Turned on the TV over my coffee this morning and that FreeCreditReport.com commercial came on about the young man who lives in his new wife’s parents’ basement because she defaulted on a credit card when she was single and didn’t tell him. Then one of the guests on my morning show was talking about how this economy has allowed parents to say NO to their kids without guilt…they can blame it on the economy. I couldn’t help thinking about a young man I had the opportunity to share my thoughts with a few years back as he prepared to marry his dream girl. Being mindful that anyone who asks “what do you think about my fiancée?” doesn’t really want to know what you think, I cannot say I was surprised that my advice was, if not ignored, certainly filed under ‘WHATEVER.’ Here’s the problem thoug... 04/16/2009

Just a little Point-CounterPoint to round out a Tuesday night...Ken Tracy, a fellow Realtor from Naperville, IL, just offered up a post about why he is moving forward with buying a new home for his family. Go For It Ken! (Just so nobody thinks I would actually try to talk him OUT of it!) But much as I envy him the excitement and the opportunity, I will NOT be availing myself of a similar one. Not that I didn't think about it...oh, I did...long and hard....the first time interest rates dipped to 4.5%. Seriously, how could a REAL ESTATE AGENT not think about it!?  I mean all we do ALL day long is tell other people how they will be missing a ONCE IN A LIFETIME opportunity...as Ken points out, low interest rates, fantastic inventory ON SALE, FREE money from the government, for cryin' out lo... 04/11/2009

If your kids are foodies and you would love to help them polish their skills while becoming locavores, then this years C'est Si Bon Teen Chefs Residiential Cooking Camp could be just the ticket! Dorette Stover, the chef owner of C'est Si Bon will offer two sessions this summer, June 22-28 and June 29 - July 3, called Carolina On My Plate, at Fickle Creek Farm in Efland. Aspiring teen chefs from all over the country will combine hands on cooking classes featuring local specialities with field trips to Orange County farms as well as trips to both the Carrboro Farmers Market and the Southern Village Farmers Market. Celebrity Dairy, famous for its local goat cheese, Cane Creek Farm, local producer of ossabaw pork and Maple View Farms, the counties favorite local ice cream are all on the sc... 03/30/2009

“It’s a great time to buy” isn’t just a boring slogan you keep hearing from real estate agents. It’s also true. Not only are interest rates currently below 5% for the first time in a generation but first time homebuyers or those who have not owned a home for 3 years can qualify for a tax credit up to $8000 for purchases made through December 1st, 2009. You don’t qualify for the tax credit? The low interest rates alone should entice you to at least think about making a move. Why? Because the combination of the exceptional deals available and low interest rates means you could be getting a home you just recently could only dream about. Think you’ll wait for ‘the bottom’? Don’t…it’s the combination of price AND payments that makes this a golden opportunity. Let me show you what I mean: You... 03/27/2009

First you're going to watch Carolina win and then you're going to watch Duke lose, right? But what if Carolina loses doesn't win? You might consider checking out the DSI Comedy Theater in Carr Mill Mall! Tonight at 10 p.m. Carolina comedians will have a shot at beating Duke comedians in the Regional Rival Competition of the 2009 National College Comedy Competition. And if Carolina wins you can still head to DSI..why not make it a two-fer? 03/21/2009

  University Lake, located off Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro, will open for water fun this weekend! Boaters can rent flat bottom boats or canoes for use at University Lake or bring your own. The lake is owned by OWASA, the Orange County Water and Sewer Authority, and supplies our local drinking water so it is no surprise that there are regulations in place to protect it. That’s why you can only use electric motors or elbow power to troll around the peaceful lake. But that shouldn’t stop you from coming out for a peaceful afternoon floating around with a fishing pole. The lake is stocked and open to fishing, assuming you have a valid state license. There is a small fee for use of the lake, cheaper if you live in Orange County, and life vests are available at no charge. But feel free to pi... 03/16/2009

