Do you remember how your windows used to sparkle?

Remember how your windows used to sparkle the last time they were cleaned?  We have found the absolute BEST window cleaners ever.  I (Cindy) have used them a couple of times now and they are on-time, professional, reasonably priced and do excellent work!  They even wipe the screens.  They also do gutter cleaning.

Beth 919-876-0510

They're not clean until she says they're clean.

There is an angel in Cary, NC, providing free car repairs for those less fortunate.

There truly is an angel in Cary, NC.  A local auto repair shop is giving FREE auto repairs for 2 days to help those less fortunate this Christmas season. 

http://www.wral.com/cary-auto-shop-to-offer-2-days-of-free-repairs/11829639/

Raleigh Christmas Parade is Tomorrow!

The 2012 WRAL Raleigh Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 9:40 AM.
It will also be broadcasted from 10:00AM- 12:00 AM on WRAL-TV and UNC-TV.
For more information, visit http://grma.org/christmas-parade/
Be sure to get there early to grab your front row seats!

America Recycles Day

The Town of Cary is hosting a paper shredding event on November 17, 2012 from 9 AM until 1 PM.  This will be held at 400 James Jackson Ave., Cary, NC 27513  www.TownofCary.org

The road to success is paved with....failure!

The great inventor Thomas Edison tried over 1,000 times to create the electric light bulb before he was successful.  Sylvester Stallone took his script for the first Rocky movie to every studio in Hollywood and was turned down before one studio finally agreed to film the movie (It went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture).  If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the road to success is paved with failure.

Most people avoid failure at all cost.  Winners embrace failure as a necessary path to ultimate success.  It is time we looked at failure in a new light!  Here are all the wonderful things about failure:

 

Failure makes us stronger.  Each time we don't succeed we become more resilient.

• Failure is an awesome learning experience.  When Edison was asked if he was discouraged about failing so many times he replied, " I didn't fail I was one step closer each time to success."
• Failure gains the admiration of others. Everyone loves the underdog and admires persistence.
• Failure keeps us grounded and forces us to think more creatively about solutions and obstacles.

President Calvin Coolidge said "Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

 

Do you feel like a failure?  Congratulations, you are on the road to success!

The road to success is paved with failure.

The great inventor Thomas Edison tried over 1,000 times to create the electric light bulb before he was successful.  Sylvester Stallone took his script for the first Rocky movie to every studio in Hollywood and was turned down before one studio finally agreed to film the movie (It went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture).  If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the road to success is paved with failure. 

Most people avoid failure at all cost.  Winners embrace failure as a necessary path to ultimate success.  It is time we looked at failure in a new light!  Here are all the wonderful things about failure:

• Failure makes us stronger.  Each time we don't succeed we become more resilient.
• Failure is an awesome learning experience.  When Edison was asked if he was discouraged about failing so many times he replied, " I didn't fail I was one step closer each time to success."
• Failure gains the admiration of others. Everyone loves the underdog and admires persistence.
• Failure keeps us grounded and forces us to think more creatively about solutions and obstacles.

President Calvin Coolidge said "Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."
 
Do you feel like a failure?  Congratulations, you are on the road to success!

Borrowed from Eric Routh, Resource Financial Services, Weekly Inspiration.

Please vote tomorrow!

Below is a link to some useful information to review prior to voting tomorrow.  It has NOTHING to do with party affiliation.  Tomorrow is an important date, please exercise your right to vote.

http://www.wral.com/12-things-to-know-before-you-vote-tuesday/11730852/

Research Triangle Park to unveil a new master plan.

RTP has already come a long way, and now it will expland further.  I remember as a child riding in the back of my uncle's station wagon in the heat of the summer through a swath of land that smelled like baking pine needles.  It was a very aromatic fragrance and I will always associate that summer-time NC smell with the Research Triangle Park.  Very few companies were situated in RTP at the time.  It has been amazing the watch is grow and it's getting ready to grow some more!

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/02/2454723/rtp-to-unveil-new-master-plan.html

Change is good.

Change is Good!

We are getting ready to turn back the clocks on Nov. 4th. This is an excellent time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Make it a habit of changing the smoke detector batteries each time you change your clocks (Fall and Spring) to stay safe from a house fire. According to the Town of Cary, most home fires occur from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM, when we are sleeping. Smoke will not wake you up, and home fire related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation! Source: BUD Newsletter, Oct. 2012 edition.

In light of the devastating storm which has hit the east coast, it is important (especially when the power goes out) to keep your cell phones charged.

In light of the devastating storm which has just hit the east coast, it is important (especially when the power goes out) to keep your cell phones charged.  It is your lifeline to family, friends and those who can help.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/29/tech/mobile/sandy-charge-devices/index.html?iref=obnetwork

Plan to vote early this election year?

Plan to vote early?  Below is a link to a list of places in the Triangle.  BE SURE you check and see when these places are open.  I went to Cary Senior Center to vote at 9:00 this morning, and they do not open until 11:00!

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/10/17/2419603/early-voting-sites.html 

Dave Liniger hits the nail on the head as regards the national housing market.

