PORTO FINO is a beautiful community that will have 121 custom crafted homes when it is completed.The community has an exclusive local custom builder team: Benchmark Homes, Cady Construction, Creech Construction, and Medallion Construction. Each one of these builders was selected because of their quality and attention to detail. PORTO FINO  says "you've arrived" with its amazing entrance. From the hand crafted stone entrance wall to the gorgeous center island or the old world stamped concrete road there is no doubt that this is one of Wake Forest's finest communities. As beautiful as the overall community is the homes are even more impressive. Every home is all masonary front; brick, stone or real stucco. Each have comes with a gas latern that illuminates the home and community with wart... 02/26/2008

From The Town of Wake Forest website: Lunch and Learn - "Community Express Loan Program"Wednesday, February 27; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, 350 South White Street, Wake Forest, NCJoin The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce for a ‘Lunch & Learn' as we host the Small Business Administration for a "Community Express Loan Program." This seminar is for the individual interested in financing a small business. Financing is available for $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $12,500 ($15,000, $20,000 and $25,000 for existing businesses - 2 yrs). You can have your loan in as little as 25 business days. You may apply for a loan at the workshop.  No collateral required No tax returns required No personal/business financials required No business plan required In order to apply for a... 02/25/2008

In the beginning of the year I posted about the confusion that sometimes occurs when people want to visit the Wake Forest University.  That blog, Wake Forest vs. Wake Forest, Would The Real Wake Forest Please Step Forward? , highlighted the birth of Wake Forest College and the migration of the College to Winston-Salem, NC.  While the college may no longer reside here in Wake Forest the legacy remains!  The original home which housed the college has been preserved and is open for visitors.  The museum is dedicated to preserving the Wake Forest College history prior to its move and just a few of the items available for viewing are an impressive collection of photos, books, college publications, furniture, documents, professors' writings, and medical, law and sports memorabilia.    The Mus... 02/25/2008

Active Listings: *January Statistics run through February 15, 2008 There were 1336 active listings for the month of January 2008* which includes townhomes and condos. In comparison, there were 961 actives listing for the month of January 2007 (which were computed through February 15, 2007). A substantial increase of 39% is noted. Closed Listings: There were 87 closings for the month of January 2008 (computed from Jan. 1 - Jan. 31, 2008) in Wake Forest. Of those closings 17% had a price point of $400,000 or higher. The supply of homes in Wake Forest has jumped from a 7 month supply in the last report to a staggering 15 month supply.  Wake Forest currently has the HIGHEST absorption rate in Wake County. Average days on market for Wake Forest for the month of January was 111. Additional St... 02/22/2008

For those of you that follow my blog you know how passionate I am about Wake Forest and how thrilled I am to call it home......I was driving the other day and captured a few photos of the some historic spots and homes and I wanted to share them with you. I hope that you enjoy..... Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com 02/22/2008

Buffet fans Unite! There is something about this time of year that makes Jimmy Buffett even more wonderful, like he sings, "I need a holiday," or "I need to go where there ain't any snow," how about "fly me to St. Somewhere," or one of my favorites... "nothing can replace your fears like an island song." Jimmy Buffett is a valuable resource for us in business. First, he makes great music that puts a smile on your face. Second, he is a master of "branding"; his name conjures up a specific brand. Third, he knows who is market is and sells to them exceptionally well. If you and I would serve our customer base the way he does we'd be much more successful. He listens to his customers, considers what they want then fills the need. Another area that we could learn from is he does his job while... 02/22/2008

Can we make our business a complaining free zone? A large share of the malaise within the real estate community can be traced to the continual drum beat of griping and complaining. I still remember how Tom Hopkins said we should respond to how's business, or how's the market....Unbelievable and say it with excitement and enthusiam. Everyone on my staff is practicing the no complaining rule and it is resulting in positve energy and increased business. Remember the line about the recession?.......I elected not to participate. Real estate is still a purchase that is emotion based, with all this negativity in the market and then negativity from the"professionals" can you blame people for being skiddish? What I'd like to know is do you think you attitude plays apart in your success? What are... 02/22/2008

