raleigh: Home Winter Weather Tips
- 01/29/10 12:30 AM
Like it or not, it looks like the Raleigh area will definitely get some snow and ice this weekend. Here are a few tips on preparing your family for the storm. 1. Keep a small battery powered radio on hand to listen to the weather forecast. 2. Make sure you have enough heating fuel or an alternative source for those of you who heat with electricity. 3. Keep external doors closed as much as possible in order to conserve heat. Close off unused rooms in the house. 4. Stock up on batteries, flashlights, candles, matches, and blankets. NEVER LEAVE A BURNING … (2 comments)
raleigh: Where's the common sense in customer service?
- 11/12/08 06:03 AM
I was just reading an article regarding travel issues at airports (long delays, ticketing issues, fees, etc.) when I started to think about one of my own travel runarounds. Back in the summer of 2001 I booked a flight from RDU to ATL for a long weekend of theme park fun for me, my younger brother, and two of our friends. We were to depart on September 12th and return about three days later. Well, we all know what tragedy happened the day prior to our scheduled departure. And as you might recall commercial airline travel was non-existent for the days … (8 comments)
raleigh: Early Voting Hours Extended in Wake County
- 10/31/08 08:01 AM
For those who've yet to vote there is still time to do so before this Tuesday. In an emergency meeting today, the Wake County Board of Elections unanimously voted to keep one-stop voting sites open an extra four hours on Saturday, November 1. Polls will now be open from 10am until 5 p.m. As of Wednesday, nearly 1.7 million people have voted at early voting sites accross the state. That's nearly twice the total of early ballots cast in 2004. So while you're out enjoying the 73 degree weather tomorrow, take a few moments to cast your vote. … (0 comments)
For the first time ever I used early voting this year. I must tell everyone that it was a breeze! Maybe it was the time I chose to visit my local polling place, but there was virtually no line. I was in an out in less than ten minutes. If you've already made your decisions for this election I highly recommend visiting the NC State Board of Elections to find your nearest early voting location. If you have not yet registered you can do that as well. Visit this site for requirements and qualifications. North Carolina is considered a … (0 comments)
raleigh: Who said it's hard to buy a house with cash? Even *I* have $1.75
- 10/01/08 03:24 AM
Has anyone seen the story in today's news about a house in Saginaw, MI that was sold on eBay for $1.75? Apparently there's a pending foreclosure and back taxes due on the property. The buyer has no intentions of moving into the property and hopes to sale it for a profit. To each it's own - I guess. I personally think that money would have been better invested at the McDonald's drive thru. http://www.mlive.com/saginawnews/news/index.ssf/2008/09/abandoned_saginaw_home_sells_f.html (Be sure to check out the sales history via the link in the second comment)
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raleigh: Early voting in NC
- 09/24/08 07:24 AM
North Carolinians, The upcoming election will no doubt be an important one. Don't forget these important dates:
October 10 - Last day to register to vote in NC (Click here for requirements and qualifications) October 16 - November 1 - One Stop Voting (includes early voting. Click here for times and locations) November 4 - Election Day
Be heard!!!
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raleigh: Wow! A great compliment and AR lead in one day - all before lunch!
- 07/25/08 06:38 AM
My weekend is officially off to a WONDERFUL start! I got a call this morning from a longtime friend. She's been offered a promotion and may be relocating to another state. She's currently debating if she should rent her current home or sell it. We chatted for almost an hour about her new position, her dilemna, and just catching us as friends do. Then near the end of the coversation she gave me the greatest compliment: "Yesterday I called the agent I worked with when I bought this house. She basically told me to rent, but you've really explained all options, … (4 comments)
raleigh: Email addresses & websites - KISS (Keep It Simple...Sweetie)
- 07/21/08 01:59 PM
While cruising the MLS this afternoon I ran across a property that looked like a good match for a potential client I've been helping. When I clicked the listing to get details on the agent, I noticed that his email address was the most unforgettable thing I've ever seen - something like 8zdsjr@att.com. But the guy's initials weren't Z.D.S and he wasn't a Junior. Huh? When I switched over to launch my email client I had to go back into the MLS to get the address again because I'd forgotten it. Email addresses should be simple, rememberable, and a reflection of … (10 comments)
raleigh: So you make $2100 a month? Sure, you can afford a $4100 mortgage payment.
- 07/17/08 07:24 AM
Earlier this week I stumbled across a story on CNN Money about a New York woman and her family. (Read the full story) She made $25K a year, but with good credit and a $20K downpayment managed to receive a no-doc loan to purchase a $489K home. With a $4100 monthly mortgage payment, her real estate agent told her she could refinance her ARM within two years to lower her payment. Her two adult daughters, who lived with her, paid a combined $3K towards the mortgage while Mom paid the rest. About a year later when the ARM adjusted the payments … (10 comments)
raleigh: Now's the time to buy a home in Wake County, NC
- 07/08/08 01:35 AM
As of this morning, there are 8,924 active residential listings in Wake County, NC. No, that's not a typo. There are nearly 9,000 homes available right now in Wake County. This includes the city of Raleigh and neighboring towns Wake Forest, Knightdale, Zebulon, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and Morrisville. The average days on market is 105, up from 80 days in May and 86 days in June. What does this mean for you, the buyer? You can be the hypotheical kid in a candy store. Townhomes. Single family homes. Large homes. Small homes. New homes. Old homes. The choice is yours! … (1 comments)
raleigh: I left a message after the beep, so CALL ME BACK!!