Thank you, RIS Media, for publishing this letter.  Regardless of your party affiliation, Dave Liniger hits the nail on the head in this Open Letter as regards the national housing market and it's importance to economic recovery/

http://rismedia.com/2012-10-25/remax-co-founder-and-chairman-dave-liniger-issues-open-letter-to-president-obama-and-governor-romney/

Weekend events, Halloween Edition, for the Raleigh area.

Weekend plans...Halloween Edition....for Raleigh, NC and surrounding communities! Credit given to WRAL.com (they do the BEST at compiling such stuff!)  Have fun and be safe!

http://www.wral.com/weekend-plans-halloween-edition-spooktaculars-raleigh-living-dead-festival-and-much-more/11696184/

Need a rug?

Need a rug?

Sundram Rugs & Interiors is selling the rug company because he is starting a new business and everything is 80% off. They are nice rugs! 

Sundram Rugs & Interiors located at 101 Baines Court in Cary – next to Bunky’s car wash on Cary Parkway near Kildaire Farm Road.

Thinking of picking up investment properties? The FHA changes their guidelines for real estate investors.

Fannie Mae has made some major changes in its polices that now allow real estate investors to purchase up to 20 properties, using renovation loans similar to 203k mortgages.

The new changes that took effect on Oct. 1 are big news for smaller investors, and are designed to help Fannie clear out its inventory of foreclosed properties. Previously, Fannie Mae guidelines limited investors to 10 mortgages on nonowner-occupied residences. And, while the new policy allows the purchase of up to 20 properties by one investor, half of the purchases now are required to be Fannie Mae foreclosures.

Here’s the fine print:

 •Minimum downpayment (on each home) is 30%

 •No mortgage insurance needed

 •Appraisal not required

 •Contributions from sellers and other interested parties are limited to 2%

•Purchase loans only, no refinances

 •No second homes

 •Properties 11 through 20 have to be Fannie Mae foreclosures

 •203k type renovation loans available through Fannie Mae finance partner

 Investors have to purchase properties through the HomePath program and finance those homes through Fannie Mae’s finance partner, Prospect Mortgage.

Over the past months, investors have stepped into markets all over the country, whether to concentrate on "flipping" properties, or renovating and renting.

 

Call us!  Email us CHUCKandCINDY@CHUCKandCINDY.com

When is Halloween celebrated this year in Cary, NC and the surrounding communities?

There has been confusion over when to expect the trick-or-treaters!  In years past, some municipalities have encouraged weekends, and some have set a timeframe...here's the 2012 list:

http://www.wral.com/when-is-halloween-oct-31/11619816/

Take the Town of Apex Parks & Rec Survey!

The Town of Apex wants your input so they can create "the best programs, facilities and connections" for the community. 

 

Take the Parks & Rec Survey!

Posted October 11, 2012

The Town has initiated an update to the 2001 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Master Plan and we are focused on creating the best programs, facilities, and connections for our community. Take the online survey and let us know what you want to see in Apex!

Really, really positive signs for the (Wake County housing) market!

More great housing news!  Stacey Anfindsen is our "go to" guy for statistical housing information.  He analyzes the market to include deed transfers at Wake County...therefore capturing FSBO stats as well.  He was an early foreseer of the real estate crash...and is now seeing "really, really positive signs..."

"Stacey Anfindsen, a residential market analyst, sees many positives. Pending sales are up, closings are up and days on the market are down, leading to a reduction in the available inventory, or fewer people waiting to sell their home. "All of those are really, really positive signs for the market," he said. "


http://www.wral.com/builders-see-triangle-housing-market-turning-a-corner/11662371/ 

Triangle housing sales are up 24 percent in the 3rd quarter!!!

The housing market is getting stronger! 

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/10/15/2414019/triangle-home-sales-up-24-percent.html

Just Say No to Junk Mail!

What a great link identifying several ways to help you get off mailing lists AND save our trees and landfills!

Courtesy of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance division.

http://www.p2pays.org/junkmail.asp

Want to visit the NC State Fair without busting the budget?

Attending the NC State Fair is such fun....but also very expensive.  Below is a link to attend the NC State Fair without busting the budget!

http://www.wral.com/saving-at-the-nc-state-fair-/11650563/

Consumer confidence index rises to a 5-year high!

Great article on recent consumer confidence standing!  It's at it's highest in 5 years!

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/10/12/2408290/consumer-confidence-index-jumps.html

It's time for the NC STATE FAIR! I can smell the food now! Below is your guide to everything!

http://www.wral.com/your-guide-to-the-nc-state-fair/11647496/

This should be a fascinating program: Apex, NC Historical Society 2012 Founders Day Program!

You are invited to the:  Apex Historical Society 25th Anniversary Founders Day Program      Sunday, October 14, 2012  3pm to 5pm   Halle Cultural Arts Center 237 N. Salem Street Apex, NC 27502    "All Aboard" For an afternoon of historic nostalgia!    Honor the founders of the Apex Historical Society  Reflect on our past achievements  Hop on board our "Re-Membering 25 Train"  Celebrate the 100th birthday of the old Town Hall  Enjoy Refreshments, diorama of 1970's Apex by The North Raleigh Model Railroad Club, and a Time Line of Apex Historical Society beginning 1987   RSVP by Oct 12 to Halle Cultural Arts Center 919-249-1120   For more information call Apex Historical Society Jan Brooks 919-469-5900, or Claire Rousseau 919-346-1440

Free shredding is TOMORROW, Saturday, Oct. 6th, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

TOMORROW, Saturday 10-6-12:    FREE shredding! FREE shredding!

