Life In Wake Forest NC.....

Educating Real Estate Agents On How To Use Modern Technologies To Better Their Business Will Never Be The Same!

On January 4th, 2010 dozens of the most respected educators in the real estate industry converge to host most exciting event of its kind, the Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Virtual Real Estate BarCamp is a 1-day Learning Extravaganza!
From 9am until 4pm PST, three concurrent webinar "rooms" will each host 7 different sessions, for a total of 28 different presentations.
There is something for everyone and everything for someone, and best of all, IT IS FREE and attendance is unlimited!

Click below to:
Register.
Learn more.
See who is coming.
Check out the Session Calendar.
Get sponsorship info.

Attendance is projected to be at least 1000 agents, nationwide.
Do not miss out on being part of this ground-breaking event.

Potential Session Topics Include:

Facebook for Real Estate
Twitter 101
Driving Quality Traffic to Your Website
Beginning Search Engine Optimization
Advanced SEO
Getting Started with WordPress
Advanced WordPress Techniques
Using Flickr for Real Estate
Using YouTube for Real Estate
LinkedIn Business & Referral Strategies
Selecting an IDX Company
Single Property Websites
Getting the Most Out Of Your Mobile Devices
The iPhone and Real Estate
Photoshop for Real Estate
Video Blogging
Video Listings
Advanced Twitter Tips
Preparing to Start a Real Estate Blog
Google Analytics and Traffic Statistics

...and much more, with new sessions being added every day.

And if that wasn't cool enough, individuals from around the country are volunteering to host In-Real-Life MeetUps for after the event.
Learn all day, and then meet to have a beer with local participants. This is going to be a blast!

We hope to see you there!

                         

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....

 

HomeSteps is offering the "SmartBuy" program for Home Buyers and the time to take advantage is runniing out!

The SmartBuy Program offers:

• 2 Year HomeProtect Warranty - click link for coverage
• Up to 3.5% of Closing Costs Paid
• HomeProtect Applicance Discount (up to 30% savings on appliances)

This Home Buying Program is still available!  Offers must be received prior to January 31, 2010 and the escrow must close by March 26, 2010. 

There are some incredible homes for sale in Wake Forest NC and the surrounding area!

• Crenshaw subdivision
  • 2360 sq ft
  • 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath
  • 2 car garage
  • .56 acre
  • $249,900
• Faringdon
  • 3400 sq ft
  • 4 bedroom / 4.5 bath
  • 2 car garage
  • 1 acre
  • $274,900
• The Preserve at Smith Creek
  • 2647 sq ft
  • 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath
  • 2 car garage
  • 1 acre
  • $314,900
• Green Acres
  • 2200 sq ft
  • 4 bedroom / 3 bath
  • 2 car garage
  • .93 acre
  • $169,900

The above homes all qualify for the SmartBuy program and are FANTASTIC homes!  If you would like more information regarding any of the homes please give me a call at 919.649.6128 or simply send me an email - I would be delighted to help!

                         

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....

 

Starting in January 2010 the Town of Wake Forest NC will be forming small focus groups to discuss what exactly is meant by "small town charm" and "small town character".  You hear so many residents and visitors refer to our town with those phrases that in an effort to truly learn what those terms mean the focus group idea was born. 

The groups will consist of no more than 20 participants and there are no "wrong answers"!  The Town of Wake Forest NC cares about what its residents think and want to do their very best to preserve the qualities that make Life in Wake Forest NC so meaningful, special and charming. 

These small focus groups will be held:

• Date: January 13 and 14
• Time: 10am, 3pm and 7pm
• Where: Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White Street

If you would like more information regarding the focus groups and how to get registered to participate please call (919) 554-6100. 

Each meeting will also include a drawing for a free gift card!  So, come on!  What are you waiting for?  Here is your chance to have your voice heard and help maintain the culture of Wake Forest NC that we have all come to love!  

                         

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....

 

So, I was out and about today running some errands and found myself on Highway 98.  The little stretch that runs between Wake Forest NC and Durham NC with gorgeous view of Falls Lake along the way.

Low and behold I look to the right and there they were clinging to the rock face just mining away!

GARNET HILL

Who? The entire family out.  I had to turn around and go back.  The state has now posted NUMEROUS No Parking signs along the road now but, being the rebel that I am, pseudo-parked much to the dismay of the Mack truck that was behind me evidenced by his airbrakes!  SORRY! 

Anyhow, over 2 lanes of 60+ m.p.h traffic I was able to get a few shots and scream out a few questions.......

