Craig's Raleigh, Cary Apex and Wake County Real Estate Blog and Other Assorted Musings!

Friday Funnies - The Best Card Trick Ever!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:55 -0600

Folks, I don't know how he does this, but this guy is pretty entertaining. This little card trick was performed by James Galea at the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival. Enjoy!

Happy Friday everyone!

About The Author

Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Great Raleigh NC Golf Course Lot Home For Sale

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:38:26 -0600

Links
Visit Me on the Web!
Visual Tour
Free MLS Search!

Photo Gallery

Description
Beautiful professionally appointed 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom cul-de-sac golf course lot in prestigious Wakefield Plantation subdivision. Solid surface counter tops, ceramic tile back splash, hardwood floors, custom tiled bathrooms, and screened porch with stamped concrete flooring are just a few of the amenities that make this house a home.
Swimming pools, TPC golf course, tennis courts and a full service clubhouse/ restaurant make this community the perfect place to call home! Visit www.3315Colorcott.com for additional photos and information

Features
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Year Built: 2005
Subdivision: Wakefield Plantation
Lot Size: .23 Acres
Garage Size: 2 car attached
School District: Wake
Square Footage: 2568
Agent Name: Craig Rutman
Broker: Raleigh Cary Realty
MLS #: 1698135

Location
3315 Colorcott Street Raleigh NC 27614

Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 2979278

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday - Help Me Choose My Holiday Greeting Card!

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:35:28 -0600

OK folks, it's that time of year again!

Christmas is rapidly approaching and I need to get my cards out.

So, I'm asking for your help in choosing which card I should send to everyone.

My newsletter is all written. My database is up to date. All that's needed now is for you to help me decide which card to include.

After last year's Christmas card debacle, I know I really need your input...

And the year before that, everyone said my Christmas card was "cheesy"...

Please help me avoid those last few year's holiday tragedies!

Should I go with the traditional look? Surely one of these will do...

Should I go with a fun in the Winter kind of look?

Should I go solo? Or should I bring Heather Locklear into the mix? We have so much fun together, but she's so flighty I don't even know if she'll be around this Christmas!

She did stick around long enough to be included in this year's Chanukah cards...

Oh, I'm so torn...What to do? What to do?

Should I go with the snow globe theme? Everyone likes snow globes...

Or should I go with the snowman? Everyone loves snowmen too...

This is so difficult for me. I mean, after all...

So, what's it gonna be folks? Can I count on you, my dear readers, to help me make the right decision?

I'll let you know the results in one of my upcoming posts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

The True Cost of the Twelve Days of Christmas!!!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:41:50 -0600

The True Cost

of the

"Twelve Days of Christmas"!

With Christmas rapidly approaching, it's once again time to calculate what the "Twelve Days of Christmas" would actually cost you.

Gold is up to record levels. Those maids a milking received a raise in minimum wage, so they're going to cost you a bit more this year.

Turtle doves and French hens are up a little over last year. But geese, swans and partridges suffered due to our lagging economy.

All in all, if you shopped online, the "Twelve Days of Christmas" will cost you $127,643.08!!!

But don't worry, you can save nearly $40,000 in shipping costs if you actually went to the brick and mortar stores and transported these items yourself!

Click on the picture above to see the cost of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" acted out right before your very eyes!

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Happy Chanukah Everyone from Craig Rutman and Heather Locklear!!!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:18:42 -0600

Today, December 12th, 2009 is the first day of Chanukah. For the next eight days and nights, people of Jewish faith, from all over the world, will celebrate the festival of lights in their own special way.

For those of you who don't know about the origins and traditions of Chanukah, the following links will help you some:

History of Chanukah

Chanukah Traditions

The Chanukah Song - Adam Sandler (pretty funny stuff!)

And, without further ado, Heather Locklear and I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Chanukah!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

It's Cold Here in the Raleigh / Cary/ Apex, North Carolina Area...But Not As Cold As Where You Are!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:01:07 -0600

Today, here in the Raleigh / Cary / Apex area of North Carolina, it's a little colder outside than normal. Sitting at just above the freezing mark, and headed for a high of 45, the thermometer is about 10-15 degrees lower than it usually is this time of year.