 

Get rid of those old boxes of paper!!

 

We are hosting a FREE shredding event tomorrow (Saturday, Oct.6th) from 8AM to 11AM at our office:  RE/MAX United, 51 Kilmayne Drive, Cary, NC 27511

 

THIS IS A SECURE SHREDDING EVENT WHERE YOU WATCH YOUR DOCUMENTS BEING SHREDDED. 

 

Open to the public!

 

With identity theft on the rise, this is a great way to safely get rid of your documents!

This event is sponsored by RE/MAX United and Richardson Law Firm.

It is amazing what WD-40 can do!

Just in from Reader's Digest...a list of amazing things WD-40 can be used to accomplish!  Who would've thought to use it to remove gum from hair, prevent wasps from building nests, or to kill bugs?

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/13-amazing-uses-for-wd-40/?trkid=outbrain-all

Good news for the economy!

This is a great article!

http://www.dailycamera.com/nation-world-news/ci_21693484/good-news-economy-u-s-service-firms-grow

October Home Tips

Useful information, just in from Marshburn Home Inspections:

Tips

October Home Hints

October means it's about to get cold (if it hasn't already) and brings with it lots of homeowner tasks. Among other things, remember to:
Check the roof for loose, cracked or missing shingles.

• Trim tree limbs away from the roof and windows.
• Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and repair or replace as necessary.
• Store paints, caulks and liquid materials in warmer areas or remove from unheated areas and sheds. 
• Detach and store hoses.
• Clean gutters after most of the leaves have fallen and make sure downspouts and gutter extensions are in good repair.
• Set thermostats and automatic sprinklers for winter. 
• Reverse fan blades for winter settings.
• Ensure that gauges on home fire extinguishers indicate a full charge. Replace if necessary.

---

Prepare Your Fireplace for Winter

Ah, cool days, chilly nights, fall foliage and warm fires-the joys of an approaching winter. While you are getting your home ready for winter, don't forget about the fireplace. October is the perfect time to start prepping your fireplace for the cold weather. Whether it's wood-burning, gas or electric, www.diylife.com has some tips to clean your fireplace and get it in tip-top shape before frosty temperatures hit.

Need a locksmith in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Durham?

Need a locksmith? We have used John (owner) of Access Lock & Key for many years. He is on time, reasonably priced and very professional! He does residential, commercial, autos...basically anything involving a key and lock! Tell him CHUCK & CINDY sent you!

http://www.locksmith-raleigh.com/

I-95 to become a Toll Road?

Overview - As the East Coast’s main north-south highway, I-95 plays an important role in commerce and tourism, linking the nation’s populous Northeast with the South Atlantic and tourist centers of Florida.  It passes through more states than any other interstate highway, connecting some of the most densely populated regions of the country.

 Construction of I-95 in NC began in the mid 1950s, with the final sections built in 1980.  Much of the corridor remains a four-lane divided highway as when it was built.  Because there has not been major reconstruction or rehabilitation on I-95 since it was originally built, the majority of bridges, pavement, ramps and other infrastructure are reaching the end of their expected life and need replacement.  This issue has become immediate because of the large amount of heavy vehicles and trucks that use I-95 every day.  These trucks cause greater wear and tear of the roadway than lighter vehicles.

The I-95 Corridor Planning and Finance Study Environmental Assessment (EA), which will be discussed in this presentation, identified $4.4 billion in needed improvements on the I-95 corridor over the next 40 years and proposed a tolling plan that could be used to pay for these improvements.  However, tolling is not a “done deal”.  NCDOT is at the beginning of a process that will require many more steps before tolls can be placed on I-95 including receiving final tolling authority from FHWA.

In the next phase of the project, NCDOT will conduct an in-depth socio-economic analysis that evaluates the potential impacts that tolling I-95 could have on the local economies of Eastern NC.  FHWA will not grant final tolling authority until it demonstrates how the plan for implementing tolls takes into account the interests of local, regional and interstate travelers. 

 For more information visit www.driving95.com

FREE shredding event!

FREE shredding!  FREE shredding!

 

We are hosting a FREE shredding event, open to the public!

 

Saturday (October 6th) from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

 

The event will be located at our office:

 

RE/MAX United, 51 Kilmayne Dr, Cary, NC 27511

 

This is an on-site shredding event, where you will see your documents being safely and securely shredded!

Chuck Hinton & Cindy Leonard

RE/MAX United and Richardson Law Firm are additional sponsors of this event!

 

FREE shredding event!

Don't forget that we are hosting a FREE shredding event this Saturday (10-6-12) from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at our office:  RE/MAX United, 51 Kilmayne Drive, Cary, NC 27511!  Open to the public!  Get rid of those old boxes of paper!  It's safe and you can watch your papers being shredded!

