Cary, NC: Affordable town homes in Saratoga Orchard Park - 01/31/10 04:26 PM

Located east of the intersection of Maynard Road and High House Road, Saratoga Orchard Park is an affordable community of 46 townhomes in Cary, NC.
View current Active Home Listings in Saratoga Orchard Park.
Entrances to the neighborhood are from SW Maynard Road via Waterford Forest Apartment complex streets and via High House Road, allowing easy entrance and egress.

The North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh, also home of NC State University, is a 20 minute drive. The commute to the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Drive-time traffic may lengthen commutes.

The neighborhood was … (2 comments)

Cary, NC: Preston Village is a pretty neighborhood offering executive homes - 01/30/10 08:22 AM
Preston Village is a neighborhood of custom executive homes in Cary, NC. The neighborhood is part of Preston, the country club community.
Preston Village is conveniently located between NC 55 and Davis Drive. Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh Durham International Airport are less than ten miles away from Preston Village.

View current Active Listings in Preston.
See the entire Preston Village photo slideshow!
Preston Village was developed from 1994-2005. Among the builders in Preston Village are John Wieland Homes, Toll Brothers, and Sunstar Homes. Preston Village homes include 4 to 5 bedrooms, bonus rooms, 3 to 4 full baths, … (3 comments)

Cary, NC: Picardy Pointe: Traditional homes on wooded lots - 01/29/10 04:13 PM
Picardy Pointe entrance sign
Picardy Pointe is one of many custom-built home neighborhoods on the edge of Cary, NC. Many of the homes have a view of the Apex Community Park Lake.
View current Active Home Listings in Picardy Pointe.

Picardy Pointe is off the west side of Lake Pine Road, between the Cary Parkway and US 64.

Downtown Raleigh and NC State University are about a 20 minute drive from Picardy Pointe. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes. Heavy drive-time traffic can lengthen those times.

Picardy Pointe was developed … (5 comments)

Night Sky in Cary, NC - 01/28/10 07:38 PM
I told my wife I needed a tripod for shooting houses. And I do. I think I needed it for other purposes, too. The sky was dappled with clouds passing through tonight, and I just had to try to take some shots of it.
I can't do much with the moon. I will one day. But tonight, I was just loving the light that seemed hungry to touch all those clouds passing through.

(19 comments)

Cary, NC: Park Village Affordable homes, superior location and amenities! - 01/27/10 01:26 PM

Park Village is a mature community of 600+ homes in Cary, NC.
Park Village is situated on Davis Drive, south of the intersection with High House Road. Raleigh is a 20-25 minute drive. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is a little shorter. Drive-time traffic may lengthen commutes.

View the current Active Listings in Park Village.
The neighborhood was developed in the mid 1990's by Sunstar Homes/Solaris Development Corporation to appeal to first time buyers. Park Village home sizes range from 1300 to 3400 square feet.
See the Park Village Slide Show.
Park Village Street Scene … (6 comments)

REBLOG MAUREEN MCCABE'S POST: what happens on ActiveRain, stays on ActiveRain? - 01/27/10 11:24 AM
Maureen makes the great point that you do NOT have protection just because you have posted to "Members Only."  There is no great security, firewall, etc, that keeps your stuff hidden away from the world.  It is dependent on ActiveRain "Members" to leave it "Members Only."
Reblogged to appeal to folks who may have missed it, or for some reason don't follow Maureen's blog.
 Just read the conversation.
You don't have to take a "side."  You don't have to support any party.
Except:  Yourself!
Here's a question to ask yourself, that should be emphasized in your mind as you read Maureen's post and … (9 comments)

Cary, NC: Olde Salem, Modern Affordable Cary homes offer great space for the price - 01/26/10 01:16 PM
Olde Salem is a neighborhood off Southwest Cary Parkway in Cary, NC. Olde Salem is located near Bishop's Gate.
Access to the neighborhood is via West High Street from the SW Cary Parkway.

View current Active Listings in Olde Salem.
Raleigh and North Carolina State University are a 25 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Both commutes can vary during heavy drive-time traffic.

