Access Homes NC & Karen's Blog http://activerain.com/blogs/gonzbarb Cary homes, accessible homes, wheelchair accessible homes, aging in place, Universal Design, Disability resources, senior resources, ASL, Deaf community, Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill homes, retirement communities, 55 + communities en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/2568810/investors-take-notice- INVESTORS Take Notice! <p>To all the real estate investors out there in the Triangle area, I have an important message for you. <strong>If you make your rentals accessible they will come!</strong></p> <p>Recently I was featured in a front page article in my local paper because of my unique niche in real estate.</p> <p>http://www.carynews.com/2011/09/27/44225/no-barriers-to-a-dream-home.html</p> <p>&nbsp;<img title="wheelchair accessible home logo" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/3/3/1/ar131940226213355.jpg" height="208" alt="wheelchair accessible home logo" width="226"></p> <p>Since the article appeared I have had lots of folks contact me. &nbsp;In the last 2 days I have had 3 different people contact me around their accessible housing needs. Unfortunately 2 of them were looking for an <strong>accessible rental</strong> and that is harder to find than an accessible home to purchase. <strong>There just are not enough of them!</strong></p> <p>So if you flip houses or fix up &amp; hold them as rentals it is important to know that <strong>there is an under served population out there</strong>. With the number of <strong>baby boomers</strong>&nbsp;increasing every day, it makes sense to make homes that work for this population. People don't want to face the facts but, the older we get the more chance we are going to have a disability. Universal designed homes work for all!!! &nbsp;Widening doors, pulling out walls, changing hardware, creating a zero step entrance and doing a zero threshold or minimal threshold shower are all GOOD strong marketing enhancements to a rental.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is old data but&nbsp;the "U.S. Census Bureau&rsquo;s 2002 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) found that there are 51.2 million people with disabilities in the United States. More than one in six people in this country are potential customers for businesses." &nbsp;(taken from an article "Customers with Disabilites Mean Business").<img title="easy grab hardware on cabinets" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/7/4/2/ar131940217024756.JPG" height="597" alt="easy grab hardware on cabinets" width="800"></p> <p><img title="Tiny shower threshold" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/1/9/5/ar131940240759199.JPG" height="597" alt="my business card holder is up against a shower threshold to show how little it can be" width="800"></p> <p>This is my business card holder placed at a shower threshold. This is not a roll in shower, but it is meant to show how low a shower threshold can be...helping those with mobility challenges.</p> <p>So make your rental accessible and with universal elements in mind and it will get rented! Trust me!<strong> There will be a tsunami&nbsp;</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span">of need coming. Are you ready?</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:34:38 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2568810/investors-take-notice- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2566858/accessible-home-a-love-story Accessible Home & a Love Story <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">&nbsp; &nbsp; Every fall, Wake county has the Parade of Homes where the builders put out there very best examples of&nbsp;their&nbsp;work for the&nbsp;public&nbsp;to come out and see. The homes are judged by the Home Builders Association and win prizes. The majority of these homes are for sale (95%). This fall there was&nbsp;a very unique &amp; beautiful home that was featured on the Parade. This home was not for sale, in fact it was built&nbsp;specifically&nbsp;<strong>for a couple with unique needs</strong>. This home was not your average home in that it was valued at 2.5 million dollars. It also was not just an average home because it had an amazing story behind it.</span></p> <p class="p3">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p4"><img title="Accessible master bath" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/6/7/6/ar131923387867619.jpg" height="800" alt="roll under counters" width="597"><img title="Dual sinks that are accessible" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/3/3/1/ar131923407013328.jpg" height="800" alt=" high end roll under dual sinks" width="597"></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Through my coworkers at Go Realty, I was&nbsp;&nbsp;lucky enough to meet the owners and learn the heart warming &nbsp;story behind the home. Because of my specializing in<strong> accessible homes</strong> they knew I would&nbsp;want&nbsp;to meet them. The home was built for Shane and Jennifer who both have Cerebral Palsy from birth. Shane uses cruches to help him walk and Jennifer does not need canes but still has her struggles. The home was build &amp; designed with many <strong>Universal Design elements</strong> in mind. There isr</span><strong>&nbsp;an elevator </strong>fom the 1st to the 2nd floor. The <strong>doorways are at least 36 inches wide</strong>. The halls are extra wide. In the master bath room there are <strong>roll under sinks and a roll in shower.</strong></p> <p class="p4"><img title="zero threshold roll in shower" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/4/0/9/ar131923441290454.JPG" height="597" alt="zero threshold roll in shower" width="800"><img title="zero threshold shower with built in Bench &amp; hand held shower head" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/2/1/3/ar131923550131246.jpg" height="800" alt="zero threshold shower with built in Bench &amp; hand held shower head" width="597"></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">There are&nbsp;several <strong>zero step entries</strong> into the home. There is a ramp outside from the screened in porch out to the pool. All the r<strong>ugs are&nbsp;recessed&nbsp;into the hardwood floor</strong> to prevent trip hazards. In all my years of specializing in accessible homes, I had never seen this! The <strong>hardware</strong>&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;the house is the <strong>easy grab and lever type</strong>. The tub in the master is an air tub rather than a whirl pool&nbsp;Jacuzzi&nbsp;type because it is healthier to circulate air rather than old water that&nbsp;remains&nbsp;in the tubing inside the tube. Not much was over looked.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1"><img title="Rug inset into hardwood floors" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/1/9/6/ar131923565669193.jpg" height="597" alt="rug inset into hardwood floors" width="800"></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">So back to the heart warming story behind the house. It was actually Shane's &nbsp;dad who built the house for them. Shane and Jennifer have only been married one year. They met in church. &nbsp;Having both grown up with CP, they had alot in common, they connected and fell in love.</span></p> <p class="p4">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">&nbsp; &nbsp;It is true that not many newly weds get such an amazing gift of a <strong>2.5 million dollar home built specifically for their needs</strong>. Shane is an only child&nbsp;</span>and his dad who was a high school drop out and had a sever stuttering problem built a printing empire and sold the company for an amazing profit. He wanted to give something of meaning to his son &amp; daughter in law. What better than a custom home? <strong>Home is where the heart is!</strong></p> <p class="p2">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">There is one more twist to this love story. Jennifer had been a special ed teacher in Wake county for many years. She also has always loved dance and grew up taking lessons &nbsp;and performing&nbsp;despite&nbsp;her &nbsp;disability &nbsp;or maybe&nbsp;because&nbsp;of it. She now would like to <strong>teach special needs children to dance</strong> and there is a studio in her new home where she can do just that! &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img title="Dance studio" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/0/3/2/ar131923573223051.png" height="530" alt="dance studio with collection of dance costumes for decoration" width="300"><img title="Dance studio" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/8/7/3/ar131923580537802.jpg" height="540" alt="Dance studio another view" width="300" style="border-color: initial;"></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:39:05 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2566858/accessible-home-a-love-story http://activerain.com/blogsview/2546985/great-50-community-village-of-aversboro Great 50+ Community : Village of Aversboro <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1770479541245351773-6221519488760587503?l=accesshomesnc.blogspot.com" height="1" alt="" width="1" style="border-style: none; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img title="All Brick ranch with 2 car garage, covered porch" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/5/1/3/ar131809424831541.jpg" height="427" alt="All Brick ranch with 2 car garage, covered porch" width="640" style="border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;"></span></span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;I&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">want to highlight a new subdivision which is for seniors who are proactive planners. They plan that this will be their last home. They want to "<strong>age in place</strong>". This community is the Village of Aversboro in Garner NC. &nbsp;I think this is a lovely community and I think you will too. It is a young community and still being built out.