Your Orange, Durham, Chatham County Real Estate Specialist

New Consumer Real Estate Site

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:57:32 -0600

A new consumer real estate website promises to offer one-stop shopping for a wealth of real estate information. Called HouseLogic (www.houselogic.com), the website is a free source of information and tools from the National Association of Realtors. Content covers home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and other topics to help you increase and protect the value of your home. For example, you can search for home projects of different levels of difficulty or investment, read about insurance options, or view return on investments for various remodeling projects. You can learn how to make your home more sustainable, improve energy efficiency, and accomplish seasonal maintenance. HouseLogic will continue to update content daily, including the latest news affecting homeowners. Check it out at www.houselogic.com

North Carolina: A High Magnet, High Sticky State

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:28:34 -0600

I just came across a new report by the Pew Research Center, which creates a typology that groups all 50 states and D.C. by whether they are "magnets" or "sticky". Magnet states are those in which a high share of the adults who live there moved there from another state. Sticky states are those in which a high share of the adults who were born there live there now.

North Carolina is one of ten states that scores high on both counts: It's number two on the sticky scale, with 71.4% of the population born in the state still living here. And it's also ranked high as a magnet state, with 40% of the current population having moved here from somewhere else. Quite the kudo, and of course, just confirming what those of us who live here know: North Carolina is simply a great place to live. Those that are born here stay, and new folks continue to come and discover our wonderful quality of life.

To see the full report or check on the magnetism or stickiness of another state, visit http://pewsocialtrends.org/pubs/728/magnet-sticky-states-typology.

Nordstrom Rack Coming to Triangle!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:56:45 -0600

North Carolina is getting its first Nordstrom Rack, in the Renaissance Center across from the Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The store, which sells Nordstrom merchandise at deep discounts, will locate in the old Linens and Things location on Fayetteville Road. Merchandides at a Nordstrom Rack is typically 50 to 60 percent less than Nordstrom's original prices. The store's anticipated opening date is fall 2010.

Chatham Studio Tour is this weekend and next!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:52:10 -0600

Fresh on the heels of the very successful Orange County Artist Guild Studio Tour, comes the Chatham version of the same. The Chatham Artists Guild holds their open studio tour this weekend and next. Over 50 local artists will participate in this year's event, which highlights an extensive array of media within the arts. The tour will be held on December 5-6 and December 12-13, from 10-5 on Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.chathamstudiotour.com/home.html.

Great new Triangle Arts & Entertainment Website

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:32:48 -0600

I just discovered a great new arts and entertainment website for the Triangle: http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/

The website is a one-stop shop for arts information in the area, from concerts and museum happenings to theatre, food and wine, and fashion. The site includes an extensive calendar of events, features about upcoming performances, and links to ticket and further event information. Our area is so rich with cultural offerings, and this website is a great resource to learn what's going on in our ever-growing arts and entertainment scene. Check it out!

Buying Your First Home

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:17:44 -0500

This article first appeared in The Bride's Book Magazine, Fall/Winter 2010 issue

Buying your first home is an exciting proposition. There’s nothing like having a place to call your own, the original American dream. And with today’s low interest rates and a first time homebuyer’s credit of up to $8,000 (before December 1, 2009), coupled with reduced prices and motivated sellers, there’s never been a better time to buy in the Carolinas.

Of course knowing what to buy, and how, can be a bit daunting. Armed with the right tools and information, however, buying your first home can be a smooth, exhilarating and downright fun experience. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to know to make that first home purchase a successful and rewarding one.

PREQUALIFY

First, get prequalified. Lenders have tightened the reigns on home mortgages, so it’s more important than ever to meet with a lender up front. You’ll learn what purchase price you qualify for, at what interest rate, as well as what savings you’ll need for the purchase. When you prequalify, your lender will also run a credit check, to ensure there are no blemishes (mistaken or otherwise) on your credit history that would inhibit your ability to get a mortgage. If you prefer, you can obtain a copy of your credit report before meeting with a lender, through free websites such as www.consumerinfo.com.

