Articles Tagged "Real Estate Market"

In and around the Triangle area, there are several beautiful luxury listings available for sale. What exactly differentiates these properties from the standard market? Is it the square footage, the features, or the technology? Some would say it is all of the above. Ultimately, luxury buyers are not looking at the price tag in their search for their next dream home but the amazing amenities that come with the property. Here are the top 6 must-have features in luxury homes!

1. Indoor / Outdoor living

Indoor/outdoor living seamlessly extends your home's great room or dining quarters. This trend tends to keep cohesion in design from the interior to the exterior of your home. Typically indoor/ outdoor living has always been a primal commodity when searching for a new home. With the new normal consisting of being at your humble abode more these days, the amenity has become a necessity. What makes an outdoor living space luxurious is the ability to provide comfort through all seasons while also allotting multiple entertainment options. High-end features include retracting screened porches, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, and sometimes a type of water feature. This CBHPW luxury listing checks off each box on the list! With its large covered porch and a wood fireplace, the immaculate outdoor kitchen has a top-of-the-line grill station, jacuzzi, and extensive acreage for sporting events or games. One thing for sure is that you may yearn to host any occasion with this property as your next home. To view more of this listing, click here.  

2. Theatre Room 

Entertainment becomes the next level when a luxury property contains an in-home theater. The ability to bring the ultimate cinematic experience to your fingertips is a sought amenity many buyers search for when hunting for their next home. What makes an in-home theater top-notch is its ability to incorporate features similar to an actual movie theater. This includes a top-of-the-line av-system, projector, large screens, recessed lighting, and comfortable loungers. The goal of the theater room is to immerse yourself in what's on the screen, whether that be the newest megahit movie or the exciting rival sports game. The cinema room pictured above is from none other than one of our CBHPW luxury listings. This glorious in-home theater offers stadium seating, a high-tech projector, and even mimics the groovy movie theater carpet. To view more of this property, click here. 

3. Large Garages

The standard two-car garage does not cut it for luxury properties. Buyers are looking for substantial space when envisioning the housing of their precious automobiles. Typically, luxury properties have at least a 3-car garage! To any car buff, the garage is not just a space for storing your vehicle. This part of the property could be turned into a luxurious showroom, man cave, or workshop. This beautiful CBHPW luxury property comes with a three-car garage with gorgeous rustic wood garage doors. To view more of this property, click here.  

4. Intricate Ceiling Designs

Raised ceilings and other intricate ceiling styles are quite the fanbase for luxury homes. A room turns from basic to compelling when there is a ceiling feature that adds depth, sophistication, and style. In most luxury dwellings, at least one space must contain a styled ceiling. One of these rooms can be the living room, sitting room, primary bedrooms, and or dining rooms. What exactly are some styles of these ceilings? They are cathedral, tray, beamed, suspended, and coffered. One would love to have any of these exquisite designs in their home!  For example, in this CBHPW luxury listing above. The sitting room contains a beautiful coffered ceiling. The coffered ceiling consists of sunken panels accented by molding, creating a waffle-like appearance. What works well in this room is the brilliant addition of recessed lighting. For more on this property click here. 

5. Massive Walk-In Closets

Typically an owner of a luxury home tends to live a complete life of luxury. Meaning everything about them is high-end, like their fashion sense. Closets in a luxury home are an extension of the main room and need to boast space and means of organization. Closets these days are not just for hanging clothes. They can be an area to lounge in after using the spa bathroom or a place to put on that fashion show after shopping in the streets of London. For sure, luxury home buyers are looking for closets that encompass organization and can show off their beautiful wardrobe. In this CBHPW luxury home, the primary closet is genuinely massive. This closet incorporates different levels of custom built-in shelving and an island dresser to accommodate all buyers' attire needs. To view more of this property, click here.

6. Relaxing Spa baths

When buyers search for their next home, kitchens and bathrooms are the most focused rooms, which is why main bathrooms in luxury homes are genuinely upping the ante in their need to give that spa-like aura. Features include a jacuzzi bathtub fit for a king, a large walk-in shower that doubles as a steam room, neutral colors, beautiful stone or tile, and lots of space for minimal clutter. In this CBHPW luxury listing, this bathroom truly exuberates comfort and relaxation. The large window allows natural light to encase the room, making the white pop against the darker grays. The unity in neutral colors creates a calming sensation. One can relax in the free-standing tub or use the shower with multi-shower heads in this bathroom. To view more, click here. 

