What Clients Say About Renee: Ruth Williams

Renee Hillman on March 14, 2016

I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to help Ms. Ruth Williams purchase this beautiful new construction home in Wake Forest earlier this year – and cannot thank Ms. Williams enough for the kind review she wrote after:

“I just want to thank Renee for all of her assistance in finding me a home during this recent transition to Raleigh. Renee came highly recommended and she did not disappoint! She was helpful, knowledgeable and awesome on follow up. At one point, I thought I would not need an agent if I bought new construction, however I am so glad I had Renee to represent me and assist with the purchase of my new home. I will always recommend Renee to anyone interested in purchasing a home in the future.” – Ms. Ruth Williams

Read more five-star reviews of Renee Hillman at Realtor.com here!

Service Project of the Month: WAKE Up and Read

Renee Hillman on February 12, 2016

Several years ago instead of giving something up for Lent, I decided to try something different. I wanted to add something to my life. After thinking about it, it became apparent that time was my most valuable commodity. I also wanted to get back into volunteering. After some searching, I found the perfect fit: the Catholic Parish Outreach. The Outreach serves over 10,000 people a month and is run 95% by volunteers. You don’t have to be Catholic to go there or volunteer and notably, it is actually the largest food pantry in NC!

I have spent hundreds of hours volunteering over the last seven years with the Catholic Parish Outreach – sorting food in the warehouse, getting orders together, sifting through 500 dozen eggs… you name it, my parents and I have probably done it. By the way, did I mention this has become a family affair?! I have also dedicated a portion of all my sales to make a sizable donation each year, of which I hope to double this year.

This year I was again wondering what I would do for Lent and it was like divine intervention that I saw a tweet that our local board of Realtors Young Professionals Group was teaming up with WAKE Up and Read. After doing some research, I knew this would be the perfect service project to add this year!

Being a new parent, my whole world has changed. Over the past seven months, reading to my daughter has been one of my absolute favorite things to do. It allows me to really focus on her, be in the moment, and not worry about outside distractions. I cherish this time with her and love it.

So this is what I’m asking of YOU: WAKE Up and Read is looking for gently used or new books geared to the ages of 0-12 years. We are working on coordinating drop points and we are even willing to pick them up from you if that makes things easier! In one day, just from two people cleaning up their kids’ books, we already have close to 100 donated!

I hope you’ll join Hillman Real Estate Group in supporting this great initiative. During the month of February, WAKE Up and Read has set a goal of collecting “110,000 books in one month – enough to share with students at 10 elementary schools, as well as community centers and 20 child care facilities across Wake County.” It’s a lofty ambition, but one that I know this great organization and its many volunteers, like myself, are ready to tackle in the month of February. If you have any questions, would like to coordinate a donation drop-off or pick-up, or would like to get further involved yourself, please call or email me to get started! You can reach me at 919-877-6708 or Renee@HREGSells.com.

Let’s get ready to WAKE Up and Read!

PS: Hillman Real Estate Group is planning to buy $500 worth of books to support this great cause, so if you’d simply like to donate to support, we’d be happy to purchase additional books on your behalf!

Relocating to the Triangle: Get to Know the Area

Renee Hillman on February 3, 2016

When I talk to real estate buyers about relocating to the Triangle, one of the first things we have to figure out is which town checks the most boxes on their wish list for their next home.

“The Triangle” is actually a pretty wide geographic area that is made up of a wide variety of mid-size cities and small-town charm, including most notably, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, but also smaller suburbs like Cary, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, and Clayton.

Here is a quick sixty-second take on each locale, but if you want to talk more in-depth about what it’s like to call any of these areas home, give me a call at 919-868-4383 or email me at Renee@HREGSells.com!

Raleigh

Nearly 440,000 people call this North Carolina state capital city home. According to VisitRaleigh.com, the “city’s founding fathers called Raleigh the ‘City of Oaks’ and dedicated themselves to maintaining the area’s wooded tracts and grassy parks.” Downtown, you’ll find a wide variety of properties – from condos to single-family homes – and the trend continues, with an emphasis on apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, as you move out from the city’s center. Wake County Public School System is the school district for this town and you’ll find lots of colleges here, too, including NC State University, Meredith College, Wake Technical Community College, Shaw University, William Peace University, and more. Several private schools serve the Raleigh area, including Wake Christian Academy, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Ravenscroft, and others.

Durham

Almost 250,000 people call the “City of Medicine” home, as does Duke University and NC Central University. Durham is known for its creative workforce, arts and cultural influences, and a well-known foodie scene. Single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments are the most common types of homes you’ll find here, but there are some condominiums in the Downtown footprint, as well. Schools are operated by Durham Public Schools and many private options exist for elementary through high school, as well.

