Residential real estate
TRES is an independent residential brokerage based in Chapel Hill. Mike Hickey has worked the Triangle's residential market since 2005, representing buyers, sellers, and relocating families across the region.
Residential services
Buy a Home
TRES guides buyers from first showing to closing — search, offers, inspections, and contract — with disciplined negotiation at every step.
Learn MoreSell Your Home
Strategic pricing, considered preparation, and skilled negotiation — engineered to deliver the strongest result on the cleanest timeline.
Learn MoreRelocating
Relocating to the Triangle? TRES leads area tours, school research, and neighborhood fit so the transition is informed and seamless.
Learn MoreNew Construction
Builder contracts are written for the builder. TRES reviews the terms, negotiates upgrades, and oversees the build — protecting your interests at no direct cost to you.
Learn MoreWhere we work
From Chapel Hill to Pittsboro, TRES has worked the Triangle area market since 2005. Choose a community for local pricing, neighborhoods, and current listings.
Chapel Hill
TRES's home market. UNC and UNC Health drive demand for Franklin Street retail and medical office, while residential ranges from condos near campus to estate homes in Governor's Club. Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools rank among the top three districts in North Carolina.
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Carrboro
Carrboro is a walkable, bike-friendly town on the bus line, anchored by Weaver Street Market, a long-standing food co-op. Families enjoy main-street charm alongside restaurants and eateries that draw neighbors out nightly.
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Durham
Anchored by Research Triangle Park, Durham is a blossoming city with high-end dining, DPAC, and the Durham Bulls. Mixed-use growth continues across office, tech, medical, and new residential communities.
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Hillsborough
Hillsborough is the Orange County seat with a historic downtown worth lingering in. It feels like a retreat outside the major hubs while staying close enough to commute into Chapel Hill or Durham. Residential parcels tend to be larger than closer-in Triangle pockets.
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Pittsboro
Pittsboro has grown from a small town into a larger community with new housing developments, fine homes, and emerging mixed-use and retail. It works well as a bedroom community for Raleigh, Cary, and Apex while keeping Chapel Hill and Jordan Lake within easy reach.
ExploreThe TRES residential practice
In the Triangle's residential market since 2005, TRES represents buyers and sellers, first-time owners, and families relocating from out of state. The Triangle isn't a single market. Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, and Chatham County each move differently, with their own neighborhoods, schools, and price patterns.
Most TRES residential clients come through referrals from neighbors, prior buyers, and the businesses Mike works with on the commercial side — a dual practice that gives TRES a read on every corner of this market. The first conversation is free.
In a difficult situation? There's a path forward.
Falling behind on payments, owing more than the home will sell for, or trying to avoid foreclosure can feel like a closed door. Most of the time it isn't. A short sale handled correctly can protect your credit, end the monthly pressure, and give you a clean path out.
Mike has handled short sales in the Triangle since 2005, including the years following the 2008 housing downturn when distressed transactions were a regular part of the local market. TRES manages the real-estate side. Pricing the home, finding a qualified buyer, organizing the lender package, and coordinating with a short-sale attorney when one is involved. If you're in a difficult spot, the first conversation is free.
Thinking about buying or selling?
First-time buyer, long-time owner, or relocating to the Triangle, the first conversation is just a conversation. Get in touch and Mike will take it from there.
Get in Touch