Date Archives: January 2021

There are so many things to love about living in the Raleigh area! Not only are there many beautiful Raleigh homes for sale right now, but there are also excellent dining and entertainment options, great schools, and a rich culture and history. 

If you love older homes, you'll definitely want to explore some of the designated historic districts in and around Raleigh's downtown area. Some of the historic houses here are open to the public, while others remain private homes. Either way, the area offers excellent opportunities for an afternoon sightseeing tour. Here are a few you'll want to check out. 

Capitol Area Historic District

Located right in the center of Raleigh, the Capitol Area Historic District is home to the Capitol building, the State Supreme Court, and two churches that date back to the mid-19th century. 

You'll also find numerous historic monuments and Haywood Hall, the oldest house in Raleigh. It was built in 1799 and features stunning gardens that make it a popular spot for weddings and events. 

Boylan Heights

One of Raleigh's oldest suburban areas, today, it's just at the edge of Raleigh's downtown. This hilly, wooded area features a variety of lovely old homes, many of which have been revitalized and are now single-family residences. 

Moore Square Historic District

While you won't find any houses in the Moore Square Historic District, but it is home to two beautiful parks that have been a part of the city since 1792. It's also the location of the city's giant copper acorn, a half-ton sculpture in the park that makes for a great photo-opp. While you're there, make sure you rub it for good luck!

The area is also home to City Market, which was originally established in 1914. In the 1920s, it was knowns as "Black Main Street." Today, revitalization efforts have resulted in a redevelopment of City Market and a return to activity in the district. 

Oakwood Historic District

In the post-Civil War era, Oakwood was created as a rural neighborhood that was quite a hike into town. Today, it's essentially in Raleigh's downtown. However, many of the area's Victorian-style homes still look how they did back then. 

Although the homes were neglected for some time, the area underwent a restoration in the 1970s. It became Raleigh's first designated historic district in 1947. Today it's one of the area's loveliest neighborhoods. 

Five Points Neighborhoods 

Another interesting and eclectic area, the Five Points Neighborhoods, is a short drive from downtown, conveniently located near the interstate, and is well-known for its block of great restaurants and bars. 

It was developed in the 1920s as a series of planned communities designed to give residents a break from the hectic urban life. The Five Points area comprises several neighborhoods, including Vanguard Park, Bloomsbury, Roanoke Park, and Hayes Barton, which was once considered one of the area's most desirable neighborhoods. 

Today, Five Points is very popular among young, first-time homebuyers. The housing styles here vary greatly, from 1920s bungalow-style houses to larger, more ornate homes. This hodge-podge of home sizes and styles only serves to make the area even more unique. 

Explore Raleigh-Area Homes Today!

If you're looking for a beautiful home in or around Raleigh, we're here to help. Our real estate agents would love to show you around and help you find your dream home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

When you're always on the go, cooking at home can be a real challenge. If you're like most people, you've probably settled for pizza or a drive-through burger far more often than you would like to admit. 

Our real estate agents completely understand the struggle! Luckily, we've found some excellent area restaurants that offer grab-and-go meals. Next time you're hungry and exhausted, try one of these local restaurants. 