Cary

Well known as the headquarters for tech business giant SAS, Cary maintains a population of just over 150,000 and is known for its suburban living amenities: spacious single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments are the most common, often located near shopping centers and conveniences of nearby grocery stores, movie theaters, great schools, and more. Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System, but also offers private schools including Cary Academy.

Chapel Hill

Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as UNC Health Care, this quintessential “college town” packs in the southern charm, while having a smart focus on health-related careers and quality of life. The town’s population count sits at just below 60,000 residents. Here you’ll find lots of local art, independent retailers, and farm-to-fork dining options. Public schools are operated by Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools.

Apex

Regularly featured in national publications, Apex is known affectionately as the “Peak of Good Living” by its nearly 45,000 residents – and there are plenty of reasons to support that claim. In the historic downtown district, you’ll find lots of shops, award-winning restaurants, and locally-owned and operated service providers. Festivals and special events take place here year-round for residents who opt not to drive into nearby Raleigh, although it’s close enough to not be inconvenient for regular visits or daytime commuters. In Apex you’ll find lots of single-family home planned neighborhoods, townhome neighborhoods, and some apartment developments, too. (Check out our profile of a few popular neighborhoods here!) This is another Wake County Public School System area.

Wake Forest

Homes in Wake Forest may be located in Wake County or Franklin County based on the neighborhood or street address. The charming town located just north of Raleigh is home to nearly 35,000 residents and has grown tremendously in the last ten years. Its historic downtown district hosts numerous events and is great for enjoying small restaurants and independent retailers and recently renovated and repurposed “The Factory” is home shopping, restaurants, and lots of community recreation, as well. In Wake Forest, you’ll find a traditional mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and more apartment complexes as the area continues to grow. Homes here may fall in either the Wake County Public School System or Franklin County Schools.

Holly Springs

Nearly 30,000 residents call this popular Wake County suburb home! Holly Springs has become a popular destination for families and working professionals because of its close proximity to US-1, which connects drivers to other major Triangle roadways for workday commutes. You’ll find lots of community-organized cultural events, recreation programs, and even an occasional farmers’ market event. Here you’ll find mostly single-family homes, as well as townhomes developments and some apartment complexes. Homes in Holly Springs are in the Wake County Public School System.

Garner

Just shy of 30,000 residents have made their home in Garner, located just south of Downtown Raleigh and the first suburb of the city that you’ll meet on your way east on Highway 70 before you get to Clayton (the next town featured on this list). While Garner isn’t known as some of its suburban counterparts for a vibrant historic downtown district with shopping and restaurants, you will still find lots of modern comforts here including various shopping centers, an active parks and recreation program, and medical outposts by both UNC Rex Healthcare and WakeMed. Single-family homes are the dominant real estate listings here, with some townhomes/duplexes available and a few apartment complexes, especially closer to newer shopping centers. You’ll find listings in both Wake and Johnston counties here. Garner neighborhoods are included in the Wake County Public School System. Nearby, you’ll find Wake Christian Academy as a private school option.

Morrisville

Almost 22,000 people call Morrisville home – and it’s easy to see why. This Wake County suburb has super quick access to the Research Triangle Park, Durham, and Chapel Hill via the local highway infrastructure and its growth in the last decade has made way for lots of new home developments, shopping centers, and all the amenities you’d expect in a modern town. Homes in this area are also served by the Wake County Public School System.

Clayton

With close access via Highway 70 to Interstate 40, Clayton continues to be an increasingly popular destination for those who desire close access to Raleigh and the greater Triangle area, with more room to grow and the acreage to support it. Close to 20,000 residents are in this area within both mature and brand new builder neighborhoods. Clayton has a bit more of a rural vibe than other nearby suburbs because of its close proximity to counties where manufacturing and farming is more prevalent. Real estate listings here are in Johnston County. Homes here are within the Johnston County Schools system.

If you’re thinking about moving to any of these areas or have friends or family moving this way, my team of local market experts would love to help. Give us a call or email us anytime to set up a time to see just what this market has to offer!

Now Hiring: Buyer Specialist to Join Our Successful Team

Renee Hillman on January 8, 2016

“Here we grow again!”

We have been so fortunate to continue to grow at a great pace here at Hillman Real Estate Group in the last year! From the addition of our Client Care Specialist Jenn Hilliard to our Buyer Specialist Anne Supplee, 2015 was a fantastic year of adding new talent to our now mighty team of three. And we’re not slowing down now in 2016 – in fact, we’re ready to add a second Buyer Specialist to our team!

