Chapel Hill Durham Real Estate

36th Annual Festifall Street Fair

Daniel — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:21:35 +0000

The Town of Chapel Hill successfully presented its 36th Annual Festifall Street Fair this past on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Festifall, an outdoor arts and crafts fair with live entertainment, was held on West Franklin Street in Downtown Chapel Hill. Event goers enjoyed live entertainment from multiple stages, over 100 arts & craft booths, food vendors, and an array of non-profit organizations at this annual Festifall Street Fair.

If you are in the area, whether you are just visiting or you’re a resident and thinking about buying or selling a house, visit Great Triangle Homes online today to see how The Shuping Advantage Team can help you every step of the way to find the perfect home, or to sell your present home quickly. Choosing The Shuping Advantage Team is the best real estate decision you can make - Have Experience on Your side!

Chapel Hill Comics new location

Daniel — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:26:32 +0000

Their new location is seven doors down at 316 W Franklin Street, right next to Ham’s, in the former location of “Paint the Earth”. Not only will they still be carrying the wide variety of comics, books, and graphic novels they have always carried, but the larger space gives them the ability to widen their range even further!

In addition to the newly expanded sales floor, they will be able to host a much wider variety of events at the store, from signings to concerts, to reading groups, to cartooning classes and birthday parties! Chapel Hill Comics will have many different types of events and gatherings in their store. They have been nominated for numerous awards, and have won “Best Comic Book Store in the Triangle” for the second year in a row!”

HURRICANE: HANNA, IKE & TROPICAL STORM JOSEPHINE

Daniel — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:42:27 +0000

Reports of storn damage from Hurricane Gustav are still coming in. In ther next 24 hours, the projected path for the eye of Hurricane Hanna stretches from central North Carolina to the Outer Banks. Hurricanes Ike and Josephine are stacked up in the Atlantic like jets looking for a place to land.

As hazardous weather conditions approach, everyone needs to be prepared. A key survival tool for every households is a 72-hour hurricane survival kit. During natural disasters, emergency responders may not be able to assist as quickly as they normally can due to hazardous travel conditions and/or increased call volume. We must be ready to take care of our families and ourselves.

“Now is the best time to make sure that you have at least a three-day supply of essential items as well as crucial information ready for immediate use or transportation if needed,” said Colonel Frank Montes de Oca, Director of Orange County Emergency Services.

For preparedness, the following items should be stored in your home. Some of the same items should also be stored in your vehicle.

RECOMMENDED 72-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT

Prepare a minimum three-day supply of essential items for each person and any pets in your home. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. The kit should be in containers or bags (such as backpacks) that are durable, waterproof and portable for possible evacuation or relocation to an emergency shelter if necessary.

Battery-operated radio/TV
Flashlights and extra batteries
Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day), stored in clean plastic containers with tight-fitting screw-cap lids, and other beverages
Canned food, manual can opener, and cooking fuel such as sterno
Medications and prescriptions and contact information for family physicians
Special food and supplies for infants, elderly people, diabetics, etc.
First-aid kit and first-aid manual
Fire extinguisher
Bedding supplies, sanitary supplies (toilet paper, feminine supplies)
Cards, books, small games, road maps
Clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, extra glasses or contacts
Credit cards and cash, extra set of car keys, insurance policy numbers
Picture ID
List of important family information, style and serial numbers of medical devices, such as pacemakers
Food, water, medications, toys and carriers for all household pets

For specific questions regarding hurricane preparedness, contact Orange County Emergency Services at (919) 968-2050. Pre-Planning Save Lives, Be Prepared!

Monitor local media outlets for critical news and advisories. Additional preparation and disaster information can be found on the Orange County Emergency Services web site.

The American Red Cross, local power companies and state and federal emergency agencies provide preparedness and survival information. Check their websites for additional information.

American Red Cross

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Smoke detector safety

Daniel — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:17:47 +0000

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SMOKE DETECTORS

Why should my home have smoke alarms?

