NC Hwy 98 Road Project - How Will It Impact Wakefield Plantation

Progress is being made for the 1.5 mile extension of Hwy 98 from US1 to Thompson Mill Road. A few of the highlights of this project are:

• This project is 1.55 miles in length.
• Work involving lane closures, narrowing lanes, and/or stopping traffic will not be permitted between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• This project will include a re-alignment of Falls of the Neuse Rd and Old N.C. 98.
• A new intersection will be constructed with Old N.C. 98.
• This project will tie in with N.C. 98 just west of Thompson Mill Rd.
• Wakefield Plantation Drive: A new connection to the Bypass will be constructed away from traffic.

For specific lane closures please see the Construction Fact Sheet provided by the NCDOT.

Rocky shucking going on.....

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!!!!

Is Now The Time To Buy A Home?

Well, there's your answer! There is such a variety of homes on the market right now - assortment of styles and the prices are great! Below are statistics for Wake Forest - with a 15 month supply there is sure to be a home for you!

Active Listings:

*January Statistics run through February 15, 2008

There were 1336 active listings for the month of January 2008* which includes townhomes and condos. In comparison, there were 961 actives listing for the month of January 2007 (which were computed through February 15, 2007). A substantial increase of 39% is noted.

Closed Listings:

There were 87 closings for the month of January 2008 (computed from Jan. 1 - Jan. 31, 2008) in Wake Forest. Of those closings 17% had a price point of $400,000 or higher. The supply of homes in Wake Forest has jumped from a 7 month supply in the last report to a staggering 15 month supply. Wake Forest currently has the HIGHEST absorption rate in Wake County.
Average days on market for Wake Forest for the month of January was 111.

Additional Statistics: The top 2 subdivisions for listings in all of Wake County were located in NoRa and Wake Forest. They are Heritage (146 listings) and Wakefield Plantation (94 listings). There were 862 closings for ALL of Wake County for Jan. 08 compared to 1431 closings in Jan. 07.

And You Thought You Had To Go To New Orleans for Mardi Gras......

Mardi Gras - Meet Wake Forest, NC!!!!

The third annual Mardi Gras Masquerade will be held Saturday, February 23rd. This black and white formal has been wildly successful in the past and the momentum has just propelled it to the next level!

This year's entertainment will be the Emily Rich Band and our own local, Freddy Greene. Tickets are available for purchase at $55 per person with proceeds benefiting Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club. Hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and Hurricane cocktails, rich desserts and King Cakes will be available.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Old Magnolia Trading Company, The Cotton Company and the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce.

Wake Forest Arbor Day Poster Contest! Deadline - Jan. 18!

• Attn all kids in Grades K-5!!!!

Once again this year Wake Forest will have their Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for this years contest is "Trees are Terrific...inside and out!". The contest is sponsored by the Wake Forest Urban Forestry Advisory Board and members of the Board will judge the posters. Posters will be judged on creativity, artwork and depiction of this years theme. There will be four categories which are:

• Best picture
• Most Creative
• Honorable Mention
• State Entry

The winner for each category above will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. For more information please visit the contest rules and be sure to check out the Wake Forest Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for March 13th where the poster contest winners will be recognized!

Get those creative minds working, grab your poster board and start designing!! My son participated last year (didn't win) but had a blast creating his poster!

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 7

Well, Santa didn't visit me with a new memory card but I NEEDED it.......Maybe Santa can hook me up with the new camera I want???

It was great last night - the closer Christmas is the more displays that go up.......These are from Tarlton and Prestwicke in Wake Forest.

I hope you enjoy what I got last night and on the way home I spied some more places to go tonight!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Come Explore my Wake Forest! An example of exemplary planning...

I remember when my husband and I were originally considering a move to Wake Forest......I said, "Huh? No way I am living that far out!!!" I could only envision long trips into Raleigh for groceries, a Lowe's or a Target.....

My, oh my, how things have changed in 6 short years. Wake Forest is growing leaps and bounds! We have the Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, Super Wal-Mart, large chain restaurants such as Chili's, Applebee's, Red Robin, etc, and some smaller private restaurants (outstanding food by the way!)....

One of the things I loved most about was Wake Forest was the quaint, historic downtown area. There are some great shops such as Old Magnolia Trading Company, Olde English Tea Room and N.C. Specialty Shops. Then there are the notable restaurants such as La Foresta, Shorty's and Over The Falls Deli. Great antique shops, hair salon, The Cotton Company and so much more!