When buying or selling in the luxury market, we are sure you have seen one or more of these features within the properties. To view, all of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walstons' luxury homes for sale, visit our website at https://www.hpwluxury.com

Located in the desirable outskirts of Wake Forest, only walking distance from the beautiful Forest Ridge Park. A secluded 7,537 square foot home located in the Wakefield Estates sits beautifully on 1.85 acres of peaceful woodlands.

As you step into this exceptionally exquisite estate, you will be surrounded by fine craftsmanship with luxurious amenities. Each room on the first floor encompasses perfectly situated crown molding paired with a plethora of large French windows. These meticulous details seen throughout give a sense of unity. However, different styles of ceilings give each room its own character, like the fanciful formal dining room with a gray accented tray ceiling and the royal cathedral-ceilinged sitting room

.

Tap into your full potential for culinary arts in the spacious and inspiring updated gourmet kitchen. Meals will turn into divine masterpieces with the use of top-of-the-line stainless-steel appliances like a double oven and gas range stove top. If you love to host dinner parties, utilize the sizable butler's pantry, or show off intricate designs like a hooded stone vent at the kitchenette.

 The first-floor owner's suite brings all the charm. Spend your time in the central part of the bedroom and experience the luscious new carpet while setting the mood with the recessed-lit vaulted ceiling. If you are looking for the perfect place to read or enjoy a hot cup of tea, relax in a big comfy chair in the newly updated ensuite.

Escape to what feels like a completely different property by exploring the massive, finished basement. With the opportunity to become an in-law suite or studio apartment, options seem to be endless with this space. As of now, use this area for the ultimate entertainment area with a theatre room that steals the show. Equipped with high-quality surround sound and recliner chairs built for a queen, the only item missing is the buttered popcorn.

Overall, this newly updated home exuberates style and sophistication and includes other refined amenities like a wine cellar, wet bar, and immaculate outdoor firepit!

View 6701 Green Hollow Court by clicking here. This property is listed by Ida Terbet Group of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Raleigh Office. For more information on the HPW Luxury listing, please check out the latest edition of our HPW Luxury Magazine or visit https://www.hpwluxury.com. 

Raleigh homes for sale are carefully staged for one important reason: to make them look like something a potential buyer could picture themselves living in. For most buyers, a dirty carpet is a turnoff, so you'll want to clean yours before staging and showing it to ensure your house gives a good first impression. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for getting your carpets into shape before your next showing.

• Move the Furniture
  It may be tempting to clean around the furniture, but the result could be eyesore patches of dirty carpet if you later move the furniture for staging or if a potential buyer peeks under the furniture or rug to see what is being covered up. Before your home joins the ranks of Durham homes for sale, make sure you do what professional carpet cleaners do and move all the furniture before getting started.
  
  
• Clean the Baseboards and Fixtures
  Before you start with the carpet, be aware of what could drop dirt onto your freshly cleaned carpets. Most people don't frequently clean their baseboards or their light fixtures, so chances are there is a buildup of dirt and dust that will fall to the carpet below if you bump the fixture or brush up against the baseboards. Clean that now, while the furniture is out of the way, and before you start on the carpet.
  
  
• Vacuum Slowly
  This is actually good advice for anyone, at any time, vacuuming their carpets: Take it slow. A quick pass with the vacuum leaves a lot of dirt behind. Slow it down and take your time vacuuming over every square inch of carpet. Be sure to take a second (slow) pass over high traffic areas. Your goal is to pick up as much dirt out of the carpet as possible before running the steam cleaner, to minimize the amount of muddy water you produce, and let the cleaner focus on removing the soil that couldn't have been removed with a vacuum.
  
  
• Pretreat any Stains
  Even if your carpet is clean, stains can be a real eyesore, and a steam cleaner alone may not be powerful enough to remove them. Remember, stains are just soaked-in soil. To improve your steam cleaner's chances at removing any stains, pretreat them first to loosen and dissolve the soil, making it easier for the steam cleaner to pull them up. You may need to repeat the process on that area if the stain doesn't come out with the first cycle of pretreating and steam cleaning.
  
