It looks like Raleigh, North Carolina is on deck to see another downtown tower, the tallest yet.  Today's Raleigh News and Observer reports the initial plans for the Edison will be filed today.   The Edison is being planned and promoted as two eco-friendly mixed use towers across Davie Street from the Progress Energy headquarters building.Offering a 500,000 square foot block of office space suitable for a corporate headquarters will put the Edison in a unique position.  But also it appears that  a commitment from a corporate tenant will be necessary to bring the plan to fruition.The developer, Gregg Sandreuter, has succeeded with downtown condo projects, and that gives him a track record and credibility.   But this is a big step and at this time, the time line stretches to 2012 for proj... 07/18/2007

    Forbe's Magazine just ranked North Carolina third on a list of "Best States for Business". This ranking comes just after an April award for it's capital, Raleigh, for "Best Metro for Business and Careers".  North Carolina is certainly receiving the type of exposure every business dreams of.  More enthusiastic entrepreneurs bring new, vibrant businesses to an area and more consumers to an already booming economy.  What a great place to relocate and start a new business!   The Raleigh real estate market is thriving and the Triangle is becoming one of the best places in the country to live.  Agents are helping people from other parts of the state and from across the country to find their new home in Raleigh.  For an Instant Buyer Refund of up to 50%, use ListWise as your full service b... 07/14/2007

Took my Sweetie out for a pizza tonight in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Piccola's Pizza and Italian in Cameron Village.4 Stars on the pizza!  4 stars on the service!  Tummy feels good.And then Sweetie got the bonus side trip; we went to a nearby home that I helped a young couple buy this week.  They closed on Tuesday.  In a side note, it was a FSBO, and painless to boot.  Kudos to the Seller! I wanted to pick up my lockbox, and wasn't surprised to see the house lit up and the new owners working away at 9:00 on a Friday night.  They are excited!  Of course they are excited.  I remember our first home and the pride of putting in effort to improve it.  They have the same enthusiasm, fervor, and drive.  The home is in an area of Raleigh that I believe is in early stages of SFR gentrification, ... 07/13/2007

    People move to Raleigh, North Carolina for many different reasons. The career opportunities, the educational facilities, the weather, and the diversity are enough to convince anyone to try the area out for a while.  But what is it that makes them stay? The Sports!  With professional and amateur sporting events taking place all year round, families and friends have so much to do.  Professional teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, the Carolina Railhawks and the Carolina Mudcats offer entertainment for every sports fan.  Visit this site for tickets to these professional teams.                                                   If you are more of a college sports fan, you are also in for a treat!  With NC State sports in full swing all year round, bringing in other big-name schools, who c... 07/12/2007

I heard on the radio yesterday that nationally, only about 48% of teens got themselves a summer job this year.  The radio hosts said that's the lowest in history.  What is it?  Are parents giving them money (ie, spoiling them!), have they just become...well, lazy (ie, glued to the internet!), do they find it difficult to get a job (ie, lots of jobs these days require experience!), or have they realized at a brilliant young age that maybe there is more to life than working?!It's an unusual summer.  1) The worst wildfire in Utah's history is blazing; 2) a bus-length 550 pound squid washed up on an Australian beach yesterday; 3) the media is again covering the bizarre mystery of the pizza bombing in Pennsylvania. . and perhaps the most unusual - 4) gas prices seem to have stayed steady for... 07/11/2007

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES RALEIGH-DURHAM AMONG WORLD'S 30 'FAST CITIES' 7/9/2007 Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Fast Company magazine has rated the Raleigh-Durham area as one of the world's Top 30 ''Fast Cities'' for research and development activities. The area was recognized as a location where investors, entrepreneurs and employees alike can maximize their potential, establish prosperous businesses and enjoy a good lifestyle. full story... GO RALEIGH DURHAM! Also visit www.YoureHomes.com 07/10/2007

Lake Wheeler is a part of the Raleigh, North Carolina Parks System.  The 650 acre lake is the focal point of the 800 acre park.  Fishing, Boating, water skiing, Picnicking, birding and other nature studies, and general loafing are among the worthy pursuits the lake and park support.  The park is open to all, and residents from all parts of Wake County, NC use the facilities.The lake was named after Raleigh Mayor, Fred Wheeler, and was flooded in the 1950's.  Maximum charted depth is about twenty-five feet.See the Lake Wheeler slideshow on Flickr.Picnic facilities abound along the access road to the lake.  And it is a pretty drive on a tree-lined country lane back into the park.  But the water is what it is all about!   And the water views are tremendous...From the dam at Lake Wheeler. S... 07/05/2007