Sponsored by: Chuck Hinton/Cindy Leonard, RE/MAX United and Richardson Law Firm

Just in from ABC News: Housing now a plus for the economy!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2012/09/housing-now-a-plus-for-the-economy/

What a gorgeous time of year! The perfect time to work outside!

This time of year, many people want to work in the yards and install hardscape to be ready for spring.  Have you ever thought of installing stone pavers?  Actually my sister and I installed a stone paver grill pad in one afternoon (and we are CLUELESS when it comes to this stuff) and it still looks fabulous six years later!

http://www.ehow.com/how_4556905_install-stone-pavers.html

Raleigh, NC is getting a regional transit hub!

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/11575309/

Hanging by a thread with your mortgage(s)?

Hanging by a thread? 

Foreclosures and short sales are NOT the same!  With more than one in seven mortgages not being paid today, chances are someone you know is either facing foreclosure or will be soon.

We ask because we've COMMITTED ourselves to being a community resource on avoiding foreclosure and we have some important information to share.  We know how to help!  There ARE foreclosure alternatives, including short sales and deeds-in-lieu, that may help homeowners avoid the worst effects of foreclosure.

We have been Certified Distressed Property Experts!  We know how to help.  If you, or someone you know, need our help, please send a confidential email to: chuckandcindy@chuckandcindy.com 

30-Year Fixed Rates hit 3.49% WOW! What a great reason to purchase a home!

WOW!  30-year fixed rate mortgage have hit 3.49%! Take advantage of the low home prices ANDlow mortgage rates!

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/national_world&id=8817992

Raleigh, NC is the BEST American city! Even BusinessWeek recognizes that!

Raleigh, NC is the #1 Best American City according to BusinessWeek research!  Of course, those of us who live here already knew that!

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/which-is-americas-best-city-09202011.html

"The U.S. housing recovery is for real," said Sal Guatieri, an economist at BMO Capital Markets, in a note to clients. "Great affordability, pent-up demand and strong investor interest in rental units are driving the market."

"The U.S. housing recovery is for real," said Sal Guatieri, an economist at BMO Capital Markets, in a note to clients. "Great affordability, pent-up demand and strong investor interest in rental units are driving the market."

http://www.wral.com/business/story/11565359/

Housing signals are getting stronger and stronger!

http://www.wral.com/business/story/11565558/

Lots of spooky things are happening in the Raleigh area!

As the calendar creeps into October, lots of spooky things are beginning to take place in the Raleigh area!

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/goaskmom/page/8315262/

Any questions on why so many people are moving to the Raleigh/Cary/Research Triangle Park area?! The 2012 Accolades/Business Rankings for Raleigh/Cary courtesy of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

2012

~ #4 “Tech-Twenty” City

(Raleigh-Durham, NC)

CBRE | August 2012

 

~ #3 U.S. Cities Getting

Smarter the Fastest

(Raleigh, NC)

Forbes.com | August 2012

 

~ #1 Best Quality of Life

(Raleigh, NC)

Business Facilities Magazine

July/August 2012

 

~ #2 Fastest Growing City

(Raleigh, NC)

Business Facilities Magazine

July/August 2012

 

~ #6 Economic Growth Potential

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

Business Facilities Magazine

July/August 2012

 

~ #3 Fastest Growing American City

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

HuffingtonPost.com | August 2012

 

~ #5 Most Eco-Friendly City

(Raleigh, NC)

Thumbtack.com | July 2012

 

~ #6 Hottest American City

of the Future

(Raleigh, NC)

Yahoo Finance | June 2012

 

~ #2 Best Place for

Business and Careers

(Raleigh, NC)

Forbes.com | June 2012

 

~ #6 of America’s Leading

High-tech Metros

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

TheAtlanticCities.com | June 2012

 

~ A Top 8 City with

Surprising Job Growth

(Raleigh, NC)

Kiplinger.com | June 2012

 

~ #7 Best Bang For Your Buck City

(Raleigh-Durham, NC)

TheFiscalTimes.com | June 2012

 

~ A Top 10 Beer City

(Raleigh/Durham, NC)

IDCocktails.com | June 2012

 

~ #6 Best City for a Happy Marriage

(Raleigh-Durham, NC)

RealAge.com | June 2012

 

~ #8 Most Affordable City Worth

Visiting This Summer

(Raleigh, NC)

Kiplinger.com | June 2012

~ #3 Best City for Jobs This Summer

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

Forbes | June 2012

 

~ #7 Metro with Most

College-Educated Residents

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

Brookings Metropolitan Policy

Program | May 2012

 

~ Named a Top Ten City for

Recent College Graduates

(Raleigh-Durham, NC)

Rent.com | May 2012

 

~ #7 Best City for Jobs

(Raleigh, NC)

Forbes.com | May 2012

 

~ #15 Most Peaceful Place in U.S.