</span></span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;has a&nbsp;<strong>great location:</strong>&nbsp;walking distance from&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">grocery, shops, pharmacy, and restaurants. Yes location is key! But there are many more highlights to this community.</span></span><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br></span></span><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse;"><br></span></span><br></span></p> <div class="separator" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; clear: both; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Some of the features:</span></div> <div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</div> <table class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rksf1--FvII/TpBuzOXWM5I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/posUmSeZcjw/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rksf1--FvII/TpBuzOXWM5I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/posUmSeZcjw/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" border="0" height="239" alt="" width="320" style="border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-style: none;"></span></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dental crown molding on cabinets</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <ul style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2em;"> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Custom details</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Screened in porches</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tile floors</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tile back splash</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Granite counter tops</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under cabinet lighting</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Built in bookcases</span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Custom wood shelving in closets</span></li> </ul> <div><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div> <div><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Aging in place features</strong></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2em;"> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>At least one zero step entry</strong></span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Lever handles on the doors</strong></span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOA takes car of your lawn</span>&nbsp;</strong></span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Wide hallways &amp; doors</strong></span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Higher toilets</strong></span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> <table class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="float: right; text-align: right;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Q4DIsJli8/TpBvK1qhsMI/AAAAAAAAAQY/7AWhZK9eUCU/s320/IMG_0858.jpg" border="0" height="239" alt="" width="320" style="border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-style: none;"></strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gorgeous kitchen with stainless steel appliances</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Hardwood floors</strong></span> </li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Low threshold showers</strong></span></li> <li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Low maintenance exterior</strong></span></li> </ul> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The community is minutes form downtown Raleigh and Cary. &nbsp;It is a s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">hort drive away</span></span></span></div> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">from many world-renowned hospitals and </span></span></span></div> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">RDU International Airport.</span></span></span></div> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br></span></span></span></div> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">The community is not HUGE like Carolina Perserve. There are plans for 147 homes. There are walking trails and it is a short </span></span></span></div> <div style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">walk to Lake Benson Park.</span></span></span></div> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></p> <table class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqKsZuYaQs0/TpBvu1ZUFcI/AAAAAAAAAQg/J7JXTG3yqew/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqKsZuYaQs0/TpBvu1ZUFcI/AAAAAAAAAQg/J7JXTG3yqew/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" border="0" height="238" alt="" width="320" style="border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-style: none;"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under cabinet lighting &amp; tile back splash</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx8hHS6vhHs/TpBvjH84IVI/AAAAAAAAAQc/2caLLryJTpo/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx8hHS6vhHs/TpBvjH84IVI/AAAAAAAAAQc/2caLLryJTpo/s320/IMG_0879.jpg" border="0" height="320" alt="" width="239" style="border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-style: none;"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Custom closets</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</div> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></p> <table class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vycBcx4PSho/TpBv3IF91dI/AAAAAAAAAQk/POg8GVgYBDY/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vycBcx4PSho/TpBv3IF91dI/AAAAAAAAAQk/POg8GVgYBDY/s320/IMG_0846.JPG" border="0" height="239" alt="" width="320" style="border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-style: none;"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sun room with tile floor</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The price range is $250,000 to $330,00.</span><br><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have talked to many of the residents and they just LOVE it. But you need to see for yourself. Give me a call and we set up an appointment!</span><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span><br></span></p> <table class="tr-caption-container" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDLXXVxSGtM/TpBwAelPDhI/AAAAAAAAAQo/bpYM8n2trEk/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDLXXVxSGtM/TpBwAelPDhI/AAAAAAAAAQo/bpYM8n2trEk/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" border="0" height="239" alt="" width="320" style="border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; border-style: none;"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stacked stone fireplace and built ins</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br><br></span></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</div> <p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:42:19 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2546985/great-50-community-village-of-aversboro http://activerain.com/blogsview/2530779/tickled-pink-an-article-in-my-local-paper-about-what-i-do Tickled Pink! An article in my local paper about what I do <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial;">I am honored and tickled pink that there was an article written in my local paper about my niche in real estate and what I do. The title is "No barriers to a dream home". &nbsp;They even interviewed my&nbsp; past and present clients Hopefully this will bring some more business but as the article says,&nbsp;<span style="color: #333233;">"It's very rewarding; it's not about the money. It's more about helping people find the right home that's going to work for them."</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p>This is a link to the article.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p><a title="Cary News article" target="_blank">http://www.carynews.com/2011/09/27/44225/no-barriers-to-a-dream-home.html</a></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">&nbsp;See I do, what I do because it comes from my heart. I have always been around people of "different abilities". My sister was born deaf and due to the effects of Rubella she was more fragile than most kids plus she could not speak their language. When she died in 1983, I threw myself into work in the Deaf community. I learned to respect their culture and love their language. It is sad to say but my signing skills improved all the more after she died. I was the best signer in my family but when I went to her school, I have vivid memories of saying to her friends "Say it again, slowly". Immersing yourself in a culture teaches you quickly. I owe a lot of who I am today to my sister Susan and my experiences growing up with her.