Life In Wake Forest NC.....

The Wake Forest NC community is rich in artistic talent in ALL mediums!  We have local artists that are amazing with paiting, clay, metal, photography, music and so much more.  Wake Forest NC showcases artists OFTEN whether it be through the monthly Art After Hours, annual Artist Studio Tours, our springtime Six Sundays in Spring as well as cross promotion between our local artists.

This year for the Holiday Season Wake Forest ARTS.org will be showcasing some of the local art in a gallery setting at ARTS 206 December 2 - 18, 2011 on Fridays through Sundays during the afternoons and the evenings.  You'll need to check out their calendar for exact times.  The opening on December 2 is from 6 - 9 pm to coincide with the Lighting of Wake Forest!  WOW - what a way to truly kick off the Holiday Season in Wake Forest NC!

This 100 under $100 is an opportunity for shoppers to choose original pieces of art for uner $100.00.  You'll be able to find art in 2-D and 3-D creations, including paintings, pottery and photographs.

Location:  ARTS 206 - 206 S. White Street, Wake Forest NC

Dates:  December 2 - 18, 2011 (check calendar for specific times)

For a sneak peek at some of the art to be on display you can stop by the Twisted Vine Wine Shoppe located above Wake Forest Coffee Company at 156 S. White Street, Wake Forest NC.

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

So many times potential sellers want to try and sell their home themselves (FSBO - For Sale By Owner) Why is that? Well, I have found, more often than not, that it is because sellers sometimes aren't quite sure what a professional Realtor® can do for them.

A professional, equipped and skilled Realtor® will assist you with a wide range of skills and aid you in making invaluable decisions during the real estate transaction. While the following list is by no means inclusive of all of the significant services a Realtor® will provide it is an outline of how you can most certainly benefit from employing a professional:

• Pays for all marketing and advertising costs. Be sure to ask your Realtor® for their marketing plan.
  
• Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including, but not limited to marketing, negotiations and more.
  
• Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your Realtor® doesn't have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does.
• Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side. Ask your Realtor® what the difference is between Seller's Agents vs. Buyer's Agents!
  
• Handles and advises on all price and contract negotiations. A competent Realtor® will have prepared a rock solid CMA that will assist you with arriving at a List Price. For more information regarding CMAs/Market Analysis you can check out this post.
  
• Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options. Unlike buyers and sellers, an agent has no emotional attachment to property. It is important to listen to your Realtor® when discussing the highlights and potential short-comings of your home.
  
• Being an objective liaison, potential buyers are more likely to tell your Realtor® the truth about your home, even if it is unflattering. This un-biased viewpoint will help you make the necessary changes to get your home sold.
• Your time is valuable. A Realtor® allows you to spend your time how you want.

Selling your home in Wake Forest NC can be a tricky and sensitive process. Most times it is best to remove yourself from the front line and allow an experienced and qualified Realtor® handle the process.

If you are currently contemplating selling your home in the Wake Forest NC Real Estate Market I can help! I would be happy to meet with you and review your options, current market conditions and my marketing plan with you. I am just a phone call away at 919.649.6128 or you can simply send me an email.

Remember, I live, work and play in Wake Forest NC - I know this market better than anyone!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

I was having a conversation the other day with another Realtor® about safety and I remembered this post I had written a while ago and dug it up for her to read and LIVE by!  Then, I got to thinking, it is definitely worth reposting so consider this a reblog of me!  ;)

Safety can NEVER be taken too seriously nor should it be overlooked just to make a buck!  So, whether you are a buyer, seller or a fellow Realtor® please take a peek at an older post of mine about Realtor® Safety - it may just save you one day!

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I don't know why, but I still find it amazing when Potential Buyers get mad at me for not dropping everything at a moments notice and meeting them at a vacant house.  Mind you, complete strangers! 

By my nature, I am a friendly person, never met a stranger and can ALWAYS strike up a conversation. I love meeting new people and finding out what they are about, how they live their life, what they enjoy and what we have in common.  My career also dictates that I have this pre-determined outgoing nature - I mean, really?  How can one sell Real Estate if they don't like meeting new people.

What may be one of my greatest assets could one day be my demise if I didn't adhere to my own personal "Code of Safety" and listen to my common sense.  There are simple rules that I self-administer and well, quite frankly, if a Buyer or Seller can not appreciate them and/or respect them then we simply weren't meant for each other.

