Date Archives: October 2020

Autumn is here, and Mother Nature is ready to put on a show with colorful leaves, crisp cool nights, and the bounty of the harvest. The vibrant fall season is the perfect time to make your home stand out and prepare for what lies ahead. Our REALTORS® know that a home with curb appeal is much more attractive to buyers, so it's important for those with Raleigh homes for sale to give their landscaping some extra love. These tips and fabulous fall landscaping ideas can help you make the most out of your outdoor spaces this autumn.

1. Give Your Lawn Some TLC
   Taking proper care of your lawn in the fall can help your grass survive the cold winter weather to look lush and healthy in the spring. Use an aerator spike or pitchfork to create small holes in your lawn before fertilizing. These holes enable water, oxygen, and fertilizer to seep in, which is great for your grass. Fall is the perfect time to fertilize your lawn and plant new grass seed in any areas that need shoring up. 
2. Clear Leaves from the Ground
   Speaking of raking, those pretty leaves will eventually fall to the ground. Raking the leaves on your property not only makes it look neat and tidy, but it's also good exercise and keeps your grass healthy. Mildew can easily grow under a blanket of leaves and damage your lawn. If you have a compost pile, put dead leaves in it, and you'll enjoy rich fertilizer for your yard in the spring. While you're at it, you might as well pull any weeds and throw them on the pile, too.
3. Do Your Fall Planting
   Autumn is the perfect time to plan ahead and plant bulbs for vibrant flowers in the spring. Make sure to plant deep enough in the ground to prevent freezing.  If you're unsure of what types of bulbs thrive in your area and the best time to plant them, ask your local nursery for recommendations. When they pop up in the spring, you'll be in for a colorful surprise! It's also an excellent time to transplant any perennials you want to move. If you're planting any new bushes or trees, putting them in this time of year gives them months to get rooted before the hot North Carolina summer arrives.
4. Decorate
   Letting the beauty of nature's bounty showcase your home and yard is super easy to do in the fall. Visit a local farmers market and pick up some pumpkins, gourds, hay, and any other outdoor fall décor you like. Colorful mums in planters or boxes on a porch or along walkways also add a nice touch of color. Putting an eye-catching fall wreath with red, orange, yellow, and brown hues on your front door can really make your house stand out from the crowd. 
5. Keep Watering
   Unless it's a very rainy fall season, it's important to keep watering your lawn, trees, plants, and flowers. Even though the weather is starting to cool down, roots need to stay hydrated into the winter. An easy way to keep track of how much water you're getting is by using a rain gauge. Unless your lawn is getting more than an inch of water a week, keep sprinklers and irrigation systems going. When it's time to close up shop, make sure to disconnect hoses, shut off water sources to outdoor faucets, and flush sprinkler or irrigation systems.

Ready to buy or sell a home in Raleigh this fall? Our experienced real estate professionals can help. Contact us to get started.

There's never a bad day to enjoy delicious Italian food! With World Pasta Day right around the corner, now is a great time to start exploring some of the amazing Italian restaurants in the area.

Our REALTORS® love trying out local hot spots! 

1. Southern Pasta Company: 6621 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615
   Can't get away for a romantic dinner? A visit to The Southern Pasta Company is a great way to enjoy restaurant food at home! They offer fresh, chef-prepared dinners in aluminum baking trays that are ready for you to pop in the oven. They're made with handmade pasta, top-quality meats and cheeses, and fresh produce from nearby farms. This is a delicious and convenient alternative to fast food that will taste so much better. You can choose from a variety of ravioli, kinds of pasta, and sauces, creating your perfect meal. In addition to all the classics, you can also find delicious non-traditional options like pumpkin ravioli and pecan & sage pesto sauce. They also offer a variety of Italian entrees, lasagna, mac and cheese, and more. 

2. Cafe Luna: 136 East Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601
   Located in downtown Raleigh, Cafe Luna offers Italian Cuisine with a Tuscan flair. The menu features a wide variety of pasta dishes with separate dine-in and pick-up menus. If you can get out during the week, you'll want to check out their $20 three-course mid-week menu. It includes a salad, entree, and dessert. There are also amazing $20 wine deals!

