Ho Hum...Yet Another Award for Raleigh and Cary North Carolina!

I was born and raised in New York City. But all too often, I find myself bragging about my new hometown of Apex, North Carolina. It's pretty easy to do so as Apex has been named numerous times as one of the best small towns in the country to live, work and raise a family. The schools are wonderful, the weather is great, there's great access to the Research Triangle Park, downtown Raleigh and all the shopping you could ever do.

I've been here for seven years now and except for my local New York sports teams, I don't miss a thing!

Well, here's another reason I love living in the Raleigh area:

According to the Bureau of Economic Research, Raleigh/ Cary (Apex is a suburb of both) were just voted the #2 cities in the country for salary growth with an average annual salary increase of 8.7%! Number one for those keeping score at home was Provo, Utah...but who wants to live there?!!!

From the article:

#2. Raleigh - Cary

Population: 375,806
Avg. salary increase: 8.7%

State government employment gives this capital city a sturdy backbone for economic security. High quality educational centers (North Carolina State; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) inject creative brainpower into Raleigh’s thriving tech companies and its growing biopharmaceutical sector – all good signs for strength in the coming year.

Housing is still affordable here, taxes are low, the crime rate is well below the national average and Southern hospitality still exists here in the Raleigh area!

If 2009 is the year you're thinking of making the move this way, please visit my partner Linda and me on the web for all you'll need to know about the region.

Here you can create your own search for homes that meet YOUR needs, research the schools, and even compare where you currently live to our area!

And, please ask questions!

We check our email on an obsessive basis and you'll probably get an answer within a few minutes of asking your question!

To see the Raleigh - Cary - Apex area in pictures and to see some of the other awards our little patch of America has won recently follow this link:

Raleigh - Cary - Apex In Pictures

Eat a Peach for Peace - Happy Birthday Duane Allman

Duane Allman

Nov. 20, 1946 – Oct. 29, 1971

Duane Allman was born in Nashville, Tennessee on this day in 1946. He would have been 62 today had he not tragically been killed in a motorcycle crash on his way to his home in Macon, Georgia.

Arguably the greatest slide guitarist to have ever lived, Duane Allman was best known for his role alongside his brother Greg, in the Allman Brothers Band. Duane Allman was also a well respected studio musician having recorded with the likes of Clarence Carter, Aretha Franklin, Otis Rush, and most notably with Eric Clapton.

Derek and the Dominoes, a band that featured Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, produced Layla, one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Greatest Songs of All Time", clocking in at #27. Duane Allman discography

While Duane Allman's life was sadly cut short, he left an indelible mark on the music world.

So, today my fellow Rainers, take a moment out of your busy day to watch the attached video and when you’re done, go out into the world and…

Eat a Peach for Peace

The Lights Dimmed on Broadway Today

In the true tradition of Broadway, when a great actor, director or composer passes on, they are honored by a dimming of the lights in the Theater District of New York City.

And although the lights may not dim this week for my cousin Millie, who passed away this weekend, Broadway will never be the same.

Millie, a life-long patron of the theater has left us after a brief battle with cancer. She was 82 years young when she passed; and although her eyesight had diminished throughout the years, her energy, her love for the theater and her passion for people remained strong.

Millie was sharp as a tack and taught me one of the most important life lessons I had ever learned. It proved to be a lesson that has helped me in every one of my endeavors.

She made everyone in her presence feel right at home simply because she listened to the people who she spoke with. She was never condescending, judgmental or one to point out a fault. She would find something, anything, that was a positive and she would expand upon it, causing whoever she was speaking with to open up and feel comfortable. She could speak on any number of topics, find some commonality or experience to relate it to, and engage in a full length, meaningful conversation.

I’m sure you can see the benefits of listening. Whether it’s to our clients, our children or our friends, listening to what they have to say can make or break the relationship. It’s something I’ve never forgotten and something I utilize on a daily basis.

I recently visited with Millie and had the opportunity to tell her how much she meant to me and how I learned this lesson from her. It meant a lot to me to let her know this and it meant a lot to her to hear it.

When I heard of Millie’s illness, I called her to see how she was doing and to let her know I was coming in to the city. I knew her time with us was fading fast, so I just wanted to take her to lunch or dinner and listen to her perhaps for the very last time. She immediately got out her little appointment book and wrote me in. She also insisted I stay at her place during my visit. But here’s the kicker. She told me to bring empty suitcases as she was “considering downsizing”! Once again, rather than make anyone (in this case, me), feel uneasy, Millie incorporated the old Real Estate term of “downsizing” and used it to make me feel comfortable.

