It's the first weekend in May and you know what that means? It's off to the races! And we're not just talking about the Kentucky Derby. Rather than running for the roses, run for the houses – specifically, open houses.  

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents will be happy to assist you in your race to find your dream home.  

Check out a complete listing of our open houses below to figure out which homes you want to go tour on Saturday and Sunday.

Open Houses This Weekend Saturday, May 1st' from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm 4128 Green Chase Way Cary, NC 27539 $900,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm 4133 Green Chase Way Cary, NC 27539 $900,000 View More Tour Home Virtually Saturday, May 1st' from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm 2725 Trifle Lane Wake Forest, NC 27587 $950,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 208 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $675,000 View More Tour Home Virtually Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 170 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $553,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 216 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $611,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 200 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $605,500 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 235 Cottage Way Pittsboro, NC 27312 $805,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1316 Dalgarven Drive Apex, NC 27502 $459,000 View More Tour Home Virtually Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 2217 Conestoga Drive Durham, NC 27705 $319,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 215 Meadow Lake Drive Youngsville, NC 27596 $545,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 225 Meadow Lake Drive Youngsville, NC 27596 $550,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1538 Westchester Road Raleigh, NC 27610 $499,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm 6025 Caledonia Street Raleigh, NC 27609 $358,000 View More Saturday, May 1st' from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 8404 Stonegate Drive Raleigh, NC 27615 $389,900 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm 4128 Green Chase Way Cary, NC 27539 $900,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm 4133 Green Chase Way Cary, NC 27539 $900,000 View More Tour Home Virtually Sunday, May 2nd' from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm 2725 Trifle Lane Wake Forest, NC 27587 $950,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 43 Crimson Oak Drive Durham, NC 27713 $1,199,999 View More Tour Home Virtually Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 208 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $675,000 View More Tour Home Virtually Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 170 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $553,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 216 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $611,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 200 Cotten Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 $605,500 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 235 Cottage Way Pittsboro, NC 27312 $805,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1316 Dalgarven Drive Apex, NC 27502 $459,000 View More Tour Home Virtually Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 2217 Conestoga Drive Durham, NC 27705 $319,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 215 Meadow Lake Drive Youngsville, NC 27596 $545,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 225 Meadow Lake Drive Youngsville, NC 27596 $550,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 5965 Dunbarton Way Raleigh, NC 27613 $340,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 1538 Westchester Road Raleigh, NC 27610 $499,000 View More Sunday, May 2nd' from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 5720 Timber Ridge Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 $385,000 View More

As the saying goes, the family that plays together stays together. Our real estate agents love sharing quality time with their families in some good-natured competition at these entertaining mini golf courses around Raleigh.

• Galaxy Fun Park - 14460 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614
  Can you make your shot under the watchful gaze of an alien invader? That's the challenge of Moonwalk Mini Golf at Galaxy Fun Park. The 18-hole indoor course is surrounded by black-light art that takes you to a whole new universe. At $8 per round, it's a great value. The 65,000 square-foot facility allows plenty of room to enjoy the other attractions, such as go-karts, a ropes course, bumper cars, and a trampoline park. Hours are noon - 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon - 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 7 p.m. Sunday. Visit the website for individual and package pricing.

• Frankie's - 11190 Fun Park Dr., Raleigh, NC 27617
  At Frankie's, even their address says, "Fun." For only $10, you can play any one of their three different 18-hole mini golf courses. Play all three without breaking the bank! For more thrills, check out the Sky Trail, where you navigate an obstacle course four stories above the ground. Windstarz creates the soaring feeling of hang gliding, while bumper cars and bumper boats provide fun and laughs on land and water. Admission to Frankie's is free. Visit the website for individual attraction pricing. Park hours are noon - 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon-midnight Saturday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday.

• Adventure Landing - 3311 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
  Triple your fun at Adventure Landing, where they have not one but three mini golf courses. Each 18-hole course is beautifully landscaped and features a different theme for added variety. Other activities include laser tag, go-karts, batting cages, and an arcade with more than 75 games. Adventure Landing is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit the website for individual and package pricing.
  
