Raleigh,Cary, Wake County Blog and Relocation Information
Aug. 17, 2006 - Raleigh Cary Durham Apex Holly Springs NC Real Estate Blog
Welcome to my Triangle Area Real Estate Blog. This blog provides Cary NC real estate information and resources to guide homeowners and buyers through the process of selling and buying a house, townhome or even investment property.If you are interested in Triangle Real Estate, please e-mail me here for a personal response! Thanks and let's get blogging!
Sep. 24, 2008 - Foreclosure help in North Carolina - Gov. Easley Signs 3 New Bills
But The North Carolina Foreclosure Prevention Project will help struggling families keep their homes.
In an effort to reduce the number of foreclosure filings in the state, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley signed into law three bills that will give homeowners a chance to win their struggles with foreclosure. The first bill established the North Carolina Foreclosure Prevention Project, a program under which homeowners as well as the bank commissioner of the state will enjoy a 45-day notice before the foreclosure filing. In addition, the bank commissioner can extend the notice by another 30 days if the case warrants.
During such time, the state will assist in the negotiations between the lender and the homeowner until a new payment arrangement and mortgage interest rate have been established. The said legislation will be able to provide help to over 25,000 homeowners.
The other bill tackled the issue of yield spread premiums, which it permanently eliminates after critics considered it as an incentive for mortgage brokers to charge borrowers with higher fees. The last bill requires all loan servicers in the state to register and submit reports to the bank commissioner.
All these new legislation will certainly help fight the spreading problems brought about by the foreclosure crisis. Considering that one of the reasons for the present mortgage mess in predatory lending practices, it will help that loan servicers are being monitored and regulated. Aside from this, many homeowners will benefit from the assistance since majority of them are not aware of the foreclosure process and can not make informed decisions because of this.
With the North Carolina state government extending its hand to these struggling homeowners, many families will be able to stay in their homes.
If you live in the Cary NC Real Estate area and are facing foreclosure please send me a private email or call me for a consultation. There are ways that Realtors can contact the banks to make private arrangements rather than go directly into foreclosure.
Aug. 19, 2008 - Jimmy V Ride for Research and Cary Cycling Celebration
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Regency Park, Cary
Jim Valvano is a legendary icon in the Triangle. Ever since he succumbed to cancer in 1993 his family has carried on his legacy raising awareness of cancer and cancer research. Earlier this month I wrote about the Jimmy V Rackets for Research which is a great event and a tremendous success. Tomorrow the Jimmy V fundraisers continue with the 3rd Annual Jimmy V Ride for Research and Cary Cycling Celebration. They are expecting over 500 cyclists so watch out for traffic delays and cyclists near the Regency area tomorrow.
Distances:
1. 25 miles (departs 10:00 a.m.)
2. 50 miles (departs 7:00 a.m.)
3. 75 miles (departs 7:00 a.m.; follows the 50 and 25 mile routes)
4. 100 miles (departs 7:00 a.m.)
If you've been motivated by the Tour de France this year this event is a good option to grab a bike and head to the event! It's great exercise and a wonderful cause to support.
There are a number of options for the cyclists ranging from a 25 mile ride all the way up to a Century Ride.
Other options for family members include a bicycle rodeo for kids aged 6-12 and family fun tours in the afternoon.
I moved to the Triangle in 1991 and have lived in Cary since 1994. I'm practically a native. I've watched Cary blossom into and established and well planned community. Here are some of the reasons I love to call Cary, NC home!
Location & proximity to Research Triangle Park
Many of the Triangle area residents commute North into the RTP (Research Triangle Park) area rather than downtown Raleigh. Now that the widening of two major alternative routes to I-540 (HWY 55 and Davis Drive) has been completed the commute into RTP is a quick 10-15 minute drive to the major employers in the area. Cary is also a quick commute to the RDU Airport and the 3 Major Universities in the area.
The Great Outdoors
Cary's land-acquisition ordinance requires builders to donate land to the city's Parks and Recreation Department based on the number of houses that will be built. Currently, Cary has 20 city parks, including the Fred G. Bond Metro Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. There's also the Kids Together Park with a large playground. In addition to community swimming pools, tennis courts and some of the finest golf courses in the area, these green spaces are what make people from all over the country want to call Cary home. There are also plenty of public sports venues around town including Cary Tennis Park, Triangle Aquatic Center (TAC), and the USA Baseball Park.