CREATE A WISH LIST

With prequalification under your belt, the fun begins! First, put together a wish list for your new home. Some questions to consider: What are the features you’ve got to have? What features would you like to have, and which are optional? What have you liked about past places you’ve lived? What have you not liked? It’s also important to keep future needs in mind. Will one of you be working from home? Is there an addition to the family in the near future? Will parents be visiting on a regular basis? Each of these factors can be important considerations. In creating your wish list, you’ll also want to consider preferences regarding the age of the property, lot size and type, commute time to school or work, quality of the local schools, area demographics, and the proximity of important amenities to you. (For example, perhaps you’ve just got to be within 10 minutes of a dog park, grocery store, or gym.) You’ll also want to think about the type of property that suits you best. Are you interested in a single family home, or is a townhome or condo in your future

MEET WITH A REALTOR

With your wish list in hand, it’s time to meet with a Realtor. This is too important a process to navigate without one, and best of all, having a buyer’s agent is free! You get an advocate, negotiator, counselor and all around champion of your interests, at no charge to you. Choose someone you know and trust, or ask those you know for a referral. Your local Chamber of Commerce can be a great resource as well. Through your initial meeting, you can see if your Realtor is a good match for you; someone who knows the market, and understands your needs and interests. Your Realtor will want to learn what’s important to you, and will help you define your ideal home and determine priorities. Your Realtor will then set up a custom search that’s focused on your specific housing criteria.

THE SEARCH BEGINS!

The excitement builds as your custom search identifies potential properties, and you head out for showings. Feel free to bring a camera and take as many photos as you like. In addition, be sure to take notes if you’re seeing several properties at once, for easy recall on what you liked, or didn’t like about each property. As you evaluate each candidate, consider the following questions: Does the property have the spaces and types of rooms you need? How is the flow from room to room? How many of your wish list features does it offer? What is the condition of the home? And most importantly, does it give you the warm-fuzzies? This last question is critical, because for all of the list-making and analyzing you may do, the greatest deciding factor should be your gut. Is it a place that makes you feel good? A place you’d want to linger? Simply put, does it give you the warm-fuzzies?

MAKING AN OFFER

So your searching has paid off and you’ve found just the right home. You’re over the moon excited, and you’re ready to make an offer. What’s next? First, your Realtor will perform a market analysis for you, to determine how the property is priced, and give you guidance on what to offer. Then, you and your Realtor will complete the offer paperwork, and submit it along with your prequalification letter and earnest money deposit. Next, your Realtor will present your offer to the listing agent. The offer may be accepted, rejected or countered. Often, there are several rounds of negotiation between buyer and seller on the terms of the offer. Once both parties come to agreement in writing, you’re officially under contract, and your earnest money is then deposited.

UNDER CONTRACT

First, go open a bottle of bubbly. You just put your first house under contract! Next, meet with your lender to get the loan process started, and work with your Realtor to schedule inspections, which may include home, termite, well/septic and radon, depending on the property. Once inspections are complete, your Realtor will review the findings with you and will draft a repair request for the seller. Often, negotiations ensue about the number and type of repairs to be completed. During the time between contract and close, your lender will work with you to approve your loan, your property will be appraised, and you’ll choose a closing attorney and homeowner’s insurance. Utilities will be transferred to your name, and you and your Realtor will conduct a final walk through to ensure all repairs are complete, and that the house is in the same or better condition as at the time of contract.

THE CLOSING!

The closing occurs at your attorney’s office, and generally takes an hour or less. You’ll sign all of your loan documents, bring a bank check for the amount not financed (typically down payment and closing costs), and will be given the keys once the deed is recorded, usually later that same day. Then, you’re free to celebrate heartily and relish the knowledge that you’re now a homeowner. You can look forward to reaping financial and emotional benefits for years to come. Congratulations! You’ve just bought your first house.

NC to offer discounts on appliances in 2010

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:17:22 -0500

As part of the federal stimulus package, states will be able to offer discounts on energy efficient appliances. North Caorlina has just proposed that April 22 to 25th be used for that purpose, with a 15% discount on refrigerators, washers, freezers and dishwashers. Average savings are expected to be $100 per purchase, and will range from $50-$250. Any money left over from this event will be used in a second wave of discounts in June, this time on water heaters and heating & air conditioning units, with discounts matching those provided by the customer's utility. So if you're thinking of buying a new fridge or replacing that heat pump, 2010 is likely to provide special incentives to do so.

Don't Miss the Orange County Artist Guild Open Studio Tour!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:02:57 -0500

Don't miss the Orange County Artists' Guild Open Studio Tour, to be held November 7-8 and November 14-15. The tour features a myriad of artists in their natural habitats, in a variety of mediums: sculpture, painting, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry and more. The tour is a phenomenal way to view and learn about our rich community of local artists. It's a fun, educational and inspiring way to spend a day or a few hours. For more information, visit the Guild Tour website at http://www.ibiblio.org/ocag/events.php#Tour.