After a rather busy week, I'm enjoying being inside, having one of my work from home, no shave days!

Trust me, it's not a pretty sight!

But, I am warm, comfy and thinking about my frozen friends in the North and Mid-West who are buried in snow right about now.

Some weather facts about the Raleigh/Cary/Apex North Carolina area:

The average warmest month is July.

The highest recorded temperature was 105°F in 1952.

The average coolest month is January.

The lowest recorded temperature was -6°F in 1985.

January is the average wettest month.

Well, no matter how warm or cold your area is, the following video is sure to give you a bit of a shiver and make you long for those hot summer months ahead......

It's Cold Outside!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday - Things That Struck Me As Funny

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:47:21 -0600

New York City. The melting pot of the world. Always alive. Always changing. Always many great photo opportunities!
On a recent trip to my old stomping grounds I came across some things that struck me as funny. So, naturally I photographed them so I could share them with you, my dear readers.

This first one was taken in Greenwich Village outside of the Grisly Pear Bar and Grill.

This next one was taken in Grand Central Station.

Naturally, I took millions of other photos. But, this being a Wordless Wednesday, I decided to share these for now.....Stay tuned though......

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Christmas on Salem Street - Apex, North Carolina - December 4th - 6th

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:30:59 -0600

onSalem Street

Every year, in the first week of December, the town of Apex, NC welcomes in the holiday season with its annual Christmas on Salem Street festivities.

Salem Street will be closed to traffic and the twinkling lights and garlands will guide the way to the Historic Depot, where folks from all over will celebrate the lighting of the Apex Christmas Tree.

Carriage and sleigh rides will provide the only transportation on Salem Street on this special evening.

On Saturday morning, beginning at 7AM, the annual family Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will take place at the Salem Street Fire Station. Following breakfast, Santa will be on hand for photographs!

All day Saturday, children can compete for amazing prizes as they enjoy Scrooge’s Scavenger Hunt.

Saturday, at 5PM, as the carolers fill the night air with song, the Annual Christmas Parade gets underway.

Then on Sunday, beginning at 1PM, the Apex Historical Society will hold its Beautiful Home Tour. The tour is just one more great opportunity to see how beautiful our little town really is.

And, why Apex is known as “The Peak of Good Living”!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

This Blog Has Been Brought To You By the Letters A and R, and the Numbers 4 and 7 - Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:17:28 -0600

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

It was 40 years ago that Sesame Street made its debut on television. Since then, Sesame Street has become one of the longest running children’s educational programs ever to hit the airwaves.

Originally titled 123 Avenue B, the show’s creators changed it to Sesame Street because they felt 123 Avenue B was too New York specific.

The first episode of Sesame Street highlighted the letters W, S, and E and the numbers 2 and 3.

Ernie and Bert, Grover, the Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird were the original Muppets. The Count (1972), Elmo (1980) and all the others debuted later on.

Big Bird has been played by Carroll Spinney right from day one. He’s 75!

Kermit the Frog was the first Sesame Street balloon to be added to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (1977).

Early previews of the show with only real people and cartoon sequences mixed in bombed with children, but took off when Jim Henson’s Muppets were introduced!

Sesame Street has won numerous Emmys. But its most memorable one was when real life characters explained the death of Mr. Hooper to Big Bird.

Sales of the “Tickle Me Elmo” doll were so successful that it afforded the Sesame Enterprise enough money to buy the rights to the Muppets from the estate of Jim Henson, who died in 1990.

My 14 year old daughter Laura created the picture that accompanies this blog using Photoshop7. I don’t know where she gets her skills from or where she got her sense of humor, but I love her to death!!!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Cary, North Carolina Ranked Safest City in the Southeastern United States!!!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:04:48 -0600

We all know that Cary, North Carolina is a great place to live, work and play.

We all know that Cary has won numerous awards over the years stating as such.

We all know that Cary boasts an award winning public school system, is only moments away from Raleigh, the capitol of North Carolina, three top rated colleges (UNC, NC State and Duke), and the Research Triangle Park; home to some of the leading bio/med and technology companies in the United States.