Cary has the highest median household income in Wake County ($89,623), and more than two-thirds of Cary residents hold a college degree. Cary is also been touted as having the highest number of Phd's in the country. Cary schools are a part of the Wake County Public School system and continue to rank as some of the highest rated schools in Wake County. Many are still on the traditional school calendar also.
Planned Community
Planning, planning and more planning is Cary's adage. It takes but one drive around the Maynard loop, which circles Cary, to understand the vision: planned neighborhoods with large homes, two-car garages and well-groomed lawns are scattered throughout the town. National Geographic even wrote a great article on Cary a few years back titled "All roads lead to a cul-de-sac in this mushrooming high-tech hometown of transplanted Yankees. A friendly game of bunco, anyone?"
Business
Cary is home to such leading companies as SAS Institute-the largest privately held software company in the World. American Airlines and John Deere also have a big presence. However, unlike many towns, commercial development is regulated much the same as residential development. While other Triangle towns have rules governing residential neighborhoods, Cary insists on tasteful commercial buildings that match the surroundings.
Downtown Cary
Downtown Cary is undergoing a major revitalization over the next few years called Cary Streetscape. The goal is to preserve the days gone past but bring in businesses and shops that allow residents to live, work, and play in the downtown area. This is also where Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is held annually, which is considered one of the finest festivals in the state. Page-Walker Arts and History Center, formerly the Page-Walker Hotel, which was built in 1868 to serve train passengers is also located in the downtown area and a great destination point.
Cultural & Performing Arts
Jordan Hall Arts Centerfeatures an art gallery for monthly exhibits that promote and support local artists. Studio time for potters, painters and portrait artists is regularly scheduled. The center is also monthly meeting place for The Fine Arts Leaque of Cary. If you enjoy art on a larger scale the North Carolina Museum of Art, in Raleigh, is one of the finest art galleries in the Triangle. For performing arts Koka Booth Amphitheatreis located in the Regency area of Cary, has regularly scheduled concerts and venues, and is a fantastic way to enjoy an evening outside in the summertime.
Medical Care
WakeMed is Cary's top notch hospital and is located near Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road. WakeMed has helped to serve the growing population's need for, and access to, convenient medical care.
Accolades
The list keeps growing every year. Money magazine is in love with Cary and the Triangle in general. Cary was recently named best place to live in the country and the hottest town on the East Coast. Click here to watch Kiplinger's Video on why the Raleigh-Cary Area is ranked the #2 Best Place to Live in 2008.
Growth of Cary
Attention to detail has proved very beneficial when dealing with the population explosion in Cary. In fact, Cary has doubled its population every decade since 1960. Cary is the seventh-largest municipality in the state and has grown from 43,000 in 1990 to more than 120,000 today.
To handle the expansion, city leaders and developers carefully control development and have built an infrastructure to absorb the growth. In fact, it wasn't until recently that the voice to slow down Cary's growth was heard. Lately, Cary officials have been developing innovative growth controls. Some of these include requiring developers to prove there are enough roads and classrooms to accommodate the newcomers, as well a $70 million expansion of the water treatment plant that serves Cary and nearby Apex.
If you are thinking of relocating to the area feel free to contact me or send me an email with any questions you might have on the area.
Aug. 17, 2008 - Beautiful Updated All Brick Home in Preston
Description
Hard to find all brick low-maintenance ranch in the Preston area appropriately appointed with many updates. 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 2 Car Garage. Gorgeous private backyard w/stamped concrete patio is excellent for entertaining. Convenient to shopping, RTP, and the airport. Walk to the Preston club house! Welcome Home!
Jul. 31, 2008 - Carolina Preserve Rental -Ready for Move-In
Photo Gallery
Gorgeous Stone and Shake Elevation
Gourmet kitchen w/SS Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Island, and Pantry
Elegant Formal Dining Room
Light and Bright Breakfast Room
Sunroom w/a view
Premium lot w/great view
Description
Move-in now to the Hottest Active Adult Community on the East Coast! NEW Emerald, Chesnut Garden plan + SUNRM. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. Gourmet kitchen w/gas cooktop and SS Appliances. Premium lot overlooking one of the many ponds. Enjoy the amentities of the 34.000 Square Ft Bradford Hall, Tennis Courts, and Bacci Ball! HOA fees included
Jul. 29, 2008 - 3021 Olde Weatherstone Way - My New listing in Glenkirk
Immaculate Executive Home in the best location in Cary!