The Wake Forest Urban Forestry Advisory Board (UFAB) will have its annual tree seedling giveaway on Saturday, February 23 at the Wake Forest Town Hall from 8 a.m. until noon - or until all the seedlings are gone. Yep, FREE!!!!  Some of what you will find are: Wild Plum Chestnut Oak Bald Cypress White Ash Flowering Dogwood Last year my family took advantage and we got 2 seedlings.  The volunteers at the event were EXTREMELY helpful with answering questions about planting and care.  Our trees are still growing and we are looking forward to this year - I want another Dogwood! I hope that you get the chance to visit and get a seedling or two for yourself - there is a 3 seedling limit.  It is a great way to add some shade, give back to the environment and enhance your property!  Chances are ... 02/16/2008

From The Town of Wake Forest website: Friends of the Library Speaker Series featuring Janet SteddumThursday, February 21; 6:30 p.m.Northern Wake Regional Center - adjacent to the Wake Forest LibraryAs part of the Friends of the Library speaker series, Janet Steddum, author of "The Battle for Falls Lake", will speak on Thursday evening, Feb. 21. She will discuss her book and how she got interested in the Falls Lake project. The meeting will be held in the new Northern Regional Center, adjacent to the Library and will start at 6:30 pm.  All are welcome. Men's Softball League Registration EndsFriday, February 22Wake Forest Town HallRegistration for the Wake Forest Parks & Recreation men's recreational softball league began February 4 and runs through February 22. The league is limited to C... 02/16/2008

The Town of Wake Forest Parks and Recreation Department has awesome programs available for both youth and adults.  Spring and Summer Baseball registration is upon us and I wanted to share some of the particulars: Registration for the 2008 Spring/Summer baseball, T-ball and softball leagues will be held February 11-March 7, 2008.  $40 for resident, $80 non-resident My son is registered and this will be his second season.  The staff with The Town of Wake Forest Parks & Rec Department are incredible to work with, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful!  (Thanks, Ed Austin - you rock!) Last year we played at the various parks around Wake Forest and also at the fields at The Factory.  The parks are impeccably maintained by the town and it was a true joy to attend the games.  I hope that yo... 02/15/2008

Maybe our teachers and parents were right: reading is good for you. We are so fortunate to live in time when books are so easy to get, plus there are so many varied choices. This blog is to see how many of us read on a regular basis? Who reads more than 5 books a year? Who reads more than 10 books a year? Who reads more than 20 books a year? Who reads more than 50? 100?  Let me know? Next question: What book(s) are you currently reading?     What is the best book you've read in the last 6 months?   What was your big AHA from the book?   Who are your favorite authors?   Where do you buy your books? On-line? Barnes and Noble? Bookstores? Directly from the author?   When do you read?   Have you ever been apart of a book club?     Looking forward to your thoughts.   My goal each year is to ... 02/15/2008

Mardi Gras - Meet Wake Forest, NC!!!!  The third annual Mardi Gras Masquerade will be held Saturday, February 23rd.  This black and white formal has been wildly successful in the past and the momentum has just propelled it to the next level! This year's entertainment will be the Emily Rich Band and our own local, Freddy Greene.  Tickets are available for purchase at $55 per person with proceeds benefiting Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club.  Hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and Hurricane cocktails, rich desserts and King Cakes will be available.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Old Magnolia Trading Company, The Cotton Company and the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce. 02/12/2008

WOW - This is THE gift for your sweetheart!  The Cotton Company has your Valentine's Day gift ready for you - no fuss, no second thoughts and it is sure to be well received by your sweetheart! February 14th from Open - 6:00pm Jovi's Kitchen & Market will have fresh dipped strawberries AND Brownie Hearts available in to go boxes available for purchase at The Cotton Company.  Don't go for the mundane - go for the extraordinary this Valentine's Day!  And don't forget, The Cotton Company is THE best place to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart.  From handcrafted jewelry, unique pieces of artwork and hard to find antiques to sweets for your sweet there is no other place like it!  Here's hoping you have a sweet Valentine's Day filled with love, friendship and happiness!  For more info o... 02/12/2008

