Date Archives: June 2020

Where do you want to live? What type of home do you like? Stepping up or moving down?

Whether you're a renter ready to take the homeownership plunge, a seasoned homeowner searching for new digs, or simply want to expand your investment property portfolio, our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston agents have the homes you seek.

From townhomes to beautiful ranches to executive estates, our agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday all over Central North Carolina. So, while you're making your weekend to-do list today, be sure to add in your house hunt then check out the list of open houses our agents will be hosting so you can plan accordingly. Happy house hunting, everyone!

Featured Open Houses

530 Highrock Lake Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$409,900

Sq Ft: 3,192 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

2624 Beaver Ridge Drive, New Hill, NC 27562

$784,900

Sq Ft: 4,404 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 28 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

6800 Arlington Oaks Trail, Raleigh, NC 27603

$399,900

Sq Ft: 3,225 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 28 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

5408 Leopards Bane Court, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$465,000

Sq Ft: 3,106 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 27 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 28 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

380 Stephens Way, Youngsville, NC 27596

$314,000

Sq Ft: 2,249 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

503 Presque Isle Lane, Unit 503, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

$289,900

Sq Ft: 1,705 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, June 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

2500 Canonbie Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$499,900

Sq Ft: 3,874 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, June 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Summer is the most difficult time of the year on plants. Our gardens take the brunt of the harsh sunlight and temperatures. To keep your garden looking healthy and beautiful all season long, here are summer garden maintenance tips our real estate agents recommend.

1. Water Properly
   Watering is undoubtedly the most important aspect of summer garden maintenance, but how you go about it makes a big difference. There are many pathogens in the air and soil that need water to reproduce, grow, and move. So, be sure to apply water directly to the ground using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to limit moisture on a plant's foliage. Water sitting on the leaves can lead to mold formation and disease infestation.
   
   When giving your plants a drink, you want to make sure that the water goes down to the deep roots. 
   
   
2. Pull Out Weeds
   Many weeds love summer heat and grow incredibly fast when it's warm. If you neglect your garden and allow weeds to thrive, they will steal moisture and nutrients from your plants. They can also encourage diseases and insect pests to pop up in your garden. 
   
   
3. Prune Your Plants
   Whether they died of insect damage, disease, or natural causes, dead plants have to go. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also attract damaging insects. Trimming and cleaning off dead leaves, flowers, and branches are key to keeping your plants healthy, thicker, and fuller for as long as possible. Since plants may require pruning at different times, do your research before snipping anything. Pruning with a good pair of garden shears will give you a clean cut and keep your plants healthier. You may also want to enrich your soil with compost if you notice yellowing leaves or general plant failure.
   
   
4. Watch for Insect Damage
   Insects build nests in and around gardens and landscaping so that they can have a ready food supply. Damage caused by insects and diseases is much more than cosmetic. Bacteria and viruses can only enter a plant through an opening, and insect damage provides that. And if you're growing fruits and vegetables, bugs can ruin your harvest. So, be vigilant and take proactive measures to get rid of bugs.
   
   
5. Continue to Mulch
   Providing a 2-inch-deep layer of organic mulch will help control weeds, insulate the soil from the heat, and retain moisture. It's important to continue mulching on garden and landscaping planting through summer. There are many different types of mulch you can choose from depending on the needs of the plants. And to prevent the mulch from doing more harm than good, it's a good idea to leave a gap of several inches between the stems and make sure the layer can allow water to penetrate through it.
   
   
6. Raise Your Mower
   Mowing is necessary in almost every season, but it's especially more important in the summer. Grass tends to grow quickly in warm weather, so some lawns will require more frequent mowing to keep them kempt. When mowing, don't cut your grass too short. Taller grass helps prevent the soil from drying out and promotes quicker root growth. As a good rule of thumb, leave your lawn standing at about five centimeters.

If your home will soon be listed among Raleigh homes for sale, beautiful landscaping and gardening features can make your home more appealing to buyers. Contact us today for your homeownership needs.

Haven't found your dream home yet? This could be the weekend. 

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have listed fantastic homes in cities and suburbs all over the Triangle region. From Alamance County in the West all the way to Wayne County in the East, we have the homes you seek.

Take advantage of the weekend ahead to plan visits to our agents' area open houses. You're going to want to see the homes you've been eyeing online up close to get a better idea of what they hold.

Plan to set aside a chunk of time at each house so that you may tour it inside and out at your own pace (twice if you like) and then take a drive around the neighborhood and community. Knowledge is the name of the real estate game, and you're going to want to gather as much information as possible to decide if you will make an offer.

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful dads out there!

