Date Archives: May 2020

It's the last weekend in May which means two things: (1) it's the final weekend to submit a photo of your favorite senior for a chance to win, and (2) it's a great weekend to go house hunting!

We have partnered with WRAL TV to make a Salute to Seniors for the Class of 2020. You can submit a photo you've taken of your favorite high school or college senior, then tune in to WRAL as they showcase this year's graduating class. One winner will be randomly selected to receive a $2,000 travel voucher to celebrate with your graduate. Five additional winners will be randomly selected each week to receive a $100 gift card to Empire Eats or Local 22. The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 31^st which is this Sunday so be sure to get those photos in!

After you're done submitting your favorite photo of your senior, head over to hpw.com/virtual and take some virtual tours of the beautiful homes our HPW real estate agents have listed. With houses of all sizes, price points and locations, there is bound to be one that catches your eye.

Featured Virtual Tours

2432 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608

$535,000

Sq Ft: 2,201 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

51310 Eastchurch, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$889,900

Sq Ft: 5,207 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

1436 Fairfax Woods Drive, Apex, NC 27502

$549,900

Sq Ft: 3,877 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

5101 Doughtymews Lane, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$750,000

Sq Ft: 4,879 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

9704 Heathermill Lane, Raleigh, NC 27617

$639,500

Sq Ft: 5,085 | Beds: 6 | Baths: 4 (full)

108 Revmont Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$824,900

Sq Ft: 4,777 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full)

4009 Wilton Woods Place, Cary, NC 27519

$749,900

Sq Ft: 3,721 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Spring is traditionally the time when we do a thorough cleaning of our homes, undertaking tasks that we don't normally include in our cleaning regimen -- such as cleaning the washing machine.

Why does the washing machine need cleaning? After all, it's continuously washing itself with soap and sometimes hot water. Isn't it clean enough? Not really.

Soap leaves scum. Detergent residue can build up. There are also crevices in the washing machine's interior where dampness prevails, and where mold and dirt can take hold. Though you regularly wipe down the washing machine's exterior, and you often give the inner tub a wipe with a sponge, your machine may need a more thorough cleaning.

Front or top load, your washing machine could use a thorough cleaning at least once every year. It wouldn't hurt to clean it more often. 

1. Clean Filters and Dispensers
   Depending on the type of washer you have, look at your manual to locate filters and dispensers. If the washer has them, remove them and soak them in a solution of vinegar or bleach and water while you're cleaning the drum. If you have dispensers that aren't removable, clean them with a sponge dipped in a cleaning solution.
   
   
2. Clean the Gasket
   Mold and mildew can grow behind your front-loading washer's gasket. Clean under the gasket, using hot soapy water and a rag. You may even find one of those socks that went inexplicably missing last time you washed. Among other locations (under the agitator or wash plate, or in the washer's filter), socks are sometimes found under the gasket. 
   
   
3. Wash the Drum 
   Clean a top-loading washer with 4 cups of vinegar and 1 cup baking soda; for a front loader, use 2 cups of vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda, or some kind of washer cleaner tablets.
   
   To thoroughly clean a top loader, fill it with hot water and add a cup of bleach. Let it sit for an hour, then run a long cleaning cycle. Then run another cycle with vinegar, followed by another hot water cycle to clean it out. Remember the next time you are ready to wash clothes to wash whites first, just in case there are traces of bleach in the machine.
   
   For top loaders, set the control to hot and on the large setting. Once the drum is full, add vinegar and baking soda and turn the washer on full cycle. For a front loader, put vinegar in the dispenser and baking soda in the drum. Set controls at highest heat and largest load and turn it on for the whole cycle.
   
   Once the cycle is over, wipe out the drum with a clean cloth.
   
   
4. Leave the Door Open 
   After cleaning the washer, leave the door open so the machine can air out and dry. Always leave the door open once you've completed a wash cycle, to air out the washer.

If you're anticipating putting your home on the market, a substantial spring cleaning is one way to ensure it stands out among other Raleigh homes for sale. Looking for more tips from our real estate agents to get your Raleigh home ready to show? Contact us today.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and Mother Nature looks like she is going to cooperate! (Bye, bye rain!) While this year's weekend may look a little different than previous years, we hope that everyone is able to pay tribute to our nation's brave heroes and then enjoy lots of fun in the sun.

While you're out enjoying the long weekend under Carolina blue skies, why not do a little house hunting right from the comfort of your own home. Maybe it's time to upgrade your backyard, entertainment space and look for a home with a built-in grill and room for dining. Or maybe the kids have been begging to live in a neighborhood with a community pool. 

With houses in all shapes and sizes in highly demanded locations and neighborhoods, our agents' virtual tours are worth a look!

Our HPW real estate agents are ready to (virtually) show you around the beautiful homes they've listed. For even more virtual tours of our listings, head over to hpw.com/virtual.