(Raleigh-Cary MSA)

The Atlantic Cities | April 2012

 

~ #5 Best City for Raising a Family

(Raleigh, NC)

Forbes | April 2012

 

~ #6 Fastest-Growing American City

(Raleigh, NC)

Forbes | April 2012

 

~ #2 Most Organized U.S. City

(Raleigh, NC)

doxo.com | April 2012

 

~ #1 Healthiest Count in NC

(Wake County, NC)

CountyHeatlthRankings.org

March 2012

 

~ #9 Best City for Finance Jobs in 2012

(Raleigh, NC)

Accounting Principals | March 2012

 

~ #21 Fastest Growing Urban

Area in the U.S.

(Raleigh, NC)

U.S. Census Bureau | March 2012

 

~ #5 Most Cost-Attractive

Business Location

(Raleigh, NC)

KPMG | March 2012

 

~ #3 Best City for Health

and Happiness

(Raleigh, NC)

EcoSalon | March 2012

 

~ #3 Most Optimistic U.S. Metro

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index

March 2012

 

~ #10 Tastiest Town in the South

(Raleigh, NC)

Southern Living | March 2012

 

~ #1 Fastest Growing City

for Technology Jobs

(Raleigh, NC)

Dice | March 2012

 

~ #6 Large City for Well-Being

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index

February 2012

 

~ #5 Most Frugal City

(Raleigh, NC)

Coupons.com | February 2012

 

~ #1 Real Estate Market

to Watch in 2012

(Raleigh-Cary, NC)

Inman News | February 2012

 

~ #2 Metro with High Economic

Impact Colleges and Universities

(Raleigh, NC)

Westfield State University

January 2012

~ #6 Best City for Staying Young

(Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC)

RealAge.com | January 2012

 

~ #3 Best U.S. City to Raise a Family

(Raleigh, NC)

24/7 Wall St. | January 2012

 

~ #1 Healthiest City for Women

(Raleigh, NC)

Women’s Health | January 2012

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Be careful with your renovations...

The link below contains a fabulous article  on "Value Killing Renovations". 

http://homes.yahoo.com/news/beware-of-value-killing-renovations-20120905.html

Do your plumbing pipes make a hammering noise?

If your plumbing pipes make a hammering noise, here's the way to fix it!

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-fix-pipes5.htm

Celebrate the end of summer! There are lots of fun things planned in the Raleigh, NC area!

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/goaskmom/blogpost/11480214/

Dispose of unused prescription medication safely!

In September, the Town of Garner, NC will be hosting an awesome community service by offering a safe way to dispose of your unused prescription medications.  We are all concerned about throwing them away, flushing them down the toilet (contaminating the water system), etc., so this is a much needed event!

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/11477599/ 

The BEST steak in the Triangle...only at The Angus Barn!

I can attest to the fact that the best beef...or anything else they cook really....is the best in the Triangle!

http://www.raleigh.com/articles/angus-barn-steak-chef-walter-royal.html

Storm season is upon us. What should you have in your home?

Storm season is upon us.  What should you have in your home in case of an emergency?

http://blog.allstate.com/4-emergency-disaster-supplies-to-hoard-for-an-emergency/

Tips for Successful Yard Sale Shopping!

So many people in the Research Triangle Park area are holding yard sales this summer!  Beginning on Friday afternoons, signs start popping up like weeds!  Need to have a yard sale strategy?  Here it is!   

http://couponshoebox.com/tips/tips-for-successful-yard-sale-shopping/

Home value appreciation in the second quarter was the highest since the fourth quarter of 2005.

Things are definitely looking up in the housing market!  Check it out.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/stanhumphries/2012/07/24/housing-market-turns-corner-u-s-home-values-post-first-annual-increase-in-nearly-five-years/

The American Tobacco Trail offers a serene view of the Triangle.

The American Tobacco Trail offers a serene view of the Triangle, and follows a route where a railroad used to run!

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/11314520/#/vid11314520

Looking for a job in Research Triangle Park, NC? Here's some great news!

NetApp is hiring 460 in Research Triangle Park!

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/23/2215963/gov-perdue-to-make-jobs-announcement.html  

Real estate sales in the Triangle are up 18.7%!

Triangle MLS, Inc. - TMLS

Urban farm engages children in Garner - Wake County

Want a tomato? 

Urban farm engages children in Garner - Wake County - NewsObserver.com

It's summer time...and with that along comes thunderstorms with lighning! How can you stay safe?

It's summertime...and that means afternoon thunderstorms with lightning.  How can you stay safe?  Here are some great tips!

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/lightning/

Need a plumber?

We have FINALLY found a great plumber! They are polite, reasonably priced, capable and ON TIME!  We have used them several times and out clients are very happy!  Give them a try:  Bizzy Bee Plumbing, Inc., 919-423-7595 or www.BizzyBeePlumbing.com
 
http://plumbingraleigh.net/

This is much needed road work in Raleigh...but start thinking about your alternate routes!

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/11334970/

7 Steps for Avoiding a DIY Disaster!

7 Steps for Avoiding a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Disaster:

http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2012/07/7_steps_for_avoiding_a_diy_disaster?ecampaign=cnews201207C&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2012%2F07%2F7_steps_for_avoiding_a_diy_disaster

Raleigh / Durham is a GREAT place to live! Check us out on MSN!

Raleigh / Durham is a GREAT place to live!  Check out our review on MSN:

http://rediscover.msn.com/city/250956138/video/21?WT.mc_id=msn

August 2nd, 2012 is WATERMELON DAY at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh!