But, did you know that according to the City Crime Rankings 2009-2010, Cary is the highest-ranked city in the Southeastern US as the safest city to live, work and raise a family?

An honor that we have proudly held for 11 years in a row!

Did you know that, Cary North Carolina has been named as the 5^th safest city in the entire United States among cities with populations of 100,000 to 499,999?

And that Cary’s safety ranking is the 19^th safest city in the entire United States when compared to any sized community?

You’ve been thinking about moving to the Raleigh – Cary – Apex area. With the $8,000 tax credit extended and housing still very affordable here, now might be the time to make the move.

Do you need any more reasons to move here?

Read on……

Cary North Carolina A Brief History and Why You Should Move Here!

And, Yet Another Award For Cary, North Carolina!

36 Hours in the Triangle Area of North Carolina

Another Award For Raleigh North Carolina? My Trophy Case Is Getting Full!!!

The Castles of Cary and Apex, NC

Apex North Carolina "The Peak of Good Living"

Raleigh North Carolina A Brief History and Why You Should Move Here!!!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:40:47 -0600

To yours…..

Here’s wishing each and every one of you a very

Happy Thanksgiving!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Happy Birthday Duane Allman!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:07 -0600

Duane Allman

Nov. 20, 1946 – Oct. 29, 1971

Duane Allman was born in Nashville, Tennessee on this day in 1946. He would have been 63 today had he not tragically been killed in a motorcycle crash on his way to his home in Macon, Georgia.

Arguably the greatest slide guitarist to have ever lived, Duane Allman was best known for his role alongside his brother Greg, in the Allman Brothers Band. Duane Allman was also a well respected studio musician having recorded with the likes of Clarence Carter, Aretha Franklin, Otis Rush, and most notably with Eric Clapton.

Derek and the Dominoes, a band that featured Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, produced Layla, one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Greatest Songs of All Time", clocking in at #27. Duane Allman discography

While Duane Allman's life was sadly cut short, he left an indelible mark on the music world.

So, today my fellow Rainers, take a moment out of your busy day to watch the attached video and when you’re done, go out into the world and…

Eat a Peach for Peace

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Ambassador Craig is At Your Service!!!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:46 -0600

Folks, I don’t know how I managed this one, but the ActiveRain Gods have put their heads together and deemed me worthy of a new role…

Ambassador.

This is a role I do not take lightly. It’s an honor to have.

As you may or may not know, I've actually had some experience in an ambassador capacity.

I was the official U. S. Ambassador to Pig’s Knuckle, Arkansas a while back. I’m not so sure why the U. S. needed an ambassador to a small city already in the country, but I suspect it had something to do with PK’s plan to secede from the nation. Apparently our government felt I was just the guy to stop them!

Anyway, as an ActiveRain Ambassador, one of my responsibilities is to help you folks out in an effort to increase your presence, not only here in the Rain, but on the web too.

So, with that being said, below are some links to blogs I’ve written that you might find useful. I’m also just a phone call or email away if you ever have any questions that you want answered.

Please do yourself a favor. Subscribe to some of the other Ambassador’s blogs. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there and these guys are happy to share it with you.

Remember, we’re not reinventing the wheel here, just honing it! So take it all in, learn something you can apply to your business, make some new friends, and, above all, have some fun in the process!

Start with this post my friends. If you’re not convinced that social media is important, you will be after reading this blog:

So You Think Social Media Isn't For You? Think Again

Then find out where you stand here in the Rain and make a goal to climb the ladder:

ActiveRain - Where Do You Rank Amongst Your Peers?

This next post is a pretty good primer on how to write blogs that will actually get read:

Did You Really Subscribe To My Blog?

These next two blogs illustrate some of the importance I've placed on why blogging is not the wave of the future, but why it's essential NOW:

Using My Blog to Enhance Relationships - A Blog Inspired by Bob "the Builder" Stewart!!!

Life Before ActiveRain... And Now!!! What A Long Strange Trip It's Been!

