Donna Varnum's Cary NC Real Estate Blog

3 Great Sites to Help with Renovating your Home

2012-02-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

Are you thinking about renovating the interior of your home or building a brand new fantasy home? If you’re just beginning to formulate an idea of what the living space of your dreams looks like, I’ve put together a list of three great sites to help inspire your imagination:

HOUZZ.COM (http://www.houzz.com)
Houzz is a leading destination site for home design enthusiasts-- professionals and homeowners. The Houzz site and mobile apps feature over 250,000 high quality interior and exterior photos, thousands of highly-engaging articles written by design experts, product recommendations and social tools to manage the remodeling and decorating process.

FRESHOME.COM (http://www.freshome.com)
Launched in 2007, Freshome is a weblog devoted to uncovering (and sharing) the latest and greatest products in Architecture and Design. The primary focus of this design publication is to give you inspiration to make your home more beautiful, organized and healthy. We believe that a calm, healthy, beautiful home is a necessary foundation for happiness and success in the world.

GETDECORATING.COM (http://www.getdecorating.com)
Every picture has a story… whether you’re thinking about renovating, remodeling, decorating a new house or redecorating your existing home, perhaps with new furniture, different window treatments or maybe just a color change…you’ve come to the right place! Our site is devoted to inspirational home ideas that you can choose, save, and email to a friend or supplier.

Stop flipping through magazines for a few good photos and dive into these sites with literally tens of thousands of colorful ideas to spark your imagination. From staging to renovation, these are great places to get started.

Thinking about selling your old home before you pursue a new design? I’d be happy to help! Connect with me this week:
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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Apex, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Holly Springs, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Don't Miss This Wonderful Violin Concert in Cary, NC!

2012-02-13T13:32:00.000-05:00

The "Jimi Hendrix of the Violin" Returns to Cary for Intimate, Indoor Concert
Few Tickets Remain for Eileen Ivers Marvelous Music Series Performance
CARY, NC – The Town of Cary is pleased to announce the return of Grammy-winner Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul on at 7:30 p.m. on February 18 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue in downtown Cary. The world-renown Irish fiddler and her band will play its most popular songs, including music from the new multimedia concert, Beyond the Bog Road. Only a handful of tickets remain and can be purchased at www.etix.com, the eTix Phone Center at 1-800-514-3849, or in person at the Cary Arts Center Box Office, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; if available, tickets may be purchased at the door.
“This is a great opportunity to see a unique genre of music performed live in the intimate setting of Cary Arts Center,” said Sarah Preston, Performing Arts Coordinator. Preston noted that Ivers first performed in Cary in 2003 at the Town’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Remaining concerts in the 2011-2012 Marvelous Music Series include a sold-out performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir on March 8; and It Takes Two: An Evening with Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell on June 15.
For more information, search “Marvelous Music Series” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4069.

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
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Cary, NC Celebrates African-American Culture! Workshops and Concert

2012-02-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

February 13, 2012
Cary, NC – This weekend, the Town of Cary will celebrate Black History Month highlighting local African-American artists, writers and musicians, including award-winning storyteller Donna Washington. Citizens are invited to the Cary Arts Center February 18 for Creative Fire: An African-American Celebration of the Arts. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., a series of creative workshops, live entertainment, films and children’s activities will be offered free of charge. Featured workshops include a writing workshop for young aspiring authors with a special tribute to Gil Scott Heron as well as a digital media workshop. Pianist Lester Knibbs, drummer Bradley Simmons, and the Abdul Rahman Jazz Trio will perform; a marketplace will round out the day. This event is co-sponsored by the Ujima Group.
The celebration continues Sunday as the Marvelous Music Family Series presents Donna Washington at 3 p.m. on February 19 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue. The award-winning multicultural folklorist and Durham resident will present her best in tales from different cultures, including African folklore. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Cary Arts Center, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., online at www.etix.com or by phone at 1-800-514-3849. Tickets will be sold at the door as available.
“For the past 14 years, the Town of Cary has hosted an event celebrating African-American culture and heritage,” said Rob Garner, Cultural Arts Program Specialist. “Thanks to the new Cary Arts Center, we’re excited to evolve our program to include new aspects like the workshops, film viewings, and more musical performances.”
For more information and a complete schedule of this weekend’s events, search “African-American Celebration” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.
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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Rob Garner, Cultural Arts Program Specialist, (919) 462-3963
Sarah Preston, Performing Arts Coordinator, (919) 462-3969
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 380-4240

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
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Cary NC 9th Annual Wine Arts & Food Festival!

