Festival of Cheese, yes Raleigh it is coming!

Ok, it always amazes me the interesting tidbits you learn out & about. I enjoy trying new things & as many of you know I love the North Carolina State Farmers Market! I think it is one of North Carolinas best kept secrets. On one of my latest visits I stopped by Prodigal Farm, (their storefront is located in the building), a local connoisseur of all things goat cheese with their farm located in Rougemont, NC. Dave is the best and always spends time with you explaining the care of their goats to the cheese making process. One of the random things I found out is that the American Cheese Society is holding their 29th Annual Cheese Conference & Competition in…yes Downtown Raleigh!!!

And the cherry on top August 4th from 7 to 930pm, it is open to the public for the Festival of Cheese! (Ticket required $55/per person). I for one can’t wait to experience 1600 cheeses. Yet another really cool thing coming to Raleigh. Off to burn some calories at the Lake Johnson Trail, heck I have to start getting ready for August NOW. Maybe a prelude to the next post?!

5 Tips for Buying a Home

Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

Get your finances in order.

Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This will put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house.

Find a house you can afford.

As with engagement rings, there’s a general rule of thumb when it comes to buying a home: two-and-a-half times your annual salary. There are also a number of tools and calculators online that can help you understand how your income, debt, and expenses affect what you can afford. Don’t forget, too, that there are lots of considerations beyond the sticker price, including property taxes, energy costs, etc.

Hire a professional.

While the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can’t pick up from surfing the web. That’s why you’re better off using a professional agent than going it alone. If possible, recruit an exclusive buyer agent, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

Do your homework.

Before making a bid, do some research to determine the state of the market at large. Is it more favorable for sellers or buyers? Next, look at sales trends of similar homes in the area or neighborhood. Look at prices for the last few months. Come up with an asking price that’s competitive, but also realistic. Otherwise, you may end up ticking off your seller.

Think long term.

Obviously, you shouldn’t buy unless you’re sure you’ll be staying put for at least a few years. Beyond that, you should buy in a neighborhood with good schools. Whether you have children or not, this will have an impact on your new home’s resale value down the line. When it comes to the house itself, you should hire your own home inspector, who can point out potential problems that could require costly repairs in the future.

July 4th Celebrations in the Triangle!!!

Staying around this holiday & wondering what to do? I love fireworks & there are a couple great places to watch around the Triangle this year. The biggest news is that the Raleigh fireworks that have traditionally been at the Fairgrounds have been moved to Downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street. This link will take you to all you need to know! Fireworks Raleigh, Downtown

If you are in and around the Cary area, Koka Booth Ampitheatre will be hosting their annual event, the Independance Day Celebration, click here for more information.

Have a safe & happy holiday week! GO USA

Register to Win: A/C Tune-Up From Air Experts!

It’s been warm lately, but it’s not North Carolina hot yet! Before the 90 degree temperatures, paired with high humidity, return for the summer of 2015, register below for your chance to win a free A/C Tune-Up (valued at $89) from my friends at Air Experts in Raleigh!

I have worked with Air Experts for several years and have always enjoyed their timeliness, professionalism and knowledge of the equipment. They are always prompt to answer the phone and any questions I may have. I never hesitate to recommend them to my clients, friends, family and I personally use them, too. Whether it is a simple maintenance plan or a completely new unit, you’ll enjoy working with them start to finish. I also like the fact that this is a locally owned family business – you know your dollars are going back into the community where you live!

Great Location & Great Floor Plan in Raleigh

Looking for a convenient location – nestled between Raleigh and Cary? Check! In search of a great floor plan? Double check! You couldn’t ask for a better than this new listing, with easy access to I-40, I-440, RTP and NC State University.

Inside the home you’ll find a spacious kitchen with working island and a butler’s pantry that opens to the family room with gas log fireplace. There’s a formal dining room with hardwood floors – perfect for holidays and other important meals! Also on the main floor you’ll find an office with beautiful french doors, as well as updated fixtures throughout.

Retreat to the huge master suite with sitting room and dual vanity bathroom, soaking tub and separate shower! There are three additional guest rooms each with ample space.

Also in this home are a true utility room and tons of extra storage in the garage with built-in loft.

Outside, enjoy the deck made for entertaining that overlooks a fenced, level backyard!

