Date Archives: October 2021

More than 45 years ago, Howard Perry and Walston put down roots in the fertile area around Raleigh homes for sale. Thanks to you, we've grown to become a leading real estate network comprised of 15 sales offices with more than 900 agents.

Get to know HPW as our real estate agents share the story behind our brand and how we came to be a part of such a diverse and vibrant community.

The Birth of HPW

Our founder, Don Walston, is well acquainted with the beauty and charm of North Carolina, Don grew up in Wilson, less than an hour away from Raleigh, where his mother instilled in him the value of a strong work ethic and consideration for others.

In 1972, Don put these qualities to good use when he started Howard Perry and Walson in the Capital City. Today, our footprint ranges from Alamance County in the west to Wayne County in the east, giving HPW the leading area real estate market in size and reach.

HPW and Coldwell Banker: Prime-Time Partners

When it came time to build a winning team, Don knew just where to look. HPW partnered with Coldwell Banker, the top real estate company in the world and a highly respected industry leader for more than 100 years.

Coldwell Banker's international presence includes upwards of 3,000 offices throughout 40 countries and territories, with more than 96,000 affiliated real estate agents. HPW's partnership with Coldwell Banker enables us to offer our clients maximum exposure on listings as well as brand recognition and cutting-edge marketing.

Real Estate Services from A to Z

HPW has a mission to provide experienced guidance to our clients in every aspect of their real estate journey, from beginning to end. In order to provide full service, we have established an award-winning group of departments and divisions to supplement our residential brokerage offices.

• Towne Mortgage of the Carolinas offers a number of loan products to fit any situation.
  
  
• HPW Market Title protects your investment with title insurance.
  
  
• HPW New Homes & Land features a full-service new construction sales and marketing team.

On the Move

Whether it's for personal or professional reasons, relocation to another state carries its own set of challenges. HPW's stellar Relocation Division helps to smooth the transition for the 60+ people moving to our area each day.

We're proud to be the #1 relocation division in the country, managing more than 65 percent of corporate relocation activity in our area. HPW has developed strong long-term relationships with many corporations and businesses in the region, and we work hand-in-hand to ensure that their associates have a positive relocation experience.

HPW: Ahead of the Curve

As with many other industries, technology has revolutionized real estate. HPW is committed to incorporating the most current, cutting-edge tools available to assist our clients.

Here are just a few of the value-added services we provide:

• Paperless transaction management allows us to obtain signatures and store documents electronically, so you can access them on demand through any device.
  
  
• Our marketing plans include digital pieces such as e-postcards, e-newsletters, and video emails.
  
  
• You may know about curb appeal, but how about curbside marketing? With VoicePad informational signage, buyers can pull up information about your home via the yard sign. At the same time, the system notifies us that inquiries are being made.
  
  
• HPW Coming Soon gives buyers and sellers a unique opportunity to get ahead of the market.

Contact us today to learn more about how the HPW difference can help you successfully reach your real estate goals.

If you're preparing to add your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, it's essential to replace worn-out items. Worn-out items give the appearance that your home isn't properly maintained, and in some cases, can harbor germs and make it more cumbersome to maintain a clean living space. Here are some guidelines for replacing these common household items. 

1. Your Fridge's Water Filter: Every 6 to 8 Months
   Refrigerators with water and ice dispensers have a filter that removes impurities. If you neglect to change the filter, you'll notice a change in the taste and quality of your water and ice. Old, dirty filters create a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria. 

2. Hand Towels and Bath Mats: Every Couple of Years
   Even when laundered regularly, hand towels and bath mats can accumulate bacteria. They're frequently located in moist environments that contribute to the growth of mildew and mold. 

3. Mop Heads and Pads: Every Month
   When you neglect to replace your mop head or mop pads, your mop doesn't work as well. You might notice that it doesn't clean the nooks and crevices in your home as effectively as it used to. Old mop heads and pads also harbor bacteria that you may inadvertently spread throughout your home. 

4. Air Conditioner Filter: Every 3 Months
   An old air conditioner filter is bad for your home's HVAC system. Your system has to work harder than necessary to heat or cool your home due to the dirty filter; this means that it runs more often and for longer periods of time, shortening the life of your unit. If your HVAC system operates with a dirty filter, all of the dirt and allergens on the filter are disbursed throughout your home. This harms your home's air quality and spreads unpleasant odors throughout your property.

