Cary News "Best of Cary" Awards--Vote Now

Cary News has posted their ballots for the "Best of Cary" Awards! Cast your votes now for all your favorite places and things--including real estate agent and office!

Check it out here!

The NC State Fair Continues

If you have never attended the North Carolina State Fair, it's a must! Great food, prizes and rides are everywhere. We even grown up enough to enjoy the agricultural exhibits! Don't forget to try this years newest food attraction, the Krispy Kreme burger! :)

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/10/22/755593/friday-at-the-fair-102210.html

Check Out the New Waverly Place!

This sure looks exciting, I really hope it works unlike the last attempt! Waverly used to be the place we shopped, dined and went to the movies. It is in such a good location, and can't wait to hear who'll be coming!

Looking for Something To Do This Weekend?

Check out the new revitalized Hillsborough Street. They'll have quite a festival going on with live music, food, all kinds of stuff! Just watch out for those crazy round abouts! It sure has changed since I left school!

For information, visit: http://hillsboroughstreet.org/event/

Archibalds Tavern in Holly Springs

Checked it out last night, it was pretty good. The food was average bar food, but very nice and would make a great spot for drinks!

Check 'em out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Springs-NC/Archibalds-Tavern/325336792844?v=wall

NC Seafood Market Restaurant

Went there today, and had a shrimp sandwich! So good! It was a busy place this afternoon, and the Farmer's Market too. It's a great time of year to check out fresh veggies and plants to brighten up the yard. Definitely worth going!

Cary, NC was voted one of the top growing cities in the U.S. yesterday by CNN Money!

Happy 4th of July from The Hungry House Hunter

I checked out the newly remodeled Farmer's Market Restaurant yesterday, and had a wonderful lunch! Fried Chicken and Green Tomatoes! Can't be beat!

With the holiday approaching and the weather heating up, the real estate market is in it's full swing.

First time homebuyers are getting the best deals these days. I had clients this past week who were so excited to hear that the $8000 tax credit CAN be applied to your 2008 taxes with an amendment.

If you know someone who's thinking about purchasing while the rates are low and inventory is up, remind them of this!


Looking for fun this weekend? Check out WRAL's "Out & About" Section

Ocean Grill Open on Salem Street!

I went to the newly opened Ocean Grill on Salem Street in Apex yesterday for a very good lunch. I had the Ahi Tuna burger, which was excellent. The atmosphere is quaint, with a large fish tank in the back, and the upstairs rum bar looks like fun! They have their fish flown in every day, and even have fresh oysters! I makes for a great addition to the area and is owned by the same folks who have the very successful Peak City Grill across the street.

Check out their website and view the menus at: www.theoceangrill.com

There has been better news about the Triangle Real Estate market this week, home sales are up, and rates are still low! Check out information on the $8000 tax incentive at: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Easter Greetings From The House Hunter

Hope everyone had a great Easter! The Easter Bunny was good to me! Things are picking up here in the Triangle real estate market. I got 2 homes under contract last week! The first time homebuyers tax incentive has really got people motivated, and interest rates are still AWESOME!

My husband and I also had dinner at Tyler's Taproom in Apex on Friday night. I had never tried their pizza before, but it was EXCELLENT. I definitely recommend "Giacomos". Mushrooms and Italian sausage. Too good.

Here's to hoping the phones keep ringing!

SuperTarget Coming to Holly Springs!

I've seen the signs! New Hill Place is coming! Located at the Corner of Hwy 55 bypass and Old Holly Springs/Apex Road (on the way to my inlaws!)--there is a big sign for the new complex. I went to the realty company's site and downloaded the pdf. map of the complex. Looks like it will be huge, and there is a Frank's Movie Theatre coming too! How great! Thought it was worth sharing, and there should be a few more restaruants to try too! Can't wait!

http://www.kiterealty.com/portfolio.cfm/Property/72/Tab/Site_Plan/

March Madness!

It's the start of Spring this week, and we are starting to see more activity in the real estate market. More folks are thinking of putting their homes up for sale, and we are slowly starting to see buyers come into the market. The stock market has picked up slightly and the tax incentives are starting to encourage them.

We watched some of the ACC tourney with friends on Thursday night, sadly it was not good for my Wolfpack, but we had a great meal at Tylers Taproom. It's located at Beaver Creek Commons in Apex. They have a nice restaraunt area, and then a "speakeasy"in the back, which is pretty cool. They've got large TVs and tons of great beers on tap and bottles. My husband was very excited that "Fat Tire" from New Belgium Brewery has made it to NC from Colorado. He's been a fan of it for years, and finally can get it here. Comes in a 22oz. though--watch out! :)

Check out Tylers great menu at: http://tylerstaproom.com/

1st Time Homebuyers Tax Credit!