  
• ParTee Shack - 5300 Fayetteville Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603
  If the windmill obstacle just isn't challenging enough anymore, head over to ParTee Shack. Their three different 18-hole mini golf courses feature wacky and creative obstacles like zip lines, pinball machines, and foosball tables. Beginning this summer, everyone can play like a pro with their new TruGolf simulators, which replicate some of the world's most well-known courses. Take a break to refuel at the snack bar with a basket of meatballs and your choice of sauce. ParTee Shack is open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday. 
  
  

When it comes to buying or selling a home in Raleigh, our cheerful and experienced real estate agents are your ace in the hole. Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston to learn more.

There's never a bad time to enjoy a delicious slice of prime rib. If you need an excuse, however, you'll be glad to know that April 27th is National Prime Rib Day!  

Our REALTORS® each have their own opinions about which local steakhouse is the best. We've created this list of some of their favorites, so you check them all out and decide for yourself!  

1. Angus Barn Steakhouse: 9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617
   Located not far from some of the best Raleigh homes for sale, the Angus Barn Steakhouse is incredibly popular among locals. This fine-dining restaurant serves a variety of steaks that are aged in-house, fresh seafood, and more. It also has an award-winning wine cellar and a smoking lounge. You'll love the 10, 14, or 22-ounce cuts of prime rib. You can also choose a combo and pair your prime rib with a half rack of ribs, marinated shrimp, or a lobster tail. 

2. The Peddler Steakhouse: 6005 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612
   When you have dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse, you can expect to enjoy a delicious steak that has been aged to perfection. All of their steaks are aged for a minimum of 28 days and cut at the table upon request. They're then grilled over charcoal, resulting in an amazingly flavorful meal. The prime rib at Peddler Steakhouse is seasoned with their special blend of spices and slow-roasted to ensure that it stays both juicy and tender. Try it for yourself, and you'll quickly see why this dish is the restaurant's house specialty. 

3. Nantucket Grill: 1145 Falls River Ave., Raleigh, NC 27614
   If you enjoy dining in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, then you'll want to pay a visit to Nantucket Grill. This restaurant serves up classic New England-Style cuisine like lobster rolls and crab cakes. They serve prime rib after 4 pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays. Kids also eat for free on Sundays, making this the perfect day for a family outing. 

4. NanaSteak: 345 Blackwell St., Durham, NC 27701
   Well known as one of Durham's best steakhouses, NanaSteak offers upscale dining in a high-energy environment. The restaurant features three dining rooms, a well-appointed bar, and an award-winning wine list. They offer both 8-ounce and 12-ounce cuts of slow-cooked Black Angus Prime Rib that are sure to please your palate. NanaSteak is located in downtown Durham. While you're in the area, we highly recommend taking a drive around to get a look at some of the beautiful Durham homes for sale nearby. 

5. Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill: 201 S. Estes Dr., Space 100-A, Chapel Hill, NC 2751
   An upscale restaurant with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, Stoney River Steakhouse specializes in fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. Their Certified Angus Beef® prime rib is aged and slow-roasted to perfection. Next time you're in the area looking at Chapel Hill homes for sale, plan to stick around and enjoy an amazing meal you won't soon forget. 

When it comes to living in the Triangle, great restaurants are just the beginning! We would love to show you around the area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started. 

Have you ever noticed how some rooms entice you into settling back and relaxing, and others make you feel energetic and ready for fun? Understanding the effects of your choice of colors will help you send the correct message to potential buyers. Our real estate agents can tell you that painting your home will probably bring the greatest return on investment of any upgrades you make when selling your home. Keep in mind the psychological effects of these colors before starting to paint. 

1. Classic white
   Not only does white evoke calming effects, but it also opens up the space, making it appear larger. We often equate white with cleanliness. These are the primary reasons that white has been the most common choice of sellers for decades. Potential buyers also see white as the easiest color to paint over later.
   
   
2. Black
   Often regarded as sophisticated and elegant, too much black can be somber and depressing. It's best used as an accent to bring drama to a classic white interior without interfering with the expansive visual effects. Consider black rugs or small accessories to add interest to what might otherwise be a boring environment.
   
   
3. Gray
   Eliciting the same feelings of calm serenity white brings to the table, it adds versatility, matching any color scheme. gray lends a comforting feeling of warmth to a cool room. This adaptability has made gray the new "go-to" color of many interior decorators, edging white off the pedestal as number one. 
   