1. I will NEVER respond to an email from a stranger and agree to meet them at a vacant home.
2. I will NEVER respond to a phone call from a stranger and agree to meet them at a vacant house.
3. I will NEVER host an Open House by myself.
4. I will NEVER work with any buyer until there has been rapport established and identity verified.
5. I will NEVER meet a COUPLE at a vacant home. 
   

If you call me/email me and I don't know you then be prepared to meet in a public place, answer questions, and verify your identity.  I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, an aunt, a friend to many and I love my security and MY LIFE. 

If a Buyer can not respect these wishes and rules of mine then perhaps they are better suited with another Realtor®.  Keep in mind, I don't do blind dates but please don't mistake that for bitchy.

Recent cases of Unpleasant Realities*:

• St. Louis, MO - A man posing as a home buyer waited until he got a 24 year old real estate agent in an unfinished aprt of the basement and then pulled out a handgun.  He handcuffed her and sexually assaulted her, at one point putting a knife to her throat.  Afterward, he robbed her and warned her not to scream for help before leaving her alone in the new home she thought he wanted to buy.
• Liberty Township, OH - A man wearing a ski mask showed up at a model home.  The on-site agent immediately asked the man to leave and closed the model home's door, but the agent later found the man standing inside the garage.  The man grabbed her, but she fought him off and he fled the scene.
• Cary, NC - A man registered in a neighborhood's model home, then asked to see homes in the community.  Once the agent had taken the man to another home in the development, the man pulled out a knife and attacked the agent.  She was bound and sexually assaulted. 
  

*cited from the 2009-2010 NC Real Estate Update Course

The incident in Cary NC, for those of you that don't know, was literally 10 minutes away from me.  While many may always have the feeling "that could never happen here" - THINK AGAIN!

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention an incident that happened to my West Coast Sister, Cristal Drake.  She was robbed at an Open House in July 2009.  I'll never forget how I felt when I read her post - she really is my kindred and I just can't imagine.  You can read about her unfortunate event at her blog post......  Be On The Lookout for These Open House Thieves! North Orange County Agents PLEASE READY!

I don't care if you are a SEASONED AGENT or NEW TO THE BUSINESS - NO SALE IS WORTH YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY!  End of story and there really is no discussion needed.  There are many tips that I could give as both an agent and a Broker-In-Charge.....

• ALWAYS have new clients meet you at your office or public place such as coffee shop, etc.
  
• When at all possible - have another agent go with you when working with new clients.
• If you get that icky feeling - ALWAYS go with your instincts!
• Have a code word set up between you and your office so that when you are out and about showing you can call your office and they will instantly know that you need help.
• ALWAYS leave an itinerary of where you are showing with either your BIC or another agent in the office.
• Keep you cell phone on you at ALL times!  Have 911 programmed into speed dial.
• There are many "tools" that are available for protection now available nationwide through the various Association of Realtors® offices - explore them and find one that you are comfortable with.

And for all of you buyers reading this right now.  Yes, you are what keeps me going in my career and without you I wouldn't be as successful as I am.  However, there are quite a few "YOU'S" out there and if you can't respect my wishes then how can I possibly respect yours?

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Caddell Woods

Caddell Woods in Wake Forest NC is an awesome community with a wonderful mix of both townhomes and single family homes is a gorgeous setting!  The location of Caddell Woods makes commuting to Raleigh NC or Research Triangle Park, NC easy with Capital Blvd/US 1 just a short drive away.  Attractive conveniences nearby include Triangle Town Center, Wakefield Commons for shopping, and numerous restaurants are just a few minutes away.  Caddell Woods can be accessed by either Burlington Mills Road (via Capital Blvd) or Forestville Road (via Hwy 401).

Caddell Woods was developed in 1999 with a few of the single family homes and townhomes built at that time, however, building continued through 2005.  There is a beautiful community pool for residents only, several playgrounds are sprinkled throughout and quite streets are perfect for the avid walker or jogger.  Keep in mind that there are Homeowners Association Dues paid monthly to help maintain the community pool and upkeep for the common areas such as the two entrances into the community.  The Homeowners Association is currently managed by Elite Management.