With all of the new businesses, expanded roads (98 bypass), and new homes many Wake Forest residents have been (and are) concerned about the impact on the Historic Downtown area. I have to say that I am so impressed with the DRC (Downtown Revitalization Corporation) and their vision for the downtown Wake Forest area. The DRC has a major influence and advocates the Renaissance Plan that has already begun. With this roadmap Wake Forest will survive the pitfalls that have befallen so many other small towns. While revamping our current infrastructure, focusing on infill projects, and realigning specific districts (entertainment, government and business) Wake Forest will maintain its charm and remain a vibrant and popular destination! As with most projects of this magnitude and the length of time required to achieve the goal there will be bumps along the way. Roads may close while they are rerouted, construction signs will pop up and there may be a tendency to become frustrated.......stop, take a breath and think long term! The outcome will far surpass the minor inconvenience we all experience along the way.....

Come explore my Wake Forest....
Leesa

Twelve Days of Christmas - Carolina Style! Day 4

Wow - we received some MUCH NEEDED rain last night! Hopefully it will continue through today. While it won't make my Open House easier (later this afternoon) we desparately need the rain!

Here are some pics from last night. I am surprised that they turned out at all given the rain, darkness (lot's of subdivision without street lights) and general operator shakiness trying to take pics, keep my assistant (8 yr old) involved, shift gears and avoid accidents because I am sitting awkwardly in the middle of an intersection! HAHA

Enjoy the pictures and I will try and get to Brier Creek Country Club area tonight. If not, it will be another area along the I-540 corridor as I make my way back from the airport to Wake Forest!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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

Twelve Days of Christmas - Carolina Style! Day 1

While riding around last night and walking downtown I was snapping some pictures. So, one of my brilliant ideas popped into my head (they are SO random!)......I will post picture each night (hence, the 12 days) of different area Holiday light displays around Wake Forest and Raleigh.....

I hope you enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Holiday shucking....

So many events, so little time!!!!!

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

The season is definately upon us - that is blatantly clear as I see the shoppers in the stores (ya'll need to be a little nicer to your fellow shopper!), the jammed parking lots (ya'll need to have a little more patience!), the houses trimmed with lights (yes, there is a Griswald in my neighborhood!) and the reindeer antlers on the cars (okay - that one is kinda cute!).

There are so many events happening in Wake Forest and Raleigh that I thought I would be sure to list a few for you in case you don't have the time to research them yourself! Yes, I know that baking cookies, stringing lights, buying presents and singing Carols (yes, the city is rampant with "Carols" singing....watch for them!) takes time!!

• The Nutcracker - A stunning performance by The Carolina Ballet.
• Wake Forest Farmers' Holiday Market - downtown Wake Forest
• Tinsel Town - Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• North Pole Party - Marbles Kids Museum
• An Evening With Elves - Marbles Kids Museum
• The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Show - Meymandi Concert Hall

Well, those are just a few! Please be sure to click on the links above for more information and ticket information. I hope that you take the time to explore a little more of what Raleigh and the surrounding area has to offer - we are so lucky!!!

Back to baking cookies....

Flour covered shucking......

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....

Ah, The Holidays...A Good Time To Sell Your Home?

I received my first phone call today from a seller that is contemplating taking their home off the market over the Holidays and re-listing after the New Year. She asked me what I thought......In addition to what I told her I also have some thought from other agents and thought I would share all of them with you.

• Homes are at their cleanest at this time of year. With all of the families visiting and festivities around us the homes are decorated beautifully! Every sense a buyer has is touched in some way from the sights of homes lit up with lights, to the sounds of Holiday music, to the smells of baking cookies and fresh cut pine trees, to the tastes of warm cider and the feel of crisp, clean air.
• Buyers that are intending to relocate to the area are most likely to use this time of year to visit the area and research schools, homes for sale, the city, the amenities and the overall atmosphere. Why miss that opportunity?
• If other sellers are taking their homes off the market because "it's the thing to do" than that certainly gives you LESS competition! Take advantage of the situation.
• The holidays are the biggest spending time of the year. Why miss out on buyers ready to make that purchase? If you home is previewed during December (early) there is a good chance that you can close by the end of the year. If closer to Christmas you can look forward to a sale shortly after the New Year.

I don't know about you but I think the Holidays are a great time of the year to try and sell your home. Sure, there might be slightly less buyers out there but the chances of the ones that ARE out there are serious and have the money is higher.

For those of you sellers out there that are thinking of taking your home off of the market - Talk with your agent first. If they don't mention the above I hope that you at least think about them.

Festive shucking.....

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.................

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......

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.....