   
4. Blue
   From the sky above to the deep blue sea, this color brings a cool calm, making it a good choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. Psychologists tell us it actually lowers blood pressure, and who doesn't need that after a busy day? Available in so many shades, blue can accent a home's architectural style, such as slate blue for a Craftsman or light shades for a beach house. 
   
   
5. Green
   Another cool color, green, also reduces stress and provides a restful environment appropriate for bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Like blue, green is soothing and harmonious, reminiscent of the beauties of nature. Think of how a lush lawn calls to us to take off our shoes and walk across it with bare feet. 
   
   
6. Red
   Of all the warmer colors, red is the most intense, creating energy and stimulating emotions. That can be either good or bad, depending upon where it is used. Increasing energy is great for a recreation room but can be uncomfortable when you are trying to relax in the living room. When painting, consider where you want a stimulating space.
   
   
7. Orange 
   Like red, orange increases tension and excitement, great when you're watching a football game, but not conducive to settling back with a good book. Used carefully, it can encourage enthusiasm, but too much of it can create a feeling of chaos. Used carefully, it can make a dining area feel lively and fun but might be more appropriate to a breakfast bar than a formal dining room.

The most important thing to remember when you are preparing your house for sale is that you want to make it attractive to buyers, not make it a personal statement. You may find it better to stick with neutral colors of paint and, if you are showing it with furniture, add colors with pillows, bedspreads, and other accessories that can be easily removed. 

Looking at other Raleigh homes for sale will help you see how a fresh coat of paint can make a difference! Contact us for assistance listing your house. 

Living in the Triangle means that you have constant access to a network of connected trails and outstanding, multi-use parks that offer outdoor fun for residents of all ages. These outdoor hubs of activity bring many benefits to the communities where they're located, including some perks that you might not expect. Our real estate agents have the details on 5 key benefits of living near parks and walking trails.

1. The Health Benefits of Living Near Trails

   When it comes to health benefits, trails and parks provide both a great place to exercise and added motivation to enjoy a workout. The ease of access when living near outdoor recreation areas makes it easy to work on fitness on your own schedule and having so many great outdoor spaces to explore provides motivation to go exploring. A brisk walk on a trail can help you stay in great shape physically, and spending quiet time in nature has many mental health benefits, too. Local parks provide even more motivation for physical activity, whether you join a sports league, enjoy a stroll in the park, or play with the kids/grandchildren on the playground.

2. Recreation for Family Members of All Ages and Pets Too

   It's not always easy to find recreation activities that family members of all ages can enjoy together at the same time, so trails are also an asset for family fun and fitness. The Durant Trails neighborhood, located near Raleigh homes for sale, is one great example of how trails can help families stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The neighborhood is filled with connected trails, which you can follow directly to various outdoor attractions. Trails are also great for keeping your pets physically active close to home, and many trails in Raleigh are open to dogs as long as they're kept on a leash.

3. Trails Connect Neighborhoods, Communities, and Parks

   Why jump in the car for a quick drive to a nearby destination when you can follow a local trail to reach your favorite outdoor attractions? Trails bring neighborhoods together by connecting local parks, nature preserves, and even popular shopping areas. The paved, easy-to-walk Abbots Creek Trail in North Raleigh, for example, travels through the Falls River and Bedford neighborhoods, connecting with a variety of local attractions along the way.

4. Turning Abandoned Railroad Corridors Into Community Assets

   If you've ever searched for local trails online, then you may already be familiar with the concept of rail trials. These are trail systems that turn abandoned railroad corridors into hubs of outdoor community activity and often feature longer trails than you would find in other locations. The American Tobacco Trail is one of the most popular trail systems near Durham homes for sale, with more than 22 miles of connected trails built on old railroad corridors.

5. Increasing the Appeal of Neighborhoods for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

   While there is some debate over how much local trails and parks increase home values directly, there's no doubt that they add more appeal to neighborhoods for people who are shopping for homes. If you're buying a home, choosing one near local trails and parks might be a major attraction. 

Shopping for your next home near the connected trails and beautiful parks of the Triangle? The right real estate team makes all the difference. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Raleigh, NC area.