  
• Air it out
  Part of the advantage of steam cleaning your carpets is that it'll make your entire house smell fresher, too. Dirty carpet tends to hold odors, but a thorough cleaning will remove those, and the smell of freshly shampooed carpets will make your house smell even better. Getting a fan going afterward will help your carpets dry, but open up your windows for a little bit, too, if possible. Getting fresh air moving through your home will help to eradicate any unpleasant odors and make it smell more appealing to potential buyers.

Making good first impressions is important when selling your home, so anything you can do to spruce it up will help its chances. For more easy project ideas that can help your home sell faster and higher, contact us today.

Pursued by those in search of serene environments, the Devonshire Community is located on the western side of Wake Forest, nestled amongst trees bordering the Falls Lake State Recreation area with abundant recreational activities and parks. 

 A tree-lined drive through the custom-built neighborhood leads to the charming 1213 Kalworth Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. The circular driveway provides a focal point to the symmetrical façade, steep roof, and beautiful multicolored bricks. Introducing a traditional residence with a refined Cape Cod inspirational look.

 Enter through the beautiful glass-paneled door, and one is welcomed by wonderfully vibrant wood floors that draw your eye upwards to the seamlessly matching wood coffered ceiling, characterizing the residence's customary elegance. Nearby one can indulge in their love for book reading in the cozy, coffered ceiling study with a grand built-in wood library. 

 Beyond the great room, the diagonally laid hardwoods lead to the spacious Chef's kitchen. The Viking gas range and pot filler faucet will allow you to cook with ease, while the beauty of the intricately designed backsplash and the subtle hint of gold in the granite countertops will make it perfect for hosting in the eat-in kitchen.

 The first-floor primary bedroom expresses style and craftsmanship with a double tray ceiling. An added visual interest to the room, your eyes will then wander to the delightful sunshine-filled sitting area. Need to unwind? Indulge in the spa bathroom and then lounge in the massive California closet!

This luxury home features an outdoor lover's paradise on more than one acre of wooded land. Satisfy your green thumb in the enclosed garden area. Or maybe indulge in competition and show off your athletic skills on the sports court! Whatever you decide, make sure to leave the rivalry on the court because the paver stone patios will lead you to the enchanting stone-surrounded fire pit for a night under the stars.

View the full property listed by Jim Allen of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Raleigh-Midtown office. Or for more information on HPW Luxury listings, check out the latest edition of our HPW Luxury magazine or visit https://www.hpwluxury.com. 

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.

Finding a new home that meets your needs can be a difficult task. There are plenty of Raleigh homes for sale, but what if you want to build your own? It affords you more control and ensures that the finished product will meet all your standards. What does it take to build a home, though? What does it cost, and what can you expect throughout the process? Here's what you need to know.

Cost

On average, building a new home costs a little under $300,000. Keep in mind this estimate doesn't factor in the cost of buying the land for the build. Buying a home, on the other hand, costs around $435,000. 

Of course, the cost also depends on how big of a house you plan on building. A good rule of thumb is to factor around $100-$200 per square foot. So building a 1,000 square foot house will cost between $100,000 and $200,000. Building a 3,000 square foot house will cost between $300,000 and $600,000.

Budgeting

Once you have an idea of the total cost of building a new home, it's important to break down exactly where that money is going to give you a more accurate idea of how much your home, specifically, will cost to build.

About 40% of your budget will go towards labor. This includes the construction crew, as well as an electrician, plumber, roofer, framer, and other jobs. Shop around and see how much each of these services costs in your area.

About 50% of your budget goes towards materials. This includes everything such as lumber, concrete, drywall, siding, and more. What your house is made of will greatly influence the cost.

Finally, you need to decide if, in addition to the house itself, you want any extras. A swimming pool, for example, can cost anywhere from an additional $36,000 to $66,000. You may also want an outdoor deck, an unfinished basement, or heated floors. Each of these things will add to the total cost of construction.

Scheduling

Your new home will probably take longer to complete than the initial estimates. Most contractors will give you the most optimistic estimate they can, but plenty of things can cause delays, from bad weather to zoning and permit issues, and almost anything else.

When your contractor gives you a timeline, think of it as a guide rather than a strict schedule, and plan on at least a few extra months before you can move in. If you're in a hurry to get into a new place, you're probably better off buying rather than building.

