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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ SUPPLY, DEMAND, AND LOCATION - 09/30/11 08:54 PM
Over the past 10 years, drawn by more affordable housing and bigger lots, many people chose to live in the more distant suburban communities around Raleigh, such as Wake Forest, Knightdale, and Clayton.
However, there are signs now that people are moving back into Raleigh; specifically, to MLS Areas 1 (Inside the Beltline), 2 (NW Raleigh), and 7 (North Raleigh). The T.A.R.R. (Triangle Area Residential Real Estate) Report calls this phenomenon "reverse migration within the county." One reason is the rising cost of gas. The Triangle has great roads -- but it's still always going to be quicker and cheaper to … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ THE IRREGARDLESS CAFE` - 09/29/11 08:57 PM
Downtown Raleigh has many great restaurants, but the Irregardless Cafe` is unique.
It's beginnings were modest. Back in 1974, it was strictly vegetarian and non-smoking (quite radical in this tobacco state!) with a hippie vibe. Since then, it has enlarged its premesis and enlarged its menu as well. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are still featured, but now chicken and seafood entrees are also available.
Good food, live music every night, brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays. It is the oldest restaurant in Raleigh under the same continuous ownership, so they're doing something right!
… (4 comments)
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Curse you, Microsoft Explorer! - 09/28/11 10:12 PM
Does your MLS work with any other browser but Explorer? Mine does not. Other websites can handle any browser out there -- Safari, Firefox, no problem. Not the MLS. Why?
Realtors who would love to move over to Apple feel stuck with their PC's, just because of the MLS. I switched to a Mac platform two years ago, tired of the stress and aggravation of dealing with Windows. The MLS did finally provide us Mac users with a work-around, a clunkly little interface that works after a fashion, but it is slooooow.
Till now I've been running Windows XP … (9 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ THREE AREA MALLS - 09/27/11 06:50 PM
Triangle residents have their choice of malls. All of them are equally useful if you just need to stop in and pick up your favorite fragrance from Belk's, but some stores are found in only one of the three.
Crabtree Valley Mall is the oldest and most convenient to North Raleigh. Besides the usual retail offerings, Crabtree has an Apple Store, a Cheesecake Factory, and an entire store devoted to Legos! Best Buy and Barnes and Noble aren't in the enclosed mall but just on the other side of the parking garage.
Triangle Town Center is near the intersection of … (2 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ WAKE COUNTY OVERVIEW - 09/26/11 11:16 PM
Wake County is huge -- 857 square milesl The 2010 census puts the population right at 900,000, a 43.5% increase over the 2000 census. That makes Wake County the 9th-fastest-growing county in the US. 47.5% of the population hold a Bachelor's degree or higher. 67% of the population own their own homes. The median household income in 2009 was $63,770, and the median value of owner-occupied houses in 2009 was $213,200.
The climate is moderate. Summers are typically hot with high humidity. Winter highs generally range in the low 50s° with lows in the low-to-mid 30s°. Spring and fall days … (2 comments)
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RAELIGH REAL ESTATE ~ RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK - 09/25/11 07:18 PM
Raleigh's enviable "Best City" status today is at least partially due to the vision of local leaders in the mid-1950's. They hoped that an industrial park located near three major research universities -- UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC State -- would be attractive to major national and international corporations. They located RTP (Research Triangle Park) next to the airport, part in Durham County and part in Wake.
At first the Park struggled to attract companies, but in 1965 IBM announced that it would locate a major facility in RTP. After that, growth was rapid.
Today RTP is a 7,000 … (0 comments)
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NORTH RALEIGH REALTOR ~ INTRODUCTORY VIDEO, TAKE ONE - 09/24/11 04:00 PM
Everywhere I turn, I’m being told I have to get into video blogging! Active Rain has a group devoted to it (Vbloggers) -- every professional development seminar and guru is touting it -- internet and social-media consultants can’t stop talking about it. So I bought a camera.
Unfortunately, buying a camera wasn’t enough. I had the camera (a little Kodak Vi8) for about six months without taking anything more than a few disultory shots of geese and ducks at a local lake. It was hard to see how that footage was going to increase my business, so I let it … (6 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ FIRST FRIDAY - 09/23/11 10:21 PM
The First Friday evening of each month, downtown Raleigh stays up late to welcome thousands of art lovers. Over 70 venues stay open till 9 pm to allow visitors to wander in and about, and artists hold their studios open as well. What’s on display includes scupture and quiting, textiles and oils. The photo shows a pastel painting from the collection of Kathryn Wilson, a talented local artist who lives in Raleigh.