The neighborhood was developed in the late 1990's by New Fortis Homes. Approximately 119 modern transitional homes comprise Olde Salem, with home sizes ranging from 2200 to 4200 … (5 comments)

Cary, NC: Oakwood Heights, Mature Affordable Cary Neighborhood - 01/26/10 06:47 AM

Oakwood Heights is a mature affordable neighborhood in the center of Cary, NC.
Oakwood Heights is situated off Old Apex Road. Access to the neighborhood is from Old Apex Road, or, through Carousel Park, or, from West Chatham Street through Sunset Hills, or through Dutchess Village. Access and egress to and from the neighborhood are easy.
View current Active Listings in Oakwood Heights.

Raleigh and NC State University is an easy 20 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes. Heavy drive-time traffic can lengthen those times.

The neighborhood was developed … (5 comments)

An unexpected delight! Judi Barrett called me this morning! - 01/25/10 09:54 AM
What a pleasure!
I commented on Judi Barrett's post where she is wrasslin' with her blog's image on her computer.
And about 90 minutes later my phone rang.  I didn't recognize the number, but knew it was an out-of-state caller.  My first thought was, "All right...  So, what are they selling today?  SEO?  Leads?"
And I heard this warm voice, "Hi!  This is Judi Barrett from Oklahoma.  I looked at your profile, and liked it...."
We had a little conversation, a most pleasant conversation.  Judi told me she likes to just call an ActiveRain member now and then.   I'm here … (4 comments)

Cary, NC: Northwoods offers a variety of home choices and a great location - 01/25/10 06:31 AM

Northwoods is a group of neighborhoods, a PUD, that was developed from the 1960's through the late 1990’s in Cary, NC.

View current Active Home Listings in Northwoods.
Northwoods is conveniently located near I 40. Just a short drive down Harrison Ave brings you to exit 287 on I 40. Plenty of shopping is also available nearby at Northwoods Market and Harrison Pointe.

Many housing options are represented in these neighborhoods, from 1960's brick ranch homes, to affordable townhomes, affordable starter homes, and move-up homes. Single family homes typically include 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2-3 baths, … (10 comments)

Cary, NC: Irongate offers affordable homes in a central Cary location - 01/24/10 08:49 PM

Iron Gate is one of several affordable neighborhoods near the Heart of Cary, NC.
View current Active Home Listings in Iron Gate.
Iron Gate is perfectly situated near downtown and shopping at the Cary Towne Mall and Crossroads Plaza.
The neighborhood is also minutes away from Exit 291 (Cary Towne Blvd) on I-40.

Residents of the neighborhood can enjoy Dunham Park’s playground and tennis courts located off of Walnut Street. The Cary Swim Club is also in close proximity to the neighborhood. Irongate was developed in the late 70’s.

Typical Iron Gate homes include ranches … (3 comments)

Triangle Explorer: Another Great Blogger-to-Be in the Raleigh area...... - 01/23/10 10:04 PM
John is a friend whom I have lobbied for over a year to initiate a blog in the Raleigh Area.  He goes by the moniker of "Triangle Explorer."  How fitting!
If you want to know where you can get a good cold brew and a great sandwich, or a steak and malbec, where the next gathering will be, whether a concert, festival, art walk, or just a good time, John is the guy who is trying things out and spreading the word.  And photos.
He's worth reading.  He engages with a common touch in his writing, but with great descriptive power.  … (4 comments)

REBLOG VIA ELLIOT S. TOPKINS: Couples "Uncoupling" and Owning Real Estate--"Breaking Up is Hard to Do" - 01/23/10 09:38 PM
I'm not an attorney.  I cannot practice law, give legal advice, etc.
But, I sure am willing to pass on a post like Elliot Topkins' below.  People enter into business arrangements so cavalierly, with the opportunity to create so much pain.  I think his points are worth considering in Raleigh and Cary NC, where the issues come up regularly.
Elliot offers some good points for couples to discuss with legal counsel prior to going partners on a real estate investment.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Via Elliott S. Topkins Massachusetts Real Estate and Title Atty (Topkins & Bevans-etopkins@topbev.com):
In Massachusetts, where I have been practicing real … (4 comments)