There is NOTHING like fresh sweet watermelon in the summer!  Don't forget that the State Farmers Market in Raleigh has FREE watermelon on August 2nd, 2010!

http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/promos.htm

The housing bust is over.

The housing market has turned—at last.

The U.S. finally has moved beyond attention-grabbing predictions from housing "experts" that housing is bottoming. The numbers are now convincing.

Nearly seven years after the housing bubble burst, most indexes of house prices are bending up. "We finally saw some rising home prices," S&P's David Blitzer said a few weeks ago as he reported the first monthly increase in the slow-moving S&P/Case-Shiller house-price data after seven months of declines.

Nearly 10% more existing homes were sold in May than in the same month a year earlier, many purchased by investors who plan to rent them for now and sell them later, an important sign of an inflection point. In something of a surprise, the inventory of existing homes for sale has fallen close to the normal level of six months' worth despite all the foreclosed homes that lenders own. The fraction of homes that are vacant is at its lowest level since 2006.

The reduced inventory of unsold homes is key, says Mark Fleming, chief economist at CoreLogic, a housing data-analysis firm. For the past couple of years, house prices have risen in the spring and then slumped; the declining supply of houses for sale is reason to believe that won't happen again this year, he says.

Builders began work on 26% more single-family homes in May 2012 than the depressed levels of May 2011. The stock of unsold newly built homes is back to 2005 levels. In each of the past four quarters, housing construction has added to economic growth. In the first quarter, it accounted for 0.4 percentage points of the meager 1.9% growth rate.

"Even with the overall economy slowing," Wells Fargo Securities economists said, cautiously, in a note to clients, "the budding recovery in the housing market appears to be gradually gaining momentum."

Economists aren't always right, but on this at least they agree: A new Wall Street Journal survey of forecasters found 44 believe the housing market has reached its bottom; only three don't. (The full results of the Journal's July survey will be released at 2pm ET)

Housing is still far from healthy despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to resuscitate it by helping to push mortgage rates to extraordinary lows: 3.62% for a 30-year loan, according to Freddie Mac's latest survey. Single-family housing starts, though up, remain 60% below the 2002 pre-bubble pace. Americans' equity in homes is $2 trillion, or 25%, less than it was in 2002 and half what it was at the peak. More than one in every four mortgage borrowers still has a loan bigger than the value of the house, though rising home prices are reducing that fraction slowly.

Still, the upturn in housing is a milestone, a particularly welcome one amid a distressing dearth of jobs. For some time, housing has been one of the biggest causes of economic weakness. It has now—barely—moved to the plus side. "A little tail wind is a lot better than a headwind," says economist Chip Case, the "Case" in Case-Shiller.

From here on, housing is unlikely to drag the U.S. economy down further. It will instead reflect the strength or weakness of the overall economy: The more jobs, the more confident Americans are about keeping their jobs, the more they are willing to buy houses. "Manufacturing had led growth and construction had lagged," JPMorgan Chase economists said last week."Now the roles are reversed: Manufacturing growth has slowed as private construction comes to life."

Plenty could go wrong. The biggest threat is a large shadow inventory of unsold homes, homes which owners won't put on the market because they are underwater, homes that will be foreclosed eventually and homes owned by lenders. They have been trickling onto the market, slowed in part by government efforts to delay foreclosures; a flood could reverse the recent rise in prices. Or the still-dysfunctional mortgage market could get worse. Or overly zealous regulators or a post-election change in government policy could unsettle mortgage lenders or home buyers.

But the housing bust is over.

Can your home help you retire?

This is an excellent article on how your home can help you retire!

http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2012/07/6_ways_your_home_can_help_you_retire?ecampaign=cnews201207B&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2012%2F07%2F6_ways_your_home_can_help_you_retire

Rules of Thumb for Water Use on Lawns

How much water does a lawn need? In general, turf grasses need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water per week to maintain green color and active growth. However, during certain times in the summer when high temperatures are the norm, you should allow lawns to naturally slow down in growth. You can let the lawn go almost completely dormant in hot weather. In hot weather you may need an inch of water only about every three days.
In general, water as infrequently as possible. When you do water, water thoroughly so that moisture soaks down to the roots. One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly. Watering to a depth of 4 to 6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It also allows longer periods between watering. Early morning or night is the best time for watering, as less evaporation will occur at these cooler times.

July Home Maintenance Hints

·         Check all exterior walls for peeling or cracked paint .Usually, paint on south- and west-facing walls deteriorates faster and requires more frequent recoating than paint on north- and east-facing walls.

·         Inspect brick or masonry siding for cracks or missing mortar. Repair with fresh mortar or concrete caulk.

·         Inspect roof for cracks and loose or missing shingles and repair as necessary. Check attic spaces underneath the roof for leak stains, especially from "flashed" areas in roof valleys and around chimneys and vent stacks.

·         Inspect the operation of automatic light timers and motion-detector systems, especially if you plan a vacation.

·         Prune trees and shrubs so that branches do not come in contact with exterior siding.

