Entrepreneurship Fund Established in Chatham County NC - 12/30/08 10:15 AM
Entrepreneurship Fund Established in Chatham County NC 
                                            Entrepreneurs in Chatham County could get a financial boost in the midst of a struggling economy, thanks to a recently implemented loan fund.  The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation and the Center for Community Self-Help have established the Chatham Loan Fund, which will help finance loans to residents who are starting or operating a business in the area.  Dianne Reid, the president of the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation, said the fund will target businesses owned by local women and minorities, as well as residents as young as 18 years of age.  "We … (0 comments)

Pittsboro NC on Biofuels Map - 12/30/08 10:12 AM
Pittsboro NC on Biofuels Map
                                                           
Pittsboro is joining the global race to create standards for biofuels.  The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, has established an office in the Chatham County town to lead its effort in the Americas.  Biofuels, used as substitutes for gasoline and diesel fuel, are struggling to gain acceptance as alternatives to imported oil. The Swiss effort is bringing together hundreds of growers, producers, users around the world and others in an attempt to create a seal of approval for biofuels produced using ecologically sound methods.  The organization set up its Americas office … (0 comments)

Chapel Hill NC Transit Explores Pittsboro-Chapel Hill Route - 12/30/08 10:09 AM
Chapel Hill NC Transit Explores Pittsboro-Chapel Hill Route
                                                       
A proposed express bus route between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill is drawing enthusiastic support from Chatham County residents who make the daily commute along U.S. 15-501.  Brian Litchfield, assistant transit director for the Town of Chapel Hill, said Chapel Hill Transit has been working with the town of Pittsboro for several months to expand bus service to Chatham County. While many of the details -- including stop locations, hours and cost -- still have to be ironed out, the service could begin in early 2009.  "We've developed a general idea of … (1 comments)

Discussion Over Carolina North Continues - Chapel Hill, NC - 12/30/08 10:05 AM
Discussion Over Carolina North Continues - Chapel Hill, NC
                                                        
Representatives from UNC Chapel Hill and members of the Chapel Hill Town Council grappled for a balance between specifics and generalities during a recent Carolina North planning session.  David Owens, the UNC School of Government professor consulting with trustees and council members during the months-long journey toward a development agreement for Carolina North, submitted a vision of the campus favored by staff members from both institutions that would separate building into four stages and varying scales of development.  The so-called "principal options for areas and scales of development" outlined by … (0 comments)

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools NC Releases Reading Results - 12/29/08 10:55 AM
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools NC Releases Reading Results
                                                           Students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools continued to outperform their counterparts across North Carolina in reading, despite large drops in student performance statewide following the administration of new reading tests for students in grades three through eight and the setting of higher standards for attaining proficiency on those tests.  This year, 78.5 percent of CHCCS students posted proficient scores in reading.  Last year, that number was 93.4 percent at the elementary level and 94.2 at the middle school level.  A conference call with educators statewide last week prepared them to expect … (0 comments)

Orange County North Carolina Commissioners Approve Increasing Impact Fees on Homes - 12/29/08 10:36 AM
Orange County NC Commissioners Approve Increasing Impact Fees on Homes
                                                         
Orange County commissioners approved a series of increases to impact fees on residential construction. The new fees would raise the fee contractors pay to build new single-family homes in Chapel Hill and Carrboro by 38 percent to $6,092 on Jan. 1. A year later, the fee will go up again, this time to $7,616. Over two years, that's a 73 percent increase. In Orange County, there will be no increase to the $3,000 fee on single-family homes next year. But in 2010, it will rise to $3,749, a 25 … (0 comments)

North Carolina Now Fourth Fastest Growing State in the U.S. - 12/23/08 11:19 AM
North Carolina Now Fourth Fastest Growing State In The U.S.
                         
On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau figures that were released indicated that despite the downturn in the economy, North Carolina's population increased 2 percent from July 2007 to July 2008, making it the fourth-fastest growing state in the country.  These new number however do reflect a slowing of North Carolina's growth rate.  The figures from the previous year, July 2006 to July 2007, indicated a growth of 2.17 percent.  The states estimated population as of July 1 was 9.2 million, according to the Census Bureau figures.  The only states … (1 comments)

Real Estate Brainstorming Sessions Rock - 12/18/08 11:13 PM
I just returned from Columbus, OH where I participated in a brainstorming session with a small but high  powered group of Realtors.  The common factor between us was Real Pro Systems; either we use them as our web provider or we were thinking about using them.  Real Pro Systems has just rolled out its Web 2.0 version of its product.  We met to discuss tools and systems we are using in our business and to trade ideas on what is and is not working.  It was an awesome day.  I highly encourage you to consider reaching out to agents you have something in common with. Get together … (11 comments)

