Date Archives: March 2022

Feeling that wonderful satisfaction that comes from a good spring cleaning? Share the happiness by donating your gently used clothing, furniture, and other items to these deserving centers around the Triangle as suggested by our real estate agents. 

• Dress for Success - 1812 Tillery Pl., Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27604
  The clothes you no longer need could make all the difference for another woman and her search for self-reliance. Dress for Success helps to empower women by providing a network of support, including professional attire for job interviews. Since its establishment in 2008, the Triangle chapter has served more than 18,000 women near Raleigh homes for sale, making it one of the top affiliates in the worldwide Dress for Success network. Visit the website for information about donations, including schedules.
  
  
• The Green Chair Project - 1853 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
  Inspired by spring cleaning "leftovers" of their own families and friends, Jackie Craig and Beth Smoot founded The Green Chair Project in 2010. Still-useable furnishings and home accessories are collected and made available to Wake County residents coping with homelessness and other crises. Items accepted include sofas, dining tables and chairs, dressers and nightstands, small kitchen appliances, and decor items. Items may be dropped off Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or you can schedule a free pickup.
  
  
• WAKE Up and Read - 1820 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
  Literacy is a precious gift that opens personal and professional doors throughout a lifetime. WAKE Up and Read wants to start children on this path with access to resources promoting early literacy. The organization also participates in Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a national initiative dedicated to helping kids from low-income families achieve success in school and prepare for college and beyond. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday.
  
  
• Helping Hand Mission - 623 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh, NC 27610
  Inspired by the vision of "joining hands" to support families in need, Sylvia Wiggins founded Helping Hand Mission in 1973. You can still find Sylvia lending her own helping hand as she serves meals to the hungry. The mission assists the disadvantaged of all ages who are in need of food, clothing, and shelter. Hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Cause for Paws - 1634 S. Saunders St., Raleigh, NC 27603
  Cause for Paws believes all our four-legged friends deserve a loving home. Their thrift stores, which are often listed among the top consignment shops in Wake County, provide a source of funds for the organization to conduct its care and adoption services. Accepted items include clothing, furniture, appliances, building materials, electronics, sports equipment, tools, jewelry, and computers. Cause for Paws is also in need of any extra dog food, collars, and leashes you may have. Drop off your donations between 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. or schedule a pickup. A second thrift shop is located at 1657 N. Market Dr., not far from Durham homes for sale. 
  
  
• Note in the Pocket - 4730 Hargrove Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609
  Kids outgrow their clothes before they have time to wear out. Give these items a second life by donating them to Note in the Pocket, which helps kids build self-esteem by providing them with appropriate school clothing. Donate in person or at one of the organization's off-site donation locations. Note in the Pocket is open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Triangle maintains a strong sense of community that's unmatched in many other places. Have questions about buying or selling a home? Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston.

Exploring a new city on foot gives you the best chance to absorb the wonderful local culture. You also never know what new shops, restaurants, or public art you'll stumble upon.

Our real estate agents always suggest taking a walk around downtown Durham, as it's an excellent way to see everything this beautiful city has to offer. Durham isn't too large, so you won't get too overwhelmed. You can see so many facets of this city in just a couple of hours. Here are a few attractions you should make sure to include on your walking tour:

• Stop By Central Park
  Start your day with a stop by The Pavilion at Durham's Central Park, where you'll find one of the best farmers markets in the area. More than 50 vendors can be found there serving fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, art, knick-knacks, and more. The market is every Saturday morning in the spring, summer, and fall. After shopping, take a rest on The Great Lawn or have a peaceful stroll through the nearby Butterfly Garden and Nature Trail. 
  
  
• Explore Rigsbee Avenue
  One of the best things about Rigsbee Avenue is it provides some great views of the Durham skyline. There is also tons of green space, so it's an excellent destination to relax in the sun. While you're nearby, check out the Durham Bulls stadium. There are also several great restaurants around Rigsbee, not to mention some spectacular Durham homes for sale.
  
  
• Check Out The American Tobacco Campus
  The former headquarters of the Lucky Strike has been transformed into a great downtown destination with shops, restaurants, and theater space sprawled over 1 million square feet. It's easy to spend a whole day at The American Tobacco Campus. There is also tons of Instagramable-local art, and the space even hosts free live concerts on the lawn during the summer. 
  
  
• Visit The Museum Of Durham History
  If you aren't familiar with Durham's history, a stop by this local museum might be worthwhile. The Museum of Durham History offers rotating exhibits which tell the story of the city's beginnings, economy, politics, and sports. Best of all, admission is free. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.
  
