Date Archives: February 2020

Attention home buyers – this is THE weekend for you to find your new home and we're ready to help.

Our in-the-know real estate agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday in nearly every corner of this prospering Triangle region and Goldsboro, too. It's time to map out a plan to make the most of this fall weekend. 

Open House Tips For Buyers 

It doesn't matter if you're entering the second month of your house hunt or are just getting started, you're going to want to make the most of your open house visits. 

Do Some Digging 

Power up your computer or charge up your Smart Phone and start "digging" for information on the homes you plan to visit. Access a home valuation estimate on our HPW.com website to review a comprehensive report with property details, recent area sales, and more useful information for each of the homes you like. 

Take Your Time

Give yourself ample time to tour the homes you visit. Walkthrough each home with the onsite agent and then go back through on your own. Take time to step into the backyard or stroll down the street. Buying a home is a big deal, and you're going to want to gather every detail possible to make an educated decision. 

Curb Your Enthusiasm 

Attending an open house is exciting, especially when you think the home may be perfect for you and your family. Do your best to remain cool, calm, and collected as you take your tour to ensure you see the home as it really is, without the rose-colored lenses.

Featured Open Houses

316 Malvern Hill Lane, Morrisville, NC 27560

$468,900

Sq Ft: 4,225 | Beds: 7 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, February 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

4912 Franz Liszt Court, Raleigh, NC 27615

$725,000

Sq Ft: 4,700 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

829 Journeys Rest Lane, Apex, NC 27523

$1,398,000

Sq Ft: 4,836 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 29 from 12 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, March 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

2120 Camber Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$1,425,000

Sq Ft: 4,845 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 29 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, March 1 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

1200 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,175,000

Sq Ft: 4,575 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 29 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, March 1 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

407 Powers Ferry Road, Cary, NC 27519

$719,000

Sq Ft: 5,515 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.

103 Glade Park Road, Cary, NC 27518

$695,000

Sq Ft: 4,055 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.

When our real estate agents help sellers price their homes, the amount of usable space is always an important factor. While some of the best Raleigh homes for sale make great use of all the available space, most do not. 

If you have an unfinished attic or basement, you're missing out on the opportunity to increase the value of your home. Even better, you'll also create a new space that you and your family can enjoy. Not sure how to get started? Here are seven of the best ways to reclaim your unfinished space.

1. Create a Cozy Sleeping Nook
   Taking advantage of your attic brings some challenges, like limited space and awkwardly angled ceilings. However, despite (or maybe because of) this, it's the ideal location for a cozy sleeping nook. Most attics are the perfect size for two twin-sized beds with a small bedside table in between. Create a clean and cozy feel by painting the walls a stark white and adding brightly colored bedspreads and a matching throw rug. 
2. Make a Fun and Bright Playroom
   Turning your attic into a playroom gives kids a space to call their own. Make the space whimsical and fun by choosing brightly colored carpeting and comfortable seating that's low to the ground. Don't forget to add some storage space to help keep toys and games organized when they're not in use. 
3. Turn Your Basement Into a Man Cave
   A finished basement is a perfect place to create a "man cave" or entertainment room. Make sure you take steps to get rid of moisture and odors and fully insulate the space before you start your remodeling project. Add wood or laminate flooring, comfortable furniture, and whatever amenities best suit your preferences. Once the basics are taken care of, you may want to add a home bar, gaming area, or surround-sound speakers.
4. Create a Quiet Writer's Retreat
   The coziness you can create in an attic also makes it ideal for a quiet writer's retreat. Not only can you get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house, but you can also turn it into a distraction-free zone where you can spend hours honing your craft. Add a small desk, a comfortable loveseat, and even cushions on the floor that will allow you to sprawl out whenever the mood strikes. 
5. Or a Reading Nook 
   You don't have to be a writer to enjoy a quiet getaway. Consider turning your attic space into a comfortable book nook instead! Add a mattress or custom cushions under the angled ceiling to create a unique space perfect for curling up and enjoying your favorite books. Decorate the bulk of the room with soft lighting and add some strategically angled bright lights to illuminate your reading space. 
6. Turn Your Space Into a Spa
   A completely innovative idea is to turn your basement into a home spa. Add a luxurious soaking tub and a frameless shower. Decorate the space with natural materials, marble, glass tiles, and maybe even a chandelier! 
7. Create a Comfy TV Viewing Room
   Last but not least, both attics and basements make excellent home theaters or simple television viewing rooms. Choose a large screen TV, surround-sound speakers, and don't forget to add plenty of comfortable seating. 

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, we can help! Contact us today. 

Even though we're currently enjoying a winter wonderland here in Central NC, the housing market is getting hot, hot, hot!

So whatever your plans are this weekend, be sure to schedule in some time for HPW Open Houses and explore the unlimited possibilities that are out there. The most comprehensive real estate website in the state, HPW.com is the perfect place to start this journey.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents know the market inside, and out, and are ready to show you the homes they've listed and answer any questions you may have. So, click through to our open houses to see all of the properties our local real estate agents have listed and go visit them this weekend!