In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms could save your own life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing fire deaths in homes by providing an early warning signal – so you and your family can escape to safety. Smoke alarms are the best safety features you can have in your home.

Ok, where do I put them?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Most fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For added safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.

Also, smoke alarms always should be installed on the ceiling or the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Because smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible.

Where would I get smoke alarms?

Many hardware, home supply, general merchandise stores, and department stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, contact your local fire department.

Are smoke alarms difficult to install?

No. In most cases all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, always be sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are unable or not sure what to do, contact your local fire department for information.

You can contact your local fire department during business hours, Monday through Friday, to make arrangements to install and check home smoke alarms for FREE.

How do I keep my smoke alarm working?

Smoke alarms are very easy to maintain. First, simply replace the batteries at least once a year. A good way to remember when to change the battery in your smoke alarm is when you change your clock during Daylight Savings Time in the fall and spring. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. This type of smoke alarm is designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replace the batteries and retest it. Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Pushing the test button on the front of the smoke alarm for a few seconds easily does this. Try using the end of a broom handle when you cannot reach the button. Keep them clean from dust and debris. By vacuuming over and around your smoke alarms regularly will assure their proper operation.

What if the alarm goes off while I’m cooking?

Your smoke alarm is doing its job. Never disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the battery back in the smoke alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the battery in place. The smoke alarm may have to be moved to a new location. Call your local fire department for assistance if you are not sure what to do.

How long will my smoke alarm last?

About eight-to-ten years after the manufacturer date (usually found on the back of the smoke alarm or inside near the battery or you can write the purchase date on the unit with a marker). Like most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out.

Anything else I should know?

Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. Electric type smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month. Notify your Home Security Monitoring Service if your electric smoke alarm is connected to your home security system before testing. It is important to test every smoke alarm monthly and always use fresh batteries when replacing the old ones.

Visit Great Triangle Homes online today to see how The Shuping Advantage Team can help you every step of the way to find the perfect home, or to sell your present home quickly. Choosing The Shuping Advantage Team is the best real estate decision you can make - have the benefit of experience on your side!

Animal-Friendly Rental Housing

Daniel — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:41:34 +0000

Here are 13 Tips to finding Animal-Friendly Rental Housing:

1. Give yourself enough time. No one likes the hassles involved with moving, or finding rental housing that accepts pets. Start to check ads, contact real estate agents, and rental agencies at least six weeks before you move.

2. Understand why many housing communities reject pets. Put yourself in the shoes of a landlord, housing manager, property owner, or condominium association board member for a moment: They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn’t safely confine their animals or pick up their feces, sneaked pets in, or left ruined carpets and drapes when they moved out. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors about barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate.

That’s why people looking for an apartment, house, or condominium to rent must be able to sell themselves as responsible pet owners, who are committed to providing responsible pet care and being responsible neighbors.

3. Make use of available resources. Contact animal care and control agency or the humane society serving the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets. If you know any real estate agents, rental agents, or resident managers who own pets themselves or who share your love of animals, ask them for leads. Look for a community apartment guidebook at the supermarket or near newspaper distribution boxes on the street. The guide may indicate which apartment communities allow pets and may list any restrictions, such as species allowed or weight limits. Also, be sure to check local newspapers. Last but not least, take a look at our links to sites that list animal-friendly apartments.

4. Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell yourself and your pet to a large rental community with a no-pets policy. You’re more likely to be successful if you focus on places that allow most pets, allow certain pets (for example, cats or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds), or that don’t say, “Sorry, no pets.” Individual home and condominium owners may be easiest to persuade. Look for a community with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. That’s the kind of place that’s ideal for pet owners because you’ll know that other pet caregivers there also are committed to being responsible residents.

5. Gather proof that you’re responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Try to compile the following documents:

A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.

Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.