A quiet Open House: How do you spend your time? - 01/23/10 06:55 PM
I know. I'm supposed to take a stack of note cards, and catch up on my notes.
Or, I'm supposed to work on my laptop, on my database.
But after a full week, sometimes enough is enough. And I can only play so much Bubble Breaker on my phone. I DID get over 700 points twice today. That's pretty good for me.
Then I remembered that the Sellers had repainted the ceiling in their son's bedroom to cover his favorite green, and I needed a couple of photos of the paint job.
Out came the old Kodak. And one thing … (18 comments)

Holly Springs, NC: Open House? How about 3 Open Houses in a Braxton Village OPEN HOUSE BLITZ? With a Door Prize! - 01/23/10 08:05 AM
One afternoon.  One Neighborhood.  Three KELLER WILLIAMS® Agents.  Three Open Houses.
Happening today, Saturday, 1/23/2010, from 2:00 to 4:00PM in Braxton Village, Holly Springs, NC.
Here's an opportunity to quickly visit three affordable homes, from 2200 square feet to 2800 square feet.  Braxton Village homes offer great value, large size homes in a quiet setting, convenient to Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, and only minutes from water access at Harris Lake!
Doris Vaughn will be holding open 109 Theophilous Trace.
Mimi Francis is going to be at her listing at 108 Plumbago Place.
I am holding 609 Holly Thorne Trace open.

Folks can visit any of these … (2 comments)

Cary, NC: Madison Oaks offers Affordable Cary Living - 01/22/10 06:12 AM

Madison Oaks in Cary, NC, is a small neighborhood of starter homes that was built from 1989 to 1994. It is centrally located to take advantage of Cary amenities and services, and easy access to the Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, NC, and NC State University.

View Larger Map
Click to search for available homes in Madison Oaks.

Homes vary from 1200 to 2000 square feet, with most being in the 1400 square foot range. 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 baths are typical. Lot sizes are from .2 acres to .5 acres or more. Wooded lots … (3 comments)

Cary, NC: 102 Rushingwater Drive is a Great House in a Great Location! - 01/21/10 08:29 AM
Perfect N Cary Location! 102 Rushingwater Drive, Cary, NC 27513 View Map You will enjoy this warm home! Fresh paint, New carpet, New granite in large kitchen. Quality hardwood floors on main level. Great screen porch off bright sunroom. Additional deck for the grill. Fenced and wooded back yard. And, one of the most convenient locations in the Raleigh-Cary area! Minutes to downtown Cary or Raleigh, RDU Airport, RTP, NC State University, NC State Vet School, NC Fairgrounds, Carter Finley Stadium, RBC Center. And it is ready for you to move in, as all appliances convey.
Details Asking Price: $245,500 MLS: … (3 comments)

Apex, NC: Crockett's Ridge offers a rural setting near conveniences - 01/20/10 07:45 AM
Crockett's Ridge in Apex, North Carolina is a newer subdivision in a convenient rural location.
View current Active Home Listings in Crockett's Ridge and Crockett's Ridge Village.

Commuting to Raleigh, or Cary is done with ease. Built by KHovnanian Homes, Crockett's Ridge features great square footage for the price to folks who need affordable space. With a new phase, new homes are available. Homes range between 1800 and 3800 square feet and sell in a range from $200,000 to approximately $300,000.
Click for "No-Hassle Search" results for available Crockett's Ridge homes.

3 to 5 bedrooms … (2 comments)

Cary, NC: Homestead has huge wooded lots - 01/19/10 09:16 PM

I thought Homestead would please folks who are searching for homes on wooded sites in Cary, NC.
View current Active Home Listings in Homestead.

View Larger Map
Homestead was developed in the 1970's and is home to custom built homes on lots that average over an acre in size, with some as large as 4 acres. Home styles vary from contemporary, ranch, cape cod, to traditional 5-4-and-a-door colonials. Home prices vary widely, although historically the neighborhood does not have a great many sales in a year. Homes tend to range from $400,000 and up when they … (5 comments)

Cary, NC: Highland Oaks, Large Homes in a great Cary Location - 01/19/10 12:44 PM

Highland Oaks is a newer neighborhood of approximately ninety executive homes in Cary, NC. The community is in a location that can’t be beat! It’s perfectly situated between Cary Parkway and Maynard Road. Highland Oaks is located off High House Road .
View current Active Listings in Highland Oaks.