We are looking for a talented North Carolina licensed real estate agent to serve as a dedicated buyers agent that knows this market, is willing to learn new systems, and is always a good listener – someone who is conscientious, diligent, tech-savvy and just an all-around good person.

Does this sound like a great opportunity for you or someone you know? We’d love to talk to them! Please email Renee@HREGSells.com to set up a time to talk shop.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Showing This Weekend: Turn-Key Home in Prime West Raleigh Location

Renee Hillman on January 7, 2016

This awesome home in Trinity Woods is coming to the market this weekend and with these kinds of amenities and this killer location, it’s not going to last long, so make an appointment with me A.S.A.P. to make sure you get to see it!

All the hard work is done here – this is what it means to buy “turn-key”! Outside, the upgrades you’ll find include a new roof, new windows, and great back deck. Inside, the hardwood floors, carpet, tile, cabinets in the kitchen, granite countertops, sleek black appliances, upgraded bathrooms, and updated modern fixtures throughout shine like new.

Enjoy entertaining in the formal rooms on your main floor and get back to work when you need to in the home office, also on the main floor. The gourmet kitchen is going to be on lots of “must-have” lists this year, and this home has got it with raised panel cabinets, too!

Perfectly timed for the latest Raleigh-area cold streak, the fireplace in the family room will keep things cozy all winter long.

At the end of the day, retreat to the master suite with an updated tile bathroom and vanity fit for a king and queen. Don’t forget to invite the guests over – there’s plenty of room for everyone with three guest rooms and an updated guest bathroom with tile and vanity, for them too!

Keeping it all organized seems to be the theme of 2016, and that will be no trouble in the one car garage, parking pad, and storage shed. Plus, when it comes time to spring cleaning, the job will be done in no time with easy-to-maintain vinyl siding.

This neighborhood has super quick and convenient access to I-40/440, RTP, NC State University, and PNC Arena, too.

Take a virtual tour online today at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1474447 and when you’re ready to take a look, call me at 919-877-6708 or email me at Renee@HREGSells.com to pick a time to see this fantastic home soon!

Get an Insider’s Look at Top Triangle Neighborhoods in Raleigh and Apex!

Renee Hillman on November 29, 2015

Want the inside scoop on some of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh and Apex? Read up on Inside Wade in Raleigh and Salem Village and Scotts Mill in Apex in our Neighborhoods section at https://hregsells.com/neighborhoods/! A sneak peek of what you’ll find in each neighborhood feature is below.

Raleigh: Inside Wade

Inside Wade is nestled in one of Raleigh’s best locations. Conveniently located right off of both 40 & 440 which makes getting to RTP, Downtown, Cary & sporting events a breeze. You can even bike to Umstead State Park or walk to the PNC Arena & Carter Finley Stadium. Keep reading at https://hregsells.com/area/inside-wade/.
Apex: Salem Village

Residents love the Salem Village neighborhood in Apex because of its close proximity to downtown Apex (just over a mile away), US 1, I-540, and the short commute into neighboring Raleigh. Apex Elementary School is within walking distance and the neighborhood shares a border with a conservation area. Learn more about this beautiful neighborhood at https://hregsells.com/area/salem-village-in-apex/!

Apex: Scotts Mill

Located off Apex-Barbecue Road in Apex, North Carolina (the Peak of Good Living!), homes in the Scotts Mill neighborhood feature several variations of neo-classical designs, in both townhomes and single-family detached homes. Scotts Mill is convenient to I-540 and is near both Beaver Creek and the Beaver Creek Greenway. Residents are also just two miles away from charming Downtown Apex, which is home to a vibrant local shopping and dining district. (There’s also a mini-shopping center within the neighborhood – unique to this area!) Find out more insider’s tips about Scotts Mill in Apex at https://hregsells.com/area/scotts-mill-in-apex/.

There will be more neighborhoods featured in the coming months on Renee-Sells.com, so be sure to stay tuned to find where we feature next!

Got questions about these areas or would you like to visit available homes for sale in any of these neighborhoods? Give me a call at 919-877-6708 or email me at Renee@HREGSells.com to set a date!

Move-In Ready in Southwest Raleigh

Renee Hillman on September 2, 2015

House-hunting in the Trailwood and Tryon Road areas? Make sure to add this great move-in ready home to your must-see list!

This turn-key property is ready to go with fresh paint, new carpet, and updated fixtures! Walk-in the front door to a dramatic entry with a soaring ceiling that opens to the living room with gas logs fireplace and dining room. The kitchen has nice natural cabinets, white appliances, and a big stainless steel refrigerator.

Enjoy the master suite on the main floor with two closets, dual vanities, and garden tub/shower combo. There are two more generous size bedrooms upstairs with a shared bathroom – plus, a good size bonus room!

