Date Archives: February 2021

When potential buyers arrive to tour a prospective home, the outside creates an impression within minutes. Our real estate agents know that picturesque landscaping can even raise the total value of your home. Don't wait until summer to get started on your landscaping projects. Instead, check out a few things you can do now to start the planning process.

1. Decide What Furniture, Garden Decor, and Deck Items You Want
   Take a moment to envision your ideal outdoor spaces. What do they consist of? What items do you have, and what pieces are you lacking? Make a list of the items you'll need to complete your projects. Then, browse your preferred retailers to find pieces you like, noting the price and anticipated delivery times. This will ensure that you find options that suit your budget, and you can cater your ordering date according to the item's availability.

2. Start Your Seedling Indoors
   If your landscaping plans involve adding new plants and flowers or growing your own vegetable garden, consider starting your own seedlings inside and transplanting them during the spring or summer months. Not only do you have control over the growing conditions, but it's typically cheaper to grow your own seedlings rather than purchasing them. You also have a wide variety of plant species to choose from, allowing you to find the best option for your landscaping, climate, and vision for your home's exterior. 

3. Make a Plan for Spatial Limitations
   Even Raleigh homes for sale with limited outdoor space can have gorgeous outside spaces. Now is the ideal time to come up with a plan for maximizing the space that you have. Maybe you've always dreamed of a lush garden, but you're out of yard space. One solution is to add a vertical garden that takes up a small amount of your yard's square footage. Or, you might add window planter boxes. Perhaps you envision a roomy outdoor space where you can cook, eat, and relax with your family. If your current deck is too small, you might plan an expansion or decide to split your outside spaces into your front and back yards. 

4. Research Smart Technology for Your Gardens
   If you worry that you'll forget to water your garden or just prefer to automate the process, now's the time to research and set up smart technology to make the task as simple as possible. You can invest in a smart irrigation system that adjusts its water output based on the weather and current soil conditions. Your plans might involve expanding your outdoor entertaining space. Add smart speakers and lighting so that you can quickly set the tone for your evening. 

5. Craft a Plan of Attack for Pests
   Pests, like mosquitos, flies, and rabbits, keep you from getting optimal enjoyment from your home's outdoor areas. Decide how you want to tackle these pests. You may prefer to add vegetation that will deter the pesky creatures. For example, citronella, catnip, and marigold plants repel mosquitos. Thorny bushes help keep deer away. You can also check that you've removed any items in your yard (like standing water or decaying vegetation) that pests find attractive. Or, it may be better to enact a physical better to keep animals and neighboring pets out of your yard and garden. 

Want to check out homes with more space for landscaping projects? Contact us today to get started!

Have you run out of books on your reading list? Our real estate agents don't have that problem, thanks to these delightful book shops around Raleigh homes for sale. Stop in and find your perfect read!

1. Quail Ridge Books - 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609
   Among the many awards bestowed upon Quail Ridge Books is "Bookseller of the Year" from Publishers' Weekly. One of the reasons cited in the recognition was their commitment to the local community, especially in promoting reading with kids and teens. Events include more than 20 virtual book clubs in a variety of topics, along with appearances by noted authors such as Neil Gaiman. Quail Ridge is currently offering free shipping and contactless pickup. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily except Sunday when closing time is 6 p.m.
   
   
2. Reader's Corner - 3201 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27607
   Find a new home for your used books at Reader's Corner, a cozy shop with a devoted following due to its friendly, knowledgeable staff. Reader's Corner offers cash or credit for used and rare books along with vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and comic books. Collectors, take note: science fiction and fantasy is one of their specialties. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
3. Read With Me - 111 E. Hargett St. #110, Raleigh, NC 27601
   Owner Christine Brenner opened Read With Me as part of her mission to share her childhood love of books with younger generations. The selection of high-quality books is curated to promote families reading together, and their virtual book club gathers once a month to discuss the selected title. While the shop currently has an in-store limit of 10 customers, private appointments are available. Order online for pickup or free dropoff to addresses in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Garner. Read With Me is open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday and noon - 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
   
   
4. Dog-Eared Books - 4027 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh, NC 27604
   Every book lover is familiar with the meaning behind the name of Dog-Eared Books. What they may not know is that the term also pays tribute to the equal love of dogs shared by the female duo that owns the shop. Dog-Eared Books features a wide selection of used books at affordable prices. In the mood for something new? For only $5, opt for the Surprise Selection and let the staff make the choice. Their book subscriptions make great gifts for friends, family, or yourself. The shop is currently accepting online orders only for pickup weekdays from 8 a.m. - noon and Saturday from 10 - noon. 
   
   
5. Nice Price Books & Records - 3106 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27607
   Treat your eyes and ears with a purchase from Nice Price Books & Records. Their selection is so intriguing and prices so reasonable that the store has gained loyal customers from out of state. Shoppers also appreciate the fair price they receive on used books and records. Browsers are limited to five at a time, but curbside pickup is available. Hours are noon - 7 p.m. seven days a week. 

Let us help you start a new chapter of your life in Raleigh. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston for experienced help with all your real estate needs.

Are you looking for a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day without the crowds? This year, why not enjoy a romantic dinner at home? It's easy to re-create an intimate restaurant setting. Just set the table, dim the lights, and light some candles. Put on some romantic music, and you're ready to go!

