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May 16, 2008
Hello Everyone!
As you may imagine, things remain in fast gear at Devalle Realty. I'm definitely not complaining! But it has me falling short with updating my blog. If you'd like to contribute anything at all - for everyone to know about - just pop me an email and I'll be glad to post it... with my approval of course. I'm sure everyone wants to know about what's going on in and around the beautiful Triangle Area and right here at home in Clayton. Just put in the subject line "For Clayton Blog". Thanks in advance and look forward to your contributions!
Here's something going on right now... check out today's printing of The News & Observer. Life, etc section cover reads, "Stars in our eyes". The N&O is running its own talent contest. Our very own version of American Idol. You can be a part by going to http://share.triangle.com/star2008 and vote for your favorite.
Please note: real estate articles will continue to be posted in the Real Estate Resourses section of this website. Enjoy!
Thanks again! Duane
March 12, 2007
Here's another good one for you!
Pro Athletes' Homes Can Be Tough Sell
Daily Real Estate News | March 6, 2007
Over-the-top amenities that pro athletes choose for their homes can make reselling them to mere mortals a challenge.
From Miami to San Francisco, the real estate market has a glut of splashy homes of professional athletes, and other home owners with the cash, to tailor their homes to their own tastes.
For instance, Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez can’t unload his 4,500-square-foot condo in Boston. The $6.9 million asking price might be too high, but another factor could be the bedroom decked out like Fenway Park. The room includes a mural of the field with the trademark Citgo sign in the background and twin beds made to look like the Green Monster outfield wall, with authentic paint and netting.
With many homes to choose from, buyers are unlikely to pay a premium for amenities they don’t want.
“‘Highly personalized’ is a nice way of saying, ‘Your taste isn’t what people want,’” says Lanse Robb, an associate with LandVest Realty in Massachusetts.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, Ben Casselman (03/02/07)
February 3, 2007
Here are some quick fixes to sell a home faster, according to home stager Lori Matzke, founder and president of Centerstagehome.com located in Minneapolis:
These suggestions are certainly simple and inexpensive, yet provide the impact to generate offers.
Give me a call at 919-201-1663 for additional selling tips. - Duane
January 13, 2007
Thought you might get a kick out of this statistic...
The Most Expensive Home of 2006
According to the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the most expensive house sold in 2006 was an English-style, 10,000 square foot Alpine, New Jersey mansion complete with guest cottages, pool, and tennis courts.
The estate is on 63 sprawling acres just five miles from Manhattan.
The price tag? A whopping $58 million.
It was Advanced Photonix CEO Richard Kurtz who bought the number one seller from Henry Clay Frick II.
Things must be going well at Advanced Photonix!
Here's a short article concerning foul weather home sales. Some nice suggestions...
Daily Real Estate News | January 4, 2007
Selling a home during the cold-weather months can be a challenge. Here are some tips for handling a sale in the dark winter months:
Source: Universal Press Syndicate, Ellen James Martin (01/04/07)
December 23, 2006
Bill provides tax relief for homebuyers who don't have 20%
Earlier this month, the United States Congress passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006.
First time homebuyers, in particular, should take note that a provision in the act will allow them to deduct the cost of mortgage insurance premiums from their taxes.
Typically when the homebuyer has less than 20% as a downpayment, they are required by the lender to obtain mortgage insurance.
Paying the additional expense can often be difficult for those without the ability to raise 20% for a downpayment. The bill is intended to provide some relief to those more likely needing. An income maximum of $100,000 per household ($50,000 for individuals) is written into the bill.
The bill applies to homes purchased in 2007 only.
Let's face it, every little bit helps. Always consult your tax advisor regarding tax matters.
Your Realtor,
Duane
December 10, 2006
One of my listings is back on the market. Take a look at the movie tour which is on the "Featured Properties" page of this website. Go ahead and click on the "Small Town Charm" title and enjoy a look at this wonderful home.
This home is located in Wake Forest, which is northeast of Raleigh. It is approximately a 30 to 40 minute drive from Clayton.
List price is $129,900. Its worth a look!
Duane - "For this one, I represent the seller."
December 3, 2006
Prefer a home on or near a Clayton golf course? These three facilities offer sixty three holes of golf...
Riverwood Golf Club-
Riverwood Golf Club is a championship layout set in the beautiful rolling terrain along the Neuse River in Clayton, NC. Golf Course Designer, David Postlethwait, created 27 holes of wonderful golf. The course is made of bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens.
Find out more about Riverwood.
The Neuse Golf Club(Glen Laurel)-
Glen Laurel is a wonderful community surrounding the Neuse Golf Club's exciting 18 holes. The golf facility has earned a long list of accolades. Another new housing phase is scheduled for the near future. Homes range in age from the early 1990's to 2006.
Learn more about Glen Laurel.
Pine Hollow Golf Club
Pine Hollow is a beloved, enjoyable 18 hole golf course, which underwent a recent renovation. The renovation was successful in bringing the overall golf course up to the standards expecting of today's demanding golfer. Originally established in 1968, the renovation made improvements such as new bunkers, bermuda fairways, new irrigation and larger bentgrass putting surfaces.