Have you been on the fence about jumping into the real estate market in the Raleigh area? You may be a first time home buyer nervous about making the plunge or someone considering a transfer here from out of the area. Whatever your situation, Raleigh real estate is a great investment and wonderful place to live. It is a market that has been rising steadily over the years and has avoided the price declines seen in so many areas around the county.CNN MONEY Magazine has voted Raleigh NC," Best Place to Live", also see city stats. Why I love Raleigh, it has everything. After reading about Raleigh, you will be ready to get off the fence and go house hunting. When you are ready, I'm ready to help. Just give me a call 919-618-2184 or drop me a line at jackielynaugh@yahoo.com.More about Raleigh... 07/03/2007

      The Triangle area refuses to miss the cut when it comes to nationally ranked lists that begin with the words: "Best Places To..."  Raleigh, Durham, and other surrounding areas are making noise in major magazines like Forbes, Men's Health, and Kiplingers.  It would appear that these lists are being viewed by thousands of people every day.  With the expansion that this area has experienced, relocates are taking notice to these lists and are experiencing life in one of the "Best Places To..." For a complete list of these rankings, click here.                                                               These national rankings are fueling the real estate industry in this area, and thousands of home buyers and home sellers are looking for agents to help them with the biggest transacti... 07/03/2007

Forbes Magazine just released a report regarding the #1 Sellers Market in the country today.  I know I was a little bit upset that Nightline gave Charlotte top billing in my last post.  Thank goodness my market has been redeemed.  Well, not really, Nightline did say there are a handful of markets in the US that are doing well - Raleigh being one of them.  So, why is the Raleigh, NC Real Estate market so strong?  A strong local economy continues to yield high job creation figures and migratory outsiders. Raleigh ranks fifth best in sales rate to inventory and eighth best in year-over-year tightening After record breaking sales in 2006(20% year over year) sales are still up at the end of May 2007!! Fantastic news!  I'm not surprised.  Our community continues to be praised in the media for... 06/29/2007

If you're looking for something fun to do on July 4th can choose from fireworks, music, baseball games, and more around the Triangle.  Here is a list of events in Raleigh, at the State Capitol, Durham, and Cary if you'd get out and enjoy the festivities planned by each town. City of Raleigh State Fairgrounds: Fireworks and More The City of Raleigh, Parks and Recreation Department will be holding their 4th of July Celebration on Wednesday July 4 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.  The North Carolina State Fairgrounds is located at 1025 Blue Ridge Boulevard.  This fun-filled family event will include interactive games, inflatables, pony rides, karaoke, live entertainment, and fireworks. Live entertainment will consist of Bluesville, Fettuccini Brothers, Michael Ken, and Mighty Leste... 06/28/2007

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE In addition to the logical things that affect your credit score, like late payments, collection accounts, and number of accounts open, number of inquiries, etc., there are 3 areas that DO affect your score. The bureaus will tell you this does not; however, when I removed this information from my report, my score improved about 25 points. Another reason, you do not want this on your report is for your security & privacy protection. Your Address History. Tell the bureaus that you do not want this information to be listed on your report or that is not accurate and to remove all address information. Trans Union is cool about removing this. Experian will give you some flack but if pressed they will remove most addresses. Equifax, you will have ... 06/27/2007

I have been a mortgage loan officer for more than a decade. I have seen many loan officers come and go. Many of these loan officers have never owned a home or even applied for a mortgage themselves! As a result, they can't empathize with the applicant (borrower) and the stress that is placed upon the borrower(s) as a result of the loan officer or processor constantly calling them asking them for "one more thing". Recent studies revealed in a survey of homeowners, that 95% confessed the worst part of the home-buying experience was not looking at dozens of homes or having their offers rejected buy the home sellers, but the experience they had with the mortgage lender. In my tenure, admittedly in the beginning I wasn't as good as I am now, but I think that is true of any profession. We sho... 06/27/2007