These events are outrageously fun!  Murder Mystery/Dinner Theatre! La Foresta, for those of you that read my blog, is one of my all-time favorite Italian restaurants in the area.  Food is fantastic and the service is just as good!  Well, they have decided to deliver not only the food but the entertainment as well.  On February 26th at 7:00pm you can have dinner and join in on the sleuthing as you try and figure out the "who did it".  Tickets for the show are $20 - meals and drinks are separate.  This is a huge trend that is popping up in restaurants all over the Triangle - check it out! 02/11/2008

What a great idea!  On Saturday, February 15th, parents can drop their kids off at the Ice House at The Factory from 6pm - 10pm.  Then, the parents can have date night - you remember those, right????? There will be games, pizza and ice skating for the kids and it is all for $20 per child.  You really can't beat that!  They get to have a blast at the Ice House and you get to have a little quiet time with your significant other.  For more details you can call the MVP Sports Center at 919.453.1503.... Happy Valentine's Day!!! 02/11/2008

From the Town of Wake Forest website: North Carolina Notary Class - CLASS IS FULL - additional registrations are no longer acceptedWednesday, February 13; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Wake Forest Area Chamber of CommerceIf you are interested in becoming a North Carolina Notary, visit the Chamber offices for class on Wednesday, February 13. Maximum class size is 25, cost is $75 and there will be a one-hour break for lunch. For more information, go to http://www.wakeforestchamber.org/ and click on the Events Calendar, or call the Chamber at (919) 556-1519 to register. Morning Art Out - Personal PortraitsBegins Friday, February 15; 10:00 a.m.Morning Glory Center for Creative Healing, 523 Wait Avenue, Wake Forest, NCUsing drawing and a variety of mask making techniques we will make personal portrai... 02/11/2008

Brush the pups and get them ready for the 2nd Annual Dog Day at The Factory!  Last year was a huge success and there will be plenty more activities and merchandise this year! Brings your dogs (leash, of course) and visit Works of Clay where you can make some paw prints, Three Oaks Photography which is an outstanding studio, and other merchants with great doggie items.  Also, this even coincides with the Winter Sale at The Factory.  Lily Mae's Jewelry & Gifts is will have 15% off storewide, and 25%-50% off select items. See store for details! The weather is suppose to be absolutely gorgeous so don't forget to check out the fountain and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at The Factory! This years event will benefit the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue!  Golden Retriever... 02/08/2008

From The Town of Wake Forest website: SEBTS presents "Faithful Men"Friday, February 8; 7:00 p.m.                                                                            Binkley ChapelOne of six musical ensemble options offered by SEBTS' Music Program, Faithful Men is an auditioned group whose members are taken from the ranks of Male Chorale. The group has been in existence since 1995 when it was formed by Dr. John L. Davis,  Professor of Church Music. It is composed of seminary music and worship students, college music majors and non-music students who are enrolled in the seminary and/or Southeastern College. Father-Daugher Valentine's Day DanceFriday, February 8; 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.Wake Forest Rolesville Middle SchoolAdmission is only $5.00 per person and will benefit the athletic... 02/02/2008

Blue Jay Point Park offers many programs throughout the year to educate the young and young at heart about the environment, conservation and our symbiotic relationship with nature.  All of the programs I have attended were engaging, hands-on, enlightening and TRUE family fun! This Saturday, February 2nd, from 2pm - 4pm, they will have their Annual Winter Open House.  This year's theme will be Environmental Education.  In addition to crafts and hands-on learning experiences there will be hot apple cider and cookies.  The weather is going to be beautiful Saturday - why not go out and explore the park's many features such as the walking trails, playground, you could fly a kite, kick around the soccer ball on the soccer fields or pair up with another group of friends and have a fun game of ... 01/31/2008

The Cotton Company - what a fantastic concept that has succeeded in putting down firm roots in Historic Downtown Wake Forest.  In 2000, the W.W. Holding Cotton Exchange Warehouse was purchased with a vision for transformation.  The building was renovated in phases and the end result is truly a testament to ingenuity, foresight and determination.  The Cotton Company houses upscale, boutique-styled shopping in a casual yet refined environment.  There are unique pieces offered by local artisans, one of a kind gifts and stunning home decor items available.  In addition to the retail items The Cotton Company also houses personal local artist's studios.  Not only will you be able to view and purchase their work but also personally meet them to ask questions. The second level hosts private par... 01/31/2008