Location: Glenkirk
This executive home has sophisticated southern charm and is located on a premium elevated lot. Gorgeous inside and out, a must see to appreciate its splendor. Spectacular luxurious MSTR suite w/nursery/fitness rm., gourmet kitchen w/all the bells and whistles, double covered porch.. Irr. system. Sold Furnished for $640k
Jul. 10, 2008 - Carolina Preserve by Del Webb Active Adult Living Community in Cary, North Carolina
Carolina Preserve by Del Webb at Amberly, a new Active Adult Community is located in presitigous Cary, North Carolina. Why live in Cary, NC?
Cary has earned numerous awards for its high quality of life and has been rated the #1 place to live on the East Coast by Money Magazine
It's ranked as the safest city in the South and the 6th safest out of 327 large cities in the nation
Location, Location, Location that's why!! It is located in th heart of the Triangle, adjacent to Research Triangle Park, and only minutes away from RDU International Airport, the state's capitial, and the burgeoning theatre and arts community in Chapel Hill.
Carolina Preserve is located a short distance from some of the best healthcare in the nation including:
Wake Med in Cary, Raleigh, and coming soon to Apex.
The University of North Carolina Wellness system has also agreed to partner with Carolina Preserve to provide their residents with fitness and wellness programs!
Carolina Preserve's grand opening celebration occurred July 15, 2006. At the opening, Del Webb unveiled nine model homes. The total number of lots will be rolled out in five phases with a total of 1,260 homesites.
Amenities & A Sense of Strong Community dominate Carolina Preserve
The hub of this active adult community will be its clubhouse and residents will have access to numerous activities. Planned for this premier community are an indoor year round pool, state of the art fitness center, billiard room, multi-purpose room and lounge area. There will be a second outdoor pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and picnic pavilion. Carolina Preserve is one of 7 neighborhoods in Amberly. Residents of Carolina Preserve will also have access to Amberly's clubhouse, pools and walking trails!
Arts, Culture, Sports & More are located near Carolina Preserve
The greater Raleigh area offers an abundance of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Enjoy a performance at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts featuring theater, ballet, the symphony and opera. Delight in outdoor performances at the Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park in Cary. Raleigh provides numerous sports teams: The Carolina Hurricanes (NHL Hockey), Carolina Mud Cats and Durham Bulls (AA Baseball); and the great college sports including ACC NC State, UNC & Duke! Our area also features several major universities and community colleges to choose from including Duke University, UNC/Chapel Hill & NC State University that can offer you accredited courses for continuing your education or just for fun!!
What about golf? Is there are golf course too?
Located near the Carolina Preserve are several world-renowned championship golf courses that offer daily golf and Private memberships:
Prestonwood CC
Briar Creek CC
Lochmere
MacGregor Downs
Pinehurst, only a short 50 minute drive away offers over 100 public golf courses
Community Details:
Age Restriction: 55+
Type of Home: Single Family, Villa/Town homes
Home Sizes: There are Four Collection of Homes:
Cardinal Collection: 1103-1414 square feet
Dogwood Collection: 1590-1919 square feet
Emerald Collection: 2050-2597 square feet
Villas: Duplex units
Price Range: Base Pricing $210,000-$401,000
As your trusted real estate professional, I am committed to offering you specialized services that focus on your needs. I understand that the sale or purchase of a home is one of the biggest events in your life and potentially one of the most stressful events in your life. My goal is to use my skill and expertise to guide you step by step through the process making the transaction easier and more pleasant. I strive to provide patient, caring, professional support and excellent service that exceeds your expectations.
Update: The next delivery for homes in Amberly is scheduled for August 2008 except for a few homes in the Emerald Collection!! This neighborhood has sold quickly, so be patient if you want to buy in this area.
Click on the map to the left for driving directions or call me for additional information on the community.
Jul. 10, 2008 - Cary's Hottest New Community is Amberly
The number one selling new home community in Wake County in 2006!! This planned community, when completed, will offer natural areas, retail space, shopping areas, 276 acres of common areas, miles of greenway trail and many exclusive amenities!
Amenities include a gymnasium, village green, event lawn, children's playground, Jr. Olympic pool, family fun pool, and residents club. Within the residents club you'll find a fitness center, aerobics room, children's play room, teen room, decks and patios and flexible meeting areas. With an abundance of amenities and an incredible location, Amberly is a must see community!
The two primary builders at Amberly are KB Home & Pulte Homes. At present, the prices range from the low $200's & $300's for KB's town home and single family home products, to the $500's for Pulte's Blackstone at Amberly Neighborhood.