Sweat Equity

Sometimes it's possible to save both time and money by doing some of the work on the house yourself. Major projects like plumbing and electricity should always be left to the experts, but smaller tasks like painting or laying the tile in the bathroom, you can do on your own if you're up to it. This is called sweat equity: putting your own labor into a building or improving your house to save money and increase its value.

These are just a few of the considerations when building a new home. Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect property on which to build it. In fact, we have a whole team dedicated to helping those looking to build a home in the area! Or, if you'd rather, we can help you find an existing home that will meet your needs. Contact us to learn more!

HPW Luxury Magazine - April 2021

Click the link or image above to see the latest HPW luxury listings or visit our dedicated luxury site.

Traditionally, the open house has been one of the most valuable ways for sellers and their agents to invest their time. Our real estate agents are veterans of hundreds of open houses, using them to ensure properties get the attention they deserve. That's crucial when putting Triangle homes for sale on the market.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas barred open houses and similar events. Virtual showings have had a heyday, and they will continue to be part of strategy for sellers and buyers alike. However, the open house is picking up steam once again – and it's here to stay.

Despite all the efforts that have been made to master virtual and video technology, there will always be some people who simply prefer a face-to-face experience. 

Here's why open houses are poised to bounce back in 2021:

1. Open Houses Couple Well with Virtual Tours
   For most buyers, the open house is step one in deciding if a property meets their needs. Nowadays, the process can be reversed: They could start with a video tour and then decide to attend an open house. This means that attendees will be more enthusiastic and better qualified, saving time for busy sellers.
2. Open Houses Build Buyer-Seller Relationships
   Sellers want to work with people who are motivated to get to closing. The perfect buyer is prepared to check all the boxes and see things through. An open house is an opportunity for a meeting of the minds. Sellers have a role to play in recognizing less serious buyers and choosing any they are eager to work with.
3. An Open House Can Accelerate the Sale
   It's not a sure thing, but an open house can lead to a much faster-selling process. Buyers who are already all set to move love open houses because they can put in an offer quickly. If a buyer already has financing or cash in hand, you could find yourself with a formal sales contract just days after your open house.
4. Open Houses Lead to More Exposure
   The more showings you are able to commit to, the more potential buyers you will meet. While buying a home "sight unseen" has not been unknown in 2020, most people will focus their efforts on an in-person visit in the future. Even when an open house doesn't produce immediate results, it generates valuable buzz for a home.
5. Open Houses Help Move Buyers to Action
   The ideal buyer might be someone who has all their homework done already, but that's not necessarily the person who will end up buying your property. It often takes the right open house at the right time to galvanize a buyer who may have been on the fence for months. Seeing is believing, and an open house can inspire.
6. Open Houses Are Fun
   When all is said and done, open houses are fun and exciting for buyers. Virtual tours can be interesting, but they're simply not everyone's cup of tea. Part of making a sale is helping someone envision their life in a new home, and stepping through the door really primes buyers' imagination to soar

There's a reason why open houses have remained popular through thick and thin: They work! It may get easier and easier to hold an open house in the coming months, but it has to be done right. Planning, staging, and marketing the event are all crucial. Contact us today to learn more or view our upcoming open houses.

Predicting the real estate market is tricky. Case in point: 2020 did not look the way our real estate agents expected it to, but the pandemic brought about a surprising real estate boom. The big question everyone seems to be asking is, will 2021 follow suit? 

Of course, if you plan to list your Raleigh home for sale soon, you probably have a more pressing question: will 2021 be a good time to sell?

Where We Are Today

It's impossible to overstate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the housing market and how widely this impact continues to be felt. In a market that already had a high demand for housing and a lack of inventory, this year has seen that trend skyrocket as many sellers de-listed their homes amid pandemic fears. 

At this point, many of those homes are appearing on the market again, leveling things out somewhat. In fact, home sales increased sharply during the autumn months (up 9.4% in September alone, according to CNBC), and the median purchase price has risen by nearly 15% year-over-year. 

We head toward the end of 2020, still in a strong seller's market. And even as the inventory of available homes creeps upward somewhat, home prices continue to rise, and demand appears to be as strong as ever. 

Looking to the Future

Keeping in mind what we've seen over the past year, we expect the year ahead will continue to offer great opportunities for sellers. Although demand can't sustain forever at its current level, we expect it to level off slowly. Here's what else we predict for the 2021 housing market:

• Home prices will continue to rise.
  It seems certain home prices will continue their trend upward in 2021, at least in most U.S. cities. That includes Raleigh, where the average home sale has increased 10.5% year-over-year according to Redfin, and most homes sell for up to 3% above listing price. 
  
