Laura Clay: Your Eastern North Carolina Real Estate Broker

Jason Mraz.... Just cause I love his music!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:40:08 -0700

Neither Democrat nor Republican... Simply AMERICAN!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:04:16 -0700

A voice for the silent majority... I ran across this and thought is worthy of sharing. Hope you think so as well. I am very proud of my country and my heritage and like everyone else in this country, can trace my ancestry to somewhere else. However, if you ask me where I from I will tell you the United States of America! We are a United country and need to act like it again!

Ayden, NC 4212 Pitt Street ~ Great Starter Home! 2 bed/1 bath

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:35:44 -0700

Single Family 85674 Active	4212 PITT STREET AYDEN, NC 28513		(7)	L$52,000

Area:	AYDEN	Beds:	2
County:	Pitt	Baths:	1
Subdivision:	NONE	Half Baths:	0
City Limits:	Yes	Rooms:	4
Year Built:	1957	New Const.:	No
Const. Type:	Brick Veneer	Apx Htd SF:	1,572
Deed Ref:	2261-221	Apx Other SF:
Parcel:	21454	Apx Out. Stor. SF:
Elem. School:	Ayden Elementary	Apx Garage SF:
Middle School:	Ayden Middle
High School:	Ayden/Grifton High

Lot Size:		Zoning:		E-300:
Acres:	.37	Lot:		Assum. Loan:
HOA/ Mgmt Comp.:	No/	Est. Yr Tax/Yr:	$757/ 2008	Loan Type:
HOA Mthly Fee:	$	Tax Value:	$61,513	Lease:

Approximate Room Dimensions

	Level	Dimensions/Description		Level	Dimensions/Description
Living Room:	1		Master Bdrm:	1
Dining Room:			BR 2:	1
GR/Den:			BR 3:
Kitchen:	1		BR 4:
Rec Room:			BR 5:
Utility Room:	1

Baths Lvl 1:	1	Baths Lvl 2:	Baths Lvl 3:	Baths Bsmt:
Half Bth Lvl 1:		Half Bth Lvl 2:	Half Bth Lvl 3:	Half Bth Bsmt:

Features

Int Features:	Master Bedrm 1st Floor , Washer &/or Dryer Hook Up
Ext Features:	Garden Space , Storage Building
Appliances:	Range/Oven Electric , Refrigerator
Porch:	Concrete
Misc Search:	Bedroom 1st Floor , Hardwood Floors
Misc Search:	> .5 acres , Cable TV Available

Style:	Ranch	Roof:	Composition Shingle
Type:	Site Built	Attic:	Access Only
Lvl/Stories:	1 Story	Flooring:	Vinyl , Wood
Construction:	Brick Veneer	Bsmt/Found.:	Crawl Space
Dining/Living:	Combination , Great Room/Den , Living Room	Fencing:	Chain Link
Garage/Carp.:	None-Garage	Windows/Drs:	Other-See Remarks
Heat System:	Forced Warm Air , Space Heater	A/C:	Wall Unit
Heat Fuel:	Gas , Oil	Disclosures:	Lead Paint
Water/Sewer:	City Sewer , City Water	Possession:	At Closing
HOA Amens.:	None

Public Rems:	Convenient location near downtown Ayden! This Darling Bungalow needs a little TLC and updating. Would be a great starter home or investment! Tons of potential! Fenced yard and storage building. Carport partially converted into an apartment. Truly must see to appreciate!!
Directions:	Hwy 11 to Ayden, Hwy 102 stop light take left, then take right on Pitt Street home on the right.

Prepared by

		Prepared by: LAURA CLAY	Email : ecurealtor@gmail.com
RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY	Direct Ph# : (252) 355-5006
3208 S. CHARLES BOULEVARD	Other Ph# : (252) 347-9529
	GREENVILLE, NC 27858	Fax Ph# : (252) 321-1314

	lauraclayhomes.com

Way to go US Women's Fencing team!! All 3 medals are coming home!!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:38:18 -0700

Woooo hoooo to the US Women's Fencing Team!

If you haven't heard the fantastic news well here it is... the US Women's Fencing team made Fencing history today! Sweeping the competition and winning bronze, silver and gold medals! You go ladies!

(Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Mariel Zagunis retains her Athens 2004 Olympic gold medal winning title, defeating her teammate Sada Jacobson in the gold medal bout 15-8, and 2006 world champion Becca Ward narrowly beating her Russian rival Sofiya Velikaya 15-14 won the Bronze.