·         Clean and repair cracks in concrete driveways using epoxy patching material. Repair asphalt driveways using asphalt patching material. Seal asphalt driveways every other year.

·         Inspect foundation walls for tunnels or dirt bridges, which are signs of termites. If you suspect termites, contact a professional exterminator.

What to take to a 4th of July cookout? Jalapeno poppers...from my Texas niece's favorite cookbook! I add minced jalapeno and crumbled cooked bacon to my filling. These are easy to make, may be cooked the night before and warmed up at the cookout. I caution you: wear thin plastic gloves when handling the peppers (you can buy them at the grocery store). ENJOY and Happy 4th!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/07/bacon-wrapped_j/

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Thingies

thepioneerwoman.com

These are evil. And they must be destroyed. My lovely sister-in-law, Missy, brings these little wonders to my house each ...

What can I store in my attic?  And, more importantly, what should I NOT store in my attic?

http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-magazine/ask-real-simple/store-in-attic-00000000009652/index.html

What is a credit score?  How does it impact my ability to obtain a mortgage?

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/what-is-a-credit-score.aspx

What is the difference between a short sale and foreclosure?  How will a short sale or foreclosure affect my credit?  

We are certified distressed property experts and CAN help!   We have helped many clients out of difficult housing situations as a result of diminished income, job loss, or other distressing reasons.  Call or email for a confidential meeting or phone call.

http://homebuying.about.com/od/foreclosures/f/072509_Short-Sale-vs-Foreclosure.htm

How do you keep your air conditioning costs DOWN while the temperatures are RISING?

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-conserve-energy-at-home.htm

How important is curb appeal in today's market?  In a word...critical.

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/ways-to-add-curb-appeal/

4th of July Celebration - The Official City of Raleigh Portal

Can you believe the 4th of July is only 11 days away?

4th of July Celebration - The Official City of Raleigh Portal

Raleigh Ranks Among Best Places - The Official City of Raleigh Portal

Raleigh Ranks Among Best Places - The Official City of Raleigh Portal

Exactly what ARE closing costs?  Here's an explanation...

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20120605_closingcosts.htm#.T-MVfrSBadc.facebook

What to do with the lazy days of summer?  Here's a great list of chores to accomplish!

http://www.catalogs.com/info/bestof/top-10-household-chores-list-for-summer-break

Ouch!  Bit by a mosquito?  Learn how to make your yard unfriendly!

http://insects.about.com/od/insectpests/a/mosquitocontrol.htm

Butterflies are so beautiful and graceful.  Learn how to attract butterflies to your yard!

http://www.thebutterflysite.com/gardening.shtml

http://www.thebutterflysite.com/gardening.shtml

GREAT Checklist! June home-maintenance checklist - MSN Real Estate

June home-maintenance checklist - MSN Real Estate

Lenovo to add more office space in Morrisville for yet-to-be-hired workers!! :: Editor's Blog at WRAL Tech Wire

Lenovo to add more office space in Morrisville :: Editor's Blog at WRAL Tech Wire

Bicyle riders....please follow the road rules.   It's dangerous to be riding a bike in automobile traffic.  If everyone follows the rules, we will all be safe.

http://www.be-safe.org/css_com/bicycle/rules.html

Should you rent or buy a home?  Good question!
http://rismedia.com/2012-06-21/what-to-do-in-this-year-rent-or-buy-a-home/

http://homeimprovements.ygoy.com/2009/03/03/home-remedies-to-kill-ants/

Ants in your house???

Ants in your house?  Here are some great ideas to get rid of them!

http://homeimprovements.ygoy.com/2009/03/03/home-remedies-to-kill-ants/

5 Uncommon Ways To Raise Your Credit Score

This is an excellent article!

5 Uncommon Ways To Raise Your Credit Score | Bankrate.com

IT'S BUG SEASON! (Plus some other tips!)