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;"><img title="Susan &amp; I at Austine School for the Deaf (her home away from home)" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/6/3/ar131723528336897.jpg" height="720" alt="Susan &amp; I at Austine School for the Deaf (her home away from home)" width="558"></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">Susan, in some way, prepared me to be Joshua's mom (my youngest son). Joshua has autism. He is high functioning and fully included in school, but he will always struggle with his autism, social things and emotions. There have been times in his life when he exhibited classic autism: not talking till the age of 4 1/2,&nbsp;flapping his hands, biting himself, talking to himself with rote scripts, ect. He also has incredible gifts to share. He is very gregarious for someone with autism and the kids in school genuinely like him. He is not afraid to stand up in front of a crowd and do his thing. You should have seen him at his poetry slam at school last year. He ROCKED the house.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;"><img title="Joshua showing off his award in Language Arts" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/2/3/4/ar13172446343209.jpg" height="800" alt="Joshua showing off his award in Language Arts" width="600"></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">Yes I am a proud mom.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">Albert Einstein once said, "Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on it's ability to climb a tree, it will live it's whole life believing it is stupid."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">I do what I love: helping people and being of service to the WHOLE disability community and the "aging in place" community around their real estate needs. It seems to have served me well....ten fold.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #333233;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:26:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2530779/tickled-pink-an-article-in-my-local-paper-about-what-i-do http://activerain.com/blogsview/2518616/glowing-letter-of-recommendation Glowing letter of recommendation <p>When someone writes you a glowing letter of reccomendation it just makes your day. I was blown away by the glowing accolades and praise in this letter. I could not have paid Jerry to do better PR for me. What made it all the more special is that it came from someone in my niche: a senior couple who needed a wheel chair&nbsp;accessible home.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The money that I make selling real estate is nice but it is really this that I work for.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 32.0px Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<span style="font: 22.0px Arial;">112 Country Club Drive</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Monroe Twp., N.J. 08831</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;September 20th, 2011</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cell# 732-261-6555</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Home# 732-521-5043</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Mrs. Karen Barbour</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Go Realty</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">123 Weston Parkway</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Cary, N.C. 27513</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Cell# 919-931-1939</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Re: Letter of Recommendation for Superb Assistance</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Dear Karen:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sharon and I were overwhelmed&nbsp; with your sincerity, knowledge of the Cary/Chapel Hill/Apex housing market, unselfish time devoted to house hunting for 3 1/2 days,contacts to whom you introduced us, dinners at expensive restaurants you expensed to your personal credit card, and driving us throughout the area to obtain a first hand impression. We have dealt with dozens of real estate agents during our 45 years of marriage in home purchases, and, no real estate adviser could even match your devotion to client needs; to paraphrase a financial term, "you ability is certainly over the top"!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; When I e-mailed your informative website on July 12th, citing a "Special Needs Trained Real Estate Agent" because of Sharon's spinal cord injury, you replied the next day with an informative e-mail. During the ensuing two months until we drove to Cary on September 14th, you mailed detailed brochures of the local area, e-mailed pictures of at least 75 plus homes which met our financial criteria as well as Sharon's requirements for a ranch home with no steps, initiated and promptly returned dozens of phone calls, and specially allocated three days to visit homes(and not being present in your office for sales leads). There was no expectation of a commitment to bid on a home by us; rather you unselfishly drove us to various communities, toured Chapel Hill for an extensive time, called individuals whom promptly called back to answer our many questions, and provided any data we requested.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As you are aware, we are serious about bidding for a terrific home in Carolina Preserve which is a resale of 5 years, priced within our financial parameters. It meets all of our requirements and is in "move in condition". I have discussed my potential move to Cary with the V.P. of my firm, since I have to continue working. After she receives an answer from senior management, I will discuss an opening bid with you, if allowed to relocate with my firm.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; When we often sought your opinion of a specific house, you stated repeatedly "You should be comfortable with the financial commitment required and enjoy your surroundings". Never once did you worry about commissions that might be bypassed if we did not bid on a house you visited with us. This attitude is exemplary and why I was as enthusiastic when interviewed by Jennifer of the Cary News &amp; Observer newspaper on Friday, September 15th in Apex.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">Jennifer was overwhelmed with my praise of your ability, and never expected such as laudatory interview from a prospective client. However, you deserved all the accolades, and hopefully, will be featured in the "Home News": section shortly.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Please cite this letter to future prospective clients for whom you will assist in a home purchase. They can be relocating "Yankees" (although I am proud to be an Akron, Ohio Midwesterner by birth and college education),&nbsp; local retirees, young families upgrading, or "Special Needs' clients for whom you can readily assist in their housing requirements. My cell and home numbers are cited on top of this letter, namely, Cell 732-261-6555, and Home # 732-521-5043. They can call anytime, and I will provide them with frank answers including impressions about the area, homes, restaurants, taxes, utility costs, etc.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Most important for any prospective client is THE INTEGRITY OF THE REAL ESTATE AGENT for which you are nonpareil (defined in Webster's dictionary as "an individual of unequaled excellence") -Karen, you personify this trait and MORE!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sincerely,</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 22.0px Arial;">&nbsp;Jerry Meyers&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:08:19 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2518616/glowing-letter-of-recommendation http://activerain.com/blogsview/2346584/resources-for-parents-of-special-needs-kids-movng-to-the-triangle Resources for Parents of special needs kids movng to the Triangle <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; color: #a42d34; line-height: 25px;"> <div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8536674824369822263" style="width: 538px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 20px;"> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the hardest things about moving to a new place with a child with special needs is trying to find the resources and support you need. Most of the resources are not found in one place. From my own experience, connecting with other parents who "have been there and done that" has been most helpful. Here is &nbsp;a list of my top ten resources:</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img title="Autism mom ribbon" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/4/5/8/ar130782957085422.jpg" height="225" alt="Autism mom ribbon" width="225"></p> <ol> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.autismsociety-nc.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Austim</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Society of North Carolina&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a young son with autism&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ASNC</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;has been a great resource. They have a yearly huge conference where they bring top notch speakers. The have local chapters throughout the state for more community/local support. They have an excellent bookstore. They hire parent advocates who are very knowledgeable.