Activities to Do With Your Kids in Cary, NC this Winter

Activities to Do With Your Kids in the Winter Months

Winter Fun in Cary, NC

While the Summer presents a multitude of opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment, Winter can also be fun - especially for kids! 

In this part of NC we are lucky that we get to enjoy some Winter pleasures, without being completely buried in low clouds and snow for months on end. NC winters are generally pretty mild with the occasional Winter storm with snow and ice. Last year seemed more cloudy than Winters past, which for the most part offer cool, crisp sunny days.

Most kids have their sleds ready, eagerly awaiting the first snowfall. Sometimes we get lucky and have snow for the Holidays, but likely it comes in January or February. In some recent years, we have only received a dusting, but still fun none the less.

The Winter months provide additional opportunities to enjoy quality time with family. Don't let cabin fever get to you this month. Try some of these indoor activities.

Build a Storage Cart for Toys - Kids have an innate specialty for cluttering up your house with their toys. And it really seems to pile up in the Winter when they spend more time indoors. The best way to resolve the problem of a messy room is to involve the children in an activity which helps to keep the room clean. You can make a simple toy storage cart out of wood or even use a sturdy cardboard box or a large plastic tote with wheels. Then have your child decorate it any way they want.

Painting Party - Clear out a space on the floor and get a giant roll of craft paper and some painters tape. Tape off a big work space and set out washable paint, markers and blank paper. Let your little artist create a masterpiece. Children can paint pretty pictures for relatives and friends as a gift for the Holidays. What could be a better holiday gift for granddad, than a special painting made just for him! You can also make ornaments and other dome decorations.

Arts & Crafts - Winter is the perfect time for arts and crafts. You can enjoy the creative flair of your child by engaging in different fun arts and crafts activities. You can help him make paper chains and snowflakes to decorate the house for the holidays. You can also show him how to make sock puppets and actually have a puppet show! A great local resource for crafting supplies is the Cary Creative Center. You can also take the kids to the workroom there to create works of art from recycled materials. Very fun!

Baking - Indulge yourself and have good fun with your children baking holiday treats. Bake chocolate cakes and cookies and enjoy them while going through old photographs. You can dress up and be a kid with your child! Make interesting things out of play dough and relive your childhood. Here is a great recipe for Homemade Play Dough.

Here is a very cute book to create your own Winter Fun. The Kids Winter Handbook.

Follow my Winter in Cary Board on Pinterest for more great ideas!

Triangle Real Estate Market Update September 2013

Triangle Real Estate Market Update September 2013

Local Real Estate Market Continues to Improve

In a recent report from the TMLS (Triangle Multiple Listing Service) it was stated the "homes are going like hotcakes". Our local figures are pretty impressive.

Compared to September of last year (2012) closed sales are up 15%. And for 3rd Quarter 2013, closed sales are up 26%. Typically this time of year the market slows, mostly due to the holiday season and people's lack of interest in moving this time of year.

Supply of homes available for sale has also decreased since last year. We are currently at a 3 month supply, which is relatively low. On average homes as staying on the market about 30 days less than this time last year. It was also noted that homes priced well and in great condition are selling within a week!

Several important lessons can be learned from this report if you are a buyer or a seller in our local market right now.

1. If you are thinking of selling - this is a great time. Especially before the end of the year. Why? Because you will have less competition since less homes are typically listed in Q4. And there is still buyer demand!
2. Pricing your home right and making sure it's in excellent showing condition will yield you a speedy sale.
3. If you are a buyer, it is important to be pre-approved for a loan and have your needs and wants in a home ironed out. So when that perfect home comes on the market - the one that everyone wants - you are ready to make a solid offer and close quickly. Multiple offers are occurring on the homes that everyone wants.

Take a look at this video from TMLS for more detailed information.

If you are considering buying or selling in the Cary, Apex, Morrisville or surrounding communities, please give me a call so we can weigh all your options and make sure you make the right move.