  
• Inventory will remain tight.
  Inventory is the "supply" side of supply and demand. It essentially refers to the total number of homes on the market at any given time. That number declined over the course of 2020, and although we expect to see it rebound slightly in the next year as many sellers re-list their homes, inventory will almost certainly remain tight in 2021, fueling high prices. 
  
  
• Demand will remain high.
  Many people who wanted to buy a home in 2020 weren't able to do so because of the pandemic. Expect a lot of those individuals to resume their efforts in 2021, leading demand to remain high, at least for the time being. With strong demand, we expect home sales to increase, or at the very least remain steady. 
  
  
• Mortgage rates will hover around 3%.
  We expect to see mortgage rates remain fairly consistent going into the next year. When you consider that we left October 2020 at a record low of just 2.8% for a 30-year fixed home loan, that puts buyers in a pretty healthy place. We may see very slight increases but expect mortgage rates to remain around 3%. 

Contact us today to learn more about buying or selling a home in 2021. We understand that we're living through uncertain times, and we're here to help every step of the way. Whether you're on the hunt for your dream home or are getting ready to sell, we think 2021 will offer an amazing opportunity. 

This weekend is going to be chilly, so why not join our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents indoors and visit one of our many open houses this weekend. 

Whether you're looking for three bedrooms or five, our agents are ready to help you get an up-close look at these properties. Not sure what you're hunting for? Start 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

11312 Hickory Grove Church Rd, Raleigh, 27613

$899,900

Sq Ft: 5,248 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 

Open House: Saturday, October 31st  from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

1520 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705

$840,000

Sq Ft: 6,386 | Beds: 6 | Baths: 5 (full) 

Open House: Sunday, Novmber 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

106 Royal Club Dr, Cary, 27513

$535,000

Sq Ft: 2,578 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 31st from 12:00 to 4:00 pm

Sunday, November 1st from 12:00 to 4:00 pm

100 Sweetbay Park, Youngsville, 27596

$385,000

Sq Ft: 2,610 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 31st from 2:00 to 5:00 pm

Sunday, November 1st from 2:00 to 5:00 pm

2208 Oak Stream Ln, Apex, 27523

$377,899

Sq Ft: 2,278 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 31st from 12:30 to 3:30 pm

3501 Old NC 86 Highway, Hillsborough, 27278

$290,000

Sq Ft: 1,794 | Beds:3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, October 31st from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Sunday, November 1st from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

When you're selling your home, you want it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Even though 67 percent of households have pets, our real estate agents know that properties that appear to be pet-free show better than those with a lot of pet supplies scattered and pets running around. Here are some things pet owners need to do before a showing to ensure their pets and home are prepared.

1. Talk to Your Pet's Vet
   Selling a home isn't just stressful for human family members; it can stress your furry and feathered family members as well. Talk to your pet's vet to determine how you can best minimize your pet's stress while your home is for sale. Your pet may have to spend more time than they're used to away from their home in your car or a crate. Some pets may benefit from temporarily taking anti-anxiety medication. If your pet is prone to UTIs, disrupting their bathroom habits may trigger a flareup. Your vet might recommend preventive measures to keep your pet healthy during this stressful time. 

2. Devise a Plan for Relocating Your Pet During Showings
   When it's time for a showing or open house, you need to remove your pet and any evidence of your pet. This includes items like litter boxes, pet beds, toys, and feeding and watering bowls. Help the process go as smoothly as possible by devising a plan to deal with impromptu home showings. You might have one family member responsible for gathering pet equipment while another family member rounds up your pets and puts them in crates or on leashes. Don't forget to sweep up litter or spilled kibble before you leave!

3. Borrow an Impartial Friend's Nose
   Before you add your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, you want to ensure that it smells fresh and clean. If your home has a bad odor, this can cause homebuyers to form unfavorable opinions about your property. Since you've lived in your home for so long, you're likely immune to many of its odors. Have an impartial friend stop by and let you know if they can smell any evidence of your pet. Even if you've promptly cleaned up Fido's accidents, old urine stains and odors might still linger. These tough odors might require professional cleaning or even require you to completely replace the soiled materials. 

