eating contests, live music, arts and crafts, and more.

Grape Stomp Festival | August 27

Annual festival at Deep Water Vineyard, with Lucille Ball look-a-like contest, grape stomping and other entertainment.

Summer Wine Festival | August 27

Wine festival at Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal. Featuring 50+ different wines, mimosas, and more. Air-conditioned venue with waterside patio. Live Music and a DJ. Tickets required.

For more information about our new home communities available in the Charleston area, please connect with us or call us at (843)466-4875.

women in construction homes by dickerson

Homes By Dickerson Celebrates Women in Construction Week

March 9, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

Homes By Dickerson is proud to celebrate the 24th Annual National Women in Construction Week, March 6-12, 2022! The purpose of this week is to highlight the women making a difference every day in the construction industry, to raise awareness about the opportunities for women, and to emphasize the growing role that women play in an industry that so significantly impacts the economy and society in general.

The Homes By Dickerson team is made up of many amazing women (almost half of our company!), each contributing her talent, knowledge, and skills to help our clients build the homes of their lives. They are incredible people to know personally, and we’d love for you to get to know a few of them, too!

Below you’ll hear from Lea Ricks, Kelly Smith, Cassie May, Susan Falcone, Kelli Gray, Rachel Morrison, Turner Hairr, and Rae’Shawn Norwood about what they love most about working in new home construction and being part of the Homes By Dickerson team.

Lea Ricks, Senior Project Manager

What do you love most about working in construction?

I love the fast-paced work environment. In my role, no day is ever the same which means there is never a dull moment!

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

I couldn’t imagine working anywhere but HBD. We work hard, but the team makes sure we play hard as well. Our leadership team has created an environment like no other to work in. As for my job, it is most rewarding to be able to take a client’s vision and make it a reality. Many of our clients are creating a “forever home” and it’s just the best feeling to turn over a house that is exactly that!

What are your favorite hobbies?

Really anything outdoors! I love the beach, the occasional hiking trip, and spending time with friends and family and of course, my dog.

Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?

Being a woman in construction has its share of challenges, but it is all about how you adapt to those challenges.

Kelly Smith, Client Care Representative

What do you love most about working in construction?

When I joined the military back in 1996, I wanted to be a Seabee. Seabees built new construction in the military. Instead of following this path, I got to be an Electrician’s Mate, which started my love of construction. Part of my job was to “chase grounds” throughout the ship. I got my hands dirty, solved problems, and made the vessel I traveled on, and at times lived in, safer. I knew once I left the military that I wanted to stay in the construction field. I have worked in numerous positions throughout my career, but my favorite has always been the warranty department. It is always about problems that need to be solved and process improvement to prevent these issues from occurring in the future.

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

What I love most about HBD is being able to help a client in need. It never gets old knowing that a homeowner is pleased with the warranty service they have been provided.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love kayaking, playing cards, concerts, hiking, and traveling cross country.

Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?

I want every woman who is considering joining the construction industry to know that this field is rewarding. Never second guess your knowledge just because someone doesn’t think you have the know-how. Stick with it if this is what you love!

Cassie May, Architectural Drafter

What do you love most about working in construction?

I love watching the process from beginning to end. Being able to see the preliminary stages of designing the home with clients up to the final stages is exciting. It’s also fun to watch our clients’ personalities come out in the design of their homes.

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

Everyone at HBD is not only welcoming but willing to sit down with you and help you learn and grow. Being straight out of college with a full-time job can often be very intimidating because everyone you’re working with already has experience over you. At HBD I have learned so much because everyone wants to help you succeed and grow in the company and as a professional. It’s not only a great company with quality builders but a team that values everyone within the company.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I’m really into re-organizing everything in my apartment right now, browsing Pinterest, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

Susan Falcone, Creative Director

What do you love most about working in construction?

It is ever-changing and always interesting! Being on the design side and working one-on-one with clients in new construction can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding! You’re helping your clients take a new, blank canvas and turn it into something that feels like home and speaks to who they are, and I think at the end of the day that’s what I love the most – seeing so many different designs and combinations come together and how excited my clients are to see their visions come to life.

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

I honestly love my team and the people I get to work with day in and day out. We have figured out our groove and how we work best, and most days, it truly feels like a well-oiled machine. Despite the chaos that has been in the building industry during COVID, we’ve all done our best to help each other keep our heads on straight and put products on the market that we are proud of. They’ve got my back and I’ve got theirs!