Fed Cut Results In Lower Mortgage Rates, Hopes to Boost Housing Market - 12/17/08 10:03 AM
Fed Cut Results in Lower Mortgage Rates, Hopes to Boost Housing Market By Howard B. Stanton, IIISenior Loan Officer, SunTrust Mortgage                                                        The recent Fed cut in short-term rates gave a boost to the stock market, but also resulted in a decrease in long-term rates such as 30-year home mortgages.   Mortgage rates are now at historic lows, with fixed rates as low as 4.625%.    Normally, a Fed rate cut will not have such an impact on mortgage rates, but this time there was an additional message:    The Fed reiterated its earlier stated goal of purchasing additional mortgage (long-term) debt from Fannie Mae … (0 comments)

Durham North Carolina Home Sales - November 2008 Market Snapshot from Team Jodi - 12/16/08 10:51 AM
    Durham North Carolina Home Sales -- November 2008 Market Snapshot
                        
Contact Jodi Bakst, Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Luxury Home Specialist in Chapel Hill, NC at 1-88-TeamJodi (888-326-5634) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, Pittsboro or Orange, Durham or Chatham County North Carolina.   Team Jodi is accepting referrals.
Click here to learn more about Team Jodi and our services.
Click here to view Team Jodi's listings click here;
Click here to Search listings throughout Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham and the surrounding Triangle … (2 comments)

Spacious Brick Front Cape Cod in Woodlake Neighborhood, Durham NC - 12/15/08 09:10 AM
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Fresh, Bright Light-Filled End Unit Townhome in Woodcroft, Durham NC - 12/15/08 09:07 AM
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Orange County North Carolina Trash Transfer Site Selected - 12/12/08 11:52 AM
The Orange County North Carolina Commissioners Meeting was held last night, December 11, 2008.  The meeting was attended by so many people, that many had to stand in the foyer.  In spite of the input from many residents and concerned citizens, the commissioners chose the HWY 54 site. If you are not familiar with the site, it is located just off HWY 54 near the 54/Orange Grove intersection.  The location will be a "trash transfer site" for the Landfill which will  be filled up by May 2011.  The commissioners said they have been working on this site selection for a year … (0 comments)

Orange County North Carolina Property Tax Revaluations - 12/10/08 04:48 PM
Orange County North Carolina property tax revaluations for 2009 will be mailed to homeowners by the end of 2008.  In North Carolina, counties can revalue properties for tax purposes every 4 or 8 years.  Orange County has historically done this every 4 years.
Click her for information about the revaluation process and how to appeal your valution.
If you think you could not sell your home at or above the new tax value, you should submit an appeal.
Contact Team Jodi if you need help valuing your property and working through the process.  We can be reached at 1-88-TeamJodi or Jodi@TeamJodi.com.
… (0 comments)

Durham North Carolina Home Sales - October 2008 Market Snapshot from Team Jodi - 12/09/08 01:01 PM
                                            Durham North Carolina Home Sales -- October 2008 Market Snapshot
Contact Jodi Bakst, Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Luxury Home Specialist in Chapel Hill, NC at 1-88-TeamJodi (888-326-5634) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, Pittsboro or Orange, Durham or Chatham County North Carolina.   Team Jodi is accepting referrals.
Click here to learn more about Team Jodi and our services.
Click here to view Team Jodi's listings click here;
Click here to Search listings throughout Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham and the surrounding Triangle NC area, … (0 comments)

GlaxoSmithKline Makes Research Triangle Park Sole Headquarters - 12/08/08 11:14 AM
GlaxoSmithKline will make Research Triangle Park its sole U.S. headquarters and cut almost 2,000 sales jobs, the company said recently. The move eliminates the dual headquarters that London-based GSK has had in the U.S. since the 2000 merger that created GSK. Company spokeswoman Mary Anne Rhyne says the move makes sense in the midst of a major restructuring for GSK, "The announcements today are all aimed at streamlining the organization, and simplifying the business model." RTP was picked over its Philadelphia office in part because the company has a bigger footprint here. The company has about 5,000 workers in RTP and … (0 comments)

Changes Possible to Triangle Area Light Rail Plans - 12/08/08 10:54 AM
Officials are now thinking a future rail-based transit system in the Triangle can use lightweight coaches and engines over its entire 56-mile length, rather than the heavyweight units they once envisioned. The potential change in approach comes after managers of the N.C. Railroad Co. signaled last month that they believe the region's main east-west rail corridor is wide enough to support a stop-and-go light-rail system for local traffic and heavier commuter trains for people arriving here from places as far afield as Greensboro and Goldsboro. Light and heavier rail would share the corridor with the Norfolk Southern and CSX freight trains … (1 comments)

Chatham County to Revalue Properties - 12/08/08 10:44 AM
After examining delaying property revaluations for one year, Chatham County Commissioners said they would not hold off but institute new values on January 1. Initially, the Commissioners were interested in delaying the revaluation to give tax payers a financial break, however data from the County tax office show the savings would not be significant. George Lucier, chair of the Commissioners says, "The estimated costs of a one-year delay were considerably higher than initial reports indicated."  The full story below was written by News & Observer staff writer, Jim Wise.                                                                          
Chatham County Commissioners will not delay home revaluations after research showed a … (0 comments)