… (4 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ SUPPLY, DEMAND, RENTALS, AND RESALES - 09/22/11 03:48 PM
Jobs creation in a region increases the demand for homes, but other factors may also have an influence. For example, inbound retirees, divorcing families, and downsizing Baby Boomers all represent demographics who might not need a job to purchase a home. As the Triangle continues to appear on “Best” lists -- see previous blog -- our area continues to grow in population. The current wave of new apartment construction is a reaction to this growth. People have to live somewhere! The high demand for rentals is driving rents up and that, combined with lower home prices and low mortgage rates, makes … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ AMERICA'S BEST CITY - 09/21/11 08:22 PM
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, IS AMERICA’S #1 BEST CITY! Businessweek.com arrived at this stunning conclusion by looking at “a range of positive metrics around quality of life,” including restaurants, school test scores, and the number of colleges and pro sports teams. “When we began the process we had no idea which cities would come out on top. The winner? Raleigh, N.C.” RALEIGH IS NO. 1 Residents of Raleigh aren’t surprised. In its article, Businessweek.com specifically mentions Research Triangle Park and our many state and private colleges and universities, as well as “ 867 restaurants, 110 bars, and 51 museums,” Who knew? … (2 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ WHERE WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY IS NOT - 09/20/11 05:07 PM
Wouldn’t you be surprised to learn that Boston College wasn’t in Boston, or that UCLA had moved to San Diego? Well, those schools have stayed where their names imply, but Wake Forest University moved in the mid-1950’s. I know this is weird, but Wake Forest University is not in Wake Forest. It’s in Winston-Salem, 90 or so miles away. Basically what happened was that the Reynolds family (think RJ Reynolds, the tobacco company that brought us such cigarette brands as Winstons and Salems) wooed the university away to a new campus with cash and endowments. So the location changed but … (2 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ UNIVERSITY RIVALRIES - 09/19/11 07:57 PM
Anyone who is considering moving to the Triangle needs to do so with an understanding of the deep passions that divide the local citizens, depending on whether their blood flows red and black, sky blue, or royal blue.
NC State University is in Raleigh; its signature colors are red and black; its mascot is the wolf.
UNC is in Chapel Hill; its signature color is sky blue; its mascot is the ram.
Duke University is a private school, not one of the UNC system like the other … (2 comments)
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NORTH RALEIGH NEIGHBORHOODS ~ SPRINGDALE ESTATES - 09/18/11 07:04 AM
Springdale Estates is an attractive North Raleigh subdivision, with homes spaced out on large wooded lots. It even has its own private lake for residents’ enjoyment.
When the homes in Springdale Estates were built, its location would have been considered “the boondocks” -- a rural setting far from city conveniences. No more! The subdivision is directly across Leesville Rd. from the Leesville schools campus and five minutes from 540 and an easy commute into RTP.
Lots in Springdale Estates are at least half an acre, with many closer to an acre. The homes were constructed in the late 60’s and … (2 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ GOOD NEWS AND NOT SO GOOD - 09/17/11 12:57 PM
The News & Observer had a happy headline on the front page of today’s State and Local section: “Triangle home sales rebound.” The article goes on to say that closings are up by double digits for the second month in a row -- 10% in July and an amazing 23% in August. Yea!
A year ago, however, we were just coming out of federal stimulus buyer incentives that ended on June 30th. That program drained the pipeline for months afterward, because people who would have bought later in the summer or early fall pushed ahead to take advantage of the tax … (2 comments)
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WALKING EVERY DAY -- FOR HEALTH AND FOR PLEASURE - 09/16/11 05:10 PM
I began my day today as I begin most days -- with a brisk 2 ½ mile walk. Most of my life I’ve been pretty much inert, but I began walking during my 1992 Weight Watchers period and I’ve been walking off and on ever since.
It takes a long time to make an activity go from a tedious duty to a joy and delight. In my case, it took probably 10 years. For a long time I’d look for any excuse not to walk -- and of course I could usually find one! But somehow, very gradually, that attitude changed.