View Larger Map
The community was developed from 2005 to 2007. The gas lanterns at the entrance have a classic and welcoming feel to the neighborhood. The location is convenient to just about anywhere you need to travel to in Cary. Highland Oaks has easy access to the … (0 comments)

Are you calling "Expired" listings? I have questions for you... - 01/18/10 09:21 PM
Are you calling "Expireds?"
Do you look at who the listing agent was who did not get it sold?
Would you solicit a friend's expired listing?
Would you call the friend first, to ask how it went, and to let them know you might call, or even to ask permission?  Do you ask your friend if there are any extenuating circumstances involved in the expiration of the listing, hospitalization, travel, home repair, letting it go for a month to freshen on the MLS, etc?
Or, none of those?  Is it just a competitive business and the chips can, by gawd, fall where they … (86 comments)

Broker Open House Menu: Brokers will work for food. Want a cookie? - 01/17/10 09:24 PM
I started having broker open houses.  It is a great way for office mates to check inventory.  And after I email blast them a few times and Mia at the front desk does the same to try to gin up some traffic for me, even if they can't come out, they know I have a new listing.
And, that is what my client is paying me for, the main thing they are paying me for:  To make some noise.
So, I have to have a gift card for a drawing which I puff about, and I go with $25.00 from Harris … (12 comments)

Rainbow in Cary NC - 01/17/10 06:40 PM

 
I told Linda Jandura it might be tough to get these photos out of my phone.
And, no problem.
I just pulled out the little miniSD card, put it into the adapter, and into the computer.
It's no wonder she couldn't see this rainbow over in Apex. It was hugging the northern horizon in Cary. We were driving through Bishop's Gate and my wife spotted it between these two homes on the culdesac. I'm generally not wild about cell phone shots, but for a phone these look pretty good. If I had had my camera with me, we would … (13 comments)

Cary, NC: Glenkirk, Luxury and Location! - 01/17/10 09:30 AM

Glenkirk is newer community of homes in Cary, NC. Glenkirk is situated between Maynard Road and NW Cary Parkway north of their intersections with High House Road. Entrances to the neighborhood are from both Cary Parkway and Maynard Road. Also, Glenkirk can be accessed from High House Road, through Highland Oaks and Weatherstone communities, allowing easy entrance and egress.
View current Active Listings for Glenkirk.

View Larger Map
The North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh, home of NC State University, is a 20 minute drive. The commute to the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Drive-time traffic … (3 comments)

Photos and Kisses..... - 01/16/10 01:52 PM
So, I'm minding my own business at my desk, and this pretty girl comes up.
Me: "Sweet Thing, I love it when you come to me with that look in your eye and give me a couple of kisses. But, I'm not worthy."
She: "Of course you aren't. But I felt guilty keeping all the kisses to myself."
Me: .........

Well, isn't that the essence of love, to share with those whose flaws we know best?





I am having a hard time getting satisfaction with my up close shots of stuff, like … (11 comments)

Apex, NC: Dogwood Ridge has something for everyone! - 01/15/10 09:29 PM

Dogwood Ridge is a mature neighborhood in the center of Apex, NC.
View current Triangle MLS Active Listings in Dogwood Ridge.
Access to the neighborhood is from Olive Chapel Road or through Pearson Farms, Cameron Park, or Amherst. Access and egress to and from the neighborhood are very convenient.

See my slideshow of Dogwood Ridge on Flickr.
Raleigh and North Carolina State University are an easy 20 to 25 minute commute. Cary is an easy 10 minute drive. Regional employment center, the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes. All commutes can lengthen during drive-time … (1 comments)

Apex, NC: Beckett Crossing offers spacious homes and is "close to everything!" - 01/15/10 09:07 PM

Beckett Crossing is a pleasant and mature neighborhood in Apex, NC, off Olive Chapel Road.
View current Active Home Listings in Beckett Crossing.
View Larger Map
Access to Beckett Crossing is directly from Olive Chapel Road or from Beaver Creek Shopping Center through Carriage Downs on Red Barn Way.
Raleigh or NC State University are a 30 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about a 25 minute drive. Heavy drive-time traffic can affect either commute.