It proved to be the last time we spoke. It also reminded me of the indelible lesson Millie has forever left upon me.

So tonight people, as you shut your lights for the evening, please consider it your own personal “Broadway dimming of the lights” tribute to Millie; and take her lesson with you wherever you go, no matter what you do.

The world was a better place because of Millie.

Rest in peace Millie.

Love,

Craig

The Castles of Cary and Apex North Carolina

Great Raleigh Location! Great Neighborhood! Great Home!

This adorable 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home boasts an open living area with original hardwood floors and wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has new cabinets & counter tops and a breakfast area with French doors leading to the back deck. The refrigerator is only 2 years old, the dishwasher only 1 year old and the washer & dryer are included with the home too!

1st floor master suite

2nd floor boasts a loft with built in benches and shelving, open bonus room and cozy 3rd bedroom.



For additional details of this home, go to www.7004Sandringham.com

Established neighborhood has its own community pool, tennis courts, & park-like setting playground.

The perfect home in the perfect neighborhood, in the perfect location!

To schedule a private showing of this or any home in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex metro areas, please contact, Craig & Linda at 919-771-7779.

To see all the available homes in the area, please visit us on the web at www.JustNCHomes.com

Oh no! I Forgot To Vote...And Now Look What Happened...

OK, the election is only days away. Surely we've all had enough of the talking points by the candidates.

Surely we've had enough of the pundits points of view and their constant analysis of everything and anything the candidates say.

But let's pretend for a moment that it's November 5th and I decided to have one of my "no shave, Real Estate free days. (Yes, I'm entitled to do that every now and then!)

The election is over. The winner is declared. And the outcome has been determined because I forgot to vote.

Could you imagine what that might be like? The fate of the country, for at least the next 4 years, rests on my shoulders because I just didn't take the time to vote.

How would you feel if this scenario happened to you?

What would your friends and family think?

Could you live with yourself?

Get out and VOTE on November 4th....or this could be you......

While I would love to see your comments, please remember that this blog is purely meant to inspire my readers to vote. I'm not endorsing any one particular candidate. I just thought the video was very well done and wanted to share it with my readers.

Raleigh Cary Apex NC In Pictures

Slightly less than 7 years ago I moved from Long Island, NY to the little town of Apex, NC.

Apex is a small suburb of Raleigh and is located in the southwest portion of Wake County, adjacent to Cary.

Raleigh, Cary AND Apex have all won numerous accolades from CNN, Money magazine and Forbes (as well as others) for their charm, affordability, school system and, well, for just being a great place to live, prosper and raise a family!

Although I do miss my local NY newspaper, and seeing my NY sports teams regularly on the TV, the internet and varying cable sports packages have allowed me to stay connected with them.

So, with that being said, I haven't looked back since making my move here. The weather, the easier pace of life and the Southern hospitality have all contributed to making me proud to call the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area home.

If you've been thinking about making the move to our little patch of America, perhaps this accompanying slide show of the area will help you in your decision...I know it worked for me!

Enjoy the show!

4-5 Bedroom 3500 Sq.Ft. Home for Sale Apex, NC 3 Year Warranty!

Beautiful well cared for 4-bedroom cul-de-sac home with fenced yard and many upgrades. Huge rooms, open floor plan, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood flooring, and a tremendous kitchen make this house a home. Large, level, fenced and beautifully landscaped yard with irrigation system. Bonus room has walk-in closet and could be 5th bedroom. Loft in garage for extra storage. Full security system. Master suite has huge walk-in closet and its own private balcony. Proudly offered at $300,000. 3 Year WARRANTY included with approved lender and acceptable offer
To see additional photos, room measurements, and a Visual tour of this home please go to www.1008CountryGlen.com.
For more information or to schedule a private showing of this home, please call Craig or Linda at 919-771-7779.

