Happy Holidays from The Hungry HouseHunter!

As the holiday season draws to a close, I reflect back on 2008--

It was a crazy year for Real Estate as a whole, but for me, a good year. The Triangle market still holds fairly strong, and now is a great time to buy.

The uncertainty of the election is finally over, and Americans can rest assured wether your candidate won or not, things will change.

I use this time to thank all my friends and family for supporting me in this career path I have chosen. It can be feast or famine sometimes, but it is always fun!

I look forward to a New Year filled with lots of good health, good food, and good business!

If you are still in need of New Years Plans...there are a few local spots to check out:

www.PeakCityGrill.com (it is a favorite)
www.firstnightraleigh.com (tickets are only 9 bucks! and lots of fun!)

New Year, New Market

I picked up a real estate book yesterday, by Gary Keller. Shift is the title, and I started to read it, thinking about gearing up for the New Year. He's got some great insight into how the market has shifted and how its going to be harder for agents to get ahead. We are going to have to work harder, and smarter. Pricing homes is going to have to be more realisitic, and buyers are too.

We've been told several times in the past months to "go back to basics"--the habits we used to have of asking for business, handing out business cards, getting out there with our sphere of influence, and being the source of economic "good news". Luckily for us in the Triangle, our market is not nearly as down as many other metro areas. We've got people moving here daily--and as long as they can sell what they currently have--they will buy here.

So as I prepare for the holidays and make New Year's party plans, I have enthusiasm and excitement to get going! What better way to network than a party?

I got an email today from Peak City Grill in Apex, they are having their New Years Eve Party and it sounds wonderful! Check it out at www.peakcitygrill.com

Cary Makes #15 Safest City in US

I thought this was great news to hear. Cary usually does well in ratings around the country, and this is yet another noteworthy one! I found a copy of the artiicle in the Cary News. Click here to read it:

http://www.carynews.com/news/story/10994.html

Rates are still low this week as well, its a great time to buy!

I have always wanted to try the 'Tini's and Toes parties at Primp Salon Bar in Dowtown Raleigh. $48 gets you a spa pedicure and a premium martini! How cool! www.primpsalonbar.com

Holiday House Hunters!

Thanskgiving has passed, and the Christmas season has begun! Typically this a slow down period for the market, but occasionally you run into a holiday house hunter. Most likely they relocating for a job, and trying to be in and settled for the start of the New Year. It is not a bad time of the year to purchase a home. Most folks that have their house on the market this time of year, need to sell, and those look at this time of year, need to buy!

I heard that the Salem Street pub is open this week--I will have to check that out! Christmas on Salem Street in Downtown Apex is this weekend, beginning Friday evening with sleigh rides and the shops open with refreshments. Sounds like a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

The WRAL tower will be lit tonight at 6pm as well, on Western Blvd. in Raleigh. This has been a tradition for 49 years. Check it out!