Date Archives: December 2021

Many buyers looking into Raleigh homes for sale are attracted by updated appliances that make life more convenient. Upgrading your home's appliances before selling is a great way to increase your home's value and spark interest among potential buyers. Our real estate agents have reviewed the most exciting appliance upgrades for 2022 and listed them below.

• Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances
  Stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and stoves create a modern and hygienic look in the kitchen. Stainless steel is timeless and will help your home appeal to buyers for years to come. You might want to upgrade all the appliances simultaneously for a uniform and attractive finish.
  
  If you want a different look from the traditional shiny silver, Samsung, LG, and KitchenAid feature black stainless-steel appliances. Pair the updated kitchen appliances with quartz countertops for a luxurious appeal.
  
  
• Built-in Stoves
  Homebuyers love the streamlined look of built-in stoves. In addition to the seamless design, built-in stoves allow easy access as they are built at waist height. Homebuyers can envision a much simpler cooking process as they tour a kitchen with these kinds of stoves. Look out for self-cleaning functions, flat tops, and other features that simplify kitchen activities.
  
  
• Tankless Water Heater
  Tankless water heaters don't have tanks because they heat water on demand. A tankless water heater is an excellent way to boost your home's efficiency and resale value. In homes that use up to 41 gallons of hot water daily, these heaters are 24-34% more energy efficient in comparison to traditional water heaters.
  
  A longer lifespan is another benefit of tankless water heaters. Mineral-laden water corrodes conventional heaters, which homeowners have to replace every several years.
  
  
• Smart Thermostat
  Smart renovations are on the rise among homeowners, thanks to the conveniences offered by smart appliances. A Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat lets people remotely adjust their cooling and heating needs. You can control your desired settings via a phone or tablet, no matter where you are.
  
  Over time, the smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature as needed. Many homeowners appreciate smart thermostats for improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills.
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Washers
  Your old washing machine may be the culprit for those puzzling high utility bills. In contrast, an energy-efficient washer uses less energy and water and even less detergent. Rather than filling up the machine with water, efficient washers only use a small amount of water that sits at the tub's bottom.
  
  Then, the machine tumbles clothes horizontally for cleaning and rinsing. This motion also preserves your delicates from damage. Seek out the EnergyStar logo in potential models when upgrading your old washer. To appeal to buyers, even more, consider upgrading your washer and dryer at the same time in a matching set. 

These appliance updates will help make your home more comfortable in 2022 or help you appeal to buyers looking in the Raleigh area. Kitchen appliances are the most important to buyers, while energy-efficient equipment draws crowds of eager buyers. Contact us to discover the upgrades that interest homebuyers and learn more about the real estate market.

Does a mix of great home values and a desirable lifestyle sound like the impossible dream? The Triangle has many wonderful suburbs that consistently gain national recognition on "Best Places to Live" lists. Let our real estate agents explain what makes these suburbs so special.

• Apex
  The aptly-named Apex earns an overall A+ rating from Niche, a top-ranking and review site. In reality, the name comes from the fact that the town was formed on literally the highest point along the Chatham Railroad. Despite two devastating fires during the early 20th century, downtown Apex retains much of its original charm, with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Apex homes for sale gain appeal from the town's numerous family-friendly activities, such as the annual spring Apex PeakFest. 
  
  
• Wake Forest
  Wake Forest is as beautiful and serene as the name implies. With a population of just over 45,000 and its proximity to the Triangle, Wake Forest offers a perfect blend of urban and suburban life. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, just minutes from Wake Forest homes for sale, provides year-round opportunities for outdoor fun such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Families also congregate at the Factory, a lively one-stop sports, and entertainment complex where you can shop while the kids play soccer or baseball.
  
  
• Cary
  Why does Cary regularly appear on lists of "Best Places to Raise a Family?" Education is a priority. Cary is also the third-safest municipality in its size group across the United States. The League of American Bicyclists has named Cary a "Bicycle-Friendly Community," while a network of greenways, sidewalks and paved trails maintain a park-like atmosphere around Cary homes for sale.
  
  
• Holly Springs
  Holly Springs conjures up visions of winter holiday activities, but this delightful town is a great place to live all year long. Yes, there is a Happy Holly Days Parade, but the other seasons are equally festive, with Spring Fling, Independence Day Celebration, and HollyFest. The Holly Springs Farmers Market, rated #1 in North Carolina, has expanded to every Saturday during the year except holidays. Both historic houses and new developments can be found among Holly Springs homes for sale, with something to suit any preference and lifestyle. 
  
