Date Archives: November 2019

Are you out and about chasing down the best Black Friday deals in town? Scoring holiday gifts for your loved ones and friends (and yourself) will be a fantastic feat, but imagine the joy of finding your new home will bring.

You may have heard that spring and summer are the time to buy, but there are many reasons you should consider house hunting during the cold winter months.

Buying A Home During The Winter Months

Less Competition

It's common for buyer-competition to thin out in the winter as many people prefer to house hunt during the warmer seasons when the school year is waning.

More Motivated Sellers

Winter home sellers are often more motivated to close a deal than those who sell during the peak season. They may be relocating for a job promotion, hoping to get a sale squared away before the new year, or simply ready to get their real estate journey underway.

Discover And Uncover      

Winter weather can tax a home. From the roof and gutters to the HVAC, plumbing and drafty doors, cold temperatures may reveal issues that you would otherwise have overlooked in warmer months.

Start Your Search

Let our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents help you find the home you seek. Our listing agents will be happy to host you at their open houses this Saturday and Sunday.

Featured Open Houses

7209 Summer Tanager Trail, Raleigh, NC 27614

$939,900

Sq Ft: 4,005 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full)

Open House: Friday, November 29 from 1 to 5 p.m.,

Saturday, November 30 from 1 to 5 p.m., and

Sunday, December 1 from 1 to 5 p.m.

340 Stephens Way, Youngsville, NC 27596

$297,000

Sq Ft: 2,084 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 30 from 1 to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, December 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.

1208 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,100,000

Sq Ft: 4,250 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 30 from 1 to 5 p.m., and

Sunday, December 1 from 1 to 5 p.m.

325 Stephens Way, Youngsville, NC 27596

$302,000

Sq Ft: 2,101 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 30 from 1 to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, December 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.

107 Lochberry Lane, Cary, NC 27518

$428,900

Sq Ft: 2,776 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1217 Groves Field Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$344,900

Sq Ft: 2,374 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, December 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

In 2018, the average property was on the market for approximately 68 days. Back in 2010, this number was a whopping 140 days. Though the exact length of time a property remains for sale varies based on the current housing market and existing financial climate, one thing you can do to help your property sell as quickly as possible is stage your living room. 

On average, homes with staging sell 73 percent faster than their unstaged counterparts. Plus, the sooner you sell your current home, the sooner you can start browsing other Raleigh homes for sale. 

Home staging is the act of setting up a room or space so that it appeals to potential buyers. Staging helps buyers envision how they will utilize a room in a potential home; it also creates a comforting, inviting mood that helps enables buyers to see themselves in a new home. Check out a couple of ways that living room staging can help you make a good impression and sell your house.

Home Staging Allows Your Home to Appeal to More Buyers

Some home sellers decide to leave their living rooms as is when selling their homes. Though there's nothing inherently wrong with your existing living room set-up or decor, staging allows you to appeal to a large number of buyers. 

When you make the effort to stage your home, it will appeal to a wider range of buyers who might not see the space the same way you envisioned it. A well-staged living room enables any buyer to envision themselves living in and using that space.

You might need to move before your home sells; in this case, buyers will be met with an empty living room that doesn't maximize the potential of your home. While a vacant space shows off the amount of space a buyer can utilize, some buyers may struggle with how to use the space when it's presented as a blank canvas. Consider leaving some furniture behind or staging it so buyers aren't left with a completely blank presentation. 

Staged Homes Have a Better Online Presence

Most homebuyers use the internet to assist with their home search. The online listing, in most cases, is the first impression your home will have with a potential buyer. Unfortunately, a home that doesn't photograph well may not even make it onto a prospective buyer's radar. If a living room appears uninviting or has drab furnishings, some buyers may immediately dismiss the property as a potential option for their new home. 

Staged living rooms photograph better than empty or unstaged spaces. When the home stager stages the space, they'll make sure that your living room boasts neutral colors and styles that appeal to practically any style. They'll also make sure that the staging enhances the room's best features while minimizing any undesirable traits. The end result is a welcoming space that looks amazing both in person and in photographs. 

Ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to set up an appointment. Our REALTORS® will help you sell your home and get you into a new space that satisfies your criteria for the perfect home. 

This weekend officially marks the start of the holiday season with the annual Raleigh Christmas Parade. Be sure to stick around for the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting later that night. What a great way to start your Thanksgiving week!

Whatever your choices are, be sure to schedule in enough time to fit in some house hunting by visiting our HPW Open Houses! The most comprehensive real estate website in the state, HPW.com is the perfect place to start your house hunt. Our local real estate agents are on the cutting edge and are ready to show you the homes they've listed and answer any questions you may have.

Featured Open Houses

2113 Rocky Mountain Way, Apex, NC 27502

$384,900

Sq Ft: 2,668 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 23 from 12 to 2 p.m.

10009 Friedel Place, Raleigh, NC 27613

$475,000

Sq Ft: 3,021 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 23 from 12 to 2 p.m., and

Sunday, November 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.

506 Adams Point Drive, Garner, NC 27529 

$328,900

Sq Ft: 3,027 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 23 from 1 to 3 p.m., and

Sunday, November 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.

350 Stephens Way, Youngsville, NC 27596

$338,000

Sq Ft: 2,477 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, November 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.

1204 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,150,000

Sq Ft: 4,435 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 23 from 1 to 5 p.m., and

Sunday, November 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.

2412 Mynster Drive, Apex, NC 27523

$459,000

Sq Ft: 2,863 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 23 from 2 to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, November 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.

6832 Mactavish Way, Raleigh, NC 27613

$799,900

Sq Ft: 6,028 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, November 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The holiday season is prime shopping time, but it's also a great opportunity to discover hidden gems in town. Shopping local for the holidays comes with its rewards—you can get to know small business owners, get a feel for the warm, welcoming Raleigh community, and find amazing, unique gifts for the loved ones in your life. Our REALTORS® share some of their fave holiday shopping spots in Raleigh near Raleigh homes for sale.

1. Ealdwine—412 S McDowell St, Raleigh
   A go-to destination for fine menswear in Raleigh, this posh gentlemen's shop opened in 2018, adding a touch of refinement to an already vibrant, thriving city. Ealdwine (pronounced Ald-wine) is an Old English name that means "Old Friend," and owners Matt Gray and Jim Pietryka are dedicated to cultivating friendships and being a vital part of the Raleigh community. Choose from a wide selection of Alden brand shoes and a well-curated variety of some of the finest menswear, leather goods, and more. They offer both ready-to-wear and custom-tailored options.  
   
   
2. Elizabeth & Nichole Mobile Boutique (online & delivery)
   This unique online boutique is based in Raleigh, but all sales are conducted online. In addition to providing the hottest trends in women's fashion and personalized styling, Elizabeth & Nichole offers a local mobile service serving the Raleigh area bringing the ultimate shopping experience to your doorstep. It's a perfect way to celebrate the holidays, a birthday party, a bachelorette party, or any type of event you dream of!
   
   
3. Taylor's Wine Shop— 10005 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh
   Taylor's Wine Shop has been serving the Raleigh area since 1980. Here you'll find rare and collectible wines, craft beers, coffee, and even live bait. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you find an ideal gift for the wine lovers on your list. They also offer tons of local food items such as honey, chocolates, jams, BBQ sauces, and more. With tons of tastings and free events, Taylor's is a quirky, longstanding Raleigh favorite you won't want to miss.
   
   
4. The Flourish Market—307 W. Martin Street, Raleigh
   At The Flourish Market, owner Em Sexton believes every product and person has a higher purpose. The Flourish Market strives to make the world a better place for the people of Raleigh and around the globe, partnering with more than 50 brands that provide jobs and fair wages to artisans and makers in vulnerable communities all over the world. You'll find everything from greeting cards to women's fine fashion, accessories, kids' clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more. So get to The Flourish Market and do some good while you do your holiday shopping.
   
   
5. Craft Habit— 2423 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh
   This super cool and crafty spot offers classes for people of all ages and tons of fun, creative gifts as well. Grab a holiday ornament embroidery kit to brighten up the tree, check out an endless supply of sewing gear, fabric, yarn, paper goods, beads, books, and more. Or plan the ultimate gift—a special private crafting event with friends and family.

