Darleen McCullen - Raleigh NC Real Estate Blog

Raleigh, NC: A Great Place to Live, Play, Earn and Learn!

2008-06-28T15:14:24Z

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

When people think of Raleigh, North Carolina, their minds may drift to The Andy Griffith Show – and Mayberry. It is through this show that many around the country first became acquainted with the city. But let me tell you – Raleigh has come a long way since the days when the show first aired (1960 – 1968)!

Often I hear from visitors to the Raleigh-Durham area that they are pleasantly surprised to see what it has to offer. Earlier this week while dining with friends in Downtown Raleigh, someone commented that when she first visited downtown, her initial reaction was, “You call this a downtown?” But she quickly fell in love with the city and the people who live here. (They’re the Salt of the Earth, I tell ya!)

While Raleigh has a ways to go to compare with, say, New York City or Chicago, the city offers so much for newcomers and long-time residents, alike.

Please allow me to share…

As a native North Carolinian, I could go on…and…on…and…on about how wonderful life is here in this beautiful state – especially in the heart of it all – the Raleigh-Durham area, also referred to as the Triangle. I really could and should perhaps be working in public relations for the North Carolina Division of Tourism.

One of the great things about here is that it truly is a great place to live – and consistently makes national lists, such as Kiplinger and Forbes) validating it. Here, we enjoy accolades such as:

Being one of the smartest metropolitan areas in the United States. It’s reported that 41.5 percent of the residents have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Having world-class research universities (such the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Duke University; NC State University, and a host of other universities and colleges.)
Employing some of the best world’s medical professionals (Duke University Medical Center where U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy recently had brain surgery; UNC Hospitals; a VA Hospital and an entire host of medical facilities, and satellite medical facilities throughout the area.) I have clients who say they decided to retire here because of the access to the best medical care.
Research Triangle Park with its nearly 160 companies that employ nearly 40,000 workers within the 7,000 acre area.
Its central location to so many attractions such as the beaches near Wilmington, NC (2 hours); the Blue Ridge Mountains (3 hours); Washington, D.C. (4 hours); and Atlanta (6 hours). In real estate, we always talk about LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Raleigh has just that—LOCATION!

Forbes.com even went as far as to call the Raleigh area “recession-proof”. Wow!

With the median household income of more than $56,000, some would say that those in the Raleigh area earn a decent living, especially when there are, unfortunately, so many of our beloved citizens in the United States who live below the poverty line.

Although there is reportedly quite a bit of disposable income here in the Triangle, the prudent thing to do, of course, is to try to keep as much as possible in our pockets, right? (We could all learn something from “The Millionaire Next Door.”) One of my favorite quotes is on page 29 of the book: “Being frugal is the cornerstone of wealth-building.” Period.

And with gas prices being a constant topic of conversation, I thought it would be fun to look at FREE (or nearly free) things you can do in the Raleigh area.

Maybe it’s just me – but I really enjoy sniffing out a bargain. Sometimes, I laugh to myself when I think about what one of my friends says about me all the time: “Girl, you can make a dollar holler and a penny scream!” Just call me the Queen of Free.

Not only am I always on the lookout for bargains in my personal life – but I also work diligently to obtain the best prices for home Buyer and Seller clients, too.

When clients move here from out-of-town, they’re often asking me, as their REALTOR®, about what to do. No worries, there’s plenty! And so much of the “good stuff” costs so little. The money saved can go towards building your wealth.

Let’s get started…

THE ARTS

Raleigh has been dubbed the Smithsonian of the South, with more than 20 free museums within the city. Yes, F-R-E-E! There’s something for everyone – from kids museums to art museums to those who are interested in visiting the world’s only Harley Drag Racing Museum. Also, the North Carolina Museum of Art offers outdoor films in the summer, which are $3 for general admission, and free for Museum members and children under 6 years of age.

NOTE: The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit will be at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences June 28, 2008 through December 28, 2008. While all permanent exhibits are free, there is a charge to see this traveling exhibit.

The Sunday in the Park Concert Series

No admission fee. Held at Fletcher Park (820 Clay Street, Raleigh, NC 27605). If it rains, the event will not be rescheduled.