3. Assaggio's Italian Restaurant: 3501 Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613
   After a busy day of running around looking at Raleigh homes for sale, you might not feel like doing anything. This is a great time to pop into Assaggio's Italian Restaurant for a tasty takeout meal. They have tons of pasta options, including lobster ravioli, pasta primavera, baked ziti, fettuccine alfredo, baked manicotti, and more! With plenty of other options, including amazing pizza, calzones, stromboli, and hot subs, you're sure to find something on the menu to please everyone. 

4. Melina's Fresh Pasta: 2717 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham, NC 27707
   If you've been looking at Durham homes for sale, you'll definitely want to acquaint yourself with Melina's Fresh Pasta. This is another great option for picking up dinner when you're busy and still want to enjoy an amazing meal. Options include a variety of fresh-made sauces and baked meals. The menu changes frequently, so you'll want to follow them on Facebook and check out their page before you go. 

5. 411 West: 411 West Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
   Next time you're in the area looking at Chapel Hill homes for sale, plan to take a break and visit 411 West. This unique restaurant is located right in the heart of West Franklin. The menu combines Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a healthy California twist. You'll love the creative pasta dishes that are made fresh on-site. Some of our favorites include the Lemon Linguine with shrimp and scallops and the Basil Pesto with zucchini, squash, spinach, arugula, tomato, and goat cheese. Make sure you save room for dessert! 

No matter what kind of food you enjoy, there are excellent dining options in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. This is just one of the many things to love about living here. Want to explore some of the beautiful homes in the area? We can help. Contact us today to get started! 

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have listed some of the most stunning homes across Central North Carolina and will be hosting numerous open houses this weekend.

From starter homes to luxury estates, our agents are ready to open the doors to let you get an up-close look at these properties. Plan your house hunt by checking out a complete list of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston open houses to figure out which homes you'd like to tour this weekend.

At HPW, we are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients, while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19. In order to protect both our clients and agents, we are asking everyone to please take precautionary measures when visiting our open houses. And if attending an open house still isn't in the cards for you then have no fear, we have numerous virtual tours of these amazing homes and more.

Featured Open Houses

9004 Louisburg Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$430,000

Sq Ft: 2,368 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

3200 Hickory Road, Raleigh, NC 27616

$650,000

Sq Ft: 4,711 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

7809 Dover Hills Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$830,000

Sq Ft: 4,632 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, October 17 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

2700 Stonewalk Court, Zebulon, NC 27597

$434,500

Sq Ft: 3,241 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 17 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

2201 Dewland Court, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$399,000

Sq Ft: 2,547 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

205 Lake Manor Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$699,000

Sq Ft: 3,930 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full)

Open House: Sunday, October 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

10529-102 Sablewood Drive, Unit 102, Raleigh, NC 27617

$334,900

Sq Ft: 1,700 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Sunday, October 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Moving is a major life event, and an unorganized packing process can add stress to what is already a stressful situation. Organizing a move can present challenges for even the most experienced of planners, but crafting effective packing and unpacking strategies can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you're in the market for one of these beautiful Raleigh homes for sale, consider these packing tips from our real estate agents when planning your move:

1. Declutter Ahead of Time
   The golden rule of packing: the less you have, the easier it will be to move. Start the decluttering process a good 2 or 3 months before your actual move date. Go through all of your belongings and determine what can go. Many people struggle when it comes to parting with their stuff, so it can be helpful to consider how frequently you use an item and whether or not it brings you joy. Once you've determined what you can part with, consider donating your items to a local thrift store, have a garage sale, or you can even try selling them online for a little extra cash.
   
   
2. Pack A Little Bit Each Day
   Waiting until the last minute to pack can add a lot of extra stress. However, packing too soon may leave you without some things you need in your day to day life. The trick is to pack a little bit each day leading up to your move. Consider setting aside 1 to 2 hours per day to work on the packing process. This strategy will help you to feel like you're making good progress over time. 
   