What are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with friends, family, my husband, and our two cocker spaniels, Stella & Archer!

Kelli Gray, Client Care Coordinator

What do you love most about working in construction?

I love being a part of someone’s journey in building their new home and seeing a permanent structure that I was a part of. It’s a new challenge every day, there is always a problem to solve! No day is ever the same. There are opportunities for growth and development all throughout the day, every day.

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

The construction industry is about people and good communication, that’s where quality and true craftsmanship come alive. I am so glad to be a part of a team of talented individuals who know, and appreciate, what it takes to build a dream home! Customer Service is a large part of the buyer’s experience and it’s not without dedication and commitment from everyone, that a great experience occurs! When someone chooses to build a home with you, one of the most stressful things you can do, and at the end, they had a great experience, well, your reputation precedes you – and that gives me an immense sense of pride!

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love to spend time outdoors: riding 4-wheelers, swimming, going on nature walks, playing games, and I have a passion for cooking and baking.

Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?

I love how unpredictable the nature of my job is, how it constantly keeps me on my toes. If you like excitement and a challenge, give it a try… you may just fall in love, as I did!

Rae’Shawn Norwood, Operations Administrator

What do you love most about working in construction?

One of the things I love most about working in construction is seeing a vision go from conception to fruition. I enjoy the creativity, time and passion that’s put into a project. It makes you feel proud of the final product and even more proud to share it with the family who’s going to enjoy it!

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to work with the team around me to reach a common goal. We truly have a great team! I admire HBD’s overall commitment to building beautiful homes for our clients.

What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies include listening to music, cooking, and spending time with my family.

Rachel Morrison, VP of Operations

What do you love most about working in construction?

The technical challenges never cease, and each day presents a learning opportunity.

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

I work with a group of passionate people who strive for improvement for our clients and our team.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love a good puzzle!

Anything else you want to share as a woman in construction?

Know your stuff. You can’t be a confident player in the game if you show up unprepared.

Turner Hairr, Director of HBD Interiors

What do you love most about working in construction?

I enjoy seeing how every home is different and how talented everyone in the industry is.

What do you love most about HBD or your job in general?

I love the people I work with on a daily basis and the fact that I learn new things everyday. Working on the design and furniture side of things allows me to be creative and see the finished product once clients have moved into their home. I love seeing how the homes transform even more once the client makes it their own.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love spending time with my family, taking trips to the beach, and decorating my home for the different seasons.

Happy National Women in Construction Week to ALL of the extraordinary women of Homes By Dickerson!

Learn more about our team here!

11 Things To Do in Pittsboro, NC

February 8, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

Pittsboro, NC is a quaint, quiet town in Chatham County that’s close to the thriving Triangle area, but far enough away to retain its own unique, small-town charm. This town of just 4,500 residents keeps its rich culture alive through fun festivals and unique attractions, but with brand new housing and easy access to Raleigh (40 minutes), Chapel Hill (30 minute), and the Research Triangle (35 minutes), it’s quickly gaining attention as a premier place to live. Whether you’re considering moving to Pittsboro, or just out exploring for a day, be sure to add these stops to your itinerary!

Things to Do in Pittsboro, NC

1) Fall Festival

The annual Fall Festival is one of the community’s most beloved events. Typically held at the end of October when the North Carolina fall landscape is at its peak, the downtown Pittsboro festival features arts and crafts, live bands, children’s activities and games, tasty food, and booths promoting local community groups and clubs.

2) Christmas Parade

It’s not a hometown without an annual Christmas Parade! There are school bands, antique cars and tractors, local personalities like the “Chicken Man,” and Santa brings up the rear. All children go home with a bag of candy and very happy!

3) Carolina Tiger Rescue

This nonprofit wildlife sanctuary’s mission is to save and protect wild cats in both captivity and the wild. Rescued animals that come to the facility are treated with care and respect, and provide a unique learning opportunity for the public. There are a wide range of tours available to learn about these amazing wild cats and how to protect them.

4) Fearrington Village

Fearrington Village is a unique English-inspired village in the lush countryside of North Carolina in Pittsboro. You can stay a night at the local inn, enjoy casual or fine dining at various on-site restaurants, relax at the day spa, or explore the unique boutique shops. It’s the perfect way to escape from the daily grind for a day or a weekend.

5) Mays Pottery

This gallery owned by a renowned mother-son duo of master potters is a creative destination for many in the region. In addition to browsing the gallery, you can purchase unique hand-thrown pottery, their signature dinnerware, and various forms of clay art.