FREE FAMILY MOVIES

Since 1991, each summer, Regal Entertainment Group has offered the Free Family Film Festival around the country on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. during the festival. The festival begins on July 1, 2008 and concludes August 7, 2008.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Raleigh has more than 150 gardens, lakes, parks, and greenways. With a relatively mild climate, Raleigh residents are able to enjoy the outdoors a majority of the year. Sometimes, when I'm riding around the city, it seems that there is a park of some sort on each corner!

Greenways

The city boasts a 54 mile, 3,000 acre greenway system that is ideal for jogging, hiking, bird watching, fishing, walking, picnicking, and lots of outdoor fun. Check out the Capital Area Greenway Map.

Lakes

Lake Johnson: Has a 150 acre + lake and more than 300 acres of land surrounding it. Boating, picnic shelters, facility rentals, and more. Open 7 days a week.
Lake Wheeler: 800 acre lake/park which serves as the city’s secondary auxiliary water supply.
Shelley Lake: 53 acre lake and park which surrounds the lake. It has a 2-mile walking path around the lake, and residents can be seen walking their pets, skating around the lake, and just enjoying the scenery.
Fishing Program: The city also offers classes for residents. Fees vary.

In addition, situated in Northwest Raleigh is an etnrance to the William B. Umstead State Park which offers boating, camping, fishing, and a entire list of events either free or for a nominal fee.

FREE Eats (or nearly free):

Raleigh boasts more than 500 restaurants. And while eating out can be a real treat – and can add up quickly. There is some relief, however, at some local area restaurants which offer reduced and even free children’s meals when an adult meal is purchased. I don’t have kids, but when my niece and nephews come to visit, rest assured that I look for the places offering me a bargain!

NOTE: I phoned these restaurants below - but you may wish to call yourself before visiting, as offerings may change. Also, there may be more than one restaurant in the Raleigh area; However, there is one listed only one here for your convenience.

ANY NIGHT/Multiple Nights:

Lone Star Steak House
All day on Tuesdays and Saturdays at lunch
6512 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh NC, 27612-7156
919.781.8400

Mcallister's Deli
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays
4361 Lassiter at North Hills Ave
Raleigh NC 27609
Phone: 919.787.9543

SUNDAYS:

The Twisted Fork
Kids 10 and under eat free from the kid's menu Sundays after 4 p.m.
At Triangle Town Center
3751 Sumner Boulevard
Raleigh, NC 27616
Phone: 919.792.2535

Ragazzi's
Kids eat free Sunday until 4 p.m.
5800 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919.787.0434

MONDAYS:
Steak-n-Shake
(With each adult meal, Jr. kids meal free – after 5 p.m.)
2840 Millbrook Road
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919.872.6669

Cici's Pizza
Kids eat for $1.99
Many locations throughout the Triangle.

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Many locations throughout the Triangle.

Remington Grill
4551 New Bern Ave
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 919.255.6891

TUESDAYS:

Chick-fil-A (with the purchase of an adult meal)
Check with your local restaurants. I don't know if all franchises offer kids free nights.

WEDNESDAYS:

Fire House Subs
When an adult purchases a combo, the kids (up to 2) eat free.
10251 Little Brier Creek Lane
Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: 919.806.3900

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SATURDAYS:

No restaurants to report. I suppose the “lesson” here is to eat out other days of the week.

What Free Events are Happening This Weekend?

Saturday, June 28. (9 p.m.): NC Museum of Art Outdoor Movie: Persepolis
Sunday June 29: Raleigh Parks and Recreation presents the 440^th Army Band (Military marches; patriotic music, more)...
Sunday June 29: Charlie Goodnight’s Comedy Club: Purchase dinner (minimum of $15) and receive a free ticket to see Killer Beaz.

Additional Local Resources for Being Frugal in the Triangle:

Saving for a Home? Start by Lowering Your Food Bill!
3 Ways to Save Money on Car Repairs
Taking Stock (The Raleigh News & Observer’s Sue Stock’s blog relating to saving money). This is LOTS of great information in her blog about saving money, especially with coupons.

As you can see, there is so much to do in the Raleigh area – and I’ve barely skimmed the surface.

Have you discovered something free and fun to do in the Triangle? Please share with us!
Also, what do you love most about living in the Triangle?

