Life In Wake Forest NC.....

I'll exploit you, your buyers and make a ton of money!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:01:59 -0600

I've made tens of thousands of dollars from people just like you. Yep that's right, I make my living by taking from you every chance I get. Best part is you make it so easy for me! I have so many ways to do this that it's hard for you to keep up with all of my methods. I'll exploit you, your buyers and make a ton of money!

This is likely the thought process from a criminal of a quickly growing crime called identity theft. What does this have to do with a real estate agent?

A prospect finds your blog and learns about the nuances of buying a home because you blog about it. Eventually they call you and after a nice conversation you agree to meet. When you meet the inevitable question arises: Are you prequalified? Usually the answer is no but I pay my bills on time and have a down payment. With a smile on your face you think to yourself, alright! Looks like I have a qualified buyer! What a great day!

Later that day the trusted loan officer you recommended to your prospect calls to tell you that this person won't qualify because someone stole their identity and ruined their credit. Ughh! Nothing could have prepared you or them for that.

Wrong.

What you write on your blog is likely read by hundreds or thousands of people in your community. You provide them information about local events, real estate market, quality of life but do you offer tips to secure their ability to get a loan?

That's the loan officers job! Maybe, but does this scenario affect your paycheck? This fact now makes it everyone's job.

I don't want to pay a monthly fee for credit monitoring or id theft protection and I doubt you and your prospect does either. So here are both free and low cost solutions that you can blog about:

Regular credit review: You can pull 3 credit reports a year at no cost.

Where: www.annualcreditreport.com When: Instead of pulling all three at once pull one report from each credit bureau every four months. If you choose to use a different source for a free credit report they will likely sell your information for a profit thus increasing your junk mail which now exposes your personal information even more.

Set up a fraud alert with the credit bureau. You may have to do this on a regular basis.

Guaranteed protection without having to monitor anything. Cost: A one time fee of about $30 ($10 to each credit bureau)

Credit Freeze. Where: Experian Transunion Equifax

For about a $10 fee each credit bureau will "freeze" your credit and issue you a PIN number. If you have already been a victim of ID theft it is free. Nobody can access your credit even if they have your social security number, birthdate etc. They must have the PIN number. In order to access your credit you must pay a $10 fee to "thaw" your credit and provide your PIN number. You'll have to pay another $10 to re freeze your credit again. This is better than a $30 monthly fee paid year after year. Another downside is that if you apply for credit you will have to remember to "thaw" your credit first. In case you wondering if I practice what I preach, my wife and I both have security freeze with all credit bureaus.

Of course I won't personally exploit you or your buyers. If I had titled it "How to prevent ID theft" would you have read it? I didn't think so!

Feel free to copy and paste this info into your own blog.

Discover Spring Hope NC - I Did!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:32:18 -0600

Spring Hope, NC is a delightful little historic town located in Nash County, NC. Only minutes from I-95 in one direction and Raleigh NC in the other it is a perfect location to be "close" to things but just not TOO close!

I had the pleasure of having to visit Spring Hope, NC last week and, as always, had my camera handy! I snapped a few shots and thought I would share them for all to enjoy.

A few details about Spring Hope, NC:

Est. 1889
Awesome Annual Festivals such as the Pumpkin Festival
Local Farmers Market
Community woven Chamber of Commerce
1261 residents (according to 2000 Census)
Nash County
a notable native of Spring Hope NC is the Carolina Panther founder and owner Jerry Richardson

If you would like more information regarding Spring Hope NC be sure to give me a call! You can reach me at 919.649.6128, or you can email me and don't forget to visit my website: Wake Forest NC House Chick

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....

You Know It's An Old House When You Find THIS is the Lockbox.....

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:10:38 -0600

Wow, today was awesome! I got to get out with some really great buyers that are full of vision and passion for historic homes! We visited historic homes in Louisburg NC and then a few historic homes in Franklinton NC - they were all beautiful in their own way.

Some were renovated with very little work being done and others were mere shells that would take the new owners patience and perserverance to complete.