6) Chatham Historical Museum

This free museum offers several permanent collections showcasing the history of the county, voices of the people who reside there, various industries that have driven the economy, and how the social fabric of the area has changed over time. It’s a great learning experience for kids in the community and adults alike.

7) S&T Soda Shoppe

A welcome blast from the past, this iconic, old-fashioned restaurant serves all your classic favorites in a beautifully restored building that housed the original soda shop in 1916. Today, it’s a local favorite serving sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, sides, and of course, frozen treats and “Dr. Pilk’s Phizzies.”

8) Chatham Axes

Axe throwing has been gaining popularity as a form of recreation and entertainment, and Chatham Axes is the perfect facility for both. Learn how to safely throw a real axe with your group’s own coach, compete on a team for a trophy, and if you’re really good at hurling wood and metal through the air, play in a double elimination tournament to be crowned the night’s champion.

9) Fair Game Beverage Company

North Carolina produces some of the finest craft beer, wines, and ciders in the country, and you can sample many of them right here at Fair Game in Pittsboro. But that’s not all. In addition to the tasting room there’s delicious food and a 17-acre campus on the edge of town that you can explore, beer in hand.

10) The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge

Set upon 790 acres of peaceful countryside in Pittsboro, this 18-hole championship golf course offers something for everyone who loves the sport. There’s a practice range, short game area, clubhouse/grille, and fully stocked golf shop. There are also tournaments hosted throughout the year so you can put your skills to the test.

11) Bynum Front Porch

This unique entertainment venue is set on the grounds of the Bynum General Store, built in 1936 and a cherished historical landmark of the town. Throughout the year, the Bynum Front Porch non-profit hosts family-friendly events and programs to celebrate the community’s rich history and keep the General Store afloat.

If you’re interested in moving to Pittsboro, Chatham Park is a new master-planned community featuring award-winning Homes By Dickerson floor plans, along with innovations in connectivity, design, wellness, and balance. As you’re out exploring, be sure to schedule an appointment to see these gorgeous, new, single-family homes in Pittsboro, NC.

mary alices wonderland homes by dickerson

Perfect Pairings at the 2021 Parade of Homes

September 14, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

This October, get ready to be wowed by new home design like you’ve never seen before. Homes By Dickerson is showcasing five spectacularly-designed homes at the 2021 Triangle Parade of Homes – and one is just right for you. What’s your perfect pairing? Do you love dark chocolate truffles and a lively board game? “Missing Manhattan” might be the one for you. Does a warm cup of tea with a side of macarons tickle your fancy? You’ll love getting lost in “Mary Alice’s Wonderland.”

You can see these five distinctive homes — and all their delightful details — up close and personal October 2-3rd, 8-10th, and 15-17th in the 2021 Triangle Parade of Homes. To help you choose the perfect one (even if just for inspiration), we’ve paired each home with a beverage, getaway, dessert, animal, and hobby that best represents its style. Visit all five this October and let us know which one is perfect for you!

“Catalog Pg. 4”

Cocktail: Old Fashioned

Getaway: Nantucket

Dessert: Apple Pie

Animal: Golden Retriever

Hobby: Cooking / Garden Club

A modern take on a classic design, this reimagined foursquare was inspired by the homes sold through Sears, Roebuck & Co.’s mail-in catalogs in the early 20th century. Our designers kept the best of this traditional design and updated it with luxurious, modern details.

“Dulce de Leche”

Beverage: Latte

Getaway: Tuscany

Dessert: Caramel cake

Animal: Fluffy kitten

Hobby: Reading

Life is infinitely sweeter in this beautiful take on modern farmhouse design. With creamy neutral tones (milk) and stunning gold fixtures (sugar), it will be hard to walk away from such decadent luxury.

“Missing Manhattan”

Cocktail: Manhattan (of course!)

Getaway: The Hamptons

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Truffles / NY Cheesecake

Animal: white Tiger

Hobby: Chess/Board Games

Effortlessly stylish and ultra moody, this NYC loft-inspired home gives a nod to the Industrial Chic design trend made famous by the city’s warehouse-to-loft transformations. With neutral tones and metal, brick, and wood details, living here will make you feel like the hip and sophisticated person you are.

