Life In Wake Forest NC.....

Amazing Home with countless features - come, take a look.

For more information or to schedule a preview please visit this home's website.

2904 Magnolia Grove Court

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Well, this is it!  This is Thanksgiving week and with all of the families and friends gathering the events in Wake Forest this week are minimal.  Doesn't mean they are non-existent though! 

Be sure to check out the Gobbler's Run on Thanksgiving Day!  It sure beats laying around on the couch feeling overly stuffed! (No pun intended. Well, maybe a little!)

From the Town of Wake Forest website:

Firing Range Training
Wednesday, November 26; 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Police Department Firing Range, behind Flaherty Park Community Center
Residents in the area are advised that the Wake Forest Police Department will conduct firing range training on Wednesday, November 26 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the police department firing range, located behind the Flaherty Park Community Center. The firing range is utilized by Wake Forest Police officers who require instruction and practice in order to obtain current certification in the use of firearms. This certification is required in order for the officer to fulfill his duties for the Wake Forest Police Department. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/residents/police_firingrange.aspx.

3rd Annual Gobbler's Run 5K
Thursday, November 27; 8:00 a.m.
Downtown Wake Forest
Chiropractic Partners is sponsoring the 3rd Annual GOBBLER'S RUN 5K Family Event on November 27, 2008 at 8:00am. Registration is only $12 per person (kids 5 and under are free) and all proceeds benefit the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club. Last year's race attracted over 700 participants and we expect an even larger crowd this year. The 3.1 mile loop is an easy stroll through downtown and historic Wake Forest. The course is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels. Push your kids or bring your dog - strollers and pets are encouraged to attend! You'll get a race t-shirt and be able to eat one more helping of stuffing without the guilt! You can register online at www.gobblersrun.com or for more information email Cat Redd at gobblersrun@hotmail.com.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be thankful for all of your blessings! I have much to be thankful for in My Back Yard....

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

The number of Active Listings in Wake Forest comparing the current year to 2007 has had a minimal increase of only 2%.  This lends to the stabilized Absorption Rate that we are currently seeing.  See next graph.

 Wake Forest is STILL under that National Trend for our Absorption Rate.  We have maintained an Absorption Rate of 9 for the last 5 months.  It will be interesting to see where this trend goes going into the Holiday Season.  While many sellers and buyers shy away from the housing market during this time it is ironically one of the best times of the year to buy or sell a home. 

Wake Forest maintains a healthy slice of the "Sales Pie" for the Wake County area.  North Raleigh/North Wake and the Cary/Morrisville/Apex areas are thus far the most prevalent for sales this year. 

The top selling development for ALL of Wake County is once again Heritage which is located right here in Wake Forest, NC.  For more information regarding Heritage, the above statistics or statistics tailored more towards another area in Wake County please feel free to email me or call - I will be happy to assist you.

*All of the above statistics were compiled using data from the September 2008 Market Update provided to members of the Triangle MLS.  All graphs were created by Leesa L. Finley and are my own material

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Works of Clay is a fantastic Paint Your Own Pottery store with the largest selection of pottery in the Triangle! 

What a perfect present to have your little one help create!  Once your chosen piece has been painted you simply leave it at the shop for them to fire in their kiln for a satin finish.  No studio fees for "artists", all prices include studio time, paints, glazing & firing.

In addition to Pottery you can find "Bead Your Own Jewelry" and "Make Your Own Mosaic"...

With the Holidays upon us there are some wonderful Workshops to take advantage of.  A few of them offered are:

Kids Christmas Workshop Series

Kids will have three great gifts ready for Christmas! Friday Nights on Dec. 5th, 12th, & 19th  Ages 5-10 Workshop is 6pm-8pm  $75/per child Snack included  10% Sibling Discount Christmas ornaments out of clay, Cookies for Santa plate, Beaded Napkin rings, Mosaic Sun Catcher Reservations & Deposit required.

Secret Santa Workshops

Drop the kids off to make Christmas gifts!  Ages 5-12 $10 per child per workshop plus cost of pottery, Snack included Special discounted gifts available for $5 & $10 on our "Secret Santa" shelf Sunday afternoons 2-4pm on Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th & 14th Reservations & Deposit Required

Be sure to check out their website for more workshops offered!