Featured Virtual Tours

115 Briery Branch Court, Morrisville, NC 27560  

$870,000

Sq Ft: 6,387 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

35 Harvest Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$1,296,000   

Sq Ft: 4,613 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

317 W Morgan Street, Unite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 

$930,000

Sq Ft: 3,032 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

115 Burgundy Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$865,000

Sq Ft: 4,027 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

5917 Larboard Drive, Apex, NC 27539

$529,900

Sq Ft: 4,865 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

4041 Enfield Ridge Drive, Cary, NC 27519

$665,000

Sq Ft: 4,378 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full)

112 Red Bud Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

$749,000

Sq Ft: 4,289 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Is it summer yet? Maybe not quite, but it's finally starting to feel like it, and our real estate agents are more than ready. The warmer weather has us thinking about sitting outside at night, looking up at the stars while a crackling campfire blazes. 

After all, summer is campfire season, and these DIY backyard fire pit ideas will ensure that you're ready to take advantage of those warm summer nights! Summer will be here before you know it, so why not go ahead and get started today?

Buy or DIY

A lot of homeowners debate between building their own fire pit and buying one. Sure, you could pick one up at your local Walmart or Home Depot, but there are a lot of advantages to going the DIY route:

• The design options are endless. The types of fire pit you can buy at a store are fairly limited. When you build a DIY fire pit, you can choose among countless styles and building materials. 
• You can save money. Sure, it's possible to sink a lot of cash into building an elaborate outdoor fire area, but a basic DIY fire pit can cost less than a store-bought model. 
• It's fun! There's nothing quite like the satisfaction you get from building something yourself! 

DIY Fire Pit Ideas

You have endless options when you build a DIY fire pit. The blank slate your backyard offers can be intimidating, but remember that there's no such thing as a "bad" fire pit design, as long as it's safe and functional! Make sure to do the following:

• Choose building materials. You can use anything from natural stones to man-made materials like bricks, concrete pavers, and blocks. Kiln-fired bricks will withstand heat better and last longer. 
• Integrate your landscaping. Take your surroundings into account so that your fire pit feels like an integral part of your landscaping. A stone "patio" surrounding the fire pit can help tie the whole yard together. 
• Avoid standing water. Water can accumulate inside your fire pit if it's in a low-lying site. Lining the bottom with sand or gravel can help. 
• Make it functional. Want to cook over your fire pit in addition to enjoying a crackling campfire? Include a cooking grate in the design. 

A Note on Fire Pit Safety

Once you've dreamed up the backyard fire pit you've always wanted, it's time to start building! And when you're done, you can gather your friends for a fun summertime hangout. But before you do any of that, keep a few safety tips in mind: 

• Build your fire pit on a level site. This is especially important if your fire pit is completely above-ground.
• Make sure the site you've chosen is at least 20 feet from your house, and at least 10 feet from trees, plants, fences, and other structures. 
• Don't operate a fire pit under any overhanging branches or trees. 
• Only burn firewood that's been seasoned at least six months. Avoid burning composite wood and other construction materials. 
• Have a bucket or garden hose handy while burning.
• Use a screen to keep sparks from escaping the fire pit, or surround it with a non-combustible ground covering like sand or gravel. 

Contact us today for more ideas. Our team has helped countless families find beautiful Raleigh homes for sale, and we're committed to helping you live life to the fullest in the Triangle this summer!

ICYMI: Our CEO, David Jones, recently talked with WRAL about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted (or slight lack thereof) the real estate market here in the Triangle.

With that being said, we continue to make the safety and well-being of our agents and clients our top priority. We will work to ensure that all possible safety measures, and precautions, are being taken. We are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

Our HPW Agents will be hosting Virtual Tours for their numerous listings this weekend, so be sure to check them out! For even more virtual tours of our listings, head over to hpw.com/virtual.

Featured Virtual Tours

714 Edmund Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

$850,000

Sq Ft: 3,000 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

5217 Ginger Trail, Raleigh, NC 27614

$1,150,000

Sq Ft: 5754 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 3 (1/2)

432 Avocet Lane, Clayton, NC 27520

$449,000

Sq Ft: 3,316 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

560 Sun Forest Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$999,999

Sq Ft: 4,800 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

407 Powers Ferry Road, Cary, NC 27519

$698,000

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

103 Buckner Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$895,000

Sq Ft: 4,333 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

4028 Kaylor Creek Drive, Apex, NC 27539

$599,900

Sq Ft: 2,800 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Roses are red, violets are blue, we have lots of virtual tours, just for you!

The real estate market is in full swing these days and thanks to technology, our agents are able to showcase the beautiful homes they've listed by doing virtual tours. We continue to make the safety and well-being of our agents and clients our top priority and will work to ensure that all possible safety measures and precautions are being taken. Maintaining reliable service to our clients while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19 is our top priority.