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

9th ANNUAL GREAT GRAPES!
WINE, ARTS & FOOD FESTIVAL
www.uncorkthefun.com
Over 220 Wines, Over 24 Wineries, Great Live Music, Wonderful Food and Crafts
Great Grapes! is the Triangle Area's premier casual wine tasting with HUNDREDS of wines available for tasting. Take your souvenir tasting glass as you enter the festival and stroll from tent to tent and table to table tasting and sampling the rich Heritage of North Carolina vines. As you sip and savor the afternoon, relax in the beautiful green setting of Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre.
You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the great LIVE music on the Main Stage. Sit down and learn while the experts give you hands-on demos in the Gourmet Live! Tent with wine and food pairings. There is even a KID’s Activity Area. Bring the family, bring your friends and take a day to UNCORK YOURSELF…UNCORK THE FUN!
Saturday • April 21 • 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tickets on Sale Friday, February 17 at noon
~ Adult Admission & Tasting Glass: $20 advance or $25 on-site includes a souvenir wine glass, unlimited samples, all performances and cooking demonstrations. Designated Driver Ticket: $15 advance or onsite for $20 and includes admission into the event ONLY.
Kids - 12 and under are FREE! ~
Tickets can be purchased at Booth Amphitheatre (Tuesday- Friday, Noon - 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or through etix.com. By phone call (800) 514-3849
Etix hours: Monday-Friday/ 9 a.m.-8 p.m. EST/ Saturday/10 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST & Sunday/12 p.m. – 8 p.m. EST
For complete concert information go to www.boothamphitheatre.com or call (919) 462-2025.

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Town of Cary, NC Weekend Update 2/02/2012

2012-02-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

February 2, 2012

Town of Cary's Weekend Update

Friday, February 6:
Cary Players presents And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Cary Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
Eight guests who have never met one another are lured to an island house and, along with two house servants, stranded. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder, just as one drops dead. One down and nine to go! For more, call (919) 469-4069 or www.caryplayers.org/thenNone.html.

Saturday, February 7:
Cary Players presents And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Cary Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
See description above.

Sunday, February 8:
Cary Players presents And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Cary Arts Center, 3 p.m.
See description above.

WEEKEND UPDATE is a publication from the Town of Cary distributed each Thursday afternoon to help you plan your weekend. WEEKEND UPDATE gives the date, time, location, contact person, and short description for any significant activity sponsored in whole or in part by the Town during the upcoming Friday, Saturday or Sunday. An “NR” designation indicates that the activity does have an associated news release, so check your files or visit us online for further details.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 380-4240

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Raleigh-Cary NC #1 of 10 to watch for signs of strength!

2012-02-01T11:41:00.004-05:00

By Andrea V. Brambila

While national home prices and sales may not recover to their historical levels until 2013 at the earliest, some local housing markets always outperform others in any given year.

In this second annual report (see last year's report: Top 10 Markets to Watch in 2011), Inman News examined housing, economic and demographic data for metropolitan areas nationwide to identify 10 housing markets to watch in 2012.

These markets are showing signs of strength in several key metrics, including above-average price appreciation, a flourishing job market, a high rate of sales in proportion to population, a high level of home affordability, low foreclosure activity, a below-average share of distressed sales, a low vacancy rate, and other characteristics indicating a healthy housing market.

While real estate markets in the Midwest and Northeast made up the majority of markets on last year's list of 10 markets to watch, this year the Midwest and the South dominated. Two Northeastern markets, both in New York state, also made the list; and no markets in Western states are on the list.

The 10 markets are, in order: Raleigh-Cary, N.C.; Wichita, Kan.; Rochester, N.Y.; Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa; Chattanooga, Tenn.-Ga.; Peoria, Ill.; Amarillo, Texas; Binghamton, N.Y.; Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Bloomington-Normal, Ill. The Des Moines and Bloomington-Normal metros are on the list for the second year in a row.
Nationwide, unemployment is high, though trending down; the median price of an existing home fell over 4 percent in 2011; and existing-home sales rose a modest 1.7 percent last year, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Stan Humphries, chief economist for Zillow, said 2012 will be a "transitional year" in the housing recovery, with an improvement in home sales and prices anticipated to fall to a long-awaited "bottom."
Zillow identified some markets that are "undervalued" on a historical basis in a chart provided for this report, and Inman News reached out to a range of other real estate research and information companies for their insight on those real estate markets expected to outperform others in the year ahead. Those companies' findings were not considered in the review and selection process of the top 10 markets featured in this report.
"While home values are expected to fall further (another 2 to 4 percent) in 2012 with a definitive bottom probably a year away, encouraging precursors to a true stabilization of home values are falling into place as the new year begins," Humphries said in a forecast Tuesday.
"Home sales will show a more consistent upward trend this year, slowly reducing the amount of vacant housing inventory. This increased demand will eventually start to put a floor under home values later this year."
U.S. foreclosure activity hit its lowest level since 2007 last year, though experts largely expect it to ramp up this year, putting downward pressure on home prices.
"There were strong signs in the second half of 2011 that lenders are finally beginning to push through some of the delayed foreclosures in select local markets. We expect that trend to continue this year, boosting foreclosure activity for 2012 higher than it was in 2011, though still below the peak of 2010," said Brandon Moore, CEO of RealtyTrac, in the company's year-end foreclosure report. RealtyTrac also provided a chart for this report.
To compile the list of 10 markets to watch this year, Inman News looked for markets with above-average median sales price growth, a low unemployment rate, a high rate of sales per population, high affordability, low and falling foreclosure activity, a low share of distressed sales, above-average projected job growth, median household income growth, low and falling vacancy rates, growth in the number of building permits issued, above-average population growth, high projected population growth, and a rise in in-migration from other states.
While no markets on the list fulfilled all of these ideal economic characteristics, they did meet most of them.
Contrary to last year's list, in which most of the resulting markets had populations under 250,000, half of the metros on this year's list had populations above 500,000. This may be partially a result of only considering metros with a population of 150,000 or above, while last year's list did not limit the list by population size.
Among the findings in this report:

