What Role Does Earnest Money Play in Purchasing a Home? Earnest Money - EMD - Deposit - whichever term is used in your locale it is extremely important to know what it is, what it is used for and what the appropriate amount is.  I have an unfortunate example that can answer those points and show the necessity of Earnest Money. I have a buyer couple from out of state.  They are the nicest, most hard-working, upstanding people that you would ever want to be around.  They placed their property for sale in the "other" state with Agent X so that they could start the preparations for the move to North Carolina.  It didn't take long.  Agent X received an offer from Agent Y that was representing the buyer.  The initial offer came in with $0.00 Earnest Money.  Let me put that a few other ways fo... 07/17/2010

Things To Do in Wake Forest NC! July 19 - 25, 2010 Don't let the brutal heat in Wake Forest NC keep you from enjoying the area parks and events in Wake Forest NC!  You can also take a stroll in historic downtown Wake Forest NC to visit some of the unique gift stores, neighborhood coffee shops (with some COOL coffee treats), the ice cream shops and more.  Here is the latest calendar of events for Wake Forest NC - I hope you get the chance to get out and enjoy all that Wake Forest NC has to offer! From the Town of Wake Forest website: Town of Wake Forest Summer Blood Drive Friday, July 23; 9 am - 12 noon Tuxedo Junction parking lot, 403 S. Brooks St. Please help save three lives! The Bloodmobile is located in the parking lot at the corner of S. Brooks Street and Elm Avenue. Please sign up... 07/17/2010

   Simply Breathtaking Landscaping and Lot! Just shy of a full acre this property offers tremendous indoor and outdoor living!535 Young Forest Drive in Wake Forest NC is a one-level Ranch home with a open floorplan and terrific views of the outdoors. The Living room has gas logs in the fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to the deck and outdoor oasis. A separate dining room comfortably seats 6 and has chair railing and crown moulding. Bright and sunny kitchen with tile floors has a most comfortable and functional lay out and plenty of cabinet and couterspace and a pantry. The Master Suite is sublime with cathedral ceilings, great views and a upgraded master bath. A beautiful retreat for the homeowner and It's a great way to end any day!Outdoors? Impressive deck is shaded and measu... 07/16/2010

StanPac is celebrating the Grand Opening of our new Northampton community with a special luncheon for Triangle-area Realtors! Join us next Tuesday for food and prizes. We look forward to seeing you! Northampton is located in Wake Forest, NC. Learn more about the neighborhood here. To RSVP, e-mail Leslie Loveless (lloveless@stanpac.com) by noon this Friday. 07/13/2010

Wake Forest NC Neighborhood Expedition - Focus on Dansforth Dansforth is a beautiful subdivision in Wake Forest NC located off of Burlington Mills Road.  Dansforth was started in 2002 and now has over 200 homes!  The community streets are picturesque with a wonderful community feel.  The lots in Dansforth range from .25 acre to just over .55 acres which allows room to move.  Currently, there are 8 homes for sale in Dansforth ranging from $275,000.00 to $354,900.00.  Square footage for these homes are from 2800 - 3509 and offer exciting floorplans!  Dansforth does have a Homeowners Associations with dues and the dues cover Maintenance of the common areas such as the community entrances, various roundabouts throughout the community and there is a neighborhood pool and club house. Dansfort... 07/13/2010

Barham Place - New Homes in Wake Forest Acreage Lots in Custom Home Community Another great Raleigh area community has come to our attention!  Looking to build a custom home in Wake Forest? Check out these available lots in Batham Place, courtesy of Howard Perry & Walston Realtor. 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 per MLS, and current as of posting date.     Barham Place is a new neighborhood in eastern Wake Forest, just north of Rolesville. The area is home to several new developments. Wake Forest is in the Triangle area of central North Carolina, one of the most highly-ranked places to live in the country. You can ch... 07/12/2010

Got Your School Supplies?  Wake Forest NC School Starts in Only 2 Days!Wow, that was a wicked fast break for school!  My son was grounded for the entire 1.5 week break but I think he learned his lesson!  We were out the other day getting all of his school supplies and noticed that there weren't that many others out - very strange as usually there is a mad rush.  Maybe this year we were a little earlier than the rush instead of waiting last minute, who knows.  Anyhow, enjoy these last two days of break as the school buses will start rolling down the streets again on Friday and that morning bell will most definitely ring bright and early! Several tracks start on Friday, July 9, 2010The Wake County Public School System has put together a wonderful Back To School Guide that is packed with u... 07/06/2010

