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Active 55+ and Seniors

With its moderate climate, affordable cost of living and excellent medical care, our region is a popular place to retire. North Carolina ranks 9th nationally in residents who are 65 and older, and within five years 1 in 5 residents will be at least 65.

At Local Market Realty, we are dedicated to serving the older members of our community, whether they are selling their home or buying something new. Both Michele Burris and Sue Fox are certified as Seniors Real Estate Specialists, and between us we have 35 years of experience.

Each year, we help people from around the country retire to beautiful homes in Chapel Hill, Cary, Durham, Chatham County and the surrounding areas. There are many thriving Active 55+ communities here, featuring both new construction and resales of homes. We know them all, as well as the well-regarded network of independent and assisted-living homes in our area.

Even if you are interested in buying a new home in a development, it pays to use a buyer’s agent. We are strong advocates for our buyers, and we hold the builder accountable to make sure you get the home you want at a fair price. With years of experience in new construction, we can help you secure the precise floor plan, lot, and any changes you need, as well as the best price. Sometimes we can even negotiate extras like appliance packages and other upgrades, depending on how well the community is selling – which we will research for you. As a new buyer, you need someone experienced on your side. Builders are interested in selling their product quickly; we are interested in protecting our buyers!

We also help older residents prepare to sell their homes. Selling a longtime home can be overwhelming. When it’s time to downsize, people are often unsettled by the prospect of organizing, packing up, repairing and selling the house. They may need help finding a new home, or deciding on a 55-plus community or assisted-living home. 

Our experienced and caring agents make it easy. We have a long list of trusted de-cluttering and staging experts, estate sale companies, movers, attorneys, tax and estate planners, lenders and anything else you could need. We will sell your home for the maximum price with the minimum stress.

$950,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 10192494 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Tucked just outside the city limits of Wendell, this exceptional property offers a rare balance of convenience, privacy, and peaceful country living, all while being less than 30 minutes from Raleigh. Located just minutes from Wendell Falls, you'll enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, parks, and everyday conveniences, then return home to the space and serenity of more than 6 acres. Beautiful pond views create a picturesque backdrop from both inside and out and immediately set this property apart. The home also features a brand-new 2026 roof, providing peace of mind for years to come. The main level features a well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, eat-at island, recessed lighting, and a separate breakfast area. A formal dining room and inviting living room with gas-log fireplace provide comfortable spaces for gathering, while large windows take full advantage of the water views. The first-floor primary suite offers a walk-in closet, double vanity, and stone walk-in shower. Upstairs, you'll find three additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a spacious bonus room with excellent storage. The third level adds approximately 350 square feet of flexible space, ideal for a homeschool room, home office, playroom, or additional flex space. Outdoor living is just as inviting, with a front porch, screened porch, and deck all oriented toward the pond. The private, thoughtfully maintained setting provides plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors while still being close to everything Wendell has to offer. A true standout is the expansive detached shop with a half bath, offering exceptional versatility for a home business, car enthusiast, hobbyist, or sportsman. For a travel-ball family, the space could even be transformed into an impressive batting-cage setup—a rare and highly functional feature. Two additional detached carports provide storage for lawn equipment, ATVs, or recreational gear, while a separate carport accommodates a boat or RV. With acreage, water views, multiple flexible spaces, and an impressive collection of outbuildings, this property offers a combination of privacy, functionality, and convenience that is hard to find.

4841 Wendell Blvd, Wendell
$426,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 10192492 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Rare financing opportunity—an assumable FHA loan with a 2.750% interest rate is available, subject to lender approval and buyer qualification. The buyer must cover or separately finance the difference between the outstanding loan balance and purchase price. Located just 0.6 miles from Duke’s East Campus and the shops and restaurants of Ninth Street, this charming one-story bungalow features three bedrooms, two full baths, and a welcoming covered front porch. Rebuilt from the studs in 2002, it offers newer construction than many surrounding homes. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room and kitchen, updated luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring, and a newer all-electric heat pump for efficient heating and cooling. The kitchen includes a newer refrigerator, range/oven, and dishwasher, while a full-size washer and dryer also convey. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and private bath with a double vanity. Additional highlights include low-maintenance vinyl siding, a large backyard enclosed by a 6-foot privacy fence, and a walk-in crawlspace offering generous storage. The home is connected to city water and sewer and is offered fully furnished, including furniture and wall-mounted TVs. With a strong rental history, this move-in-ready property is an excellent turnkey opportunity for an owner-occupant or investor. Vacant and easy to show!