The family was finding HUGE garnets and plenty of them!  It was cold today but hey, if you are hanging on a rock face of a garnet vein over a busy highway do you really care what the temperature is?  Here is the family......NEXT time I will get out and go over - no could do today - family coming to visit.....

Following is a post that I wrote way back in March 2008 all about Garnet Hill!  I think it is time to pull that post back out and polish it up - total pun intended!

What's even cooler is that I received an email as a result of that post in September 2009 - so, if you ever think that your posts don't have shelf life - THINK AGAIN!  Here is the email as well!

And here is the ORIGINAL POST................ENJOY!

"Attention all Rock Hounds!!! Garnet Hill - Right Here in Wake Forest!

OK - Ya gotta admit - I give you some pretty good ideas for things to do in Wake Forest - well, hold on to your hats - here comes one of the most unusual and unique things to do in My Back Yard......

Just down the road off Hwy 98 there is an exposed vein of garnets.  FREE for the taking!  There are literally billions of carats of this gorgeous purple/red semi-precious gem waiting to be found!  All you need is a hammer and chisel and you are good to go!  If you go after a heavy rain many of them can easily be worked out and most times they are virtually "free" due to the erosion caused by the rains.

To get to the site from US1 Raleigh (Capital Blvd.), drive north towards Wake Forestand exit right at the Highway 98 interchange, make a left at the bottom of the ramp (McDonald's in the corner), and go exactly 1.9 miles, the cutface will be to your right.

To know WHERE to dig I suggest you read this highly informative piece written by H. Kent Craig.  He give tips on mining, which areas you can and CAN NOT go, what to look for and what to expect. 

Now, how's THAT for an afternoon of adventure?

Always something happening in My Back Yard...."

                         

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....

 

For those of you that missed the initial post, Wake Forest NC Rings in the New Year - First Light!!!, there is something simply spectacular about to happen in Wake Forest NC!  Check out the post and read up on First Light Wake Forest NC.

Here you can find the schedule of events as they are currently posted:

7:00 pm Event Start/Inflatables/Climbing Wall/Horseback Rides Begin

7:15 pm District Public Safety Pipe and Drums Perform - Main Stage

7:45 pm District Public Safety Pipe and Drums End

8:00 pm Sleeping Booty 1st Set - Main Stage

8:50 pm Sleeping Booty 1st Set Ends/Inflatables/Climbing Wall/Horseback Rides Close for 20 minutes

8:55 pm Children's Countdown Spectacular Begins - Main Stage

9:00 pm Children's Fireworks Display

9:15 pm Opening Ceremony

9:45 pm Sleeping Booty 2nd Set

10:45 pm Sleeping Booty 2nd Set Ends

10:45 pm DJ - Main Stage

11:15 pm Sleeping Booty 3rd Set

11:45 pm Inflatables/Climbing Wall Close

11:55 pm Final Countdown Spectacular Begins

12:00 pm New Year's Fireworks Shoot

12:30 pm Clean-up Begins

                         

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 stunning White Brick front home is situated on a culdesac in the much sought after Wakefield Plantation.  With over 4700 square feet this home offers ALL of the amenities of finer living and is ready for new owner! 

A few features to note:

• First Floor Master Suite with luxurious master bath
• Office/Study
• Family Room with Fireplace
• Fully Finished Basement with:
  • Kitchenette
  • Theatre Room
  • Fitness Room
  • Fireplace
  • Wine Cellar
  • Guest Bedroom and Bath
• Lush landscaped yard
• 5 bedrooms / 4.5 baths
• 2 car garage
• .31 acre

There is so much more this home has to offer why not make an appointment today!  If you would like more information regarding 13129 Sargas Street or Wakefield Plantation living please give me a call at 919.649.6128 or simply send me an email - I would be delighted to help!

                         

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....

 

Every week I upload an updated Foreclosure Report to my website.  I know that most buyers may be scared of Foreclosures that are on the market because of some stories they have heard about the homes being trashed, etc.  I can say that I have personally inspected the majority of the homes that are on this list and they are in fantastic condition! 

This latest list has everything on it from beautiful Historic Homes in Wake Forest NC that overlook a park to an exclusive estate home in Wake Forest NC that has over 10,800 sq ft and is situated on a Fazio designed Golf Course.  There are homes priced as low as $220,900 and a wide variety of styles to fit any family profile!

Please, take a look at the latest list of Foreclosures in Wake Forest NC.  I promise that you won't be disappointed and AS ALWAYS......if you have any questions you can always call me at 919.649.6128 or simply send me an email!

You can click here for the latest Wake Forest NC Foreclosure Report.

