New Raleigh Link to Share

One of my blog readers was kind enough to share a link with us. Unfortunately, when you click the link it doesn't work. With a little research I was able to find the correct link and I wanted to pass it along. Some great stuff!

Share Your Raleigh

Informative shucking.....

Thanks to Jim Tobin for the link!!!

2007 Parade of Homes right around the corner.....

The 42nd Annual Parade of Homes is about to begin! What an extraordinarily exciting time! Builders will showcase the best of the best! Homes all over Wake County will be on Parade this year and I have been fortunate to preview some of the finest while under construction - simply breathtaking! The builders have pulled out all of the stops this year and the 2007 Parade will prove to be the best so far.

The following link is available to the public for previewing Homes that will be on Parade. Also, be sure to check out the News & Observer for the special Parade of Homes Preview that will be published September 29, 2007.

As always, should you have any questions regarding any of the homes that you see please feel free to contact me. I can help you with directions, builder backgrounds and prior accomplishments, private tours and detailed information!

North Carolina Build.com

Have a GREAT time at the Parade!

Leesa

Awestruck shucking.......

And The Drought Goes On.....

The picture says it all.....the drought continues to worsen. Raleigh City leaders have met and the outcome is grim unless the rain starts to fall. It was announced that Raleigh has only a 4 month supply of water left. One statistic from the article below indicates that "Raleigh's water supply at Falls Lake was at about 42 percent of its capacity......."

Restrictions that have been imposed are helping but without substantial and sustained rainfall to help bring lake levels back up the restrictions could get even tighter.....

Raleigh Water Customers Have 4-Month Supply Left......

Conservatively shucking......

Out with the old, in with the new....

Hhmmm, just a few short weeks ago I had a fantastic couple out with me looking at properties. They were from the Chicago area. At one point, the wife spoke up and asked if Raleigh was following the current trend of tearing down old homes to build new which was the case in her father's neighborhood in Illinois area. I answered no and that I was very proud of how Raleigh is big into protecting and preserving older neighborhoods and that it wasn't very common here. Shortly after that there was an article in the News and Observer to quite the contrary. I was quick to email that link to them and let them know that I mis-spoke. Well, several weeks later there is yet another article regarding "infill". Apparently it wasn't enough for me to say I was srong - now I have to admit that I was REALLY wrong.....hey, I can do that!

588 New Homes Replace Teardowns...

Humble shucking.........




Workers intentionally drop three trees on top of a house being demolished to make way for a larger house.
Staff photo by Chris Seward

ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hello all of my faithful readers!

As of late I have received many queries for Luxury Homes in the Raleigh area. Due to the requests I have decided to revamp a portion of my website to accomodate this most exciting niche. In addition, I have added another blog to my arsenal of marketing which will target the high-end homes in the area. I sincerely hope that you will take the time to visit these new ventures of mine and contribute to their success as you have with The Pink Oyster!

The Luxury Raleigh Homes portion of my website will hopefully be completed by mid-week. I invite you to take a peek and I would love any and all feedback!

Thanks again - you are all very valued friends and I would not have been able to do it without you!

A very grateful shucker.....

In line at 2am? This isn't for the latest book release!!!

Everyone has been so concerned with how growth has affected the school system (and, rightfully so) that we seemed to have overlooked another group. Those that aren't quite in school yet. Daycares and pre-schools are overflowing and more are needed - NOW! Remember when you use to sleep out in front of a concert venue to get in first or stand in line at the bookstore in the wee hours of the morning to get the latest Harry Potter? Well, join the long list of parents that are going to drastic measure to be sure that their children get into a daycare/preschool.

Growth Puts Squeeze on Wake County Preschools......

If you would like more information on Wake County Public Schools please let me know and I will be happy to provide internet links and/or phone numbers for local resources.

Raleigh's "Green" efforts pay-off!!!!

"Raleigh has the potential with some of the initiatives it has undertaken and some it's developing to become the most green community in the Southeast," said Tom Jensen, who oversees the Cool Cities program for the N.C. Sierra Club, on Wednesday.

Fabulous quote from a great article highlighting Raleigh's efforts to combat global-warming.......Click on the link for the full article. Also, take a look at the articles sidebar - among the other cities is Wake Forest and Hillsborough for 2007!

Raleigh Called Cool In Fight Against Warming

Eco-friendly shucking....

Don't Stand So Close To Me....

It's a tight fit! Here is an article out just today regarding the enrollment numbers for Wake County Public Schools. Wow - according to the article we have moved into the 19th spot for the Biggest U.S. district....More students just keep on coming.

Wake Adds More Than 5,600 New Students

One thing that I have noticed that "new-comers" are not aware of is that Wake County Public Schools encompass ALL schools. Wake County is not broken up into districts. If the school is in Apex - it is Wake County, Raleigh - Wake County, Wake Forest - Wake County. It can be a bit confusing for people looking to potentially move to the area. If you have questions regarding the school district and how it is made up I can certainly help you with links and useful information - just let me know!

Ever-expanding shucking.....

Please file this under "You Gotta Be Kiddin' Me!"

Honestly, I have read some really stupid items in the papers and I have heard some really bad stories (and good, to be fair) about Homeowners Associations but this pretty much tops them all! I have read the story 4 times now to be sure that I read it correctly. Again, for those of you that are not local - we are in a SERIOUS DROUGHT! It is just PITIFUL to drive by the lake and see the level. The City of Raleigh and surrounding towns (including Wake Forest) are doing their best to place restrictions on homeowners and businesses to help preserve the little water that we do have left. Then, some arrogant, self-indulgent, affected, and imperious HOA Board from left field, decides on this. If said HOA Board reads my blog, feel free to contact me.....how pompous can you be? Seriously? You are going to use "my" water to serve your selfish needs? Exactly what purpose are you trying to serve? Should I live in your community I would welcome your directives and then turn around and sue you for MY fines from the city and sue you to have MY water turned back on. With this being published in the paper and your names out there I would be very worried about the little white trucks with the City emblem on them driving by your house. Puhleeze.....

Pink Oyster faithfuls.......read on and you decide! I, obviously, have made my decision.

Grass Must Be Green, HOA Decrees....

Uugghh.......incredulous shucking.....