Kick back with your four-legged friends on the back deck (recently stained!) that overlooks the spacious, fenced backyard.

There’s even the ever hard to find two-car garage included and you’ll also have access to the neighborhood pool here. You’ll have plenty of time to spend there thanks to the low-maintenance vinyl siding exterior of the home. This location is super convenient to I-40, NC State University, North State Farmers Market, Downtown Raleigh, Cary, and more.

Take an online tour now at http://www.tourfactory.com/1417699 and let me know when you want to see it for your self in person! Reach me at 919-877-6708 or Renee@HREGSells.com.

Location, Location, Location and Plenty of Room to Grow at This Home in Raleigh’s Inside Wade Neighborhood

Renee Hillman on August 27, 2015

Could you ask for a better location? Nestled in the Inside Wade neighborhood, 1310 Rodessa Run has got it all – including super quick access to PNC Arena, Umstead State Park, walking trails, shopping (including Whole Foods), dining, and more.

The popular “Simone” floor plan is flowing with an upgraded technology room and awesome natural light throughout. Relax or entertain in the spacious living room with gas logs fireplace and enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen that features granite counters, a working island, and stainless steel appliances. There are even two options for dining!

When the day is done, retreat to the master suite with custom wainscotting, a spa bathroom with soaking tub, dual vanities, and a separate shower!

The utility room is loaded with cabinets to keep it all put together and looking new. Take advantage of the fenced backyard with floating deck to enjoy the landscape! You’ll also find a two-car garage with bedroom and full tile bathroom (445 of total sq. ft.) above! The covered front porch is just made for front porch sipping on sweet tea.

Inside Wade offers residents lots of amenities including a community pool, clubhouse, and dog park for letting Fido stretch his legs.

Take a virtual tour online right now at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1412696 and then let’s set a date for your own personal visit! I’m available by phone or email at 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com.

What the Seller Says About 8408 Old Ponderosa Circle

Renee Hillman on May 5, 2015

Things we Love about Raleigh:

We love the location! We are just 2 hours to the beach and 2 hours or so to mountains. We also really enjoy the weather, although Mother Nature is moody sometimes, we do get all 4 seasons.

We enjoy being 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh where we can go to the PNC Arena for a concert or a hockey game. There’s also Carter Finley Stadium where you can watch the wolfpack play football! Duke Energy Center makes for a great date night to watch the performing arts and the kids enjoy a day at Marbles Museum.

Places we Love to Eat:

We love La Piazza right down 50. It’s simply fabulous! You can’t beat a family owned Italian restaurant. Simple Twist as well as 42 Craft Beverage are also 2 great places!

Of course, there are tons of choices at White Oak. You can always grab a good steak at Outback right off Hwy 70.

Places we Like to go for Grocery Shopping & Other Conveniences:

We shop at BJ’s at White Oak which is just minutes away! LOVE Aplus Nails! We shop at Food Lion and Harris Teeter. We love White Oak all around and Cabela’s just opened! At White Oak you can find all your sporting good needs, a Dollar Tree, tons of eateries, Kohl’s, Target, nail places, sports bars, ice cream shops, and more! You can go shopping, get a pedi/mani or haircut, grab dinner, and catch a movie all in one place! We are also close to Walmart and Sheetz.
What we Were Drawn to When we Bought our Home:

We loved the HUGE backyard and deck for grilling and entertaining. We’ve hosted a number of events out back and there’s always room for plenty of fun for adults and kids. Our bonus room was also a huge draw. We love sports so we knew we would use it for watching games with friends as well as doubling as a play room for the kids. The neighborhood was very warm and welcoming.

Things we Love and Enjoy About the Area:

There are lots of parks for trails and playing nearby such as White Deer Park and Lake Benson.

The Garner Performing Arts Center is close by and Garner Parks & Rec is a great organization. The people around the area are always helpful and kind. We enjoy the convenience of having any kind of store or activity nearby that we need. There are always family friendly and holiday events at Lake Benson. If you are a young professional there is of course plenty to enjoy in downtown. There are great churches in the area as well as daycares. Calvary Baptist has been wonderful for my kids as they attend preschool and camps there.

About our Neighborhood:

We love that we have neighbors close by but our houses are not right on top of each other. There’s plenty of space, but also have the reassurance that a friendly family is close by should you need anything.

Our neighborhood is very diverse. We have young newlyweds, young professionals, and an abundance of couples with kids ranging from 0- to college age. Folks are friendly and we have made lifelong friends in this neighborhood. It’s also a great place for a walk in the early morning or in the evening.