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Raleigh, NC: Richland Run - Light & Bright Condo in Great Location

2008-06-19T18:28:47Z

Darleen McCullen | Keller Williams Realty | 919.454.8864

Timbermill Court, Raleigh, NC

NW Raleigh in the Low, Low $100s!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $102,900

Year Built	Unspecified
Sq Footage	1,062
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$170 per month

DESCRIPTION

Private, spacious end unit condo with LOTS of storage and a fantastic, wooded view!

Great location. Convenient to Research Triangle Park; RDU Airport; Downtown Raleigh; Highways 70, 40,440,& 540; and plenty of shopping, including Crabtree Valley Mall.

Home has 2 master bedrooms; 2 full baths; Walk-in closets; 2 decks. Also, community pool and tennis.

Make plans to see it today

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Living room	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Swimming pool(s)

Tennis court(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

End-unit condo looks onto beautiful, blooming courtyard.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Darleen McCullen

Keller Williams Realty

919.454.8864

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 5, 2008, 4:47pm PDT

2521 Friedland Place, #101, Raleigh, NC

2008-06-12T22:08:50Z

Darleen McCullen | Keller Williams Realty | 919.454.8864

Friedland Place, Raleigh, NC

Condo near RTP - Features Many Amenities AND Seller Financing!

1BR/1.5BA Condo

offered at $114,950

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	1,003
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$85 per month

DESCRIPTION

SELLER FINANCING Available!*

Do you work near or in Research Triangle Park, travel frequently, or invest in real estate? Then this property is for you!

It's near RTP; the RDU International Airport; I-540; & LOTS of Shopping & Entertainment in the Brier Creek area. HOA dues include: Pool; Tennis; Clubhouse; Playground; Putting Green; Business Center; Car Wash, and more.

Best of all - no stairs to climb! Home includes Large Bedroom; Walk-in Closet; Sunroom/Office; Fireplace, and plenty of living space for the money. Appliances convey. Make plans to see it today!

* If you'd like details about Seller Financing, please contact the Listing Agent for details

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Tile floor	Living room
Office/Den	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Business center	Clubhouse	Fitness center
Swimming pool(s)	Tennis court(s)	Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Onsite Putting Green

Onsite Car Wash

Convenient to Research Triangle Park & Brier Creek

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Darleen McCullen

Keller Williams Realty

919.454.8864

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 5, 2008, 3:49pm PDT

First Time Home Buyers - Using VA Loan

2008-06-12T21:57:05Z

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

When I saw that for this week's Makeover2Takeover Challenge Penny Robinson and I would be submitting a First Time Home Buyer's Packet-with a VA Loan twist-my heart literally filled with joy. Really, it did! Here's why...

It seems like yesterday that my former spouse and I purchased our first home using his VA benefit, and I must say that having it available was a blessing to us.

Many Veterans have been helped by this program over the years, and had it not been for the VA laon, I'm not sure we would've been able to purchase a home when we did.

We were young, newly married-with very little money to spare-and we were able to purchase a nice home in Cary, North Carolina with no money down.

The Seller's paid a majority of our closing costs-leaving us an outstanding balance less than $200 to cover outstanding expenses to pay at closing (If I remember correctly, it was a land survey or something of that nature.) The closing attorney remarked that he thought he was going to owe us money back, LOL. What a sweet deal for us!

We didn't really understand the ins and outs of the VA loan, but we're thankful that our real estate agent knew a mortgage broker who could make the loan work. (I believe that it's essential to have a mortgage professional who understands exactly what the Department of Veteran Affairs is seeking in the loan packet - and that everything runs like clockwork. Without that knowledge, a VA loan can turn into a disaster. I know-I nearly had one go South last year.)

I love working with First Time Buyers because I know that I can be instrumental in helping them step onto the path of wealth-building through home ownership.

I know of no other investment that allows one to: Put in so little of their own cash and sell it after as little as 2 years for a profit of $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for married couples-with no capital gains taxes. Wow!

It's a great feeling to help change someone's financial future this way.

I know that the decision to purchase the home literally changed our futures because it enabled us to begin living the American Dream and to begin building wealth.

As real estate professionals-whether we realize it or not-we hold so much power in our hands. If we do our jobs correctly, we are able to make an impact on the world-not just in the present-but for many years to come. Real estate purchased today could mean wealth for generations to come.