The neighborhood was developed in the mid 1990's by Comstock Homes of NC. 136 pleasant transitional homes comprise Beckett Crossing, … (1 comments)

Cary, NC: Giverny! - 01/14/10 09:39 PM
Giverny is a pleasant and mature Cary, NC, neighborhood of 92 homes off the SW Cary Parkway.
Giverny is nestled in between Bishop's Gate subdivision and Gralyn neighborhood of MacArthur Park. Access to the neighborhood is through Gralyn or Bishop's Gate.

View current Active Home Listings for Giverny and MacArthur Park.
(Note: Giverny is not part of MacArthur Park, but TMLS does not separate the two neighborhoods.)
Raleigh, NC, and
North Carolina State University are within a 25 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Both commutes can vary during heavy drive-time traffic.

The … (0 comments)

Cary, NC: Evergreen is Affordable! - 01/14/10 06:00 AM

Evergreen is a small community of affordable single family homes in Cary, NC.
View current Active Listings in Evergreen.
Evergreen is situated north of the intersection of the Cary Parkway and Old Apex Road. Entrance to the neighborhood is from SW Cary Parkway.
Towering Leyland Cypresses flank the entrance to Evergreen.
The North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh is a 20 minute drive. The commute to the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Drive-time traffic may lengthen commutes.

The neighborhood was developed and built in the late 1980's by New Fortis Homes, now a … (3 comments)

Say "Hello!" to my little friend. Mr. Tripod - 01/12/10 10:52 PM
For the longest time I figured I didn't need a tripod to get good photos.  Sometimes, I was right.  And sometimes I was far from right.  I bought a cheap, cheap tripod a couple of years ago, and it served only to confirm my attitude that I would do all right without a tripod. 
My error.  I have determined that without doubt, that cheapie is NOT representative of the benefits of a quality piece of gear.  I got the itch a couple of months ago to get a tripod to go with my new camcorder.  (I knew immediately that I cannot shoot … (26 comments)

Price Reduced! Now $229,000 Holly Springs, NC: 609 Holly Thorne Trace: Large Home. Small Price! - 01/12/10 10:23 PM
Great Space at a Great Price! 609 Holly Thorne Trace, Holly Springs , NC 27540 View Map MOTIVATED SELLERS! Perfect for the 1st time buyer $8000 tax credit. Best square footage value in Braxton Village! If you need space, this home offers great space in great condition! Open floor plan also offers some formal privacy. Large kitchen for the cook. Master suite to die for, with sitting area that makes a cozy retreat or can be used as home office. Fresh paint inside. Vault or Trey ceilings in all bedrooms. Fenced yard! Huge Deck. Large dog pen! Why Wait? See it … (4 comments)

Cary, NC: Edgehill Farm, A variety of affordable housing options in a central location - 01/11/10 05:48 AM

Edgehill Farm is an affordable neighborhood of 256 homes of various types, in Cary, North Carolina. Edgehill Farm is situated northwest of the intersection of High House Road and Old Apex Road, and is accessed from either High House Road or Old Apex Road. There is little through traffic, so streets are commonly quiet.
View current Active Home Listings in Edgehill Farm.
View Larger Map

Raleigh and NC State University are an easy 20 minute commute. The regional employment center, the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes. Heavy drive-time traffic can affect either commute. … (3 comments)

REBLOG of Charles Dailey's: Second Home Underwriting Guideline Changes - A Clearer Picture - 01/10/10 07:01 AM
If you are not reading Charles Dailey's blog, you probably should be.  You just might learn something about money.  And money makes our industry move.
And, here's one point that jumped out at me, good news regarding market pricing of homes in many areas:
" The real killer for second home financing in the last two years has been mortgage insurance providers not insuring 2nd homes but that had changed in 2009. The reason for this change was that, in enough areas of the US, insurers felt that home values either had stabilized or were stabilizing enough for them to come back into … (2 comments)

Cary, NC: Dutchess Village is affordable, central, and heavily wooded! - 01/09/10 07:43 AM

Touring Dutchess Village, Cary, NC:
View current Active Listings in Dutchess Village.
View Larger Map
Dutchess Village is a mature and affordable neighborhood in the center of Cary, NC.
Dutchess Village is situated off High House Road, with the entrance just across from the Edgehill Farm entrance. Access to the neighborhood is from High House Road, or through Oakwood Heights on Howland Avenue.