	Ant Control: Spread some ground cinnamon where you think the ants are coming in to the house. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes. To deter ants, use catnip. Sprinkle it in their paths. Make a mixture of 2/3 cup water, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 2-3 Tablespoons dish soap. Spray where the ants are marching.
	Natural Mosquito Repellents: Splashing plain rubbing alcohol on yourself and allowing it to dry will deter mosquitoes from biting you. Rub Vick's Vaporub® on your pants and legs to ward off ticks. Use half vanilla (has to be pure vanilla) and half water and for a mosquito and tick repellent. Dab lavender oil on your pulse points; it smells great on you but repels insects.
	For Mouse Control: Place USED kitty litter from a litter box in small tubs in several places around the garage. Mice think... "it smells like a cat--must be a cat - I'm outta here!". Buy a mesh/net laundry bag that you would use for washing nylons and 5 boxes of moth balls. Put the moth balls in the bag and hang it in your garage near the door to get rid of mice, birds, and bugs. To prevent mice from gaining entry to your garage, stop up any openings with steel wood pads. Mice will not chew through these! Sprinkle ground cayenne pepper around the garage (inside & out), and especially near entry holes. Pests don't care for the smell of it. Mice hate the scent of peppermint extract. Simply sprinkle *pure* peppermint extract on the items in your garage you don't want the mice in or on.
	Before you wear a new garment, put a little clear nail polish on the front and back of each button. Buttons will stay on longer when their threads are sealed.
	Zippers won't stick if you rub them with the edge of a bar of soap.
	To remove a hem crease, sponge the material with white vinegar and press with a warm iron.
	Nail polish remover removes tar and grease from white leather shoes.
	White shoe polish will apply more evenly if you rub the shoes with a raw potato or rubbing alcohol before polishing.
	White shoe polish won't smear if you spray the shoe with hair spray after it is dry.
	Vinegar and water will remove salt stains from shoes and boots.
	New white canvas shoes will stay that way if you spray them heavily with starch.
	Clean rope trimmed shoes with a toothbrush dipped in rug shampoo.
	For longer lasting pantyhose, try freezing them before you wear them. Just wet, wring out and toss in a plastic bag to freeze. Thaw and hang to dry.
	Fresh eggs are rough and chalky . They will sink and stay horizontal on the bottom of a glass of water. The egg-white is viscous and close around the plump yolk.
	Old eggs are smooth and shiny. They will float in a glass of water. The egg-white is watery and the yolk is flat in an egg roughly 3 weeks old.
	Dried Herbs and spices lose their potency quickly. Buy only a small amount at a time. When using fresh herbs an spices, use 3 times the amount of the dried.
	Perk up soggy lettuce by soaking in cold water with some lemon juice. To store place in a zip lock bag with paper towel to absorb moisture.
	Never, never pour water on flaming fat or oil you'll spread the fire. If the fire's inside a pan, slap on the lid. If outside, turn off the heat and douse the flames by tossing on a handful of baking soda or salt.
	Wax paper is endlessly useful. Use it: To catch grated cheese, to place under seasoned flour for breading or spices for blackening, to tear into strips to slip under a cake you are icing, to cover a dish you are microwaving.
	Collect a large assortment of Chinese wooden paddles and spoons. Use them to save wear and tear on your good stainless steel and copper pots.
	Instead of using plastic wrap to cover bowls in the microwave, cover a round heatproof glass bowl with a round heatproof glass casserole cover or with an inverted heatproof glass bowl of the same size. A heat-resistant round glass pizza pan also works well, and the overhang makes removal and recovery both safe and easy.
	Use a lightweight pot for boiling pasta; water will come to its initial boil faster and will return to the boil faster, too, saving time and preventing the pasta from clumping at the bottom of the pot.
	Before heating a nonstick pan, always coat it with nonstick vegetable cooking spray and never heat the pan more than 3 minutes before adding food.
	To remove pesky bottle tops and jar lids, don a pair of rubber gloves. Or twist a fat rubber band around the lid, then twist open. Works like a charm.
	If you store your best silver in self-sealing plastic bags, it will tarnish much more slowly.
	When your cookbook won't lie flat when opened on the counter, place a glass baking dish on the pages (you can read through the glass) or secure each side with a rubber band.
	Use top-quality typewriter correction fluid to cover nicks, chips, and scratches on enameled ranges and refrigerators, porcelain tiles, and sinks. Works like a charm and it comes in a variety of colors.
	Never use disinfectants to clean the fridge, foods will pick up taste and odor.
	When laundering clothes, add detergent to the washer first. Pouring detergent on clothing can cause fabrics to fade.
	Apply spray starch to doors and to painted walls along hallways and stairways where fingerprints accumulate. The coating will resist marks better.
	Place a piece of white chalk in your silver chest or jewel box to absorb moisture and help prevent tarnishing of silverware and jewelry.
	Freezers run more efficiently when they're three-quarters or more full. When provisions drop, fill milk cartons or jugs with water and put them in the freezer to take up empty space.
	Wiping the inside of the fridge with vinegar helps prevent mildew because acid kills mildew fungus.
	For a fresh smelling fridge, keep a box of baking soda, a can filled with charcoal or dried coffee grounds or a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract inside of it.
	Crumbled newspapers lining the vegetable compartments of a refrigerator will keep veggies crisp.
	Those beds of pansies will bloom more prolifically if you take a few moments to pinch out early buds. This encourages plants to bush out and, in the end, produce more flowers.
	To keep your extension cords from getting tangled, insert them into a empty toilet paper roll to store.
	Drain de-clogger: 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar. Pour baking soda down drain first then follow with the vinegar. Close drain and let sit until bubbling has stopped then follow with a bucket of hot boiling water.
	Store eggs with the large end up to keep the yolk centered.
	For perfect hard-cooked eggs, cover the eggs with cold water and bring to a boil. Then turn off the heat and let the eggs sit on the burner for 10-15 minutes.
	Refrigerate candles for several hours before lighting; it will cause fewer drips.
	Have you ever peeled garlic or handled it and your hands smell to high heaven? The next time that happens, take any stainless steel bowl, pan or other stainless steel kitchen gadget and rub your hands on it. It will take away the smell of garlic.
	Lemon extract will remove scuff marks from luggage.
	Dry Mustard will remove onion odors from your hands or cutting board. Rub in, then rinse off.
	Place bay leaves in kitchen drawers and in flour and sugar sacks to keep crawling insects away. From The F.U.N.Place