Recently, I had the good fortune of meeting a general contractor who works for a non-profit organization called Builders of Hope in Raleigh, NC. This organization moves homes that ordinarily would be torn down to other locations where they can be designated as affordable housing. (In Raleigh and surrounding areas, housing prices average more than $220,000, according to stats published from the local Board of Realtors.)For those who have clients who think they may not be able to afford housing in the Triangle, you may wish to contact Builders of Hope. The Community is called Barrington Village and is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh. View Site Plans and amenities at: http://buildersofhopenc.org/community.html The Website indicates that applicants qualify if their in... 08/05/2007

How do parents do it--day in and day out? You MUST in a constant state of tiredness! Yesterday, my 10 year-old niece concluded a four week visit with me. (I went from having a childless home to having to keep her entertained, and of course, fed.) I had absolutely no idea I could be so tired, which is why I slept nearly 12 hours last night. She and I had a wonderful time together, and I wanted to share with you some of the cool things we/she did. We really appreciate all the people who run the day camps. The children, no doubt, keep the staff entertained, but there's so much hard work that goes into preparing for the children to attend each day.Dinners at Home: Campers learned how much hard work goes into preparing a meal from A to Z. They assembled the meals at Dinners at Home, and we c... 08/04/2007

Raleigh Real Estatewww.Home-HuntersTeam.comSearch the MLS in real timeSearch featured propertiesSchool LinksSeller's tipsBuyer's tipsSearch over 17,000 current listiingsSign up for a custom search.Advertise on www.Home-HuntersTeam.com Find local hot spots.Register for monthly drawingsRequest Relocation packet.Register for Home Buying Seminar  08/03/2007

Many people across the country are hearing more about the Raleigh/Cary NC Real Estate Market.  Aside from Raleigh being the capital of North Carolina, the city is positioned in a perfect geographic location.  We are about 2 hours from the coast and around 4 hours from the mountains.  Instead of a week long yearly vacation, many take several short vacations throughout the year.  On top of the location boon, Raleigh boasts many of the traits of a growing metropolitan area; which with good reason attract people from all across the country.  JOBS.....a major trait....Raleigh definitely possesses a growing job market, Universities, good schools, professional sports, major medical institutions, entertainment, a decent climate and a growing "downtown" area.  All of these things and many more a... 07/26/2007

Recently Forbes Magazine has named Raleigh, NC the best place to sell a home.  They called it a seller's market and backed that up with the average time to sell as being 90 days on the market.  A Seller's Market is when homes sell quickly and sellers have the upper hand in pricing and usually can get close to full price or more than they are asking...also there tends to be more buyers than sellers.  A Buyer's Market is ....the opposite, when it may take longer to sell a home so sellers are more flexible and buyers have the advantage and can have the upper hand in negotiating...also in this market there tends to be more sellers than buyers.Well what is Raleigh?  There really is A LOT of people moving here recently so you would think more buyers equals a seller's market.  Then you hear th... 07/25/2007

It looks like Raleigh, North Carolina is on deck to see another downtown tower, the tallest yet.  Today's Raleigh News and Observer reports the initial plans for the Edison will be filed today.   The Edison is being planned and promoted as two eco-friendly mixed use towers across Davie Street from the Progress Energy headquarters building.Offering a 500,000 square foot block of office space suitable for a corporate headquarters will put the Edison in a unique position.  But also it appears that  a commitment from a corporate tenant will be necessary to bring the plan to fruition.The developer, Gregg Sandreuter, has succeeded with downtown condo projects, and that gives him a track record and credibility.   But this is a big step and at this time, the time line stretches to 2012 for proj... 07/18/2007

    Forbe's Magazine just ranked North Carolina third on a list of "Best States for Business". This ranking comes just after an April award for it's capital, Raleigh, for "Best Metro for Business and Careers".  North Carolina is certainly receiving the type of exposure every business dreams of.  More enthusiastic entrepreneurs bring new, vibrant businesses to an area and more consumers to an already booming economy.  What a great place to relocate and start a new business!   The Raleigh real estate market is thriving and the Triangle is becoming one of the best places in the country to live.  Agents are helping people from other parts of the state and from across the country to find their new home in Raleigh.  For an Instant Buyer Refund of up to 50%, use ListWise as your full service b... 07/14/2007