Our real estate agents often order takeout meals from the area's top restaurants. Here are a few you can rely on to send you home with a meal that will make your evening super special. 

1. Beasley's Chicken & Honey: 237 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27601
   A special Valentine's Day doesn't have to be fancy, and it doesn't always have to involve dinner! Beasley's Chicken & Honey offers a brunch menu that you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy. From the Hot Chicken Eggs Benedict to the fresh-made Churros, there are plenty of decadent options to start your weekend off right. They also offer excellent comfort food like Fried Chicken with Honey, Pork Shoulder Meatloaf, and Crispy Carolina Catfish. Don't forget to add some of their tasty sides, like Pimento Mac-N-Cheese Custard, Sea-Salt Brined Fries, and Mini Waffles with Honey Butter and Syrup. 
   
   
2. Lantern: 423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
   When restaurants use local ingredients you can taste the difference! Lantern is committed to using ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries near Chapel Hill homes for sale. Their menu is always changing to highlight what's in season. Be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest takeout options they have available and impress your valentine with a farm to table meal. 
   
   
3. Caffe Luna: 136 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601
   For tasty Italian cuisine with a Tuscan flair, you can't go wrong with an order from Caffe Luna. Their take-out dinner menu features a large selection of pasta dishes and entrees, including veal, chicken, steak, seafood, and more. Don't forget to add dessert! They have incredible Tiramisu, traditional Philadelphia-style Cheesecake, and the "Irish Bash," a chocolate-crusted cheesecake swirled with Bailey's Irish Cream flavoring and drizzled with chocolate syrup.
    
4. Bleu Olive Mediterranean Bistro: 1820 Hillandale Rd., Durham, NC 27705
   Popular Greek and Mediterranean restaurant Bleu Olive has pleased Durham residents since 1994. They hand-craft each meal they serve using fresh, local ingredients. If you've been thinking about buying one of the great Durham homes for sale, you'll definitely want to familiarize yourself with this excellent restaurant. Make sure you save room for the Baklava, Orange Dark Chocolate Torte, or the Goat Cheese & Honey Cheesecake!
   
   
5. Chef's Palette: 3460 Ten Ten Rd., Cary, NC 27518
   Known for being a friendly neighborhood restaurant, Chef's Palette offers a delicious menu that's perfect for a special occasion. The food is always excellent, and the portions are quite generous. We recommend the Brie Bites, Duck Rolls, Canadian Salmon, and Chicken Francese. No matter what you choose, you definitely won't be disappointed. Chef's Palette is located near many of the best Cary homes for sale. On the way to pick up your meal, consider taking a drive around so you can see some of the beautiful neighborhoods nearby. 

Now is the perfect time to find a home you can really fall in love with! There are so many beautiful Raleigh homes for sale, and we can't wait to help you find the perfect one. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.

2021 is the year of the "Zoom town" – a great shakeup where professionals are exploring their home options. As more jobs go remote, fewer people are tethered to their old neighborhoods. Now's the time to go exploring and find a place where you'll feel truly enthusiastic to live.

For many people, that place is Raleigh, North Carolina.

There are so many reasons to consider Raleigh homes for sale. We decided to share a few!

For example:

1. Raleigh Has a Low Cost of Living
   A study by Payscale showed that average housing expenses in Raleigh are 30% lower than the U.S. average. Its overall cost of living is estimated at 5% lower than the U.S. national average, placing it among America's most inexpensive big cities. Many buyers have the chance to purchase not only a house but ample land.
2. It is Emerging as Another Tech Hub
   Perched between three major universities, Research Triangle Park has become the epicenter of an all-new tech boom for the South. More than 200 companies operate within the Triangle, and it has attracted the talents of some 50,000 workers in areas like microelectronics, biotechnology, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, among others.
3. A Regional Leader in Higher Education
   Few other places in the U.S. can match Raleigh's three major colleges, including Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State University. It's a phenomenal place to start or continue with higher education, and about 43% of locals hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Wake Forest University is also nearby.
4. Mild Winters Perfect for New Englanders
   While the summer weather can be humid, Raleigh winters are a pleasant departure for many people who are used to wind, rain, hail, and snow. The average winter temperature is a balmy 43 degrees, well above what's needed for snow. In the summer, the average temperature "soars" to 78 degrees – hardly sweltering heat.
5. Surrounded by Natural Beauty
   No matter what interests you, Raleigh has the diverse geography you need for plenty of outdoor adventures. Weekend trips to the mountains or the beach are each about two hours away. Carolina Beach offers you the beautiful shore without the crowds, one of the top-ranked Pacific beach areas outside of Florida.
6. The Smithsonian of the South
   History buffs will have plenty to love when they choose Raleigh for their new home. Some of the most beloved museums in the country are right here, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and dozens of historic sites.
7. Exceptional Shopping and Dining
   There are three major shopping malls in the Raleigh area, providing everything from handmade local goods and colorful boutiques to all your favorite chain stores. The culinary scene is on the rise, too: Southern comfort food is on the menu, but so is innovative, sustainable cuisine suitable for foodies and locavores.
8. A Welcoming, Friendly Community
   In a word, Raleigh is neighborly. It has a sense of community you'll be hard-pressed to find in many other large cities, as well as distinctive neighborhoods with their own character. Oakwood, Five Points, Brier Creek, and the rest all offer unique charms, including differing tastes in architectural style.

Our real estate agents are here to help. Contact us to learn more about Raleigh real estate.