   
3. Labels Are Key
   Labeling your boxes will make the moving and unpacking process significantly easier. Make sure each box has a labeled with the contents of the box and the room it belongs in. This will help inform the movers where to place the boxes in your new home. Using color-coded labels will make the process even easier.
   
   
4. Save Room For Your Clothes
   Clothing always takes up more room than you'd expect, so if you're using a moving truck or have limited space, keep this in mind when packing. Any clothing you hang in the closet cut a hole in a garbage bag and place it over a group of hangers. If your dresser is light enough to move, you may be able to get away with leaving clothes in the drawers; however, be careful your dresser isn't too heavy.
   
   
5. Don't Leave Empty Spaces in Boxes
   Avoid half-packed boxes when possible. If your items have room to move around, they can easily become damaged during the move. Pack your boxes, so they are full, but not too heavy. If you do end up with extra space, consider adding newspaper or packing peanuts to keep items secure. Also, don't forget to add extra padding to any boxes that contain fragile items.

Moving doesn't need to be a stressful process. With a bit of planning, you'll be into your new home in no time. Contact us for more tips on how to make your move less stressful.

Wondering what to do this weekend? Pull out your rain boots, grab your umbrella and then go find your next home!

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have planned open houses in the beautiful homes they've listed and are ready to show you around. With houses, townhomes, and condos in all shapes and sizes in highly demanded locations and neighborhoods, these open houses are definitely worth a visit!

Don't forget that this is the last weekend for the Triangle Parade of Homes so be sure to set aside some time to view these spectacular homes, too.

If all goes, you could be toasting at Thanksgiving in your new home!

At HPW, we are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients, while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19. In order to protect both our clients and agents, we are asking everyone to please take precautionary measures when visiting our open houses. And if attending an open house still isn't in the cards for you then have no fear, we have numerous virtual tours of these amazing homes and more.

Featured Open Houses

1605 Wildhurst Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$774,900

Sq Ft: 5,156 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

6728 Queen Annes Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613

$222,400

Sq Ft: 1,523 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1524 Rock Dove Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

$1,850,000

Sq Ft: 5,625 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 10 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 11 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

5 Brookshire Drive, Youngsville, NC 27596

$466,980

Sq Ft: 2,798 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 10 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 11 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

128 Abbeville Lane, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$489,700

Sq Ft: 3,659 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

1445 Old Ivey Road, Apex, NC 27523

$625,000

Sq Ft: 1,745 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Sunday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

4805 Cornoustie Court, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$480,000

Sq Ft: 3,659 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, October 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

October is officially "Adopt a Shelter Dog Month", and with so many people spending more time at home this year, there couldn't be a better time to welcome a new furry friend into your family. There are several great dog shelters in and around the Triangle and dozens of new pets that need to be adopted today. Looking to add a shelter dog to your family? Our REALTORS® went ahead and pulled together a list of options:

1. Saving Grace Animals For Adoption - 13400 Old Creedmoor Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587
   A wide selection of breeds of all ages, Saving Grace has dozens of loving pups in need of a home. In addition to adoption services, they also offer a temporary foster program and a "host a dog weekend" service. There is an adoption fee, which covers vaccinations, spay/neuter, parasite prevention, and other services. While you're in the area, there are several great Wake Forest homes for sale with beautiful backyards for your new dog to run and play.
2. Cause For Paws - 1634 S. Saunders St., Raleigh, NC 27603
   Cause for Paws has a number of cats and dogs available for adoption. While cats are housed at their two Raleigh thrift stores, dogs are actually kept at foster homes throughout the Triangle, so it's usually best to call ahead in order to schedule a visit with a particular dog. While you're in town, schedule an appointment to visit one of these Raleigh homes for sale.
3. Second Chance Pet Adoptions - 6003 Chapel Hill Rd. #133, Raleigh, NC 27607
   Helping dogs find good homes in the Triangle area since 1987, Second Chance Pet Adoptions has a wide range of dogs that need homes today. They charge a $300 adoption fee that covers about $500 worth of veterinary care. Applications are available on their website along with information about their dogs available for adoption.
4. Wake County Animal Center - 820 Beacon Lake Dr., Raleigh, NC 27610
   Owned and operated by the county, The Wake County Animal Center takes in thousands of strays and abandoned pets every year, and partners with fosters and volunteers to help find them a loving home. Dog adoption fees are only $95. While they don't provide spay/neuter services, they do make recommendations for reputable local veterinary clinics.
5. Orange County Animal Services - 1601 Eubanks Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
   Not only does Orange County Animal Services provide intake services for abandoned animals, but they also offer spay/neuter programs and manage pet licensing for the county. Additionally, they take on the responsibility of enforcing animal cruelty laws across the county. The adoption fee for a dog is $125 and the fee for a puppy is $175, and the fees include a wide range of veterinary services including health screening, vaccinations, and microchipping. After you pick-up, your new pup, be sure to cruise by these Chapel Hill homes for sale.