The course and surrounding community is only minutes away from I-40 for easy access to Raleigh, RTP and beyond.
Capitol Homes offers a final phase in this beautiful neighborhood. Golf course lots are still available.
To learn more about Pine Hollow and the surrounding area, contact Contact Duane
November 7, 2006
Check out this article out...
Some advice you may have received regarding home inspections may not be all that good. Have you heard this one?
"New home? You don't need to inspect."
Home Inspections - Do It Right
October 28, 2006
North Carolina State Fair posts nearly 800,000
For those moving into the area, you can look forward to attending the North Carolina State Fair - held annually. The largest fair in the state wrapped up last weekend.
This year's theme was "Feed Your Senses". With the great entertainment, food, rides and exhibits you certainly could get a taste of it all. Nearly 800,000 visitors enjoyed the fair this year.
To learn more about this outstanding event, visit www.ncstatefair.org for all of the details.
- Your Realtor, Duane
October 16, 2006
Fall is here, temperatures are falling, so here are a few tips to prepare your home for the winter season...
- Your Realtor, Duane
October 8, 2006
Here's a new listing - MLS# 89258. This home is just right for anyone wishing to live in or around the Wake Forest Historic Downtown area for under $130,000! Great neighborhood. A featured video tour is up and running on my "featured properties" page. Take a look, I'm sure you'll be impressed.
- Duane
September 28, 2006
The list price has been reduced to $139,900 - MLS# 880212. Take a tour of this outstanding townhome on my "featured properties" page. This one might be perfect for you!
- Duane
Check out this article. Florida now outpaces New York.
Experts see rise in 'half-backs' -- people moving south, then halfway back home
Published Thu, Sep 21, 2006
By JENNY BURNS
The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News
Floridians are leaving the Sunshine State -- which they say is overpriced and too hurricane-prone -- and heading to South Carolina and North Carolina.
Florida has taken the top spot as the Carolinas' largest in-migration market -- overtaking New York in a 2005 survey of those wanting to move to the Carolinas by the Center for Carolina Living, a group that promotes relocation.
Florida ranked fourth in 2004. In the past 20 years, it ranked sixth or lower. New York, which ranked first in 2004, dropped to second in 2005.
"Florida actually beat out New York, the perennial way-out-front ranker for 20 years," said Pat Mason, co-founder for Center for Carolina Living. "Florida numbers tripled and New York doubled. We used to have one big, robust market, and now we have two big, robust markets. And it appears that there's enough momentum to keep that whether the storms hit here or not."
The research is proof to Realtors and builders that what they've been seeing for the past couple of years -- more buyers from Florida -- is not just a theory, it's a trend.
"It does confirm that the half-back syndrome is definitely taking place," said Tom Maeser, market analyst and president of the Fortune Academy of Real Estate.
The real estate industry calls them "half-backs" -- Northeasterners who move to Florida, end up unhappy, and move "halfway back" to South and North Carolina.
Builders say these buyers want a change of seasons, lower cost of living and closer location to family and friends back home.
Denise Sanders, real estate agent with Century 21 Broadhurst, said she's had a significant number of calls from Florida in the last year.
"They seem to be worried about the cost of living overall (in Florida). Their taxes are higher and a few of them think that we're a lot less hurricane-prone. In most cases, they can get more here for their buck," Sanders said.
September 9, 2006
A few home maintenance tips to retain your home's value and help avoid possible costly repairs.
September 3, 2006
When you receive your property tax assessment, check for accuracy. Mistakes in assessments can happen which may increase your property tax bill significantly. Looks for errors such as incorrect age, square footage, lot size, floor plan, etc. Compare your assessed value with your neighbors' homes.
If you believe your home is over-assessed, consider filing for a tax reduction appeal with your local tax assessor's office. The assessment value is the only part of your tax bill that you may appeal. The other factor is the tax rate, which is set by local officials and cannot be changed. Start your research as soon as you receive the assessment and file the appeal before the deadline.
September 1, 2006
A two-hour drive down Interstate 40 enables Raleigh area residents to enjoy everything the Atlantic Beach and surrounding area provides.
A visit to The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must do. The newly renovated aquarium presents shipwrecks, sharks, river otters and other wonders of the water. A 70-foot replica of a coral-encrusted World War II German submarine, the U-352, lists to one side on the bottom of the 306,000 gallon aquatic display. A 60-foot viewing window offers supurb views of fierce-looking tiger sharks, as well as, stingrays, barracudas, schools of fish and other creatures which typically habitat shipwrecks. The new theme, "From North Carolina's Mountains to the Sea", takes visitors on an aquatic journey from the state's peaks to the Atlantic Coast. Five galleries - Mountain, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, Tide Waters and Ocean - along with over 2,500 animals help illustrate the aquatic environments unique to each zone. For the admission of only $8 for adults, the aquarium should be a highlight of your visit. For more information visit www.ncaquariums.com.