Finally, these last few posts are just some fun and FREE ways to spice up your listing presentations, web sites and your computer as well:

A VERY Cool Freebie For the Technically Challenged and Pros As Well!

YouTube, Photo Show and You! Create Videos of Your Photos for Free!

Free (and Easy to Use!) Slideshow Maker

Buying a New Laptop or Home PC? This Should Be the First Program You Install

Turn Powerpoint Presentations Into Videos

Please remember folks, I don’t pretend to know it all. In fact, I’m still learning all about this blogging, Social Media-ing, Twittering stuff. But I do know some and I’m happy to share it with you. I hope you find these little tips and tricks useful.

Enjoy! And Happy Blogging!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

200,000 Points and 300 Blog Posts...But What Have I Learned?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:23:06 -0600

Well my dear readers, I now have 200,000 points and 300 blog posts under my belt. It took me quite a while to get here. My first post in January of 2007 was hideous! But, just as ActiveRain has evolved, so have my blogs!

I think they’re at least readable now! I know I might be analyzing the obvious, but this blogging stuff is a lot harder than it looks!

Since joining ActiveRain:

I've met some truly wonderful people who I now think of as friends.

I’ve received and given out some referrals.

I’ve even picked up a few clients along the way from some of my Localism posts.

But, as I sit here in front of a blank page, I know you’re thinking...

“So what Craig. What have you really learned since joining ActiveRain?”

Well, I’m glad you asked!

When I first signed up on ActiveRain, I made really good use of the “Contact ActiveRain” link on the bottom of the page!

No sooner than I clicked that link, I received a phone call from AR Staff member Brad Andersohn in response to one of my questions. He was so pumped to help me that I knew right away this ActiveRain thing was going to be good! Not only is Brad one of the best bloggers on ActiveRain, the dude can rock too!

See Brad Rock!

I’ve also learned that Bob “The Builder” Stewart is always there to help you out when you have an ActiveRain question. Bob Rocks too….Although, I’m sad to say, not as good as Brad does!

I can’t confirm this, but I got it from a good source, that this is Bob rocking out.

See Bob Rock!

I’ve learned that Alan May has a great sense of humor, writes a wonderful blog, and is the modern day reincarnation of Elvis himself! Over the years, I’ve watched Alan go through a metamorphosis ….

From his Heavy Metal look…

To his Sanjaya look…..

But Alan will always be ActiveRain’s resident Elvis!

I’ve learned that Charles Buell, home inspector extraordinaire from Seattle, WA is a lot older than his profile picture shows…

The same holds true for MichaelThornton, the best home inspector this side of the Rockies…

Both of these guys, aside from needing to update their profile pictures, write excellent blogs. Insightful, motivational, humorous and visually appealing.

I’ve learned that Bill Gasset, from Hopkinton, MA, was originally the fifth Beatle before embarking upon his illustrious Real Estate career…and right after that spat with Yoko!

I’ve learned that Jim and Maria Hart are not only the HART of Charleston, SC Real Estate, but, along with their son Josh, are the epitome of the all American family….

I’ve learned that Debi Boucher from Woodland Park, CO, is not only one of the best photographers here in the Rain, she’s got a sense of humor that can’t be beat. Before her photographic career, Debi was a waitress at some greasy spoon with one of those neon signs out front that just read, “EAT”.

By the way, if you’re looking for some great closing gifts or holiday cards for your friends, family or clients, contact Debi. She’s got some great stuff available for you…Mention my name and you’ll pay full price!

I’ve learned that Mary Douglas from Red Feather Lakes, CO is one of the nicest people in the world! And she lives in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I’ve also learned that Mary has issues with Saran Wrap!

I’ve learned that all of our furry friends must see Kristin Johnston, the Queen of Waukesha, WI Real Estate, as some kind of Super Woman for all she’s done to battle injustices against them…

I’ve learned that Toula Rosebrock, of Lacey Township, NJ and I share the love of all the same New York sports teams. And, that after much emailing back and forth, is without doubt the best Toula I’ve ever known! She’s also so interesting that they’ve made a movie about her life!

I’ve learned that Greg Nino, of Houston, TX fame, is certifiably off his rocker! Want a blog that will make you laugh, make you mad, or just leave you shaking your head in disbelief? Greg’s will do it!