The last house on the tour today was in Franklinton NC and this is what we found in the lockbox.

It's been a VERY long time since I have used one of these keys so, trust me, it did take a little time to get in the house and then to lock it back up. But, wow, what a beauty it was!

If you are looking for a historic home in Wake Forest NC or the surrounding areas be sure to check out my blog Whats YOUR Circa - you can find so much information regarding historic homes there as well as my website Wake Forest NC House Chick!

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....

Can You Guess the Price on This Historic Home for Sale in Louisburg NC?

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:09:29 -0600

Over 6000 square feet
17 rooms
6 bedrooms
multiple fireplaces
Amazing views of historic downtown Louisburg NC

This home was built in 1901 and is very well recognized in Louisburg NC! Curious about the price? $600,000? $500,000? $400,000? $300,000? Still not even close to the insane List Price of this historic home - for a few more pictures and the list price please visit What's YOUR Circa?

If you would like to see this home please feel free to call me 919.649.6128 or simply send me an email - I would love to see this historic home live on!

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 Tree Seedling GIVEAWAY! March 6, 2010

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:25:26 -0600

The Wake Forest Urban Forestry Advisory Board (UFAB) will have its 5th annual tree seedling giveaway on Saturday, March 6, from 8am - noon (or until they run out of trees) on Brooks Street in historic downtown Wake Forest NC. The exact location is not yet known due to the construction of the Wake Forest Town Hall but there will be directional signs that you can follow.

Some of what you will find are:

Atlantic White Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar
Overcup Pak
Dogwood
Eastern Redbud
Persimmon
Crape Myrtle

Last year my family took advantage and we got 3 seedlings. The volunteers at the event were EXTREMELY helpful with answering questions about planting and care. Our trees are still growing and we are looking forward to this year - I want another Dogwood! This year the volunteers for this seedling giveaway are Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Boy Scout Pack 5 Webelos and the St Catherine of Siena Church Boy Scout Pack 511 Webelos. Also available to answer any questions will be Master Gardeners and Arborists.

I hope that you get the chance to visit and get a FREE seedling or two for yourself - there is a 4 seedling limit. It is a great way to add some shade, give back to the environment and enhance your property! Chances are that if you attend we will most likely run into each other there - see you then!

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 Many Fun Things To Do in Wake Forest NC! March 1 - 7, 2010

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:35:40 -0600

What a beautiful weekend this has been in Wake Forest NC! I hope that you have all been able to get out and enjoy the sunshine because the forecast is showing a hint of SNOW again coming up this week - can you believe it? Spring just can't come soon enough!

Just because the forecast still show winter weather coming our way that doesn't stop the town of Wake Forest NC from pressing on with a fantastic calendar of events! There will be quite a few events you'll want to get on your calendar....

See you out and about in Wake Forest NC this week!

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting
Monday, Mar. 1; 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

Community Meeting on Housing and Neighborhood Development
Monday, March 1; 7 pm
Massey Apartments Community Room, 133 N. Allen Road
Wake County Housing and Community Revitalization, in partnership with the East End Neighborhood Association and the Town of Wake Forest, will seek citizen input for its next five-year Consolidated Plan during a community meeting scheduled for Monday, March 1, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Massey Apartments Community Room, located at 133 N. Allen Road in Wake Forest. All citizens are encouraged to attend. Wake County Housing and Community Revitalization wants to determine Wake Forest’s most pressing housing and community development needs. Citizen input is the best way the County can find out what is needed and where to concentrate its funding over the next 5 years. For more information, please contact Emily Fischbein, Community Development Planner, Wake County Housing and Community Revitalization at (919) 212-7874.

Dine to Donate to the American Cancer Society
Tuesday, Mar. 2; 4 pm – 8 pm
Chili’s Grill & Bar, Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest
Come out and dine to donate for a great cause, to help fight cancer! Chili's Wake Forest is sponsoring a Dine to Donate night for the Relay for Life Team Franklin Academy on Tuesday, March 2 from 4 pm - 8 pm and donating 10% of food sales to the American Cancer Society. Luminaries, crafts, ribbons, and charms will be available, too.

