CHIMNEY CORNER BOARD REPAIR IN WAKE FOREST, NC   We recently performed some closing punchlist work for a new customer through a referral from a real estate agent in Wake Forest, NC.  We did a good job, and the customer asked us to come back to repair all of his rotted trim. This house was foreclosed on a few years back, and sat idle for quite some time.  As a result there were, and still are (but we're working on them) a lot of repairs!    One particular repair I wanted to show you is the chimney corner boards on the highest roof.  Chimney corner boards are notorious for being rotted.  I've yet to meet a chimney that was made out of wood or some wood-type product that didn't have rot on it.  If you know of one, I'd like to meet it.  Make an introduction, will you?   Anyway, we found whe... 03/29/2011

Kelsey at Falls Lake Custom Homes Wake Forest NC New Homes    We've discovered another great Triangle area community you might enjoy.  Looking to build a new home in Wake Forest, NC? Check out these available lots in Kelsey at Falls Lake, courtesy of Howard Perry and Walston. Stanton Homes helps make it easy to find the right place to build your new home, by putting together information on great new home communities, lots and land throughout the Triangle area. All information is current as of posting date.   Kelsey at Falls Lake is a Wake Forest, NC custom homes community located within Wake County. You can bring your own builder to build a new custom home to your exact specifications. Kelsey at Falls Lake is located at Falls Lake State Recreation Area, about 4 miles from the NC Hwy 50/... 03/25/2011

...Pollen Season!  The time of year here in NC, where everything turns yellow until it rains!   What do you see when you look at this picture?  A beautiful blue sky?  Me too, and that's why I took the photo.  But I also see some of the most annoying trees God ever made:  pine trees!  As if pine cones and pine straw weren't bad enough, we get POLLEN from these lovely beasts trees.   Here's the first dusting today on my car.  You can find it in the bottom half of the photo, on the left side of my windshield.   I didn't notice it until I used my wipers and the dew dried off.  There it was, the distinctive yellow dust that everyone loves.  The reason that no one around here uses those window screens.  The reason that we have AC standard with every house (yes, AC's not optional around here, ... 03/23/2011

They're all around!  Signs of Spring that is.  Birds are chirping & frogs are singing.  I even heard the Spring Peepers out in the wet woods behind my back yard just late last week.  Heck, Spring is even in their name!     And of course flowers are blooming, like these little wild violets in one of my customer's yard.       And there are more signs, like these hyacinth in our front garden.             But the most sure sign of all, the one that you KNOW Spring is here when you see it is this:  when your handyman's van has to put on it's sunglasses.   Spring is here!  As of 7:21pm (EDT) today!  Enjoy it!                                 03/20/2011

Absolutely gorgeous weather in store for Wake Forest NC this weekend so be sure to check out this weekend's events and get out and enjoy the start of Spring!  There is quite a mix of things to do this weekend that appeal to all ages.  I hope I get to see you out and about and if you do see me please say hello!     Wake Forest Farmers’ Market Saturday, March 19; 10 am – noon Depot Parking Lot, 110 S. White St. The Wake Forest Farmers' Market is open from 10 am to noon on the first and third Saturdays in March. Beginning April 2 through Nov. 19 the market will be open every Saturday from 8 am to noon. The market offers pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb and chicken, as well as fresh produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, handmade soaps and lotions, art and crafts. For more information call (919)... 03/17/2011

Saturday, March 19, Wake Forest Heritage will host a neighborhood-wide yard sale! The yard sale will be held from 8 a.m. - noon and the event will be advertised in the newspaper as well as the Wake Weekly for a welcome turnout. Although signs will be posted throughout the neighborhood the week of the yard sale, please feel free to post your own signs or a balloon to direct traffic to your home. This is a fantastic opportunity to de-clutter your home! Here are some proactive tips that can help you optimize your living space: -  Kitchenware can be a curse or a blessing when it comes to saving space. You may have a toaster, coffee maker, espresso machine, coffee grinder, electric can opener, knife sharpener, George Foreman press, electric pancake griddle, waffle maker, or any other assortm... 03/16/2011