Penny and I look forward to submitting our First Time Home Buyer's packet - and once again, we are grateful to have the opportunity to compete against what we consider to be some of the most formidable real estate brokers in the business. We're humbled each week that we have the opportunity to put together a presentation.

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Super 8 MeMe - It's Time to Tell It All :-)

2008-06-06T08:00:38Z

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

When I first received the requests for the Super 2008 MeMe from Cynthia Tilghman and Bonnie Westbrook, I immediately thought about this song about Toby Keith, "I Wanna Talk About Me". Don't ask me why! I guess it's that music is such a part of my life that I associate so much of what happens with particular songs or particular events in life. (Is that weird?)

Maybe...but it's a perfect segue to the first question on the list...

1. Who's your favorite musical artist?

I absolutely love music - so I don't think I have a favorite. (I wake up listing to it and it's sometimes the last thing I do before going to sleep.)

Let's try this - how about I attempt to narrow it down by favorite artist by genre? J Here goes:

Blues: Etta James
Country: Carrie Underwood and Alan Jackson.
Inspirational/Gospel: Kirk Franklin.
Jazz: Dianne Reeves.
Pop: Prince (Love his talent. I believe he plays something like 27 instruments!); Whitney Houston (who has such an incredible, angelic voice.); Phil Collins (I'm thinking he'd be considered Pop/Rock)
R&B/Soul: Jennifer Holliday: I've always loved her songs, especially, "I'm Telling You" that Jennifer Hudson re-recorded in recent years. Patti Labelle: She's one classy lady - who continues to "remake" herself over and over again. What a voice!

2. Who is your favorite artist?

I'm not sure that I have a favorite artist - but I tend to be drawn to the unknown artists who usually will set up shop the local art shows. My favorite local artist is my 11 year-old niece. She has always had such great talent - and from the age of about 3 or 4 years-old, I recall her sketching whatever interested her. A few weeks ago, her art teacher entered her into a county-wide contest - and she was one of three children chosen from the 5^th grade to be published in local art book.

3. Who is your favorite blogger?

That's difficult. There are so many wonderful bloggers here on ActiveRain that I read - so I guess I should NOT name names, if you know what I mean! Let's keep that a secret.

4. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them?

Another tough question. :-) I have several people I would love to meet. One person is Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, a very inspirational person, whose books, DVDs, and CDs I list to regularly. He's funny, but always has a positive word to share.

5. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I changed my mind so many times that it's not funny. I used to tell my friends that I was going to be a movie star and a politician. For my birthday one year (7^th grade I believe), one of my friends wrote in a birthday card (that I still have, by the way) "Ms. Political Movie Star..." Like many children, I was fascinated by the glamorous lives of the stars - but I also became quite interested in the political process quite early in life. I think I always wanted to do something to make a difference in the lives of others - and perhaps I thought if I was famous AND a politician I could do a lot of good.

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know? I'm not sure if this is "interesting" or not - but it's surely useless. You know how people say "dot every "i" and cross every "t"? Well, did you know that the little "dot" over the "i" is called a tittle?

7. If you could live in any point in history what would it be and why?

I'm not sure that I would want to go backwards - but would really like to live way into the future. Why? Well, I keep thinking about the really cool things that have yet to be discovered. Look at the way that things are now. For instance, who would've thought that the Internet would've been such a huge part of our lives? Not me! In 1994 when I first started learning to program Web pages, I had no clue that I would be blogging - and using such cool Internet tools such as LinkedIn, Plurk, and thinking of using Twitter. Who knew??

8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held?

The last summer before I graduated from high school and 2 summer in college, I worked at a pickle factory near where I grew up. The shifts were long - approximately 10 hours a day/6 days a week. The first year, my job was to pack pickles into the jars as they came around on the conveyor belt. The second year, I packed the gallon jars of pickles. And my final year, I tested the syrup that goes into the pickles and actually makes them turn green. (I became so "green", in fact, that each summer, I had to trash any clothes I wore to work because they were so stained!

Let's see who the next special MeMe "Chosen Ones" should be:

Hmmm... How about these Super 8:

1. Penny Robinson - My partner for the MakeOver2Takeover Contest

2. David Patterson

3. Toni Ellis

4. Fran Gaspari

5. Lanre Folayan

6. Michele Kurelich

7. Loreena Yeo

8. Ed Nailor

We look forward to reading all about you!

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/