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting - Evening
Tuesday, Mar. 2; 6:30 pm weigh in and 6:45 pm meeting
Wake Forest Baptist Church Room 213, 103 N. Main St., 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

Small Businesses Making a Big Difference - Business Networking Luncheon
Thursday, Mar. 4; Noon - 2 pm
Tuxedo Junction, 405 S. Brooks St., Renaissance Plaza, Downtown Wake Forest
Enjoy a buffet lunch and learn how your small business can make a big difference. Tickets are $10 per person. RSVP by Feb. 26 to (919) 554-1704 or atchavez@nc.rr.com.

Firing Range Training
Thursday, Mar. 4; 1 pm - 9 pm
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 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. www.wakeforestnc.gov/residents/police_firingrange.aspx

Wake Forest Woman's Cub Meeting
Thursday, Mar. 4; 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave.
The Wake Forest Woman's Club will meet on Thursday, March 4, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Wake Forest Community House. Guest speaker will be Paige Hamp, Board Member and Treasurer of the "Embrace Uganda" orgainization. This group was established to encourage and empower a generation of orphans, one village at a time. For more information, call Membership Chair Quinn 761-1646. Guests are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Fish Fry
Friday, Mar. 5; 11 am - 7 pm
Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 S. Main St., Wake Forest
The Wake Forest United Methodist Church Men 2010 Fish Fry offers $8 plates that include flounder, slaw, boiled potatoes, and hush puppies. Dine in, take out, drive through, or delivery is available. For delivery of five or more plates, call (919) 556-2239. This event raises money for the men to build handicap access ramps at little or no cost to those in need. Additionally, the United Methodist Men support over 20 local charitable organizations serving our community. www.wakeforestumc.org

Tree Seedling Giveaway
Saturday, Mar. 6; 8 am - Noon (while supplies last)
Town Hall Vicinity, Brooks Street Side
The Wake Forest Urban Forestry Board, Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Pack 5 Webelos, and St. Catherine of Siena Church Pack 511 Webelos will distribute free seedlings to area residents in the vicinity of the Wake Forest Town Hall on March 6 from 8 am until Noon, while supplies last. Rain or shine, the event will take place. Due to construction, the exact location cannot be determined, but directional signs will be posted to assist residents. Persons may choose up to four seedlings per family from the selection listed below. Arborists and Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide assistance on selection. This year's selection includes: Atlantic White Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Overcup Oak, Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Persimmon, Crape Myrtle. Contact Ann Ayers at aayers@wakeforestnc.gov for more information.

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....

Fed raises rate, banks move from bottle feeding to sippy cup and what it means for you

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:49:58 -0600

Commentary
I'll explain in the easiest terms possible. The fed says that this is not a signal that they will be raising interest rates but a majorty of Wall Street investors disagree. The feds raised the discount rate from .50% to .75% sooner than anyone anticipated and many speculate that it may be the start of rising interest rates. Many believe a halt of the fed providing liquidity (money) to banks is near. The fed states that they don't view inflation a concern and don't plan to hike interest rates.

Remember, interest rates and mortgage interest rates are two separate things. The government controls interest rates that banks charge each other for loans. The selling and buying of mortgages on the bond market (we call them MBS-mortgage backed securities) determines mortgage rates. Right now the feds are buying MBS(bottle feeding) but when they stop if nobody else wants to buy them, mortgage rates will rise. Do you want to buy mortgages and be the banks "sippy cup"?

Market insight
Mortgage rates have increased this week and there is a bearish attitude regarding rates. In a nutshell, mortgage rates are on the rise and don't expect them to come down. The fed may allow the current stimulus programs to expire. This includes the fed being the buyer of mortgages (remember when MBS are bought mortgages rates stay low) so what does this mean for you?