Works of Clay @The Factory

1839 S. Main St, Wake Forest NC 27587

919-569-0074

No better way to get into the Holiday Spirit than in My Back Yard....

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

This is it!  This is one that we wait for.....

Saturday, December 6, 2008

2:00pm - 8:00pm

Tickets are $15/day of tour

or

$12/advance (see bottom of post for locations to purchase ADVANCE tickets)

Some AMAZING properties will be "open" for this tour and there are even a few making their debut on the tour!  Some of the highlights are:

ROYALL-LUDDY HOUSE
The Royall-Luddy House on  North Main Street that was a "work in progress" during the 2006 tour is back in its completed state. This 1900 Queen Anne home has undergone extensive renovations, including the removal of recent additions and hardwood floors revealing the original heart pine flooring. 

BREWER PUKENAS HOUSE
Another home - the 1905 Brewer-Pukenas House, located across from the Wake Forest Birthplace on North Main Street - was undergoing major renovations and a large addition during the last tour. Since then, it has been completed and sold, and the new owners are making it available for the tour.   

SOUTH BRICK HOUSE
This year we almost had another "work in progress." The South Brick House, built in 1837 as one of the first three buildings constructed for the newly formed Wake Forest College, has always been a residence and was used for a time as housing for students. Arnold Palmer lived here while attending Wake Forest College. Its current major renovations have gone well and the owners have moved in! 

STEALEY HALL
The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is making Stealey Hall (originally known as Wait Hall available for the tour. This 1935 administration building sits on the site of the original college building that burned in 1933. The Colonial Revival design set the model for subsequent Wake Forest College buildings. 

WAKE FOREST HISTORIC DISTRICT
In the traditional Wake Forest Historic District, which includes South Avenue, North Avenue, and North Main Street, the tour will feature a number of other properties including the Holding-Cvinar House (1899), the Powers-Ludas House (1876), and the Medlin-Smart House (1905). 

Of particular interest to local folks will be the 1897 Powers-Forensic Building, located at the corner of North Avenue and North Main Street, which for approximately 30 years housed The Corner Ice Cream Shop. The new owners have been working on numerous, exciting renovations. 

Also of note on the tour for the first time in many years is the inclusion of the 1892 Brewer-Stryer House, also known as the Brewer-Arthur House. This ornate Queen Anne home, situated on North Main Street, was severely damaged in 1996 during Hurricane Fran, but the owners at the time restored it to its 1892 appearance and received a local historic preservation award for their efforts. 

Other key properties on the tour include:

• Royall Mill Apartments was originally built in 1900 as the Royall Cotton Mill. The mill was converted to an apartment complex in the late 1990s, yet each unique apartment incorporates as many of the original structural elements into its desig as possible. Three apartments were included on the tour in 2006 and two additional apartments will be a part of the tour this year.
  
• The Schlink House on North College Street (1890) will also be on tour. 

Prepare to be dazzled by these and other homes during this year's Christmas Historic Home Tour. Also, be sure to look out for several new offerings this year, including roaming carolers, and free horse and carriage rides.

Advance Tickets can be purchased at:

This truely is an outstanding tour that highlights all of Wake Forest has to be proud of.  You know that I am a HUGE advocate for Historic Wake Forest and this tour is a great way to show the world what we have to offer here. 

So, please, come out and experience my Wake Forest - it is a dazzling display of beauty and a heritage rich in character......

A stunning example of historic preservation in My Back Yard....

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Answer:  "If you are in Wake Forest you are in the WRONG PLACE!"  I posted almost a year ago about the misconception that the Wake Forest University is located in Wake Forest NC.  Now, we all know that one person can't change the thinking of the masses but I thought it was worth getting the information out again.

So, for those of you that missed it here is a brief overview and history lesson on the Wake Forest University.  Really quite interesting!

Wake Forest vs. Wake Forest - Would the REAL Wake Forest please step forward?

I can not tell you how many times I have been in stores or restaurants and I hear tourists asking for directions to the Wake Forest University.  When they find that although they may BE in Wake Forest the University is approximately 2 hours away......Talk about frustrated!  Sometimes they even get mad like it was a whole conspiracy by the town to mislead them.......Well, here is a little history lesson regarding Wake Forest and well, Wake Forest.....