Three of the 10 markets on this list are state capitals, and both Illinois markets benefit from proximity to that state's capital, Springfield.
Four of the markets: Bloomington-Normal and Peoria in Illinois as well as Des Moines-West Des Moines and Waterloo-Cedar Falls in Iowa, are no more than 300 or so miles from each other.
Nine of 10 markets had median sales prices below the national median in the third quarter of 2011.
Where affordability rankings were available, the markets on the list had no less than 73.6 percent of homes affordable to those households earning the area's median income in the third quarter.
All had unemployment, foreclosure, and vacancy rates lower than the national average. None of the markets had unemployment rates higher than 7.9 percent. All had lower shares of distressed sales than the national average.
Only two of the markets had populations above 1 million, and three had populations above 500,000. The remainder had populations below that figure, but above a minimum 150,000.
As in last year's report, jobs in the public sector as well as the health care industry were major employers in most markets. This year, however, nine out of 10 markets also counted manufacturing companies among primary employers. Technology companies, energy providers, and universities also boosted many markets.

The 10 markets are ranked according to population, sales volume, and median sales price appreciation. Population was weighted most heavily in the rankings, followed by sales volume in proportion to population, and rate of price appreciation.

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Cary, NC Camp Brochure for Summer Fun

2012-02-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

Tap Cary Camp Brochure for Summer Fun
Register to win free week of camp

Find cool activities for summer break in the Town of Cary’s Schoolz Out 411 Summer Edition Brochure. Full and half-day camps, specialty classes and unique experiences for youth and teens are planned from June to August, including camps geared toward sports, drama and art, outer space, teen adventure, and history. New this season, citizens can register to win a free week of camp courtesy of Carolina Soccer Club by registering to receive Schoolz Out 411 updates by email; simply go to www.townofcary.org, click the green envelope on the homepage and select “Schoolz Out 411” from the list of topics. A winner will be drawn at random March 26.

Copies of the brochure can be found at any Town of Cary facility, Cary libraries, Cary Chamber of Commerce, Whole Foods of Cary and electronically at www.townofcary.org. Early registration by web, phone or mail for Cary residents opens February 2. Walk-in registration for residents starts February 9. Beginning February 16, non-residents may register by any EZ-REG method. For more information, search “Schoolz Out” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Leda Isenhour, Marketing Specialist, (919) 462-3960
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 380-4240
Courtesy of the Town of Cary, NC
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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Apex, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Holly Springs, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit

2012-01-31T13:47:00.000-05:00

What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are big factors in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be. So, keep your credit score high by doing the following:

1. Check for and correct any errors in your credit report. Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management.

2. Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month. Transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score.

3. Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit.

4. Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage. You’re penalized less for problems after a year.

5. Don’t order items for your new home on credit — such as appliances and furniture — until after the loan is approved. The amounts will add to your debt.

6. Don’t open new credit card accounts before applying for a mortgage. Too much available credit can lower your score.

7. Shop for mortgage rates all at once. Too many credit applications can lower your score, but multiple inquiries from the same type of lender are counted as one inquiry if submitted over a short period of time.

8. Avoid finance companies. Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management.

This information is copyrighted by the Fannie Mae Foundation and is used with permission of the Fannie Mae Foundation. To obtain a complete copy of the publication, Knowing and Understanding Your Credit, visit www.homebuyingguide.org.

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
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Cary's newest K9!

2012-01-27T15:08:00.000-05:00

CARY’S K9 UNIT WELCOMES NEWEST MEMBER
Latest addition comes as K9 Max retires after 7 years of service to local communities

CARY, NC – The Town of Cary Police Department is proud to introduce its newest K9 Team -- K-9 Robby and his partner Cary Police Officer Phil Humphries. Three-year-old Robby is a long hair, black and tan German shepherd from the Czech Republic. Humphries was a K9 handler in the United States Air Force before coming to Cary. He also has experience as a K9 trainer and Kennel Master. K-9 Robby replaces K-9 Max, a German Shepherd that retired after serving the community for seven years.