  
• Take A Selfie With "Major"
  "Major" is the city's 10-foot-tall bronze bull statue, which is located at a plaza on W Parrish Street. The bull is a great public art piece and looks spectacular in the evening when the city lights reflect off of the bronze. The bull symbolizes the strong nature of the city of Durham and its residents.
  
  
• Shop At Brightleaf Square
  This quaint, walkable section of town offers a variety of locally-owned retailers, so it's a great place to shop and support Durham's economy. You'll find plenty of gift shops and many opportunities for outdoor dining when the weather permits.
  
  
• Catch A Show At The Carolina Theater
  If you're ready for a break, catch a show at The Carolina Theater. Not only is it an excellent entertainment venue, but the building is also one of the most beautiful in Durham and has a rich history. There is also an outdoor amphitheater, which hosts performances in the spring and summer.

Once you start walking around Durham, it's hard not to fall in love with this wonderful city. If you're interested in checking out some of our wonderful nearby homes, contact us today.

When exploring prospective homes, one of the spaces that many homebuyers prioritize is the kitchen. Since a kitchen serves as a spot for cooking, dining, entertaining, and even working, our real estate agents understand why a home's kitchen is important to potential homebuyers. Here are some of the kitchen features that buyers want in 2022. 

1. An Efficient Design
   Buyers want a kitchen that makes it easier to use the space. A kitchen should be set up so that it's convenient to move between food prep, cooking, and clean-up. For example, a kitchen with a pull-out trash bin and cutting board is attractive because it makes it easier to dispose of food waste and other items when you're cooking. There should be a large surface that can be used for food prep that's located in close proximity to the stove and other appliances. 

2. An Updated Design
   Homeowners spend a lot of time in their kitchens, and they prefer that it be a space that's aesthetically pleasing. A higher-end countertop (like granite or quartz), sturdy cabinets with updated hardware, and coordinating flooring all work together to create a space that's aesthetically pleasing. When planning to add your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, plan on making a few changes to update your kitchen's look, like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware. 

3. Space for Storing and Organizing Kitchen Necessities
   Even the most gorgeous kitchen will be less appealing if it lacks storage space for housing kitchen essentials. An ideal kitchen will have a pantry (buyers often prefer a walk-in pantry) and an ample number of cabinets and drawers. Buyers don't like cluttered countertops, and it's a lot easier to keep counters clear and tidy when there's sufficient storage. An easy way to make your kitchen's storage space appear larger is to declutter your cabinets, drawers, and other storage areas. Spaces that are completely filled with stuff look untidy and even appear smaller than they actually are. 

4. A Clean, Well-Maintained Kitchen Space
   A simple way to ensure that any kitchen looks its best is to thoroughly clean it. Buyers often shy away from homes that look as if they need a lot of maintenance and cleaning. When preparing to list your home with other Durham homes for sale, one of the most important things you can do is meticulously clean your kitchen from top to bottom. Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to remove dust and debris before cleaning the walls, counters, floors, and other surfaces with the appropriate cleaning products. If there's any maintenance you need to do, like changing lightbulbs, fixing a leaky faucet, or repairing an uneven cabinet, take care of these issues before listing your home. 

5. Updated Technology
   Buyers like kitchens with technology that makes their lives easier. Smart appliances that allow you to operate and adjust them remotely are appealing, as are models that are energy efficient. While kitchen appliances don't have to be brand new, they should appear to be in good condition. Dated appliances can make the entire kitchen look old and unattractive. 

Ready to list your home for sale? Contact us to start the selling process!

Raleigh homes for sale are right in the middle of some of the nation's best St. Patrick's Day festivities, and you're invited!

Celebrated on March 17th every year, St. Patrick's Day commemorates the legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland. As Irish immigrant communities became established back in the 1700s, they often embraced the holiday as a celebration of their shared heritage, which others have joined in on today.

Raleigh also enjoys a festive mood for the whole week of St. Patrick's Day. There are street fairs, live music, and plenty of delicious food from local restaurants and caterers.

Let's take a closer look at all you can expect to enjoy this March:

• Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade – See Website for Location Details in Raleigh, NC
  Kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade is the region's largest. Launching from Lane Street as in previous years, it will delight audiences of all ages with music and displays from for-profit and nonprofit organizations around Raleigh. Planned to go on "rain or shine," the Parade typically ends around 11:30. This will be its first return after two years of cancellations!
  