These are just a few of the amazing shops you'll find in Raleigh and the Triangle area. Whether you're buying or selling, we can help. Contact us to get started.

It's time to make your weekend to-do list! You'll want to get a headstart on your Christmas shopping at A Shopping Spree!, get a reservation to grab brunch out with the family, run a few errands, and house hunt, of course! 

We may be heading into the winter real estate market, but there are plenty of houses to see and tour. In fact, our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have planned more than 400 open houses over the next two days.

From Alamance County in the West to Wayne County in the East, our team has listed the homes today's buyers seek. You'll see new construction homes, ITB properties, downtown condos, front-porch bungalows, Craftsman-style designs, luxury townhomes, and so much more.

Featured Open Houses

214 Willowbend Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278

$390,000

Sq Ft: 2,686 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.

209 Regal Crest Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$419,000

Sq Ft: 3,372 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)                        

Open House: Saturday, November 16 from 1 to 3 p.m., and

Sunday, November 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

6412 Pleasant Creek Court, Raleigh, NC 27613 

$389,900

Sq Ft: 2,292 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, November 16 from 2 to 4 p.m., and

Sunday, November 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

2025 Reserve Falls Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$750,000

Sq Ft: 4,500 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2) 

Open House: Saturday, November 16 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and

Sunday, November 17 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

10340 Grafton Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,255,000

Sq Ft: 4,450 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2) 

Open House: Saturday, November 16 from 1 to 5 p.m., and

Sunday, November 17 from 1 to 5 p.m.

3327 Archdale Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

$250,000

Sq Ft: 1,830 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, November 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

1069 Silverleaf Drive, Youngsville, NC  27596

$474,900

Sq Ft: 4,150 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Sunday, November 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially in the Triangle. The holiday season is on its way to the Triangle, and our REALTORS® highlight all of the great holiday events happening around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

• Raleigh Christmas Parade — Hillsborough St. at St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 | Nov 23
  Kick-off the holiday season by attending the Raleigh Christmas Parade! As the largest Christmas parade from Atlanta to DC, this event brings the community together and is even recorded to be rebroadcast on Christmas morning! After the Raleigh Christmas Parade, be sure to start your Christmas shopping at the locally owned shops throughout downtown.
• Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Durham Performing Arts Center — 123 Vivian St., Durham, NC 27701 | Dec 3 – 8
  Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Then head down to the Durham Performing Arts Center for the merry musical Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Comparable to a holiday card come to life, this show is full of singing, dancing and plenty of family-friendly fun!
• NC Symphony Holiday Pops at Memorial Hall — 114 East Cameron Ave., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 | Dec 10
  If you can't get enough of these yuletide tunes, you'll love the NC Symphony's Holiday Pops at Memorial Hall. Performing classic and contemporary Christmas songs, the North Carolina Symphony will fill your ears with the joyous sounds of the holiday season. Warm-up your vocal cords while you drive around Chapel Hill homes for sale and get ready to spend an afternoon caroling at Memorial Hall.
• A Christmas Carol Presented by Theatre in the Park — Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts 2 E. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | Dec 11 – 15
  Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic that's been performed annually on stage as a musical comedy adaptation since 1974. This show, taking place at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, will likely sell out fast so be sure to purchase tickets for an evening or matinee showing after your visit Raleigh homes for sale.
• Bike the Durham Holiday Parade —Main St. at Dillard St., Durham, NC 27701 | Dec 14
  Join the cyclist community for a fun ride through the city for the Durham Holiday Parade. Kids and families are welcome to ride with the Bike Durham and Durham BPAC organizations from the Health Department to the Duke University East Campus. After viewing Durham homes for sale you and your family can decorate your bikes while enjoying hot chocolate and donuts before the parade starts.
• Durham Village Holiday Market at The Rickhouse — 609 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701 | Dec 15 – 17
  Get ready to unwrap a new Christmas event coming to the Triangle. The first annual Durham Village Holiday Market will take place at The Rickhouse in the Central Park district. This European-style village market will feature food, drinks, and gifts made right here in North Carolina! With food trucks and beverages also on-site, the Durham Village Holiday Market is the perfect place to complete your Christmas shopping.