“Robby is very social and enjoys working. He’ll make a fine addition to our K9 complement,” said Major Scott Davis, Operations Bureau Commander of the Cary Police Department. “At the same time, it’s a little bittersweet to retire another K9. But Max has served this community well to make Cary a safe place to live, work, and raise our families.”

In his seven years of service, Max helped locate missing persons, tracked suspects that tried to elude officers and found concealed drugs and money. During his career, Max met over 3,000 children and their parents during special community events. Max is enjoying his retirement with his former handler Master Officer Jeremy Burgin, who continues to serve the citizens of Cary.

In addition to Robby and Officer Humphries, the Town of Cary has two other K9 teams: Officer Seth Everett and K9 Enzo; and Officer Scott McInerny and K9 Taber. In the last three years, the Town of Cary K9 Program has been involved in more than 950 incidents.

Created in 2005, Cary’s K9 program is designed to enhance the high level of service provided by the Town’s nationally accredited police department. Cary is consistently ranked as the safest large community in North Carolina and the Southeast, and the third safest of its size in America. To learn more about the Town of Cary’s K9 Program, visit the Police Department Web page at www.townofcary.org.

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Major Scott Davis, Operations Bureau Commander, (919) 460-4919
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951

Courtesy of Town of Cary
Cary, North Carolina

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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7 Tips to help stage your home for sale

2012-01-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process.

1. Start with a clean slate

Before you can worry about where to place furniture and which wall hanging should go where, each room in your home must be spotless. Do a thorough cleaning right down to the nitpicky details like wiping down light switch covers. Deep clean and deodorize carpets and window coverings.

2. Stow away your clutter

It’s harder for buyers to picture themselves in your home when they’re looking at your family photos, collectibles, and knickknacks. Pack up all your personal decorations. However, don’t make spaces like mantles and coffee and end tables barren. Leave three items of varying heights on each surface, suggests Barb Schwarz of www.StagedHomes.com in Concord, Pa. For example, place a lamp, a small plant, and a book on an end table.

3. Scale back on your furniture

When a room is packed with furniture, it looks smaller, which will make buyers think your home is less valuable than it is. Make sure buyers appreciate the size of each room by removing one or two pieces of furniture. If you have an eat-in dining area, using a small table and chair set makes the area seem bigger.

4. Rethink your furniture placement

Highlight the flow of your rooms by arranging the furniture to guide buyers from one room to another. In each room, create a focal point on the farthest wall from the doorway and arrange the other pieces of furniture in a triangle around the focal point, advises Schwarz. In the bedroom, the bed should be the focal point. In the living room, it may be the fireplace, and your couch and sofa can form the triangle in front of it.

5. Add color to brighten your rooms

Brush on a fresh coat of warm, neutral-color paint in each room. Ask your real estate agent for help choosing the right shade. Then accessorize. Adding a vibrant afghan, throw, or accent pillows for the couch will jazz up a muted living room, as will a healthy plant or a bright vase on your mantle. High-wattage bulbs in your light fixtures will also brighten up rooms and basements.

6. Set the scene

Lay logs in the fireplace, and set your dining room table with dishes and a centerpiece of fresh fruit or flowers. Create other vignettes throughout the home—such as a chess game in progress—to help buyers envision living there. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
Make your bathrooms feel luxurious by adding a new shower curtain, towels, and fancy guest soaps (after you put all your personal toiletry items are out of sight). Judiciously add subtle potpourri, scented candles, or boil water with a bit of vanilla mixed in. If you have pets, clean bedding frequently and spray an odor remover before each showing.

7. Make the entrance grand

Mow your lawn and trim your hedges, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before showings to make your lawn sparkle. If flowers or plants don’t surround your home’s entrance, add a pot of bright flowers. Top it all off by buying a new doormat and adding a seasonal wreath to your front door.
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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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MOVING DAY HASSLE AND HEARTBREAK AVOIDED - HERE'S HOW

2012-01-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

The chaos of moving day is a prime time to forget or misplace essential items. When you’re preparing for the big move to your new home, the following items are some of the most overlooked (and the most sorely missed in a time of need!).

To prevent the hassle and heartbreak of forgotten possessions and lost information, make a check list containing the following items:

1. Jewelry, watches, and small valuables: These small, expensive and often irreplaceable items are best kept in a safe deposit box or kept with trustworthy friends or relatives on moving day.

2. Garage door opener: The old one won’t be of much use at your new house, will it? Be sure to leave it behind for the new owners. Also, make sure the old owners of your new house give you theirs!

3. Spare keys: Sets to your old house should remain with the new owners, but don’t forget sets to the new house! There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your new place without a way to get in.