Annual Southern Season Inventory Sale!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Wed, 20 May 2009 08:17:07 -0500

It's that time again: the annual Southern Season inventory sale. Everything in the store is reduced 25%-70%! A fantastic time to stop by and stock up on all of the amazing treats, cookware and goodies at this fantastic Chapel Hill resource. You can also shop on-line at www.southernseason.com. And if you're one of the few who's never been to the store, suffice it to say that it's one of the best places to buy food and cookware in the country, with entire sections devoted to coffee, chocolates, and sauces, for example. Amazing gift baskets, too. The store is located at University Mall on Estes Drive in Chapel Hill.

Give Bucks to Your Favorite Chapel Hill/Carrboro School

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:45:20 -0500

Harris Teeter shoppers, it's time to register your VIC card for your favorite school. By registering at the beginning of the school year, a portion of each purchase is donated by the company to the school, or schools of your choice. To register for the 2008-2009 school year, visit http://www.harristeeter.com/community/together_in_education/tie.aspx

Gorgeous Transitional Home on Chapel Hill/Durham Border

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:41:53 -0500

A gorgeous transitional home that's flooded with natural light. Soaring ceilings, an open floor plan, and beautiful finishes make this house shine. BIG rooms include a huge master bedroom & master bath, and large kitchen/breakfast with bay window and newer appliances. Lovely Family Room with maple hardwoods. Beautiful ½ acre lot with wooded privacy at back. Tremendous deck for entertaining. HVAC and roof '04, and new exterior paint, too! Great location near major highway, shopping, Duke & UNC, and fantastic schools: Creekside, Githens and Jordan. Come see this special home. 3BR plus loft, 2.5BA, 2409 square feet. For more information, please visit www.wendytanson.com.

Almost 9 Acres of Bucolic Bliss in the Chapel Hill Schools!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:46:02 -0500

What a find! Almost 9 acres of pastoral, bucolic bliss, in the Chapel Hill Schools. Rolling hills, gorgeous Neville Creek, and the perfect mix of open land & woods grace this property. And the house! Don't judge this book by its cover. The home was completely gutted, remodeled, and added to in late 2006. Gorgeous finishes throughout, including ginger glazed maple cabinets in kitchen & baths, granite counters, crown molding thru home, archways, and state of the art wiring. A special property! 4BR, 3.5BA, 3240 square feet. For more information, visit www.wendytanson.com.

A Deli in Carrboro!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:49:14 -0500

Another great gastronomic experience to add to the Chapel Hill/Carrboro eating scene: Neal's Deli. Located on South Greensboro Street next to the Open Eye Cafe, Neal's can satisfy that burning craving for hot pastrami on rye, salami subs and excellent egg salad. Prices are reasonable, and there are a few tables inside for seating. Check out the menu and restaurant info at http://www.nealsdeli.com/.

Gorgeous Contemporary Ranch on 1/2 Acre in Chapel Hill

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:12:13 -0500

Open, light filled contemporary with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and gorgeous ½ acre lot backing to woods. Large kitchen with updated appliances, breakfast bar, big pantry. Open Living/Dining Rooms with soaring ceilings & skylights. Hardwoods throughout main living spaces . Screen porch and sunroom with endless pool for year round swimming/exercise. True one-level living. $4000 allowance to repaint. Fantastic location near shopping, highways, schools. Walk to neighborhood swim/tennis. 3BR, 2BA, 1935 square feet.For more information, visit www.wendytanson.com.

Beautifully Updated Home in Chapel Hill on 1/2 Acre Wooded Lot!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:12:44 -0500

Gorgeous, updated home on half acre in walking distance to Chapel Hill Schools! Great cooks kitchen w/new granite, stainless appliances, big pantry, desk. Gleaming hardwoods on main floor. Light filled rooms flow easily from one to another. Fantastic screen porch w/vaulted ceiling and skylights. Beautiful, cul-de-sac lot offers serene views and great privacy. Wooded & peaceful. 4Br, 2.5 BA, 2401 Square feet. Located in The Highlands on a quiet cul-de-sac. Listed at $395,000. For more information, please visit www.wendytanson.com.

Chapel Hill and Durham Schools Rank in Top 1%

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:10:32 -0500

Area academics continue to be outstanding! Several high schools in Chapel Hill and Durham made Newsweek's annual ranking of the top 5% of high schools across the U.S. Four such schools, Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High, Durham's Jordan High and the Durham School for the Arts, were ranked in the top 1% of all high schools. The rankings are based on taking number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge exams and dividing them by the total number of graduating seniors. Chapel Hill and East came in at 242 and 148 respectively. Jordan and the School of the Arts came in at 305 and 311, respectively. For more information and to see the full roster of top U.S. high schools, visit http://www.newsweek.com/id/39380.