Would you like to find a new home for the holidays in the Triangle? Contact us today, and we'll gladly help you with your home search!

North Carolina's Triangle area has rightly gained a reputation as a hub for art, culture, and history. This fall is a perfect time to check out some of the museums in Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding area, and our REALTORS® are excited to share their favorites. 

1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601
   The oldest established museum in North Carolina, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. The museum offers four floors of exhibits, with live animals, gift shops and cafés to keep you busy. A highlight of the collection is the world's most complete skeleton of Acrocanthosaurus, the dinosaur known as the "Terror of the South." Just minutes from Raleigh homes for sale, this museum is also home to a spectacular Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center.
2. North Carolina Museum of History - 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
   Nestled in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of History is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a treat for history buffs. The museum houses 150,000 artifacts spanning an incredible 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from prehistoric times right up through Queen Anne's Revenge, the Civil War and the American civil rights movement.
3. North Carolina Museum of Art - 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
   The North Carolina Museum of Art was the first major museum collection in the U.S.  formed by state legislation and funding. It's still an incredible place to visit, with a vast permanent collection and ever-changing lineup of special exhibits by North Carolina artists, and around the world and throughout history. The 164-acre park surrounding the museum also offers summer concerts every year. 
4. City of Raleigh Museum - 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
   Local history takes center stage at the City of Raleigh Museum. Located in the historic Briggs Hardware Building in Downtown Raleigh, the museum offers a range of exhibits and programs that are free to the public. Highlighting everything from Raleigh's music scene and local political cartoons to the history of North Carolina barbecue. 
5. Museum of Life and Science - 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
   Plan a fun and educational weekend with all the young scientists in your family when you head to the Museum of Life and Science. Located close to downtown Durham and Durham homes for sale, this museum is the perfect place for the whole family to have fun while learning. Learn about a variety of scientific topics with exhibits including Math Moves, Dinosaur Trail, Magic Wings Butterfly House and a Sound Garden. 
6. Ackland Art Museum - 101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
   Founded in 1958, the Ackland Art Museum is a part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, right around the corner from these Chapel Hill homes for sale. In addition to an ever-changing roster of unique exhibits, events, and programs, the museum also houses a permanent collection of more than 17,000 works. Among them are European masterworks by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, twentieth-century and contemporary art, North Carolina pottery, and vast collections of African and Asian art.

There's always something new to discover in North Carolina! Contact us today to learn more about life in the Triangle.

Lots of festivals this weekend starting with the 78th Annual NC Gourd Arts & Crafts Festival which will feature displays of gourds from around the world, a live auction at noon and crafting workshops. We also have the BBQ, Blues & Brews in Fuquay Varina, with great music, food, drink, crafts, clothes and a variety of musical devices and much more! 

So when planning out your schedule, be sure to allow plenty of time for some house-browsing and go visit our HPW Open Houses! The most comprehensive real estate website in the state, HPW.com is the perfect place to start your house hunt. Our local real estate agents are on the cutting edge and are ready to show you the homes they've listed and answer any questions you may have.

Featured Open Houses

500 Hillswick Place, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$302,900

Sq Ft: 2,765 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5408 Catmint Court, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$489,900

Sq Ft: 3,331 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.

2224 Pierce Creek Circle, Wake Forest, NC 27587 

$825,000

Sq Ft: 4,175 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, November 9 from 1:30 to 5 p.m., and

Sunday, November 10 from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

3507 Estates Edge Drive, New Hill, NC 27562

$775,000

Sq Ft: 4,050 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2) 

Open House: Saturday, November 9 from 1:30 to 5 p.m., and

Sunday, November 10 from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

3321 Falls River Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27614

$560,000

Sq Ft: 3,710 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Sunday, November 10 from 12 to 2 p.m.

109 Leacroft Way, Durham, NC 27703

$249,000

Sq Ft: 1,871 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, November 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.

203 Cole Valley Drive, Cary, NC 27513

$625,000

Sq Ft: 3,721 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, November 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.