Featured Open Houses

113 Mearleaf Place, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$525,000

Sq Ft: 3,215 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, June 20 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

1402 Lena Lane, Knightdale, NC 27545

$340,000

Sq Ft: 3,012 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, June 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1150 E Rosedale Creek Drive, Durham, NC 27703

$363,900

Sq Ft: 1,468 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Saturday, June 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1228 Hannahs View Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$1,150,000

Sq Ft: 4,670 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 20 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 21 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

4116 Green Chase Way, Apex, NC 27539

$959,000

Sq Ft: 4,292 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 20 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 21 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

530 Highrock Lake Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$409,900

Sq Ft: 3,192 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 20 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, June 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

3050 Krogen Court, Creedmoor, NC 27522

$485,000

Sq Ft: 3,751 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Sunday, June 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

It's true that summertime activities may not be the same this year, but that doesn't mean that you can't get out and have some fun! Many of our real estate agents enjoy spending their days off exploring the area's best fishing spots.

National Go Fishing Day is coming up on June 18th and is the perfect excuse to explore the local fishing spots near Raleigh. Whether you're a seasoned angler or an absolute beginner, grab your pole, because you're going to love spending time at these local parks. 

1. Bass Lake Park: 900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, NC 27540
   If you want to spend the day relaxing and maybe even catch your dinner, plant to visit the 54-acre lake at Bass Lake State Park. It's stocked with catfish, but you'll also have the chance to catch bass, crappie, and bream. Don't have a pole? You can borrow one for free thanks to the park's Tackle Loaner Progam. Although you're not allowed to bring your own boat or personal watercraft, you can rent a canoe. Before you head home for the day, take a drive around so you can get a look at some of the beautiful Holly Springs homes for sale.
2. William B. Umstead State Park: 8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617
   Located not far from some of the best Raleigh homes for sale, the William B. Umstead State Park is a favorite among locals and visitors. It's home to three manmade lakes where you can fish, and, on the biggest one, you can also canoe or rent a rowboat. You can visit by car or access the park using an extensive network of multi-use trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, running, or even horseback riding. 
3. Historic Yates Mill County Park: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
   If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you'll love spending some time at Historic Yates Mill County Park. Not only is this a great place to fish, but it's also an environmental research center and a 174-acre wildlife refuge. This is a great place to visit with kids, as they'll have the chance to explore educational exhibits and gardens and learn more about cultural and agricultural history. There are also plenty of hiking trails and a relaxing picnic area.
4. Falls Lake: 11405 Falls Of The Neuse Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587-1405
   Falls Lake is a manmade reservoir that covers approximately 12,500 acres, stretches 22 miles, and is surrounded by 22,500 acres of public land. Here you can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and biking close to many Wake Forest homes for sale. There's also plenty of places to relax with a picnic lunch and lots of opportunities to observe the local wildlife.
5. Eno River State Park: 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27705
   The Eno River State Park features almost 30 miles of trails along the river. It's an extremely popular fishing spot and is also an excellent location for photography and sightseeing. The park also allows kayaking and canoeing, although this is sometimes difficult due to shallow water. While you're in the area, we encourage you to explore! You'll quickly see why so many home buyers are interested in Durham homes for sale. 

There are plenty of things there are to love about living in this area, including the many wonderful public parks. If you're thinking about relocating, we're happy to show you around and help you find the home of your dreams. Contact us today to learn more! 

World Blood Donor Day, which takes place every year on June 14, is a day to raise awareness for the need of blood donations around the world and to thank the many people who donate life-saving blood each year. This year's edition of World Blood Donor Day is especially important, because so many medical facilities are in need of blood due to COVID-19. Our real estate agents have put together a list of blood drives and donation facilities where you can donate blood for World Blood Donor Day this year.

World Blood Donor Day: Where to Donate Near Raleigh

• What to Know Before You Donate
  In the past blood drives would often allow walk-in donors, but this year there are extra precautions in place due to COVID-19. For donors, the main difference is that you'll have to schedule an appointment in order to donate this year. Both donation centers and blood drives have appointment slots available in 15-minute intervals. You can schedule your appointment online, or call ahead to save your appointment slot.

• The Blood Connection – 5925 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612
  With convenient locations near Raleigh homes for sale and in other nearby communities, The Blood Connection is a donation center with appointments available 7 days per week. The Blood Connection has appointments available for both whole blood and plasma donations every day. Anyone over 16 years of age is eligible to donate, and donors are eligible to give blood as long as it has been at least 56 days since your last donation.