Beauty and Privacy in the Heart of Chapel Hill!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:00:12 -0500

Gorgeous traditional home on huge lot overlooking woods & stream. Updated Kitchen with new granite, stainless steel appliances. Stunning wide-plank maple floors on main floor. Four bedrooms up, plus first floor office/bedroom. Great lower level has kitchenette & full bath; prefect for rec room, in-law suite or apartment. Amazing new deck extends length of home. A beautiful, private and peaceful setting in the heart of Chapel Hill. 5BR, 3.5 BA, 2781 square feet, plus 460 unfinished in storage & workshop. Offered at $468,000. For more information, please visit www.wendytanson.com.

Gorgeous Ranch on 1/2 Acre in the Heart of Hope Valley!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:45:34 -0500

Gorgeous, classic brick ranch with charm and style. Archways, hardwoods, moldings and more give this home personality and warmth. New flooring throughout much of home, newer appliances, new interior and exterior paint. Master bath just renovated with new counters, cabinetry, lighting and flooring. Other upgrades include new dishwasher, new ceiling fans, gas logs added to family room, new Master Bedroom closet with custom organizers, new security system, new exterior doors, new hardwoods in Family Room, new vinyl tiling in Kitchen, new range hood, new storm doors, more! Beautiful, 1/2 acre lot has wooded privacy at back, plus a deck and a brick patio with FP. Basement workshop area, too. 3BR, 2BA, 1686 square feet. Superb location in Hope Valley! Listed at $199,000. For more information, visit www.wendytanson.com.

Durham Named Among Best Places to "Live and Launch"

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:53:17 -0500

Money Magazine has named Durham among the top dozen places in the country to "live and launch." The magazine scoured the country to find towns that combine "a great business environment with alluring leisure offerings." The magazine considered economic conditions as well as natural beauty and access to area amenities.

The magazine lists the city's pros and cons as follows:

Pros:Thriving biotech and pharmaceutical industries, lots of local arts festivals and college sports
Con: Perceived as the underdog of the Triangle region

The magazine lauds Durham for RTP, low-rent office space, unconventional work spaces, and a relatively low cost of living, as well as its botanical gardens, baseball, art museums and festivals. To read the complete article and list of 100 top spots, visit: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fsb/bestplaces/2008/.

Don't Miss the Green Home Tour!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:24:37 -0500

The Triangle Green Home Tour will take place on Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th. Tour over 40 homes in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake counties. The tour runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, and noon to 6 pm on Sunday. It's free and self-guided, and features a multitude of local builders who are constructing sustainable homes in the Triangle area. learn about the latest techniques in green home building, while touring some spectacular properties. For a map, list of featured homes and builders, and more, visit www.trianglegreenhometour.com.

Universal Design and the Art of Aging in Place

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:03:31 -0500

Most folks would like the option to remain in their homes as they age. In fact, the AARP notes that over 85% of their members desire homes that will grow old with them. The Universal Design movement, also called "Aging in Place", addresses this trend by building or retrofitting homes to accommodate the needs of owners over time.

Though often thought of as something for senior citizens, universal design features can benefit homeowners at any point of life. For example, eliminating stairs to the front door makes it easier for strollers as well as wheelchairs. Using lever-style door handles facilitates grabbing that door with an armful of groceries for both young and old. Adjustable closet shelving provides versatility for both kids and aging parents. And such design elements can be implemented seamlessly; your home won't look different from your neighbor's, but will be filled with features that can accommodate reduced mobility or agility, whether you've broken a leg at 32, or are experiencing a decline in dexterity at 82.

There are several features to ponder if you are remodeling or contemplating the purchase of a new home, and would like to include universal design features for yourself or a family member.

If you're buying a home, look for a master bedroom and bath on the first floor. At least one low or no-threshold entrance is also important. You'll want an open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area, as well as 36-inch doorways and hallways. Also high on the checklist is a low-maintenance exterior such as vinyl or brick.

And whether buying or modifying, other elements you may wish to include are the following:

• Bright lights in all areas, including the use of newer bulbs and fixtures that replicate natural light.

• Rocker light switches, rather than traditional ones.

• Non-slip flooring, including the removal of all scatter rugs, and the placement of double-sided carpet tape or self-stick carpet mesh under area rugs. If rooms are carpeted, use low pile density, with a firm pad.

• Contrasting colors between floor and walls.

• Handrails at all stairways, and thresholds which are flush with the floor.

• Lever-style door handles and faucets.