Opinion
Extension of the home buyer tax credit may be in jeopardy. Higher mortgage rates will make it harder for people to qualify, adding pressure to sellers to offer higher seller concessions to allow for "rate buy downs" to help buyers qualify. If the the fed waits for strong signs that the housing market is indeed in recovery before stripping all liquidity from the markets and pressures banks to ease underwriting guidelines then a quick recovery is likely.

Providing access to loans to qualified borrowers without ridiculous conditions including a stated income loan program backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for self employed borrowers will help stabilize recovery efforts. Amend HVCC and provide the $8,000 tax credit to employers who hire full time employees. An employed buyer is more qualified that an unemployed buyer with $8,000.

Market Snapshot in financial geek terms

Markets were shaken yesterday with the January PPI jump of 1.4%. The CPI today was expected to be .3% but came in at .2% with the core rate expected to be .2% was .1%. The 10 year note was generally flat but mortgage prices -2/32 (.06) bps from yesterday.

After a strong sell off yesterday treasuries are slowly improving this morning. The 10 year note may hit 3.92% but people holding out for lower rates will be disappointed as mortgage rates are expected to climb. Only a substantial "market shock" would likely bring down mortgage rates.

Summary

Rates are rising, fed may be pulling the plug and expect government stimulus programs to go away. Prepare for a slowly recovering market and if you are "floating" lock your rate now. Share this information with your prospective buyers and the likelihood of a shift in higher seller concessions to your sellers to assist buyers in qualifying.

When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:05:53 -0600

A touching story I received from a friend.

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the
school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.’

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and

warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate,
the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it

to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to
third!

Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

I have not researched the authenticity of this story and frankly don't care. Even if it's fiction it's still a nice story and worthy of reading with a powerful message. Have a nice day!

Interested in Moving to Wake Forest NC? I Can Help!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:18:13 -0600

Wake Forest NC is a bedroom community just outside of Raleigh NC which makes it perfect for those wanting to get "out of the city" yet be able to easily commute to downtown Raleigh NC, RTP (Research Triangle Park) and even Durham NC.

Wake Forest NC evokes the southern small town atmosphere yet provides all the amenities and conveniences of a march larger city such as fabulous restaurants, superb shopping, numerous parks and greenways, fabulous local library and everyday needs are met easily with a generous supply of public schools and charter schools, grocery stores, local coffee shops, bakeries, home improvement stores, banks and entertainment options. For a closer look at some of the conveniences check out Wake Forest NC Info.

There are some amazing homes for sale in Wake Forest NC that provide easy living for any family profile. With prices to fit any budget Wake Forest NC is the perfect option. There is everything in Wake Forest NC from brand new construction to grand historic homes and everything in between.

If you are just starting your search for homes for sale in Wake Forest NC give me a call at 919.649.6128 or simply send me an email. Remember, I live, work and play in Wake Forest NC - it is my HOME! I can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing Wake Forest NC as your next place to call home.

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....

Practical Home Improvements (Foresight Not Required)

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:14:14 -0600

I thought you might like a little giggle this morning! Now I have seen some creative construction before but this really is one of the Top 10 in my book!

Take a peek at Stephen's other "Just For Fun" posts - I am sure they'll make you smile!

Via Stephen Fells (AgencyLogic):

If you enjoyed this post you'll certainly enjoy these other 'Just For Fun' posts!

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....

Historic River Mill in Wake Forest NC - Own a Piece of History!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:34:08 -0600

Rarely does this kind of opportunity become available! River Mill, circa 1854, was lovingly renovated and turned into condos quite some time ago and very rarely does a unit come available for sale!

Just today a gorgeous unit presented that rare opportunity - it is for sale and is quite a deal!

This stunning unit has gleaming hardwood floors, exposed granite and stone walls and tremendous views.