The Triangle is such an incredible place to call home!! We have arts, culture, education, outdoors, and athletics all in one town.  We're spread out a bit but that never bothered me.  When you drive through the city you can see why the founding fathers nicknamed it "The City of Oaks."  Greater Raleigh Parks & Gardens have the unofficial motto, "Trees, Tees and PhD's," and for good reason. With more than 150 Raleigh, North Carolina parks, gardens, lakes and greenways in Raleigh alone, there are plenty of places to enjoy the scenery and see why the area was dubbed as America's No. 8 Great Garden Cities in an issue of Garden Design Magazine.  But the city's natural beauty is just one of many drawing cards that has transformed this once-sleepy southern town into one of the nation's most des... 06/26/2007

It's easy to see why so many people are relocating to the Raleigh area.  The town is rich in History, Arts, and Culture.  It's a blend of old and new communities.  Take a stroll from downtown through Raleigh to get a glimpse of life in Raleigh.  The Cotton Mill, located downtown off Capital Boulevard, is one of the hippest places to live, thanks to a renovation that turned this 130-year-old textile factory into 50 condominiums. Other condos and townhomes followed, including Park Devereux, 510 Glenwood, and Governor's Square. Thanks to the downtown revitalization new condo projects include Hudson, West, 222 Glenwood, and Dawson on Morgan to name the trendiest. More condominiums are located near the lively collection of shops and restaurants known as City Market. Within walking distance a... 06/26/2007

Wake County, NC is blessed with an expansive clay soil that is suitable for holding water in ponds and lakes.  So, Wake County is also blessed with a plentitude of private and public ponds and lakes.  Some have waterfront homes, while others are reserved from development to preserve water quality.Who can resist a good water view?Here are a few of the hundreds of private and public lakes and ponds in Wake County.  I will have more and will update from time to time with additional photos.Roll your cursor over the photos for the name and location of the lake... 06/25/2007

Heritage Point is a subdivision of fine custom-built homes in North Raleigh, off Creedmoor Road, near the intersection with I-540.  Most homes were built in the late 1970's to mid-1980's with a few homes dating from the 1990's.  Besides the custom features of the homes, a hallmark of the subdivision is the lots.  Most lots are one acre, or more, with some lots over two acres in size. Click here to view available Active Listings in Heritage Point. Heritage Point is within minutes of groceries, and other shopping needs, with multiple venues from which to chose.  The proximity to I-540 offers an opportunity for an easy commute of about 15 minutes to the Research Triangle Park, RTP.  The drive into downtown Raleigh is also about 15 minutes, with access to State Government, NC State Univers... 06/25/2007

"Free"dom for all in Greater Raleigh Picnics, festivals, music and fireworks are staples of a great Independence Day and North Carolina's Capital City shows off its patriotic spirit with events for the whole family!The United States is known as the "Land of the Free" and the Raleigh area stands true to that name by offering Fourth of July events the whole family can enjoy -- FREE! In addition to the July 4 patriotic activities, the Raleigh area is home to 23 FREE attractions, including the N.C. Museum of Art, N.C. Museum of History and the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. Free Spirit WeekendsIndependence Day might be on a Wednesday but that doesn't mean you can't take a few extra days off and make it a Free Spirit Weekend. Choose to experience Raleigh your way but know that we have 26 p... 06/21/2007

Weekends in Raleigh, NCNo matter who you choose to be, a Raleigh travel vacation is the place you will find a weekend experience just your style. Our big city shopping, dining, nightlife, and events make it easy and we've designed exactly the weekend you're looking for. Bring the girls, the sisters, the husband, or the supper club. And be yourself or someone else entirely in Raleigh, N.C.It's easy to get to Raleigh, N.C. And whether you're feeling crazy, clubby, arty, funky, romantic, or just in need of a little retail therapy, start your planning your Raleigh travel vacation with our weekend menu of experiences and best available hotel rates. How to Book Your Raleigh Travel VacationTo the right you'll find a sampling of special experiences and other ideas to make the most of your Ralei... 06/21/2007

Welcome to Valley Stream, a Raleigh, NC, neighborhood. Valley Stream was built by MI Homes, and consists of about 120 affordable homes with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 or 2.5 baths, and one or 2 car garages. Click to view available Active Listings in Valley Stream.   Valley Stream homes' exteriors are vinyl siding, with brick or stone accents.  Homes are both single level and two story. Recent sales in Valley Stream have ranged from $135,000 to $204,000, with square footages from 1200 to 2400. Valley Stream has a Homeowners' Association.  HOA dues are approximately $250/year and cover common area maintenance, and the community swimming pool. School assignments are managed by Wake County Public School System.  More information on Wake County Schools.  Wake County and Raleigh Property taxes are a... 06/19/2007