According to the Raleigh Business Journal, The Raleigh Metro area is America's fastest-growing city. This is great news for our region and this, together with the influx of new business to the metro, must be a winning formula. Companies like Citrix who are moving their headquarters to the warehouse district, can only do great things for the City of Raleigh. David Bracken from the Observer said "It’s also likely to be a catalyst for further redevelopment of the warehouse district as entrepreneurs open restaurants, bars and shops to cater to Citrix employees" and Mark Templeton CEO of Citrix said "Citrix is able to recruit and retain top talent who want to live and work in urban areas – and not in isolated suburban office parks." Call Me if you would like to meet for a chat about the real... 03/26/2013

Historic Oakwood Homes for Sale in Downtown Raleigh, NC   If you are looking for an historic home in the heart of downtown Raleigh, close to shopping, great restaurants, top rated schools and excellent job opportunities, then Oakwood is the neighborhood for you.   Oakwood is a beautiful nineteenth century neighborhood on the north end of downtown Raleigh, NC. The area includes wonderfully restored homes in a wide variety of architectural styles, with tree lined streets and beautiful gardens. Take an afternoon stroll up and down the streets of this charming neighborhood and you are likely to see residents enjoying the breeze on their porch sipping some sweet tea, Southern style.    The Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood is a treasure within this vibrant downtown Raleigh co... 03/26/2013

This will happen with sequestration:  Raleigh real estate to take hit.  Doesn’t sound like I’m hedging does it?  So brace yourself. No, Washington isn’t targeting Raleigh.  To varying degrees real estate will suffer nationwide.  How can I be so sure?  Because the average Joe needs a mortgage to buy a house.  Sequestration will have negative impact on mortgage approvals. It couldn’t come at a worse time.  Not only is the real estate starting to get its legs, it’s also spring.  As winter passes, real estate gets ready to bloom.  Spring is to real estate as the Christmas season is to retail.  Buyers, sellers and real estate agents have been looking forward to spring.  To be truthful, as a mortgage loan officer I don’t mind it either. Fear may keep some buyers out of the market, but I’m not... 03/21/2013

Last fall FHA reported to Congress that they had a loss on their books, mostly from the loans made between 2005 and 2009. This is not surprising, and to create a situation where they would not need to ask Congress for more funds – FHA Announced two changes to FHA PMI that will go into effect later this month. An independent (conservative) panel which included Director Julia Gordon of Housing Finance and Policy at the Center for American Progress, spoke to the House Financial Services Committee this week:   Similarly, real estate professor Anthony Sanders with George Mason University said there needs to be a shrinkage of the government’s footprint in housing. With the FHA’s share of mortgage originations at more than 25%, it’s time for the agency to shrink back to its previous size, such... 03/06/2013

Citrix Employees Will Seek Urban Housing Options in Downtown Raleigh Raleigh Warehouse District Revitalization With the announcement in mid 2012 that Citrix will locate their headquarters in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District in 2013, we have been focusing on the demand for housing that it will bring.  Lisa Southern Real Estate and Property Management has the pulse on all things downtown Raleigh.  Whether you are looking for a rental or you would like to buy in one of the area's newest loft style condos or even purchase a historic property, we are here to help. Our offices are located in downtown Raleigh and we live and work here.  We frequent all the local restaurants and small businesses.  We understand the lifestyle options here and can help you make the best choice in housing to ... 02/27/2013

Are you looking for the Best Mortgage Rates in Raleigh?  Well, it looks like rates are going to stay in a pretty tight range.  We have seen some upward pressure – and you may have noticed that the 10 year Treasury Bill (which is a general indicator of which way rates are going) has been above 2.0% in the last weeks. In general – if you are about to lock into a rate – you want to do so on a day when there’s BAD Economic News released.  So in February of 2013, you will get the Best Mortgage Rates on a day when the 10 year Treasury is closer to 1.9%. Data released in the Obama administration’s January Housing Scorecard show signs that the housing market is continuing to strengthen, with the number of underwater borrowers  declining while home prices improve. Officials warn that, while the ... 02/25/2013

The Raleigh Real Estate Market is vibrant and ever changing.......that's for sure!  Following are the latest market statistics for North Raleigh.  The first chart represents the number of active listings as well as the SOLD listings.  Inventory for North Raleigh is down - we need listings!     The next chart shows the trend for homes Days on Market.       And, lastly, here is the chart for the Absorption Rate in North Raleigh NC.  If you aren't quite sure what an Absorption Rate is then by all means check out What Is An Absorption Rate and How Does It Affect YOU?       If you have any questions regarding the latest North Raleigh Real Estate statistics please email me of give me a call.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you have! Don't forget, You can find me on Facebook and Twitter ... 02/22/2013