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ECAC</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(Exceptional Children's Assistance Center)&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to work closely with them so I am a little biased but even before I worked with them, attending one of their workshops was one of the best educational resources in helping me become my son's best advocate. Every state is mandated to have a parent education center.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.wrightslaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrightslaw</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Special Education Law and Advocacy</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the best workshops on the IDEA &amp; advocacy educational resources out there.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.fifnc.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First in Families of NC</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are the non profit that I tithe to and yes I used to work for them. They do community based grassroots support across the state of NC. They are consumer &amp; family driven.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.fsnnc.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family Support Network of NC</span></span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have a huge central directory of resources and they can hook you up with similar parent who have children with similar diagnosis.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.disabilityrightsnc.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disability Rights Center of N</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">C</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally outside of state government where there were clearly conflicts of interests. T<span style="background-color: white;">h</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">ey</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;h</span>ave the mission to ensure the rights&nbsp;</span></span></em><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of all NC citizens with disabilities through individual advocacy and system change.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="color: #333333;"><em><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://www.nc-ddc.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities</span></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Their mission is</span></span></em></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;t</span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">o ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services and supports, as well as other assistance and opportunities, which promote inclusive communities.</span></span></em> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://acrnc.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Arc of NC</span></span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hey provide&nbsp;</span></span></em><span style="line-height: 18px;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">advocacy and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.&nbsp;</span></span></em></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The&nbsp; Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect.</span></span></em></span> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="line-height: 18px;"><em><span style="color: #56544c; font-style: normal; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://nc.eastersealsucp.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easter Seals&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UCP</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;North Carolina</span></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their mission is t</span></span></span></em></span><span style="line-height: 17px;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">o advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. They strive</span></span></em></span><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society &mdash; from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community.</span></span></em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></span> </li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://tash.org/" style="text-decoration: none; color: #37a6a6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">TASH</span></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They stand for&nbsp;</span></span></em></span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities. I have attended their nation conferences and been blown away by what I have experience and learned there. I would recommend it to any parent of a child with significant disabilities.</span></span></em></span> </li> </ol> <div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">By no means is this a complete list of resources but it is a good start and hopefully will help a new parent moving to the Triangle area.&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Wishing you all the best in your advocacy journey,&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Karen</span></span></div> <div><br></div> <div><br></div> <div><img title="wheel chair in a house" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/9/0/9/ar130782964090991.jpg" height="208" alt="Wheelchair in a house" width="226"></div> </div> </span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Sat, 11 Jun 2011 18:05:36 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2346584/resources-for-parents-of-special-needs-kids-movng-to-the-triangle http://activerain.com/blogsview/1848852/why-do-i-love-living-in-cary-nc- Why do I love living in Cary NC? <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;"><strong>Back ground</strong></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;">&nbsp;We moved&nbsp;to Cary NC&nbsp;in 1996, when my oldest son was 2 months old. It was tough in the beginning not having a support system and having a new baby. But what made it easier was the beautiful weather, so many parks to explore, friendly people and what we found to be a GREAT community to raise a family.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;"><strong>Greenways : </strong>Cary has a master plan to connect all the greenways. Greenways are linear parcels of land set aside to preserve open space. They&nbsp;&nbsp;typically connect different parks to each other. They tend to be along stream &amp; brooks. They preserve green space, keep folks healthy and active.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;">Greenways are an environmental, economic, and recreational resource for all to enjoy.&nbsp;</p> </strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 20px; padding: 0px;"> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img title="Wonderful greenway system in Cary" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/8/2/2/ar130723717522828.JPG" height="601" alt="Cary greenway sign" width="800"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana;"><strong>Diversity</strong>:&nbsp; Being a bedroom community to RTP, Cary is a melting pot of diversity and I LOVE&nbsp;it.&nbsp; I grew up in <em>white bread</em> New Hampshire. I could have counted on one hand the number of kids of racially different backgrounds who went to my elementary school in Nashua, NH. Here my boys know kids of so many different nationalities and backgrounds. All they know is diversity and that is great.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana;"><strong>Location: Proximity to the beaches of NC &amp; the Mountains&nbsp; </strong>Cary's location is perfect. We can drive west and be in the &nbsp;Smokey mountains with in 3 hours.</p> </strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/5/2/7/ar130723498472509.jpg" height="383" alt="" width="640"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">If we're in the mood for surf and sand we can drive 2 1/2 hours east on I40 to Wilmington &amp; Wrightville Beach.</span></p> <p><img title="Boys palying in the waves at the beach" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/8/4/2/ar130723514624877.JPG" height="800" alt="" width="600"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;">If you need to jump on a plain, RDU is right next door. I can get to the airport door to door in 10-5 minutes and there is NEVER traffic!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial;">Cary has alot to offer and the above listed are just the beginning. As a Cary Realtor, it would be my pleasure to show you what Cary &nbsp;has to offer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Sat, 04 Jun 2011 21:36:21 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1848852/why-do-i-love-living-in-cary-nc- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1907153/finding-an-accessible-home-it-s-a-partnership Finding an Accessible Home: It's a Partnership <p>I am a <strong>disability housing specialist </strong>and the&nbsp;plain facts are it is&nbsp;<strong>HARD </strong>to find accessible homes or ones that are built with Universal Design elements in mind. They are out there but they are few and far between.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's like finding a needle in a hay stack.</p> <p><strong>Accessibility is not the same to everyone.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;Another factor that makes it challenging is that one person's need and understanding of accessibility is not the same as someone else's.