My next 50,000 points. I will have at least 2 featured posts.I will use more pictures.I will put more than and planning in to each post.I will comment more.I will be invited to play with the Popular kids!!I will boost my google ranking(it is working) SEO?I will use spelcheq on every blog. I will hyperlink more often Raleigh Real EstateI will only speak positively and professionally. Thank you AR for letting me be a part of this, I feel I learn a little more each day. Thanks I just wish AR could count towards my required CE classes.  08/31/2007

Several times a week I field calls from families wanting to Relocate to NC. They are trying to choose between Raleigh and Charlotte. They will spend a few days in Raleigh and then a few days in Charlotte.I am biased I love Raleigh NC.There is something for everyone.We have shopping.www.northhillsraleigh.comwww.crabtree-valley-mall.comwww.streetsatsouthpoint.com/ www.shopcarytownecentermall.com/www.triangletowncenter.comwww.shopsofcameronvillage.com/We have FRESH producehttp://www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/www.freshmarket.com/ We have DINING.www.42ndstoysterbar.com/  www.chargrillusa.com/ www.glenwoodsouth.net/We have the artswww.cbc-raleigh.com/community/projects/pops_in_park.aspwww.ncartmuseum.org/www.raleighsymphony.com/ www.operanc.com/www.progressenergycente... 08/31/2007

Raleigh Real Estate I have spent the week showing properties and negotiating. 2 out of the 3 properties I have offers on have multiple offers.These properties are not foreclosures, are not priced under market value, are not in the HOT areas. But they are under $200,000 nice single family homes. In nice family oriented neighborhoods and in move-in condition. No painting needed.In the Raleigh Real Estate market as long as a buyer can find a nice home, in a nice subdivision there will be interest the magic number for a 1st Time Home Buyer is between $140,000 and $200,000. Raleigh Real Estate is consistant. Homes that are in a desireable area and priced right will sell. Established neighborhoods will sell quicker in a resale market than homes having to compete with new construction.  08/31/2007

¡Deje de Pagar la Hipoteca de su Arrendador! Es asombroso pensar sobre el costo de la vida, especialmente si usted es un inquilino y no el propietario de su vivienda. Si en la actualidad está pagando $1,000 de renta mensuales, la compañía administradora de la propiedad se habrá apoderado de $36,000 del dinero que usted tanto ha luchado por conseguir. Usted le está pagando la hipoteca al dueño de la propiedad, cuando podría aumentar su valor líquido invirtiendo en su propia propiedad. ¿Qué pasa si no tengo el dinero para comprar una vivienda en este momento? Existen muchos programas de préstamo que ofrecen opciones de pago bajas y sin pago inicial. Algunos de estos programas aceptan el dinero regalado (o por donación) para la cuota inicial, y si los vendedores desean vender la casa rápi... 08/30/2007

Como funcionan las Tasas Hipotecarias Ajustables Durante la ultima década, las Tasas Hipotecarias Ajustables (ARMs) han aumentado en popularidad entre los consumidores. En la actualidad, son pocos los propietarios de vivienda (especialmente los que compran por primera vez) que permanecen en sus hogares por más de siete años. En este caso, tiene más sentido conseguir una tasa hipotecaria ajustable con una tasa más baja, en especial una que tenga una porción fija de 5 años o de 7 años, ya que no tendrán el préstamo el tiempo suficiente como para tener que preocuparse por una fluctuación en la tasa. Las Tasas Hipotecarias Ajustables tienen tres características principales: Margen, Índice y Caps (Cantidad Tope). El Margen es la porción fija de la tasa ajustable. Permanece igual durante la v... 08/30/2007

The Raleigh real estate market has definitely been affected by by recent changes in the mortgage industry.  As a result, buying or selling real estate in Raleigh has changed too.  Much confusion exists.  We need  a better understanding of what this means to the local buying and selling public. In Part 1,  I discussed what the mortgage meltdown is and what has changed in the mortgage industry.  So what does this really mean to someone wanting to buy a home in Raleigh, North Carolina?  What about someone selling a home?  Today, let’s talk about the more obvious one… home buyers. Buying a Home in Raleigh In the previous article, I listed several things that have changed for borrowers applying for a home loan.  Two big ones were: A good credit score is more important than everFull documenta... 08/30/2007