Raleigh and NC State University are an easy 20 minute commute. The Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about 25 minutes. Heavy traffic can lengthen either commute.

The neighborhood was originally developed in the … (3 comments)

REBLOG, and Congratulations to Penny Hull, Top Builder/Contractor Blogger:Top ActiveRain Bloggers in Their Field 2009 - 01/08/10 11:38 AM
Congratulations to Penny Hull for a well-earned #1 Blogger spot on AR!
________________________________________________________________

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
Top 28 ActiveRain Bloggers in Their Field - 2009
ActiveRain is a great resource and library for information and content from a variety of members and contributers in numerous fields of the Real Estate Industry.  It seems that everyone is always climbing and chasing the "Member on top of the mountain!"  These folks have climbed and ended at the top for 2009.
Here are the Top Bloggers in their fields based on the shear volume of content they have contributed to … (8 comments)

REBLOG of Nicholas Goglucci's Post: Digital Millennium Copyright Act - Bloggers Beware - 01/08/10 07:37 AM
Just wanted to reblog this one, for those who don't see Featured Posts, or read Nicholas Goglucci's blog.
As a matter of fact, if Bob Stewart has to delete "hundreds of violations each week," Nicholas's post should probably be reblogged by a few hundred AR members who care about creative rights.
I truly wonder how many violators:
1.  See little risk of being caught, ergo little risk of consequences of stealing content.  Keep your eye on your purse around these folks.
2.  Just don't care.  Keep your eye on your kids around them...
3.  Don't know it is wrong to take someone … (9 comments)

Cary, NC: Cole's Creek, small neighborhood in a central location - 01/08/10 05:32 AM
Cole's Creek, one of the new luxury home neighborhoods in Cary, NC is in a convenient location just inside Northwest Maynard Road, with the entrance just across from Weatherstone.
View current Active Home Listings in Cole's Creek.
Cole's Creek offers large square footage with home prices starting at about $600,000 and driven higher by choice of options and elevations. High vaulted great rooms, hardwoods, screen porches, stone and brick exterior accents, gas heat, and culdesac layout without heavily traveled through streets are among the desireable amenities.

Wake County Public Schools will be available to Cole's Creek Kids. … (0 comments)

Cary, NC: Bexley at Weston offers quality homes in a wonderful location - 01/07/10 06:58 PM
Bexley at Weston is a nearly new subdivision in north Cary, North Carolina. Sixty-four homes built between 2004 and February 2007 by MI Homes comprise Bexley at Weston. The subdivision is located on Norwell Boulevard, between Weston Parkway and the Cary Parkway.
View current Active Listings in Bexley at Weston.
View Larger Map
Bexley at Weston backs to the Town of Cary Greenway system. North Cary Park with a playground, soccer field, and picnic facilities is across Nowell Road. Nearby amenities include shopping at Sam's Club and the Arboreteum, with other opportunities within a short drive. The Research … (1 comments)

Cary, NC: Arlington Ridge is affordable and superbly located - 01/06/10 07:24 AM
Arlington Ridge is another mature community of 100+ homes in Cary, NC. Arlington Ridge is situated southwest of the intersection of the Cary Parkway and High House Road. Entrances to the neighborhood are from both Cary Parkway and High House Road, allowing easy entrance and egress.

View Active Home listings for Arlington Ridge.
North Carolina State University or the North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh, is a 20 minute drive. The trip to the Research Triangle Park, "RTP," is about the same. Drive-time traffic may extend typical commutes.
The neighborhood was developed in the mid 1980's by Parkway … (2 comments)

Buyers' Agents: Does higher commission or agent bonus affect your approach? - 01/05/10 08:00 PM
Some of the inducements to agents to take buyers to homes and subdivisions have increased to the point of embarrassment.
Today, I got an email flyer that told me to "Double my Commission" by selling the subject resale home.
And another one spouting, "GET HERE FAST" to collect a 6% commission, although this one came from Charlotte, not Cary or Raleigh.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Last winter it was an 8% commission offer from a builder.
$1000--$3000 agent bonuses are common today.
As an agent, what is your price tag on your integrity and your fiduciary … (17 comments)