&nbsp;&nbsp;The key is listening to your clients needs and they working with them so they know things that come up in the search may or may not work. It may require the agent going out there to home and previewing ti for the client. This may require measure doors, hallways and the turning radius in a bathroom. Every once in a rare while, and house might work but the client can not enter the house because there is a step at every entrance. This is not easily overcome because some power wheel chairs can weigh up to 200 on average. The heaviest can weigh up to 400-500 lbs.</p> <p><strong>Example</strong>: Two separate wheel chair users/&nbsp;buyers&nbsp;are looking for an accessible ranch in the same price range. One ranch home comes up in the search. There is a ramp into the home. It has wide open hallways and entry ways into the major living spaces.&nbsp;It has wood floors which are easier to navigate in a chair than carpet. There is only one bathroom and it has a 30 inch door. One wheel chair user can roll into the bath straight and transfer herself from the chair to the tub using a shower chair. She can also transfer to the commode. The other buyer/wheelchair user has a power chair and it can not even fit through the door of the bathroom never mind turn around once there.</p> <p><strong>Accessible features on MLS</strong></p> <p>The entry point for homes on line is through their local MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Every MLS is not the same so they may or may not have search-able criteria for accessibility. Even if they do have accessible features to search by, an "accessible full bath" is not very clear. Does that mean there is a roll-in or curb-less&nbsp;shower? Is there a hand help shower head? Are there grab bars in place or is there blocking behind the dry wall so they can be added easily &amp; securely? Is there a roll under sink?<img title="Roll in shower one feature of an accessible bathroom" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/0/1/8/ar128983823281052.JPG" height="800" alt="roll in shower" width="600"></p> <p> </p><p>It really requires a commiment&nbsp;from all parties to be patient and know that trial &amp; error will be involved.</p> <p><strong>Example:</strong>I had an out of state buyer come down to look at my accessible listing at 3028 Van Gogh in Apex, NC. She was a wheel chair user and the two previous owners of this home&nbsp;used wheelchairs. She loved wheel chair accessible features of the home: the home's openness, wide hallways &amp; doors, zero step entries and hardwoods throughout. However she was disappointed with the kitchen. It was open like the rest of the home. It had ample draws for storage than than high cabinets. It had a lowered built in microwave for easy access. But it did not have a lowered work surface, cook top or roll under sink. She liked to cook and the past too owners did not.</p> <p><img title="Might not work for all" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/5/6/4/ar128984021146566.JPG" height="480" alt="An accessible home with a partcally accessible kitchen" width="640"></p> <p><img title="Accessible cook top" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/9/0/9/ar128984005290907.JPG" height="600" alt="Example of an accessible cook top" width="800"></p> <p> </p><p>&nbsp;The above photo is of a kitchen that would work great for her!</p> <p>So it's important to remind folks that accessible homes are out there. It just might take a little more time&nbsp;and a good partnership&nbsp;to find them.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:04:52 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1907153/finding-an-accessible-home-it-s-a-partnership http://activerain.com/blogsview/1885334/senior-real-estate-specialist-in-raleigh Senior Real Estate Specialist in Raleigh <p>I had the pleasure to work in the 50+ Pavilion at the Ideal Home show of Raleigh last weekend. I shared the SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) booth with 3 other Realtors and our goal was to share information with the public about the importance of working with a Realtor who specializes in working with seniors and the 50+ market.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img title="Professional working with seniors" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/8/2/5/ar128620441952885.jpg" height="284" alt="Professional working with seniors" width="423"></p> <p><strong>It's All about relationships!</strong></p> <p>I have worked the Ideal home show in the past when I was invited by one of my favorite custom builders Lewis Sadler. His work is focused on aging in place and a home that works for you throughout a life time. I LOVE his work and do not mind being his best PR person.</p> <p><a href="http://sadlerconstructionnc.com/">http://sadlerconstructionnc.com/</a></p> <p>Lewis encouraged me to be a founding member of our HBA 50 + council and our members had a great presence at the home show this year, which we only expect to grow.</p> <p>One of the things that I was so impressed with is how the professional vendors were willing to help one another. For example when a plumbing company (that has roll in showers displayed in their showroom) brought over a customer interested in either remodeling or buying new, I was pleaseantly supprized. Especially since I had just met the vendor that day!</p> <p>It was all about people helping people. Sometimes the real estate industry has a bad rap of being cut throat. From my experience at the home show there are many people out there that truely care and are willing to share information and support one another. In this down ecomony what better way to be!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><embed allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FmDa66MKNWA?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="480"></embed></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:54:59 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1885334/senior-real-estate-specialist-in-raleigh http://activerain.com/blogsview/1825790/moving-to-cary-or-the-surrounding-area-with-a-child-with-a-developmental-disability- Moving to Cary or the surrounding area with a child with a developmental disability? <p>Are you planning on moving to <strong>Cary, NC</strong> and you have a child with <strong>developmental disabilities</strong>? I am the Realtor for you! My youngest son has <em>autism </em>and we have been in the Wake county school system since preschool. I can tell you all the good, bad &amp; ugly. Luckily there has been very little ugly and we have been very happy with the schools that Josh has attended. He is in middle school now and doing very well even though I was more nervous about the transition than he was.</p> <p><img title="Kids &amp; Inclusion" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/1/6/5/ar128305603656145.jpg" height="291" alt="Kids of all shapes, sizes, and abilites encompasing the world" width="288"></p> <p>I can only give you specifics about the school we have attended &amp; I can lead you to resources about other schools. Believe me when I tell you <strong>talking to "other parents"</strong> will be your best resources. A wise early interventionist told me that and she was right.</p> <p>Another great tip is ALWAYS do a "positive student profile" for each IEP and ask to read it in the beginning of the meeting. This sets the meeting in the right tone and let the team know that you know your child well and have their best interests at heart. Also bring food to the meeting (cookies or something) as food always brings people together.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/3/0/6/3/ar128305509036035.jpg" height="208" alt="" width="226"></p> <p>So as I am showing you around<strong> Cary</strong> and the surrounding area you can pick my brain for resources and gems of knowledge. I will do the best to share <em>from my experience</em> and link you up with other resources. Moving to a new area is hard enough. Having someone who understands <strong>special needs and the system</strong> can be worth a million. So have me on your team &amp; give me a call.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:33:07 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1825790/moving-to-cary-or-the-surrounding-area-with-a-child-with-a-developmental-disability- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1806986/new-listing-arts-carfts-style-home New listing: Arts & Carfts style home <p>Hi All,</p> <p>&nbsp;I just got an goreous new listing. The family has a young son with developmental disabities and who is deaf. I met the mom at a signing meetup. Folks in the deaf community recommended my work to her. SMILE!</p> <p>So here's the info on the house:</p> <p>Executive custom&nbsp; Arts &amp; Crafts style home with exquisite attention to detail. Hardwood floors throughout the 1st floor &amp; stairs. Open kitchen with island, breakfast bar, large pantry, custom cherry wood cabinetry with under lighting which highlights the gorgeous granite counter tops,&nbsp; butlers pantry, dining room with trey ceiling, 1st fl study with coffered ceiling. On the 2nd floor there is a bonus room with door to walk in storage. The laundry room has tile floor, full cabinets, sink, &amp; drying rack.&nbsp; The master retreat has a sitting area &amp; canned lights for easy living. Through French doors you enter the master spa with his &amp; her vanities separated by a large whirlpool bathtub with tasteful tile work surrounding it.&nbsp; There is&nbsp; glass enclosed large separate shower with bench &amp; soap/shampoo nook. There is a huge walk in closet &amp; a walk in linen closet. For outside living there is a private back yard with a large deck.