4. Give Your Yard a Once Over
   Don't forget to inspect your home's outside areas. Prospective buyers will want to explore your yard; you don't want them stepping in a hole or a pile of dog scat. Make sure to fill in any holes and scoop any pet waste. Just like the inside of your home, your home's exterior should look as if it belongs to a pet-free family. Check your home's exterior for any damage that your pet may have caused. Look for holes in your fence and claw marks on outside furnishings and wood trim. Repair any damage and replace any items that can't be salvaged. Even if the buyer doesn't spot the damage before making an offer, your home inspector is likely to detect the issues during the home inspection.

Have additional questions about preparing your home to sell? Contact us today for assistance!

School's back in session, pumpkin spice is in the air, and there are only three weeks until Fall.  But just like the remaining Summer days, our real estate market is still a hot one!

So whatever plans you may have this weekend, make sure to stay cool by visiting some of our HPW Open Houses. With the most comprehensive real estate website in the state, HPW.com is the perfect place to find your dream home. Browse the numerous listings our HPW agents have on the market right now and take a virtual tour through these fantastic homes.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents know the market inside and out and are ready to help you with your next move. So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our open houses now to see all of the properties available, and visit them this weekend!

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.

Featured Open Houses

2001 Eagleton Circle, Raleigh, NC, 27609

$315,000

Sq Ft: 2,134 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (half)

Open House: Sunday, August 30th, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

607 Phar Lap Lane, Bahama, NC, 27503

$384,900

Sq Ft: 3,362 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 

Open House: Saturday, August 29th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

& Sunday, August 30th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

172 Michaux Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

$845,000

Sq Ft: 4,318 | Beds: 6 | Baths: 4 (full) 

Open House: Sunday, August 30th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

55 Kathleen Ct, Youngsville, NC, 27596

$317,500

Sq Ft: 2,041 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 (full) 

Open House: Saturday, August 29th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

& Sunday, August 30th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

1223 Renshaw Ct, Unit 2nd Fl Right, Cary, NC, 27518

$191,000

Sq Ft: 1,274 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full) 

Open House: Saturday, August 29th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

 & Sunday, August 30th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

108 Balsam Lane, Clayton, NC, 27527

$318,000

Sq Ft: 1,823 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full) 

Open House: Saturday, August 29th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

202 Old Franklin Grove Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514

$735,000

Sq Ft: 3,488 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 29th, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

& Sunday, August 30th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

It's the last weekend in May which means two things: (1) it's the final weekend to submit a photo of your favorite senior for a chance to win, and (2) it's a great weekend to go house hunting!

We have partnered with WRAL TV to make a Salute to Seniors for the Class of 2020. You can submit a photo you've taken of your favorite high school or college senior, then tune in to WRAL as they showcase this year's graduating class. One winner will be randomly selected to receive a $2,000 travel voucher to celebrate with your graduate. Five additional winners will be randomly selected each week to receive a $100 gift card to Empire Eats or Local 22. The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 31^st which is this Sunday so be sure to get those photos in!

After you're done submitting your favorite photo of your senior, head over to hpw.com/virtual and take some virtual tours of the beautiful homes our HPW real estate agents have listed. With houses of all sizes, price points and locations, there is bound to be one that catches your eye.

Featured Virtual Tours

2432 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608

$535,000

Sq Ft: 2,201 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

51310 Eastchurch, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

$889,900

Sq Ft: 5,207 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

1436 Fairfax Woods Drive, Apex, NC 27502

$549,900

Sq Ft: 3,877 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

5101 Doughtymews Lane, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$750,000

Sq Ft: 4,879 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

9704 Heathermill Lane, Raleigh, NC 27617

$639,500

Sq Ft: 5,085 | Beds: 6 | Baths: 4 (full)

108 Revmont Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$824,900

Sq Ft: 4,777 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full)

4009 Wilton Woods Place, Cary, NC 27519

$749,900

Sq Ft: 3,721 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

When it comes to selling luxury homes, Coldwell Banker is the global leader with a program that redefines the world of luxury real estate marketing. The prestige of the Coldwell Banker name, state-of-the-art technology and one of real estate's most robust global networks comprised of over 92,000 agents in 3,000 offices spanning over 44 countries, it should come as no surprise that Coldwell Banker is the #1 company when it comes to buying and selling luxury real estate. So, when it comes to buying and selling luxury real estate in the Triangle, there is only one company that truly knows what it means to lead the way: Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston. As the #1 real estate company in the Triangle, CBHPW sells more luxury real estate than any other company.

