You may not realize it, but your house has shoes!  Ok, really they're boots, and maybe they're not for walking.  But your house has one, or two, or three, or more! You say you don't know what a roof boot is?  What?  How'd you get on my jobsite?  Did I hire you?  You're got to maintain roof boots, especially roof boots here in the Raleigh & Wake Forest area with all our hot summers.  Roof boots wear out and can cause leaks and ugly brown stains. Or worse!  That stain inside on the ceiling isn't so bad, but left unattended it will be! Ok, since I now know that you don't know what a roof boot is, let's show you.  You can't work with me and not know about roof boots, we change them all the time.  In fact, get up on the roof with me and I'll take you through the whole process.  It's pretty s... 02/17/2011

Wake Forest NC Housing Market Report - January 2011 Wake Forest, NC is conveniently located just 17.7 miles from North Carolina's Capital, Raleigh, and boasts beautiful subdivisions and opportunities for entertainment within!   If you missed last month's report we provided a full recap of how the Wake Forest Real Estate Market performed in 2010.  Now, it's time to start looking at how we're doing in 2011.    If you're considering moving to Wake Forest, NC or even if you're planning on selling a home in Wake Forest, NC, it's important to have the right information.       Our market report will give you a good overview of how detached homes for sale in Wake Forest, NC performed during the month of January. The pie chart on the left breaks down the number of detached homes in Wake Forest ... 02/14/2011

With Spring just around the corner one can't help but think of fresh new beginnings, clean air, blooming flowers and days that start to linger a little longer.  If you are thinking about selling your home then Spring is an exceptional time to enter the housing market!  You'll be sparkling fresh and ready for all of the buyers that are getting those tax refund checks, looking to relocate and even those that are looking to move to a new neighborhood.  Who knows, your home just might be THE ONE that someone has always driven by and dreamed they could own! You have a little time to get your home ready before the start of the Spring market so take advantage of this time and be one step ahead.  Here are a few tips and ideas that can help you road map your way to a successful listing come Spri... 02/07/2011

As a Realtor® there are several "duties" that I owe to my buyer clients by entering into a Buyer Agency Agreement.  Did you know, as a Buyer that you have specific duties as well? In North Carolina if a Buyer enters into a Buyer Agency Agreement a Buyers duties are: Work exclusively with Firm for the term of the Agreement Pay Firm, directly or indirectly, the compensation agreed upon in the Agreement Comply with reasonable requests by the Firm to supply any pertinent financial or personal information needed to fulfill the term of the Agreement Be available for reasonable periods of time to examine properties Pay for all products and/or services required in the examination and evaluation of properties (i.e. surveys, water/soil tests, title reports, property inspections, etc) It is so imp... 02/06/2011

Raleigh Relocation Information Package 2010 Wake Forest Property Tax Guide How To Check Property Tax Rates for Wake Forest NC Read up-to-date Wake County property tax information Whether you're considering relocating from one side of the Triangle to the other, or coming to Raleigh from another state, you've probably wondered what the yearly property taxes might be for your new home. When were property values last adjusted (assessed)? Wake Forest, which is located in Wake County, reassessed property values on January 1, 2008.  A number of homes saw an increase of value, particularly since it had been 8 years since the last reassessment.  How Much are 2010 Property Taxes in Wake Forest? Here are the 2010 rates, by town within Wake County.  To get the total property tax rate for Wake Fores... 01/31/2011

Below is a list of some of the most popular selling homes in Wake Forest, NC up to $200,000 during the time period of July 2009 - January 2011.  This list is not exclusive.  There are many other wonderful neighborhoods as well as homes for sale that aren't in a neighborhood.  For a comprehensive list of Wake Forest homes in any price range, contact your Professional Real Estate Agent.  If you don't have an Agent, you can Search the Triangle MLS for homes that meet your criteria HERE. If the below list says "and above" next to the sale price, that simply means there are homes that sold in this neighborhood for more than $200,000. Please also keep in mind, you cannot average these prices to determine a fair market value.  This is simply to give you an idea of what price range and neighbor... 01/16/2011