Currently, there are 5 townhomes for sale in Caddell Woods that range in listing price from $108,900.00 to $128,500.00.  The square feet for the current townhomes for sale is approximately 1422 - 1501 and there are several different floorplans and exterior styles to choose from.  Townhomes have assigned parking and most are located near the community swimming pool. 

The 9 single family homes for sale in Caddell Woods range in price from $185,000.00 to $234,900.00.  Each has its own distinct style and various amenities offered.  The square feet for the homes currently for sale ranges from 1900 - 3597.  All single family homes currently for sale in Caddell Woods have attached two car garages and many extras to note (depending on the homes) from fenced yards, sunrooms, two-story foyers, underground irrigations systems and many more.

Schools currently assigned to Caddell Woods are:

• Sanford Creek Elementary
• Wake Forest - Rolesville Middle School
• Wake Forest - Rolesville High School

*  please note that schools in Wake County are subject to change.  It is always best to research an address via the Student Assignment Finder that you can access via my website, Wake Forest House Chick.

Other Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC:

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Fairlake

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Holding Ridge

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Dansforth

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Austin Creek

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Crenshaw Hall

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - St. Ives Estates

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Northampton

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Olde Mill Stream

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Majestic Oaks

• Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - River Mill

Notable Neighborhoods in Wake Forest NC - Bishops Grant

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

I know, I know - the season just changed a few weeks ago to Fall but NOW is the time to get your home ready for the winter so you aren't left out in the cold.  Yes, pun intended!  ;)  Winters can be brutal regardless of where you live in the country but just a few small steps can help get you through winter both safe and warm.

• It is a good idea to have your heating unit checked now.  Have a professional come out an perform a preventative maintenance routine on your system to be sure it is operating in top condition and is as efficient as possible.
• While you SHOULD be changing you air filters throughout the house in regular intervals go ahead and add it to a Fall Maintenance checklist - it doesn't hurt to double check them and start a schedule of when you change them.  A great tip is to use a Sharpie and actually mark on the filter frame when you install a fresh one.
• If you have a fireplace NOW is the time to have a professional chimney sweep to come out and perform routine maintenance and to have your chimney cleaned.
• Replace your warm weather window screens with storm windows which will add another layer of insulation during the cold months.
  
• Check all door and windows to be sure they are closing properly and have tight seals.  You may need to invest a few dollars for some caulk if you are finding air seeping in.
• While you have the caulk go ahead and check all of your plumbing fixtures in your bathrooms like shower heads and faucets.  You want to be sure there are no gaps between the fixture and the wall where warm air can escape AND no water can seep into the walls/floors.
• After that last warm afternoon in the Fall when you mow the grass be sure to use ALL gas in the lawn equipment.  You do NOT want to store any lawn equipment with gas left in it.
• Clean out all gutters and downspouts to prevent leaf and debris buildup.  It would be a great time to install gutter guards if you don't already have them.
  
• Check all under house plumbing pipes if you have a crawlspace to be sure there is adequate insulation.
• Check your attic space!  Be sure that there is no attic insulation covering vents and that all vents are free from debris. 
  
• Ceiling fans?  Be sure to reverse their direction for the winter months.  By doing so you will reverse the air flow thereby pulling the warm air up and mixing it into the room.
• Don't forget your thermostat - 68-72 degrees should be just fine.  By turning your thermostat down by just a degree or two overnight and while you are away will also help to keep heating costs down.

I don't know about you but I am super-excited that Winter is almost and yes, I am strange, I LOVE Winter!  I will be prepared for Winter and I hope with the above checklist that you will be, too!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

Safe Haven for Cats is the original no kill shelter in the Raleigh area and is just for cats and kittens.  This weekend SafeHaven is having their Black Friday ALL WEEKEND Adoption Event! 

This weekend only adoption fees are just $20.00!  Adopters are still respondible for the $12.00 microchip fee.  Normal adoption fees can range from $50.00 - $100.00 plus the $12.00 microchip fee. 

If you are interested in welcoming either a kitten or an adult cat you really need to check out this event this weekend.  Adoptions are being held at:

8471-101 Garvey Drive

Raleigh NC

You can also email Sherri Orner at sherri@safehavenforcats.org

Website: Safe Haven for Cats

visit their site to Meet the Cats

(Asiago, Jazzie or Polenta? I can hardly handle it!!!!!!!)