Recently I have had several offers rejected without even a counter.Reasonable offers.1) House was listed at $225 neighbors house sold (same model) 2 months prior for $215,000.My offer $210000 - 90LTV2 week closingThe seller rejected the offer, was insulted and the home is still on the market 4 months later. 2)House is listed at $110,000My buyer offers $100,000. 30 day closing. 80% LTV Approved buyerSeller rejects offer home has been sitting on the market 6 months the home sold for $106,000 2 months later. Maybe the offers are low. But sellers should understand that the Media is proclaiming a Buyers Market why not negotiate with the buyer. Ultimately Sellers want to sell and Buyers want to buy why not Negotiate. Ralegh Real Estate  08/29/2007

Planning on selling or buying a home in Raleigh, North Carolina?  Concerned about the turmoil in the mortgage industry?  There may be good reason for some concern.  Things have definitely changed.  This article is the first installment in a three part series that addresses this critical issue.You cannot turn on the news without hearing about rising foreclosure rates and lenders whose future stability is in question.  Or worse yet, lenders that can no longer fund client loans at closing.  A recent example is HomeBanc, a lender with operations here in our Raleigh market that many of my clients had done business with in the past.  Yikes... this is hitting pretty close to home folks!  We need a better understanding of what we are dealing with.Let's start by identifying more exactly this so ... 08/28/2007

 These times are trying for those properties still sitting out there on the market. Despite agressive marketing efforts, properties could still sit, motionless in the market. Maybe its time to reconsider the price, or maybe try to listen to the agents advise more before you spend another month dealing with stress trying to show your home that is not catching the discriminating buyers eyes. Try to sit down and re-evaluate yourself as a seller, are you holding on to the price that you think you should get and not the market is willing to pay? Are you making it easy for agents to show your listing or are you holding on to your strict schedule, ie, 24 hour notice, 12 hour notice, 1 hour notice, no showings from this time of the day to that time. Remember that there is a lot of inventory out... 08/27/2007

Click here to check outThe Realty Bites! Continental Style.....! Join me for the newest craze around! We'll meet for coffee and a light bite and then head out and tour a few properties! Fun, educational and a great way to meet other people. I do hope that you'll come. Please sign up and be sure to visit the "Poll" section - your input is greatly appreciated! Leesa 08/26/2007

I get many emails and phone calls from potential buyers looking for information about Wakefield Plantation.  Here are just some of the highlights:2200+ acre development that has 2 golf courses (one 18 hole/one 9 hole).  TPC rated!Two swimming poolsClubhouseTennis CourtsSeveral "communities" within the developement with a wide price range ($250,000 - $6,000,000 for single family) and a huge array of stylesNorth Raleigh LocationFor more information on Wakefield Plantation please visit Wakefield Plantation.  If you would like to see some of the homes that are available for sale please visit Wakefield Plantation Homes.If you have any questions regarding Wakefield Plantation or other North Raleigh neighborhoods please feel free to send me an email or give me a call.Thanks!Leesa  08/26/2007

 The Triangle market of NC has felt the national slowdown of real estate. We have inventory that are priced great compared to prior sales but they are not being sold quickly like we were used to. This does present a great opportunity for buyers. There are several builders right now that used to not give even a cent off and now they are giving away $10,000-$15,000 off! It is unbelievable! Timing truly makes a difference. Handling some rental listings and property management has made me feel the hundreds of people coming in daily into the area so I know that there will always a demand in our local real estate. I expect this setback to be temporary and I believe that we are about done with the bad news and we are going to start going back to the phase we were in March.We do still have a fe... 08/23/2007

Raleigh Real Estate The beauty about blogging at the end of the day.I can vent and then deleteYour perspective of the Market is realIt helps me unwindToday was very full. I started at 6am by putting Diesel in my Silverado Gas 4x4. I had to cancel my 8:30 appointment and my 11:00 am appointment. Luckily I did not lose these buyers.I have seen a tremendous surge this past week I am.I am swamped and greatful for it.  I believe in taking the high road. Our business is directly related to our attitude and how  we deal with the public. If we are battling with our collegues over a few dollars where does this leave our attitude and is it worth it, do you want this type of behavior around you?I also believe in Carma.When I started in the business in South Florida a gentleman by the name of  Gree... 08/23/2007