Wake Forest Real Estate Market - 2010 Recap   Embracing the rich heritage and historic district downtown, Wake Forest continues to charm its current 27,000+ residents and attract new businesses and growth opportunities.   Before diving into how the Wake Forest Real Estate market is shaping up in 2011, we think it is important to show how the market in 2010 performed.   Included is our Wake Forest Real Estate recap.  The information details the real estate activity for single family detached homes in Wake Forest, NC.   If you would like information on the other areas around the Triangle visit our full list of Triangle Real Estate Market - 2010 Recaps.     If you're considering moving to Wake Forest NC or selling a home in Wake Forest, it's important to have the right information. Our goa... 01/13/2011

Such a nice, friendly range.   01/11/2011

For the most part buyers make decisions on a purchasing a home from the emotional side. What will it be like for their family growing up there? Can they start a family there? What will the Holidays be like? Will their possessions find their rightful place in the home? What will dinner time be like? Will little Suzie or Johnny like the back yard?   Smells and scents are one of the biggest influences that impact emotional responses.  When you have showing scheduled on your home for sale be sure that it not only LOOKS fantastic but that it also SMELLS inviting and welcoming!    Here are some simple tips and reminders for making sure that your home passes the "Sniff Test":   IF you smoke or have a smoker in the house don't allow smoking in your house for weeks leading up to showing it Find ... 01/01/2011

Ok, I like painters, at least some of them.  They make your house better looking and protect all that wood and cardboard, I mean hardboard siding.  (Yes, I have it on my house, too.)  They caulk things and make the gaps go away and keep water out of the house.  And that's a VERY GOOD THING. But hiring your painter to replace some trim or siding...not usually a good idea.  At least check in front of them (get references and call them specifically about REPAIRS they have done), and certainly check behind them! A customer called us recently and had a leak in an area we had previously removed some improper flashing that was leaking.  In other words the flashing was nailed on top of the shingles in a long continuous sheet and the exposed nail heads were letting water in like a sieve...but I ... 12/23/2010

This is very difficult, so be careful if you try this at home. Especially notice the position of the hands. Be careful! 12/16/2010

It has been an extremely exciting week in Wake Forest NC with the Wake Forest Christmas Parade AND the Wake Forest Rolesville High School playing in the State Championships!  Whew!  This town has been buzzing with both Holiday Spirit and School spirit and pride!  The upcoming week in Wake Forest is full of Holiday events such as Breakfast with Santa, Holiday performances, a crafter's market and if you haven't been to historic downtown Wake Forest you simply MUST go!  The decorations are magical and the local businesses are in quite the Holiday mode!  What a wonderful time to visit historic downtown Wake Forest and explore all that is offered! Wake Forest Garden Club Meeting Tuesday, Dec 14; 9:30 am Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. The meeting will begin with social time and... 12/12/2010

Wake Forest Real Estate Market Report - November 2010 Attention to detail in this quaint, classy town attract residents and visitors to Wake Forest, NC.  Such detail that the town of Wake Forest, Parks and Recreation Department, offers Phone Calls from Santa free of charge to residents between the ages of 3 - 7, available Dec. 9th. If you're considering moving to Wake Forest, NC or even if you're planning on selling a home in Wake Forest, NC, it's important to have the right information.Our market report will give you a good overview of how detached homes for sale in Wake Forest, NC performed during the month of November.         The pie chart on the left breaks down the number of detached homes in Wake Forest that were active, newly active, went under contract or closed during the mont... 12/09/2010

The Holidays are truly a magical time in Wake Forest NC and every year we all look forward to the biennial Holiday Historic Home Tour.  This year is shaping up to be one of the biggest tours ever with live music, refreshments, free horse drawn carriage rides and even the college carillon will be playing holiday music.  There are approximately 15 homes, churches and other buildings gloriously decorated and open for public viewing on the self-guided tour.  This tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Wake Forest Woman's Club.  December 4, 2010 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm Advance Tickets:  $12 Day of Tour:  $15 Children under 12:  Free Admission Advance Tickets can be purchased at: The Cotton Company, 306 S. White Street NC Specialty Shops, 150 S. White Street Olde English ... 11/27/2010