If a summer pool is of interest to you, you can reasonably join the nearby Medfield Estates community pool or if you are NCSU alumni, check out the University Club complete with salt water pool, workout facility and nine-hole golf course.

Take the virtual tour online at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1350104 and when you’re ready to see this great find in person, email or call me for your appointment! You can reach me at 919-868-4383 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com.

Coming Soon: Move-In Ready in Morrisville

This beautiful townhome in Morrisville is right off the catalog pages – you’ll feel like you are in a model home!

Move-in ready and just in time for the warm weather season with a screened-in porch. There’s also a hard to find garage to help keep your car clean and your other outdoor toys stored away nicely!

Inside, check out the wide-plank hardwood floors throughout the first floor. In the kitchen, enjoy a gourmet upfit with 42 inch cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances!

There’s an open concept floor plan, with a large family room, dining room, and ideal flex space, too.

Enjoy the master suite with tray ceiling, spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, garden tub, separate shower and large walk-in closet.

Don’t miss this summer’s must-have attraction: a community pool! This neighborhood is convenient to RTP and backs to a wooded buffer for your privacy.

Ready to take a look? Take the virtual tour at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1352349 and then call or email me to book your showing – 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-

Now Showing: Luxury at its Finest in Brier Creek

Live in the lap of luxury with this nicely-appointed end-unit townhouse in Raleigh’s Brier Creek Country Club neighborhood and enjoy easy living that backs to wooded buffer!

Don’t miss the gourmet kitchen with raised-panel cabinets, granite counter tops, double ovens (a must when you have a full house or when entertaining!), gas range, all stainless steel GE Profile appliances and a breakfast nook!

The master suite is on the main floor and includes a spa bathroom featuring dual vanities, a corner garden tub, and separate shower.

An upstairs loft overlooks the vaulted living room and leads to two ample-size bedrooms each with walk-in closets and a tile bathroom – there’s great potential here for an upstairs master suite!

You make the call on the use with a great flex space on the main floor for a sunroom or an office. There’s also a handy utility room with sink!

Ready to add equity right off the bat? Check out the huge unfinished basement that is anything but drab with an immense amount of daylight exposure.

This address is close to everything: RDU Airport, I-540, Brier Creek Commons (with dozens of retail stores, services, dining and a movie theater), and more.

Take a virtual tour online at now at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1341980 and then call or email me to see it for yourself! 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com.

What Clients Say About Renee: The Wassermans

“Renee helped us buy our new home in Durham. She was always willing to go the extra mile, even after we had signed a contract to buy a soon to be built home. Since we live in SW Florida, she did most of the inspections herself as well as arranging for professional inspectors where appropriate. She even took videos of the inside and outside so that we would have something besides plans to show to our friends and relatives.”

Having great resources in professional vendors who provide high-quality service are just one of the assets that I offer clients – both local and remote.

Give me a call at 919-868-4383 or email me at Renee@Renee-Sells.com to talk about how I can help you with your next real estate project!

What the seller says about 819 Shackleton Road in Apex, NC

I always like to ask the seller specific questions about their house. It is definitely a great perspective on living in your new area & home. Take a look!

Things you love about Apex:

Apex is a great place to live! Love the downtown area and what an overall nice and safe community it is. The town has grown a lot in the last 10 years that I’ve been here but it has managed to keep its small town feel.

Where do you love to eat:

Love going downtown to eat at Peak City Grill and Salem Street Pub (the Mexican restaurant is also great). Otherwise, Daniel’s on 55 is a favorite.

Where do you do your grocery shopping & other conveniences:

I do most of my shopping at the Walmart on the Peakway since it is so close….walking distance! Otherwise, I like Lowe’s Food. I’m excited that Costco opens in 2015.

What were you drawn to when you bought your home:

The big front window and the private back yard which can be hard to find in Apex. The house has a nice layout and I love the big main room.

What do you love/enjoy about the area:

The convenience to major roads in every direction (US1, 540, 65, 55) has always been a huge plus for me. I always say that you can get almost anywhere in the triangle in 20 minutes. The parks in Apex are also great and there is something for everyone.

Tell us something about your neighborhood:

The best thing to me about the neighborhood is how quiet and safe it is. It is a great place to walk or job and the people are nice and friendly.

Latest Closings: New Home in Carolina Arbors Community for Active Adults 55+

With 12 home designs, ranging from 1,100 to 2,500+ square feet, there are lots of choices for active adults ages 55+ at Carolina Arbors, a Del Webb community located near Brier Creek.