How many Blogs must a Reblogger Reblog for a Reblogger to be a Blogger? - 01/03/10 10:01 AM
Just been thinking about Reblogging on AR and as usual, thinking brings up thoughts.  And some questions...
I think I support Reblogging.  Heck, I know I do.  It is a great way for fellow AR members with subscribers to introduce new members who offer worthy reading.  I read reblogs of topics by bloggers I do not know, and I make new blog subscriptions. Great!
And I like being able to reblog worthy stuff.  I give the blogger credit in the title, and make a comment that I separate from the reblog with a bold line.  I want to see the topic discussed, and I want readers to … (33 comments)

REBLOG VIRTUAL REBARCAMP: Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com! - 01/03/10 07:21 AM
Well, this one should set a reblog record on ActiveRain.  Nothing like a freebie, a drawing, and the opportunity to learn to draw a crowd.
Yep, I registered and expect to spend a little time Monday at VRB.
You can register too:  http://virtualbarcamp.com/register
________________________________________________________________________________________

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):
Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com!
The event is free being presented by 28 of the top minds in RE technology and social networking. Currently we have 1500+ registered attendee.  To reach our goal we need your help.  Fortunately, we have a ringer in our pocket: … (5 comments)

Showing homes with heat is SO preferable in winter! - 01/02/10 08:07 PM
YessirreeBob!  The first two today had no heat.  Could almost see your breath in them.
And it was about 33 degrees with a steady wind.  I know, not exactly tundra and permafrost and we didn't see polar bears or hear wolves howling in the whiteout, but, dang, when you are cold, you are cold.
And when the house is cold and the competition is warm?  Guess which home shows better?
Yep!  The WARM, WELCOMING, home that doesn't feel like an igloo when you touch the walls.
So, the buyers linger in some (heated) homes, to check out all the details, and rush … (11 comments)

REBLOG OF RUSSEL RAY'S POST: You obviously are confused about my job and the role of home inspectors! - 01/02/10 06:33 AM
Russel Ray tells of one of those agents, one who would throw their ethics, integrity, and their client under a bus for convenience and profit.
The agent's attitude exemplifies a standard complaint of consumers who think all agents do not want good home inspections, that agents only care about closing a deal no matter who gets hurt.
My comment to Russel:
Russel,
Call her broker.  Agents that stupid need to move onto their true life's work, and it ain't real estate agency.  And the client had such faith in you, you SHOULD have immediately informed the client.
That agent has done more than err in … (6 comments)

Sellers: Can your Listing Agent tell a Buyer how to find your House? - 01/01/10 07:18 PM
Can your Listing Agent tell a Buyer how to find your House?
More to the point, can your agent give good directions on the Triangle MLS so folks searching the MLS can find your house?
Can your agent mark your home on the map, so Bing Maps shows a web surfer the Bird's Eye View of your home?  On TMLS, we can drag the pointer on Bing and put it squarely on your home.  That can really make a showing great, when the buyer can take the "Bird's Eye View" and already knows that there are no power lines, no shopping center, mature trees and … (4 comments)

"Your Money Back if You are Not Delighted?" - 01/01/10 09:21 AM
Jennifer Allan keeps the wheels turning.
Is the classic agent compensation model based on percentages and "fly now, pay later" representation flawed?  How badly? 
To the extent of: "Your Money Back in 90 Days if You are Not Delighted?" 
 Of course, maintaining agent compensation while reducing consumer risks and/or costs is the driving angle, as it is all through the industry in the current climate. 
But, reduction of risk to consumers has to have some financial support.  The classic model, with payment upon closing of a transaction removes significant financial risk.  But someone has to subsidize the venue.  Failed deals still carry a cost … (6 comments)

 
Business_portrait_photos_2008_011 Rainmaker_large

Mike Jaquish 919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Realty Arts

Cary, NC

More about me…

Realty Arts

Address: 109 Saint Lazare Drive, Cary, NC, 27513

Cell Phone: (919) 880-2769

Email Me

Cary, NC, blog. I'm in Cary, North Carolina, writing about Real Estate, including Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Wake County, NC, and around the USA..



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find NC real estate agents and Cary real estate on ActiveRain.