… (7 comments)
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NORTH RALEIGH NEIGHBORHOODS: GROCERY STORES GALORE - 09/15/11 04:00 PM
Living in North Raleigh means you can conveniently enjoy the variety of shopping choices available on Creedmore Rd., Six Forks Rd, and Falls of the Neuse. (Let me digress for a moment to talk about Falls of the Neuse Rd, commonly called “Falls.” The road is named after the Neuse (pronounced noose) River, which runs through Raleigh. You can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the whole way, if you have the time and inclination. Alas, if there were ever any falls along the way, they’re gone now.)Back to shopping in North Raleigh -- within just a couple of miles … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ THE NC MUSEUM OF ART - 09/14/11 08:48 PM
Living in the state capital has its perks, and in Raleigh one of them is the North Carolina Museum of Art. It has what you would expect; i.e., paintings hung on walls -- but it has a great deal more. Besides the museum's own standing collection, there are traveling exhibits such as Norman Rockwell, Rodin, and Rembrandt (coming in October). Of course, there is a museum shop and even a trendy little restaurant. When you go, though, don’t miss the “Art in the Park” section. A sidewalk leads you around the museum’s grounds where oversize outdoor sculptures are displayed. In the … (2 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ GOODE NEWS MARKET UPDATE - 09/13/11 03:39 PM
Here’s a happy sight to see -- new construction going up! After three years of trauma for new home builders, we now have an undersupply of new homes available. Since supply and demand always rule (always), that can be seen as an opportunity. Also encouraging for builders -- both the median sales price and the median sales price per square foot of new homes have increased this year compared to the same 90 day period last year. The photo was taken at Stonehenge Park, in NW Raleigh. 38 lots were carved from a leftover parcel next to an existing subdivision. … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ RALEIGH FINE JEWELRY - 09/12/11 02:49 PM
The high price of gold has inspired many of us to trade in our scrap gold for cash. The lonely earring without a mate .. a random charm .. why not? Having just gone through this process, let me share with you some things I learned on my quest. First, prices vary widely. You have to shop around. Second, don’t assume the big-name store is your best bet. Not that you have to go to a pawn shop with bars on the windows, but you have to shop around.And while you’re shopping around, here’s a store to definitely put on your … (2 comments)
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NORTH RALEIGH NEIGHBORHOODS ~ BRITTANY WOODS - 09/11/11 03:04 PM
One of North Raleigh’s hidden gems is the Brittany Woods neighborhood. Built in the mid-80’s. Brittany Woods' cottage-like homes are mostly in the 1200-1400 sq. ft. range, on small lots of less than a fifth of an acre. These characteristics result in the look and feel of a charming little village. Briitany Woods is just CUTE! Community pool and tennis are available and Lake Lynn is a short bike ride away, but the biggest amenities are probably the location and school district. Brittany Woods is just off Leesville Road, in the Leesville High School and Middle School districts, and just south … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ THE GREEK FESTIVAL - 09/10/11 06:41 AM
Coming once again to a State Fairground near you -- the Greek Festival! This annual ethnic extravaganza is put on every year by Raleigh’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and it’s always a good time. Greek food! Greek music! Greek dancing! and even Greek shopping! Vendors offer an eclectic selection of things Greek and near-Greek, incuding embroidered robes, painted eggs, jewelery, and religious items. Did I mention food? You can eat in, take home, or both. Greek salad, Greek gyros, Greek pasteries -- which all seem to go remarkably well with sweet Southern iced tea. Dates are September 16th, 17th, and … (2 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ WE [HEART] RDU - 09/09/11 06:52 PM
RDU is the airport code for Raleigh Durham International Airport, which provides direct service to 40 domestic and international destinations on 372 daily flights. Airlines include American, US Air, Delta, Southwest, Jet Blue, and Continental. Over 9,000,000 passengers traveled through RDU in 2010. Separate terminals for cargo and general aviation terminals enable RDU to serve those needs as well.Thanks to recent and ongoing construction projects, the tech-savvy Triangle can be proud of its airport. The new parking garage opened in 2003. Terminal 2 just opened its final phase to the public in January 2011. Terminal 1 will be rebuilt next. The … (2 comments)
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NORTH RALEIGH NEIGHBORHOODS ~ HARRINGTON GROVE - 09/07/11 02:24 PM
One of many attractive North Raleigh neighborhoods is Harrington Grove.