• Easy to see and read pre-programmed thermostats.

• Pre-wiring for security, including direct wiring to Police, Fire and EMS departments.

• Adjustable closet shelving.

Many universal design features are centered in the Kitchen. These include:

• Cabinets with pull out shelving, upper cabinets which are three inches lower than conventional height, and glass-front or open shelving for easy access to frequently used items.

• Kitchen appliances with easy to read controls and placement, including a wall oven, a microwave oven at counter height or built into the wall, a side-by-side refrigerator, and an oven with front controls and electric cook top with heat-sensor lighting.

• Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights, and open-under-the-counter seated work areas.

• Task lighting in work areas.

• A pull-out spray faucet and levered handles.

• Matte finish paint, flooring and countertops.

Glancing at this checklist, it's clear that universal design can provide great home features to enjoy now, while also helping you plan for the future. By making homes more livable at any point in life, your housing can age along with you.

The design elements mentioned cited are by no means exhaustive. For more information on universal design and the Aging in Place movement, check out the websites of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), at http://www.aarp.org/ and http://www.nahb.org/, respectively. Or contact me with any questions you may have. And until next time, here's to your house!

Gorgeous Custom Chapel Hill Home on Beautifully Landscaped Lot!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:11:17 -0500

Gorgeous custom home that's a cut above. Beautiful and extensive millwork. Red oak flooring and custom tile. Granite counters, maple cabs, stainless appliances with double oven and gas cook top. Gorgeous great room with double trey ceiling, extensive built-ins, wall of windows. First floor Master Bedroom suite is light-filled & boasts oversized walk-in closet. Many flexible spaces for work or play: bonus, loft and playroom all offer great flexibility for these or other uses. BR5 is entered through playroom/office; has beautiful bamboo flooring. Large, flat, private lot abuts wooded area. The entire property has been newly and professionally landscaped with drought-resistant plantings. It's a gorgeous and special lot. Come see this wonderful home. 5BR plus bonus, loft, playroom. 4208 sqft. Listed at $725,000. For more information, visit www.wendytanson.com.

Beautifully Updated Chapel Hill Classic!

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:09:58 -0500

Wonderful updates to this classic Colony Woods home! New roof, newly refinished hardwoods in Living Room, Dining Room and upstairs. New Kitchen floors and new tile floors in hallway and utility room. Newly painted interior. New light fixtures, cabinet hardware, more! Home flows beautifully and lives large. Beautiful floor to ceiling brick fireplace in Family Room. Yard is big and lush, with great Amish Barn shed, newly laid slate patio, and tri-level deck! Office has closet; could be bedroom #5 if needed. Other updates include exterior paint in 2006, vinyl fold-out windows in 2000 and 2007, Rinai tankless water heater in 2003 and HVAC in 2002. A great home in a great neighborhood. Enjoy the row of blueberry bushes along your driveway, and walk to Ephesus Elementary and the neighborhood park! 4BR, 2.5BA, 1946 square feet. For more information, visit www.wendytanson.com.

What is Home Staging?

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:27:41 -0500

People are always asking me what home staging is, and whether it works. Staging is a method of preparing homes for sale to appeal to the greatest number of buyers. The idea is to show your home in its best light, to achieve the greatest value. Staging sets your house apart from the crowd, allowing it to sell for more money, in a shorter period of time. In fact, staging statistics show that home staging increases the price at which your home sells by up to 6%, and that the vast majority of staged homes sell in under a month!

Stagers use a variety of strategies to show your home in its best light. These include reducing or rearranging furniture, adding colors or accessories to create a focal point in each room, enhancing natural light & spaciousness, and inventing new uses for items to create interest and balance. By staging, your home will appeal to the greatest number of buyers. You never have a second chance to make a first impression, and home staging creates that "wow" first impression. Like a model home, staging evokes a lifestyle, a way people want to envision living. Staging differentiates your house, and in this market, it's not a nice to have, it's a gotta have. I stage each of my listings, and have seen first hand how staging gives homes a leg up on the competition in both price and days-on-market. Staging works!

To learn more about home staging, visit www.stagedhomes.com and www.wendytanson.com.

Shakori Hills Festival Next Weekend

Wendy Tanson - Chapel Hill Area Real Estate (Re/MAX Winning Edge) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:38:10 -0500

The Shakori Hils Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance is coming April 17-20th. The four day event features musical performances on four stages, lots of crafts and food, and camping. Held in beautiful Silk Hope on rolling pastures, it's a fun and funky festival for all ages. For more information, visit www.shakorihills.org.