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north carolina: Raleigh, NC: Free Food on Your Birthday! - 03/14/09 12:53 AM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Do you love celebrating your birthday as much as I do? If so, you've come to the right place. I'm going to show you how to celebrate in style - while not spending a ton of money. (And if you're in the market to buy a home - you can take the money you save - and put it towards your purchase. After all, every little bit helps!) Below are some birthday food freebies available in the Raleigh area (and nationally, too)to get you started... (No worries... you won't have to consume … (5 comments)
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north carolina: Hot Water in the Toilet. Oh My!! (Buyers and Sellers Beware.) - 04/21/08 11:33 AM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
As a Buyer, what would you do if you purchased a home and later discovered that there was hot water in the toilet?
OR
As a Seller, would you feel that you even would have to disclose this Buyer - because after all, they will probably have a home inspection, right?
Well...
What I'm about to tell you is a TRUE STORY - and the results may surprise you.
I know someone who purchased a property and the first weekend they moved into the home, they found that there was hot water in the toilet. … (91 comments)
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north carolina: Please Give Loved Ones Their Flowers While The Can Still Smell Them! - 04/08/08 07:41 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.comWebsite: http://www.DarleenMc.com
The other night, while watching Oprah's Big Give, something occured to me. The Big Givers conducted acts of kindness for those who the doctors say will soon depart this Life soon - and I thought:
Why is it that we often wait until our loved ones are sick to do nice things for them - and to tell them how much we care?!
As a child, I heard my maternal Grandmother say: "Give me my flowers while I can still smell them."
I wondered what she meant by that - but … (14 comments)
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north carolina: Raleigh, NC Real Estate: The Village at Umstead Park (Umstead Village) - 04/06/08 04:20 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
The Village at Umstead Park (also known as Umstead Village) is located in Northwest Raleigh, less than 1/4 mile from Highway 70.
This town home community is in an ideal location, as it is easily accessible to major highways including I-540, I-440, I-40, and I-85 - as well as within minutes from Raleigh Durham (RDU) Airport
It is also approximately 3 miles from shopping at Brier Creek Commons and less than 5 miles from Crabtree Valley Mall.
Within a mile (across Highway 70 behind the CarMax), there is a Lowe's Food store, Ben's Place, Tony's Pizza, … (12 comments)
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north carolina: Raleigh, NC Real Estate: Sterling Park Subdivision (NCSU Area) - 04/03/08 12:06 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
In early February, I sold a listing in Sterling Park, a town home community, just minutes from Downtown Raleigh. I fell in love with the community - which is why I'd like to share it with you.
The community, located in zip code 27603, is convenient to NC State University, Interstate-40, Research Triangle Park (RTP), Crossroads Plaza, and the Raleigh State Farmer's Market. It's possible to work, shop, play, and get educated where you live!
The town homes, many of which were constructed in the late 1990s to 2000 or so, typically have 2 to 3 bedrooms - … (4 comments)
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north carolina: What 5 Things Are You Grateful for Today? Let's Begin the Day with Gratitude. - 04/02/08 08:42 AM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie
Instead of complaining about how terrible the real estate market is - or how something didn't go quite the way that we wanted it to today or yesterday, or whenever - let's … (42 comments)
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north carolina: Raleigh, NC Buyers: Buying New Construction? Call a REALTOR® FIRST! - 03/21/08 11:11 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Did You Know... As a Buyer, often, without paying one dime out of pocket, you can have access to the knowledge, skills, and expertise of a REALTOR®? So...why leave the largest purchase of your life to "chance"?
Just One Catch...
Consider contacting a REALTOR® BEFORE you step foot into a property. Otherwise, what happened to someone I know could easily happen to any Buyer, no matter how savvy.
Allow me to share...
Recently, I received an interesting phone call from someone I've known for years who entered into a contract to purchase … (7 comments)
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north carolina: Raleigh, NC: Want to Learn About Social Media? Read on... - 03/16/08 01:43 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Do you know everything you'd like to know about social networking? No? Well, Raleigh, help is on the way...
Last week, at a networking event, I met Lisa Bledsoe, director at Calvert Creative in Cary, North Carolina. Lisa's company helps organizations understand and implement the use of social media (like blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, etc.) into their businesses.
Calvert Creative offers a FREE one-hour seminar: "How Social Media Can Move Your Business."
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments … (0 comments)
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north carolina: Meet Penny Robinson, A Bright Spot in the Rain - 03/14/08 01:26 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Penny Robinson - "Penny Is Your Agent"When I joined Keller Williams (KW), I had the pleasure of meeting Penny Robinson, an outstanding real estate agent with KW North Raleigh (North Carolina). She and I became fast friends.
Have you ever met someone - and felt as if you've known them your entire life? Penny is one of those people!
She's always so upbeat, positive, and offers a kind word - no matter what has gone on within her day. And Penny always shares whatever resources she has at her disposal. If Penny knows something great going on in the … (10 comments)
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north carolina: Thinking of Switching Careers? You Need a Plan! - 03/13/08 10:19 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Do you love real estate - and dream about one day leaving your 9 to 5 job to make it a full-time career? Are you trying to figure out exactly how to make it happen financially? Here are a few tips to help propel you forward towards your goal.
Save, Save, Save, Save...and SAVE!
Did I mention S-A-V-E? You know how squirrels put away food for the winter? The same principle can be applied to humans (hence the term "squirreling".) It's wise to put away money - and lots of it, because in real estate, one never … (10 comments)
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north carolina: Suspect Mortgage Fraud? Would You Do Anything About It? - 03/10/08 10:31 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
If you suspected a mortgage loan officer of fraud, what would you do about it?