Took my Sweetie out for a pizza tonight in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Piccola's Pizza and Italian in Cameron Village.4 Stars on the pizza!  4 stars on the service!  Tummy feels good.And then Sweetie got the bonus side trip; we went to a nearby home that I helped a young couple buy this week.  They closed on Tuesday.  In a side note, it was a FSBO, and painless to boot.  Kudos to the Seller! I wanted to pick up my lockbox, and wasn't surprised to see the house lit up and the new owners working away at 9:00 on a Friday night.  They are excited!  Of course they are excited.  I remember our first home and the pride of putting in effort to improve it.  They have the same enthusiasm, fervor, and drive.  The home is in an area of Raleigh that I believe is in early stages of SFR gentrification, ... 07/13/2007

    People move to Raleigh, North Carolina for many different reasons. The career opportunities, the educational facilities, the weather, and the diversity are enough to convince anyone to try the area out for a while.  But what is it that makes them stay? The Sports!  With professional and amateur sporting events taking place all year round, families and friends have so much to do.  Professional teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, the Carolina Railhawks and the Carolina Mudcats offer entertainment for every sports fan.  Visit this site for tickets to these professional teams.                                                   If you are more of a college sports fan, you are also in for a treat!  With NC State sports in full swing all year round, bringing in other big-name schools, who c... 07/12/2007

I heard on the radio yesterday that nationally, only about 48% of teens got themselves a summer job this year.  The radio hosts said that's the lowest in history.  What is it?  Are parents giving them money (ie, spoiling them!), have they just become...well, lazy (ie, glued to the internet!), do they find it difficult to get a job (ie, lots of jobs these days require experience!), or have they realized at a brilliant young age that maybe there is more to life than working?!It's an unusual summer.  1) The worst wildfire in Utah's history is blazing; 2) a bus-length 550 pound squid washed up on an Australian beach yesterday; 3) the media is again covering the bizarre mystery of the pizza bombing in Pennsylvania. . and perhaps the most unusual - 4) gas prices seem to have stayed steady for... 07/11/2007

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES RALEIGH-DURHAM AMONG WORLD'S 30 'FAST CITIES' 7/9/2007 Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Fast Company magazine has rated the Raleigh-Durham area as one of the world's Top 30 ''Fast Cities'' for research and development activities. The area was recognized as a location where investors, entrepreneurs and employees alike can maximize their potential, establish prosperous businesses and enjoy a good lifestyle. full story... GO RALEIGH DURHAM! Also visit www.YoureHomes.com 07/10/2007

Lake Wheeler is a part of the Raleigh, North Carolina Parks System.  The 650 acre lake is the focal point of the 800 acre park.  Fishing, Boating, water skiing, Picnicking, birding and other nature studies, and general loafing are among the worthy pursuits the lake and park support.  The park is open to all, and residents from all parts of Wake County, NC use the facilities.The lake was named after Raleigh Mayor, Fred Wheeler, and was flooded in the 1950's.  Maximum charted depth is about twenty-five feet.See the Lake Wheeler slideshow on Flickr.Picnic facilities abound along the access road to the lake.  And it is a pretty drive on a tree-lined country lane back into the park.  But the water is what it is all about!   And the water views are tremendous...From the dam at Lake Wheeler. S... 07/05/2007

Have you been on the fence about jumping into the real estate market in the Raleigh area? You may be a first time home buyer nervous about making the plunge or someone considering a transfer here from out of the area. Whatever your situation, Raleigh real estate is a great investment and wonderful place to live. It is a market that has been rising steadily over the years and has avoided the price declines seen in so many areas around the county.CNN MONEY Magazine has voted Raleigh NC," Best Place to Live", also see city stats. Why I love Raleigh, it has everything. After reading about Raleigh, you will be ready to get off the fence and go house hunting. When you are ready, I'm ready to help. Just give me a call 919-618-2184 or drop me a line at jackielynaugh@yahoo.com.More about Raleigh... 07/03/2007

      The Triangle area refuses to miss the cut when it comes to nationally ranked lists that begin with the words: "Best Places To..."  Raleigh, Durham, and other surrounding areas are making noise in major magazines like Forbes, Men's Health, and Kiplingers.  It would appear that these lists are being viewed by thousands of people every day.  With the expansion that this area has experienced, relocates are taking notice to these lists and are experiencing life in one of the "Best Places To..." For a complete list of these rankings, click here.                                                               These national rankings are fueling the real estate industry in this area, and thousands of home buyers and home sellers are looking for agents to help them with the biggest transacti... 07/03/2007