This kind of stuff isn't surprising in Carrboro...in fact it is the depth behind the charm of our little community. It's an easy walk from downtown Carrboro to our sister city of Chapel Hill but it is very likely you won't make it over there once you are surrounded by the people and spirit of Carrboro. Cliff Collins, owner of Cliff's Meat Market has been chosen to receive the Pauli Murray Human Relations Award . He may be a small town butcher but he embodies the best things about Carrboro.  And if you need a fantastic cut of meat he can do that too! 03/13/2009

Carrboro, North Carolina is a very cool town.  In fact, it has been referred to as the "Paris of the Piedmont."  It is known for its walkability and its great restaurants, art galleries, farmers market, Weaver Street Market and more. The Carrboro Merchants Association launched an excellent web site highlighting all that Carrboro has to offer, including a wonderful map of the town and information about local restaurants and stores as well as upcoming events.  This is an excellent resource for local information. 03/02/2009

Friday December 5 - Carrboro Tree Lighting Ceremony! Featuring songs from local school choirs, McDougle Elementary, Frank Porter Graham, and Carrboro Elementary.  Enjoy the holiday festivities in the heart of downtown Carrboro! When: December 5 at 6pm Where: 301 West Main Street, Carrboro, NC, 27510 Cost:  FREE! A joyous start to the Christmas Season! After the music and ceremony, explore some of downtown Carrboro's quaint shops and local gift stores!   Yvonne Beal, Broker, East Bridge Realty Your Chatham County Home and Land Expert www.DiscoverChapelRidge.com 12/03/2008

It has taken some time but the 300 E. Main project in Carrboro has been approved. The following article appeared in The Daily Tar Heel.    After almost five years, 300 E. Main St. in Carrboro can break ground.The development, which spans from Cat's Cradle to the ArtsCenter, unanimously was approved Tuesday after several impassioned speeches from members of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen and years of back and forth about the project's potential impact."I am not very happy with this project," Alderman Jacquie Gist said. "In my heart of hearts I want to vote against it. I strongly believe it's not good for the town I love."But Gist went on to vote for the project.  "It meets the letter of the ordinance. My job is to enforce the law and the ordinance as it stands, not as I would like it to ... 11/20/2008

Cobblestone is located west of Chapel Hill just outside Carrboro.  The houses were built in the 1980s, are primarily traditional and somewhat transitional, and are situated on nice .3 to .7 acre lots.  The neighborhood is close to McDougal elementary and middle schools.  Some houses in this neighborhood have visible power lines which bothers some. Schools:  McDougle Elementary, McDougle  Middle School, Chapel Hill High School To search for homes for sale in Carrboro, Chapel Hill and the surrounding area, click here. To view homes available in the Cobblestone neighborhood, click here. 10/03/2008

Barrington Hills is located west of Chapel Hill and just outside Carrboro.  It is walking distance to McDougle elementary and middle schools.  This is an older established neighborhood.  The houses generally were built in the 1970s. Schools: McDougle Elementary, McDougle Middle, Chapel Hill High Click Here to search homes for sale in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the surrounding area. To view homes currently available in the Barrington Hills neighborhood, click here. 10/03/2008

Another great gastronomic experience to add to the Chapel Hill/Carrboro eating scene:  Neal's Deli.  Located on South Greensboro Street next to the Open Eye Cafe, Neal's can satisfy that burning craving for hot pastrami on rye, salami subs and excellent egg salad.  Prices are reasonable, and there are a few tables inside for seating.  Check out the menu and restaurant info at http://www.nealsdeli.com/.   06/12/2008

Summer Camps in Chapel Hill   Whether you're just relocating to the area or have been here for some time, you may be considering a summer camp for your child.  Here are some options in the Carrboro/Chapel Hill/Hillsborough area.  Many have very early sign up deadlines, so keep this in mind.  If you are planning a move to Chatham County or Orange County in the late Spring or early Summer, you may want to sign up now to have an opportunity for your child to enjoy one of these camps. There's a terrific variety of art, horseback riding, cooking, sports, theatre, and much more.  ArtsCenter Summer Programs for Children300-G East Main St, Carrboro(919) 929-2787 ext 204 KidsCamp is for children entering grades 1-7.  These are two week sessions, with choice of full day (9am - 4pm for $320) or ha... 02/09/2008