Getting a new pet is a big decision! In return for opening up your home to them, dogs will provide you with long term companionship, fun, and they may even help you to reduce stress. For more recommendations on local pet shelters in the Triangle, contact us today.

On your mark, get set… GOBBLE! It's time again for our annual Turkeys for the Triangle fundraiser to feed our neighbors in need this holiday season.

Working with pre-selected area non-profit and military organizations, Turkeys for the Triangle is committed to donating over 5,000 frozen turkeys to feed more than 20,000 people this Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Started by our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Founder and Chairman, Don Walston over 15 years ago, Turkeys for the Triangle has donated more than 40,000 turkeys to anchor holiday meals for more than 175,000 food-insecure people.

"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," said Walston. "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."

Turkeys For The Triangle Fundraiser

Now through Tuesday, December 17th, our real estate agents and staff will sell Turkeys for the Triangle raffle tickets to gather funds to support our holiday turkey donations in mid-November and mid-December. 

Will you help us help others?

Please purchase a Turkeys for the Triangle raffle ticket today at TurkeysfortheTriangle.com! Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.

Winner, Winner, Turkey Dinner 

Buy a $5 Turkeys for the Triangle raffle ticket, and you'll be entered to win some fantastic prizes including: 

RAFFLE PRIZES

One Year Membership to Winc.com Wine Club17 Weeks of produce from The Produce Box
$500 Restaurant Gift Card
$500 Gift Card to Target
$500 Gift Card to Bailey's Fine Jewelry
65" Flat Screen TV
Weber Grill
iPad Mini
Apple AirPods Pro

GRAND PRIZE:

Trip for Two to Destination of Choice (up to $2000 value)

Buy your Turkeys for the Triangle tickets online today at TurkeysfortheTriangle.com!

The Turkeys for the Triangle raffle drawing will be held shortly after our December toss - winners need not be present to win. 

New month, new house! Or at least that's the goal, right?

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have listed fantastic homes in cities and suburbs all over the Triangle region.

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.

Also, don't forget the Triangle Parade of Homes is still underway granting you access to a fantastic collection of newly built area homes.

At HPW, we are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients, while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19. In order to protect both our clients and agents, we are asking everyone to please take precautionary measures when visiting our open houses. And if attending an open house still isn't in the cards for you then have no fear, we have numerous virtual tours of these amazing homes and more.

Featured Open Houses

2941 Lake James Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$329,900

Sq Ft: 2,200 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

3413 Rock Creek Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

$1,075,000

Sq Ft: 4,011 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 3 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 4 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

7217 Waterlook Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$825,000

Sq Ft: 3,800 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 3 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 4 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

10657 Cardington Lane, Raleigh, NC 27614

$519,900

Sq Ft: 4,867 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

4409 Queenstown Court, Raleigh, NC 27612

$429,900

Sq Ft: 2,606 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, October 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

43 Crimson Oak Drive, Durham, NC 27713

$1,199,999

Sq Ft: 6,685 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5 (full) 2 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, October 4 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

475 Cliffdale Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$599,625

Sq Ft: 3,195 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

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