                         

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....

 

I just HAD to put 2010 in the post title!  Can you believe it????  We have come another whole year my friends!  I hope that you have found these local Wake Forest NC posts with events useful throughout the year and rest assured they will continue!  And, remember, if you ever have an event that you want me to blog about just let me know!  You can call me at 919.649.6128 or simply send me an email.

Here is the final line-up for 2009!  Of course, one of THE most anticipated events will happen this week!  First Light Wake Forest!  Here is the initial post I have on it and stay tuned as I will get the actual schedule of events up soon......

I hope that you ring in the New Year regardless of where you are with friends, family and ones you love!  Much success for '010 and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendships and your continued support.

Life in Wake Forest NC .... celebrating friends, family and community!

From the Town of Wake Forest website:

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting
Monday, Dec. 28; 9:30 am weigh in and 10:10 am meeting
St. John's Episcopal Church, 830 Durham Rd., Wake Forest
TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support program that welcomes all! Your first session is free and annual membership is only $26. Contact Laura Wickwar for more information at (919) 621-3613.  www.tops.org 

Christmas Tree Recycling Begins
Monday, Dec. 28
On Monday, Dec. 28, the Town of Wake Forest will begin collecting live Christmas trees for recycling. The trees will be ground into mulch, which will be available free to residents (while supplies last) upon request by calling Betty Pearce at (919) 554-6120 on or after Dec. 28. Wake Forest residents whose yard waste is collected by the Town may participate in the "Treecycling" program by simply removing all decorations, tinsel, nails, tree stands, bags, etc. and placing the "clean" tree at the curb for collection. Collection will be made on your normal residential yard waste collection schedule. Recycling saves space at the landfill and offers a valuable commodity to residents. As a reminder, artificial trees cannot be recycled. Mulch orders cannot be accepted before Dec. 28. 

First Light Wake Forest
Thursday, Dec. 31; 7 pm
Historic Downtown Wake Forest
Ring in the New Year with the 2nd Annual First Light Wake Forest! This non-alcoholic, family-friendly event gets underway at 7 pm along South White Street in downtown Wake Forest with games, activities, and wholesome fun. Sleeping Booty will headline the New Year's Eve celebration and play three hour-long sets. Scheduled to take the main stage at 8 pm, 9:45 pm, and 11:30 pm, the 10-piece band brings a consistent high-energy show with custom-made outfits, an explosive horn section, lush vocals, and dynamic interactive choreographed showmanship. But that's not all! Kids will enjoy four giant inflatables, a climbing wall, magicians, balloon artists, and horseback rides, as well as a special countdown and fireworks display at 9 pm. First Light will also include an opening ceremony at 9:15 pm and an exciting fireworks spectacular at midnight. For more information about First Light Wake Forest, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/firstlightwakeforest.aspx. 

Town Hall Closed
Friday, Jan. 1
The Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed on Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year's holiday. Wake Forest bus service and sanitation schedules will be affected. Click here to learn more. (919) 554-6100

                         

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....

 

Wake Forest NC is hosting it's Second Annual First Light Wake Forest on December 31, 2009 starting at 7pm. 

This family friendly, alcohol-free celebration is produced by Wake Forest's very own Brian Pate with Brian Pate Entertainment and I promise you....you won't want to miss this!

I will be posting the schedule of events a little later in the week but for a sneak peek:

• Children's Fireworks Extravaganza (early)
• Facepainting
• Horseback Riding
• Inflatable Rides
• Climbing Wall
• Adult Firewords Extravaganza (late)
• LIVE MUSIC by Sleeping Booty
• DJ Brian Pate

Admission is FREE and the event will take place along South White Street in Historic Downtown Wake Forest NC.  Again, the celebration starts at 7pm and ends sometime in 2010!   :)

                         

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....

 

Starting this Monday, December 28th, the Town of Wake Forest NC will begin its Christmas Tree Recycling Program. 

If you are a resident of the Town of Wake Forest NC and your yard waste is collected by the Town then you may participate in this "Treecycling" program.  Trees will be picked up on your normally scheduled "yard waste pick-up" day.  Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, lights, stands, bags, etc from the tree and leave at your curbside. 

All trees in the "Treecycling" Program will be ground into mulch which will them be available to residents of Wake Forest NC for FREE! 

By recycling trees we are saving space in the landfill AND the mulch is providing a valuable commodity for the Wake Forest NC residents!

If you would like more information regarding the program or to request mulch please call Betty Pearce at (919)554-6120.

Life in Wake Forest NC is always thinking GREEN.....

                         

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....