4. Old address books: Yes, we all have fancy new smartphones, but it seems like families all have a well-worn phone book stashed in a spice drawer somewhere. These are practically family heirlooms of information, so don’t leave them behind.

5. Unfinished errands: Do you have any clothes at the dry cleaner? Books due to the library? What about other video game or DVD rentals? It can be a real hassle to settle up on these items from 100 miles away, right?

6. Medical records: While a lot of medical information is digital these days, you should make sure you don’t misplace your copies, including dental information and prescriptions. It’s easy to lose them at the bottom of a hastily thrown-away box.

I make sure my clients’ experience selling their old home and moving into their new dream home is a smooth transition. If you’re interested in a hassle-free home selling experience, please get in touch today: --

Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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WHY DO I NEED A BUYER'S AGENT TO BUY A HOME?

2012-01-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

MAJOR REASONS FOR BUYER REPRESENTATION

Having an agent represent the buyer has become a benefit for both buyers and sellers. It is clear that certain buyers must have their own representation and that others should be represented. An examination of the basic benefits to the buyer receiving representation reveals why many buyers choose to be represented. These benefits include the following:

Buyers are entitled to receive the expertise and guidance of their own agent.
The agent is able to point out deficiencies and defects in the properties as well as provide a market analysis.
The agent working for the buyer is obliged to keep the buyer’s information confidential.
Buyers have an advocate during negotiations.
The agent will provide a high level of diligence when gathering information for the buyer.

The Buyer's Agent fee is almost always paid for by the seller's agent.
Make sure you have a buyer's agent working for you.

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Apex, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Holly Springs, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Cary, NC February Events Calendar

2012-01-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY CULTURAL CALENDAR
Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 16-18
FATE presents PTERODACTYLS by Nicky Silver
Show starts at 8 p.m. for all dates.
All shows at FATE's space: 267 Grande Heights Drive in Cary, www.fate4.us

Feb. 3-5 & 9-12
Cary Players presents Agatha Christie’s AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, Thur.-Sat.: 7:30 p.m.; Sun: 3 p.m.
Cary Arts Center, www.caryplayers.org

Feb. 4
Triangle Youth Brass Bands present ACROSS THE POND, 8 p.m.
Meymandi Concert Hall, www.trianglebrass.org

Feb. 12
Friends of the Page-Walker Winter Concert Series: BRIAN REAGIN, 4 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center, www.friendsofpagewalker.org

Feb. 17
Concert Singers of Cary present HEART RENDERINGS, 8 p.m.
Cary Arts Center, www.concertsingers.org

Feb. 18
CREATIVE FIRE: An African-American Celebration of the Arts, 9 a.m.
Co-sponsored by The Ujima Group, Inc. and the Town of Cary
Cary Arts Center, (919) 460-4963, FREE

Feb. 18
Marvelous Music Series presents EILEEN IVERS & IMMIGRANT SOUL, 7:30 p.m.
Cary Arts Center, (919) 469-4069

Feb. 19
Marvelous Music Series presents DONNA WASHINGTON, 3 p.m.
as a part of Creative Fire: An African-American Celebration of the Arts
Cary Arts Center, (919) 469-4069

Feb. 24
Cary Town Band Concert presents HUZZAH! THE OLD NORTH STATE, 7:30 p.m.
Cary Arts Center, www.carytownband.org, FREE

Feb. 24
CARY ART LOOP, 6 p.m.
Downtown Cary and Beyond, www.caryartloop.org, FREE

ART EXHIBITIONS
Thru Feb. 27 Cary Senior Center
Cary Portrait Artists Exhibition
Reception: Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.

Thru Feb. 20   Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Henriette Tibbs: Happenstance
Erin Tapley: At Home with the Range

Thru Feb. 17 Herb Young Community Center
Ginger Gehres: Visual Bard
Reception: Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.

Thru Feb. 29   Bond Park Community Center
Lyudmila Tomova: Daily Transactions
Reception: Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.

Thru Feb. 17   Town Hall Gallery
NC Landscapes from the Mountains to the Sea
Reception: Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.

Thru Feb. 19   Cary Arts Center
The Cruise-In: Jason Franklin looks at Guys and their Rides
Reception: Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.

Coutesy of the Town of Cary!

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
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GREAT TIME FOR LONG TERM BUYERS!

2012-01-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

Now is perhaps one of the best times in history to purchase a home. Low interest rates and unparalleled affordability have created a perfect storm for qualified buyers.

So does that mean the “flipping days” are here again? Probably not. While there may be shrewd investors out there who have the ability to squeeze out a profit on flipping properties in this market, the margins aren’t favorable and re-selling is tough.

It is, however, an excellent time for buyers looking for a long-term home investment, especially those who want to manage a rental property. There’s a good margin between true value and current prices, for one. Additionally, there’s great potential for higher rental values as rental inventory decreases under the pressure of potential buyers who can’t yet qualify for a loan.