A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet’s medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. (Sterilized pets are healthier, calmer, and far less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors.) Most veterinarians routinely fulfill such requests for their clients.

6. Make your request to the individual or group with the ultimate authority to grant your request. Typically this will be the owner of the house or apartment. The owner may, however, delegate the decision to a property manager or resident manager. Check to see if, in addition to obtaining the landlord’s approval, you must also submit a written request to the building’s board of directors (or association, in the case of a condominium community).7. If you encounter a no-pets policy, ask if it is the result of a negative experience with a previous resident. Addressing your landlord’s prior experience could very well show you how to present your own request in the most effective way8. Let the landlord, manager, or condominium board know that you share any concerns about cleanliness. Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Let them know that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always dispose of your pet’s waste properly.9. Promote yourself. Bring to their attention that responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords and managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.

10. Promote your pet. Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Many landlords are concerned about fleas, so be sure to let your prospective landlord know that you maintain an active flea-control program for your pet and home. Be able to provide written proof that your pet is spayed or neutered and is, therefore, healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance.

Make it clear to the landlord, manager, or condominium board that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.

If you can’t arrange for a meeting, consider making a short scrapbook with photos of your pampered pet in his or her current home, and/or draw up a résumé for your pet. Also making a video is a great way for them to see your pet in all there glory. Scrapbooks, videos, and résumés are unique ideas that are guaranteed to make a strong, yet positive, impression.

11. Be willing to pay a little extra. Tell your prospective landlord or resident manager that you are willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might incur to the property.

12. Get it in writing. Once you have been given permission by a landlord, manager, or condominium committee to have a pet, make sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves. If your lease has a no-pets clause, verbal approval won’t be enough. The no-pets clause should be removed from the lease (or crossed out and initialed) before you sign it. Be sure it has been removed from or crossed out on your landlord’s copy, too.

You could be required to pay a pet deposit, some or all of which may be nonrefundable. Be sure to discuss deposits and monthly pet-related fees in advance. And have these fees put into writing, too. Ask for a copy of any house rules pertaining to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents who do not own pets.

13. Be honest. Never try to sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You also may be subject to, high fees, possible eviction or other legal action.

Coming Soon Villas at Culp Arbor

Daniel — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:29:37 +0000

Villas at Culp Arbor comming soon to Farrington Road in Chapel Hill.

Ground breaking starts in September with homes ready in early 2009!

Featuring:

~Charter Club Incentive Package!
~2-3 bedroom ranch style villas in a 55 year plus community
~Open, spacious designs
~Private, interior courtyards on all homes
~Conveniently located to shopping, restaurants and downtown Chapel Hill
~Private clubhouse, pool, health & fitness center
~Sidewalks throughout the community

These are just the few of the reasons that will make Villas at Culp Arbor such an extraordinary place to live! Have the benefits of an experienced Real Estate professional on your side to guide you through the home buying process within this new exciting community at “Villas at Culp Arbor”. With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping, Wilma Gunnesch, and Jennifer Maddry Brewer will save you time and money with your real estate needs! Visit Great Triangle Homes online to learn more about The Shuping Advantage Team.

Briar Chapel is luxury green living at it’s finest

Daniel — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:16:19 +0000

Welcome to Briar Chapel. Families will find incredible homes along winding tree-lined streets. With abundant windows and grand patios, these homes are of exceptional architectural design indoors and out. Durable, energy-efficient, healthier homes measure up to Briar Chapel’s rigorous green building standards. The result is a quality of living grounded in authenticity, imagination and innovation!

Amenities include:

Residents Club - A spacious clubhouse with numerous gathering rooms, fitness facility and catering kitchen; numerous outdoor entertainment areas, two pools, cabanas, basketball and tennis courts.

Extensive Trail System - Approximately 900 acres of open space and greenways with approximately 24 miles of trails, boardwalks and paved paths. Even a competitive mountain bike trail for the weekend warrior.