  
• Fuquay-Varina
  In 2015, Fuquay-Varina debuted a new logo and slogan, "A Dash More." While the motto is a clever play on the town's unique name, it also makes the point that Fuquay-Varina offers residents and visitors something extra. The town was first known as Piney Woods, and with 20 parks located on 55 acres of land, nature still surrounds Fuquay-Varina homes for sale. When you want to shop or stop for lunch, downtown is only minutes away. The current population is just over 27,000, but many families have resided in Fuquay-Varina over several generations, which is a testament to the town's livability. 

Our team can help you find just the right place in one of these amazing suburbs. Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston to learn more.

If you're spending this holiday season in a new home, our real estate agents think a special celebration is in order. A new home is a perfect excuse to try out some new holiday traditions. Try out these ways to celebrate in your new home or to help you get to know your new neighborhood. 

Host a Holiday Housewarming 

Everyone loves a festive gathering, so celebrate your new home by hosting a housewarming party filled with holiday cheer. Start by decorating the front of your home with holiday string lights and sparkly tinsel that illuminates the trees. Next, welcome guests with a front walkway lined with candy canes, reindeer, or baskets of poinsettias that lead to a holiday wreath on your front door. When guests step inside, be sure to offer a tour of your new place!

Deck the Halls

Even if you don't plan on hosting a party, you can still decorate your new space! The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase your new home to family and friends, so feel free to deck the halls with special things that create a warm welcome and holiday atmosphere:

• Adorn the Christmas tree with bubbling lights, colorful glass ornaments, hand-made keepsakes, a tree-topper, and wrapped gifts

• Decorate the mantle with fresh greenery, pine cones, and holly berries

• Light up the fireplace with a roaring, warm fire

• Put on your favorite holiday playlist

• Scatter holiday scented candles throughout the house

• Throw holiday quilts over sofas and chairs

Enjoy a Holiday Light Show

Looking for some holiday cheer around town? Raleigh has some amazing holiday light show events you don't want to miss, so bundle up and head to a couple that will fill the night sky with a beautiful holiday glow. If it's your first holiday season calling Raleigh home, stop by these light shows:

• Nights of Lights
  Nights of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show in Dorothea Dix Park. A 1.3-mile route winds through the park filled with towering, illuminated oak trees, elaborate light displays, and local artworks. November 26th - December 24th, 2021, 6 p.m - 9:30 p.m. General admission is $20 per car.
  
  
• Magic of Lights
  This light spectacular is held at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on Rock Quarry Road. Magic of Lights features a one-mile holiday light display with LED technology and digital animations, including the Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, and Winter Wonderland. November 19th - January 2nd, Sun - Thurs: 5 p.m - 10 pm, Sat & Sun: 5 pm - 11 p.m. Advance admission: $20 - $32, At the gate: $30 - $40.

Welcome the Holidays with Music

Raleigh is home to one of the country's most beautiful concert halls, The Durham Performing Arts Center. Why not celebrate your new home with a special holiday concert that warms the heart? During December, the Performing Arts Center is hosting 3 wonderful holiday musicals:

• A Christmas Carol: December 15th - December 19th,

• A Hip Hop Nutcracker: December 26th

• A Christmas Story: December 28th - January 2nd

Performance times and ticket prices vary by which day you attend. Mark a date on your calendar and purchase your tickets online, but don't procrastinate because tickets go quickly for holiday musicals.

There's no place like home for the holidays! If you're considering buying or selling a home in Raleigh, contact us for information and prices on properties in desired areas.

Time with friends and family is an exciting part of the holiday season. Was your home volunteered for this year's holiday gathering? While hosting an event can be stressful, our real estate agents recommend following these tips to be a great host this holiday season. 

1. Make a List
   When you have a slew of things to do, it's easy to forget an ingredient or neglect one of your chores. A to-do list is essential when you're hosting a holiday gathering. If you're hosting multiple events, consider purchasing a dry erase list. This lets you keep the tasks that you generally always need to complete before an event (so you won't have to rewrite the list each time) and add tasks that are unique to a specific gathering. 