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 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 ove... 03/16/2011

Wake Forest NC is rich with history and along with that comes gorgeous architecture that reflects a period in time when homes were showcases and masterpieces.  There is a diverse mixture of architectural styles in historic Wake Forest NC that range from Victorian to Georgian style.  The majority of the historic homes in Wake Forest have been lovingly cared for and kept up to standards with the Historic Guidelines set forth by the Wake Forest NC Historic Commission in conjunction with the N.C. State Historic Preservation Office.  If you are interested in exploring some of the historic homes for sale in Wake Forest NC you can check out a few of the offerings at the end of this post.  Also, for more information on the Historic Guidelines, historic home rehabilitation or Tax Credits that ma... 03/15/2011

Every week I update the Foreclosure Report for Wake Forest, Rolesville and parts of North Raleigh.  I upload the report to my website where it is available for download for FREE!  This report includes single family homes as well as townhomes and ALL price points are included. Having personally toured many of the homes on the list I can say that the majority are in great shape and the prices are fantastic!  Buying a Foreclosure, Short Sale or an REO does take a bit more research, knowledge and patience than other homes and I am here to help guide you through the process.  If you have any questions about purchasing one of these homes please let me know and I can provide you with answers needed to make a sound decision.  You can also find some definitions and assistance on my webpage, Wake... 03/14/2011

Wake Forest NC Housing Market Report - February 2011 Starting to feel like we're bragging... PRESENTING another Triangle area town with great growth news - Wake Forest, NC was another on the list of towns that more than doubled in size according to the 2010 census (along with Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, Holly Springs and Rolesville). 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 February. 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 last month.  ... 03/13/2011

The Wake Forest NC Arbor Day celebration is coming up this week on March 17!  Don't miss out the celebrations starting at 10:00am at the Community House in Wake Forest sponsored by the Wake Forest NC Urban Forestry Board.  A very special guest speak will be on hand!  Jodi Riedel who is not only a Wakefield High School Agriculture and Horticulture teacher but also has the distinguished title of the 2009 NC Environmental Educator of the Year!  Jodi Riedel has developed a Forestry Curriculum that she has taught to over 700 students statewide. This years Arbor Day poster contest winner will be announced and Green Medal Awards will be presented to individuals, civic clubs, and business who supported and promoted the town's Urban Forest throughout the year.  In addition to the awards there wi... 03/12/2011

I receive so many emails and phone calls from people wanting to learn all about Wake Forest NC. And, why not?  It is an incredible place to call home!  My website might be a little different than others that you have peeked in on and I try and make easy to navigate and provide the answer needed when considering a move to Wake Forest NC. Here are just a few of the pages on my website, Wake Forest NC House Chick, that should help you on your path to discovering Wake Forest NC. Wake Forest NC Info - a collection of restaurants in Wake Forest, Public Utility options, and some great entertainment ideas.  Wake Forest NC Schools - A list of the current schools in Wake Forest NC and the schedule they operate on as well as a direct feed from Wake County Public School System to say up to date.  Y... 03/11/2011

If you think all fasteners are the same, you're wrong.  Just ask Jay Markanich.   For instance, staples work great for things like carpet pad.  But not for fascia!  If you see a board with these sticking out of it, your house ain't built right!   Staples just aren't made to hold up pieces of wood thicker than .05 to .10 millimeters (you know, paper).  They do a really good job on that.   But if these are in your fascia, don't be surprised if your house looks like this after a strong wind or a strong rain coupled with a clogged gutter!  One this one, the vinyl soffit, gutter, and fascia (still intact with aluminum wrap on it) all came off in 1 piece!  It was just sitting on the roof, all together.   So please, instead of staples, use nails or even the proper screws!  I know they are hard... 03/10/2011