I am so excited about the tax credit that has just been introduced! I hope it will generate some buyers who are ready to snatch up some of the great deals that are to be had in our market! Here is a website to answer many questions about it: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Turns out that a first time buyer does not have to be a "First Time Ever" buyer--if you haven't owned a home in 3 years, you qualify. It is also not being required to be paid back!

Hope you are all having a Happy Mardi Gras! Visit Rey's Restaurant in Cary to get your beads!

www.ReysRestaraunt.com

Where is all the Good News?

I've always been an avid watcher of the newscasts. It's habit with me. I usually tune into the local channels in the evening, and GMA in the mornings. I like to hear what's going on in the world and keep up to speed. It's also become a key part of my business.

Real estate, obviously has been a HUGE topic for the past several months. How bad it is, people losing their homes, and how nothing is moving. Very little is being said when good things happen. I am sure that EVERYONE saw the article in the N&O last Wednesday with the headline "42000 Jobs Lost"--but if you flipped to page 7B, you saw an article about Californias market actually hit an upswing in December, and that the West region is starting to climb out of the hole it's been in.

That's GREAT news for our area--don't we have lots of folks moving here from other places? Don't they need to sell their homes before they buy? Isn't it great that things are selling?

I hope that people will turn off the TV sometime, and find a local source who really knows what's going on. Get in touch with a local realtor, someone you know and trust. It's their job to keep on top of what's going on in your local market. They can give you the confidence and reason.

It is a GREAT time buy, I had some clients do this week! They got a great deal on a home, timed it just right, and are very happy. They'll get an unbelievable interest rate I am sure.

The Triangle is not immune from what's happening in the world, we know that. But it is a great place to call home, and when things pick up in other places, they pick up here. We are still a destination many want to be.

Oh! And I almost forgot! I actually won a Soup Cookoff last week in our office! There were 8 contestants, and my "Frogmore Stew" was a hit! It's a low country boil, full of shrimp, sausage, corn & potatoes. Very simple and easy to make!

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.

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

Here's to High Hopes for The Holidays

Can you believe that this time next week, the turkeys will be in the oven, awaiting our Thanksgiving feasts?!

The year has gone by quickly, and with all the doom and gloom of the news over the economy and real estate markets, it sure puts a damper on what should be "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Here's what I plan to do regardless.

Decorate--with what I already have, no need for too many new ornaments this year.

Shop--frugally, stores are offering enticing deals to lure customers in, I still plan to get thoughtful gifts, not flashy ones.

Party--checking my calendar today, I saw that I've got quite a few parties to attend this holiday season! Yay! I plan to use those opportunities to mix and mingle with the circle of friends I have, and be thankful for every minute. I plan to network too, hopefully someone will have a good lead for me.

Be thankful--for my health, family, and friends. It can only look up from here!

Mondays are for fresh starts

Mondays are always like a blank slate for me. You can start over with new ideas for the week, new plans, new fun for the coming weekend!

With coffee in hand, I start out with a brainstorming hour in the morning. Thinking of new ways to generate real estate leads, checking out the newest homes on the market through our MLS, and contacting prospects.

The real estate market always slows down at the holidays, but this is the best time to start generating ideas and strategies for the new year.

Monday's pick for a great dinner:

Peak City Grill & Bar, Salem Street, Downtown Apex
ALL YOU CAN EAT RIBS for $19.95--www.peakcitygrill.com

Who is the Hungry House Hunter?

Everyone has their favorite neighborhood eatery. Whether its a coffee shop that knows just how you take your first cup of morning brew (I'm a 1 cream and 2 Splenda girl myself), or the pizza place that you head to every Friday to enjoy the wine special and catch up with friends---most of us have at least one home away from home. A place where we know the menu, know the people, and find great food.

As a realtor in the Triangle area of NC, I work mostly with buyers. Some of my clients may already know this wonderful place I call home, and some are just beginning to discover what it has to offer.

As much as I love helping a new client find the perfect home, I love to recommend where they can find their new "home away from home". I think it gives people a sense of community, belonging and can sometimes help make the transition easier when they move to a new place.

Everyone always like a good recommendation for where to eat, right?

I came up with the title rather quickly, and although it sounded a little silly, I thought it was catchy enough, that people would remember it.

I'm a native of the Triangle area, specifically Cary, and one of my favorite pastimes is to try new restaurants. It feels good to support the local guys, the ones who rely on word of mouth to keep their business going. Finding a great slice of pizza and 2.50 draft of cold beer is only the icing!

I hope folks will find this information useful, and fun. I think we can all use a little humor these days, and positive views on the real estate market as well.

Follow me as I wander Wake County digging up some of the best eateries the area has to offer. I am open for suggestion too--I'd love to hear where you think the best spots to get a great meal are.

For now, I must go, it is lunch time after all...