I’ve learned that Caren Wallace, of Akron, OH, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, is as delightful and adorable today as I’m sure she was back when she was hugging trees in Haight Ashbury!

I’ve learned through his blog posts that Richard Weisser, of Newnan, GA knows his stuff when it comes to Real Estate. And that he’s come a long way from his days as a fussy little boy!

I’ve learned Matt Stigliano, the RERockstar from San Antonio, TX, only writes great blogs because he never sleeps. You didn’t hear it from me, but word on the street is that Matt is really a vampire. Hey, pictures don’t lie!

I’ve learned that Nevin Williams, mortgage broker supreme, is licensed in more states than I can even name. Aside from being a friend of mine, Nevin is my resource for everything in home financing. Nevin knows lending better than anyone I’ve ever met. Even though he’s a three time recipient of the “Personalized Pocket Protector” award, he’s actually a pretty cool guy!

I’ve learned that Russell Lewis, who works, lives and plays in Austin, TX, was the cover guy for all those romance novels before he took the Austin Real Estate Market by storm!

I’ve learned that Jason Crouch, the King of all things Real Estate, should he ever decide to leave the business, would probably make a great politician. I think he knows it too. So, recently, in an effort to become ballot worthy, Jason’s changed his appearance to give him that “Vote for me” look!

I’ve learned that Betina Foreman, from Austin, TX, and, one of my best buddies here in the Rain, is slightly amused when I do things like this…..

The only thing that scares me about Betina, and I love her dearly, is that as smart as she is, she consistently comes back to my low brow blogs! What’s up with that?!!!

And then there’s Andrea Swiedler who actually called ME for advice one time! And Wanda Kubat-Nerdin, the “Locks of Love” hero here in the Rain.

There’s Sheldon Neal, my brutha from across the pond and CarolProvenzale, the Feng Shui Queen from Long Island who's blogs always make me miss my old stomping grounds!

There’s Sandy Aichner and Debe Maxwell both from the Lake Norman/ Charlotte area of North Carolina, and both who have helped me either through referrals or through their blogging insight.

There’s Terrie Leighton and Brenda Mullen. There’s Teresa Berry and my first ever subscriber Laura Giannotta.

Leesa Finley whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with, Kathleen Cooper, Amy Hahn, Robin Rogers and so many others who I’ve learned so much from...and who I now call friend.

But most of all, I’ve learned that while the Real Estate industry can be trying at times, it’s folks like you guys, who, at the end of the day, make it all worthwhile.

I love you all…Some of you more than the others, but you know what I mean...and you know who you are!!!

Thank you one and all for being part of my ActiveRain family!

Disclaimer time: If I didn’t mention you in this post, it’s not that I don’t think of you as my friend... or love you any less. It’s just that I really need to go eat something and get out the door to pick up my check from my closing! But don’t worry; you’ll make a guest appearance in one of my future posts!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Happy Birthday Neil Young!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:02 -0600

Neil Young, one of my all time favorite musicians, celebrates his 64^th birthday today!

Best known for his work with Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil has enjoyed musical success since the 1960’s.

Young was a founding member of Buffalo Springfield, as well as his own band, Crazy Horse.

With his signature voice, unique style of guitar playing, and songs written from the heart, Neil Young is an icon in the music world.

Hit songs like Sugar Mountain, Heart of Gold, and Helpless are as great to listen to today as they were when they were released years ago.

But Neil Young isn’t just living off the success his oldies. His latest albums, Greendale, Prairie Wind and Living With War have all been chart toppers.

Mr. Young has also been an advocate for many societal issues. He is one of the originators of Farm Aid and is a co-founder, along with his wife Peggy, of The Bridge School, an organization that helps to educate children with severe speech and physical impairments.

I’ve had the opportunity to see Neil Young in concert numerous times and I met him once backstage in 2000 at a CSNY concert in NYC. He is as genuine as the songs he sings.

Happy Birthday Neil Young!