I'm hoping this is a sign of the great things to come from our great country during these games. If you missed the opening ceremonies... you missed one of the most amazing events of our lifetime and should really check it out. The vast number of performers, the elegance with which they performed, the themes and messages... and of course the fireworks were at times awe inspiring.

You can also checkout NBC's site dedicated to the Olympic games in Beijing. Not only can you get all of the standings and check the schedule of events, there are fantastic videos and pictures! When you get to the site you may have to search "opening ceremonies". I have found 3 videos so far that combined show the entire event... truly worth the time to watch!

Anchorage, Alaska - Shamelss promotion of my friend's hostel~ Alaska Backpackers Inn

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:00:24 -0700

On a Saturday when I expected to be showing property and giving a tour of the waterfront areas of Eastern NC,

I am actually home on the sofa blogging, watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics and working on various other work "projects".

Although I would love to be selling a house, sometimes it's nice when clients call to let you know they have

had to cancel their trip to town... you end up with a free day that you can fill with anything your heart desires!

This is it today for me... While letting my touch of ADD have control for the day and hopping from one project

to the next, I got to thinking about a friend of mine and his recently opened business... so now I'm going to plug

it for him here on ActiveRain!

If you happen to be planning or even just thinking about a trip to Alaska, check our my friend's new hostel!

They are the newest hostel in Anchorage and located right downtown.

My friend (a contractor and real estate investor) bought an older hotel and converted it into a hostel. The remodel was completed in 2007 and they opened for business! They offer both "dorm style" as well as private rooms and the floor of every room was hand painted by friends, family and local artists. The walls are covered with artwork painted and drawn by guests. You can see lots of pictures of the artwork, the hostel and Alaska on the Alaska Backpackers Inn myspace site.

Washington, NC - Pamlico Plantation Gated Community on Broad Creek & the Pamlico River!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:08:44 -0700

Come Visit Pamlico Plantation

A gated community on the mouth of Broad Creek which flows into the Pamlico River and the Pamlico Sound in Washington, NC. A planned Weyerhaeuser development, this beautiful boating community has much to offer it's residents particularly those who enjoy waterfront living. The community is made up of 80 multi level low-country townhouses and 200 custom home sites. All homes are built on large wooded lots and every property owner is assigned a personal deep water boat slip. The clubhouse facilities are available to property owners and their guests for any kind of event from elegant to casual, meetings, socializing or entertaining. Relax or unwind at the adjoining waterfront pool and covered picnic area. Enjoy jogging or bicycling through the winding wooded trails that meander through the hundreds of private acres surrounding you.

Simply click the picture below to view my virtual tour of Pamlico Plantation!

Some of the amenities include:

Gated Community

80 Townhomes / 200 Home Sites

Personal Deep Water Boat Slip

Club House

Swimming Pool

Tennis Courts

Covered Picnic Area

Outdoor Racket & Basketball

Boat Ramp

Pond Park Area

Fishing

Walking trails

Playground

Organized Activities and MORE!

102 Egret Bay located in Pamlico Plantation! See full listing information in post below...

Greenville, NC - Quiet country setting, remodeled, for sale, lease or lease option

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:40:29 -0700

SELLER WILL CONSIDER A LEASE OR LEASE OPTION at $800 monthly

Mobile Home 82822 Active	3321 MILLS ROAD GREENVILLE, NC 27858		(12)	L$89,900

Area:	GREENVILLE	Beds:	3
County:	Pitt	Baths:	2
Subdivision:	NONE	Half Baths:	0
City Limits:	No	Rooms:	7
Year Built:	1973	New Const.:	No
Const. Type:	Siding-Vinyl	Apx Htd SF:	1,573
Deed Ref:	DC90/0000	Apx Other SF:
Parcel:	035404	Apx Out. Stor. SF:
Elem. School:	Chicod Elementary	Apx Garage SF:
Middle School:	Chicod Middle
High School:	D.H. Conley High

Lot Size:	135X170X136X179	Zoning:		E-300:
Acres:	.53	Lot:		Assum. Loan:
HOA/ Mgmt Comp.:	No/	Est. Yr Tax/Yr:	$209/ 2007	Loan Type:
HOA Mthly Fee:	$	Tax Value:	$29,540	Lease:

Approximate Room Dimensions

	Level	Dimensions/Description		Level	Dimensions/Description
Living Room:			Master Bdrm:	1
Dining Room:	1		BR 2:	1
GR/Den:	1		BR 3:	1
Kitchen:	1		BR 4:
Rec Room:			BR 5:
Utility Room:	1