Facebook Page:  Safe Haven for Cats

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

The Lighting of Wake Forest
December 2, 1011

Come to historic, downtown Wake Forest NC for a magical
evening on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 6pm for the
Lighting of Wake Forest.

Hosted by the DRC (Wake Forest Downtown Revilalization Committee) this
beautiful evening will have our very own Mayor Vivian Jones lighting
our 30 ft Christmas tree.  You can also delight in the seasonal entertainment
by local choirs as well as horse drawn carriage rides.  (weather permitting, of course)

Be sure to visit some of the local downtown merchants who will
be decorated in all of their holiday glory and offer some amazing treats
and Holiday surprises of their own!

See you in historic downtown Wake Forest on December 2
for this much anticipated Holiday kick-off!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

I just had to share this post from Bryan Robertson in Los Altos, CA.  While he may be writing for his local area I can say the same is true for in Wake Forest NC! 

If you are a buyer looking for homes for sale in Wake Forest NC then this coming weekend is a great time to get out and check out all the deals.  Like Bryan mentioned, there are some real DOORBUSTERS out there right now!

If you want to search for some Open Houses in Wake Forest NC all you have to do is visit my website, Wake Forest NC House Chick, and use my awesome Open House tool!  It feeds directly from the Multiple Listing Service so you can be sure to get the most up to date information.  If you would like some help, have any questions or would like to set up a private appointment to see a home this weekend just give me a call or send me an email - I would be delighted to help!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

Both buyers and sellers of Real Estate have closing costs associated with the transfer of real estate.  Each pays something different and as a top Wake Forest NC Real Estate Agent it is my job to be sure that PRIOR to closing I provide either of them (depends on who I represent) their estimated closing costs.

In the case of a home seller that comes in the form of Seller Net Proceeds.  While I can not give exact figures for what closing costs are my years of experience do allow me to be very accurate in estimates.  So, if you are thinking of selling your home in Wake Forest NC here are the costs that will be associated with the sale.

• Document Preparation:  Cost will vary from attorney to attorney but an good estimate is $200.00.  This is the charge for the attorney to prepare YOUR deed for transfer to buyer. 
  
• Excise Tax/Tax Stamps:  This is a tax that is charged for selling your home.  In North Carolina the charge is $1.00 for every $500.00 pf the sales price. (.2%)  Example: A home sells for $300,000.00 so the transfer tax charged to the seller would be $600.00
• Commission:  This is the charge from the real estate company to sell your home.  Each company charges a different fee and it would have been predetermined when you signed the Listing Agreement.   This could be a percentage of the sales price or even a flat fee - it depends on what you agreed upon with your Realtor®
• Real Estate Taxes:  These are not to be confused with the Excise Tax/Tax Stamps above.  These are your annual Property Taxes.  They must be prorated which means that you as the seller will pay for your portion up to the day of closing.  
• Homeowners Association Dues:  This may not apply to you but if your home is located within a subdivision that has a Homeowners Association then you will be required to pay your Homeowners Association Dues up to the time of closing.
  
• Current Loan Payoff:  This is the amount of the current mortgage on your home if you have one.  The attorney that is handling the closing will request a payoff from your mortgage company prior to closing and then will pay your current mortgage with the proceeds from the sale of your home. 

The above are standard charges to a seller when they sell their home.  Keep in mind that there may be additional charges depending on the Contract that you have agreed upon with the Buyer.  For instance, did you agree to pay a portion of the Buyer's Closing Costs?  Did you agree to pay for a Home Warranty for the Buyer?  Those charges would then be added to the above mentioned charges and would be reflected on the Settlement Statement.

If you have any questions regarding any of the charges that I mentioned above OR if you would like to get an idea of what your profit would be from selling your home in Wake Forest NC just give me a call at 919-649-6128 or simply send me an email!  I would be happy to prepare a preliminary Seller Net Proceeds for you!

* It is VERY important to note that the above is only specific to NORTH CAROLINA!  Each state handles closings differently and each state may have different fee structures.  If you are in another state reading this and would like more information regarding YOUR net proceeds in YOUR state give me a call - I have a WIDE network of professionals in every state that can help!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.