Michael Easley, Governor of the State of North Carolina, has declared that 74 counties are now officially in extreme or severe drought.  He is asking state agencies to discontinue non-essential use of water.  He is asking citizens to reduce water consumption by at least 10%.  The state's office offers some helpful tips to conserve water in the Raleigh and Cary areas. SOME HELPFUL TIPS:- Only using the dishwasher with full loads, and using the "water-saver" setting, if available. - Taking short showers. Five minutes or less should do. If you prefer baths, fill the tub only one-quarter full. - Find out how much water your lawn really needs. More than 50 percent of the water applied to lawns and gardens is lost due to evaporation or runoff because of over watering. As a general rule, most ... 08/20/2007

It is official.My business is officially opened.This is a scary time for me I have always had the Balloon to hold me up. I had to make the change because I could not find an office that "fit" me and I am not an office hopper.Now I get to do business my way. I get to have some Freedom. I get to think outside of the box. Yesterday I received the final approval from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and my hands were shaking I literally had to breath.I am off to go show some property now and hopefully sell my first home this weekend under  NC List for Less Realty Incorporated.  08/18/2007

Just when you thought that Raleighcouldn't possibly need another golf course community, Creedmore Partners has developed Hasentreein North Raleigh.  A community that offers a housing community, family activity centers, a Tom Fazio Golf Course, gyms, childcare and much more.  This is the type of place that will drive even more people to the beautiful city of Raleigh.       The plans for a housing development have been included in the proposal for this new community.  Properties in a place like Hasentree will certainly sell at a premium.  This new golf course community has already received a great deal of press and the lots will be selling very quickly.  ListWise Realtyis the perfect brokerage for people interested in a place like Hasentree.  ListWise offers buyers up to 50% instant commi... 08/17/2007

 Shelley Lake is part of the Raleigh, North Carolina Parks and Recreation System.  The park surrounds the 53 acre lake.  The main entrance is off Millbrook Road in North Raleigh, leading to picnic areas, play areas, a 2+ mile paved trail around the lake, the Sertoma Park and Arts Center, a boathouse with rental boats, and a fishing dock.  The trail at Shelley Lake crosses the lake on this bridge.  The trail challenges runners, with steep sections on the rolling hills of North Raleigh, along with open flat areas.  Unpaved areas are popular with mountain bikers.See the Shelley Lake Slideshow on Flickr, with 77 photos posted! There are bass, crappie, and catfish in the lake! And rowboats are available at the Shelley Lake Boathouse, as well as fishing bait.Group activities are held, with lo... 08/14/2007

What does this really mean? Depending on the wording of the contract it basically means that the seller will not be obligated to make any repairs. Depending on the wording the buyer could be giving up the right to inspections this is the term "where is." I recently wrote a contract for a foreclosure that was phrased as-is where-is and the buyer lost their right for inspections. The property was priced right for this and we still had a financing contingency and survey contincy. My advice would be to thoroughly read all contracts before signing away your rights as a buyer. 08/12/2007

Yesterday I was on the lake at about 2pm I was finished showng properties early for a Saturday. My phone rings it was a young woman driving to view a property she found off of my IDX. She called me in front of the property to see if I could show the property to her. The phone broke up and I called her back and she was sitting in the sales office speaking with the builders rep.I asked to just view the property and call me back. She did!!I explained Agency - sales staff did not disclose Sellers Agency to her.I went over the incentives being offered - sales staff did not disclose.I explained her rights to have representation.The point of this is that BUYERS BEWARE - Onsite sales reps represent the seller in most cases. You have the right to representation and we are still compensated by th... 08/12/2007

Last week I wrote about Money Magzine's most recent article on the Best Places to Live in the US - like many other Activerainers wrote about their towns after the magazine came out with their rankings.  In addition to the Money Magazine article, The Triangle News and Observer, our local newspaper,  published an article today on the front page of the Cary Real Estate section entitled, "Why is the triangle on top?"  The paper asked several agents around town what's drawing so many people to the area.  The responses were varied from jobs, quality of life, great singles town, and others.  One that I would like to add is that it's a great place to retire too.  That said, I've compiled the 2007 Triangle Ratings so you can see all of the accolades the Triangle has received just this year.  As ... 08/10/2007