Baths Lvl 1:	2	Baths Lvl 2:	Baths Lvl 3:	Baths Bsmt:
Half Bth Lvl 1:		Half Bth Lvl 2:	Half Bth Lvl 3:	Half Bth Bsmt:

Features

Int Features:	Cathedral Ceilings , Ceiling Fans , Gas logs , Laundry Room
Ext Features:	Concrete Drive , Garden Space , Play Area , Storage Building
Appliances:	Dishwasher , Range/Oven Electric , Vent/Hood
Porch:	Concrete , Deck , Front , Rear
Misc Search:	Bedroom 1st Floor , Remodeled
Misc Search:	.5-1 Acres , Cable TV Available

Style:	Traditional	Roof:	Composition Shingle
Type:	Double Wide Mobile Home	Attic:	Access Only
Lvl/Stories:	1 Story	Flooring:	Carpet , Ceramic Tile , Vinyl
Construction:	Siding-Vinyl	Bsmt/Found.:	Crawl Space , Slab on Grade
Dining/Living:	Breakfast Nook , Formal Dining	Fencing:	Partial , Split Rail , Vinyl
Garage/Carp.:	Double Attached Garage , Double Detached Carport	Windows/Drs:	Thermal Windows
Heat System:	Gas Pak	A/C:	Central
Heat Fuel:	Gas	Disclosures:	Above Ground Tank , Lead Paint
Water/Sewer:	Community Water System , Septic Tank	Possession:	At Closing
HOA Amens.:	None

Public Rems:	Beautifully remodeled and updated with tons of additions including: double attached garage, master bed/bath, exterior vinyl, sunken den with gas logs, 2 double detached carports, wired workshop with concrete floored dog pen, new carpet and fresh paint. Remodeled kitchen has custom cabinets, tile floor, new countertops and appliances. Beautifully landscaped! Truly a MUST SEE!
Directions:	Hwy 43 South towards New Bern, turn left at the light at Mills Road, house is on the left past Hope Middle School.

Prepared by

		Prepared by: LAURA CLAY	Email : ecurealtor@gmail.com
RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY	Direct Ph# : (252) 355-5006
3208 S. CHARLES BOULEVARD	Other Ph# : (252) 347-9529
	GREENVILLE, NC 27858	Fax Ph# : (252) 321-1314

	lauraclayhomes.com

AYDEN, NC - BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME REMODELED AND UPDATED

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:01:28 -0700

Single Family 83748 Active	481 THIRD STREET AYDEN, NC 28513		(4)	L$126,900

Area:	AYDEN	Beds:	3
County:	Pitt	Baths:	2
Subdivision:	NONE	Half Baths:	0
City Limits:	Yes	Rooms:	8
Year Built:	1910	New Const.:	No
Const. Type:	Siding-Hardboard	Apx Htd SF:	2,020
Deed Ref:	2252-233	Apx Other SF:
Parcel:	12216	Apx Out. Stor. SF:
Elem. School:	Ayden Elementary	Apx Garage SF:
Middle School:	Ayden Middle
High School:	Ayden/Grifton High

Lot Size:	140 X 156 X 137 X 157	Zoning:		E-300:
Acres:	.48	Lot:		Assum. Loan:
HOA/ Mgmt Comp.:	No/	Est. Yr Tax/Yr:	$1,859/ 2008	Loan Type:
HOA Mthly Fee:	$	Tax Value:	$151,124	Lease:

Approximate Room Dimensions

	Level	Dimensions/Description		Level	Dimensions/Description
Living Room:	1		Master Bdrm:	1
Dining Room:	1		BR 2:	1
GR/Den:	1		BR 3:	1
Kitchen:	1		BR 4:
Rec Room:			BR 5:
Utility Room:	1

Baths Lvl 1:	2	Baths Lvl 2:	Baths Lvl 3:	Baths Bsmt:
Half Bth Lvl 1:		Half Bth Lvl 2:	Half Bth Lvl 3:	Half Bth Bsmt:

Features

Int Features:	Ceiling Fans , Laundry Room , Master Bedrm 1st Floor
Ext Features:	Concrete Drive
Appliances:	Dishwasher , Range/Oven Electric , Vent/Hood
Porch:	Deck , Front
Misc Search:	Bedroom 1st Floor , Remodeled
Misc Search:	.5-1 Acres , Cable TV Available