Featured Open Houses

8713 Bluff Pointe Court, Raleigh, NC 27615

$310,000

Sq Ft: 2,109 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.  

92 Bella Casa Way, Clayton, NC 27527

$714,900

Sq Ft: 4,218 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

2025 Reserve Falls Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$750,000

Sq Ft: 4,500 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 22 from 7 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, February 23 from 7 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

120 Bayside Road, Dunn, NC 28334

$265,000

Sq Ft: 2,321 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. and

Sunday, February 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

1208 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,100,000

Sq Ft: 4,250 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, February 22 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, February 23 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

6711 W Ten Road, Mebane, NC 27302

$415,000

Sq Ft: 3,872 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, February 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, February 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

203 Cole Valley Drive, Cary, NC 27513

$595,000

Sq Ft: 3,721 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, February 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

After our REALTORS® have helped you find the perfect home among the Raleigh homes for sale, it's time to pack your boxes and plan for moving day! Moving into a new home can be time-consuming, expensive and stressful especially if you don't plan it well.

Streamline your move with this list of actionable steps you can follow to make your move more bearable.

1. Decide if You Will DIY or Hire Relocation Services
   The dynamics of moving and the decisions you make from now on will depend on whether you will be in charge or you will hire a moving company. Getting movers could be costlier but more convenient. You will have experts on your case and won't have to worry about packing, the actual transportation, and unpacking. DIY moving lets you stay in control of the entire process. It will be tiresome and time-consuming but it is, in most cases, cheaper for shorter distances or if you have most of the resources you need to relocate.
2. Identify the Moving Date
   If possible, set a moving date that gives you at least a month to organize. Choosing the date in advance gives you time to do the rest of the preparations in a countdown mode, making the final moving day less stressful.
3. Create a Budget and Fund it
   Let's face it. You can't move without spending money. The cost to move locally in the US ranges from $800 and $2000 for a four-bedroom household. This figure varies depending on your possessions, who is handling the process, and the distance you are moving. Acknowledging and funding this bill in advance will avoid nasty surprises when you run out of money. A good way to get the budget right is getting quotes on your move from local contractors. You can then decide to trim down the budget by:

• • Selling, donating or disposing of some of your possessions
  • Bargaining or getting better rates from other contractors
  • Supplementing what the mover does by providing things like packaging, getting friends to offer free labor or getting a private truck to carry your belongings
  • Going full DIY

4. Prepare and Start Packing for the Grand Day
   Get the boxes and accessories you need to pack your valuables safely in advance. If possible, start packing what you can long before the last week. This will cut down on the time the movers spend on your premises, making your moving costs lower while making your experience better.
5. Don't Forget to Think About Unpacking
   The last thing people forget is the unpacking at the end of the move. You will need help moving all that heavy furniture and placing your belongings into the right rooms. Taking this into account will ensure that you settle into your new home faster and start feeling at home.

Don't let your move add unnecessary stress! Contact us today for help finding your new home in the Triangle.

Where do you want to live? What type of home do you want? Stepping up or moving down?

Whether you're a renter ready to take the homeownership plunge, a seasoned homeowner searching for new digs, or simply want to expand your investment property portfolio, HPW.com has the homes you seek.

The most comprehensive real estate website in the state, HPW.com is the perfect place to start your house hunt.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents know the market inside and out and are ready to show you the homes they've listed and answer the questions you may have.

Click through to our open house website to see all of the properties our local real estate agents have listed and go visit them this weekend.

Featured Open Houses

915 Queensdale Drive, Cary, NC 27519

$625,000

Sq Ft: 4,654 | Beds: 6 | Baths: 5 (full)

Open House: Saturday, February 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.

5408 Catmint Court, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$474,900

Sq Ft: 3,331 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, February 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.

1828 Elderbank Drive, Apex, NC 27502

$789,900

Sq Ft: 3,930 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, February 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.

2120 Camber Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$1,425,000

Sq Ft: 4,845 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 2 (1/2)

Saturday, February 15 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and

Sunday, February 16 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

1204 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,150,000

Sq Ft: 4,435 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 (full)

Saturday, February 15 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and

Sunday, February 16 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

7228 Ridgeline Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613

$524,900

Sq Ft: 3,643 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Saturday, February 15 from 2 to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, February 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.

420 Neuse Ridge Drive, Clayton, NC 27527

$445,900

Sq Ft: 3,611 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, February 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Have you experienced the pickleball craze? Pickleball has grown in popularity so quickly because anyone can pick up a paddle and play. It's a game suited to players of all ages and athletic levels, combining elements of a variety of popular racket-based games. Communities throughout the Triangle have been quick to embrace the popularity of pickleball, with local parks serving as the home base of pickleball players from around the region.

Our real estate agents know all of the best spots in the Triangle, and we've got the details on five local parks where you can get your pickleball fix.