Our agents will be hosting virtual tours this weekend, so be sure to check them out! For even more virtual tours of our listings, head over to hpw.com/virtual.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there!

Featured Virtual Tours

11405 Empire Lakes Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617

$1,005,000

Sq Ft: 7,256 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 2 (1/2)

303 Royal Tower Way, Cary, NC 27513

$625,000

Sq Ft: 4,230 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

301 Lake Hogan Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$775,000

Sq Ft: 4,034 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full)

7129 Cove Lake Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$940,000

Sq Ft: 5,434 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

106 Arrowstone Court, Morrisville, NC 27560

$825,000

Sq Ft: 4,635 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 (full)

2408 Fiddich Lane, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$349,900

Sq Ft: 2,300 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full)

1016 Regency Cottage Place, Cary, NC 27518

$469,990

Sq Ft: 2,720 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

If you're like most people, living under the current stay-at-home orders has started to feel really mundane. It's true, there's not a lot to do right now, but ordering takeout from some of the area's best restaurants is a great way to spice things up. 

Many of our real estate agents have started planning a weekly takeout night. Not only does this give us a chance to try out some new foods, but we love being able to support our local restaurant owners. Here are a few of our favorites! 

1. Woody's at City Market: 2050 Wolfe St. Raleigh, NC 27601
   Conveniently located in downtown Raleigh, Woody's at City Market is perfect for those days when you're craving some American comfort food. We recommend the burgers, Cuban sandwiches, and, of course, the chicken wings. They're currently offering curbside takeout, and delivery! 
2. Chow Pizza Bar: 8311 Creedmoor Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613 
   When it comes to takeout, pizza and wings reign supreme! In addition to awesome pizza and wings, Chow Pizza Bar also has delicious sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and salads. The whole family will love getting a feast from this local restaurant.
3. The Pit Authentic BBQ: 328 W Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
   There's nothing like some slow-made homestyle BBQ to pull you out of a funk! The Pit Authentic BBQ is serving up all their best dishes for takeout, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and their famous Southern Fried Chicken. We recommend adding an order of fried green tomatoes and skillet cornbread to your order as well. Yum! 
4. Ruben's NY Deli: 170 E. Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
   If you've been looking for a truly authentic NY style deli, look no further! At Ruben's NY Deli, you'll find delicious corned beef that's pickled and braised daily and hand-rubbed and smoked pastrami, turkey, and roast beef. They also have all the classic sandwiches piled high with meat and cheese as well as an excellent selection of soups, salads, bagels, and desserts. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner and offer both takeout and delivery. 
5. Jose and Sons: 327 W. Davie. St., Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27601
   You don't have to wait for Cinco De Mayo to enjoy a delicious Mexican feast! Jose and Sons has an amazing menu. Whether you're craving a Primo Burrito, fried pork belly chicharrones, enchiladas, street corn on the cob, or a barbacoa platter, they've got you covered! You can also feed the whole family with the Chef's Picnic or the Family Style Taco Kit. 
6. Sushi Blues Cafe: 301 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 110, Raleigh, NC 27603
   From incredible sushi and sashimi appetizers and platters to lunch and dinner entrees, including teriyaki, tempura, stir-fry, noodles, and more, a takeout order from Sushi Blues Cafe is sure to satisfy your cravings. They're currently offering curbside pickup and BOGO sushi rolls for all of their pickup orders! 

Although things have certainly changed, we're still working hard to help our clients reach their real estate goals. Contact us to learn more about how you can virtually tour some of the beautiful Raleigh homes for sale or put add your home to the inventory. We're here to help! 

As we begin the month of May, the spring real estate market is in full swing. Virtual tours have become the new normal in the world of real estate thus making househunting easier than ever. Thanks to technology, the ability to buy and sell homes has continued throughout the current pandemic and we are confident...

We continue to make the safety and well-being of our agents and clients our top priority. We will work to ensure that all possible safety measures and precautions are being taken. We are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

Our agents are hosting virtual tours for their numerous listings this weekend, so be sure to check them out! For even more virtual tours of our listings, head over to hpw.com/virtual.

Featured Virtual Tours

301 Highwood Pines Place, Cary, NC 27519

$725,000

Sq Ft: 4,755 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full)

7205 Summer Tanager Trail, Raleigh, NC 27614

$1,100,000

Sq Ft: 4,762 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full)

92 Bella Casa Way, Clayton, NC 27527

$714,900

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

1116 Longstone Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

$1,395,000

Sq Ft: 7,483 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 3 (1/2)

18 Litchford Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

$800,000

Sq Ft: 4,933 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

3708 Knollcreek Drive, Apex, NC 27539

$629,900

Sq Ft: 3,761 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

240 Running Deer Trail, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$429,000

Sq Ft: 2,696 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 3 (full)