&nbsp; This home has a tank less H2O heater &amp; great storage.&nbsp; <strong>Make this your next home!</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><embed allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iUOrOp1EWaY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="480"></embed></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>4 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms Harwood floors Formal dining room Intercom system throughout Prewired for security Crown molding on BOTH floors Oil rubbed bronze hardware Art niches &amp; built-ins throughout Total sq ft 3,200</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;For more info please call Karen 919 931-1939</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.AccessHomesNC.com">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/6/3/8/ar128217084183647.jpg" height="150" alt="" width="800"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:36:24 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1806986/new-listing-arts-carfts-style-home http://activerain.com/blogsview/1799391/google-maps-can-help-market-your-listing Google maps can help market your listing <p>I just set up a Google map for my new accessible ranch listing. This is a good idea for any listing because you can show the proximity to important things like the closest shopping center, grocery store, park, hospital, ect. Not many other Realtors do it so it's another tool in "your" bag of tricks that distinguishes you from the pack! It also shows you are an expert in your area or neighborhood.</p> <iframe scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?oe=UTF8&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=Lake+Crabtree&amp;gl=us&amp;ei=2XJmTNnALsWblgflupSfBQ&amp;ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=112212341475820894108.00048b948e13ee6fb54ca&amp;ll=35.729821,-78.768148&amp;spn=0.06013,0.052947&amp;output=embed" frameborder="0" height="350" width="425"></iframe><br><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?oe=UTF8&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=Lake+Crabtree&amp;gl=us&amp;ei=2XJmTNnALsWblgflupSfBQ&amp;ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=112212341475820894108.00048b948e13ee6fb54ca&amp;ll=35.729821,-78.768148&amp;spn=0.06013,0.052947&amp;source=embed" style="color: #0000FF; text-align: left;">Universally designed ranch home for sale</a> in a larger map</small> <p>I believe it also can drive up ranking of your website too.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You have to go to google maps and then set up a "my maps" account. You can add one for each of your listings.&nbsp; Let me know if your using it and if it has brought you good results.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:17:26 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1799391/google-maps-can-help-market-your-listing http://activerain.com/blogsview/1796743/looking-for-feedback-on-my-videos Looking for feedback on my videos <p>Hi ActiveRain community,</p> <p>I just did two videos for my listing that has received very few showings and I want to get your feedback. The house is turn key and spotless. It is in a desireable neighborhood. I feel like I have done all the right things of blasting it all over the web. It presents well and it is a good price for the amount of sq ft and all the upgrades. It was a former model in the subdivision.</p> <p>&nbsp;Please take a look at my 2 videos and give me feedback. I could not fit it all on one video and stay under 2 minutes which is what is recommended so I did the 1st floor and the 2nd floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RP2-PXfWBGw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RP2-PXfWBGw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></p> <p>&nbsp;Second one:</p> <p><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RJa3A0JHioU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RJa3A0JHioU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></p> Thanks for your help! Karen Barbour 919 931-1939 <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:06:36 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1796743/looking-for-feedback-on-my-videos http://activerain.com/blogsview/1767317/new-custom-accessible-ranch-just-listed-in-apex-nc New Custom Accessible Ranch just listed in Apex NC <p>Beautiful <strong>Universally Designed</strong> loaded with upgrades on ~<strong> 1 acre</strong>!&nbsp; Perfect "Aging in Place" showcase with level flooring, <strong>no steps,</strong> open flowing plan with <strong>extra wide doors and hallways</strong> for <strong>easy maneuverability</strong>. Large Kitchen perfect for entertaining with Thermador glass cook top &amp; Thermador range hood, <strong>granite</strong> counters, <strong>stainless steel appliances</strong>, center island, tile floor &amp; pantry. This home has a formal living room and a formal dining room plus a study and a bonus room.</p> <p><img title="Custom Accessible Ranch" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/6/2/6/ar128027672662607.JPG" height="480" alt="custom ranch on 1 acre" width="640"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/2/2/6/ar128085527762245.jpg" height="208" alt="wheelchair accessible house icon" width="226"></p> <p>&nbsp;Master bedroom has&nbsp;a walk in closet. Master bath with tiled floor has a large <strong>accessible walk in shower</strong>. The other&nbsp; bedrooms are on the other side of the home and share a <strong>remodeled full bath</strong> with a luxurious <strong>granite top vanity</strong> and a walk-in shower and separate whirlpool tub.</p> <p>&nbsp;<img title="Open &amp; spacious home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/1/2/2/ar128027699522162.JPG" height="480" alt="Interior view of family room, kitchen &amp; breakfast room" width="640"></p> <p>For out door living there is both a covered front porch &amp; HUGE patio in the back.&nbsp;This patio can be accessed by two sets&nbsp;of french doors with no steps which again is an "aging in place" and&nbsp; accessibility feature.&nbsp;There is also an <strong>oversized garage</strong> for a workshop or to store tools. There are two inch <strong>wood blinds</strong> throughout. Some of the extras include a <strong>whole house generator</strong> and a water filtering system and a reverse osmosis system for wonderful drinking water.&nbsp;This home as it all and <strong>your would never have to move again.</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<img title="Luxurious full bath" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/9/1/4/ar128027736641933.JPG" height="480" alt="goreous full bath with exquisite tile work, separate shower, jacuzzi tub and granite tope vanite" width="640"></p> <p>If you would like to learn more about this home and see more picutres please visit <a href="http://www.AccessHomesNC.com">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></p> <p><img title="Accessible bathroom" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/4/7/6/ar128027759767469.JPG" height="480" alt="Accessible master bathroom with roll under sink, roll in huge shower and grab bars by the comode" width="640"></p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;3 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Formal dining room</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Open flowing plan</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Granite counter tops</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Generator for back up</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Sunroom</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Covered porch</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Total sq ft 2850</p> <p>&nbsp;Price $410,000</p> <p>If you have a wheelchair &nbsp;accessible home and need to move please contact me because serving the "Aging In Place" &amp; disability community is my specialty. I know how to market your home were other realtors may not. To learn more about my niche &amp; specialty please visit my website at <a href="http://www.AccessHomesNC.com">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a>&nbsp; You'll be glad you did.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:50:09 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1767317/new-custom-accessible-ranch-just-listed-in-apex-nc http://activerain.com/blogsview/1764378/anniversary-of-the-ada-my-own-proclamation- Anniversary of the ADA & my own "Proclamation" <p>Today is the 20 yr anniversary of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). People all over the country today are celebrating one of the pivotal moments of the Civil/Disability Rights Movement. 20 years ago the Americans With Disabilities Act became law, opening many doors for the nation's largest minority group. I posted this on my Facebook account and an interpreter friend of mine who's sister uses a wheel chair, commented that not many people even know what the law is and that it impacts the LARGEST minority in our country. This maybe true but I want to stay focused on the positives.</p> <p>I have seen changes since the law past. There are more people with disabilities featured in the media &amp; advertising. Of course there should be since 20% of our population has some form of disability.&nbsp; When we look at demographics that number will only grow. Want to reach a Trillion dollar market? Don't ignore people with disabilities!