Forbes Magazine just released a report regarding the #1 Sellers Market in the country today.  I know I was a little bit upset that Nightline gave Charlotte top billing in my last post.  Thank goodness my market has been redeemed.  Well, not really, Nightline did say there are a handful of markets in the US that are doing well - Raleigh being one of them.  So, why is the Raleigh, NC Real Estate market so strong?  A strong local economy continues to yield high job creation figures and migratory outsiders. Raleigh ranks fifth best in sales rate to inventory and eighth best in year-over-year tightening After record breaking sales in 2006(20% year over year) sales are still up at the end of May 2007!! Fantastic news!  I'm not surprised.  Our community continues to be praised in the media for... 06/29/2007

If you're looking for something fun to do on July 4th can choose from fireworks, music, baseball games, and more around the Triangle.  Here is a list of events in Raleigh, at the State Capitol, Durham, and Cary if you'd get out and enjoy the festivities planned by each town. City of Raleigh State Fairgrounds: Fireworks and More The City of Raleigh, Parks and Recreation Department will be holding their 4th of July Celebration on Wednesday July 4 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.  The North Carolina State Fairgrounds is located at 1025 Blue Ridge Boulevard.  This fun-filled family event will include interactive games, inflatables, pony rides, karaoke, live entertainment, and fireworks. Live entertainment will consist of Bluesville, Fettuccini Brothers, Michael Ken, and Mighty Leste... 06/28/2007

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE In addition to the logical things that affect your credit score, like late payments, collection accounts, and number of accounts open, number of inquiries, etc., there are 3 areas that DO affect your score. The bureaus will tell you this does not; however, when I removed this information from my report, my score improved about 25 points. Another reason, you do not want this on your report is for your security & privacy protection. Your Address History. Tell the bureaus that you do not want this information to be listed on your report or that is not accurate and to remove all address information. Trans Union is cool about removing this. Experian will give you some flack but if pressed they will remove most addresses. Equifax, you will have ... 06/27/2007

I have been a mortgage loan officer for more than a decade. I have seen many loan officers come and go. Many of these loan officers have never owned a home or even applied for a mortgage themselves! As a result, they can't empathize with the applicant (borrower) and the stress that is placed upon the borrower(s) as a result of the loan officer or processor constantly calling them asking them for "one more thing". Recent studies revealed in a survey of homeowners, that 95% confessed the worst part of the home-buying experience was not looking at dozens of homes or having their offers rejected buy the home sellers, but the experience they had with the mortgage lender. In my tenure, admittedly in the beginning I wasn't as good as I am now, but I think that is true of any profession. We sho... 06/27/2007

The Triangle is such an incredible place to call home!! We have arts, culture, education, outdoors, and athletics all in one town.  We're spread out a bit but that never bothered me.  When you drive through the city you can see why the founding fathers nicknamed it "The City of Oaks."  Greater Raleigh Parks & Gardens have the unofficial motto, "Trees, Tees and PhD's," and for good reason. With more than 150 Raleigh, North Carolina parks, gardens, lakes and greenways in Raleigh alone, there are plenty of places to enjoy the scenery and see why the area was dubbed as America's No. 8 Great Garden Cities in an issue of Garden Design Magazine.  But the city's natural beauty is just one of many drawing cards that has transformed this once-sleepy southern town into one of the nation's most des... 06/26/2007

It's easy to see why so many people are relocating to the Raleigh area.  The town is rich in History, Arts, and Culture.  It's a blend of old and new communities.  Take a stroll from downtown through Raleigh to get a glimpse of life in Raleigh.  The Cotton Mill, located downtown off Capital Boulevard, is one of the hippest places to live, thanks to a renovation that turned this 130-year-old textile factory into 50 condominiums. Other condos and townhomes followed, including Park Devereux, 510 Glenwood, and Governor's Square. Thanks to the downtown revitalization new condo projects include Hudson, West, 222 Glenwood, and Dawson on Morgan to name the trendiest. More condominiums are located near the lively collection of shops and restaurants known as City Market. Within walking distance a... 06/26/2007