Current Credit Crunch Delaying Chatham County School - 12/08/08 10:23 AM
With credit markets tightening, Chatham County officials say their plans to build a fourth high school in the northeastern part of the county have been delayed as very few of the 12,000-14,000 homes approved there have been built. The County is focusing its school infrastructure investments in renovations to Northwood High School in Pittsboro and completing a new middle school in the Briar Chapel area. Chatham County Schools Superintendent Robert Logan says the renovations to Northwood should be finished by August 2009 and the new middle school will be done by August of 2010.  Here is the full story as reported … (0 comments)

Chapel Hill Town Council Gives Feedback on Homestead Road Project - 12/08/08 09:57 AM
The Chapel Hill Town Council gave the Cary firm The Design Response mixed feedback at a public hearing on Monday night. The firm is considering a mixed-use project along Homestead Road on the Fraley Property that would include 32 townhomes-- five "affordable" -- and two two-story buildings featuring up to 49,000 square feet of office space. Members of the Town Council offered suggestions, including improving traffic patterns, maximizing the proposed retail space and mixing the affordable housing throughout the project.  Here is the full story as reported by Daniel Goldberg of The Herald-SunFirm offers four options for developmentAs a matter of … (0 comments)

Durham, North Carolina 3rd Quarter Real Estate Market Data - 12/06/08 07:06 PM
This update is year-to-date, encompassing the first nine months of real estate sales activity in Durham, North Carolina.  In a nutshell, showings, contracts and closed sales are down.  The story regarding prices is good.  In Durham, unlike the rest of the Triangle, average sales prices are remaining steady.  Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Orange, Chatham and Wake Counties are all experiencing some decline in average prices.  

Year-to-date, showings are down 30%.

Contract pendings are down 21%.  The trend in the Triangle area overall is 22% so Durham County is tracking with the rest of the area.

Closed sales … (0 comments)

Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County North Carolina Third Quarter Real Estate Market Data - 12/06/08 11:12 AM
This update is year-to-date, encompassing the first nine months of real estate sales activity in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County, North Carolina.  In a nutshell, showings, contracts and closed sales are down.  Thankfully, although prices are down somewhat, they are not down as much as in other markets.  It is also very interesting to see the difference in the average price changes in Orange County as compared with Chapel Hill & Carrboro.  I also have taken a deeper look in Chapel Hill and Carrboro between single family homes, new construction and condos & townhouses.  Our inventory is up but also … (0 comments)

Durham Performing Arts Center: It's Finally Here! - 12/03/08 07:13 PM
After several years of high anticipation by the Durham and Chapel Hill communities, the Durham Performing Arts Center, DPAC,  is finally open. The state of the art facility held it's official ribbon cutting/opening ceremony on Monday night.  At the event the public was invited to browse through the venue and also was given a chance to speak with the City and County of Durham officials as well as the architect, builders, sponsors and management company officials.   Thousands of area residents turned out for what was a high energy, fact and fun filled evening. The venue,which seats 2800 people, is located … (1 comments)

New and Improved TeamJodi.com - 12/02/08 04:54 PM
I am pleased to announce the launch of my new and improved website, TeamJodi.com.  Not only has the look changed significantly, but the functionality and features are much improved.  
 
The site has been redesigned to Web 2.0 standards to make it more search engine friendly which is critical for sellers to know that their listings will be found on the site. These are just a few of the many features and functions that the new site now offers.  But let's not forget the aesthetics of the new site.  Besides the functionality, the look has also changed.  TeamJodi.com now is much … (1 comments)

Orange County North Carolina Commissioners Considering Raising Impact Fees on New Homes - 12/01/08 02:02 PM
The Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing to consider raising the County's school impact fees.  
When:    Tonight (December 1, 2008), 7:30pm
Where:   Orange County Courthouse, 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough  
Impact fees were instituted in Orange County in 1993 and are levied against new homes built in the County.  The fees are based on the school district in which the home is located and are supposed to reflect the cost of adding new students; the last time the County fees were increased was 2001.
For further information about the calculations and rationale for the increase, CLICK HERE … (0 comments)

Fresh & Bright, Light Filled End-Unit Townhome in Woodcroft, Durham, NC - 12/01/08 10:19 AM
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Chapel Hill, NC

More about me…

Jodi Bakst, Broker @ Chapel Hill Realty

Address: 6011 Farrington Road, Ste 102, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517

Cell Phone: (919) 697-5014

Email Me

If you are buying or selling in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, Durham or Orange, Durham or Chatham Counties, you have come to the right place. Jodi Bakst and her Team of Real estate specialists provide seamless customer service for our buyer and seller clients throughout their relocation or move.


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