Way, way back in February of 1834 (told you it was way back) the very first class enrolled in what was then called the Wake Forest College.  When the Civil War started all the students but 5 were obligated to the Confederate Army.  That huge loss of student body forced the school to close in 1862. The school reopened in 1866 and thrived over the next 40 years.  The campus expanded dramatically, the student enrollment increased, endowment flowed and shortly afterwards the law and medical schools were created.

Sadly, during World War I the enrollment dipped again but the impact had no where near the effect of the Civil War.  Shortly after the war conflict enrollment increased once again.

In 1934 the school celebrated it centennial! Again, war disrupted campus life (World War II) and enrollment dropped.  To counter balace the sudden loss of student body the school altered it's admission policy and starting enrolling women for the very first time.  Life around campus was changed forever!

Shortly after the war the school was approached with an offer from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation to partially fund the school only if it moved to Winston-Salem, NC.  After consideration the offer was accepted to move Wake Forest College.  The current campus was then sold to the Convention to establish the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary which still exists today and thrives in Wake Forest.

Planning and construction then began on the new 23 acre campus in Winston-Salem, NC for the new home of the Wake Forest College.  The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1951.

Spring of 1956 was a very sad time for the residents on Wake Forest, NC as they watched the moving vans leaving and the migration to Wake Forest's College new home in Winston-Salem, NC had finally come.  A wonderful society was formed (Wake Forest Garden Club) and they spearheaded the efforts to save the Calvin Jones house which was the original birthplace of the Wake Forest College.  It still stands today having been preserved through various efforts and is a reminder of our rich, educational past. 

As a resident of Wake Forest I can honestly say that the town has retained much of it's historic past!  This is one of a handful of towns that have retained their heritage and promoted preservation.  While we do have modern stores and restaurants in the Wake Forest area the heart of downtown Wake Forest has survived the encroachment through the tremendous efforts of the The Birthplace Society's Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and The Planning Board.

I hope that you take the time to explore Wake Forest and all that it has to offer!

Just a little history lesson from My Back Yard....

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

This past week was absolutely BEAUTIFUL in Wake Forest and there was so much to do!  I hear that Art After Hours was brimming with attendees this past weekend - unfortunately, I was very sick this past week and didn't get much chance to get out! 

This week is a little on the quiet side with all of the Holiday travel plans being wrapped up, grocery shopping in the forefront of minds and all the crystal and silver being shined and polished for Thansgiving.  Whatever your plans for the week don't miss the last day of the Farmers Market for the season!

From the Town of Wake Forest website:

Wake Forest Toastmasters featuring Marty Clark
Tuesday, November 18; 6:30 p.m.
Coldwell Banker Advantage Office, 3415 Rogers Road
On November 18, 2008 at 6:30pm, the Wake Forest Toastmasters is fortunate to be hosting Marty Clarke. Marty is a nationally recognized speaker and author of the books "Communication Land Mines: 18 Communication Catastrophes and How to Avoid Them" and "Leadership Land Mines: 8 Management Catastrophes and How to Avoid Them." His fun and engaging talks focus on the improving your communication skills, and his speeches garnered the praise of speakers such as Jeffrey Gittomer and CEO's and regional presidents of some of the nation's most successful companies. Come to the meeting at the Coldwell Banker Advantage office on 3415 Rogers Road for an entertaining presentation that will help you gain greater success in soaring over the communication hurdles that hinder other businesses. E-mail elena@galanova.com for more information, and the Toastmasters team will see you there.

Wake Forest United Methodist Church BBQ Chicken Sale
Friday, November 21: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 S. Main St.
The men of Wake Forest United Methodist Church invite you to our Annual BBQ Chicken Sale on Friday, November 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The plate will include 1/2 BBQ chicken, potato salad, green beans, and rolls for $8. Please plan to join us for lunch or dinner, and dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru service will be available, as well as delivery for multi-plate orders. Proceeds from the BBQ will support many in the area through our Outreach and Mission programs. Wake Forest United Methodist Church is located at 905 South Main Street, near the intersection of South Main (US 1A) and the new NC 98 bypass. For more information, please call (919) 556-2239.