Harrington Grove is a sprawling community built in phases by various builders during the 1990's. Its location ensures its continuing popularity -- it's right on 540, on the westward edge of Raleigh. Perfect for people commuting into RTP.
Harrington Grove is popular with families concerned about school district. Just outside the subdivision entrance is a new public elementary school, Sycamore Creek, as well as one of the Triangle's Catholic grade schools, St. Francis, grades Preschool-8.
Harrington Grove residents are welcome to enjoy the walking trails, but joining the community pool … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ STATE FARMER'S MARKET - 09/06/11 11:06 PM
Eastern North Carolina is primarily agricultural. Although tobacco fields are still much in evidence, other crops have become more important in recent years. Farmers bring their produce to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market, located just off I-440 on the south edge of downtown. On weekends especially, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and honey are trucked in and sold to the city folk, who are duly grateful.
… (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ The Inner Beltline and the Outer Loop - 09/05/11 05:41 PM
Raleigh real estate is largely defined by Interstate 40's two spinoffs, I-440 (the Inner Beltline) and I-540 (the Outer Loop).
Meditate, if you will, upon the map below. The Inner Beltline circles downtown Raleigh pretty closely. Inside the Beltline (ITB) lies the priciest residential real estate in the city, mostly built in the first half of the previous century. Trendy, elegant, and charming -- those are ITB adjectives.
Go due north from downtown, and you will cross I-540, the Outer Loop. 540 is new; the northern swath opened just a few years ago, and now the eastern and western edges are … (2 comments)
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Raleigh Real Estate ~ Inside the Beltline - 09/04/11 12:51 PM
Cities grow like tree rings, starting in the center. Raleigh's oldest neighborhoods are Inside the Beltline, or ITB. (The Beltline is I-440.) Homes ITB date from the first decade of the 20th century, to the 1950's. The home in the picture was built in the early 1930's.
The advantages of living Inside the Beltline are many. Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, as well as home to North Carolina State University, Peace College, Meredith College, and Shaw University. All these entities plus downtown banks and businesses employ thousands of people for … (2 comments)
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Raleigh REAL ESTATE ~ LAKE LYNN - 09/03/11 10:42 PM
This beautiful photo wasn't taken at some inaccessible mountain retreat. It's Lake Lynn, located right off busy, four-lane Lynn Road in Northwest Raleigh. Lake Lynn is only one of the City of Raleigh's greenways, maintainted by the Parks and Recreation Department. The Capital Greenway system boasts 69 miles of trails and 3700 acres of parks for the public to use and enjoy, and it's still growing. Lake Lynn -- home to ducks, geese, turtles, the occasional heron and one lone swan -- offers a 2 1/4 mile trail for walkers and joggers, plus benches for those who just want to … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ WHAT TRIANGLE? - 09/02/11 08:31 PM
You may have heard a reference to an area called "The Triangle," or "The Triangle area of North Carolina." What's with that?
The Triangle reference actually goes back to the first half of the previous century, when the population centers of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill were considered a single Metropolitan Statistical Area, or MSA. MSA's are defined by the U.S. Office of Budget and Management, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau and other government offices for statistical purposes only. Today Raleigh-Cary comprise one MSA, while Durham-Chapel Hill is another.
The "Triangle" name may have become fixed in the … (0 comments)
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RALEIGH REAL ESTATE ~ GOODE NEWS MARKET UPDATE - 09/01/11 09:25 PM
At this point, it feels like news from the housing industry has been mired in gloom and doom for a very long time -- but take heart! Here in the Raleigh/Wake County area, at least some indicators are moving in the other direction. Would you believe --
Foreclosures are down! Distressed properties accounted for 20% of sales nationally, down from 32% a year ago. In the Triangle, foreclosures and short slaes account for less than 10% of total sales. In markets such as Florida and California, the percentage is close to 75%.
Sales are up! Closed sales in July … (0 comments)
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Dianne Goode, North Raleigh Realtor ~ Raleigh Cary Realty ~
Raleigh,
NC
More about me…
Author of Field Guide to Difficult Clients
Address: Raleigh,Wake Forest,Knightdale,Cary,Apex, Garner,Clayton,Holly Springs,Durham, Raleigh, NC
Office Phone: (919) 618-0652
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