Do you have a college graduate or newlywed child? Another great investment is the purchase of a home for someone in the family that may occupy it as a tenant until such time they can afford their own home.

If you’re curious about which neighborhoods would make the purchase of an investment property a good move, feel free to contact me today. I’d be happy to help advise you on an investment purchase.

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Wishing you lived closer to work? Move closer, save money

2011-12-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wish you lived closer to work? Some of the happiest people I know have the shortest commutes. Traffic stress, the cost of gasoline, and the hours wasted on the road take their toll.

Well, if you’ve ever been looking for a reason to move closer to your work, this might just send you over the edge. The truth is, it could be a major financial mistake not to cut a long commute out of your life.

This eye-opening infographic from StreamlineRefinance.net shows you how much more home you can afford when you eliminate a long commute from your life. From their math, it looks to be anywhere from $15,900 (1 mile reduction) to an astonishing $477,000 (30 mile reduction)!

While you might have some arguments against their assumptions, I think the graphic is useful all the same: It gets you thinking about how you value your time and the “hidden costs” of a long drive to your livelihood!

Check out the infographic for yourself:

http://www.streamlinerefinance.net/cost-of-commuting.html

Thinking it might be time to move closer to your job? I work with families relocating all the time, and would love to help you sell your current home and find a perfect upgrade closer to work! Contact me today:

CARY, NC NAMED THE THIRD SAFEST IN THE NATION!

2011-12-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

CARY, NC – The Town of Cary has been named the third safest in the nation among municipalities with populations of 100,000 to 499,999 by CQ Press, which released its annual publication “City Crime Rankings 2011-2012: Crime in Metropolitan America” on December 8, 2011. This is Cary’s 13^th consecutive year on this list. Last year, the town was ranked as the second safest city in the same category.

“I am pleased that Cary continues to be recognized for its efforts,” said Police Chief Pat Bazemore. “Being ranked as one of the safest cities in American is a direct result of outstanding partnerships with our community.”

Today’s rankings represent a change for Cary over last year, when Cary was ranked the 8th safest overall and the 2nd safest large community in America.

“We expect some fluctuations in our rankings from time to time. It happens to every community,” Bazemore said. “But our focus remains the same every year—providing a safe environment for our citizens and visitors. What’s important to our citizens is important to us.”

Cary keeps its status as the highest-ranked municipality in North Carolina and in the southeast among the nation’s safest cities overall. This year, Cary ranked 11th safest overall when compared with every community of any size in the report. The rankings are based on final 2010 crime statistics.

Courtesy of Town of Cary

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FROM CARY, NC

2011-12-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

CARY, NC – Shopping doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you want to make a difference in Cary; assist someone in need through the Town’s Oasis and PRCR Scholarship programs. There are a variety of other options for the others who may be hard to buy for, as well.

The Oasis program helps Cary utility customers going through hard times by assisting with their Cary utility bills. The Town accepts one-time or regular donations from utility customers and passes all the money to Dorcas Ministries, which administers the program. In addition, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Scholarship program offers residents a tax-deductible method to give someone in financial need the opportunity to participate in programs offered by the Town. The scholarship program helps Cary citizens go to camp, play in sports leagues and take art classes. It also has paid for senior citizens to take computer classes. Go to any PRCR facility and request to make a scholarship donation; a receipt with a tax ID number is also available.

For other gift ideas:

Doggie lovers
Give new dog owners the gift that keeps on giving: canine obedience classes, pet ID tags, and Dog Park Passes.

Environmentalists
You can’t give sunshine, but you can give the gift of rain to your favorite gardener. The Town sells 65-gallon rain barrels made from recycled plastic and repurposed 55-gallon barrels, along with installation kits at all three Cary community centers.

The sports fan
Purchase tickets for the Carolina RailHawks 2012 season by visiting carolinarailhawks.com. If someone you know loves baseball, purchase USA Baseball merchandise at usabaseball.com. Also, call (919) 462-2061 to pre-purchase tennis lessons and tennis passes for the Cary Tennis Park. Cary also offers X-treme Sports – Sk8 Park Pass and BMX or Sk8 lessons; to purchase, call (919) 380-2970.

The health conscious
A Town of Cary Fitness Pass or Wellness Pass may be the perfect “fit” for beating the holiday pounds. Activities vary but include country dancing, ninjutsu and badminton. Other offerings can be found in the Town’s program brochure.

The music lover
This gift idea may be music to anyone’s ears: season and individual tickets are available for the Marvelous Music Mainstage Series or the new Family Series. Search “Marvelous Music” on the Town’s website. For a more extensive experience, take advantage of Koka Booth Amphitheatre’s VIP Season Pass at boothamphitheatre.com.

The Nature Adventurer
Nature’s Niche Gift Shop is your one-stop shop for all the nature lovers in your life. Located at the Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, this shop offers unique gifts from puzzles to tea light holders, pick-up snakes to adult field guides and much more.