The Triangle Business Journal just released the list of the top 25 most expensive homes sold in the Triangle over the past 12 months and nine of those transactions had at least one Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston agent involved. Seven of those homes were listed by an HPW agent and three of those transactions had an HPW agent on the buy side. John Young and Leslie Young of The Young Team, listed five of the top 25 homes in the luxurious North Raleigh neighborhood of Avalaire. Rounding out this extraordinary list of homes sold in the Triangle were The Ida Terbet Group, Dennis Igboko, Kathleen Olechovsky and The Jim Allen Group and Jodie Luke, who represented both sides of the transaction for eleventh most expensive home sold.

Take a look at these absolutely stunning luxury homes that our HPW agents helped sell this past year.

#9

Leslie Young (Listing Agent)

5117 Avalaire Oaks Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

Sold Price: $2,777,030

Neighborhood: Avalaire

#10

Dennis Igboko (Selling Agent)

6505 Century Oak Court, Raleigh, NC 27613

Sold Price: $2,737,806

Neighborhood: Southern Hills Estates

#11

The Ida Terbet Group (Listing Agent)

12324 Birchfalls Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

Sold Price: $2,658,000

Neighborhood: Bay Leaf Farm

#15

The Jim Allen Group (Listing Agent)

Jodie Luke (Selling Agent)

1705 Hunting Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

Sold Price: $2,464,140

Neighborhood: North Ridge

#19

John Young (Listing Agent)

1509 Grand Willow Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

Sold Price: $2,350,000

Neighborhood: Avalaire

#20

Leslie Young (Listing Agent)

1445 Bailey Hill Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

Sold Price: $2,300,000

Neighborhood: Avalaire

#22

John Young (Listing Agent)

1537 Grand Willow Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

Sold Price: $2,255,000

Neighborhood: Avalaire

#24

Kathleen Olechovsky (Selling Agent)

1601 Estate Valley Lane, Raleigh, NC 27513

Sold Price: $2,175,000

Neighborhood: Southern Hills Estates

#25

Leslie Young (Listing Agent)

1517 Grand Willow Way, Raleigh, NC 27514

Sold Price: $2,175,000

Neighborhood: Avalaire

For more information on our HPW Luxury listings, check out the latest edition of our HPW Luxury Magazine.

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, HPW.com has the homes you seek.

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 know the market inside and out and are ready to show you the homes they've listed and answer the questions you may have. Visit them this weekend at their area open houses.

Featured Open Houses

125 Olde Liberty Drive, Youngsville, NC 27596

$345,000

Sq Ft: 2,427 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 full

Open House: Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and

Sunday, March 10 from 1 to 4 p.m.

2216 Long and Winding Road, Raleigh, NC 27603

$237,500

Sq Ft: 1,567 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 full, 1 half 

Open House: Saturday, March 9 from 12 to 3 p.m. and

Sunday, March 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.

108 Stonecrest Way, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$739,900

Sq Ft: 3,685 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, March 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, March 10 from 1 to 4 p.m.

3329 Donlin Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$540,000

Sq Ft: 3,300 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, March 9 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, March 10 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

2621 Range Overlook Cross, Apex, NC

$595,000

Sq Ft: 2,622 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full)

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

Sunday, March 10 from 2 pm to 4 p.m.

2813 Banks Knoll Drive, Cary, NC 27519

$630,000

Sq Ft: 3,575 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, March 9 from 2 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 4:00 p.m.

116 Pascalis Place, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$320,000

Sq Ft: 2,405 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open Houses: Saturday, March 9 from 2 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 4:00 p.m.

Raleigh has long been lauded as a great place to live, work and play. It's most recent feature on Inc.com, highlights the fact that the City of Oaks is poised to be the next startup hub due to the talent and relatively low cost of living. Those of us already living in the Capital City have known for a long time what a wonderful area this is to call home.

One of the best features about Raleigh is the surrounding cities and towns that make up the greater Triangle area. In fact, our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston agents will be hosting hundreds of open houses across Central NC this weekend. No matter the city or town you are looking to call home, or maybe you already call home, our expert, local agents are here to help. From end-unit townhouses to large executive estates, they have the homes you seek.