  
• Charcuterie Design 101 St. Paddy's Day at Macgregor Downs Country Club – 430 Saint Andrews Lane, Cary, NC 2751
  Hosted at the historic Bond Brothers Beer Company, Holiday Platter Design is an event conceived by a pair of local gourmands and entrepreneurs called Grazin' Gals. This fun and friendly event takes place only on Wednesday, March 16, and guests must purchase a ticket in advance. The Gals themselves will introduce their guests to the art of laying out a seasonal charcuterie display with spring flair and all the trimmings. One $70 entry provides you with all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to produce your own board with a distinctive Irish theme – all just minutes from Cary homes for sale.
  
  
• Pot of Gold 5K – 621 North First Avenue, Knightdale, NC 27545
  Want to make a positive difference for local charities this St. Patrick's Day? The Pot of Gold 5K may be just what you're looking for. Taking place just down the street from Knightdale homes for sale, it will benefit good causes with a 5K race starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. This Fifth Annual event invites you to run or walk with your neighbors. A $60 entry fee includes a shirt, finisher's medal, and other swag. Proceeds will go to benefit Northside Compassion Project transitional housing for those in need.
  
  
• Leprechaun Dash 5K and 10K – See Website for Location Details in Pittsboro, NC
  Touted as the First Annual event of its kind, the Leprechaun Dash 5K and 10K may soon be established as a local tradition near Pittsboro homes for sale. Set to commence at 8:30 on March 12, it will be a fun and challenging course suitable for all kinds of runners. Prizes will be on hand by age group and will also commemorate the best leprechaun costume. Earnings will support Chatham kids through the YMCA.

Contact us to find out more about events and opportunities in Raleigh.

Spring isn't here quite yet, but it's poking its head around the corner. If you're someone who looks forward to a good spring cleaning, then you probably can't wait to pull out your mops and buckets. Planning ahead for spring cleaning is a great way to stay busy and make sure you're ready to go the second the weather breaks. So, how do you plan for a successful spring cleaning? Our real estate agents have some helpful tips.

1. Organize Your Cleaning Products
   Knowing where your cleaning products are will help your spring cleaning routine go more smoothly. Take the time to sort through your cleaning products, throw away old ones, and gather everything into one area. You can also make a list of new cleaning products you need and shop for them.
   
   
2. Make a List
   Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming and a bit daunting. You might keep mulling over different tasks and plans in your mind. It can be really helpful to make a list of tasks on paper. This gets you out of your head and reassures you that you won't forget anything. As you think of new cleaning tasks you'd like to tackle, just add them to the list. By the time spring arrives, you'll have a thorough record of everything you plan to do.
   
   
3. Donate Obvious Extras
   You may want to wait for spring to do a serious audit of your drawers and collections. But if there are items sitting around your home that you obviously no longer want or need, start donating and selling them now. When spring comes, you'll have fewer things to clean and less to do.
   
   
4. Use Up Pantry Extras
   Spring cleaning in the kitchen is a lot easier with a nearly empty pantry. So, start planning ahead by using up your open food, along with food items you've been storing for a while. 
   
   Some people like to do a one-week pantry cooking challenge. During this week, you do not go grocery shopping at all. You can only eat and cook with what's already in your pantry. This requires some creativity, but it's an excellent way to clear the clutter.
   
   
5. Contact Contractors
   There are some spring cleaning and maintenance tasks you simply should not do on your own. Servicing your air conditioner is one of them. Hydro-jetting your drains is another. Make a list of all the spring cleaning tasks you want to have done professionally. Then, start contacting those contractors and making appointments. It's nice to get on their schedule before the springtime rush.
   
   
6. Set Some Cleaning Goals
   Another way to plan for spring cleaning is to set some specific cleaning goals for the year ahead. Maybe your goal is to clean for 30 minutes, twice a week. Or perhaps you want to get rid of 10 unneeded items each month. Write down your goals and post them on your refrigerator. When spring does come, you'll be ready to buckle down and work to achieve them.
   
   
7. Make Your Own Cleaners
   If you prefer to use homemade cleaners, now is the time to start preparing them. Make a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to use on your surfaces. Stock up on baking soda to use on your carpets. Look up recipes for new homemade cleaning products and follow them. By the time spring comes, you'll be stocked up.

Getting your house clean so you can list it this spring? If you're thinking of moving, don't hesitate to contact us. Our real estate agents can help you find incredible Raleigh homes for sale, and they can guide you through the buying process.