- 07/02/08 04:13 AM
Imagine this. You meet someone at a conference, open house, Starbucks, or whatever. Small talk ensues. Through the conversation you discover that you have a common business interest, but for whatever reason the conversation has to end. The other person says: "You know, I really want to talk with you further about this. Give me a call at 'so-and-so time' on 'whatever' day. Here's my card." So you wait until 'so-and-so' time on 'whatever' day per his request only to get: "Hello you've reached 'what's his name'. I'm not available to take your call at the moment, so please leave your … (7 comments)
raleigh: Text Messaging - Yea or Nay?
- 06/29/08 04:19 AM
Because I like working with first time homebuyers I realize that I have to target younger demographics. Therefore in an effort to be more accessible I have been thinking about adding a "text me now" widget to my website. Are those of you using this feature getting much out of it? Where did you find your widget? And to those who aren't using this feature, why? I'd be especially interested in hearing from those who used it in the past but decided it wasn't worth it for whatever reason (i.e. increase in spam, didn't work properly, etc.)
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raleigh: Have you completed your mid-year checkup?
- 06/27/08 05:30 AM
As we approach the end of the sixth month of 2008 it's time to complete your mid-year checkup. What do I mean? Ask yourself a few questions: How are you progressing on those goals you made for yourself for this year? Have you continuously educated yourself on your market and the industry? Have you written as many sucessful contracts as you'd hoped? Are you saving money for a rainy day? Are you networking ---- effectively? Are you adjusting those plans that aren't going as you expected? So you've closed three homes instead of six. What are you doing about it? Are … (9 comments)
raleigh: Saving money when prices and temperatures increase
- 06/10/08 03:25 AM
As I type this at 10:25am it is already 88 degrees here in Raleigh. And that's an improvement over the triple digits we've seen over the past few days. Instead of drving to lunch most days I walk to nearby restaurants. But now, it's too dog gone hot!!! Plus, it costs too much to eat out every single day. So what's a girl to do? Most people say "bring your lunch", but I can stand only so many turkey sandwiches. Leftovers? But I ate that last night. It wasn't *that* good! So what are a few realistic things you can do … (2 comments)
raleigh: THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE NC MAY PRIMARIES IS TODAY - APR 11!!!
- 04/11/08 03:13 AM
Don't forget that today is the last day to register to vote for the NC primary election!! Also mark these other important dates on your calendars: Absentee Mail-In Voting: Mar. 17 - Apr. 29One Stop Registration and Voting: Apr. 17 - May 3 Visit the NC State Board of Elections for more information.
raleigh: Important NC Primary Election Dates to Remember
- 04/02/08 01:58 AM
Although it's always important to vote, this year's primaries are especially important to the presidential election. Don't let these important dates pass you by: Last day to register to vote: Apr. 11Absentee Mail-In Voting: Mar. 17 - Apr. 29One Stop Registration and Voting: Apr. 17 - May 3 Visit www.sboe.state.nc.us for more information.
See you at the polls on May 6th!
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raleigh: Where's the Reality in Reality TV?
- 03/31/08 08:52 AM
It was a dreary, lazy Sunday here in Raleigh yesterday. My plans for juicy burgers, pork chops, and hotdogs grilled to perfection were abandoned after a "chance" of showers turned into an all day event. But with the lingering drought, I can't complain. While procrastinating on the dozens of things I need to do around the house, I decided to flip on the TV. To my joy there was a marathon of a certain homebuying show. Great. I guess watching it is kinda like work. I mean, I do like helping buyers, and the show is about helping people buy homes. … (17 comments)
JEFFERSON, Wis. — A 71-year-old real estate agent was found dead inside a home she had been showing, and authorities said Thursday that the man she had met there was arrested. Ann B. Nelson, of Cambridge, was found dead Tuesday night next to a smoldering mattress at the smoke-filled rural home in the town of Oakland, authorities said. The man she had seen there was arrested after he was brought in for questioning Wednesday night, said Jefferson County Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Lawrence Lee. The man, James Hole of Brookfield, Illinois, was being held … (8 comments)
raleigh: What questions do you ask potential clients?
- 02/18/08 03:00 AM
Time is short. And time is money. Everyone's busy and no one wants to waste time...or money. What questions do you ask potential clients before determining if you can (or want) to help them? I'm trying to develop my own personal check list and want to make sure I'm not forgetting anything. Thanks! Tracy … (24 comments)
Like it or not, it looks like the Raleigh area will definitely get some snow and ice this weekend. Here are a few tips on preparing your family for the storm.
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