</p> <p>Now the ADA does not apply to residential property but perhaps it should! What accommodations do you make in your business for people with disabilities?&nbsp; What attitudes do you bring to your work about people of all abilities? Having a young son with autism, I watch any judgment I might have around "acting up kids" when they have had ENOUGH looking around at homes with their parents. Sometimes a disability is invisible and not apparent. If you are working with the senior population there are different things to be aware of such as sensitivity to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia. Are you working with your local builders association to network with CAPS builders? Do you know that as&nbsp; aprofessional&nbsp;you should be providing an ASL interpreter for a deaf client and paying for the service yourself?</p> <p>For more information please visit <a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/">http://www.accesshomesnc.com/</a></p> <p>Yes I have a specialty niche and I am passionate &amp; committed to it. That is why I have decided to post my own<em> "ADA PROCLAMATION".</em></p> <p><em>&nbsp; <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/6/3/1/ar128085808113688.jpg" height="208" alt="wheelchair accessible home Icon" width="226">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img title="deaf friendly business" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/5/8/9/ar128085992598596.jpg" height="208" alt="thumbs up sign with access homes nc written inside" width="146"></em></p> <p><em></em>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act</em></strong><strong><em><br><br></em></strong><strong><em>A Proclamation of Recommitment to Full Implementation of the ADA</em></strong></p> <p>On July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.</p> <p>The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities &amp; businesses remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA.</p> <p>On July 26,2010 the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we Access Homes NC celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principals of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance.</p> <p>NOW THEREFORE, I, Karen Barbour as owner of Access Homes NC do hereby reaffirm my commitment to work toward full ADA compliance in my local community of Cary, NC and the surrounding Triangle area. My mission is to be of service to the disability community as&nbsp;people with disabilites&nbsp;pursue the "American Dream" of buying or selling a home.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:31:26 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1764378/anniversary-of-the-ada-my-own-proclamation- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1611834/great-location-great-home-in-harrington-grove Great Location, Great home in Harrington Grove <p><strong>Spectacular home in Harrington Grove near&nbsp; RTP and Brier Creek shopping. This home features an open Transitional flowing open floor plan with a fireplace in the family room which is open to the dining room . The kitchen has an island, oak cabinets &amp; tons of counter space. Freshly painted neutral colors on the inside. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs.&nbsp; The master bath has updated tile &amp; cabinetry dual sinks, a garden tub &amp; separate shower . The yard is fenced with a patio to enjoy entertaining. There are lots of walking trails nearby and a playground for the kids. All of this in the perfect location minutes to shopping, medical &amp; RDU.</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;Reduced to</strong> <strong>$197,000 which is the BEST priced house in the subdivision. The seller is SERIOUS about selling.</strong>&nbsp;<img title="Great home with open plan" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/4/3/7/ar127189119073444.JPG" height="601" alt="front view of home with porch area" width="800"></p> <object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZzkImWYJGQE?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZzkImWYJGQE?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="480"></embed></object> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;3 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;1 car garage</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;Family room</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;Formal dining room</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;Cathedral ceilings</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;Fireplace</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;Fenced yard</strong></p> <p><strong>&middot;&nbsp;Total sq ft 1691</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;<img title="Goreous tile work in the master bathroom" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/5/2/0/ar127189202202566.JPG" height="601" alt="Updated master bath with beautiful tile" width="800"></p> <p>See more picutre on my website:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.AccessHomesNC.com">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></p> <p><img title="Open floor plan" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/3/5/6/9/ar127189244696537.JPG" height="601" alt="Open floor plan. Living room seen from above" width="800"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Call Karen Barbour at 919 931-1939 for a privae showing or more information.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:35:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1611834/great-location-great-home-in-harrington-grove http://activerain.com/blogsview/1611733/new-listing-great-country-home New Listing: Great Country Home <p><strong>Immaculate ranch in the country!&nbsp;This home has it all. &nbsp;Enjoy outdoor living with a rocking chair front porch that spans the whole length of the home PLUS a covered large deck in the back of the home. The above ground&nbsp;HEATED pool with its own deck allows you to swim from April to October. The home has low maintenance vinyl exterior.&nbsp; Beautiful wooded large lot with fenced backyard &amp; established gardens. Inside there's an open floor plan with vaulted ceiling in the family room which leads to a large eat-in kitchen with updated lighting. This home is beautifully maintained and cared for. It has freshly painted neutral paint. The detached two car garage has a finished room above which is insulated. Use this as the "man cave", project room or a playroom for&nbsp; the kids. The duck work is in place but the heating unit has not been attached. There is an AC window unit that works well. For extra parking there is concrete driveway with an extra parking pad.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.AccessHomesNC.com">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a>&nbsp; to see more picutres&nbsp;</p> <p><img title="Home Sweet Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/2/8/1/ar12718876918207.JPG" height="601" alt="View of the front of a sweet country home with covered front porch" width="800"></p> <p>&nbsp;<img title="Open floor plan with vaulted ceiling" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/9/5/4/ar127188817545903.JPG" height="800" alt="Vaulted ceiling in family room and kitchen" width="601"></p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;3 Bedrooms/1.5 Bathrooms</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Family room open to eat in kitchen</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Vaulted ceilings</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Front &amp; back covered porches</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;2 car garage with finished room above</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Fenced yard</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Total sq ft 1050</p> <p>A MUST SEE!!!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Quality in &amp; out!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:26:17 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1611733/new-listing-great-country-home http://activerain.com/blogsview/1219573/servicng-the-deaf-community-and-specializing-your-niche Servicng the deaf community and specializing your niche <p>Hi All,</p> <p>If you have worked with the deaf community or are fluent in ASL I'd love to network with you. My specialty is helping people with disabilities (all disabilities) find the right home or sell their existing one. Admittedly this is a unique niche in real estate. But my website is working and I have people contact me from outher parts of the country. It also is not as narrow as you might think because it also can include Boomers because they are often looking for a place where they can "age in place".</p> <p>If you have had some experience working with folks with disabilites, &nbsp;I'd like to talk with you&nbsp;about future referrals and just to share info, tips, ect.</p> <p>Happily servicing the disability&nbsp;community in my area,</p> <p>Karen</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:34:36 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1219573/servicng-the-deaf-community-and-specializing-your-niche http://activerain.com/blogsview/1213063/new-listing-accessible-log-home new listing ACCESSIBLE LOG HOME <p>I am excited to have an accessible log home for sale in Timberlake NC ( which is about 15 minutes north of Durham, NC).