Wake Forest Farmers' Market Last Day of Regular Season
Saturday, November 22; 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Winter Market Dates - December 6 and 3rd Saturday Jan thru March
Downtown Wake Forest - Municipal Parking Lot
The market offers fresh produce, pasture-raised beef, poultry and pork, free-range eggs, fresh and dried herbs, honey, jams and preserves, plus a whole lot more. For more information, visit www.wakeforestmarket.org.

A week of preparations are under way in My Back Yard....

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Oh my goodness - ton's of celebrating this week in Wake Forest!  The Veterans Memorial at Heritage will be honoring our Veterans on Tuesday, great business seminars, The Cotton Company is celebrating it's 8th Anniversary, Art After Hours, and so much more!  Get out this week and explore all that Wake Forest has to offer!

From the Town of Wake Forest website:

QuickBooks Seminar
Tuesday, November 11; 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce
Do you use QuickBooks? Do you have questions, or perhaps just need just a little help? This is your chance to get some one-on-one help. Jean Murray, with Dawkins and Murray CPA, will be here to answer your questions about QuickBooks. Murray is QuickBooks Certified and is excited to share her knowledge with you. The event will be held at the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce and space is limited. Register by contacting the WFCC at (919) 556-1519.

Wake Forest Garden Club Meeting
Tuesday, November 11; 9:30 a.m.
Wake Forest Community House
This month's meeting will focus on "Preparing your Garden for a Winter Nap." The guest speaker will be Marie Brown, Garden Specialist at the Knightdale Lowe's Home Improvement Center. Refreshments will be served and attendees will have a chance to mingle starting at 9:30.  The program and a brief business meeting starts at 10 a.m. Visitors and new members are always welcome. 

Veterans Day Celebration
Tuesday, November 11; 11:00 a.m.
Heritage Wake Forest Veterans Day Memorial, Heritage Golf Course Clubhouse
Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world. With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans. Wake Forest Memorial Post 8466, Veterans' of Foreign Wars will conduct the celebration of Veterans Day on November 11, 2008 at the Heritage Wake Forest Veterans Memorial at 11:00 AM. The Veterans Memorial is located at the Heritage Golf Course club-house just off Rogers Road in Wake Forest. Many of the town's access roads have signs posted leading to the memorial site. The public is encouraged to attend and pay tribute to our local veterans.  Seating will be provided. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Rich Heroux, (919) 494-2707.

How to Fill the Client Funnel NOW!
Wednesday, November 12; 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce
Learn 10 Proven Profit Building Strategies that can dramatically increase your small business sales even during an economic downturn without leaving your desk. Now more than ever, you need to identify and access every possible profit center that will make your business prosper and reposition it for big growth. Start using a business model that will increase profits without working more hours. Janis Pettit, president and founder of SmarTrack, will teach you what you need to do now to drive a steady flow of qualified leads into your business, convert them to paying clients and increase how much each is worth to your business. She and her team are passionate about helping small and solo business owners tap into undiscovered profit centers in their business so they can move from self-employed to successful entrepreneur. You will learn:

• How to get great marketing results on a small budget using low and no cost marketing methods
• How to easily grow your business beyond the local area
• Creative marketing ideas most of your competitors don't know exist
• How to maximize the dollar value of each client
• How to use joint ventures to accelerate sales

This presentation is packed with valuable information, so be prepared to take notes. Register for this teleconference on the Chamber's website at www.wakeforestchamber.org, or contact the Chamber at (919) 556-1519. Registration is $15 for members and $25 for not-yet members.

Firing Range Training
Thursday, November 13; 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Police Department Firing Range, behind Flaherty Park Community Center
Residents in the area are advised that the Wake Forest Police Department will conduct firing range training on Thursday, November 13 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the police department firing range, located behind the Flaherty Park Community Center. The firing range is utilized by Wake Forest Police officers who require instruction and practice in order to obtain current certification in the use of firearms. This certification is required in order for the officer to fulfill his duties for the Wake Forest Police Department. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/residents/police_firingrange.aspx.

Firing Range Training
Friday, November 14; 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Police Department Firing Range, behind Flaherty Park Community Center
Residents in the area are advised that the Wake Forest Police Department will conduct firing range training on Friday, November 14 from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the police department firing range, located behind the Flaherty Park Community Center. The firing range is utilized by Wake Forest Police officers who require instruction and practice in order to obtain current certification in the use of firearms. This certification is required in order for the officer to fulfill his duties for the Wake Forest Police Department. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/residents/police_firingrange.aspx.