While there is always something to do in Wake Forest NC the weekends always seem to offer up some additional fun and excitement.  Don't forget to check out this upcoming weekend's list of events so you can schedule a little fun into your calendar! Art After Hours Friday, March 11; 5 pm Downtown Wake Forest On the second Friday of each month the streets of downtown Wake Forest come alive with food, merchants and music! Everyone is invited to come and experience the dining, art and retail merchants of downtown Wake Forest. Downtown businesses stay open until 9 p.m. You never know what treasure you may find! Art After Hours at Sunflower Studio featuring Guest Artist Michael Castonova Friday, March 11; 5 – 9 pm (Opening Reception) March 11 – April 2 (Exhibit) Sunflower Studio & Gallery, 214... 03/10/2011

It's the second Friday of the month and that can only mean one thing......Art After Hours!  The streets of historic, downtown Wake Forest come alive with some of the areas most creative artists showcasing their works whether they be paintings, photography, sculpture or sketchings.  This month The Cotton Company will showcase the photography of Leigh Moose.  I have read a few "briefs" and short bio's on Leigh and for most posts I use what I read.  I never have had the opportunity to actually meet artists prior to their showings.  Even if I met them at the reception it was too late for me to post what was upcoming.  Well, this time is different.  I had the honor of meeting Leigh in person prior to the opening, and yes, it was a complete honor.  Leigh has a story to be told that can only b... 03/09/2011

Wake Forest NC is full of stunningly, beautiful Historic Homes!  Just take a stroll down Main Street and you will be captivated by the various styles of architecture and the history that comes alive right before your very eyes.  Many placards are located along the street describing the historical signifigance of the various homes and locations - take the time to stop and read - you'll be pleasantly surprised with all there is to learn.  Here is a short montage of just some of what you can find along your walk.  So, come on, history awaits you in Wake Forest NC! 03/08/2011

Each week I update a Wake Forest NC Foreclosure List and post it to my website.  This list is available for free and was just update this past Saturday.  Did you happen to get your copy?  If not, no worries - you can still download it and I can also place you on a mailing list so you receive them delivered directly to your inbox! This list has foreclosed homes for sale in Wake Forest, Rolesville and North Raleigh.  If you happen to be searching in another area of the Triangle I can help you with that as well.  Just send me an email with what you are looking for and I'll be happy to prepare a custom list just for you. Each week I am simply amazed with the incredible real estate deals to be found in Wake Forest.  There are single family homes, townhomes and estate homes on this list an un... 03/07/2011

Covington Ridge in Wake Forest NC - Experience Privacy, Serene Settings and a Top Notch Location! Covington Ridge is a small enclave of homes located in Wake Forest NC that includes both Covington Ridge and Covington Crest.  Easily accessible from both Hwy 98 or Capital Blvd this gorgeous community is extremely convenient to shopping, dining and local amenities and has an easy commute to either Raleigh or RTP.  While this location is convenient to everything it is tucked away and private evoking an secluded and exclusive feel.  Homes in Covington Ridge are situated on spacious lots with abundant natural areas affording homeowners a peaceful atmosphere to call home.  Each home was built with unique architectural details and design allowing them to stand on their own with personal flair y... 03/07/2011

    I took this picture last year at a crossroads not far from my home.  This is Duke's Lake, east of Rolesville, NC.   In the middle of my busy day, I just had to stop and admire the beauty of the lake.  The water was like glass, offered a perfect reflection right up to the dam, and I hope it gives you a chance to reflect on things as well.    Take some time, and think about the good things in life.  Enjoy the beauty.  Enjoy your family & friends.  Take time to have some time to yourself.  It's good and gets you back and ready to do what you need to do.   Have a great weekend!     03/04/2011

I hope it is!  It's been warm here in Wake Forest, NC recently, and there are signs all around! The trees all have their blooms starting, and I'm most thankful that the large American Elm in our backyard is blooming.  It had a rough year last year with the drought conditions, the extreme heat, and then me accidentally putting a bunch of lime at the base of it!  I think it's making it... We also saw some nymphs in our creek, here's one now.  Anyone have any ideas on who this is?  I've got a couple of leads out on it, but no answer yet.  One thinks it may be a mayfly nymph, but I don't know.  There were about 100 or so of them in 4-6 inches of clean gently water, on the sandy bottom only.  Not on the rocks, just on the sand. We also saw a salamander in our creek.  Fun!  Don't know much ab... 02/21/2011