Style:	Traditional	Roof:	Metal
Type:	Site Built	Attic:	Access Only , Pull Down Stairs
Lvl/Stories:	1 Story	Flooring:	Ceramic Tile , Wood
Construction:	Siding-Hardboard	Bsmt/Found.:	Crawl Space
Dining/Living:	Breakfast Nook , Formal Dining , Great Room/Den	Fencing:	Rear Only , Wood
Garage/Carp.:	Double Detached Garage	Windows/Drs:	None
Heat System:	Heat Pump	A/C:	Central
Heat Fuel:	Electric	Disclosures:	Asbestos , Lead Paint
Water/Sewer:	City Sewer , City Water	Possession:	At Closing
HOA Amens.:	None

Public Rems:	TOTALLY RENOVATED HISTORIC HOME ON A DOUBLE LOT! Built-in china cabinets, hardwood & ceramic tile floors, new kitchen & baths, stainless appliances, double detached garage, pricing allows for laminate kitchen countertops & cultured marble baths, at 90 complete buyers can to make many custom choices or upgrades! Progress will continue so now is the time to buy this grand historic home!
Directions:	Hwy 11 to Ayden, turn left at light onto 3rd Street, home on left before downtown area

Prepared by

		Prepared by: LAURA CLAY	Email : ecurealtor@gmail.com
RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY	Direct Ph# : (252) 355-5006
3208 S. CHARLES BOULEVARD	Other Ph# : (252) 347-9529
	GREENVILLE, NC 27858	Fax Ph# : (252) 321-1314

	lauraclayhomes.com

Beautiful home in Pamlico Plantation on the Pamlico River; Washington, NC!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:37:35 -0700

Customer Display

Single Family 84746 Active	102 EGRET BAY WASHINGTON, NC 27889		(12)	L$425,000

Area:	OTHER	Beds:	3
County:	Beaufort	Baths:	3
Subdivision:	PAMLICO PLANTATION	Half Baths:	0
City Limits:	No	Rooms:	10
Year Built:	1991	New Const.:	No
Const. Type:	Cedar	Apx Htd SF:	2,477
Deed Ref:	1591-767	Apx Other SF:
Parcel:	6614-01-7850	Apx Out. Stor. SF:
Elem. School:	Outside County	Apx Garage SF:	795
Middle School:	Outside County
High School:	Outside County

Lot Size:	195 X 311 X 190 X 229	Zoning:		E-300:
Acres:	1.00	Lot:		Assum. Loan:
HOA/ Mgmt Comp.:	Yes/ Pamlico Plantat	Est. Yr Tax/Yr:	$1,665/ 2007	Loan Type:
HOA Mthly Fee:	$76	Tax Value:	$244,536	Lease:

Approximate Room Dimensions

	Level	Dimensions/Description		Level	Dimensions/Description
Living Room:	1	12 X17	Master Bdrm:	1	15.6 X 14.6
Dining Room:	1	12 X 14	BR 2:	1	13.10 X 11.7
GR/Den:	1	20.5 X 17.7	BR 3:	1	11.2 X 10.10
Kitchen:	1	18.3 X 18.7	BR 4:
Rec Room:	2	see comments	BR 5:
Utility Room:	1	6.2 X 11.6	Porch	1	12 X 18

Baths Lvl 1:	3	Baths Lvl 2:	Baths Lvl 3:	Baths Bsmt:
Half Bth Lvl 1:		Half Bth Lvl 2:	Half Bth Lvl 3:	Half Bth Bsmt:

Features

Int Features:	Ceiling Fans , Central Vacuum , Gas logs , Laundry Room , Master Bedrm 1st Floor , Open Foyer , Walk-in Closets , Washer &/or Dryer Hook Up
Ext Features:	Concrete Drive , Garden Space , Lawn Sprinklers , Secluded Area , Wooded Lot
Appliances:	Built-in Microwave , Dishwasher , Jenn-Aire Type , Refrigerator
Porch:	Deck , Front , Screened
Misc Search:	Bedroom 1st Floor , Bonus-Unfinished , Hardwood Floors
Misc Search:	1-3 Acres , Cable TV Available , Garage Door Opener

