There is NO better way to kick off the Holiday Season AND get your Holiday shopping started or wrapped up than the Holiday Open House at The Cotton Company. The Cotton Company is an amazing shopping destination in historic, downtown Wake Forest NC that houses over 50 unique specialty shops offering one of a kind gifts for all!  They ranked in the Top 10 Raleigh Best Shopping Malls & Centers and it was well-deserved!  In 2000, the W.W. Holding Cotton Exchange Warehouse was purchased with a vision for transformation.  The building was renovated in phases and the end result is truly a testament to ingenuity, foresight and determination.  The Cotton Company houses upscale, boutique-styled shopping in a casual yet refined environment.  There are unique pieces offered by local artisans, one o... 11/01/2010

It's an exciting week ahead of things to do in Wake Forest NC!  You'll definitely want to check out this weeks calendar and all there is to do.  There are numerous charity events this week, the Wake Forest NC Library's 14th Birthday Party, a Holiday Open House, and great professional workshops!  Have fun this week in Wake Forest NC and be sure to say hi when you see me out and about! The Satchmo Show Wednesday, Nov 3; 10:15 am Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave. Seniors are invited to an entertaining concert/show by Ramon Kenan. Mr Kenan presents an uncanny performance of the life and influence of the legendary jazz figure, Louis Armstrong. The show is co-sponsored by the Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department and United Arts of Raleigh and Wake County. Free. (919) 435-9... 10/31/2010

So many times potential sellers want to try and sell their home themselves (FSBO - For Sale By Owner)  Why is that?  Well, I have found, more often than not, that it is because sellers sometimes aren't quite sure what a professional Realtor® can do for them. A professional, equipped and skilled Realtor® will assist you with a wide range of skills and aid you in making invaluable decisions during the real estate transaction.  While the following list is by no means inclusive of all of the significant services a Realtor® will provide it is an outline of how you can most certainly benefit from employing a professional:    Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.  Be sure to ask your Realtor® for their marketing plan. Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process in... 10/29/2010

Discover Wake Forest NC October 2010 In This Issue Feature Blog Posts National Statistics Wake Forest NC Market Report Wake Forest NC Neighborhoods   Wow - October in Wake Forest NC has been amazing!  There have been so many Festivals and events that it has been hard to keep up with all if it!  I hope that you check out the weekly calendar that I post because you never know what you might find on it.One question this time of year that is always asked is "What day do the kids go trick or treating?"  Wake Forest NC recognizes Halloween ON October 31!  Kids can go out trick or treating from 5pm - 8pm on the 31st which is a Sunday this year.  Keep SAFETY in mind and some great tips for a successful and accident free evening can be found here..... Trick or Treating in Wake Forest NC - Keep ... 10/25/2010

Four Walls and A Roof Do Not Make A Home I meet all kinds of buyers every day.  And, I do mean, ALL kinds.  I meet first time homebuyers, seasoned buyers looking to move up or even downsize, young couples, families, and every type in between.  Regardless, all of them have one thing in common when they come to me, they want to buy a house, of course.  More often than not the buyer will present me with a laundry list of wants/needs.  Actually, I am starting to think that there is a script that they all read; I know the phone calls by heart now.  "Hi, we are looking for a home with 2000 - 2200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 2 car garage, large kitchen, nice yard and in a friendly neighborhood." Well, that just about describes 75% of the homes for sale in Wake Forest NC and if you se... 10/24/2010

Wake Forest NC has some awesome events and things to do coming up this week!  Halloween festivities continue this week, there is a Community Business Expo hosted by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce at The Factory, a Senior Halloween Party at the Northern Wake Senior Center, and Family Fest 2010 at the Living Word Family Church!  LITERALLY a little something for the young and the young at heart this week so get out and have some fun! Don't forget - the Town of Wake Forest NC recognizes Halloween ON October 31!  Trick or Treater's can start their rounds at 5pm and wind it down at 8pm!  For some tips of a SAFE Halloween be sure to visit: Helpful Halloween Tips - Keep It Safe For All The Little Ghouls and Goblins! Community Business Expo 2010 Monday, Oct 25; 3 pm – 7 pm The Factory,... 10/24/2010