For more information regarding River Mill Wake Forest NC please be sure to visit River Mill Wake Forest NC - Live in History and for more information on this specific unit now available please visit Historic River Mill in Wake Forest NC - Condo for Sale

Don't forget to check out Whats YOUR Circa for all your Historic Property information in Wake Forest NC and the surrounding areas. There you can find Historic Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Historic Restoration advice, cultural pieces and news from around the country pertaining to historic landmarks. For more infomation regarding Wake Forest NC please be sure to visit my website Wake Forest NC House Chick - there you can find Wake Forest NC Homes for Sale, Restaurants, Shopping and Entertainment locations, Wake County Public Schools information and up to date advice and tips for buying or selling a home in Wake Forest NC.

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....

No more warnings. It happens next month. Are you prepared?

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:30:32 -0600

I'm no gloom and doom kind of guy but I am concerned. I've written a post about the government buying mortgages and how that has kept mortgage rates artificially low. I also wrote that once the fed stops buying mortgages that rates would be determined by the purchase and sale of mortgages on the bond market and that I believe rates will rise. Today on CNBC a short video clip was made available regarding this.

WATCH VIDEO

Some experts are speculating that the rates may remain the same or only jump .50%. Considering that most of the Nation's real estate is not recovering just yet (some places are) it's safe to say that if home values continue to drop in hard hit areas that these newer mortgages could default from borrowers walking away. Not likely, but possible. That possibility is the fear factor that I believe will drive away investors appetite for mortgage backed securities. Also, what will happen to interest rates when the fed starts to sell the mortgages that they bought?

I hope I am wrong and they are right. A 1% increase in rate would price some entry level buyers out of the market. Combine this with the proposed increase in FHA up front mortgage insurance premium, the monthly mortgage insurance premium and you have a "double whammy".

Many seasoned home owners are choosing to sit in their homes and do nothing and investors are preferring to swoop up deals with all cash offers. There are a limited number of cash buyers. If seasoned homeowners sit and entry level buyers are priced out of the market, this will certainly make our ability to make a living that much more challenging.

However, I also believe that the sooner the government gets out of our business and allows free market to control it the sooner we will see real recovery. The other large hurdle in real estate will be HVCC reform.

IS THERE MORE?

Yes. I've addressed real estate but haven't commented on the US economy. I found a video that is really interesting about what people predict to happen if the government doesn't get out of the "rescue" business. This is a business news clip not Glen Beck. It says Glen Beck but for those who do not like him he does not air until 8 minutes and 45 seconds into the video. Out of respect for my readers my political preferences remain private. Feel free to fast forward the first 90 seconds of video where the "good stuff" starts being discussed.

Hyper inflation, shortages and lines for food and energy, higher interest rates and a devalued dollar. Some think this can and will happen in America. I regretfully agree. Therefore I'm glad the Fed is finally beginning to step away from their current role but be prepared for the shorter term ripple effect in our industry. Short term meaning a couple of years. To survive I recommend you keep as much cash flow as possible (liquidity) even if it may not get you the best return. Save your money and refrain from spending on non essentials. Write a budget. A budget in your head rarely gets enforced. If you have to spend money, spend it on your business.

I hope that our government gets out of every facet of bailing out failed business models so we can get the recovery underway and allow entrepreneurship and small business to thrive. I'm in the same boat you are and if you and your referral partners meet and put together a plan of action it will make these bumps a little bit smoother. Unfortunately, some people don't have the luxury of time to be able and wait for the recovery. We should go out of our way to help them especially when they request our services.

Things To Do in Wake Forest NC - Week of February 22 - 28, 2010

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:05:18 -0600

This past week has been fantastic in Wake Forest NC - the weather finally started to ease up and the parks were PACKED with people and their dogs, frisbees and kids! Wasn't quite springtime weather but close enough!

The upcoming week in Wake Forest NC has some great events in store for us like the State of the Town Address and the Economic Development Forum to name just a few! Get out, enjoy the weather the week ahead and have fun in Wake Forest NC!

Life in Wake Forest NC is always full of great things to do!

