Things Are Not All Black and White When Buying or Selling a Home... - 05/31/11 07:54 AM
Things Are Not All Black and White When Buying or Selling a Home...

 
Gone are the days when a handshake could consummate a
Real Estate transaction. Today, buying or selling a home is more like a technicolor experience. The "Offer to Purchase and Contract", the standard document used here in North Carolina is a very intricate form. Understanding it is hard enough for some Realtors, let alone those who don't use it every day. Please consult a Realtor who has a solid grasp of the many forms that will be required to insure your transaction goes smoothly. If … (34 comments)

Memorial Day - Let Us Never Forget Those Who Served So That We May Live - 05/30/11 10:50 AM


Memorial Day 2011
Remember, as you go about your day, that today is Memorial Day.
Take a moment to thank a veteran today. Many have sacrificed and many have given their lives.
But one thing is a constant from all of them:
Their dedication to our great country has enabled us to enjoy many of the freedoms we often take for granted.




About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex … (19 comments)

It's Memorial Day Weekend... But I'm Still Working Here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area. - 05/29/11 11:38 AM
It's Memorial Day Weekend...
But I'm Still Working Here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area.

Yes folks, it's true. While I fully intend to take Memorial Day off, (we'll see how that goes!) I'm still working. In this crazy business we call Real Estate, long weekends seem to spur on calls and people wanting to look at homes. So, if you need me, I'm still working the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area. And I'm only a phone call away...
 
 



About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can … (23 comments)

Sometimes Thirteen IS a Lucky Number - Michael Thornton Becomes ActiveRain's 13th Million Point Member! - 05/28/11 09:24 AM
Sometimes Thirteen IS a Lucky Number - Michael Thornton Becomes ActiveRain's 13th Million Point Member! You know him. You love him. You just can't live without him!
 

And today, my friends, ActiveRain's very own blogger extraordinaire, Michael Thornton, becomes only the 13th member to reach the million point milestone. Many of you who follow either Mr. Thornton or myself know that Michael and I have become very good friends. It was Michael who introduced me to the world of Mac computers (which I can't thank him enough for), and it was me who introduced Michael to Photoshop. (And for … (71 comments)

I Think I'm On to Something Really Big Here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area... But, I'd Like Your Opinion... - 05/27/11 09:50 AM
I Think I'm On to Something Really Big Here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area... But, I'd Like Your Opinion... OK, my dear readers, I think I'm on to something really big here! In an effort to continuously keep my pipeline full of new buyer clients here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area, I've come up with a new marketing strategy.
By combining my love of biking with my love for Real Estate, I just can't miss with this one! It's a sure fire money maker! What do you think?




About The Author Craig Rutman is a … (34 comments)

You Don't Need a Map or a GPS to Find Your New Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Home... You Need Me! - 05/26/11 07:50 AM
You Don't Need a Map or a GPS to Find Your New
Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Home... You Need Me!

Maps are so 20th century! A GPS is a better option these days. But neither one will alert you to the best deals when searching the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area to find your new home. Your best option: Me!
That's right, me! As a full time Realtor, I'll be able to not only find you the best deals on your new home, I'll be able to get you there too! So when you're ready to find your new … (27 comments)

Restrictive Covenants in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area... Yes. They're Important to Read Before Buying a Home. - 05/25/11 08:09 AM
Restrictive Covenants in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area...
Yes. They're Important to Read Before Buying a Home.

re·stric·tive cov·e·nants
A covenant imposing a restriction on the use of land so that the value and enjoyment of adjoining land will be preserved.

Here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area of North Carolina, many of the homes we'll be looking at are in subdivisions. And those subdivisions have rules. Those rules are known as "restrictive covenants". But please don't fear the term "restrictive". Personally, I always thought they should be called, "protective covenants", because they protect the value of your … (30 comments)

Happy 70th Birthday Bob Dylan - 05/24/11 10:13 AM
Happy 70th Birthday Bob Dylan
It's hard to believe, but Bob Dylan, one of the most important songwriters in American history, turns 70 today.

Now I'm typically never at a loss for words, but I met Mr. Dylan backstage at a concert a bunch of years ago, and I was tongue tied. When he walked in to the room, it was like royalty had arrived. The only other time I felt this way was when George Harrison took the stage at Bob Dylan's 30th Anniversary Concert. Dylan is that impressive. His list of songs is endless. His influence on … (27 comments)

Listed and Under Contract in Only 5 Days! Another Home Sold by Craig Rutman, Your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Realtor! - 05/23/11 11:38 AM
Listed and Under Contract in Only 5 Days! Another Home Sold by Craig Rutman,
  Your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Realtor!
 