The Castles of Cary & Apex, NC

Even with the current economic crisis the nation is experiencing, the Cary and Apex areas of North Carolina are still doing fairly well. We have a strong economy here due to the fact that we're minutes from the Research Triangle Park, only moments from three major colleges, and just a short drive to downtown Raleigh where there are many government jobs still going strong. There are currently over 40 million dollar plus homes on the market in just Cary and Apex alone, with more being built every day!
While my business partner and I work with buyers and sellers in ALL price ranges, when we have some free time, we like to preview the homes that only that small segment of people can afford.
So, with that being said, enjoy some of Cary and Apex's "castles"!
And, remember, if you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Raleigh area give us a call and we'll be happy to help you find YOUR castle!
Craig & Linda
The Rutman Jandura Team
919-771-7779
www.JustNCHomes.com
Email us at: info@JustNCHomes.com

Over 3500 sq.ft 4 Bdrm 2.5 Bath Home in Apex, NC

Beautiful well cared for 4-bedroom cul-de-sac home with fenced yard and many upgrades. Huge rooms, open floor plan, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood flooring, and a tremendous kitchen make this house a home. Large, level, fenced and beautifully landscaped yard with irrigation system. Bonus room has walk-in closet and could be 5th bedroom. Loft in garage for extra storage. Full security system. Master suite has huge walk-in closet and its own private balcony. Proudly offered at $310,000.
To see additional photos, room measurements, and a Visual tour of this home please go to www.1008CountryGlen.com.
For more information or to schedule a private showing of this home, please call Craig or Linda at 919-771-7779.

Great Location! Great Home! Great Community!

Wake Forest Home for Sale!

The rocking chair front porch welcomes you to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, cul-de-sac home on nearly 1/2 acre in desirable swim community.

Huge kitchen with island & breakfast nook overlooks the spacious backyard.

Many upgrades including CAT 5 wiring, garden tub, dual vanities, walk in closet, and a huge bonus room.

Finished 3rd floor walk up attic.

Walk in crawl space great for extra storage.

Proudly offered at $315,000

For additional information and more pictures, as well as a visual tour of this home, please go to:

www.3708AndoversfordCt.com

To schedule a private viewing of this home, please call Craig or Linda at 919-771-7779.
To view all the homes for sale in the Triangle (Raleigh) area, please visit:

www.JustNCHomes.com

North Raleigh Home $185,000 3bdrms, 2baths

Great North Raleigh location! Established neighborhood with community pool and tennis courts and a park-like setting playground. Partially remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home boasts an open floor plan and is just waiting for your finishing touches!

Proudly offered at $185,000

To schedule a private viewing of this home, please call Craig or Linda at 919-771-7779.

To view all the homes for sale in the Triangle (Raleigh) area, please visit:

www.JustNCHomes.com

The Importance of Curb Appeal

In today's market, nothing can turn a buyer away quicker than poor curb appeal.

Buyer's are picky to begin with, and they have the right to be. They're about to make the biggest purchase of their lives. And, with all the inventory available to them these days, they can afford to be choosy.

Above is a home, that, after the sellers just spruced up the curb appeal a little, made all the difference in the world!

Click on the picture of the home to see the "before and after" results!

For all your Real Estate needs in the Raleigh North Carolina area, please call Craig at 919-771-7779.

Visit me on the web and search the entire MLS for your new home at: www.JustNCHomes.com

OK, here I go again!

Yes, I'm getting older!

No, I can't fight it...although I try every day! I go mountain biking as often as I can and now I'm eating healthier than ever before.

So, every weekend, I find myself heading over to the Farmer's Market in Raleigh to get my week's supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Raleigh Farmers Market boasts over 300 different items for sale and has some of the best locally grown produce you can get. With prices well below supermarket levels and freshness that no grocer can match, the Raleigh Farmer's Market should become a regular stop when tackling your weekly errands.

There are plenty of samples to "try before you buy", a seafood restaurant on premises and plenty of rest facilities too.

Bring the kids, bring a camera (there are some good photo opportunities here) and bring an appetite!

The Raleigh Farmer's Market is open year round from 5 am - 6 pm Monday - Saturday and 8 am - 6 pm on Sundays.

Located off Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, NC, the market is only 15 minutes from Apex and 10 minutes from Cary.

From I-40 take exit 297 and follow signs to market. It's clearly marked. You can do it!

Phone: (919) 733-7417

For all your Real Estate needs in the Raleigh North Carolina area, please call Craig at 919-771-7779.

Visit me on the web and search the entire MLS for your new home at: www.JustNCHomes.com

Cary Apex Morrisville North Carolina Market Report

The Triangle Area Residential Realty Report (TARR Report) numbers are in for the 2nd quarter of 2008.