&nbsp;&nbsp; Some of the accessible features are <strong>extra wide hallways for easy manuverability</strong>, zero step entry from the garage,&nbsp;<strong> a rollin shower</strong> and accessible sink in the master bathroom, <strong>extra wide doors</strong>, zero steps to 1400 sq ft of deck where you can watch the wild life, extra high doors in garage to accomodate a conversion van, and more.</p> <p>This beautiful open plan Log Home sits &nbsp;on 10.1 acres with the possibility of up to 70 acres. <strong>Easy living with 4501 sq ft of living space on one floor, no steps.</strong> Chef's dream kitchen boasting a <strong>60" Professional Viking Gas Range 6 burner plus griddle</strong>, granite counter tops and lots of counter space. 2 stone fireplaces, all 3 baths have granite counters, watch the wildlife from your 1440 sq ft of wrap around deck &amp;<strong> 8 person hot tub</strong>. Master bath w/<strong>curbless shower</strong>, Jacuzzi plus his &amp; hers closets.</p> <p>&nbsp;$465,900</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;4 Bedrooms<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/8/5/4/ar125165505545846.JPG" height="480" alt="" width="640"></p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;3 bathrooms</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;2 car Oversized garage (allowing clearnance for a conversion van)</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Separate dining room, den or study</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;2 stone fireplaces</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;Viking&nbsp; professional gas range</p> <p><img title="Kitchen" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/6/0/9/ar125165521890691.JPG" height="480" alt="Kitchen with Viking 6 burner gas range" width="640"></p> <p>1400+&nbsp;sq ft of deck where you can enjoy the wild life.</p> <p><img title="Wild life" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/3/7/5/ar125165580057372.JPG" height="600" alt="mother deer with her two fawns looking towards the house" width="800"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/3/2/3/ar125165546632317.JPG" height="480" alt="Front view of log home with 2 car garage" width="640"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:42:45 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1213063/new-listing-accessible-log-home http://activerain.com/blogsview/1132584/how-walkable-is-your-home-and-subdivision- How walkable is your home and subdivision? <p>I just found a great resource for Realtors around the walkability of a home. For people who may have mobility challenges this is a GREAT resource. It allows them to see a score or the walkability and accessibility of a neighborhood. For the elderly who may not want to drive or can't this is a GREAT resource. For Realtors it is great because it shows how&nbsp; close the home is to key places in the community such as parks, the library,schools, grocery stores, ect.&nbsp; It is also a great tool for those who are more "green" minded. Be more healthy and just walk to the store or park.</p> <p>Check it out!</p> <p>http://www.walkscore.com/</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Taken from the walk score website:</p> <h1>Walkable Neighborhoods</h1> <p><strong>Picture a walkable neighborhood. </strong>You lose weight each time you walk to the grocery store. You stumble home from last call without waiting for a cab. You spend less money on your car&mdash;or you don't own a car. When you shop, you support your local economy. You talk to your neighbors.</p> <h2>What makes a neighborhood walkable?</h2> <ul> <li> <strong>A center: </strong>Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.</li> <li> <strong>Density: </strong>The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.</li> <li> <strong>Mixed income, mixed use: </strong>Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.</li> <li> <strong>Parks and public space: </strong>There are plenty of public places to gather and play.</li> <li> <strong>Pedestrian-centric design: </strong>Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back. </li> <li> <strong>Nearby schools and workplaces: </strong>Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes. </li> </ul> <h2>Streets Designed for Everyone</h2> <p>Complete Streets are roads are designed for everyone who uses them, including bicyclists, pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and people getting on and off transit vehicles. These streets are:</p> <ul> <li> <strong>Accessible: </strong>There are wheelchair ramps, plenty of benches with shade, sidewalks on all streets, etc.</li> <li> <strong>Well-connected: </strong>Streets form a connected grid that improves traffic by providing many routes to any destination. </li> <li> <strong>Built for the right speed: </strong>Lanes are narrow or traffic calming is in place to control speed.</li> <li> <strong>Comfortable: </strong>Pedestrian medians at intersections, count-down crosswalk timers, bicycle lanes, protected bus shelters, etc. make the street work better for those outside of a car. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:20:53 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1132584/how-walkable-is-your-home-and-subdivision- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1027465/asked-to-speak-to-deaf-seniors-group-about-reverse-mortgages Asked to speak to deaf seniors group about Reverse Mortgages <p>This week I spoke with a group of about 20 deaf seniors about the services I offer and about reverse mortgages. I had been asked to speak by a deaf friend (Joel) who was a past president of the group.&nbsp; Joel knows&nbsp; I am a signing Realtor with a mission to serve the deaf community. I was thrilled with the opportunity to speak with the group but felt I could not speak specifically about reverse mortgages. Yes I know what Reverse Mortgages are &amp; how they can help the senior population but I could not speak about them with detail &amp; expertise. So I asked Gena Wright who is a Reverse Mortgage specialist with Bank of America to join me.</p> <p>We split the cost of an interpreter, which was $78 for a minimum of 2 hours of time. I am fluent in ASL ( American Sign Language) because I grew up with a deaf sister and worked in the Deaf community in Boston years ago. So I signed my introduction and told them about myself and my mission to serve the deaf community as a Realtor, but we hired an interpreter to translate Gena's part of the presentation. Being fluent in an language is different from providing professional interpreting /translating serves. Professionally it was just the right thing to do. Knowing what your specialization is and reaching out to those who share other expertise can be a win win for all.</p> <p>The group seemed very appreciative of the information provided. Great questions were asked.</p> <p>Realtors should utilize deaf interpreters so that your services can be accessed by the deaf and hard of hearing community. By law it is a deaf individuals right to request an interpreter and to have the service paid for by the the professional. To learn more about the law go to the Americans with Disabilites Act website&nbsp; http://www.ada.gov/. Or call 1 800 541-0301. <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/9/6/0/ar123933281106976.jpg" height="322" alt="" width="398"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:14:33 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1027465/asked-to-speak-to-deaf-seniors-group-about-reverse-mortgages http://activerain.com/blogsview/935934/universal-design-focus universal design focus <p>I would like to build a network with other realtors that specialize in Universal design and accessible homes. I have many customers contact me via my website who are looking for a realtor like myself with a disability awareness and expertise. I know there are few of us out there with this specialty niche but it would be great to not have to search&nbsp; to find&nbsp; the right realtor and to have a list to pick from.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karen Barbour, Broker</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cell &amp; text (919) 931-1939</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.accesshomesnc.com/" title="AccessHomesNC" target="_blank">www.AccessHomesNC.com</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AccessHomesNC" title="Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/8/4/ar131673485548217.png" height="128" alt="" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://profiles.google.com/101629625977756203020/about?hl=en" title="Google Profile" target="_blank"><img title="Google profile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/8/0/ar131673497308261.png" height="128" alt="Google Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenbarbour" title="Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/5/8/ar131673501685593.png" height="128" alt="Twitter Icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/karenbarbour?feature=mhee#p/u/2/o0zXaopJgtE" title="Youtube" target="_blank"><img title="Youtube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/9/4/ar131673506549892.png" height="128" alt="Youtube icon" style="float: left;" width="128"></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3928162&amp;trk=tab_pro" title="LinkedIn"><img title="LinkedIn " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/1/3/ar131674594931872.png" height="128" alt="LinkedIn icon" width="128"></a></p> </div> Karen Barbour Cary, NC ePro (Access Homes NC) Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:57:33 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/935934/universal-design-focus