2. Prep Your Food Ahead of Time
   Even a simple food spread can take hours to make when you're cooking for a lot of people. Alleviate the stress of food preparation by making what you can ahead of time. Baked goods, dips, soups, stews, and casseroles all keep well and can be prepared the day before. 

3. Pick the Right Set-Up
   The setup for your gathering should make it easy for guests to get their food and beverages without crowding everyone in the same spot. It should also provide ample opportunity for conversation. An option suited to many homes is to put the drink table, main course table, and an appetizer/dessert table in separate spaces. Set your drink table up in your living room or foyer. Most people will want drink refills throughout the evening; this makes it convenient for them to grab a beverage while minimizing lines and crowding. Your main food table can go in the kitchen. Depending on your home's configuration, set the dessert/appetizer table up in the dining room or another area in your living room. Check that each table has everything guests need.

4. Avoid Cleaning Areas That Don't Matter
   A tidy host isn't necessarily a good host. Don't spend time cleaning areas that your guests are unlikely to visit. For example, the doors to your childrens' bedrooms and laundry room can be closed to conceal any messes. It's reasonable to get your deck and front porch tidy and inviting, but don't stress about organizing your garage or picking up the yard. Have a large empty bin on hand to quickly remove clutter and out-of-place items the day of your event. A clutter bin also works well when you're adding your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale and you need to quickly clean up before a showing.  

5. Set the Mood
   Sound and scent instantly change the atmosphere in your home. Play seasonal music (consider instrumental versions if you're concerned about the noise level) and light a festive candle to create an inviting environment for your guests. 

6. Make Time for Your Self
   Give yourself a dedicated chunk of time the day of your gathering to get ready. You don't want to worry about greeting your guests with wet hair and an unkempt outfit. Instead, stop your preparations a couple of hours before your event to dress and freshen up so that you feel confident and put together when your guests arrive. 

7. Thoroughly Stock Your Bathroom
   Grab a basket to stow bathroom essentials for your guests, like toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, air freshener, mouthwash, extra hand towels, hand soap, and lotion. If something runs out during your party, your guests can quickly find what they need without rifling through your cabinets and drawers.

Want a home with more space for your holiday events? Contact us today to start your search!

Are you ready to give back to neighbors in need and support the community you love this holiday season? Holiday meals are essential to the experience of the season, and our Turkeys for the Triangle program is focused on providing holiday meals for food-insecure people in the Triangle.

This year, you can help us feed more than 20,000 people in local communities during the holidays. The HPW Foundation partners with a variety of local non-profits, churches, and homeless shelters to distribute turkeys to those in need.

In the 18 years since our Turkeys for the Triangle initiative was founded, it has donated more than 38,000 turkeys and helped feed over 160,000 people for holiday meals. Funds are raised through the sale of $5 raffle tickets during the holiday season, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward the purchase of turkeys.

Turkeys for the Triangle was established by Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Founder and Chairman Don Walston, who said:

"It breaks my heart to know that there are families in our local communities who struggle to put food on the table, especially during the holidays when so many of us are celebrating with special meals. Turkeys for the Triangle is our answer to that sad reality; it is a way our company, our clients, and our kind neighbors can give to the greater good, to feed those in need."

How to Contribute to Turkeys for the Triangle

Throughout the holiday season, our HPW team will be selling $5 raffle tickets to support Turkeys for the Triangle. Are you ready to lend a helping hand, and help a community member create holiday memories this year?

It's easy to purchase your tickets today online, and we appreciate your support! Tickets are available now at our Turkeys for the Triangle website for $5 dollars each or 5 tickets for $20, with some outstanding prizes available for raffle winners.

Turkeys for the Triangle 2021 Raffle Prizes

With each raffle ticket that you purchase, you will gain an entry to win one of the many great prizes available this year:

• Grand Prize: Trip for Two to Destination of Choice (Up to $2,000 Value)

• 6-month Membership to Winc.com Wine Club

• Tandem Sky Diving for Two

• Apple Watch Series 6

• $500 Target Gift Card

• 65" Flat Screen TV

• Weber Grill

• iPad Mini

• Yeti Cooler

Are you ready to support a great cause, and give back to your community for the holidays? Purchase your tickets today at TurkeysfortheTriangle.com! Or contact our team for more information.