 
This beautiful executive style home in Cary, NC is now sold. But don't worry folks. I have others. If you're looking to buy or sell a Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area home, you're just a click or a phone call away. Wanna click? www.justNChomes.com is your one stop resource for all things Real Estate related in the Triangle area. Wanna call? 919-349-9530 is the number! I'm here and I'm ready to help you get your home sold, … (29 comments)

It's OK to Educate Yourself. But Unless You Buy and Sell Real Estate for a Living, It's Best to Work With a Professional - 05/22/11 02:11 PM
It's OK to Educate Yourself. But Unless You Buy and Sell Real Estate for a Living, It's Best to Work With a Professional.

So you're ready to buy a new home.
Or maybe you're ready to sell your present home. Whichever the case, if you don't buy and sell Real Estate for a living, or you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, it's probably best to hire a professional. I'm all about do-it-yourself for small projects, but a home is most likely the biggest investment you'll ever have. Why take a chance on making a mistake? If … (33 comments)

Real Estate Can Be a Funny Thing... But Making a Mistake is NO Laughing Matter. Hire a Realtor. - 05/21/11 03:31 PM
Real Estate Can Be a Funny Thing...
But Making a Mistake is NO Laughing Matter.
Hire a Realtor.

Are you driving around aimlessly looking to find your new Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area home? Do you just call the number on the signs in front of homes you think you might be interested in? Are you aware that having a buyer's agent in North Carolina, and pretty much the rest of the country too, does NOT cost you anything?
But not having one can cost you plenty... and that's no laughing matter. Call me. I'll help you. Or simply … (24 comments)

I Think We're Going to be OK Here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Tomorrow... - 05/20/11 09:16 AM
I Think We're Going to be OK Here in the
Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Tomorrow... Now I don't want to get into whether or not the Raptor that's predicted for tomorrow will actually take place. But I think we're going to be OK here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area. I've seen this raptor and he looks pretty harmless... In fact, eternal optimist that I am, I've scheduled appointments to show homes for some out of town buyers this weekend. Oh, hang on a moment my phone is ringing...
Hello.... Uh, huh.... Really?..... Hmmm.... It's not "raptor"?..... Sorry folks. … (30 comments)

ActiveRain - It's Just One Big Happy Family! - Tell Us Who's in Yours. - 05/19/11 01:27 PM
 ActiveRain - It's Just One Big Happy Family! Tell Us Who's in Yours.

For those of you who've been following my ongoing
Awesome Person of the Day
series, you know that I've attempted, in the only way that I know how, to introduce you, my dear readers, to an ActiveRain member who you might not know about, but probably should. The honorees of these posts, and proud recipients of the highly coveted Craig Rutman Lucky Sweater award, have all played a big part in making my experience here in the Rain one that I truly enjoy.  Now, it's your … (48 comments)

We Have a Winner in the Guess What This is Contest! - 05/18/11 08:59 AM
Well folks, we have a winner in yesterday's "Guess What This Is" contest!
And the winner is, drum roll please....
None other than...
"Wanda the Magnificent"

Either that was too easy or Wanda is brilliant! (I'm going to bet it's the latter.)
She nailed it on the first guess only 10 minutes into the contest.
And to think that she's in the Mountain Time Zone and it was only 8:00 AM when she answered!
I barely even had half a cup of coffee in me at the time and she's already at the top of her game!
… (34 comments)

It's Contest Time! Guess What This is and Win a Prize... - 05/17/11 10:58 AM
It's Contest Time! OK, my dear readers, it's contest time! This one is really easy.
All you have to do is guess what the picture at the end of this post is... and you win! Of course, as with all contests, some restrictions apply: First, you must meet all eligibility requirements. Second, subscribe to my blog. This one is not mandatory, but in the event of a tie, I will award the prize to the first correct guesser who is subscribed to my blog. And, really now, why wouldn't you want to subscribe to my blog? Where else can you … (39 comments)

If You're Still Renting in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area... It's Time to Get That Monkey Off Your Back! - 05/16/11 08:44 AM
If You're Still Renting in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area...
It's Time to Get That Monkey Off Your Back!

Are you still investing in your landlord's future? Because that's exactly what you're doing every time you pay your monthly rent. Isn't it time you began working on YOUR retirement and NOT your landlord's?