Heart of Gold

Helpless

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Wordless Wednesday - Veteran's Day - 11/11/09

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:20 -0600

Veteran’s Day

November 11, 2009

Remember, as you go about your day, that today is Veteran's Day.

So thank a veteran today because many have sacrificed and many have given their lives.

But one thing is a constant from all of them:

Their dedication to our great country enables us to enjoy many of the freedoms we often take for granted.

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Tired of Lugging Around the Tools of Our Trade? This Might Help Some...

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:15:20 -0600

As Real Estate agents we’re forever on the go...

Whether we’re out and about showing homes to our buyer clients, or heading on over to put brochures in our seller client’s flyer boxes, we’re rarely chained to a desk in an office somewhere.

We constantly lug around our cell phones, our briefcases and our laptops. Some of which can get rather cumbersome at times.

Wouldn’t it be kind of neat if we could streamline at least the laptop portion of the baggage we haul around from home to home?

In the not too distant future, this little goodie might help lessen our load…

The Future of Laptops

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

The New York Yankees Win the 2009 World Series...But They Couldn't Have Done It Without Me!!!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:38:05 -0600

Congratulations to the New York Yankees on their World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies last night!

Of course we all knew they were going to win. But, like any great team, they couldn’t have done it without some help…

Just like the time I helped the Yankees win it all with Joe DiMaggio by my side…

...And who can forget that great lineup of ’61 featuring Maris, Mantle and Rutman?

…Or those few years I took off from baseball to help the Jets win the Super Bowl?

Of course there was that time in 1969, when I was out with an injury – naturally, it was a sports related injury as I fell off a barstool watching a football game! - that I helped my teammates at NASA land on the moon…

But when I returned, I was ready to lend my hand to help the New York Rangers win their first Stanley Cup in 54 years…

They even retired my uniform after that spectacular season! It still hangs today in the Rangers locker room at Madison Square Garden!

Last night, as the Yankees pummeled the Phillies, I watched as my teammates, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Petite, and all the rest, cruised on to victory and wrap up their 27th World Series Championship. Hideki Matsui won the series MVP award, even though some say I really deserved it. But he’s a good guy, so I’m happy for him…kind of.

All in all, it was a good series with a great outcome!

Congratulations to the 2009 World Series Champions, the New York Yankees!

About The Author

Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530

Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

So You Think Your Day's Not Going Well, Huh? Just Remember, It Could Always Be Worse!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:32:57 -0600

In the Real Estate industry, when things go well, life is wonderful. But from time to time, things don’t go so well.

Little things like a total economic meltdown can put a blemish on an otherwise great day!

Or, your buyer clients decided Little Johnny should come to look at houses with them.

But Little Johnny decided instead to puke up Cheetos all over the back seat of your car…before you even got to your first appointment!

Or your sellers decided to hold their very own La Tomatina Festival in their living room…the night before an interested buyer is coming back for a second viewing!

Well, you get the idea.

But no matter how bad your day ever gets, it’s probably not as bad as the day this guy just had…

This Guy's Having a Bad Day!

So, remember, life is short. Keep smiling. And, even if you’re having a bad day, things could always be worse!

Oh, and just for the record, I’m having a great day! I just needed a vehicle in which to incorporate this video into!

Have a great day my friends!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Enjoy Country Club Style Living In This Immaculate Town Home! 3 Pools, An Athletic Club and 2 Golf Courses Are just the Beginning!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:54:51 -0600

Craig Rutman | www.justnchomes.com | 919-349-9530

1009 Savin Landing, Knightdale, NC

Country Club Style Living in this immaculate townhome!

2BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $112,500

Year Built 2006

Sq Footage 1,054

Bedrooms 2

Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial

Floors Unspecified

Parking Unspecified

Lot Size .03 acres

HOA/Maint $74 per month

DESCRIPTION

Immaculately maintained 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom townhome only minutes from downtown Raleigh. Enjoy country club style living as Mingo Creek offers access to 3 pools, 2 golf courses, an athletic club and multiple community playgrounds! This home backs up to a wooded buffer and over 20 acres of privately owned land. Each generously sized bedroom has its own full bath. A great floor plan, new carpet, upgraded lighting and many ceiling fans throughout make this house a home. Maintenance free exterior and grounds!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling

- Hardwood floor - Family room - Dining room

- Dishwasher - Stove/Oven - Microwave

- Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse - Fitness center - Swimming pool(s)

- Golf course - Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- New carpet

- Upgraded lighting

- Ceiling fans

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Maintenance free exterior

Master bedroom

Kitchen

Living Room

Living Room

3 Pools to choose from!

Contact info:

Craig Rutman

www.justnchomes.com

919-349-9530

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 1, 2009, 9:11am PST

See a Vitrual Tour of 1009 Savin Landing

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Happy Halloween Everyone From Craig-en-stein!!!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:44:50 -0500

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Not Many People Know This About Our ActiveRain Superstars Greg, Brad and Jason

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:57:16 -0500

Not many people know this, but…….

Before Greg Nino became the renowned Houston area Realtor that he is…...

Before Brad Andersohn became the ActiveRain guru that he is…..

Before Jason Crouch became the King of all things Real Estate……

They were the original Bee Gees!

That’s right folks!

They were the original Bee Gees!

Apparently, and forgive me here, but the story is a tad fuzzy as there is very little documentation on this topic, Greg and Jason met while singing at a karaoke bar somewhere in between their respective home towns of Houston and Austin, Texas.

They immediately clicked and formed a short lived, albeit moderately successful duet, the...

“Oh Jeez”!!!

After a few months of performing at dingy night clubs and highway rest stops, the Oh Jeez realized that something was missing…And then it happened...

Brad Andersohn was bagging groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly when the Oh Jeez came in to do their weekly shopping. The two heard Brad singing while making sure their eggs were carefully bagged so as not to break.

The missing piece was found!

Brad decided to give up on his lifelong dream of perfecting the, “Would you like paper or plastic, ma’am?” line, and the Bee Gees were formed!

Perhaps they needed someone to sing those high notes! Perhaps they needed someone with big hair! Perhaps he just looked good in those 70’s outfits the group wore! But, whatever the reason, the newly formed trio set out to make a life of music.

And, the rest, as they say, is history!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Using My Blog to Enhance Relationships - A Blog Inspired by Bob "the Builder" Stewart!!!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:17:56 -0500

How am I using my ActiveRain blog to enhance existing relationships? (A blog inspired by Bob "the Builder" Stewart!)

When I created my ActiveRain account way back when the wheel was still square and sliced bread was just a dream, I originally thought AR was just going to be a social networking atmosphere where I could expand my referral base.

But nearly 2 years into my existence here, I’ve come to discover that it’s so much more than that!

Ahh, what a long strange trip it's been!

There’s so much to learn everyday here in the Rain; and after reading blogs from some of the best in the business, I’ve realized that ActiveRain is a very powerful marketing tool.

As ActiveRain has evolved, so have my reasons for being here. I still use my blogs to generate referrals and learn from other agents, but now I also use my blogs to enhance existing relationships and create new ones in the process.

How have I done that?

Well, I’m glad you asked!

1. All of my Localism themed posts are emailed to everyone in my database. After all, if they’re thinking of moving here, or they already live here, shouldn’t I inform them of what’s happening in the area?

2. New listings are also emailed to my database. The sellers love it because they get to see the comments other Rainers have left about their home; and prospective buyer clients can get a feel for what’s available to them when they’re ready to make the move.

3. I've been lucky enough to achieve a certain level of success here in the Rain and I have incorporated that into my listing presentations. When a seller client sees how I can reach over 160,000 agents across the country to market their home to, that goes a lot further than you might think. I work in an area with a lot of relocating buyers. So being able to reach out to agents in other parts of the country increases my chances of getting the home noticed....and eventually sold!

4. My irreverent posts, and there are many of them, are sent to my crazy clients and friends! Not only do they seem to love them, it’s a great way to “touch” them so they don’t forget me when they’re ready to buy or sell. They also won’t forget me when they know of someone who needs the help of a Realtor.

5. I've become a much better blogger and marketer since joining ActiveRain. I've been able to enhance relationships by sending "reminders" to my clients, friends and family that I'm here ready to help you with all your Real Estate needs.