“Uptown Funk”

Cocktail: Cosmo

Getaway: Morocco

Dessert: Sprinkled Donuts

Animal: Lion

Hobby: Playing Piano

Eclectic design meets old-school sophistication in this New York brownstone-inspired home. There are plenty of captivating details, but our favorite is the lion-head symbol hidden throughout the main floor. Let us know if you can find them all…

“Mary Alice’s Wonderland”

Beverage: Warm tea with Honey

Getaway: French Countryside

Dessert: Macarons

Animal: White Rabbit

Hobby: Gardening / Writing

Just as whimsical and joyful as it sounds, this parade home will have you ready for a cup of tea in the sitting room or a game of croquet in the courtyard. The best way to explain it is to visit it!

For more information on the 2021 Parade of Homes, and when you can visit these give imaginative homes from Homes By Dickerson, visit our Parade of Style page. We’ll see you there!

Global Companies are Moving to Raleigh: Here’s Why

July 30, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Raleigh and the surrounding areas of the Triangle have been steadily and consistently attracting top talent and big names in tech for the last few decades. While it’s no surprise that some of the world’s biggest corporations – Apple and Google, among others — have announced plans to develop campuses in Research Triangle Park, the news is still incredibly exciting and indicative of the area’s future economic success. So what’s the attraction for these huge corporations with such deep pockets? Why the Triangle over other tech-driven markets? More and more, here are the factors that are proving irresistible to Big Tech.

Why are Tech Companies Moving to Raleigh, NC?

Top talent is here. Since the 1960s, Research Triangle Park’s growth and success has been primarily driven by a cluster of top tier research universities that produce 9,000 graduates a year: Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State are nationally ranked for research programs in medicine, new technologies, biomedical sciences, the environment, data science, and engineering, among others. Raleigh and the surrounding cities have focused heavily on creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to entice and retain these recent college graduates.

Low cost of living: Compared to the “other” tech mecca of San Francisco, Raleigh is about 163% less expensive. From food and transportation to housing and healthcare, the dollar stretches much further in the Triangle, meaning residents have a higher disposable income, which in turn helps fuel the local economy. In 2020, Raleigh saw the most out-of-state relocations from New York, Washington DC, and Miami, which are all more expensive metros.

Attractive housing market: Even with housing costs increasing in Raleigh, it’s still a great time to buy a home. Home prices have increased by about 17% from June 2020 to June 2021 (Zillow), and have increased over 40% from five years ago. The market shows no sign of slowing, presenting a great investment opportunity for homebuyers to build equity quickly. With so many prospects moving to the area, and with home builders and developers buying land to help meet demand, new home starts are predicted to grow 7% or more in 2021 (Builder Online). Additionally, salaries in Raleigh continue to climb while interest rates remain at historic lows, which translates to greater buying power.

Work hard, play harder: Central North Carolina has some of the best weather and most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Residents enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities throughout all four seasons, including hiking, mountain biking, rafting, paddling, horseback riding, and more. The Triangle offers world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, while many of the smaller commuter towns have charming historic districts and plenty of local personality.

These are just a few of the reasons why Apple is investing $1 billion over 10 years to establish a campus at Research Triangle Park, bringing with it an estimated 3,000 jobs with an average salary of $187,000, and Google is coming to Durham to create a new engineering hub and 1,000 new jobs. These are just the more recognizable names. Companies like IPM Chirana — a ventilator maker, and Grail, Inc. — a research company focused on multi-cancer early detection, are investing in the Triangle, bringing thousands of jobs and continuing to stimulate an already booming economy. They say Raleigh is an emerging market, but we say it has already broken through.

Building a Custom Home in Today’s Market

June 30, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

As you’ve embarked upon your new home search, you may have noticed that many builders no longer offer fully customizable homes. If you’ve had your heart set on designing and personalizing a new home from the ground up, this news can be frustrating. While the builders may (or may not) have given you an explanation for why this is the case, we wanted to take the time and explain exactly what’s happening with custom homes, and why it’s becoming harder to find possible solutions. The good news is, this is not the case with Homes By Dickerson, we’ve prepared so that you can still build the custom home you’ve always dreamed of with our same proven process, despite today’s market.

What is a Custom or To-Be-Built Home?

A true custom home is one that you can personalize from the ground up. In some circles they are called “to-be-builts” — more on that in a bit. If a floor plan you like needs one extra bedroom or a study to accommodate your family, you can add it to a custom home. You can also select all the finishes — including flooring, cabinets, fixtures, paint, hardware, and more. The result is a one-of-a-kind home built exclusively to reflect your style and preferences.