The Peninsula - custom homes from the $400s to $800s, custom lot sales will begin in February from the $120s (very limited supply). Builders are 1st American Builders and Royal Oaks Building Group. Estate Home builders and prices to be announced soon.
Village Square - single family and townhomes from the $300s to $600s, built by the Bedford Builder Group (great variety of homes, including 3-story brownstone townhomes with elevators).
Blackstone - Pulte Homes from the $330s
Arlington Park & Lexington Park - KB Homes from the $200s
Amberly can now be accessed through Carpenter Fire Station or the newly opened McCrimmon Parkway.
One question that comes up often-Where will my children go to school with all of the growth? Not to worry. Panther Creek High School opened last year on McCrimmon Parkway. This high school will be grades 9-12 through the 2008-2009 School Year
Jul. 1, 2008 - Glenkirk in Cary, NC - Executive homes in a fabulous location!
City: Cary
Location: Off of Cary Parkway & Old Weatherstone
I know this neighborhood all to well. I mentioned earlier this year that I moved to this beautiful neighborhood in my post Tracy Santrock's Moved On & Checking In w/Activerain. My family has loved every minute of our transition to the new neighborhood (ok, except unpacking the boxes).
I was a little concerned about being one of the last families to move to the neighborhood. To the contrary I've met so many of the neighbors and their children and everyone has been just spectacular. It's so nice to be a part of a community that has that warm, inviting appeal where everyone knows everyone's name. Since I've finally finished unpacking all of the boxes I thought it is time for me to write about the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Facts:
Price range is from the low $600s to over $1 Million
Two sections: Newest homes are in the back section; Other homes built in 2006
Approximately 100+ Executive Homes
Several basement homesites
Jogging trail, sidewalks, and bike trail
One mile from Bond Park and the Cary Community Center
Traditional Schools
Minutes from the grocery stores, Preston Walk, Inside Out Sports, restaurants, and convenience stores
Builder
John Wieland Homes is an established and renowned builder in the Southeast that has received several awards including:
• National Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine
• National Housing Quality Award presented by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center
Key Neighborhood Highlights:
Glenkirk Club House & Swimming Pool
I'm lucky to live across from the Glenkirk Club House where there is plenty to do. We have a group of girls that gets together for Pokino. Other amenities include a pool with a childrens' play area, children's playground, picnic area, and a Basketball court too!
Preston Walk Shopping Center
Just around the corner from the neighborhood and a 10 minute walk is Preston Walk Shopping Center - Some of my favorite restaurants in town including Panera Bread, Stonewood, Biaggis, and Henrys Gelato. La Therapie Day Spa and Inside Out Sports and more....
Preston Corners Shopping Center
Just about all of the banks have a branch at Preston Corners. Other notable highlights include Fedora, Suncom, Preston Flowers, Lowes Grocery, a Mexican restaurant, coffee shop, and others. Across the street is La Farm Bakery, one of my personal favorites.
For more information go to the Glenkirk website or contact me directly for this neighborhood.
May. 19, 2008 - Why Cary NC? Letter to my prospective buyers
When clients are considering moving to Cary, NC there is so much I want to tell them about our wonderful town. I moved to North Carolina in 1991 and have been able to see the area grow and mature into a wonderful community. Several other agents within the Activerain network have written letters to their prospective relocation clients. I thought I'd join in the fun. This will help you get a better feel for the area in general.
I think once you see what we have to offer, you'll fall in love with North Carolina and Cary in particular. I hope that I can help you take a closer look at our community and you will be able to see all of the merits of our wonderful community.
I've included in this e-mail some links to articles that I have written about Cary NC and the surrounding areas as well as an all around description of the area.
As we discussed on the phone today I have gone ahead and set you up to receive automatic listings for the area so that when anything new enters the market that meets your criteria you will be notified automatically. In addition to the homes available for sale it gives prospective buyers an idea of "What you get for your money in Cary, NC" along with a feel for the different styles and architectures of the homes in the area.
You may also search all of the listings in the Triangle area by visiting my website and clicking on Search for Triangle Area Homes that will allow you to search all currently listed homes in Raleigh, Cary and the surrounding communities.
There is a lot of buzz around the United States about the growth of the Triangle area. Our community continues to be praised on the quality of life, education, job growth, and affordability. Click here to browse through the different accolades that have been bestowed on the Triangle. Even National Geographic recognized the potential in an article they wrote back in 2001.