Holiday Shopping in Cary, NC

Holiday Shopping in Cary, NC

Your Guide to Local Holiday Shopping

Do you like to shop? I know I do! With the holidays approaching what better time than to start planning a few shopping outings. The Cary, NC area is a shoppers paradise. Everything you’re looking for, from clothing, shoes, jewelry, electronics, home décor – and some unexpected treasures – can be found in Cary’s unique shopping centers. Raleigh and Durham, just minutes away, also offer an abundance of shopping opportunities.

Shopping in Cary and Surrounding Areas

Cary Towne Center - Home to all your favorite stores like Belk, Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears; not to mention other great shops like Hollister Co., American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Chicos, Coldwater Creek, LOFT, The Gap and Gymboree. Cary Towne Center is small local mall that is never crowded. While this may not appeal to some people, many like it because they don't have to wait in line or feel rushed. You will find all the name brand stores here with easy parking and no crowds. It's not fancy, but it has everything you need with 130 great stores and eateries.

Crossroads Plaza - Filled with great shopping, providing visitors with a combination of popular and local specialty shops. Most of the "big box" stores are located here such as Target, Best Buy, Kohls, Costco, World Market, Marshalls, Home Goods, Dick's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael's, Steinmart, and more. There are also many restaurants in this shopping area such as Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Jason's Deli, Sweet Tomatoes, Bob Evans and many more.

Waverly Place – Winner of the Best Kept Secret Award in the News & Observer 2012 Best of Cary Awards. Shops and restaurants surround the open-air Promenade, an acre of entertainment space and green space and a playground. Whole Foods, GiGi's Cupcakes, and other specialty shops and unique restaurants are located in this plaza. There is also a weekly Farmers Market here.

The Arboretum at Weston – Featuring fine dining, boutiques, outdoor cafe seating, day spa and fitness center. Visit Kristen's Place for fine ladies clothing, accessories and shoes as well as unique gifts. An, one of the areas finest restaurants is located here along with Bonefish Grill.

Park West Village, a recently developed shopping area in west Cary offers Target, BuyBuy Baby, Gander Mountain, Ross, TJ Maxx, Rack Room Shoes, and much more.

Dozens of distinctive shops are found in smaller, neighborhood shopping centers throughout the community.

Need a gift for that special occasion? Check out a little shop or designer boutique tucked away in Downtown Cary for that one of a kind item. Downtown Cary Shopping.

Want even more choices? 

Head toward Raleigh to the Crabtree Valley Mall. Wander through the boutiques and specialty gift shops in Cameron Village and enjoy a stroll through downtown Raleigh's City Market shopping district. The North Hills shopping area also offers many upscale shopping and dining options in an outdoor mall setting.

Or take the short drive to Durham and shop the Streets at Southpoint, a super-regional mall including an outdoor cityscape and more than 170 shops and restaurants. Featuring Nordstrom, Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Belk, Crate & Barrel, and a 16-screen cinema including IMAX. Recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s "10 great places to spend it all in one place."

Just next door in downtown Apex, you will find a quaint and charming downtown with fun antique and specialty shops, an old fashioned ice-cream parlor and a bakery. A trip during the holidays is even more special with the town's holiday decor creating an even more charming atmosphere.

Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it in Cary, NC and surrounding areas. You will never be bored with the wide variety of shopping opportunities here!

See you in the shops!

When is it Time to Downsize Your Home?

When is it Time to Downsize Your Home? 

It's not just for retirement anymore!

Traditionally most average homeowners start out small and end up small, sometimes increasing the size of their homes in between. Commonly the decision to buy a larger house is motivated by a growing family, though increased wealth and growing acquisitions are also common factors.

Given the trends in urban living and rising costs of maintaining a home, there is a growing body of people that has decided smaller is better. If you’ve followed the traditional route and bought the biggest and best home you can afford, why would you want to downsize your home? Once you have established the advantages of downsizing, you can decide whether this is what you want to do, and when it is time for you to downsize your home.

While a smaller home will inevitably result in fewer belongings, and may lead to space restrictions, there are a number of good advantages that you should consider if you have an inkling that it’s a good time to downsize your home.