When you invest in a custom home, no part of the home has been built yet; you are working with the construction and design teams to design it from square one. Hence the name “to-be-built” (you are buying the home before it actually exists). The benefit of the custom home design process is that it allows the buyer to make selections and even change their minds about finishes up to a certain point in the construction process. Traditionally, custom builders released their purchase orders in phases to manufacturers, giving the homeowner ultimate control and flexibility.

Today, it is becoming exceedingly rare for a home builder to be able to offer these kinds of fully customizable homes.

The Supply Chain Challenge

As we mentioned in our previous Raleigh housing market update, the building materials supply chain has been disrupted by a number of factors, including:

The initial uncertainty of how the housing market would respond to the pandemic back in March 2020 — this caused many manufacturers to reduce or halt production at that time.
The unprecedented surge in new home demand around April of 2020 — manufacturers were left scrambling to ramp up production to meet demand.
Pandemic-related illnesses causing workers to be out of work for periods of time – resulting in slowed production.
And today, because some builders have limited their product offerings to cope with lack of availability, some manufacturers have taken products offline so as not to end up with an oversupply.

These delays are impacting just about every material and product needed to build a new home, including lumber, lighting, plumbing fixtures, door and cabinet hardware, appliances, and more. The end result is that builders are finding it harder to offer custom design options when there’s no guarantee they can get those products, and at what cost. Instead, builders have turned to a “quick move-in home” model.

Quick Move-In Homes

Quick move-in homes, or “available homes” as they are sometimes called, are homes where construction has been started before they are listed for sale. The builder’s professional designers have pre-selected all features and finishes based on products that have guaranteed availability and price.

The upside to quick move-in homes is that construction of the home is already in progress by the time you sign the contract and you can move-in quicker compared to a custom home. The downside is that you do not have the opportunity to select preferred finishes or customize the floor plan. Builders have turned to this model in order to guarantee a beautifully-finished home for the buyer, and also to ensure they can continue to operate efficiently.

More and more, builders across the country are turning to the quick move-in model to continue to meet homebuyer demand and control escalating costs.

Homes By Dickerson Can Do Both

Home By Dickerson is in a unique position to offer our customers both fully custom homes and quick move-in homes. As a leading local custom home builder, we have great relationships with our trade partners and vendors that allow us to continue offering custom home options to our customers. Despite the fluctuations in the market, we’re proud to be able to offer the same custom experience we’ve always been known for. While build times may be just a bit longer for custom homes as sometimes it’s necessary to wait for a delayed product, the result is a masterfully-built Home of Your Life that includes every customization, feature, and finish you could wish for.

We will also continue to offer quick move-in homes throughout the Raleigh, Pinehurst, and Charleston markets complete with high-end, quality finishes that have been thoughtfully curated by our award-winning design team.

Even though the real estate market has been impacted by events beyond anyone’s control, it remains a great time to invest in a new home. At Homes By Dickerson, we are doing everything that we can to continue delivering exceptional custom and move-in ready homes that our customers love for a lifetime.

Resources:

https://www.probuilder.com/2021-housing-giants-perfect-storm-building-materials-supply

Fun and Easy Ways to Shop For Your Home

December 21, 2020 Homes By Dickerson

This holiday season, shopping for your new home has never been easier (or more fun)! At Homes By Dickerson, we have different ways for you to explore our new homes, so you can choose the one you’re most comfortable with. Prefer to take a private tour with a team member? We have you covered. Rather explore from the comfort of your couch? You got it.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the new year with the ultimate gift for you and your family — complete with all-new systems and appliances, an open-concept layout, flexible rooms, outdoor living, plenty of storage, high-end details, and so much more — our team can’t wait to make your holiday dreams come true!

Options for New Home Tours

Video Chat Tour: Your new home is just a click away. Browse our communities and give us a call to schedule a video chat tour with one of our agents! Get a one on one tour of our homes, communities, and design center all from your phone or computer. Our agents look forward to answering any questions you may have.

Private Tour: If you want to tour a home in person, you can schedule a private and safe tour that adheres to current guidelines. Everything will be sanitized regularly, and we ask that you wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

The story of your family is bound by the special details; the laughter and secrets you share, the meals and messes you create. And it all happens right at home. In a brand new living space that’s expertly designed to today’s high standards of quality — and your high standards of comfort — you will begin the most rewarding chapters of your life. We can’t wait to get started!

For more information and to schedule a tour, please contact us at 919-205-3404.