6. Lastly, and this is possibly one of the biggest ways I’ve used my blogs and ActiveRain to enhance my relationships, is the fact that anyone who comments on my blog gets a response. I also try to “payback” those folks by commenting on their posts. If that sounds silly, just keep in mind that one Rainer loved some of my Photoshop enhanced posts so much, she called me and asked me to create a logo for her. Naturally I obliged and a few weeks later she called me again. But this time it was a referral to an REO company. That company has given me three listings with the promise of many more coming up soon!

Not only have I utilized ActiveRain to enhance my existing relationships, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people along the way, generate more business, and, most of all, have some fun in the process!

Thank you ActiveRain!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530

Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Are Realtors the Rodney Dangerfield of the Business World? What's Your Theory?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:11:44 -0500

Are Realtors the Rodney Dangerfield

of the business world?

The other day I took one of my heavy hitter buyers out to look at some homes. They’re looking for a home in the $600-$750,000 price range in Cary and Apex, North Carolina.

Now I don’t know about your market, but here in the Cary/ Apex area, that buys quite a bit of home. These folks are very serious, very qualified, and looking to be in before the year’s end. Naturally I’m excited to finish off the year with a sale of this magnitude.

We look at a few homes on Saturday, and then a few more on Sunday. But none of them had the “Wow” factor that they were seeking. They’re very particular buyers and they realize that there is no such thing as a perfect home. But, for that kind of money, they should, at a minimum, be wowed to some extent.

Now, just to make it very clear, I love these people. We have a great time going out together. We laugh, we get serious, and we have a fun time. We just haven’t found that just right home yet.

So the search goes on…

But the point of this post reflects on something they said to me during the day.

After admitting that they were nuts and were probably going to make me crazy in the process, they said,

“I could never do what you do for a living”.

And they’re right! Most people can’t do what we do for a living. It’s not an easy job, and it seems that more and more along the way, my buyers come to realize this. They see how hard we work. They see how difficult it is to find the homes that meet their criteria, schedule the appointments, map out the day, only to have to re-adjust everything when a seller calls to cancel the showing.

They see that you can’t buy a home on the internet. The pictures look great, but when we arrive, there are power lines running through the backyard or there is some other deal killing encumbrance that couldn’t be discovered from the MLS listing sheet.

They also see that our day does not begin at 9AM and end at 5PM with an hour in the middle for lunch. They see that we pay for all our own business expenses and are only compensated if we actually make it to the closing table.

Now don’t get me wrong here. I am NOT complaining, I’m curious. I love most of my clients. We end up maintaining friendships. We end up socializing, going to each other’s homes and, well, just being friends!

But, to finally get to the real point of my post today, why is it that we, as Realtors, don’t get the level of respect that some other professions get, especially since more and more of them keep saying to me…

“I could never do what you do for a living.”

I have my theories. I even know some solid reasons why this is an issue. But I'd love to hear from you, my dear readers, why are Realtors sometimes treated like the Rodney Dangerfield's of the business world?

By the way, if you've not seen the ActiveRain video of the day, this one sheds some light on one of my theories...

This Guy Is Not a Good Realtor!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Help me Choose My Halloween Costume!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:24:57 -0500

With Halloween rapidly approaching, I find myself once again facing my annual dilemma. What costume should I wear when I go door to door trick or treating?

Please help me make my decision! Time is running out and I need to be prepared. Hey, there's a lot of Snickers bars out there just waiting to be put in my trick or treating bag!

As the sun goes down and I finish up my day in Real Estate....

Should I go as the always cute and adorable Panda?

Or does this Transformer costume suit me better?

Perhaps I should consider being the Court Jester this year?

Oh, decisions, decisions, decisions.

Maybe dressing up as a samurai works best.

Superman?

Spock?

An astronaut?

Oh please help me!

Jimi Hendrix?

Whoever this guy is?

Robin?

What to do? What to do?

Time is running out. I need your help. Please vote today before it’s too late!

Results will be posted in a future blog…along with pictures of course!!!

About The Author
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions