Wake Forest Kid's Carnival - March 11th - 16th!

• Every year The Wake Forest Police Department holds a "Kid's Carnival"! All the funds raised support The Wake Forest Police Department's youth programs which include:
• D.A.R.E. program
• Police Explorer Program - more information on this program in upcoming post!

We went last year to the carnival and it was so much fun! There are games, rides and very yummy carnival food like funnel cakes, hot dogs, snowcones and much, much more!

This years Carnival will be held from March 11th - 16th. Hours will be 5pm - 10pm Tuesday through Friday, Saturday from 1pm - 10pm and on Sunday from 1pm-8pm. The carnival will be held in the parking lot of the Home Depot - plenty of room!

There is an "unlimited ride" bracelet available for purchase for $15 and is only "useable" Tuesday and Saturday afternoon. $2 discount coupons are available at Wake Forest Town Hall and the Wake Forest and Wakefield Quiznos restaurants.

So, when you venture to Home Depot over the next week to get your home improvement supplies be sure to stop by the carnival - be a kid - HAVE FUN!!!!

Wake Forest or Raleigh? Or is it both? Projected annexation....

I lived in Charlotte, NC years ago and I sold real estate there as well. I remember vividly taking buyers out to show them property and one of their main concerns were, "We want to be in the county and not the city." I told them each and every time that the home they were purchasing was "county" at the time but there was no guarantee that would last. Charlotte slowly became synonymous with Mecklenburg County. And, to that end, the line between Rock Hill, SC and Charlotte, NC became VERY vague!

Well, I noticed here in Wake County a similar pattern that started years ago. An article just out points to even more annexation by Raleigh. City lines between Wake Forest and Raleigh are already becoming obscure. There is one light on Capital Blvd where if you stand on one side you are in Raleigh and if you stand on the other side you are in Wake Forest. Parts of Wakefield Plantation are Raleigh and others are Wake Forest. Heck, you can have a physical address of Wake Forest but a mailing address of Raleigh. It all can be very confusing!

They latest projection targets these areas:

"The areas being eyed for ETJ inclusion are as follows:

• 2,079 acres between the Neuse River and Rock Quarry Road along Auburn-Knightdale Road
• 2,058 acres between Mitchell Mill, Watkins and Buffaloe roads
• 975 acres between Louisburg Road and the ETJs of Wake Forest and Rolesville
• 665 acres off Capital Boulevard near the Wakefield Plantation development
• 150 acres off Louisbury Road and Blackley Lake Road
• 73 acres off Old Milburnie Road"
  The above was taken directly from an article that can be read in it's entirety on WRAL.com

So, with this new growth what will happen to the infrastructure? What impact will it have on natural resources such as water? How will this expansion affect the school system? The road infrastructure? Public services?

I will say that Raleigh has done a much better job of handling growth than Charlotte did years ago. While there are the typical growing pains and the "you can't please everyone" syndrome Raleigh seems to be planning much better and taking smaller steps at a time........

Twelve Days of Christmas - Carolina Style! Day 3

Wow - it was very hard deciding which pictures to use today! All of the homes were stunning! Tonight I will TRY to get some commercials displays that are around.....TRY! If not, you will definately get more homes tomorrow!

ENJOY!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wake Forest Christmas Parade, Dec. 8th!

Don't forget - The Wake Forest Christmas Parade is this Saturday (Dec 8th) starting at 1:00pm!!! Get there early and scope out your prime seat for what I am sure will be the best Christmas Parade yet! My family never misses this. Load up the thermos' with hot chocolate and enjoy the festivites.

While downtown don't forget to explore all the shops in the downtown area. Great gift shops and delicious restaurants abound - have fun!

I hope to see you there this year - just remember, bundle up and take blankets or chairs to sit on.

Festive shucking....

Light Rail...Are You In or Are You Out?

If you haven't heard about it or read about it yet here is an article from WRAL regarding Charlotte and their new light rail system.....

Charlotte's Light Rail Service Debuts To Big Crowds....

From the article...

System officials expect North Carolina's first light-rail line will handle
9,100 passenger trips on an average weekday in its first year. On Saturday, it
handled 34,000 trips in the first four hours, exceeding capacity of 25,000 trips
in that period. there were some 60,000 trips by evening.

So, what about Raleigh? Are we next on the list for light rail transit between Raleigh and Durham? Here is the latest proposed map for the route between Raleigh and Durham.

Would you take light rail if it were available in Raleigh? What are your thoughts?

Mass transit shucking...

Just the Facts, Ma'am......

A thought-provoking article just came across the wire on WRAL which I am sure will raise temperatures of buyers, seller, and Realtors.....

Basically, the article is relating to a proposal that would limit what Home Inspectors are allowed to put on their reports. I have a few inspectors that read this blog and I would welcome their perspective!

Currently, from what I have experienced and from what I understand, a home inspector can inlude on his report for a home his "opinion". An example would be: The 10 year old air conditioning system in a home. If the inspector inspects the system and it is "performing to the standards for which it was intended" they will put that on the report. They will also note the age of the system. However, they may also include in that report, in their opinion, that the system may need to be replaced due to age.

I have issue with that. I feel that the report should be based on fact and fact only. If the fact is stated that they system works and the fact is stated that the unit is 10 years old then it is up to the buyer/seller to then determine whether they feel the unit needs to be replaced.