• Brier Creek Park – 10810 Globe Rd., Raleigh, NC 27617
  With places to play pickleball and so much more, Brier Creek Park is one of the best spots in Raleigh to enjoy all of your favorite sports. For players who want to enjoy the game indoors, this is the place to be. The indoor gymnasium offers open-play pickleball for all players, along with other athletic programs.

• Green Road Park – 4201 Green Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604
  There are plenty of great parks to choose from close to Raleigh homes for sale, including Green Road Park, which is located on the Wake County Library premises. The pickleball/tennis courts at Green Road Park feature push-button lighting, available every night year-round until 10 pm. Raleigh is home to an active community of pickleball players, so this is one park where you're sure to find a game.

• Hargraves Community Park – 216 N. Roberson St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
  Hargraves Community Park and the on-site Community Center are popular gathering places near Chapel Hill homes for sale, so you're certain to find other pickleball players here on most days. If you're looking to enjoy some pickleball in the evening, this park features courts with plenty of lights where you can play after dark. It's also one of the largest parks on our list, with indoor/outdoor basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and an outdoor swimming pool.

• Garrett Road Park – 6815 Garrett Rd., Durham, NC 27707
  Lined pickleball courts and ample room for outdoor relaxation after your game make Garrett Road Park a popular stop for pickleball fans close to Durham homes for sale. Along with well-maintained pickleball courts, this park features an expansive playground where kids can enjoy some outdoor time while you hang out on the courts. After your game, sit back and enjoy the breeze in the picnic shelter, or fire up the on-site grill to refuel with a hot meal.

• White Oak Park – 1216 Jenks Carpenter Rd., Cary, NC 27519
  Cary homes for sale are located in a community that loves its pickleball, as you'll see when you visit the brand new pickleball courts at the popular White Oak Park. While nearly every pickleball court is a friendly place for new players, the regulars at White Oak Park take special pride in introducing new folks to the game. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to pick up a paddle and play. With three dedicated pickleball courts and an ever-growing community of local players, White Oak Park attracts players from Cary and beyond.

No matter how you like to enjoy your time outdoors, it's easy to stay active with pickleball and other sports available in the Triangle communities. Contact us to learn more about the Triangle in North Carolina.

Running is a great form of exercise adaptable to all workout styles. It can be done anywhere and anytime, with or without a partner, and the only equipment required is a good pair of shoes. Challenge yourself at one of these upcoming races around the Triangle suggested by our real estate agents.

1. Raleigh Half Marathon - 1924 Capital Blvd., Raleigh 27604
   After a successful inaugural "run," the Raleigh Half Marathon is back for a second year. One major change is the course, which is moving to the scenic Crabtree Park Greenway, not far from Raleigh homes for sale. The date has also been moved up to Saturday, February 22, at 7:30 a.m. to avoid last year's muggy weather. The registration fee is $75, and the field is capped at 750 entries.
   
   
2. Run for the Roses 5K - 805 Ruggles Dr., Raleigh 27603
   Now entering its 40th year, Run for the Roses 5K is one of the oldest races in the Triangle. The event includes a standard 5K along with a kids' fun run, both taking place in beautiful Dorothea Dix Park. An exciting addition this year is a pursuit race where a small group of elite female runners will have a two-minute head start on a small group of elite male runners to see who will finish first. At the end of the 5K, all-female finishers will receive the traditional rose. Run for the Roses takes place on Sunday, February 9. Race times are 2 p.m. for the 5K and 3 p.m. for the fun run. Registration fees are $25-$30, with a special rate of $18 for kids under the age of 18.
   
   
3. Viking Dash Trail Run - 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill 27562
   Whether you're a novice or veteran runner, the Viking Dash Trail Run offers an event to suit your abilities. Choose from 5K, 10K, or half-marathon courses set through Harris Lake County Park. Spice up the competition by donning your most creative Viking-themed gear for the costume contest. All finishers receive a 7" double-bladed battle-ax "medal." The Viking Dash is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 9 a.m. Entry fees range from $44 to $74.
   
   
4. Sole Mates Valentine 5K & 10K - 201 Soccer Park Dr., Cary 27511
   Give your heart a workout at the Sole Mates Valentine 5K and 10K on Saturday, February 8. Participate individually or enter as a team with your significant other (or any partner of your choice). The race takes place just minutes from Cary homes for sale at WakeMed Soccer Park, which includes the infamous "Hill," but the course will be run backward, so you go down the Hill more often than up. Race time is 11 a.m. with a kids' sprint at 10:45 a.m. Registration fees run from $5 - $90.
   
   
5. Kay Yow Cancer Fund Celebration Run/Walk - 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh 27606
   Everyone's life has been touched in one way or another by cancer. Honor survivors and their loved ones at the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Celebration Run/Walk on Saturday, February 22. The 4K course (with a "mini-K" 2.5-mile option) is at Stafford Commons, adjacent to the Talley Student Union at NC State University. The start time is 11 a.m., and the registration fee is $25.

We go the distance to handle all your real estate needs. If you're buying or selling a Triangle area home, contact us today.