Are You Living Social? Tremendous Deals Just Might Be In YOUR City! Living Social is an awesome site that bridges the gap between consumers and great restaurants, retails stores, services, etc in their town!  There are up to 90% discounts available and YES, they are to some pretty wicked cool places!  Restaurants, Bars, Spas, Theaters and MORE! Currently, Living Social is in: Raleigh-Durham Washington, D.C. Philadelphia Atlanta New York Cleveland Charlotte Austin Dallas Denver Boston Houston New Orleans Los Angeles Orange County Portland Oklahoma City Minneapolis- Saint Paul Chicago San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle San Fernando Valley St. Louis Tampa London Living Social is a great way to explore your city and try new things and support your local businesses.  All you have to... 07/06/2010

I truly hope that you were able to attend the Wake Forest NC Fireworks Celebration last night - it was simply amazing!  Wake Forest NC once again topped themselves!  Well, the 4th of July celebrations don't stop there!  Check out what is in store this upcoming week to continue the celebration as well as so many other events on the calendar! This week is the always fun Art After Hours, several Artist Receptions, a Golf Tournament and so much more!  Get out and explore all that Wake Forest NC has to offer! Fourth of July Children’s Parade Monday, July 5; Lineup begins at 10 am N. Main St. Wear your red, white and blue and come march in the parade. Lineup begins at 10 am at the intersection of N. Main St. and W. Juniper Ave. The parade route extends along N. Main St. and ends at Holding Pa... 07/04/2010

So, you're thinking of selling your home in Wake Forest NC!  It's a crazy market right now so, first of all, I applaud you for your understanding that many homes aren't getting SOLD as quickly as they used to.  That's not to say that there are some homes that no sooner hit the market and they are pending but there is a reason for that.  They are PRICED appropriately for TODAY'S real estate market! I received a call the other day from a potential home seller in Wake Forest NC.  It certainly illuminated a light bulb for me!  They had called a few other agents prior to me (no offense taken) and were given List Prices over the phone.  Wait, huh?  Yep, the other agents had taken the details of their home such as square feet, age of home, bedrooms, baths, lot size and age of home.  Then, whil... 07/02/2010

Wake Forest is located centrally in North Carolina in Wake County. We are equidistant from both the great Appalachian Mountains and the Carolina Coast making day trips a breeze regardless of your chosen outdoor activities! Located just north of Raleigh NC Wake Forest NC is also a prime location for commutes to Raleigh, RTP (research Triangle Park) and Durham. Many of the residents of Wake Forest work at Cisco Systems, Duke Hospital, IBM and many of the other Technology Corporations. Wake Forest, NC maintains a “small-town” charm while still providing residents with all of the everyday amenities and conveniences of day to day life. We have an unparalleled Historic Preservation Committee that understands the balance between maintaining historic preservation yet allowing both home owners a... 07/02/2010

Wake Forest NC 4th of July Celebrations Wake Forest NC goes ALL out for 4th of July and this year is NO exception!  Not only do we have an incredible Fireworks display but it's a party for days!  The 4th of July Celebration starts on Saturday July 3rd and rolls right through Monday July 5th.  Here is the latest of what's on the schedule: Saturday, July 3, 2010 Fireworks Spectacular Heritage High School (1150 Forestville Road, Wake Forest NC) Gates open at 5:30pm and admission is $5 per person (Children under the age of 6 are FREE) The Band of Oz will be performing again this year and they are amazing!  The Band of Oz is a 1997 Beach Music Hall of Fame inductee and have performed at many of the Wake Forest NC July 4th Celebrations.  The Band of Oz ALWAYS gets the crowd dancing! Photo and... 06/30/2010

It's Summertime!  General Maintenance Tips for Your Pool! Having a pool in your own backyard is a total dream for some homeowners.  However, in order to keep your pool in TOP shape there are a few basic maintenance steps to take.  You can just fill it and forget it. It's best to have a day scheduled each week to "shock" your pool, if needed.  A "shock" treatment will help to keep your pH and chlorine in balance.  You should also "shock" your pool after any major storm, when you have more than the usual number of swimmers, and during extremely high heat.  Some other CLEAR indicators that your pool may need a "shock" treatment are murky water, slimy water or any algae growth. Keeping Your Pool Clean Daily Checklist: 1. Skim debris out of the pool. 2. Clean all skimmer baskets during swimm... 06/30/2010

Wake Forest NC Neighborhood Expedition - Focus on Fairlake Wake Forest NC has so many different areas and each has its own flair!  Whether it be an older, single-family homes with large sprawling lawns, patio homes with community amenities, townhomes located within mega subdivisions, Wake Forest NC offers a lifestyle that will fit any profile! I thought it would be a great idea to start highlighting a few of the areas in Wake Forest NC to give you a better idea of what is offered!  There is no rhyme or reason as to why I chose Fairlake to start the tour - possibly because I have had the pleasure of selling a few homes in Fairlake and find that it is an attractive community to many home-buyers whether they are first time buyers or seasoned!  If you are interested in Homes for Sale in Wak... 06/28/2010