Raleigh Wake County Rankings February 2013 Did you know that the Raleigh North Carolina area is currently ranked as the #1 city for biggest gains in HOME SALES for 2012? How about that it's the #1 Family Friendly City in the US? Or that it's the #1 metro area for largest share of college grads? According to the latest report from the Wake County Economic Development, these are just a few of the latest #1 spots that the Raleigh Cary Apex area is boasting. For a list of all the other statistics, download this flyer at Wake County Economic Development latest rankings All information granted with permission by Wake County Economic Development 02/17/2013

Sometimes You Just Have to Rock! Where to Find Live Music in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area. OK, OK. I know the story. You've worked hard all week. Your kids are driving you crazy. You need to just get out and listen to some live music to unwind. Well, my dear readers, here in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex area there are no shortages of places to do just that.Are you ready to rock, dance, groove? Whatever your musical preference is, we've got you covered...Live Music in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area View Larger Map Sometimes You Just Have to Rock! Where to Find Live Music in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area. About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or... 02/12/2013

We posted the other day about the Grand Opening of DeMarco’s Restaurant and Bar, so today we are going to give you some more information about the restaurant. Once Anthony’s Touch of Italy, the new managers (Anthony DeMarco, Clay Adams, and Kyle Sessoms) have decided to keep the same staff and menus that were so loved by their regulars. They offer catering, as well as delivering services, and a family friendly atmosphere for any occasion. To find out more and watch the transformation process, follow them here on Twitter or “Like” them here on FaceBook. Call the number listed below for hours and reservations. Location: 3607 Falls River Avenue Phone: (919) 720-4482 02/11/2013

Not only does Discover Cary want to keep you all up to date on different events happening in the Cary and surrounding areas, but we would also like to recommend some great locations for you to try out as well! The whole week we will be posting about different Valentine’s Day options for you and yours. This Thursday, February 14th, a new restaurant is opening in the Raleigh area. DeMarco’s Restaurant and Bar in Raleigh will be open from 4pm to 10pm. Their Italian based menu with modern dining area and full bar is a great location for your Valentine’s Day dinner plans. You can make reservations early, but walk-ins are also welcome. Check them out on Facebook by clicking Here, and RSVP to their Grand Opening Event. Location: 3607 Falls River Avenue, Raleigh Phone: (919) 720-4482 02/11/2013

When you want to know if home prices are going up or down, does news media provide information you need?  Not really.  Their data is national in scope. National real estate data does not reflect what’s happening in your local market.  That’s why this analysis of price trends is strictly local. Another limit to real estate market data presented in the media revolves around fact that analysis either compares this month with last month or current month to same month last year.  Our data provides: > Full, two-year market trend. > Local (Raleigh) information. > Independent analysis of four local markets.     Market divided into four groups: Red Line: Represents Most Expensive Homes Green Line: Represents Upper Middle Segment of Market Orange Line: Represents Lower Middle Segment of Market Bl... 02/07/2013

Raleigh.  Arthur and Dorothy (Dot) loved cruising neighborhoods and open houses in search of their dream home.  Were they about to make a very costly mistake? They found a house.  Talk about curb appeal – this house had it in spades!  They called the number on the sign.  The agent’s office was nearby and she came right over.  They had no idea how much that would cost them. Dorothy apologized profusely as they exchanged names.  Then she thanked the agent for dropping everything and coming right over.  The agent was friendly and gracious.  Arthur beamed and Dot could hardly contain herself.  They went inside. As they entered, Arthur and Dot feared a letdown.  No letdown.  The inside was a great as the outside.  What a house!  Next step was how much.  Agent informed them that the asking pr... 01/31/2013

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODNIGHTRALEIGH.COM In February 2012, Dice.com ranked Raleigh among its "Top 20 Metro Areas for Tech Jobs." Okay, Raleigh came in at #19, but we made the list. Now, a year later, CIO.com has ranked Raleigh as #10 on its list of "11 Best Cities to Find an IT Job." Apparently "Raleigh is becoming a hub for tech companies and slowly becoming a model on how to do things right in the tech space." We get credit for opportunities in biotech, pharmaceuticals, software development, medical devices and insurance companies. One industry the article didn't mention is video games.  We have several video game companies in this area.  Did you know this? I know this because several of my clients are proud video game professionals. In all fairness, both these articles talk about Ralei... 01/30/2013