The Wake Forest NC Real Estate Market had some interesting statistics for the month of September 2010.  The first chart below represents the various Price Points for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC.  While the chart represents only the dynamics of the 2010 market I do have statistics for a comparison to 2009.  The most dramatic increases are seen in the Price Points below $300,000.00.  The number of Homes for Sale up to $149,999 rose most notably 119% when compared to September 2009.  The $150,000 - $199,999 segment increased by 71% and the $200,000 - $299,999 niche had an increase of 43% when compared to the same time frame in 2009.  With those increases it comes as no surprise that the luxury market saw the decreases thereby defining a definite shift in Price Points in the Wake Fores... 10/24/2010

  Police Need Help Identifying Bank Robbery Suspect October 20, 2010 Wake Forest Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the man shown below who robbed the Capital Bank, 12217 Capital Blvd., this afternoon.       Police describe the suspect as a slender black male of medium complexion, standing 6'3" - 6'4". He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue jogging style jacket with white stripes down the sleeves, and a plain white baseball cap. He was also wearing a fake, plastic nose.   Witnesses say after the suspect exited the building he headed west on foot towards Hampton Way.   Anyone in the vicinity of Capital Bank this afternoon between noon and 1:15 p.m. with information about this incident is asked to contact the Wake Forest Police Department at (919) 556-9111.   Poli... 10/20/2010

The Wake Forest NC Junior Woman's Club is hosting a Wake Forest NC Community Tag Sale!  Sellers at the Community Tag Sale are responsible for all equipment such as tables and chairs.  Set up begins at 7:00a.m. and the sale runs from 8:00a.m. until noon!  It's Fall - clean out that attic and turn your "stuff" into CASH!  There is STILL TIME to reserve a spot!!! Your $15 gets you your space and advertisement - YOU KEEP ALL PROFITS!  Wake Forest NC Community Tag Sale: October 23, 2010 Tuxedo Junction 8am - Noon Tuxedo Junction is located at 405 S. Brooks Street 10/20/2010

Get your costumes ready!!!  Flaherty Park will host a Halloween Spooktacular Thursday, October 21, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  There will be loads of scary fun on hand with: Costume Contest Face painting a Haunted Maze a Moon Bounce FREE pumpkin giveaways tons of other ghostly games and activities! Costumes are completely optional BUT there will be a prize for the "Best Costume! This fantastic family-oriented event is for kids ages 12 and younger - see you there! Flaherty Park is located at 1226 N. White Street 10/20/2010

There is no excuse to stay in this week in Wake Forest NC!  The calendar is OVERFLOWING with things to do and events for all ages.  This week in Wake Forest you can find Halloween events ramping up, benefits and fundraisers, Socials, community tag sale, outdoor concerts and way more!  Check out the latest calendar of events and, as always, if you see me out and about please say HI! Thirty-One Shop for the Cause – Relay for Life Tuesday, Oct 19; 6 pm – 9 pm O'Dwyers Irish Pub, 3325 Rogers Rd. Senior Consultant Mary Beth Roberson will be donating a percentage of her profits to Relay for Life on any Thirty-One merchandise purchased this month. Place your order at the Purses, Prizes and Pizza Party at O'Dwyers on Oct. 19 or visit www.mythirtyone.com/marybeth. Building Strong Nonprofits: An ... 10/17/2010

The Mews at Legacy Greene in Wake Forest NC is a wonderful townhome community quietly tucked in behind Heritage.  This lovely little pocket of townhomes is located close to Highway 98 and Rogers Road making getting around Wake Forest NC easy and commutes to Raleigh and Research Triangle Park take no time at all.  Shopping, dining and all daily necessities are located close at hand making this location extremely convenient.  This wonderful community has a gorgeous swimming pool centrally located making it THE hub of summertime fun and activity.  The Mews at Legacy Greene has 2 and 3 bedroom units available.  Currently, there are 8 townhomes for sale in The Mews and Legacy Greene and they range in price from $109,900.00 to $154,000.00.  All units have a wonderful front porch and rear yard... 10/15/2010

  Bishops Grant in Wake Forest NC is a gorgeous community with tree lined streets, sidewalks, beautiful treed lots and exceptional homes!  This community was started in 2007 and is growing at a manageable rate so as not to flood the community with too many homes for sale at one time.  Many of the new homes in Bishops Grant have been entered into the 2010 Parade of Homes and with striking features like those listed below it is no surprise. Covered rear porches 1st floor Master Suites and/or guest suites Butler's Pantry Computer niches Walkup attics Rec rooms Under cabinet lighting Bishops Grant has a neighborhood swimming pool and a clubhouse which is perfect for weaving community fabric and promoting a neighborhood feel.  HOA Dues in Bishops Grant are $60.00 per month and include the po... 10/15/2010

With Halloween right around the corner now is the time to be sure that you HOME is ready for the trick-or-treaters that are about to come knocking on your door!  Here are a few quick tips to be sure that you are providing a safe environment for all the little goblins that come to your door! To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps. Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. In addition to safety around your home some other items that may prove helpful are: A parent or responsible adult s... 10/15/2010

I received my first phone call today from a seller that is contemplating taking their home off the market over the Holidays and re-listing after the New Year.  She asked me what I thought and here is what I told her. Homes are at their cleanest and most attractive at this time of year.  With all of the families visiting and festivities around us the homes are decorated beautifully!  Every sense a buyer has is touched in some way from the sights of homes lit up with lights, to the sounds of Holiday music, to the smells of baking cookies and fresh cut pine trees, to the tastes of warm cider and the feel of crisp, clean air. Buyers that are intending to relocate to the area are most likely to use this time of year to visit the area and research schools, homes for sale, the city, the amenit... 10/15/2010

Holding Park in Wake Forest NC is one of the most active parks in the Wake Forest Park System.  Why?  Because there is SO much to do there!  Holding Park is located centrally in Wake Forest NC and consists of 5 acres of natural beauty and family fun!  This gorgeous park is the focal point of many events throughout the year and for good reason.  Holding Park is home to the public Wake Forest NC swimming pool.  This pool is 50 meters and is a true hot spot during the summer months in Wake Forest NC.  Not only is the pool open in the summer for general swimming but there is also swim lessons available, water aerobics, parent-child swim times and lap swim times. You can also find the Wake Forest Community House at Holding Park.  The Community House is utilized for many activities such as fa... 10/15/2010

Saddle Run in Wake Forest NC is a small enclave of homes tucked away off of Chalks Road.  This gorgeous collection of homes has quite a few entries in the 2010 Parade of Homes and for good reason!  With extra special touches such as: Stamped Concrete Patios Reading Nooks Master Suites with Sitting Areas Coffered Ceilings Covered Decks ...and More... You simply can't pass up the opportunity to explore what is currently available in this new community or even what you could possibly build to really customize it and make it your own. Currently, there are three completed homes for sale in Saddle Run that range in price from $305,250.00 - $319,500.00.  Square footage is in the 3000 range and all three homes have very different floorplans giving each it's own personal "feel".  This location i... 10/11/2010

So, just who is behind some of the exciting things that go on in Wake Forest?  The Wake Forest Cultural Arts Association, of course!  The WFCAA was formed in 1988 to reinforce the positive identity of Wake Forest as a distinct community.  Like so many other parts of the country smaller communities get blended in with their larger counterparts only to lose their individuality.  NOT Wake Forest!  There is still a distinct richness Wake Forest retaines with the help, vision and direction of the WFCAA.  It is their mission to enhance the cultural life of Wake Forest to further enrich the lives of it's residents.  They support numerous art programs and support the local artists. You know all of the events I mention such as Artists Studio Tours, Historic Homes Tours, Autumn Arts Festival, Six... 10/10/2010

It was BEAUTIFUL in Wake Forest NC today and I was fortunate to be out and about with clients this morning touring some homes for sale.  There were some really gems in the mix and then there were those that didn't quite make the list. Anyhow, all of the homes were similar in size, price, private back yards and in close proximity to each other.  All of the homes would fit my clients needs nicely.  What surprised me with each of the homes was that they had another similarity.  They were all a "little" dirty.  Now, let me explain a "little" dirty.  It was obvious in each of the homes that they were family homes.  Adults with children.  From peeking in closets, pantries and bathrooms I can see that they left in haste in the morning but had all done their best to put things in their proper p... 10/10/2010

Wake Forest NC Expedition - Focus on Twin Creeks Twin Creeks in Wake Forest NC is an scenic little pocket of homes tucked in behind Olde Mill Stream meaning there is ZERO through traffic.  The developers did a brilliant job back in 2007 when the area was first being developed maintaining the natural surroundings and leaving as many trees as possible in tact.  This small neighborhood is peaceful and most definitely tranquil! While there are a few homes that were built in 2007 - 2009 the majority are brand new homes with a few lots left available to build on.  Some of the builders you can find in Twin Creeks are Turning Point Builders, Walt Lewis Construction and Humphries Builders.  Their homes are outstanding displays of masterful construction with standard details and finishes that wou... 10/09/2010