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting
Monday, Feb. 22; 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

State of the Town Address & Dinner
Monday, Feb. 22; 6 pm
Tuxedo Junction, 405 S. Brooks St.
The Town of Wake Forest will present the 2nd Annual State of the Town Address & Dinner on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010. The event gets underway at 6 pm and will be held at Tuxedo Junction, 405 S. Brooks St. Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones will deliver the State of the Town Address, providing Wake Forest citizens an opportunity to reflect on an impressive list of accomplishments in 2009 and learn about the goals Wake Forest will strive towards in 2010. Tickets for the State of the Town Address & Dinner cost $15 per person and will go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 19. Residents who wish to attend can pay online with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card by visiting www.wakeforestnc.gov/marketplace.aspx. Tickets may also be purchased at Town Hall, 401 Elm Ave., and the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. White St., with cash or by check made payable to the Town of Wake Forest. The deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, Feb. 18. For more information about the 2010 State of the Town Address & Dinner, call (919) 554-6196.

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting - Evening
Tuesday, Feb. 23; 6:30 pm weigh in and 6:45 pm meeting
Wake Forest Baptist Church Room 213, 103 N. Main St., 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

An Evening with Dr. Tim Cherry
Tuesday, Feb. 23; 7 pm
Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave.
Local storyteller, potter, artist, and actor, Dr. Tim Cherry will share stories about his extraordinary life. This program is a part of the 2009-2010 Friends of the Wake Forest Library Speaker Series and is free and open to the entire community. Email friendswflibrary@yahoo.com or contact Terri during business hours at Alphabet Soup Educational Supplies (919) 554-3035 for more information.

2010 Economic Development Forum
Thursday, Feb. 25; 11 am - 1 pm
Mill Room at The Factory
This event will take an in-depth look at how our region is faring in the current economic environment, what we should expect both locally and at the federal level, and provide unique insight into current economic development trends from the viewpoint of a local site selection consultant. Tickets are $15 for Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce members and $25 for non-members (lunch is included) and should be purchased no later than Feb. 19. Register online by clicking here or call (919) 556-1519.

Open Computer Lab
Thursday, Feb. 25; 6 pm - 8 pm
Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club
The Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club offers a computer lab on most Thursday evenings. Visit www.wakebgc.org for more information.

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....

Wordless Wednesday - A New Addition to Our Family

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:10:37 -0600

It has taken quite some time but we finally found THE puppy that we wanted to love. His name (so far) is Brodie! He has been home since 5pm and this house will never be the same! Tug was hesitant at first to meet him but after just a few short minutes, a few growls and the obligatory sniffs all is wonderful in this house!

Meet Brodie! This is how Tug handles him.....just throws a leg over him!

Liam decided to join in.......

And then there is sweet revenge......

Or to solve all problems Tug just lays on Brodie!

I have to say - we got Brodie from the Wake County Animal Shelter. It broke my heart that we couldn't scoop up more than just Brodie! So, please, if you are looking to add another member to your family of the four legged kind please visit your local Animal Shelter - there are AMAZING animals just waiting for their furever home!

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....

Go Ahead, Take Another Peek at 2326 Carriage Oaks Drive, Raleigh NC

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:46:25 -0600

2326 Carriage Oaks Drive in Raleigh NC is the epitome of hassle-free living in Wakefield Plantation! Welcome to this 220+ acre TPC golf community with all the amenities and conveniences of life located right within your reach! Wakefield Plantation is one of the most sought after communities in the Raleigh NC area and has easy access to all points of the Triangle such as RTP, Durham, Downtown Raleigh and Cary.

2326 Carriage Oaks Drive is a shining example of quality craftsmanship and indulgent appointments coming together to produce a showstopping townhome. Some features to note are:

4800 sq ft
5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths
Hardwood floors entire first floor
2 car garage
Rec room, Theatre Room AND Kitchenette in finished daylight basement
Master Suite with fireplace and sitting area
$450,000.00

Come, take another peek at 2326 Carriage Oaks Drive in Raleigh NC!

For more homes for sale in Raleigh NC be sure to check out my website, Wake Forest House Chick - you can find up to the minute changes to all the property listings in Raleigh NC!

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....