With all the talk about mortgage fraud today, here's a true story that happened to to me some years ago - before the mortgage meltdown.
The Seller was offering closing costs - all of which I was planning to use. I banked with a credit union, and part of the attraction was that I wouldn't be charged a loan origination fee. The credit union didn't have their own mortgage folks on staff so they contracted the work out to a … (28 comments)
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north carolina: Home Inspections: Should They Be Required by the Lender? - 03/07/08 09:51 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
The Big Question of the Day: Do you think Home Inspections should be required by lenders - just as hazard insurance is?
This particular question popped in my head today as I was out driving around in the rain.
I tend to solve quite a few of the world's issues - and think of lots of questions while I'm having what I refer to as Windshield Time (i.e. spending lots of time in the car.) For me, Windshield Time gives me time to think and mediate on things relating to my business, as well as my life … (36 comments)
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north carolina: Buyers: Should You Save Your Cash for Furniture OR Should You Purchase an Inspection? - 02/28/08 03:46 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Dear Buyer:
You may be wondering if you should actually spend your money for the home inspection that your real estate agent advises you to have - OR save it for the furniture and flat screen television?
As a REALTOR®, I advise all of my clients to get a home inspection, even for new construction. Why? You may ask? Well...
There are so many things that can be wrong with a home that an licensed inspector may be able to find, such as:
Building code violations.The builder putting in the wrong size heating and air conditioning unit for … (8 comments)
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north carolina: Do You Go Above and Beyond for Your Clients - OR Are You Just an Average REALTOR®? - 02/26/08 08:58 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Do you find that you go beyond the Call of Duty for your clients - or are you just average - and do "just enough" to get by to get your clients to the closing table?
I would venture to say that most Buyers and Sellers are seeking a REALTOR® who goes the extra mile - and who is a Problem Solver and not just an Order Taker.
In 2008, let's all strive to exceed our clients' expectations by over delivering.
I have the perfect example of going above and beyond...if I may have I have … (7 comments)
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north carolina: Do You Have a Real Estate Coach? - 02/20/08 09:13 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
I am pretty disciplined and am definitely a self-starter. (One would have to be in this business, right?)
But I'm considering a real estate coach to help propel me to the next level.
I have heard some of the Mega Agents in my office talk about the fact that they have coaches who keep them on track and are constantly challenging them to reach their goals. It appears to be working! I'm curious ...
Do you have a coach? If so, what made you decide to get one? How long have you been working with … (10 comments)
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north carolina: A Smile Can Literally Change Someone's Day - 02/19/08 10:03 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
As I go about my daily life, I make a conscious effort to smile at and say a cheerful "Hello!" to everyone I make eye contact with.
A long time ago, I realized that some days, that may be the only smile that someone receives. They could be having a great day or one that is a little challenging.
Even if there are language barriers, a smile is the Universal Language. Everyone understands it.
I have had people ask me why I am so happy. The truth is, I have:
A great life, complete with my health … (15 comments)
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north carolina: Should REALTORS® Take Monetary "Incentives" from Sellers? - 02/18/08 08:40 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Should REALTORS® Take Monetary "Incentives" from Sellers?
I really struggle with this one. Today, with the housing market suffering the way it is, many sellers are offering Agent Incentives. I've seen everything from flat screen television to $10,000 in cash to Caribbean cruises.
We work hard, right? And sometimes, we don't see the fruits of our labor (i.e. the sale doesn't close for whatever reason!)
So, why not accept an incentive when it comes our way?
I recently overheard an agent talking about the fact that she received a significant bonus, which of course is disclosed to the … (12 comments)
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north carolina: Saving for a Home? Start by Lowering Your Food Bill! - 02/02/08 06:22 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
I am saddened when I hear from individuals who dream of owning a home, but they're having trouble saving an adequate down payment.
These days, it seems that each time I turn on the television or read the news, there's doom and gloom everywhere! If it's not a report on how Americans are being squeezed at the gas pump, or at the grocery store, it's a story on how unemployment is on the rise.
Are we heading into a recession? Some folks seem to think so. Hopefully, they're wrong!
I thought it would … (21 comments)
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north carolina: Raleigh, NC: Celebrating Valentine's Day. Where to Go, What to Do... - 01/29/08 11:49 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Do you love holidays as much as I do? One of my favorites is Valentine's Day.
Could it be that it seems okay to deviate from my "diet" and eat as much chocolate as I like? Hmmm... My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
So...what is there to do in Raleigh (and the Triangle) for Valentine's Day? Dine out, of course!
Within this post, there's a little something for everyone...
Those who want to dine out OR Who wish to prepare a meal at home;
For singles, as well as those who celebrate "Anti - Valentine's … (5 comments)
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north carolina: Solomon's Restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina - 01/23/08 06:11 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
I just love seeing small businesses succeed,and from time-to-time on my blog, I've decided that I will profile businesses that I think are cool.
Last night, I discovered a wonderful eatery called Solomon's Mediterranean Restaurant in Raleigh's Brierdale Shopping Center, near the popular Brier Creek shopping center. I wasn't very hungry so I ordered the Mercer Portabello Wrap, and substituted chicken for the fried eggplant - and sauteed veggies for the fries. (I was patting myself on the back for making some "healthy choices", especially when all I could think about were their French Fries!)
The food … (5 comments)
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Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Raleigh,
NC
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