Style:	Ranch	Roof:	Composition Shingle
Type:	Site Built	Attic:	Floored , Permanent Stairs , Walk In Storage
Lvl/Stories:	1 Story , 1.5 Stories	Flooring:	Carpet , Ceramic Tile , Wood
Construction:	Cedar	Bsmt/Found.:	Crawl Space
Dining/Living:	Breakfast Nook , Formal Dining , Formal Living , Great Room/Den	Fencing:	None
Garage/Carp.:	Double Attached Garage	Windows/Drs:	Thermal Doors , Thermal Windows
Heat System:	Heat Pump	A/C:	Central
Heat Fuel:	Electric	Disclosures:	None Known
Water/Sewer:	City Sewer , Septic Tank	Possession:	At Closing
HOA Amens.:	Club House , Playground , Pool , Tennis

Public Rems:	Beautiful home on Fantastic lot in a River Front Subdivision! Features heavy moldings, built-in cabinetry, Fab kit w/brkfst nk, HWF in the foyer & kit, screened porch & deck, extensive landscaping, over 800 sf unfin bonus/attic space, unfin space over the garage & lg master w/private bath, Just over an acre backing up to Boy Scout Camp Bonner!! SELLER WILL CONSIDER A LEASE OPTION! BRING OFFER!
Directions:	264E thru Wash, pass Hwy 32 (Douglas Xroads), RT on Goose Creek Rd (NC 1332), at Stop RT on Harvey, L into Pamlico Pl, RT on Broad Crk, L on Egret Bay

Prepared by

		Prepared by: LAURA CLAY	Email : ecurealtor@gmail.com
RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY	Direct Ph# : (252) 355-5006
3208 S. CHARLES BOULEVARD	Other Ph# : (252) 347-9529
	GREENVILLE, NC 27858	Fax Ph# : (252) 321-1314

	lauraclayhomes.com

The seller will consider a lease option or simply a lease!

The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008; HR 3221 Passes Both the House and the Senate

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:34:30 -0700

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 (Roll Call #519) the US House of Representatives passed HR 3221; The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008; 272-152, 11 not voting. Shortly thereafter on Saturday July 26, 2008 (Roll Call #186) the US Senate passed HR 3221; 72-13. Both branches of our government passing the bill by an overwhelming majority intending to send a message to the American public that our leaders are trying to bring some relief to those in need as well as stimulate the housing market. President Bush is expected to sign the bill on Tuesday, July 29th. The bill encompasses the following:

National Association of REALTORS® Summary of Key Provisions of HR 3221 (as of 7/28/08)

GSE Reform – including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of $417,000 or 115% local area median home price, capped at $625,500. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

FHA Reform – including permanent FHA loan limits at the greater of $271,050 or 115% of local area median home price, capped at $625,500; streamlined processing for FHA condos; reforms to the HECM program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

Homebuyer Tax Credit - a $7500 tax credit that would be would be available for any qualified purchase between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan).

FHA foreclosure rescue – development of a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90% of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50% of all future appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on October 1, 2008.

Seller-funded downpayment assistance programs – codifies existing FHA proposal to prohibit the use of downpayment assistance programs funded by those who have a financial interest in the sale; does not prohibit other assistance programs provided by nonprofits funded by other sources, churches, employers, or family members. This prohibition does not go into effect until October 1, 2008.

VA loan limits – temporarily increases the VA home loan guarantee loan limits to the same level as the Economic Stimulus limits through December 31, 2008.

Risk-based pricing – puts a moratorium on FHA using risk-based pricing for one year. This provision does will be effective from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.

GSE Stabilization – includes language proposed by the Treasury Department to authorize Treasury to make loans to and buy stock from the GSEs to make sure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could not fail.

Mortgage Revenue Bond Authority – authorizes $10 billion in mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime mortgages.

National Affordable Housing Trust Fund – Develops a Trust Fund funded by a percentage of profits from the GSEs. In its first years, the Trust Fund would cover costs of any defaulted loans in FHA foreclosure program. In out years, the Trust Fund would be used for the development of affordable housing.

CDBG Funding – Provides $4 billion in neighborhood revitalization funds for communities to purchase foreclosed homes.

LIHTC – Modernizes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to make it more efficient.

Loan Originator Requirements – Strengthens the existing state-run nationwide mortgage originator licensing and registration system (and requires a parallel HUD system for states that fail to participate). Federal bank regulators will establish a parallel registration system for FDIC-insured banks. The purpose is to prevent fraud and require minimum licensing and education requirements. The bill exempts those who only perform real estate brokerage activities and are licensed or registered by a state, unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator.

As a real estate broker in the residential sector, I of course am all for legislation that will hopefully at least help to get things truly moving again. This bill certainly offers some benefits that if you qualify for the why not go for! With any luck this bill will not only help prevent further foreclosures but will also stabilize housing prices and values.