I know that my home, personally, is a great example. I have a 5 year old system. Should an inspector have inspected it 4 months ago it would have been noted that "it was performing to standards for which it was intended" and that "the system is 5 years old". They, more than likely, would not have noted that the system would need to be replaced. Well, guess what? Who would have thought that my system now doesn't work! Had I bought this home 4 months ago would I have been able to go back to that inspector and blame him for not forseeing the future? No! And that is the way it should be. I just feel that reports should be based on facts and not assumptions or opinions. It either is or it isn't. It either works or it doesn't. It is either damaged or it isn't.

Board Delays Decision on Facts-Only Home Inspection Reports

What do you think?

Shucking by the facts....

World Beer Festival Coming To Raleigh.......

Well, I would know! :)

The World Beer Festival was just recently in Durham, NC and is now scheduled for April, 2008 in RALEIGH! If you missed Durham (I did) DON'T miss Raleigh! Brewmeisters from all over the country and world will be showcasing some of the finest and unique brews available. Check out the link for ticket information (sold out VERY quickly for Durham), list of suds purveyors, and tentative schedule of events! Hope to see you there!

World Beer Festival

Hops and Barley shucking.....

OPEN HOUSE! Last weekend of the 2007 Parade of Homes!

Linville, Raleigh - I cordially invite everyone to visit my open house at 11229 Conley Cove Court on October 13 and October 14 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

I will be holding this exquisite home open both Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th. Come tour one of the most luxurious homes currently on the market! Hope to see you then! Please mention that you saw my OPEN HOUSE mentioned here on The Pink Oyster to be registered to win a free gas card!

Property information

PODCASTS! PODCASTS! GET YOUR PODCASTS HERE!!!!!

Just a reminder! Please visit my podcast page

Raleigh Homes For Sale

for all of the latest podcasts on some of the greatest homes available in the Raleigh area! I will be continuosly adding homes as they are listed and updated as they go under contract. I hope you like the podcasts and if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to pass them on.

Honestly, who thunk up the whole "podcast" name?

Just some old-fashioned shout-out shucking going on.................

Updates and Information on New Falls of Neuse Projects

I have many clients and friends in Wakefield Plantation that are curious as to the projects surrounding New Falls of Neuse Road. Progress has escalated dramatically over the road extension and that raises a few questions thoughout the neighborhood. I thought I would find as many links as I could to help answer some concerns and curiousity.

Falls of Neuse Corridor Plan

Neuse Detour is Topic of Hearing Today

Residents, Firefighters Worry over Proposed Bridge Detour

Bond Referendums

If you come across any interesting articles or news related to the project please feel free to share!

Just doing a little research shucking......

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!!!

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

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.....

Doing it Old-School Style!

Well, can you believe it??!!?! The summer is almost over, commercials are advertising the best back-to-school clothes, the stores I have visited lately are brimming with notebook paper, pens, pencils and every supply under the sun for the triumphant return of students to their respective educational institutions! Don't fret! There is still time to get one last hurrah in before that "first-day-back" arrives. I thought I would get a little creative and make some suggestions for short getaways that are reasonably price.

• Wet-N-Wild in Greensboro/Winston-Salem. If you and yours are into water (personally, I am not) then this is a great place to spend the day. Several different pools to lounge by and play in geared for all ages, a plenitude of rides ranging from a lazy float down a river to a ginormous (technically a word now thanks to Will Ferrell and ELF) water slide. Food concessions are moderately priced and the drive is only 1-1.5 hours from Raleigh.
• Falls Lake - Is camping your bag? Falls Lake has numerous campgrounds with a variety of amenities at each. Two that I recommend are Rollingview and Holly Point (great lakefront first come-first served sites!)
• U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship a short 2 hour drive gets you to Wilmington! Not only is there the USS North Carolina to explore, there is Fort Fisher Aquarium, historic Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach OR Carolina Beach just minutes away!
• Have you been to the Blue Ridge Mountains lately? Checkout Linville Caverns for a cool respite from the summer heat. Just a short trip and a great way to do some family exploring before the first school bell rings.

If you would like more suggestions or ideas just drop me a line! There are tons of things to do that only require a short drive, a little spontaneity and some adventurous spirit!

Here's to lazy summer shucking....

Raleigh Makes Yet Another Elite List....

Raleigh just keeps popping up on lists! These are the lists we WANT to be on! Following is an article regarding the best places in the US to sell a home. Hhmmm.....guess who was number one?

The 5 Best Places To Sell A Home...

If you are hesitant about the Raleigh area and don't quite want to take one person's word for it - check out the articles that I provide - some good reading!

Some list-topping shucking going on......

Downtown Raleigh has seen the light...

Here is another great article regarding downtown Raleigh and the efforts to revamp, revitalize and make us an even bigger contender.....

Building Booms in Downtown Raleigh

Entrepreneurial shucking at it's finest....

McMansions, Estates and Lotsa Money

It seems that home sales are down in most of the country - you would agree with that, right? Well, not all home sales! Even in the Raleigh area the sales of luxury, high-end properties have drastically picked up. Following is a story relating the country as a whole.

Soaring Into The Stratosphere

As for Wake County here are some statistics that might surprise you.

In Wake County ONLY sales jumped from $546,765,433.00 in May to a whopping $601,819,487.00 in June. That is the highest monthly sales in over a year - now I ask you, are we in a slump? Keep in mind, that is WAKE county only. It does not include Durham, Chapel Hill, and smaller areas such as Youngsville and Franklinton. Pretty astounding.

The zip code with the highest amount of sales is 27587. That includes all of Wake Forest and part of Wakefield Plantation. According to statistics there were 198 home sales in the month of June for just that zip code.

If you would like monthly updates on statistics for Wake County and surrounding counties please just send me an email and I will be happy to oblige.

Some serious house-buying shucking going on.....