Published by Stacey P. Anfindsen, an active real estate appraiser, educator and consultant, the TARR Report is the premier publication for Real Estate statistics in the Triangle Area of North Carolina.

Here are some of the numbers for the 2nd quarter of 2008 for the Cary, Apex and Morrisville areas.

The average list price of homes in Apex has dropped by 4%, increased by 1% in Cary and dropped by 19% in Morrisville while the average sales price has increased in Apex by 1%, increased in Cary by 3% and increased in Morrisville by 7%.

The average days on the market in these areas is 77 for Apex and Cary and 90 for Morrisville.

Home sale prices for Apex are averaging $264,896. The average sales price for homes in Cary and Morrisville are $345,050 and $269,708 respectively.

There is currently a 6 month supply of homes on the market in Apex and Cary, while Morrisville has a 7 month supply.

Thankfully though, despite some numbers that aren't the greatest, the average annual appreciation for homes in this area is 4.68%. Compared with national numbers that number shows that we still have a strong market here in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

Mountain Biking in the Raleigh North Carolina Area

As I approach another birthday and try to fight off old age, I continuously look for ways to stay in shape. I no longer can stay out until dawn and function like I did in my college days! So, realizing my limitations, I've found that the one thing I've always enjoyed to keep in shape has taken over a good part of my routine now:

Mountain Biking

I'm not talking about mad-dogging it over a cliff mountain biking. I'm talking about stay in shape riding in the woods mountain biking.

Here in the Raleigh area, there are numerous places to achieve this task. Some are harder than others, but all of them will provide you with a good work out and keep you in shape. (And, no, round is not a shape!)

For an easy work out, the American Tobacco Trail provides a nice smooth trail (7.5 miles, 15 round trip) on a hard packed, mostly level trail through Apex, Cary and into the Chatham County line. The trail is actually 23 miles long, but much of it is still under construction and, once completed, will go all the way in to Durham. However, the 7.5 miles I mentioned above is really quite nice. Bikers, horseback riders and even moms and dads with strollers can be seen on this trail on any given day.

Similar to the American Tobacco Trail, Umstead Park, located in Raleigh is a great place to check out with the whole family. If you're looking for an easy ride, or you want to take the family out mountain biking, Umstead is the place. There are several miles of packed gravel to ride on and it's mostly level.

For the more advanced rider, The Harris Lake Park biking trails offer a more challenging ride. The trails are made up of several loops that connect to a main trail and are clearly marked beginner, intermediate and advanced. The beginner trail is quite fun, has a few short and not too steep hills and, in parts, runs along side the lake for nice views along the way. Harris Lake County Park also has full amenities such as restrooms, picnic shelters, play areas, Frisbee golf, fishing locations and canoe rentals.

Next up, and for a more challenging ride, is the Lake Crabtree mountain biking trail. There are about 5 miles of some good hard riding here. Steep hills and lots of uneven terrain is par for the course at Lake Crabtree. There is also the only "pump track" in the Triangle area at Lake Crabtree. A pump track is a series of rollers and berms and is a great place to learn how to pump your bike over ups and downs on a trail without pedaling. It's also a lot of fun!

For directions to, or for more information on any of these trails, click on the links provided or start here.

There are many other trails for mountain biking in our area, but these should get you started. If there are any people out there who would like to meet me out there one day, (and who don't mind hanging out with a Realtor!) contact me and let's go for a ride. If I'm not out showing houses I'm good to go!

Also, if anyone out there has ridden any of these trails or has any information on any others in the area, please feel free to comment on this blog. Share it with your fellow riders!

4 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom home in Apex, NC

Beautiful well cared for 4-bedroom cul-de-sac home with fenced yard and many upgrades. Huge rooms, open floor plan, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood flooring, and a tremendous kitchen make this house a home. Large, level, fenced and beautifully landscaped yard with irrigation system. Bonus room has walk-in closet and could be 5th bedroom. Loft in garage for extra storage. Full security system. Master suite has huge walk-in closet and its own private balcony. Proudly offered at $310,000.
To see additional photos, room measurements, and a Visual tour of this home please go to www.1008CountryGlen.com.
For more information or to schedule a private showing of this home, please call Craig or Linda at 919-771-7779.