New in Midtown Raleigh: A Condo Close to Everything!

Renee Hillman on April 5, 2015

This latest listing is penthouse living in an ideal location sandwiched between Downtown Raleigh and the North Hills/Midtown areas. Even better… it doesn’t have the crazy price tag with it!

In this penthouse condominium, you’ll find newer neutral carpet and an efficient kitchen with black appliances, maple cabinets and even a bar top for seating! The coordinating refrigerator stays for your convenience.

In the master suite, enjoy your private bathroom with tile, linen cabinet, and walk-in closet.

In this priced-right condo, you’ll even get a guest bathroom with pedestal sink, not to mention a true laundry area with full size washer and dryer – this is one of the few condos without the need for small stackables!
Outside, check out the covered composite deck that allows you to enjoy the view! This home backs to wooded buffer and Raleigh Greenway access is just to right of the building. Don’t miss the grilling and hang out area that is located right by the building, too! This community also features reasonable monthly dues that include water and secured entry.

In the neighborhood, you’ve got all the conveniences of Costco, Trader Joe’s, ShabaShabu (awesome sushi!), and more.

Take an online tour 24/7 at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1325359 and then contact me at 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com to schedule a personal showing!

Coming Soon: 6924 Middleboro Drive in Raleigh

Renee Hillman on December 3, 2014

Located in Raleigh, nestled between Lead Mine Road and Lynn Road, we’ve got a 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bath townhome… complete with bonus room and garage… coming this week at under $220,000!

With space to spare in the popular area of town, this property won’t be a listing for long, so drop me a line if you’d like to be one of the first to visit. I’m happy to work around your schedule to make sure that showings are convenient for you.

You can reach me anytime at 919-877-6708 or via email at Renee@Renee-Sells.com!

Get out and enjoy the Triangle Area!

Renee Hillman on November 29, 2014

One of my biggest gripes is when I hear people say “Ugh this area is so boring, there is nothing to do!” I am thinking in my head of course, what are you crazy?!

This is how the conversation goes:
Me: “What do you like to do?” (This goes the same every time.)
Other person: “I like this, this and that etc. (Fill in the blanks of what you like to do)
Me: “Well have you looked around for those things to do?”
Other: “No not really”
Me: “Well maybe that is the problem”

Although we still seem to hold on to that small town feel that so many of us love, there is a plethora of things to do. I could fill up pages upon pages here. I don’t really care what you like, whether it is sports, art, stand up comedy, food, plays, Broadway musicals, water sports, music, hiking, painting we really have you covered! Spend some time searching on the web and you are bound to find an interest group, they are an awesome source of information. Heck that is how I was able to find out where to play volleyball as an adult. I’ve met some great people that way & thankful for that Meet Up group I joined several years ago.

So I really don’t want to hear there is nothing to do. Here are some examples of random activities this weekend that I found just perusing around:

71st Annual Gourd Festival

Promoted by the NC Gourd Society, the 71st annual North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival features displays of historical gourds from around the world and a variety of growing, crafting, and artistic competitions. There are gourd workshops both days (Sept. 8 and 9) and vendors of gourd crafts, dried gourds, seeds, books, and gourd crafting supplies. The Festival is in the Holshouser Building (round Village of Yesteryear building) on the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Full list of events at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds click here

Cow Parade NC

CowParade, the world’s largest public art exhibit, has arrived in the Triangle! CowParade North Carolina 2012 features 81 painted and costumed cows, all whimsically transformed by regional artists, professional and amateur, from life-sized “blank canvas” fiberglass cows.

Herd locations are throughout the Triangle…now that would be a fun scavenger hunt idea for a family!

Hopscotch Music Festival 2012

3 days, 175 bands, 15 venues.

“Now in its third year, The Independent Weekly’s Hopscotch Music Festival brings 175 bands to 15 venues in downtown Raleigh. Intended to highlight the Triangle’s music scene by pairing exciting local talent with notable national and international artists, Hopscotch offers choices in just about every genre imaginable—rock, hip-hop, alt-country, metal, dance, punk, classical, noise, drone, folk, and more. It is a festival that thrives on the variety and quality of its lineup, and this year, with roughly 35% of the musicians hailing from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and other nearby locales, it’s a testament to both this region’s musical diversity and its national relevance.

Featuring 175 bands at night, day parties, the Edward McKay Used Books & More Cultural Series, charity activities, a poster exhibition, and more, Hopscotch takes place September 6-8, 2012. We invite you to experience it with us.” –The Independent Hopscotch Music Festival, Raleigh, NC Website

From unique to normal you really CAN find those activities that will keep you happy right out your back door! Make it a great week. Renee Hillman