This area known as the "Crystal Coast", boasts beautiful beaches. Atlantic Beach has public access, shower and restroom amenities. Cape Lookout National Seashore is a more remote get away. The three barrier islands that make up Cape Lookout National Seashore are undeveleped yet readily accessable by private boats and public ferries. Popular activities include fishing, camping, kayaking and collecting sea shells. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a big draw. The Keepers' Quarters contains a small museum and bookstore. Picnic tables, a cross-island boardwalk, comfort station and a hand-pump for drinking water complete the amenities available. To learn more visit http://www.nps.gov/calo/.
The Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks delight visitors to Morehead City and Beaufort. Often called "ponies" because of their diminutive size, these wild horses live on the island called Shackleford Banks. Local historians believe these horses are descended from Spanish mustangs that swam to shore from shipwrecks more than 400 years ago. On your visit, will you spot one? A website dedicated to the preservation of the ponies is www.shacklefordhorses.org.
Also enjoy golfing, dining, and shopping in and around the quaint historic downtown areas while on your visit. For more area information and planning for your trip to the the Carolina Coast visit http://www.vgnet.com/cc/.
Money - August,06
8 Things to Say to Any Repair Person
Sound too naive and you might as well hand over your checkbook. Here's everything you need to spell out in that first phone call.
"I was referred by Joe Smith." - Name drop; a company is less likely to rip off the friend of a good customer.
"My hot-water heater is leaking, and I think it needs patching." - Explain what's broken, using technical terms as much as possible (do an online search to find proper names). Say what needs to be done, if you know. By doing so, you narrow the scope of the repair-in this case, patching the water heater instead of replacing it-and therefore reduce the cost.
"This is the second time this has happened The first time..." - If there's a history of problems with the item, say so.
"Is there a way I can fix this myself?" - Sometimes he'll tell you, particularly if he's busy.
"What are your rates? Will there be a trip fee or minimum?" - Be clear on the payment system. Most companies have a base charge of $50 to $100, plus an hourly rate. But remember: Verbal estimates are nonbinding.
"Can I e-mail a photo?" - This may save you a wasted visit fee if the repairman is the wrong person for the job.
"Can I buy the supplies myself?" - If so, you could save yourself the 20% markup and the hourly rate for shopping time.
"Are you insured?" - He should answer yes. He may also need to be licensed, depending on your state's requirements. Check them first yourself at contractors-license.org. The site also lists the local licensing agencies, which you can call to verify that a contractor is legit.
Daily Real Estate News / July 24, 2006
Decorating Tips that Pay Off
Laurie Smith, star of The Learning Channel’s popular “Trading Spaces” TV show, recently wrote a book about her own home renovation.
Discovering Home With Laurie Smith: Find Your Personal Style offers these tips for designing on a dime:
Source: The Dallas Morning News, Brittany Edwards (07/23/06)
July 17, 2006
Under federal law, each of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) must give you one free credit report a year. This is the place to get your free credit report - AnnualCreditReport.com.
June 28, 2006
Although many areas of the country are experiencing housing slow downs, it appears North Carolina is not one of those areas. Read the recent atricle I've attached to learn more.
N.C. Existing Home Sales for May Post Double Digit Growth
GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina Association of Realtors - June 16, 2006
N.C. existing home sales posted double digit-growth in May, increasing 15 percent from April and 4 percent from this time last year. According to statistics compiled by the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, 13,308 residential units were sold in May. Total sales dollars for the month were $2,879,095,941 and the average existing home sales price was up 3 percent to $216,343.
More than 54,400 units have been sold on a year-to-date basis. The average sales price increased 2 percent over the same time period to $208,214.
Greenville (46), Wilson (46), Fayetteville (44) and Asheville (40) lead the state in positive growth, posting the strongest year-to-date increase in total sales dollars. The largest year-to-date price appreciation was seen in Brunswick and Goldsboro at 37 and 34 percent, respectively.
Unlike 2005, which saw mountain and coastal regions leading the state in positive growth, many previously hot coastal areas are cooling down in both unit sales and prices. Coastal regions seeing a downturn in total dollar sales include the Outer Banks and Brunswick County at -61 and -45, respectively.
Clayton offers homeowners in the area a park which is complete with talking trees and rocks. The educational forest is interesting for both the young and old. Learn how quartz is created and how it helps the world. Can you tell the difference between a longleaf and a loblolly pine? After a visit to Clemmons Educational Forest you will. My wife and I visit the forest often. We especially enjoy taking the outer two-mile trail for a bit of excercise. The park also features a covered pavilion, which is great for group gatherings. For more information visit the Clemmons Educational Forest Website.
Most parents are very interested in the quality of their children's education. Check out the links on this page. You'll find everything you need, and more, relating to Raleigh Area schools! Clayton Area Education Page
Check out this real estate property which recently hit the market. It's absolutely charming! You may view a video tour on the Clayton Real Estate Featured Properties Page.
Raleigh, the state capital, is located in the central part of the state of North Carolina. Raleigh and the surrounding area has an abundance to offer. Click on the following links to learn more...
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