Art After Hours
Friday, November 14; 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Wake Forest
On the second Friday night of each month the streets of downtown Wake Forest come alive with food, merchants and music! Everyone is invited to come and experience the dining, art and retail merchants of downtown Wake Forest. Downtown businesses stay open until 9:00pm. You never know what treasure you may find!

Wake Forest Farmers' Market
Saturday, November 15; 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Downtown Wake Forest - Municipal Parking Lot
The market offers fresh produce, pasture-raised beef, poultry and pork, free-range eggs, fresh and dried herbs, honey, jams and preserves, plus a whole lot more. The Farmers' Market is open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon through November 22. For more information, visit www.wakeforestmarket.org.

Wake Forest United Methodist Church's Annual Fall Bazaar and Yardsale
Saturday, November 15; 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wake Forest United Methodist Church - located at the corner of S. Main Street and Hwy 98 bypass in Wake Forest
Plan to stop by our annual Fall Bazaar! We will have decorative frames, hand-knitted scarves, children's items, gift baskets, handmade jewelry and ornaments, gift baskets, hand painted items, gourmet cookies, bake sale items and much more! Our youth group will be selling their famous chili as well. We will also have a yard sale going on at the same time so stop by and see what wonderful items you will find just in time for Christmas!

3rd Annual Festival of Hope & Silent Auction - benefitting research for a cure for Batten's Disease - Craft Vendor Space NOW AVAILABLE
Saturday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
New Community Church, 9621 Six Forks Road, Raleigh
Potters, wood workers, jewelers, stain glass, floral, quilters, one-of-a-kind crafts, fiber arts, kids crafts, seasonal, home décor. For more information, please visit http://www.hopeforbattendisease.com/.

Wake Forest Library's 12th Birthday Party
Saturday, November 15; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wake Forest Branch Library, 400 E. Holding Ave.
Join the library staff and the Friends of the Wake Forest Library at a celebration of the 12^thyear of the Wake Forest Branch Library at its current location. Friends' mascot, Bookman, will be on hand to help the Friends serve birthday cake to book lovers of all ages. For details, call the library at 919-554-8498 or email the Friends at friendswflibrary@yahoo.com.

Book Binding Discussion and Repair Estimates
Saturday, November 15; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Storyteller's Book Store
Do you have a special book but you're afraid to pick it up because the binding is falling apart or the pages are coming loose? Often, books are more than just a good read; they include family history, church tradition or contain the history of a community. The Storyteller's Book Store of Wake Forest presents Susan Soleil, Master Bookbinder from The Soleil Bookbindery. At 10:00am, 11:00am, noon and 1:00pm, Susan Soleil will offer a 15-minute presentation on book repair and book restoration. After her presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Susan for an evaluation of repair of their own books that need repairs or restoration. Pre-registration is highly suggested to secure your slot for book evaluations as there will be a limited number of time slots each hour. Evaluations are $4. For more information, call (919) 554-9146.

The Cotton Company's 8th Anniversary Party
Sunday, November 16; 1:00 p.m.
The Cotton Company, 306 S. White St., Downtown Wake Forest
The Cotton Company Marketplace and Art Gallery in Historic Downtown Wake Forest is celebrating its 8th year in business in grand style! Visitors on Sunday November 16 will receive complimentary party favors for joining our celebration, and customers will receive 8% off any regularly priced merchandise throughout the store! The Cotton Company is a restored warehouse offering over 50 boutiques filled with one of a kind gifts & local handcrafted goods as well as three resident artist studios. An entrepreneurial endeavor, Owner Elizabeth Johnson founded The Cotton Company in an effort to promote local business and provide a space in which artisans and decorators could jumpstart their own independent businesses. Successful vendors that began at The Cotton Company have gone on to open The Red Door Interiors & Antiques of Wake Forest as well as ORiEnTspiration and Rita's of Raleigh in Falls River Towncenter. Join us for this landmark event! Doors open for the celebration at 1 pm Sunday November 16. For more information about the 8th Anniversary Party visit www.thecottoncompany.net. The Cotton Company is open 7 days a week.