Now... not to play devils advocate but I also like to understand all of the potential consequences of not only my own actions but those effecting me, my family, my friends, my kid, my nation... So I have done some reading from those who question HR 3221. In my quest for knowledge I ran across an article written by Fred Cederholm, who brings attention to the snowball effect that is rolling through the mortgage industry and real estate markets across our country. He nut shells the financial picture of what has been happening and how it has taken on a life of it's own and likens HR 3221 to an "umbrella in a hurricane". Easy read and makes you think.

Continuing along that same line of things that make you go hmmmm... I ran across this video which again got my wheels spinning. Seems to me that our country in between the proverbial rock and hard place... and in so many ways! I could seriously digress so I'm going to stop here :o)

Greenville: 10th Largest City in North Carolina!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:38:29 -0700

Check us out! The latest U.S. Census Bureau recently released data showing that Greenville is now the 10th largest city in North Carolina and was second only to Cary as the fastest growing municipality of more than 40,000 people!!

The top 10 cities in NC and their 2007 population data are as follows:

1. Charlotte 671,588

2. Raleigh 375,806

3. Greensboro 247,183

4. Durham 217,847

5. Winston-Salem

6. Fayetteville 171,853

7. Cary 121,796

8. High Point 100,432

9. Wilmington 99,623

10. Greenville 76,058

The following link will take you to a great article about growth in Greenville and Eastern NC! 10th Largest in NC!

Great site for backlinks!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:13:05 -0700

I am far from an expert at this SEO stuff but learning can be a lot of fun! I heard about this site Qassia.com that helps a lot with backlinks and "google juice" (a term I recently learned). I have joined and encourage you to join as well! http://lauraclay.qassia.com/ just copy and paste my link it will prompt you to join. All of your websites can be added within this site for amazing backlinks.

Never a stupid question????

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:05:36 -0700

Remember when you were sitting in a classroom and nervous about asking a question for fear that the other students would think you were totally clueless??? Well... I am! As someone who is new not only to active/rain but also to blogging in general, my question is simple. When you subscribe to a blog on active/rain (or anywhere else for that matter), where does it go? How do you "retrieve" them? I have an rss feed thingy on my outlook and my google tool bar. Is that where I'll find them?

Your help is GREATLY appreciated!!

more to blogging than I thought!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:31:25 -0800

There's so much more to this blogging stuff than I ever imagined!! Check me out... I'm getting technical, I've joined :o)

Technorati Profile

Going to Carolina in My Mind...

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:04:03 -0800

I got a comment on my post about North Carolina being rated the 3rd best state for business and that got me thinkin... I LOVE North Carolina!! I've been here all of my life from Wilmington to Charlotte and Greenville now for over half my life. I've visited many states and several countries and have always loved coming home. Reminiscing... coming home from Russia as a teenager litterally listening to this song... Yes, I'm old school and proud of it!! Sweet baby James!

North Carolina 3rd Best State for Business!!

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:20:05 -0800

According to Chief Executive Magazine’s 4^th Annual “Best & Worst States” survey, North Carolina is the #3 state to do business; coming in behind Texas & Nevada primarily due to their lack of a state income tax.

Michigan, California and New York were listed as the worst 3 states for business due to the struggling auto industry, and high regulation respectively.

605 top executives were asked to grade each state based on the following: 1) Taxation & Regulation, 2) Workforce Quality and 3) Living Environment. Some of the criteria included: proximity to resources, state regulations, tax policies, quality of education, quality of life and infrastructure.

North Carolina got "B+" for Taxation & Regulation and Workforce Quality and "A-" for Living Environment.

Complete results of the survey go to

Fed prepared to drop interest rates again...

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:07:02 -0800

Bernanke Prepared to Cut Key Rates Again Federal reserve Chair Ben Bernanke told the House Financial Service Committee during an appearance on Wednesday that the Fed is prepared to lower key interest rates again to bolster economic growth. The Fed "will act in a timely manner as needed to support growth and to provide adequate insurance against downside risks," he said. Bernanke was asked when he thought the housing market might stabilize. It's possible, he said, that by "later this year it will stop being such a big drag directly" on the economy. But home prices probably will decline into next year, he added. "It is very difficult to know, and we've been wrong before," Bernanke said. Source: The Associated Press, Jeannine Aversa (02/27/08)

Today Show - Top Real Estate Sites

Laura Clay (RE/MAX Preferred Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:53:45 -0800

Great article on top real estate web sites from the Today Show this morning!