Have you always wanted to own your own home right here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area? Right now there are so many great deals here, and interest rates are at all time lows. Call me and let's see what we can do to about … (21 comments)

Will the World Be Taken Over by Apes if You Don't Hire Craig Rutman to be Your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Realtor? - 05/15/11 10:46 AM
Will the World Be Taken Over by Apes if You Don't Hire
Craig Rutman to be Your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Realtor?

Probably not. But are you willing to take that chance? Especially when I can almost 100% guarantee, that if you hire me to help you buy or sell a home in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area, the world will not be taken over by apes! (some restrictions apply!!!)

I can also assure you that when you hire me, you will be getting a Realtor who ALWAYS puts my client's needs above my own. Head on … (26 comments)

Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? ...Or at Least Live Like One?!!! - 05/14/11 10:01 AM
Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?
...Or at Least Live Like One?!!! Well, if you choose the right answer to the question below,
then you're well on your way to living like a millionaire!
(I'll give you a hint. The correct answer is NOT "D"!)
And, if you head on over to justNChomes.com to begin your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area home search, you're even one step closer! It's FREE. There's no obligation. It's very user friendly. Oh, and, if you ever have a question about the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area, you can always ask me. I'm here to … (43 comments)

They're Young. They're in Love. And They're Pre-Approved... But they still need guidance. And I'm happy to help them. - 05/13/11 08:12 AM
They're Young. They're in Love. And They're Pre-Approved...
But they still need guidance. And I'm happy to help them.

I love what I do for a living. I also love doing what I do when I'm not doing what I do for a living!!! And that's typically playing around with Photoshop. This little "creation" of mine came as an inspiration after taking out some newlyweds who are looking for their first home in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area. Not only did we have a fun time looking at homes, it gave me an opportunity to teach them all about … (42 comments)

Ralph Kramden Says, "Next Stop... The Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area!" - 05/12/11 09:37 AM
Ralph Kramden Says, "Next Stop...
The Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area!"

All aboard! The next stop on the Triangle Bus Line is the
Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area! Grab a window seat, my dear readers, you're not going to want to miss the beauty of this wonderful area that I've come to know and love as home...
The Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area in Pictures
Oh, and speaking of homes.... When you fall in love with the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area, like I did long ago, call me, and I'll help you find your new affordable home.


… (28 comments)

Don't Worry, About a Thing... 'Cause Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be All Right.... - 05/11/11 08:44 AM
Don't Worry, About a Thing...
'Cause Every Little Thing's Gonna Be All Right....
It was 30 years ago today that the world lost one of the most influential musicians of our generation.

Bob Marley, the king of Reggae music, and a man who's message of "One World, One Love" lives on long since his departure from our planet, died on this day in 1981. Whenever I want to listen to some "feel good" music, I turn to
Bob Marley and the Wailers. So, my friends, take a moment out of your busy day to honor
Bob Marley … (35 comments)

ActiveRain PhotoBlogger Contest - A Friendship Strengthened by Casting a Line... - 05/10/11 09:01 AM
ActiveRain PhotoBlogger Contest
A Friendship Strengthened by Casting a Line...
Nearly every year since I moved to the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area of North Carolina, my daughter Laura and I have attended the Annual Apex Fishing Derby which is held each Spring at the
Apex Community Park.
And every year that we've attended, we have taken her friend Melanie along with us. We get up really early to get a good spot, bring along snacks for the day, and hope that this is the year we catch the biggest fish.

In the photo below, the … (53 comments)

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Doesn't Have to be a "Mission Impossible"... - 05/09/11 10:54 AM
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Doesn't Have to be a "Mission Impossible"...

 
When buying or selling Real Estate in the
Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Real Estate market,
it doesn't have to be a "Mission Impossible"!
 
If you want a "Top Gun" Realtor in the
Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area...

Craig Rutman, your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area
Realtor.



About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the … (38 comments)

Happy Mother's Day! The Funniest Mother's Day Video Ever! - 05/08/11 09:35 AM

May 8th, 2011 is the one day of the year that is officially recognized as... Mother's Day.
While it's true that every day is Mother's Day, tomorrow we celebrate all that our mom's mean to us. Whether it's a card, flowers, or a simple phone call, all over the country Mom's will be honored on this, their special day.
If you've been reading my blog posts, then you know that one of my goals is to visit every web site ever created! Remember, I do the research so you don't have to! (You can thank me later.)