In your inquiry you mentioned you were very concerned about the schools and wanted to make sure your children received the best education possible. The Wake County Public School System is now the largest public school district in North Carolina and had 134,002 students enrolled as of the 2007/08 school year. It ranks 19th largest nationwide. New schools are being built to handle the increase in student population and many of the schools have been converted to year-round programs. In addition to the growth the school system has received numerous awards including #1 School District in the Nation for Certified Teachers and a Gold Rating from Expansion Management's Education Quotient.
So, what should I tell you about my hometown of Cary, North Carolina? When I first moved to Cary from Chapel Hill in 1994 the town had just started to take off in growth. We really didn't even have grocery stores at the time. Just a bunch of single family homes on cul-de-sac lots.
Today Cary has grown to over 127,640 and is now the 8th fastest growing city in the United States according to CNN. One of the major reasons for Cary's popularity is the town's proximity to the Research Triangle Park and the proximity to the many biotech, pharmaceutical and high tech companies, making it an ideal location for people moving to the Research Triangle area for work. As such, Cary has been known to be called "Technology Town of North Carolina".
Yet even with all of the growth Cary has maintained character and charm. The town management in Cary developed PUDs (Planned Urban Developments) starting in the early ‘70s to create aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. By planning for the future developers were able to strictly monitor zoning and also map out churches, schools, and other community amenities.
We also discussed your children's love for the outdoors and possible involvement in community activities. One of Cary's strength is that the town's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department provides a massive offering of events and courses for kids and adults, everything from clown camp to ceramics to African drumming to first aid. In fact, the Robert V. Godbold Park is home to the 12,000-square-foot Sk8-Cary skate and BMX bike park.
If the kids like the outdoors there is plenty of room for them to play. Cary currently has 20 public parks, a greenway system of six park trails and ten greenway trails, three special use facilities and eight staffed facilities that provide a variety of programs and services for all ages.
During the summertime most of the neighborhood communities have community swimming pools and swim teams for the kids to join in the neighborhood. Since the weather is pretty mild in this area the pools are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. And, the long awaited Cary NC Real Estate - Triangle Aquatic Center(TAC) opens today in Cary, NC opened in October of 2007 and is a public facility opened year-round to the public.
Cary's sports facilities are unique to those of most of the surrounding towns. The tax dollars have really been put to great use and most of the facilities that have been built are quite new.
WakeMed Soccer Park This 150-Acre soccer complex hosts professional, college, and high school tournaments.
Cary Tennis Park Is a public tennis facility with 30 Championship courts and one stadium court and was voted the Top New Public Tennis Facility in the Nation in 2006.
Triangle Aquatics CenterThe new facility has 3 swimming pools - a 50-meter Competition Pool, a 25-yard Training Pool as well as a warm water Instructional Pool
Hockey - Raleigh is home to the Stanley Cup winning Carolina Hurricanes. There are many private facilities in the area.
Area Golf Courses - The Piedmont Region of North Carolina is well known for its abundance of lush green golf courses. The Triangle Area alone has over 100 public courses. Or, if your adventuresome, you may want to take the short one hour drive to Pinehurst to play some of the World's Greatest Golf Courses.
What about cultural arts? Does Cary have an artistic community? Cary has The Cultural Arts Division encompasses the Jordan Hall Arts Center , the Page-Walker Arts & History Center Newly opened Halle Cultural Arts center in Apex, NC. In addition, the Town of Cary has commissioned artwork that has been placed throughout the town which is aesthetically pleasing.
There are many popular community wide events throughout the year for families to enjoy. Some of the most popular include Lazy Daze in downtown Cary in the Fall and Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival at Bond Park in the Spring. During the summer months there are weekly concerts with the NC Symphony at the Koka Booth Amphitheatreto a free July 4th fireworks celebration.
The Cary NC Real Estate market has been incredibly stable relative to the rest of the US. While markets were declining throughout the US last year Cary experienced its highest appreciation rate on record. This year has slowed somewhat due to families having a difficult time selling where they are moving from. However, the Cary real estate market has a higher rate of appreciation relative to the Triangle and lower inventory making it a desirable community for resale in the future.
Cary's ideal location in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina is just 15 to 30 minutes from just about everywhere including Raleigh, the Airport, Durham, and Chapel Hill. It really couldn't get any better than the Piedmont Region where a two hour ride East will find you enjoyingWrightsville beach in Wilmington. Travel five hours West of Cary and you'll be in the heart of the beautiful Mountain Region of NC. Outdoor activities like camping and boating at Jordan Lake or golfing at one of the many renowned golf courses in the area are just minutes way.
