Making Up The Money & Mudbugs at Tony's!

I had a conversation with a potential client about putting their home on the market this week. She was afraid that they would not get what they were hoping for, and certainly not what they needed to get out of their current home in able to purchase a new one. I told her that one advantage of the market right now is that you may be able to make up what you "lose" in your current home when you purchase a new one. Deals are being made out there, folks who are relocating, or in a tough job situation may be willing to bargain, and take less for their homes just to get it sold. Although our market has not suffered like many in our nation, we have slowed some, and if you are considering purchasing--now is a great time. Rates were under 5% on Friday! Wow!

My hubby and I ventured out Friday night for dinner, and we happend up on Tony's Oyster Bar in MacGregor's shopping center. I had a hankering for oysters, and to my husbands surprise--Crawfish are the Friday and Saturday special! You get a pound of the spicy "mudbugs" for 6.95---with hushpuppies and slaw, its quite a deal! The oysters were great too, I eat them steamed with saltines and Texas Pete. Pretty tasty!

A New President, New Hope for Many

I was snowed in yesterday here in Raleigh, NC, and was glad. I was able to sit and watch the Inauguration of our newest president. It was quite a production, and I thought Obama's speech was wonderful. He's given a lot of people great hope for the future. Although I find that inspiring, I know it will take the work of all of us to get this country back on the right track. I am hoping that the housing market will be one of the first challenges Obama tackles. You can voice your opinion too at www.fixhousingfirst.com.

I was so surprised to see so many restaurants offering patriotic treats! Krispy Kreme was giving out free doughnuts, Dunkin' Donuts was offering up red, white and blue sprinkled items, and if you haven't seen it yet, you have to try Ben & Jerry's Yes Pecan!

"YES PECAN!" An Inspirational Blend! Amber Waves of Buttery Ice Cream With Roasted Non-Partisan Pecans. If you decide to indulge in some “Yes Pecan” in Scoop Shops during the month of January, Ben & Jerry’s is donating the proceeds to the Common Cause Education Fund.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process. They are committed to honest, open and accountable government, as well as encouraging citizen participation in democracy. Their Education Fund conducts research, education, and outreach activities.

Activity is Picking Up!

Just as the new year has started, the phones have started ringing in real estate! How exciting! Mortgage rates are absolutely incredible right now! Although it is certain to spark a ton of refinances, there is encouraging news that it could get some folks off the fence to buying a new home.

Inventory and prices are good here in Raleigh. There are more homes on the market that we are used to, but prices are still holding, and we are not seeing a "bottoming out" like many markets are seeing. This is such a wonderful place to live and has won so many accolades--I have clients who want to move here from all over the country right now!

With all this cold weather coming our way this week, I've had a craving for a warm night out to the Melting Pot--the fondue restaraunt. Sitting in a booth with a bottle of wine as you and your friends or family cook your own food--its not your usual in and out place--dinners there can take a while, but you really get time to enjoy your company, and the smells are incredible. You cannot pass up the desserts--chocolate and more chocolate!

There are 2 locations in our area--Raleigh and near Southpoint Mall in Durham. Their house salad is to die for (something about that dressing!) and they have some wonderful specials--a great place to take your sweetie for Valentines too!

Visit their site at www.meltingpot.com

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!