Always a celebration in My Back Yard....

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Yes, the Open House!  We all have them, we all have attended them and doesn't it seem at times that you just don't know what to do any more?  No worries - Open Houses can be FUN!  Yes, I said FUN!  Here are some great tips and tricks to get some MOJO back into your Open Houses and really ramp up the excitement.

First - ADVERTISING!  Plan your Open Houses far enough in advance so that you can take advantage of marketing!  There are so many places to advertise and here are a few that I recommend:

• Your Local MLS should have a space for Open Houses - definitely want to get the word out there!
• Craigslist - at least two postings prior to the event
• BackPage - at least two postings prior to the event
• A Mass Email to your mailing list (both local and non-locals)
• A Mass email to your SOI
• Flyers to other Real Estate offices (don't forget to srop off some candy, too!)
• Partner with a mortgage professional to pull your advertising dollars and have them do a mass email as well
• For my local area there is The Open Look - it is a local website dedicated to Open Houses - see if your area has one as well!
• Flyers to the 8x8's.  (8 houses down from your listing in all directions at a minimum!)
• YOUR website!  Dedicate a space on your website for Open Houses - it's worth it!
• Do your research - it is extremely beneficial to hold your Open House while their are others in the same neighborhood - if possible, plan an Open House Extravaganza!  An Ioen House Caravan!  An Open House Tour!

Next you want to meet with your sellers prior to the Open House and set the parameters:

• Spruced up sidewalk and porches (swept, dead plants pulled, fresh door mat, sparkling windows and clean doors)
• Clean and uncluttered countertops - EVERYWHERE!  Put away toothbrushes and other toiletries in the bathrooms, minimize clutter in kitchen with less used peripheral equipment (toaster, coffee maker, etc) put away.
• Straighten up the closets - neat, organized and no clutter
• Pets must GO!  Be sure that your sellers have made provisions for Fido and Kitty Kitty to spend the time elsewhere.
• Toys out of sight
• De-personalize by putting away family photos, to-do lists and personal momentos
• Be sure that your sellers will be gone for the ENTIRE Open House.  Set clear times for beginning and end

Prepare Your Flyers!  While you may already have flyers at your listing take advantage of some extra-special flyers for the Open House!  Include additional information that you may not already have on them such as:

• Property Taxes per year
• Area Schools and demographics
• Utility Bill Averages and Utility Company Contact Information
• A Streamlined copy of a CMA
• An additional sheet that pertains to you, your marketing services, etc.

Whew - that is just a bare outline of the preparation for your Open House.  The real excitment comes the day of!  Stay Tuned for Part II for some awesome tips that will make you look like a rockstar - I PROMISE!

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

Learn more about Wake County, Johnston County, Granville County, and Franklin County, North Carolina Real Estate which includes Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Youngsville, Franklinton, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Fuquay Varina, Creedmoor, Clayton and more!

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Seller Financing was, at one time, a popular and enticing incentive for both buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction.  I remember in the early 90's that is was VERY common to see it advertised.  Then, the market turned and Seller Financing fell by the wayside.

In recent months there seems to be a renewal in interest in Seller Financing.  What is Seller Financing?  Seller Financing is when a seller of property, whether residential or commercial, provides a second mortgage for a property.  An example might be a home that is on the market for $200,000.  A buyer obtains a loan for $150,000 and the seller would finance the remaining $50,000.  Of course, there are also situations where a seller will finance 100% if the loan. 

Some advantages of seller financing are:

• Substantial saving in closing costs.
• A negotiated interest rate and repayment plan
• The borrower does not have to qualify with a lender for the seller financed portion of the loan.
• A seller could receive a higher yield on their investment by receiving their equity in the home PLUS interest
• a higher purchase price could be obtained due to the seller financing
• The home could be sold "as-is" thus avoiding repairs that might be required by a lender

Seller Financing can be a great win-win for both buyer and seller as long as ALL terms are negotiated and agreed upon during negotiations. 

If you have any questions regarding seller financing please feel free to call me or email me - I will be happy to help!

Written by:
Leesa L. Finley, Broker, Realtor®
Circa Properties
919.649.6128 - direct and txt msg

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Circa Properties, and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Circa Properties. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2008.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....