This is a fantastic time to buy in Cary. Since inventory is up sellers are more willing to negotiate on the prices which was unheard of in last years market. We have a great selection of existing homes and new construction available for you to see while you're here. I've mailed you a relocation packet that includes a Cary Living Magazine, Maps of the Area, New Homes Magazine, and details regarding possible relocation(taxes, utility information, etc) that should come in handy.
I look forward to our meeting when you make it to Cary, but in the interim please explore my website, read my blogand get to know both me and Cary, North Carolina at your leisure. There is a wealth of information available and I am but an e-mail or phone call away to answer any questions that you might have.
I hope you've enjoyed your brief tour of Cary, NC. I'm convinced that Cary, NC will surely be everything you're looking for in a community for your family. Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have prior to our get together.
Dec. 15, 2007 - Look who's blogging - our newly elected Mayor Harold Weinbrecht
How about that! Our new Mayor Harold Weinbrecht has started a blog. I'm not surprised. Harold is very well educated and has worked as a software developer for the largest software firm in the area - SAS Institute.
The primary reason that Harold ousted Ernie McAllister is that citizens felt that the pace and quality of growth in the Triangle's third-largest city wasn't been managed effectively. Harold campaigned on a more "controlled" growth policy and had a large group of constituents that promoted Harold via the internet. See previous post I wrote regarding the controversial election that gained national attention.
At Harold's blog he actually encourages other elected officals to start their own "journals". What a fantastically progressive way for a Mayor to reach out to the citizens that elected him. Harold plans to post entries in his blog weekly - I know I will be keeping a close tab on the blog and will frequently update my readers on the Mayor and his progress.
Here are a few highlights from Harold's first post regarding meetings that he has had since the election(Harold didn't take office until December 15th):
·An indication that impact fees might would increase to control the rapid growth in the area
·An indication that the development process may change based on concerns from the developers
·Patrick Barnes, Chatham County Commissioner, expressed many concerns about the Western Wake Wastewater Facility (which is in the review process)
· Ron Margiota, with the Wake County School Board, discussed the constant reassignments and year round issues that have plagued Cary residents.
·Meeting with several forums including DDH (Davis Drive and High House), Cary Democrats, Wake Democrats, a homeowners association, and at the TCC (Triangle Community Coalition) Forum
Harold has been awfully busy for a Mayor that hadn't even taken office!! As a licensed Realtor I am a strong advocate for growth and was initially skeptical about how the change in the Mayor's office might impact my business. It seems, thus far, that Harold is open minded and is hitting the ground running.
If you would like to visit Harold's blog click here.
I absolutely love Sunday brunch - it may be my favorite part of the weekend. It's certainly my favorite weekend meal. At home or in restaurants, brunch memories are important to me.
What is it about brunch that arouses such warm feelings? Maybe it's the idea of the late morning meal itself; almost time for lunch so I'm good and hungry, but still legitimately morning, enough, to crack open some eggs and get some bacon sizzling. Ahhh, and the aroma of the freshly poured cup of coffee.
There's something almost primordially comforting about brunch. The savory smells of cheese melting into an omelette, with smokey ham or bacon layered in, can arouse my lumbering husband out of deep hibernation. And happily helping mix fresh berries into pancake batter clearly gets my family feeling that they're contributing to their contribution to the food pyramid.
I'd like to share that comfort with my family this Christmas. My parents are coming to visit for the holidays and they just love to dine. With that in mind, we've decided to treat them to brunch while they are here. We have several choices for brunch in the Triangle - some casual, some not. It's your choice to experience the different flavors of the Triangle so I've broken them into three categories:
Fearrington Market Cafe
1 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC
More casual than the fancy Fearrington Restaurant, this quaint cafe doesn't skimp on style or flavor
Brigs Great Beginnings
8111 Creedmoor Rd Ste 169, Raleigh, NC
Specializing in gourmet omelets and golden hot cakes, this eatery raises the bar on breakfast food.
What a wonderful addition to the Triangle. Finally, a restaurant in the same class as restaurants in New York, Boston, and other top dining cities. The setting is spectacular and the location is convenient to all areas of the Triangle. I forgot to mention that the service and meal is in a different category than all other restaurants in this area.
Jazz Brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30am until 2:00pm. The setting is quite elegant, the decorations during the holidays are outstanding, the service impeccable, and the meal delectable.