Dear Seller - I Know Your Home is Family Friendly But I Just Can't Say That While your home may be prefect for a large family, in a quiet, family neighborhood and right across the street from the Catholic church I just can't say that.  Your home may be right in the middle of the financial district, near public transportation and have a free membership to the gym making it ideal for a working professional but I just can't say that.  You see, there is the Federal Fair Housing Act that I must adhere to that strictly prohibits discriminatory preference against: Race or Color National Origin Religion Sex Familial Status Handicap/Disability To advertise your home in a family friendly neighborhood would be discriminatory.  Why?  It would discourage those without children from looking at your h... 06/28/2010

Wow - super special week ahead in Wake Forest NC!  This weekend will be the unparalleled Wake Forest NC July 4th Fireworks Celebration!  Keep in mind that this year's celebration has been moved to the Heritage High School!  Once again this year the incredible Band of Oz will be performing, there will be food concessions open, and the entire event has something for EVERYONE!  There's one more important event this week - it's the Wake Forest NC House Chick's BIRTHDAY WEEK!  WOO HOO!  Every year I celebrate my birthday all week long since it coincides so closely with July 4th!  Why not???  This week will be absolutely amazing with all of the celebrating in Wake Forest NC and don't miss some of the other events as well like the 1st Annual 5K Freedom Walk and the Wake County Animal Center Ri... 06/26/2010

Here's What's Up in Wake Forest NC!  June 21 - 27, 2010 Oh my goodness what an exciting week ahead!  An Outdoor Movie and Live Music at the Wake Forest NC Farmers Market!  Think it's a little quiet this week......well, sure!  It's the week before the July 4th festivities take place so everyone is gearing up for the super special festivals and fireworks!  Stay tuned - you REALLY don't want to miss that! Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Morning Meeting Monday, June 21; 9:30 am weigh in, 10:10 – 11:00 am meeting St. John’s Episcopal Church, 830 Durham Rd. We are a non-profit weight loss support group. All welcome, first meeting free. Annual membership $26. For more information, visit www.tops.org or call Karen Banks at (919) 569-7595 Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Evening Meeting Tuesday, ... 06/20/2010

LinksCirca Properties535 Young Forest Drive WebsiteVirtual TourPhoto GalleryDescriptionSimply Breathtaking Landscaping and Lot! Just shy of a full acre this property offers tremendous indoor and outdoor living!535 Young Forest Drive in Wake Forest NC is a one-level Ranch home with a open floorplan and terrific views of the outdoors. The Living room has gas logs in the fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to the deck and outdoor oasis. A separate dining room comfortably seats 6 and has chair railing and crown moulding. Bright and sunny kitchen with tile floors has a most comfortable and functional lay out and plenty of cabinet and couterspace and a pantry. The Master Suite is sublime with cathedral ceilings, great views and a upgraded master bath. A beautiful retreat for the homeown... 06/19/2010

LinksCirca Properties2417 Goodrich DrivePhoto GalleryGorgeous TraditionalCome, Sit and RelaxBeautifully Appointed KitchenFamily Room with FireplaceFormal Dining RoomHuge Master BedroomMaster Bath w/ Soaker TubFenced Back YardView of the GreenwayDescriptionSpacious 4 bedroom PLUS bonus room home in terrific North Raleigh Community of Bedford! This corner lot has a large rocking chair front porch, fenced back yard and tremendous views of the greenway.Large, gourmet kitchen has upgraded cabinetry, center work island, granite counter tops and breakfast nook. Kitchen overlooks the family room with fireplace which makes entertaining a breeze! Formal dining room has detailed moulding and can easily accomodate up to 8 guests for formal dinner/get-togethers/parties. First floor is complete with ... 06/18/2010

Open House Tour in Wake Forest NC - June 19 - 20, 2010 It's going to be a beautiful weekend in Wake Forest NC weather wise!  There are plenty of Open Houses in Wake Forest NC this weekend and here is the line up! June 19, 2010 June 20, 2010 And, if you are looking for a super easy to use Open House Tool then visit my website, Wake Forest NC House Chick, where you can search for Open Houses ALL OVER THE RALEIGH AREA!  If you are just starting your home search then, by all means, feel free to give me a call!  I would love to help you explore Wake Forest NC Homes for Sale and the surrounding areas!  You can give me a call at 919-649-6128 or simply send me an email - it's that easy! 06/18/2010