Go ahead and map out which homes you want to see this weekend. And while you're out driving from home to home, take a look around – this is one of the best places to live in the country.

Featured Open Houses

5314 Silver Moon Lane, Raleigh, NC 27606

$199,000

Sq Ft: 1,312 | Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Friday, June 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.

409 Englewood Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

$785,000

Sq Ft: 4,938 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.

161 Townsend Drive, Clayton, NC 27527

$369,900

Sq Ft: 3,140 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, July 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

7524 Cairnesford Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$775,000

Sq Ft: 4,016 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, June 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. and

Sunday, July 1 from 2 to 5 p.m.

2110 Great Ridge Parkway, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$315,000

Sq Ft: 1,740 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

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

300 Old Oak Place, Hillsborough, NC 27278

$349,500

Sq Ft: 2,600 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

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

125 Comptonfield Drive, Durham, NC 27703

$270,000

Sq Ft: 1,704 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

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

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If you're like us and you watched the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this past weekend, you're probably wondering how you can get your own castle to live in. This HPW luxury listing might be just what you had in mind!

An extraordinary European style masterpiece,  116 Lochinvar Court, Cary, NC 27511 is situated on one of the most coveted lots in MacGregor Downs. Award-winning landscaping covers every inch of this rare, oversized acre lot which overlooks the 9^th hole.

Ascend the staircase and cross over the moat to the double front doors. Once inside, the high quality of construction and attention to detail can be seen throughout the nearly 9,300 square feet of living space with Brazilian cherry flooring and curved doorways.

The kitchen comes complete with top of the line, Sub Zero-Wolf appliances, a butler's pantry and an open floor plan that leads into the two-story living room. A must-see is the master suite with a stone fireplace, 180-degree views, luxurious spa bath and two-story his and her closets.  

Before heading out back to take in the expansive golf and water views, enjoy the large, finished basement with an exercise room, wine cellar and wet bar.

The fun doesn't end there. An imaginative secret passage leads to the third floor and Juliet balconies are on both the front and rear of the home.

For more information on HPW Luxury listings, check out the latest addition of our HPW Luxury magazine.

Don't let the cold weather fool you, Raleigh and the greater Research Triangle area are hot and getting hotter. We're talking about our local real estate markets, of course.

National real estate website Zillow just ranked the City of Oaks as the second hottest housing market in the nation. With routine reports of high demand and low inventory, a tremendous number of job opportunities, excellent quality of life, and increasing home values across the numerous counties that make up the prospering area, the top 10 designation shouldn't come as a surprise.

Raleigh quickly rose to the top of Zillow's 50-metro research list thanks to its strong population growth and a healthy 9 percent increase in average household income over the previous year. The City's close proximity to the fast-growing Research Triangle Park tech hub was another important factor thanks to the giant corporations and well-known businesses anchored there. According to one of Zillow's research analysts:   

"This list shows that just because a market is smaller or more affordable doesn't mean it isn't dynamic," said Zillow senior economist Aaron Terrazas. "Growing cities in the Sun Belt, places like Raleigh, Charlotte and Nashville, offer plenty of opportunities healthcare and finance, while providing a less-expensive, but still-convenient, alternative to the larger and pricier markets in the Northeast."

Buy a Home in Raleigh

Think that living in or around Raleigh may be for you? We can help you find out.

Conduct Online Research

Start by taking a tour of the area on our real estate website. Read about the different parts of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and all of the lauded towns in between and just beyond. Learn about area events, restaurants, and cultural offerings. Take a look at the homes available in zip codes near and far.

Request an HPW Home Valuation Estimate

Would you like to know what your home is worth before you consider selling it? A home value estimate is only a few clicks away at HPW.com.

Not only can we give you an idea of what your home may be worth, but we are also able to provide details about recent area home sales, local market home values and more.

Hire an HPW Real Estate Agent

Our local Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Realtors are ready and willing to support you throughout your real estate journey.

No matter where you want to buy in the Triangle region, you can trust an HPW real estate expert to work hard on your behalf from "for sale" to "sold."

All of our agents are well trained and able to provide superior sales and marketing services, offer advanced knowledge and insight into the local communities and neighborhoods that interest you, and navigate a successful real estate experience.