… (46 comments)

Now Playing in Theaters Everywhere! A New Movie Starring Some of Our Favorite ActiveRain Friends! - 05/07/11 11:43 AM
Now Playing in Theaters Everywhere!A New Movie Starring Some of Our Favorite ActiveRain Friends!

Directed by Craig Rutman, Your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Realtor! At long last, the movie critics have been waiting for, has been released. Years in the making, famed director, and Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Realtor, Craig Rutman, has put the finishing touches on his latest masterpiece! A remake of a timeless classic starring some of your favorite ActiveRain friends! "Alan May, J. Philip Faranda and Kerrie Greenhalgh are not to be missed in this film", says Universal Movie Syndicate columnist, Blanche Du-Ville! "Bob Stewart turns in … (31 comments)

Sure James Dean Was Good in Rebel Without a Cause. But How Would He Have Done in the Wonderful World of Real Estate...? - 05/06/11 03:30 PM
Sure James Dean Was Good in Rebel Without a Cause.
But How Would He Have Done in the Wonderful World of Real Estate...?

We can probably all agree that James Dean was a great actor.
But did he know anything about Real Estate?

And, more importantly, would he have known anything about the local Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Real Estate market?

I think not!

Now if you're looking for a "Realtor With a Cause" to help you buy or sell a home in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area, you have choices... James Dean, actor... … (34 comments)

Happy Cinco de Mayo Mi Amigos! - 05/05/11 07:22 AM
Happy Cinco de Mayo Mi Amigos! Well, my dear readers, today is Cinco de Mayo. And all these years, I've always thought that the 5th of May was the official Mexican Independence Day, much like our 4th of July. But according to the web site, Cinco History, which was awarded a Times Pick by the Los Angeles Times, the 5th of May is NOT Mexican Independence Day. It is, however, a day of celebration in Mexico and the United States as well. So no matter what the history books might say.... Happy Cinco de Mayo mi amigos!
Mexican Restaurants in the … (46 comments)

Who is the Most Awesome Person Today? My Version of ActiveRain's Daily "Member Spotlight" (Part XIV) - 05/04/11 07:34 AM
Who is the Most Awesome Person Today?
  My Version of ActiveRain's Daily "Member Spotlight" (Part XIV)

It's that time of the week again folks!
As promised, I've decided to make 2011 a year in which I introduce you, my dear readers, to a Rainer who you might not know, but probably should.
ActiveRain posts a "Member Spotlight" in their "Daily Drop" newsletter. This is my version...
For this week's post, that person is ActiveRain's very own:
  Jeff Dowler

For those of you who don't know Jeff, let me be among the first to … (63 comments)

Wooops! I Did It Again! Garden Gnome Not Included! - 05/03/11 09:04 AM
Wooops! I Did It Again! Garden Gnome Not Included! Another Property Sold by Craig Rutman,
Your Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area Realtor!

This bank owned golf course lot in Raleigh, NC is now sold. But don't worry folks. I have others. If you're looking for land, or your new Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area home, you're just a click or a phone call away. Wanna click? www.justNChomes.com is your one stop resource for all things Real Estate related in the Triangle area. Wanna call? 919-349-9530 is the number! I'm here and I'm ready to help you begin the search for … (41 comments)

MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT - The Stars Come Out in Cary, North Carolina! - 05/02/11 08:40 AM
MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT
The Stars Come Out in
Cary, North Carolina!

Once again, WakeMed Cary Hospital & the town of Cary will play host to "Movies by Moonlight".

On Thursday nights, from May through September, movie buffs are invited to attend family friendly movies on the lawn of the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Attendees are allowed to bring in blankets, lawn chairs and picnics, as they enjoy a night out at one of Cary's most popular venues.
Tickets, which can be purchased at the door, are only $3.00 and kids under 12 are free!
New for … (34 comments)

It's A Beautiful Weekend in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area! - 05/01/11 12:03 PM
It's A Beautiful Weekend in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area! What a weekend its been here in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area folks! Perfect weather. Perfect temperatures.
And plenty of activities going on!

Yesterday the 18th Annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival was held at the Fred G. Bond Park in Cary. 15,000 people were expected to attend and nearly 190 artists, 22 performing groups, 23 civic groups and 17 concessionaires were on hand to insure a great time for everyone.

Ahh, life is good in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area! Next week: Apex, "The Peak of … (14 comments)

 
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Craig Rutman Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Realtor

Cary, NC

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