Popular Reasons to Downsize Your Home 

• It’s very likely going to cost you less money on your mortgage payments.
• It will definitely save on time in terms of cleaning and general maintenance. 
• Your utility bills will be lower because it costs less to heat or cool smaller spaces.
• You are less likely to buy new items quite simply because there’s no space for them; this results in reduced spending.
• Overall if you downsize your home the demands of a smaller house will be less, which minimizes the stress factor.
• With less maintenance and more savings, you can afford to do other things, like travel, buy a boat or motor home.

When people think of downsizing, they usually think of "empty nest syndrome".  The kids have moved on to college or started their own families and the house just feels too big. This is certainly the case the majority of the time. However, recently there has been a trend towards smaller living, even for those with families. 

Many new home communities offer so many amenities and recreational options, that town homes or patio homes with small yards have become a really great option for families. Condos in urban areas are also attractive to retirees who enjoy being able to walk to many conveniences.

Whatever the reasons, downsizing can be a great way to simplify your life and focus less on material possessions and more on the quality of your life.  After all, it's not the size of the home that makes it a happy place to live - it's the people who live in it.

Is it time to downsize your home?  If you have been thinking of downsizing, give me a call and let's weigh your options.  It may be easier than you think.

West Cary, NC - 27513

Living in West Cary, NC - 27513

Helpful Links and Information for Cary, NC 27513 Area

West Cary, primarily located in the 27513 zip code and the 27519 zip code, is a wonderful place to live. It's is the "newer" part of Cary which spreads towards the RTP - Research Triangle Park.  Bordering downtown Cary and Morrisville with easy access to the new I540 extension and highway 40, the area is popular among people who work in the RTP area.  Being in close proximity to RDU airport is also a plus for people who travel often.  

Cary, being a Town in itself, offers the benefits of small town living with all of the metro conveniences of adjacent Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The Town of Cary has been consistently voted one of the best places to live and raise a family.  The Town of Cary offers many Town sponsored events and activities through the Cary Parks and Recreation Department. If you are new to the area, visit the Town of Cary's New to Cary Guide for local information.

The Wake County Public School System has an excellent reputation locally and the schools in West Cary are sought after.  There are also several top private schools in the area too.

Elementary Schools
Alston Ridge Elementary
Carpenter Elementary
Highcroft Drive Elementary
Northwoods Elementary
Reedy Creek Elementary
Weatherstone Elementary

Middle Schools
Davis Drive Middle School
Reedy Creek Middle School
West Cary Middle School

High Schools
Greenhope High School
Panther Creek High School

Private Schools
Chesterbrook Academy
Primrose School of West Cary
Cary Academy
St. Michael Catholic School

If you are considering relocating to the Raleigh metro area, come visit the West Cary area. Well manicured, tree lined streets with sidewalks, community parks, plenty of shopping, nice homes and friendly neighborhoods are just some of the things that attract people to this area.

There are several local golf courses, a semi-Private Country Club, many public parks with varied recreational activities and the Cary Greenway system for biking and jogging.  A local Farmer's Market is a weekend favorite, along with boating and fishing at Fred G Bond Metro Park. Several events and festivals are also held at Bond Park throughout the year.

Here are some more helpful links for Living in West Cary - 27513

West Cary Animal Hospital
West Cary Dental
Churches in 27513 Area
Apartments for Rent
Storage Units in 27513 Area
Assisted Living and Senior Living

Relocating to the Raleigh/Cary area?  Please contact me for a personal tour of the West Cary area.  I live here and have been working in real estate here for over 13 years.

If you are looking for a home in West Cary, visit my Website to search for homes.  If you have any questions about certain neighborhoods or any homes you see online, please feel free to give me a call anytime.  I am ready to help your and your family make the right move.

West Cary Neighborhoods - Homes for Sale in 27513 Zip Code
All Homes for Sale in 27513
Homes Under $200,000
Homes between $200,000 and 300,000
Homes between $300,000 and 400,000
Homes between $400,000 and $500,000
Homes over $500,000

Real Estate Agents Tips to Getting Your Home Sold

Real Estate Agents Tips to Getting Your Home Sold

Are you thinking of Selling a Home in Cary or the Triangle area?  Experienced real estate agents will tell their clients that the key to getting top price for their homes is to move the house quickly. There is a perception that if a house has been on the market for some time, there must be something wrong with it. And when this happens, often the only way to get an offer is to reduce the price.