And if you want to bring home breads for Sunday's breakfast my friends Missy & Lionel at La Farm Bakery (4248 Cary Parkway, Cary, 657-0657) will offer the best hot cross buns, yeast rolls, linzer challah, and a huge selection of tarts and breakfast stratas that are to die for. PS. They also provide bread to Herons at the Umstead too!!
Dec. 4, 2007 - First impressions mean everything to buyers, especially during the holidays
You've bitten the bullet -there's no way around it-you're selling your home during the holidays. This time of year is unlike any other time of the year when I'm showing homes. Although my activity has slowed down from the summer season, the buyers that I've shown during the holidays are much more serious.
I noticed a recurring theme with the houses my clients liked this week - they were all warm, cozy, inviting, smelled nice, and, yes, they were decorated for the holidays. Based on my observation I'd like to give you a few pointers that are selling during the holidays:
Create an attractive environment that will allow buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons.
Spruce up your home by cleaning and decorating to give your home that "picture postcard" look.
Make sure that your decorations are elegant and inviting and not intimidating or "over the top".
These are the types of things you need to check off for the holidays in your home:
A fresh coating of paint and a spotlight on the exterior door works wonders to create a cheery mood upon entering.
Keep in clean - clean daily, especially in high traffic areas.
Make your home beautiful and inviting by setting the stage with the correct lighting - High-watt bulbs show off a home better than low-watt bulbs.
Leave the radio on a station that plays Christmas music during the holidays. In my area 93.9 and mix 101.5 are two.
Make sure your home "smells" like Christmas - Insert plug-ins with a mild Christmas/apple/cinnamon scent.
Make sure that Christmas decorations don't interfere with the floor plan or spacing in the home.
For example, I showed a home last year where they tried to stuff their wall mounted fish next to the Christmas tree in a small dining room.
Keep Christmas decorations simple and elegant.
Keep the personal photos to a minimum so that buyers can see themselves living cozily in the home.
I know this isn't the silver bullet to selling a home. If I had one I certainly know I'd use it. However, keeping these simple tips in mind will be one more reason to keep your home in contention and to land a buyer.
Friday November 30th will feature several fun filled events including horse-drawn Sleigh Rides, a tree lighting ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce, and a Scrooge scavenger hunt. Let's not forget the Christmas Carolers too!
Saturday December 1st will definitely be a fun time for the kids - A pancake breakfast at the fire station and pictures with Santa. Top it all off with a Christmas Parade at 5pm.
Take a look into Christmas past during Apex Historical Society's Home tour. It will feature three homes, one cabin, the Depot, and the Maynard-Pearson House. A reception with refreshments will be held at the Maynard-Pearson House along with an Old Fashion Sweet Shoppe during the tour. I attend this event every year. It's one of my favorite. A lot of folks don't realize the rich history in Apex. This is your chance to learn more.
Nov. 20, 2007 - Resale Listings & My Personal Commitment To Internet Marketing
I recently wrote a blog to one of my clients that I have the house listed entitled, "Dear Mr. & Mrs. Seller Your House Hasn't Sold". The purpose of the letter was to let my clients know that the listing agent is ultimately responsible for the sale of the home but the seller also plays a role in making this happen as well. Even the best intentions won't pan out if the seller doesn't go along with the marketing plan. Thankfully, with the help of a post where I solicited advice from Activerainers called Need Listing Advice from opinionated AR Listing Agents-Are you one of them?, I shared the feedback with my client and their willing response to the feedback ultimately allowed me to sell this listing in less than 45 days. If you read the blog you would probably notice that this home sat on the market for over a year before I took over the listing.
I asked my client why he chose me to sell his home and he had indicated that he was incredibly impressed with my ability to get the word out through the internet. He wanted to know how I successfully continue to be listed at the top of the rankings in my area and have such high search results on the major search engines - Google, Yahoo, and MSN to name a few.
That said, I read a post by Brian Block's recent post"Preemptive Blogging.....Impress your Sellers with your SEO" and post by Broker Bryant entitled, If you really are "The Expert".....then show them. Push the juice. which has lead me to write my own blog where I show you how internet marketing and search engine optimization has helped me with my business and also pleased my clients. The bottom line - All agents are not created equal and it's an agents job to make sure that the home that your marketing doesn't blend in with all of the rest. You have to make sure your clients home gets the exposure and rises above the other homes in your market.