1. Bartaco: 201 S. Estes Dr., Ste. E3, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
   Everybody loves tacos, but shopping for all the ingredients and making them yourself can be a hassle. After a long day of showing clients some of the best Chapel Hill homes for sale, our agents love the taco packs from Bartaco. They offer packs of four or eight tacos with exciting options like Baja fish, mojo pork carnitas, portobello, ahi tuna, falafel, pork belly, ribeye, duck, and more. 
2. Apex Wings: 518 E. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502
   Whether you're getting ready to watch the big game or you want to bring home a tasty treat that the whole family will love, you can't go wrong with Apex Wings. They offer chicken wing packs of up to 100 pieces and boneless wing packs of up to 50 pieces. Add some sides, and you're good to go! On your way home, we recommend taking a few minutes to drive around and check out some of the great Apex homes for sale. 
3. bu*ku: 1228 Heritage Links Dr., Wake Forest, NC 27587
   Located in the heart of Wake Forest, bu*ku offers a wide selection of global street food. If you're looking for a top-notch restaurant meal you can enjoy in the comfort of your home, this is it. They currently offer Thai, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, and Latin family meals to-go. If you're thinking about moving into one of the beautiful Wake Forest homes for sale, you'll definitely want to frequent this amazing restaurant. 
4. Big Al's BBQ & Catering: 2920 Forestville Rd., Raleigh, NC 27616
   Whenever our agents are in the area showing Raleigh homes for sale, we love to stop by Big Al's BBQ & Catering. They have incredible grab-and-go family packs that include your meat of choice, two pints of sides, bread, and a half-gallon of tea. If you bring one of these family packs home, we promise you'll be your family's dinnertime hero. 
5. Daniel's Restaurant & Catering: 1430 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27523
   In the mood for Italian food? Look no further than Daniel's Restaurant & Catering. They offer an incredible family meal with three courses. It's enough to feed up to four people and only costs $50. On Tuesdays, you can also get a take-out Family Pack that includes a 16-inch pizza with two toppings, a family-sized baked ziti, and a family-sized salad for just $30! 
6. Dicky's Barbecue Pit: 1102 Parkside Main St., Cary, NC 27519
   If you happen to be in the area looking at Cary homes for sale, we recommend bringing home dinner from Dicky's Barbecue Pit. They have a Family Pack that includes a choice of two types of meat, three sides, sauces, and bread. We love the jalapeno cheddar kielbasa, sliced beef brisket, and the pulled pork. This is sure to become a family favorite. 

When you're super busy, having the right professionals by your side can make a huge difference. If you're thinking about buying a home this year, don't make the mistake of trying to do it on your own. Our real estate agents will save you time and help you find the home of your dreams. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started! 

When you think about changing up your home decor, you may assume that only big projects can have an equally big impact. But small design details can have a much greater effect on your home's appearance than you think.

Our real estate agents love the following small design changes that can make a big difference in your home's appearance:

1. Upgrade your doors    
   You may not immediately think of your doors when it comes time to get creative with your home decor. But new doors can add a unique sense of style and a new architectural dimension to your home. For a simple change, paint your doors in a new color. For a greater impact, replace existing doors with something special, like one made from reclaimed wood or a reused barn door.
     
2. Give your fireplace a boost
   If you have a fireplace that looks blah, paint its mantel in a contrasting color. You can also frame your fireplace materials like bricks. And even if you don't already have a fireplace, talk to a contractor about your options for installing one.
     
3. Add some statement pieces
   Statement pieces can have a big impact on any room. Try looking in antique stores for items like artwork or a centerpiece bowl. This way, you'll find unique treasures that add a big dose of personality and visual interest to your home.
     
4. Change up your lighting
   Having different types of lighting helps you create different moods, so try options like string lights, a table lamp, and a floor lamp. Turn on the string lights when you're hosting friends, use the floor lamp for everyday activities, and switch on the table lamp if you're cozying up with a book. You can also give your lamps a boost of style by adding bulbs in different shapes or designs.
     
5. Create a gallery wall
   Strategically place photos and art on a wall to make a big visual impact in any room. You can also add a picture rail for a more permanent option that adds a polished detail all on its own. As a bonus, a picture rail also lets you avoid putting holes in your walls.
     
6. Add texture to your walls
   Color isn't the only way to change up your walls. You can also hire a painter to use techniques that create texture on a plain wall. Or, if you'd rather, add an accent panel of stonework or mosaic tiles.
     
7. Replace your hardware
   For a quick change, pick out new hardware on your cabinets and drawers. You'll have a large variety of options, ranging from sleek, modern-looking silver handles to intricate bronze knobs.
     
8. Paint a focal wall
   Choose a focal wall and paint it in a color that sounds out from what's used on the other walls. For example, paint a focal wall in a striking navy blue to stand out among white walls in the room. The key is to choose a color that sharply contrasts with what's used on the other walls while making sure that the colors complement one another.
     
9. Don't forget the simple things
   If you're stuck figuring out what changes to make, keep things simple. Add some striking throw pillows, blankets, candles, or photo frames to your decor. It's easy to change or add these items as you find new ones you love, and they can help spark further creativity.

Contact us to learn more about small changes that can make your home stand out among other Raleigh homes for sale.