Ten top tips to sell your house quickly.

1. Get professional help. Professional real estate agents are trained to sell houses and manage the process. Find someone you like, who has a good reputation, who you trust, and listen to what he or she suggests. Unlike you, real estate agents do not allow emotions to get in the way of a sale. A good agent is looking out for your best interest and your bottom line.
2. Get the price right the first time. Ironically, by pricing a house a little lower than its appraisal usually attracts more buyers who will bid against one another and so increase the asking price. If you price your home too high, you’ll end up having to lower the price and people will think there are hidden problems. 
3. Clean up all the clutter. Never forget that potential buyers want to visualize themselves in the house. Too much furniture and personal paraphernalia is likely to be a turn-off. Once the clutter is gone, home staging will add appeal. Remember, they need to picture themselves there - not you.
4. Make sure everything is working.  And this means everything from doors to appliances, electric and plumbing. Unless buyers are looking for a renovator’s dream, they’re going to want to move in without having to do any serious work first. 
5. Change perspective. One of the best tips to getting your home sold quickly if it has been stuck on the market for a while is to try a different sales tactic. Change the pictures (especially if the exterior shots are out of season!)  Try different marketing angles, appealing to different types of specific buyers.
6. Don’t fight the market.  You can’t. Study sales comparables.  Buyers will - and most won't want overpay. Be realistic.  
7. Put in some elbow grease.  Relatively minor improvements including painting and basic landscaping will help to make your home stand apart from the neighbors, also giving it curb appeal. If it doesn’t have curb appeal you’re not likely to even get potential buyers through the front door.  Unless you are priced below market.
8. Don’t assume that a costly renovation will bring in more money. While a well thought out renovation can increase the selling price, it’s a very easy way to over-capitalize. Since renovations can take time, fixing, cleaning and staging will generally ensure a quicker sale.  Consult with a professional before you invest any further into your home.
9. Offer incentives to potential buyers. In a buyers’ market you want them to believe you are offering the best possible deal. Ideas include a credit towards closing costs, a home warranty on the house or a club or pool membership. 
10. Online Marketing. Use social media to spread the word that your house is on the market. This is one of the best tips to getting your home sold. Do you have an email list of the neighbors?  Or a neighborhood Facebook page?  Ask your local friends to share.  You never know who may be looking.

I would love to assist you with the sale of your home in the Cary, Apex, Raleigh and Triangle Metro area.

Please give me the opportunity to evaluate your unique situation and offer my expert advice to you get you top dollar in today's market.

Call me at 919-559-1788 or click here to Email me today.

Triangle Real Estate Market Update August 2013

Triangle Real Estate Market Update August 2013

Wow, Summer is almost over.  Kids are back to school and things are settling down.  Well, not for the local housing market!  August figures were particularly impressive since generally it's a slower month in real estate.

There has been a definite improvement overall in the local Triangle Real Estate Market since 2012.  In comparison to this time last year, August 2012 saw an average days on the market of 110 days compared to August 2013 where it was only 70 days.  Low inventory and higher demand have led to this trend.

Here are a few stats for August 2013

• Closed Sales Up 22%
• Pending Sales Up 24%
• Showings Up 15%

The overall market is showing about a 3 month supply of inventory.  However, in our local market, there is a big variance between the lower priced homes and the upper priced homes.  There is a definite shortage of inventory under $200,000 and an over supply in higher priced homes.  Job market growth will likely be the game changer in this regard.

There has been an upswing in new listings on the market, both resale and new home construction.  This can be attributed to rising confidence of sellers that there is growing demand.

Watch the Triangle MLS latest Market Update Here.

If you would like more information about the local housing market in the Cary, Raleigh, Apex and Morrisville areas of the Triangle and what it means for your unique situation, give me a call. I'm here to help.