In addition, I've decided to write another letter that I will use with my sellers in my listing presentations that will demonstrate how successful my strategy has been. The results are out there - it would be CRAZY for me not to demonstrate my talents and marketing abilities.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Need T. Sell,
It was a pleasure speaking with you earlier today and I am looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow to get your property on the market. I will send over a preliminary Market Analysis later but thought it would be helpful to you if you did a little research on me first. I just know that you're the type that does your homework. Here are some links that will give you a great idea of who I am and how I handle my business. They will also give you a sampling of how your property will be displayed on the Internet. So click away and enjoy. OK here goes:
If you are thinking about selling your house in the Triangle area in 2008 keep this in mind: Just think about the fact that over 80% of prospective buyers start their home search on the internet. If you sell your home with me you will receive exposure on all the major search engines, Craigslist, and other mediums. Your property will receive the exposure needed to sell your home in record time.
If you area an Activerain Member keep this in mind: As we move into 2008 you will want to use the tools that you have learned through Activerain, ePro, and others to let others know the good news about you and your business.
Everyone just loves a sale - and when the proceeds benefit a worthy cause it's even better!! Most of you know my daughter goes to Cary Academy and she has asked me to get the word out about this years Holiday Shoppe.
Please join me this year for a fantastic sale at Cary Academy - over 100 vendors will be at the Sports and Education Annex on the Cary Academy Campus from 11/29 through 12/1st. And as I mentioned,all proceeds from the Holiday Shoppe support the Scholarship Fund and Community Service.
Lochmere was the first PUD in Cary. What
is a PUD? A PUD is defined as a
planned urban development. One of the
features of a PUD is the community is designed with the intent to
have plenty of amenities and common areas. Lochmere is just
that-its has a tennis club, jogging trails, community pool, lakes,
and that feeling of a comfortably established neigbhorhood with
lots of trees. There is even a semi-private golf
club onsite. If you like activity, you
should call Lochmere
home.
Lochmere is such a large community three area a wide
variety of choices from Townhomes high $100's to an awesome
lakefront home hitting the seven-figure mark! For the most part,
you'll find the prices in the $300's and $400's for homes built in
the mid 1980's to early 1990's.
One of the other great features is Lochmere's prime
location in east Cary. Three premium grocery stores, includingthe
new Trader Joes, a Whole Foods Market, Western
Wake Hospital. There area also lots
of restraunt choices like 42nd Street
and others are just a few of the close amenities!
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carried on his legacy raising awareness of cancer and cancer research. Earlier this month I wrote about the 
I moved to the Triangle in 1991 and have lived in Cary since 1994. I'm practically a native. I've watched
Cary blossom into and established and well planned community. Here are some of the reasons I love to call Cary, NC home! 
Department based on the number of houses that will be built. Currently, Cary has 20 city parks, including the 
monthly meeting place for The 
was recently named best place to live in the country and the hottest town on the East Coast. Click 
wonderful community. Several other agents within the Activerain network have written letters to their prospective relocation clients. I thought I'd join in the fun. This will help you get a better feel for the area in general. 
In your inquiry you mentioned you were very concerned about the schools and wanted to make sure your children received the best education possible. The 
We also discussed your children's love for the outdoors and possible involvement in community activities. One of Cary's strength is that the town's 
tournaments. 
facilities in the area. 
Bond Park in the Spring. During the summer months there are weekly concerts with the NC Symphony at the 
How about that! Our new Mayor Harold Weinbrecht has started a blog. I'm not surprised. Harold is very well educated and has worked as a software developer for the largest software firm in the area - SAS Institute. 
Triangle. I forgot to mention that the service and meal is in a different category than all other restaurants in this area.
show off a home better than low-watt bulbs.
Christmas on Salem Street
Seller Your House Hasn't Sold". The purpose of the letter was to let my clients know that the listing agent is ultimately responsible for the sale of the home but the seller also plays a role in making this happen as well. Even the best intentions won't pan out if the seller doesn't go along with the marketing plan. Thankfully, with the help of a post where I solicited advice from Activerainers called 
I asked my client why he chose me to sell his home and he had indicated that he was incredibly impressed with my ability to get the word out through the internet. He wanted to know how I successfully continue to be listed at the top of the rankings in my area and have such high search results on the major search engines - Google, Yahoo, and MSN to name a few..jpg)
Everyone just loves a sale - and when the proceeds benefit a worthy cause it's even better!! Most of you know my daughter goes to 