1214 Berkeley St, Durham
$289,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 10192491 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Fantastic end-unit townhome with a one-car garage, offering added privacy and abundant natural light throughout! The covered front entry creates the perfect space for seasonal décor and a warm welcome. Inside, you'll find a spacious family room with plenty of wall space for flexible furniture arrangements and entertaining. The beautiful kitchen features 42-inch cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage for all your cooking needs. Recent updates include brand-new waterproof laminate flooring throughout the first floor, freshly painted interior, updated light fixtures, a new garage door, and new carpet throughout the second floor. Upstairs, the generous primary suite includes a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, a relaxing soaking tub, and a separate walk-in shower. Two additional well-sized bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family, guests, or a home office. Enjoy the private patio overlooking the common area, offering a peaceful space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. As an added bonus, our preferred lender offers up to $2,890 toward the buyer's closing costs. Come see this beautifully updated end-unit townhome today! This home will not last long!

1315 Garden Stone Dr, Raleigh
$4,995,000
5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 10192489 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Welcome to 117 Dartmouth Road, a rare presale opportunity just steps from the shopping, dining and experiences of North Hills. Designed by the renowned Frazier Home Design and built by Exeter Building Company, this timeless residence offers approx. 6,000 heated SF with true main-level living. The main floor owner's suite is a true retreat with a spa bath featuring a zero-entry shower and freestanding tub, plus a walk-in closet with center island and laundry. An ensuite guest bedroom and a study with fireplace complete the main level. The open family and dining room with 11' ceilings and fireplace flows through French doors to a screened porch with motorized screens, fireplace and grill, overlooking the pool and spa. Chef's kitchen with separate scullery. Upstairs are three ensuite bedrooms, a media room, loft, second laundry and unfinished storage for future expansion. Three-car garage. Get involved now to work with Exeter through the build and make all your own design selections!

117 Dartmouth Rd, Raleigh
$398,990
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 10192488 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status ⋅ Stars Above You BLDG.
BUILD TO SUIT OPPORTUNITY! For the dreamers, the porch sitters, and anyone who thinks a home should have plenty of room for real life. Say hello to Stars Above You by Garman Homes! A NEW plan coming to brand new Ponder. With 3-4 bedrooms, 2.5-3 baths, and a whole lot of flexibility, this one was made for living life your way. The main floor keeps things open and easy, with a spacious kitchen flowing into the living and dining areas. Add a dedicated study and you've got a legitimate place to work from home — rather than calling the kitchen island your "office" and hoping nobody notices the snack wrappers. Upstairs, two bedrooms, a full bath, laundry, and a versatile loft give you plenty of room to spread out. The primary suite creates a private place to recharge, because sometimes a little peace and quiet is exactly what the floor plan ordered. Need even more flexibility? There's an optional first-floor guest room in lieu of the study, giving you the freedom to tailor the home to the way you live now — and the way you might live later. Best of all, this isn't a "take it or leave it" situation. It's build to suit. Choose your finishes. Pick your options. Make the floor plan work for your life. Create something that feels less like a house you bought and more like a home you dreamed up. And outside your front door, Ponder brings the good stuff: Lake Ponder, trails, kayaking, fishing, Turtle Park, gathering spaces, fire pits, and a future Ponder House designed for working, relaxing, and enjoying the neighborhood. Your home. Your choices. Your Ponder. The stars are already above you. Now let's build the home underneath them.

1152 Lakehouse Ln, Wendell
$624,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 10192487 MLS ⋅ COMING SOON Status
Private Oasis on the largest lot in the neighborhood and on a cul de sac! One level living in sought after Governors Village! Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring, new carpeting, and a gas fireplace with custom mantel complement this open floor plan. Natural light abounds and contributes to the spaciousness of the home. The dining room is perfectly proportioned and offers thoughtful furniture options in connecting the space. There is good quality cabinetry in the kitchen with gorgeous granite countertops; stainless steel appliances include the gas cooktop. The primary is well sized with a spa featuring soaking tub, separate shower, and generous vanity. Washer dryer and closet combo just beyond. The 2nd and 3rd bedrooms share the hall bath with shower tub and single vanity. The sunroom is conditioned and is a prime spot to enjoy nature's bounty and reflect on the day. A two car detached garage is connected by a covered breeze way. All on one level, super convenient to the playground, pool, tennis and places of commerce, this one is hard to beat!

20072 Long, Chapel Hill
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Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2026 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .