If you are just starting your home search then a great way to get to know a few neighborhoods is by visiting Open Houses!  Sure, you can spend time on-line at the MULTITUDE of sites like Craigslist and the News and Observer or spend time going bleary-eyed looking through the newspaper but WHY? All you have to do is check out my Open House finder for ALL the Open Houses in the Triangle NC area including Wake Forest, Cary, Raleigh, Youngsville, Apex, Chapel Hill and MORE!  With just a few quick clicks you can enter your price range, bedrooms/baths, and area and in seconds have ALL the Open Houses in the area you choose right at your fingertips.  Yes, it really is that simple!!  There is no registration required so why are you waiting? For some great tips on Open House etiquette and what t... 10/09/2010

I am not sure why people stay in relationships whether personal or professional when one is not happy.  Believe me, if one is not happy then, chances are, neither is the other.  There is no need for pretending to get along or protecting the other persons feelings. When I enter into a Listing Agreement with a seller it is not because I am so excited that they picked me.  It is because I believe that their property will be a salable listing for me.  I feel that they, as sellers and an active participant during the listing period, will listen to my expert advice when it comes to selling their home.  They will heed my advice when it comes to pricing their property appropriately, they will complete my pre-listing checklist before listing their home, and they will be serious about recommendat... 10/09/2010

It's been beautiful Fall weather in Wake Forest NC over the last week and the calendar of events and things to do continues to be plentiful!  With so many activities to choose from it will be hard to decide which one to "pencil i" on your calendar!  Regardless of which you choose to do just don't forget to stop and take in the beauty of the colorful leaves, the crisp smell in the air and the natural scenery that abounds in Wake Forest NC.  We certainly do live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country! Building Strong Nonprofits: Beyond the Grant—Fundraising for Success Monday, Oct 11; 3:30 pm – 5 pm Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. White St. The Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the INS Group, presents a workshop series open to members and non-members.... 10/09/2010

Do you know what a PopTart is?  Besides the yummy, sugar-filled breakfast treat it is also the nickname given to Real Estate agents that "pop up" and run out the door at the drop of a hat when a buyer or seller calls.  If that is what you are seeking in a Real Estate agent then I am not be the one for you. I love it when I receive emails and phone calls from people that are interested in moving to the area or need help in selling their current home - That's a given.  I take my job seriously and this is not something that I do "on the side".  It is important to me that I work with serious buyers and sellers.  I respect my buyers and sellers time and expect nothing less in return.  Each day is filled with WORK from 6am until 7pm at night.  Here are some differences between a PopTart agent... 10/08/2010

Just Because It's A Buyers Market Doesn't Mean You Can Wait! A Buyer's Market doesn't just mean there are a ton of houses for sale at great prices.  It also means that there are other buyers out there that are taking advantage of this historic time! If you are SERIOUS about buying a home right now then get your ducks in a row and get off that fence!  I have witnessed on several occasions now a buyer that finds the right property at the right price - woo hoo!  It's magic!  Well, not quite.  The buyer will hesitate to put an offer on the property because they want to take their time and make sure nothing else comes on the market that meets their needs or they want to see if the seller will reduce the list price more.  Seriously?  Trust me, there are other buyers out there.  Just because a... 10/08/2010

Does Size Really Matter? One of the most important factors, it seems, for home buyers is the square footage of a home.  I have had buyers say they want a 2200 square foot house and they won't even consider previewing a home that has only 2100 square feet.  That's when I have to step in and advise them on the unreliability of calculating square feet.  You see, you can have 10 different people measure a home and you will come up with 11 different measurements! In the State of North Carolina Realtors® are not required by Real Estate License Law or the Real Estate Commission to report square footage of property whether it be for sale or rent.  Does that surprise you?  I can say that I have not seen one property marketed WITHOUT square footage included but just note, we are not required to d... 10/03/2010

This week in Wake Forest NC you can find a myriad of events and things to do that are sure to please EVERYone!  The calendar is simply overflowing....... The second Friday of every month always pleases with Art After Hours in historic downtown Wake Forest.  Many galleries will be open with artist receptions, wine tasting and always great music!  This week we've got Pumpkin Patches, Pancake Breakfast Fundraisers, Autumn Arts Festival, AND the 2011 South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships!  HOW EXCITING! Take some time this week to get out and enjoy all there is in Wake Forest NC - you'll be glad you did!  And if you see me out and about please be sure to say hi! Public Power Week Monday, Oct 4 – Friday, Oct 8 Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. The Town of Wake Forest an... 10/03/2010

I can not tell you how many times I have been in stores or restaurants and I hear tourists asking for directions to the Wake Forest University.  When they find that although they may BE in Wake Forest the University is approximately 2.5 hours away......Talk about frustrated!  Sometimes they even get mad like it was a whole conspiracy by the town to mislead them.......Well, here is a little history lesson regarding Wake Forest and well, Wake Forest..... Way, way back in February of 1834 (told you it was way back) the very first class enrolled in what was then called the Wake Forest College.  When the Civil War started all the students but 5 were obligated to the Confederate Army.  That huge loss of student body forced the school to close in 1862. The school reopened in 1866 and thrived o... 10/01/2010

I am so surprised each week when I see new homes for sale in Wake Forest NC, both new construction and resales, as well as the price adjustments that may have occurred.  There is an enormous variety if exterior styles, interior floorplans, lot sizes, neighborhood amenities and incentives that it can be difficult to know where to start.That's where I come in!  I live, work and play in Wake Forest NC and I can tell you anything you want to know about any neighborhood here.  My son attends the local elementary school and we have friends with kids in the Middle and High Schools here.  I eat in the local restaurants, shop in the local stores, visit the local parks and drive these streets every single day.  I KNOW WAKE FOREST NC!  I have top lenders that I can refer you to to get your gamepla... 09/30/2010

I know, I know - the season just changed to Fall but NOW is the time to get your home ready for the winter so you aren't left out in the cold.  Yes, pun intended!  ;)  Winters can be brutal regardless of where you live in the country but just a few small steps can help get you through winter both safe and warm. It is a good idea to have your heating unit checked now.  Have a professional come out an perform a preventative maintenance routine on your system to be sure it is operating in top condition and is as efficient as possible. While you SHOULD be changing you air filters throughout the house in regular intervals go ahead and add it to a Fall Maintenance checklist - it doesn't hurt to double check them and start a schedule of when you change them.  A great tip is to use a Sharpie an... 09/29/2010

Wake Forest NC has an abundant supply of Parks and Greenways!  Trails wind through town, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and playground dot the landscape and even the doggies have their very own place to romp and play with their buddies!  Through this series you will find information on all the various parks in Wake Forest NC so you can always find a great way to spend a weekend afternoon with friends or family. Kiwanis Park is located in downtown Wake Forest NC right next door to the Wake Forest Library!  It is extremely convenient to make your stop at the library and then skip over to the park for a little afternoon playtime and lunch!  This small park offers a picnic shelter, a variety of play equipment and a gorgeous paved greenway trail.  Kiwanis Park is also located right down th... 09/27/2010

Wake Forest NC Neighborhood Expedition - Focus on Majestic Oaks Majestic Oaks is a gorgeous new community in Wake Forest NC located just off of Rogers Road and adjacent to Heritage.  This new community is intimate with just a handful of well-built custom homes by various well known builders from the area such as Sawyer Homes, Stellar Blu Construction, Williams Custom Building and Cambridge Classic Homes.  Located just around the corner are many conveniences such as shopping, restaurants, banks, a post office, ice cream shops and MORE!  Currently there are 12 homes for sale in Majestic Oaks and they are in various stages of construction.  Prices range from $299,900 - $375,000.  See below for some of the particulars on the homes within Majestic Oaks.  Schools currently assigned to Majesti... 09/26/2010

Give Buyers and Their Agents The Time and Space They Need It can be tempting when your home is listed to stick around while it is being shown to buyers so you be sure all the finer details are pointed out but, honestly?  It is the worst decision you can make and for many different reasons. First, your listing agent has more than likely done a fantastic job in advertising and marketing your property.  It's obvious they have or why else would you have buyers interested in seeing your home.  If you question the job that they are doing then why are you still listed with them? Secondly, the agent that is showing your home has already received all the information they need from your agent and other various sources such as tax records and public resources.  They will know what to point out to ... 09/25/2010

  Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Discover Wake Forest NC September 2010 In This Issue Feature Blog Posts National Statistics Wake Forest NC Market Report Wake Forest NC Neighborhoods   Finally!  Cooler temperatures are going to start rolling into the Wake Forest NC area this week which is a sure sign of not just Fall but Festivals, the State Fair, outdoor concerts and MORE!  I am a little shocked to see so much Holiday Decor in the stores already but it does seem like each year it is put out on the shelves and in the aisles earlier and earlier.  I guess it is just a reminder to me that I need to get it in gear and start my Holiday planning!Wake Forest NC is simply amazing during the Holidays so be sure to keep an eye out for some upcoming posts with details on the events ... 09/25/2010

Looks like tomorrow will finally bring with it COOLER Fall weather!  Whew - these records 90s over the last few days have been rough!  The hot weather can make it tough to get into the Fall spirit and all the Festivals and outdoor events that come with it - but, we made it and the events are on their way!  This weeks list of things to do in Wake Forest NC is full of a variety that will appeal to EVERYONE! So, take a minute to check it all out and pencil in a few on YOUR calendar! Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) September Morning Club Meetings Monday, Sept 27; 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 free and annual membership is only $26.Contact K... 09/25/2010

The Raleigh area is FULL of thrilling sports teams, ALL of which are great contenders, all within a short drive!  If you are looking for your fix then let me lay it all down for ya.......First up on deck? THE CAROLINA HURRICANES!!!!! The winds started churning in Raleigh NC in 1997!  That is when the announcement was made that the New England Whalers would soon be relocating and changing their name.  The only problem?  We didn't have a space for them!  So for the first few seasons the Carolina Hurricanes played their games in Greensboro NC which is a 1.5 hour drive from Raleigh.  Fan enthusiasm was minor given that we didn't know much about hockey and the drive was a drag.  Construction began on the ESA and a few short years later the Carolina Hurricanes debuted in their new arena.  The... 09/22/2010

River Mill is one of the oldest manufacturing mills in North Carolina and has seen many transitions in it's lifetime which has spanned the decades!  From the first recorded use in 1855 this mill has had many uses including granite mill, powder making factory during the Revolutionary War, paper mill, cotton mill and lastly an incredible restoration in the mid-80s turning the old mill into condos. This 23 acre site bounded by the Neuse River and Falls Lake is rich in wildlife, tranquility, history and natural beauty.  The backdrop of the dam and falls provides natural beauty beyond compare.  There are three separate buildings that comprise River Mill; The Annex, The Mill and The Woods.  Opportunities are rare to own a condo within these buildings.  River Mill is listed on the National Reg... 09/22/2010

Given that the Absorption Rate in Wake Forest NC is trending high, as it is in most areas of the country, the Market Reports for the various neighborhoods are not shocking.  Here is a August 2010 Market Report for Dansforth in Wake Forest NC.  As you can see, there was minimal activity for the month of August.  There was one property that sold, NO properties went under contract and there is a healthy supply of homes for sale with an average List Price of $314,075. Below is a list of all the homes that are CURRENTLY for sale in Dansforth.  If you would like more information regarding Dansforth and it's amenities or homes for sale in Dansforth please feel free to give me a call or simply send me an email - I'd be happy to help!  You might also want to check out my series of neighborhood p... 09/22/2010

There was limited activity for the month of August 2010 in Fairlake, Wake Forest NC.  There were no closed transactions nor did any listings in Fairlake receive a contract.  There are currently 5 homes for sale in Fairlake that are priced from $279,900.00 - $410,000.00.     For more information on Fairlake and Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please be sure to check out  Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Fairlake 09/21/2010

Absorption Rate - What's It All Mean?Many times when I create the monthly market reports I reference the Absorption Rate.  On listing appointments I mention the Absorption Rate and even use it to assist me with my Competitive Market Analysis.  An Absorption Rate is a great indicator of what is happening in a local real estate market.An Absorption Rate quite simply is the supply of homes that are on the market.  For instance, if there is an Absorption Rate of 8 is would mean that should NO other homes be listed it would take 8 months for the currently listed homes to sell or to be "absorbed" back into the market.Typically, a balanced market has an Absorption Rate of 6.  That means that it is neither a Sellers Market nor a Buyers Market.  When you see the Absorption Rate go above 6 then y... 09/18/2010