5. Vacuum Cleaner Filters: Every 3 to 6 Months
   When you vacuum your floors, the filter traps dirt and dust from your floors. Our real estate agents know that a clean vacuum filter enables you to get the most from your vacuuming session, ensuring that your home looks its best for showings and open houses. Dirty filters may also leak dirt and particles back into your home's air when you run your vacuum. This can aggravate your allergies and make the air in your home smell stale and dirty. 

6. Doormats: Every 2 Years
   Your doormats serve multiple functions: not only do they reduce the amount of dirt that enters your home, but they improve the aesthetics of your porch or deck. Over time, the materials of your doormats will degrade, removing less mud and dirt from your shoes. Bacteria, mold, and mildew will also begin to accumulate. 

7. Smoke Alarms: Every 10 Years
   Replace your smoke alarms every ten years to ensure they will continue to detect smoke in your home. Test your smoke alarms monthly to confirm that they're working correctly. 

8. Sponges: Every 2 to 3 Weeks
   A clean sponge is key for a clean home! After all, if a sponge is past its prime, it might be spreading bacteria instead of cleaning it up. Make sure to replace them at least every 2 to 3 weeks or sooner if they are beginning to look weathered.

Ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to get started!

The weather might be getting cooler, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy fresh-picked produce. In fact, our real estate agents always recommend visiting the local farmers markets this time of year. From pumpkins and potatoes to squash, zucchini, and corn, there are many delicious vegetables in season right now. 

Whether you're just starting to look at Raleigh homes for sale or you're already a resident here, you'll want to get to know the best places to get your hands on the latest harvests. 

• Stone Ridge Farm Market: 480 Temple Johnson Rd., Zebulon, NC 27597
  A family-operated business, the Stone Ridge Farm Market is a great place to pick up your fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies. Even better, if you can't make it to the market, you can have them delivered right to your door! Delivery is free if you live within 10 miles of the market. If you've been looking at Zebulon homes for sale, make sure you check them out before you head to the corner grocery store. 

• Western Wake Farmers Market: 280 Town Hall Dr., Morrisville NC 27560
  The Western Wake Farmers Market is a nonprofit organization that was formed by a group of moms looking for a way to feed their children fresh, locally grown food. You'll find a wide selection of vendors here selling fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, and more! They're open on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm through November and then from 9:30 to 12 in December through March. They'll also have live music each week through the end of November. Plus you can get a look at some of the beautiful Morrisville homes for sale that are located near the market.  

• Cary Downtown Farmers Market: 135 W. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
  Have you been thinking about moving into one of the great Cary homes for sale? If so, you'll definitely want to get to know the Cary Downtown Farmers Market. It has been a favorite among locals since 1996.
  
  You'll find lots of great vendors here selling everything from produce, meat, and dairy to gifts, crafts, and prepared foods. The traditional market is open on Saturdays from 8 am to noon through the end of October. After that, the winter market runs from 9 am through noon from November through March. 
  
  
• Apex Farmers Market: 112 Saunders St., Apex, NC 27502
  Located in the heart of downtown not far from some of the best Apex homes for sale, the Apex Farmers Market offers a wide selection of products. This includes seafood, meat, eggs, preserves, jams, and jellies, coffee, candles, soaps, crafts, prepared foods, and more. The market is open on Saturdays from 9 am until noon. They often have live music and entertainment for the kids and the market is also pet-friendly. 

• Holly Springs Farmers Market: 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs, NC 27540
  The Holly Springs Farmers Market has been voted a "best in class" farmers market for several years in a row. In addition to the things you would expect at any farmers market, you'll also find a large range of products including things like fresh cut flowers, mead (honey wine), cold-pressed juices, goat cheese, fudge, candied nuts, and more. This farmers market has also published a handy harvest calendar so you'll have an idea of what you'll find there each time you visit. If you've been looking at Holly Springs homes for sale, you'll be glad to have this incredible venue so close by. 

If you're looking for the perfect home in the Raleigh area, our skilled agents are here to help! Contact us today.