PRCR Gift Cards
Not sure what to buy that special someone? Give them the option to choose any PRCR class, program or membership. Gift cards are a new hot item this year. Get yours today at any PRCR staffed facility.

For more on these, visit townofcary.org and search “holiday gifts” or call (919) 469-4061.

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

Linda Smith, Business Development Manager, (919) 380-2765
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951

COOL SIDE OF YULETIDE FOUND IN CARY’S CELEBRATION

2011-11-30T14:27:00.002-05:00

COOL SIDE OF YULETIDE FOUND IN CARY’S

HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION

Gingerbread Houses, Ballet, Ole Time Winter Festival, Tree Lighting Just Some of the Highlights

CARY, NC – Put on your red hat and hop on over to Downtown Cary on Saturday, December 3, 2011 for the annual Heart of the Holidays celebration. Mail letters to Santa from the Town Hall mailbox, feast your eyes on the first-ever competitive Gingerbread Houses and join Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and the Town Council at Town Hall for the official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., along with a numerous yuletide festivities that run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“The Heart of the Holidays is always a yearly favorite,” said Joy Ennis, Festivals Coordinator for the Town of Cary. “With the Gingerbread House competition and the return of some perennial favorites, this year is definitely not a year to miss.”

Festival goers can enjoy arts & crafts, entertainment, food and more at the Heart of Cary Association’s Ole Time Winter Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the streets of Downtown Cary. Shops will also be open to snag those first or last minute holiday gifts.

Children 10 and under and their parents, can make hands-on crafts at Santa’s Workshop from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Herbert C. Young Community Center. Kids will have the chance to see Santa Claus. Live entertainment will be provided by the Cary Ballet Company. While at Santa’s Workshop, support the Cary Teen Council’s food drive by sending each child with two non-perishable food items. All contributions will be given to a local charity.

Step back in a time for a few hours at an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center Holiday Open House. Victorian carolers will set the mood while guests learn about century-old holiday traditions, sing around the piano and enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides.

At 6 p.m., the community will gather at the corner of North Academy Street and Ambassador Loop to watch the 30+-foot cedar Christmas tree be illuminated for the first time this season. There will be a holiday variety show, and the Town will also unveil the Cary Community Christmas Tree, an oversized tree inside Town Hall decorated with handmade ornaments by over 120 community organizations giving nod to the diversity of Cary.

To close out the evening, festival-goers are invited to attend the live performance of It’s a Wonderful Life by the Cary Players at 3 & 8 p.m. in the Cary Arts Center. This faithful, full stage adaptation of the classic film features a joyful Christmas tale: a love story of George and Mary and his struggle with circumstances beyond his control. Tickets are $16 for students, $18 for adults and $16 for seniors 55+. They can be purchased through Cary Players website: caryplayers.org.

In the event of unfavorable weather, the Christmas Tree Lighting will be moved indoors and the Winter Wonderland at Bond Park will be rescheduled for December 17-18. For more information, search “Heart of the Holidays” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

Coutesy of Town of Cary

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Cary NC's first Gingerbread House Contest!

2011-11-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

Deadline Extended to November 23

CARY, NC – It’s not too late to build the Gingerbread House of your dreams! The deadline for the Gingerbread House Contest has been extended to Nov. 23. Competitors can register for three categories: Family, Teen (13-17), and Adult (18 and up). All entries will be judged and on display in Town facilities and businesses throughout Cary Downtown on December 3 as part of our annual Heart of the Holidays Celebration. The top three winners in each category will go on to display for the remainder of December at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave.

“Judges have quite a few confectionery houses to choose from and they’ll all make an interesting display for festival attendees,” said Joy Ennis, Festivals Coordinator. “But we wanted to give more bakers the chance to show off their talents for this first-ever event.”

For rules and entry information regarding the Gingerbread House Competition, and for information on other holiday events on December 3, search “Heart of the Holidays” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

Courtesy of Town of Cary
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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
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Stop Junk Mail!

2011-11-14T21:58:00.002-05:00

A common complaint I hear from home owners is “How do I stop junk mail?” This is especially true for new home owners who find they’re bombarded by catalogs and advertisements intended for the previous owners.

Not only is eliminating junk mail a personal convenience, but it’s also good for the planet. Who hasn’t lugged 60 pounds of junk mail down to the curb on recycling night and thought, “I can’t believe all of this paper and ink is wasted.”?

Well, if you’re looking for a free and easy way to cut down on the unwanted catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, circulars (and more!), then be sure to check out CatalogChoice.org (http://www.catalogchoice.org).

Catalog Choice lets you opt out of direct marketers’ databases, ensuring that you receive less junk (and your privacy is protected). Register for a free account and you can immediately begin cutting down on all of that unwanted mail.