I was pleased to represent clients purchasing a new construction home – from dirt to house – on Horne Creek in the new development.

What made this project a unique challenge, and a great opportunity, was managing and overseeing all walk through check-ins and closing proceedings as the clients were not able to attend. I pride myself on being a full-service Realtor, earning your trust and continued business, and this is a great example of the extra mile and efforts I’m willing to put in for my valued clients.

If you’ve considered moving to an active adult community, please call (919-868-4383) or email me to talk about the varied amenities offered by properties like this in and around the Triangle area!

What Clients Say About Renee: The Loperfidos

“Renee is absolutely amazing! My spouse and I are relocating to the Triangle from DC and Renee made this process so easy. She has so many great connections and tools to help first time home buyers. We always felt so comfortable and looked after – she is so great at keeping you on-target and in-the-know. You can not go wrong working with Renee!! – can you tell we think she’s the greatest!?!” – The Loperfido’s

What the seller says about 108 Park James Way, Cary, NC

I always like to ask the seller specific questions about their house. It is definitely a great perspective on living in your new area & home. Take a look & see what the Dyer’s have to say:

Things you love about Cary:

We love Cary. It has a real family atmosphere with excellent schools, plenty of parks (one Cary park is in our neighborhood) and walking/biking trails (again, one is in our neighborhood), a huge variety of restaurants We are conveniently located just about half way between Crossroads Plaza and Waverly Place – both just a little over a mile from us. In addition to all the conveniences and amenities Cary has to offer, we feel very safe here. Cary is one of the safest cities of its size in the country.

Where do you love to eat:

We enjoy a variety of food – most within a mile or so of our house. Some of our favorite restaurants include: Pei Wei, Caribou Coffee, Carolina Ale House, City Barbeque, Briggs, NY Pizza, and the Angus Barn.

Where do you do your grocery shopping & other conveniences:

We have numerous grocery stores in our immediate area with a Lowe’s Foods right in our neighborhood strip mall (an easy walk) with Harris Teeter about ½ mile away. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are about a mile to mile and a half from our home. For bulk items we shop at BJ’s and for pet related items we shop at PetSmart. Our PetSmart is one of only 3 in the whole greater Raleigh area that has a Pet Hotel, doggy day camp and a veterinarian right on sight.

What were you drawn to when you bought your home:

We love the layout of our home. This is where we raised 4 children with plenty of bedrooms, a formal dining room, a screened in porch (we like to entertain) and a bonus room for the kids. We added French doors and utilized our living room as a study (very convenient for work from home days).

We also love the location of our house. We were specifically looking for a house on a cul-de-sac so our children could play basketball, kickball, etc. on the cul-de-sac with very little traffic to worry about. Further, unlike many parts of Cary, we have very easy access to Raleigh and RTP – from our house to the beltline/I-40, is only about a mile.

Finally, we loved the Olympic size swimming pool, club house and tennis courts. Many neighborhoods have very overcrowded pools, but not Wellington Park. With our oversize pool, it is a great place to unwind and relax with family, friends and neighbors.

What do you love/enjoy about the area:

We love the excellent school system, neighborhood lakes, Kids Together Park (at the edge of our neighborhood), quaint downtown Cary, very convenient shopping and convenient access to the greater triangle area.

Tell us something about your neighborhood:

First, we have truly wonderful neighbors and a true sense of community. We often have neighborhood parties and cul-de-sac get-togethers. Our neighborhood has a community email to keep current on events – or to buy or sell something. Most houses have mature wooded lots providing shade and privacy.

We absolutely love our neighbors (many have become life-long friends as we have been here for over 19 years) and though we are excited about moving into our dream house as empty nesters, we are equally sad to be leaving such a wonderful home and neighborhood.

Upgrades that make this home sparkle:

Double oven with convection
Screened in porch
New HVAC
New Roof – with upgraded, energy efficient, designer shingles
Vinyl Siding
Energy efficient vinyl replacement windows
Updated plumbing
New carpeting
Hardwood floors
Freshly painted
Spa master bathroom (glass block shower, garden tub, beautiful tile floor)
Stainless appliances
Granit countertops
New garbage disposal
Gas fireplace
Broilmaster premium natural gas grill
Fenced in back yard