• North Raleigh Blood Donation Center – 8301 Bandford Way, Raleigh, NC 27613
  The North Raleigh Blood Donation Center will be hosting daily drives six days per week starting on June 11, with a wide variety of time slots available. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday appointments are available from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If an evening appointment better suits your schedule, you can sign up for a slot from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday or Tuesday. On Thursday, you can set up a donation at any time from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

• Crabtree Valley Mall – June 24 – 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612
  There will be a blood drive sponsored by iHeartRadio at the Crabtree Valley Mall on June 24, with appointments available from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The mall is currently open with additional safety and sanitation procedures in place, so you can plan a day of shopping around your donation. There have often been summer blood drives at Crabtree Valley Mall with great success, and appointment slots will likely fill up fast this year. At this blood drive, anyone can donate whole blood, and you can donate Power Red if your blood type is O, A Negative, or B Negative.

• Raleigh Blood Donation Center – 100 N Peartree Ln., Raleigh, NC 27610
  The Red Cross has two blood donation centers in Raleigh, and the Raleigh Blood Donation Center is open for donations three days per week. Appointments are available on Monday from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This donation center accepts both whole blood and Power Red donations. Schedule your appointment by calling the Red Cross, or visiting the Donation Center website.

Still searching for your dream home in the Triangle? We can help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Raleigh, NC area.

Tackling DIY home improvement projects is a great way to pass the time at home and make your house a more pleasant place to call your own. And you don't need to be a construction expert to improve your home! Our real estate agents are happy to report that there are a ton of apps available to help with your home improvement projects, whether you're looking for guides, inspiration, or a community of like-minded DIY enthusiasts. Get a leg up on your next project, with our guide to the best home improvement apps for your devices.

1. Pinterest
   Whether you're looking for inspiration for your projects, dreaming about Raleigh homes for sale, or seeking helpful tips from DIY experts, there's no doubt that Pinterest is an excellent resource. The Pinterest app makes it easy to browse all of the content on this popular social channel, and even share progress on your projects to help inspire others. Search for specific home improvement projects, or browse away until you find a project that inspires.

2. iFixIt
   Need to repair household electronics, appliances, or just about any other device around the house? Then the iFixIt app will be an invaluable resource. The app draws on the power of an extensive community of people who love to help each other fix things and contains guides on fixing, improving, or adjusting just about anything under the sun. 

3. Handyman Calculator
   Making the right calculations is key to saving both time and money on home improvement projects. The Handyman Calculator app makes it easy to get all of your calculations and measurements just right. It features more than 100 different calculators, geared toward every trade and field of construction. The app also helps you calculate the materials you'll need, manage your to-do list, and keep track of your time spent on each project.

4. Houzz
   If you're looking for an app that blends social media, DIY tips, and expert advice, then the Houzz app is the perfect place to start. Save your project ideas, share your successful projects with others, and ask for advice from a knowledgeable, dedicated community. And if you decide that you need a little assistance from the pros to complete a project, the app makes it easy to find contractors, architects, and interior designers wherever you're located.

5. iHandy Carpenter
   Wouldn't it be nice to have all of the measurement tools that you need in your pocket whenever you need them for a project? The iHandy Carpenter app allows you to do just that, turning your smartphone into a measurement tool. You can use it to calculate angles, check surface levels, measure distances, verify the verticality of walls, and much more.

6. TapPainter
   Thinking of repainting a room, but unsure which colors would work best? The TapPainter app has you covered, allowing you to upload photos of a room and preview how it would look if you painted the walls a different color. The lighting conditions, shadows, and furniture in the room are all preserved in the preview, providing an extremely accurate simulation of how the repainted room would look. 

Searching for the perfect home that you can improve to your heart's content? We're here to help. Contact us today.

Haven't found your dream home yet? This could be the weekend. 

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have listed fantastic homes in cities and suburbs all over the Triangle region. From Alamance County in the West all the way to Wayne County in the East, we have the homes you seek.

Take advantage of the weekend ahead to plan visits to our agents' area open houses. You're going to want to see the homes you've been eyeing online up close to get a better idea of what they hold.

Plan to set aside a chunk of time at each house so that you may tour it inside and out at your own pace (twice if you like) and then take a drive around the neighborhood and community. Knowledge is the name of the real estate game, and you're going to want to gather as much information as possible to decide if you will make an offer.

Featured Open Houses

115 Briery Branch Court, Morrisville, NC 27560

$870,000

Sq Ft: 6,387 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

209 Thorndale Drive, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$369,500

Sq Ft: 2,500 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

12312 The Gates Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

$884,900

Sq Ft: 5,437 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1016 Regency Cottage Place, Cary, NC 27518

$469,900

Sq Ft: 2,720 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

1306 Glenwood Avenue, Unit 102, Raleigh, NC 27605

$589,000

Sq Ft: 2,316 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

221 Meadowmont Lane, Unit A - 5, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$825,000

Sq Ft: 2,728 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.