My IT professional works at a large IT firm in the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh North Carolina.  Knowing that I have experience in this field, one day I got a call from him:  "Nevin, I'm sick of it.  I have been wanting to buy a home and after spending a lot of time researching, I can't seem to find what I am looking for.  What can I do?" I told him, "This sounds serious".  We better consult a professional.  I grabbed my cell phone and dialed the leading specialist in Raleigh, the famous Doctor Craig Rutman.   I was immediately connected to Dr. Craig and after hearing about the symptoms he said, "This sound serious!"  He put on his smock, grabbed his surgery tool bag, ipod, cup of coffee, gummy bears, camera, rubber gloves and was out the door with no time to waste. He arrived at t... 01/24/2013

Raleigh.  “I hired this clown to sell my house and he did nothing.  He didn’t even list the house in the MLS.”  Don’t let this happen to you. Charles and Aileen hired a real estate agent to sell their home.  They had a nice home in a popular neighborhood.  They lived apart.  They agreed to sell the house to simplify the divorce process. Charles liked to stop at The Hole (short for The Watering Hole) after work and network.  He was an outgoing guy who shared his thoughts and feelings freely.   Information on his pending divorce and the sale of his house was shared with anyone who would listen. One day a real estate agent who sometimes joined the round table group said that Charles’ house was not in the MLS.  Charles erupted.  No wonder the house wasn’t selling.  He dictated angry voicema... 01/24/2013

Raleigh.  Overwhelmed with credit repair info?  What should you do?  Hire a credit repair company?  Can I provide tips on what to do?  Yes, here’s key info. Tina and Fred want a house now.  They’re planning on hiring a credit repair company.  Should they?  The short answer:  No.  They improved Fred’s cousin’s FICO score, so why not? 1.  Credit repair is not fast. 2.  Credit repair is not normally permanent. See my blog on this topic and see why credit repair can block access to a mortgage.  The first thing you should do, even before you check your credit score, is ask yourself this question: Have you had a 30-day late on your mortgage/rent in past 12 months? A yes answer means no mortgage.  You need to wait until your answer is no.  Tina wants to know why since they are current now.  Th... 01/21/2013

The Raleigh Farmer's Market - Fresh Fruit Vegetables... and More! The Raleigh Farmers Market,  located just off Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, NC, boasts over 300 different items for sale and has some of the best locally grown produce you can get. With prices well below supermarket levels and freshness that no grocer can match, the Raleigh Farmer's Market should become a regular stop when tackling your weekly errands.   Even though I go mountain biking as often as I can and now I'm eating healthier than ever before, nearly every weekend, I find myself heading over to the Farmer's Market in Raleigh, only a short drive from Cary and Apex, to get my week's supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.   There are plenty of samples to "try before you buy", a seafood restaurant on premises and plenty... 01/20/2013

Raleigh.  Location, location, location drew people to the house.  Goal is to sell the house not show it.  No offers.  No clue as to why either.  What’s next? Enthusiasm had turned to self-doubt.  Milton and Louise were bright, educated people with a great house in a neighborhood in high demand.  Seven and a half months ago they decided it would be a piece of cake to sell the house on their own.   Not happening. Without a clue on what to do next, Milton and Louise decided to end their for sale by owner adventure.  They interviewed five agents.  The last agent had a surprise.  He said he had good idea why their beautiful house was not selling.  “Problem is I want you to hire me as your agent.  If I tell you, you’ll get angry and send me on my way.”  They promised not to get angry, but he ... 01/14/2013

Raleigh, the City of Oaks... and a Great Place to Call Home. The city of Raleigh, founded in 1587 by Sir Walter Raleigh, and known as the “City of Oaks” for its abundance of oak trees, is the is one of the most populous cities in all of North Carolina. With just over one million residents, it ranks second only to Charlotte.   Raleigh is the capitol of North Carolina and is one of the three cities that make up the “Triangle” (Durham and Chapel Hill are the other cities) metro region. The “Triangle” nickname originated when the Research Triangle Park was created in 1959. RTP, as it is commonly known, is home to over 170 research and development companies. Comprised of 4,400 acres, the RTP employs over 52,000 full and part time employees.   Raleigh, located in Wake County, has received num... 01/11/2013