How does it work? Catalog Choice gets your opt-outs processed by the senders. You can track your opt-outs, and if you receive the mail again, Catalog Choice will follow up. They work with over 4000 companies to honor your choices and have processed over 20 million opt-outs by over 1.4 million account holders.

Take control of your home’s mailbox today!

KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITH HELP FROM CARY POLICE

2011-11-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

Whether traveling or staying at home for the holidays, Cary citizens will want to register for the Town of Cary Police Department’s Holiday Home Safety & Security Seminar. Set for December 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Police Department Training Room, 120 Wilkinson Avenue, the seminar will offer tips and tactics for crime prevention at home. All attendees will have the opportunity to schedule a Home Security Survey by a Town of Cary Police Officer. Registration is required as space is limited to the first 50 registrants; to register, email john.reeves@townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4324. For more information, search “Community Services” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4324.

Courtesy of Town Of Cary!
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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Hemlock Bluffs Art Project, Cary NC

2011-11-09T12:07:00.003-05:00

CARY UNVEILS HEMLOCK BLUFFS PUBLIC ART PROJECT

CARY, NC – Join the Town of Cary tomorrow in dedicating a work of art that serves as a signature entryway for Stevens Nature Center and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve; the ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 10 at the Preserve, 2616 Kildaire Farm Road. The new gate design, created by regional metalwork artist Lucas House, reflects the bluffs with large metal hemlock leaves that adorn a branch-like frame. During the ceremony, the gate will be officially lowered—with counter weight movements—giving an alternative view of the artwork. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at the shelter inside the Preserve.

“The entry gate not only creates a unique identity for the Preserve, but it also serves as another important example of the focus on public art in our town,” said Joy Ennis, Festivals Coordinator. “It was a unique opportunity to address both goals.”

The total cost of the gate was $20,000 and included funds contributed by the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, a conservation and support organization. The project was undertaken as part of the Kildaire Farm Road widening project, which including the entrance to the Preserve.

Courtesy of Town of Cary!
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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Cary, NC Performing Arts Open House!

2011-11-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

2011

Cary Spotlights Performing Arts at Open House

Explore the performing arts at the upcoming Cary Arts Center Open House: Our Performance Programs set for November 19 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue. From 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., get a peek into the world of performing arts with an instrument petting zoo, concert by the Triangle Youth String Orchestra, jam session by Meredith College guitar students, an open rehearsal of the Cary Players’ upcoming performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and a Drama Workshop Series by Applause! Cary Youth Theatre. For more information, search “Cary Arts Center” or call (919) 469-4069 for a detailed schedule of events.
courtesy of Town of Cary

Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
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Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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If you don't want to go door to door this Halloween......

2011-10-18T09:09:00.002-04:00

Regardless of the day of the week, Halloween is always on October 31 in Cary, and that’s the day most families go door-to-door in costumes for candy and fun. In addition to or instead of going door-to-door, families may want to participate in the Town of Cary’s Halloween events, scheduled for October 29 in Cary Downtown: Tricks & Treats Halloween Bash at the Herbert C. Young Community Center; Trick-or-Treat on S. Academy Street from Ashworth’s Village to the Cary Arts Center; and the Not-So-Scary Storytelling, pumpkin ceramics classes, and Fright School’s 6th annual Haunted House at the Cary Arts Center. The Town of Cary will also partner with Cary Town Center on October 31 for Safe-n-Sane Halloween from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For more information on these activities, search “Halloween” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

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Donna Varnum
Cary, NC REALTOR
RE/MAX Integrity
(919) 810-8510
---
Visit my Cary NC Home Hunter Website
Cary, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Apex, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Holly Springs, NC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Is it a good time buy a home? Sure! If......

2011-10-15T16:09:00.000-04:00

Just about every day people ask me: “So how long is this down real estate market going to last? Where’s the recovery?”

They’re surprised when I tell them that in some markets, the recovery is already under way. Consumer attitude often lags behind local market data.

You see, there were lots of market indicators as far back as 2005 that the bust was on its way. Despite the fact that inventory on the market was increasing, prices floated up well into 2007. But there came a point when the “market data came home to roost.”

And when it did, well... no need to rehash bad news.

In some markets (especially those where buyers have recognized the incredible values and low interest rates) we see several indicators which suggest rebounding market health: Shrinking inventory, multiple offers, and fewer days on market. This is especially true if you look at non-distressed properties.

If those indicators are in play, you’re not in a buyer’s market any more. It’s becoming a seller’s market.

Obviously, tight-fisted lenders and buyers facing shaky job prospects exert their influence on the market. People are wary, and that psychological uncertainty is a part of the pervading sense that “things are bad.” But if you have access to capital and stable income, now is no time to be holding back. We’re unlikely to see these buying conditions again for a long time.

Now is definitely the time to buy before the market moves up.

Is the recovery already underway in your neighborhood or neighborhoods you’re considering? Contact me to find out!