Parks and Fields - Both energized spaces and quiet places. A 66-acre community park with soccer, football and baseball fields; 21 distinct neighborhood parks like Boulder Park and Founders Park; wildlife observation posts and fire pits.

Natural Amphitheater - Experience our natural amphitheater for concerts and festivals, and a playground created by nature for all ages.

Marketplace - Great places for neighbors to gather at the Village Center to feature restaurants, shops and office space.

These are just the few of the reasons that make Briar Chapel such an incredible place to live!

Have the benefits of an experienced Real Estate professional on your side to guide you through the home buying process within this new exciting community at “Briar Chapel”. With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping, Wilma Gunnesch, and Jennifer Brewer will save you time and money with your real estate needs! Visit Great Triangle Homes online to learn more about The Shuping Advantage Team.

East 54 underway!

Daniel — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:55:35 +0000

East 54 is a wonderful new urban village of luxury condos, shops and dining, right in Chapel Hill. Condos offer floor to ceiling windows and balconies with stunning views. Enjoy the benefits of owning an environmentally friendly, energy efficient home in an entire community certified by the US Green Building Council’s LEED® program. Amenities such as underground parking, roof top swimming pool, clubhouse fitness center, golf course, bike/walking paths, restaurants, hotel, shops, and much more, make life at East 54 fun and luxurious!

Have the benefits of an experienced Real Estate professional on your side to guide you through the home buying process within this new exciting community at “East 54”. With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping, Wilma Gunnesch, and Jennifer Brewer will save you time and money with your real estate needs! Visit Great Triangle Homes online to learn more about The Shuping Advantage Team.

Tips for a safe bedroom

Daniel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:22:14 +0000

Believe it or not, bedrooms are one of the places adults fall in the home the most.

Here are a few tips to help make your bedroom a safer place:

Install lighting that will help you see your way after dark.
Nightlights are especially helpful for homes with children and/or elderly people. Also a sleepy person is more likely to stumble and trip over objects.
You should also put nightlights in bathrooms and hallways as well.
Always make sure that you install all nightlights far away from materials such as bedding and curtains that could easily catch fire.
Keep a phone and flashlight near your bed. Make sure that flashlight batteries are working, or use flash lights with rechargable batteries.
Keep a phone within easy access so that you do not have to scramble and fumble out of bed to reach it.
Also try to position your bed near a lamp or lightswitch so you do not have to get out of bed to turn the lights on or off.

Visit Great Triangle Homes online today to see how The Shuping Advantage Team can help you every step of the way to find the perfect home, or to sell your present home quickly. Choosing The Shuping Advantage Team is the best real estate decision you can make - Have Experience on Your side!

Make your child’s room safe

Daniel — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:55:58 +0000

Children tend to spend more time alone in their room then anywhere else in the house, so the room needs to be as safe as possible.

Here are a few tips that can help you keep your child safe when you are not in the room:

Keep all window coverings and cords out of reach. Window coverings have caused more than 100 strangulation deaths in the past 10 years.
Place cribs, beds, playpens, and other furniture well away from the windows so children can not climb to reach the cords. It will also keep children from climbing up and falling out windows.
To further prevent falls, only open the upper portion of the windows and install window guards on upper floors of multi-story homes.
Never ever let children sit, stand, or play on windowsills.

Make sure all toy storage containers and chests have safe lids:

A lid without supports can close on a Childs head or neck, causing serious injury or even death.
Only use lids with supports that hold it open in all positions, or better yet remove the lid completely.

Making sure Childrens rooms are set up safely is important when selling a home.

For more information on staging your home and tips to prepare your home to sell, talk to an experienced Realtor.Visit Great Triangle Homes online today to see how The Shuping Advantage Team can sell your present home quickly with proven marketing strategies. The Shuping Advantage Team can also guide you through the complicated process to find the perfect home best suited for your unique needs. Click here to begin your home search in the Triangle Area.