The Holidays are most definitely in full swing in Wake Forest NC!  It's a truly magical week coming up with so much Holiday spirit and quite a bit of variety!  Some highlights to mention that you will definitely want to get onto your hectic schedule are the traditional Lighting of Wake Forest, Holiday Historic Home Tour, Breakfast with Santa and, of course, the Holiday Market at the Wake Forest Farmers Market!  Take a look at all there is to choose from this week and I am sure that you will find something to squeeze into your hustle and bustle. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Morning Club Meetings Mondays; 9:30 am weigh in and 10:10 am meeting Wakefield Baptist Church, 13029 Falls of the Neuse Rd. TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support program that welcomes all! Your first session is ... 11/27/2010

Wake Forest NC Market Report - October 2010 Quaint and Classy Wake Forest, NC.  With cultural diversity and tree lined downtown streets Wake Forest is home to just under 28,000 residents (according to the 2009 US Census Bureau). If you're considering moving to Wake Forest NC or even if you're planning on selling a home in Wake Forest NC, it's important to have the right information.Our Wake Forest market report will give you a good overview of how detached homes for sale in Wake Forest, NC performed in the Wake Forest Real Estate Market during the month of October.   The pie chart below breaks down the number of detached homes in Wake Forest that were active, newly active, went under contract or closed during the month of October.     The table below shows the break down of the detached... 11/26/2010

There were so many things that we noticed while on vacation from a BUYERS PERSPECTIVE that I just have to blog about them.  The first post I did Observations From The Road - A Realtor® Turned Buyer: Outdoor Flyers got a ton of comments and opinions about Outdoor Flyers but I think my post may have been a bit misunderstood.  Again, these posts are from a buyer's perspective.  So, if you missed that post and want to catch up just click the link above.  Before leaving on our trip I had already had MANY apps loaded on my Android X for Real Estate.  Here are few that we used - the ones we absolutely LOVED and the ones that didn't work so well for us.  These are just our opinions. Zillow - while many of you know that I DON'T LIKE Zillow for their Zestimates I have to say that the Zillow mobil... 11/16/2010

This weekend in Wake Forest is busy with Holiday preparations in full swing!  The shops and restaurants in historic, downtown Wake Forest are gearing up with their festive window displays, the homes in the historic district are preparing for the Historic Home Holiday Tour and everyone is busy, busy, busy making their plans for all the activities yet to come! This weekend you can find a few events that you should certainly pencil into your schedule!  Check out the Farmers Market in historic, downtown Wake Forest, help keep downtown Wake Forest clean by participating in the monthly "Clean Up Day" or visit the Fall Festival Bazaar to pick up a few unique Holiday decorations of your own!  There are MANY ongoing Food Drives, School Supply Drives and more throughout the week - help and/or don... 11/15/2010

This past week was filled with family, fun and sun!  And a little house-hunting.  Okay, a LOT of house hunting!  It was wonderful to take off my Realtor® hat and not answer the phone (I did occasionally), not answer the emails (unless they were critical) and to just enjoy my family and time away from home. It's always interesting to see what is going on real estate wise in other parts of the country, different terms that are used and how homes are advertised.  This trip was no exception and the lessons learned were invaluable.  Through a series of posts I thought I would give my opinions on what we saw or didn't see and hopefully give us all a little something to think about. First up is OUTDOOR FLYERS!  I have never been huge on flyers.  They are a pain to keep up to date with informat... 11/14/2010

The Wake Forest NC Public Library is an amazing place to spend the after perusing its many shelves of  books, spending time on their computers doing research or attending the MANY programs that are available for parents, toddlers or teens!  The Wake Forest NC Public Library is such a focal point in the community here and guess what?  It's their birthday!!!!  Their 14th Birthday at their current location!  Everyone is invited to come to their super spectacular Birthday Celebration which is planned for: Saturday, November 6th, from 10am - 1pm Just a few of the activities planned are: Adorable facepainting by Ebony Child Face Painting Services.  The can create kittens, tigers, puppies, butterflies, flowers, and more! a Magic Show Balloon Twisting a visit from the Friends of the Library mas... 11/01/2010