2 May 2013 Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

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Rediscovering Ranch Style HousesRanch houses, low, sleek and modernist style one-story homes, were first developed in California in the late 1920’s and early 30’s. Architects like Cliff May created homes inspired by haciendas and ranchos, houses with large family areas connected to other rooms including an al-fresco dining room available in courtyards and patios. The living was simple, casual and uncluttered. The design lent itself easily to tract housing from the 40’s to the 70’s, ... [Read more...]
30 April 2013 If they ask “How Far is It From Weaver Street Market?”…You Know You’re in Carrboro!

If they ask “How Far is It From Weaver Street Market?”…You Know You’re in Carrboro!

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Carrboro prides itself on being a little - okay, a lot - non-traditional. It's a fun and funky place that is so cutting edge that they're not cutting edge at all. The pace is slower, more laid back than most of the Triangle. Independent. You won't find a lot of big name stores and restaurants in Carrboro. Almost all the businesses in Carrboro are small, independently owned establishments. There are Tiendas, an Asian market, the Carrboro Farmers Market, the cooperatives. Carr Mill Mall is ... [Read more...]
19 April 2013 Home Inspections – Like a Physical for Your Home

Home Inspections – Like a Physical for Your Home

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People often speak of homes like they are people. They need to breathe, they can 'feel sad', and if those walls could only talk! Here's another thing that houses need - a periodic checkup, otherwise known as a home inspection. Most people only consider having a home inspection when they are getting ready to sell or buy a home. But a home inspection is something that you should do more often. Just like your body, if you don't have a regular checkup for your house, things could go wrong without ... [Read more...]
17 April 2013 What Does Cary Mean?!

What Does Cary Mean?!

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They say that Cary is a bedroom community for Raleigh and Durham. It's situated nicely right in the Research Triangle, and a lot of people are able to get to RTP without the dreaded I-40 commute. But you'll find that Cary has grown to be much more. Take a look at some of the things that make Cary such a sought after place to live. Trains, Planes and Automobiles. Cary is a sprawling area, with no definable downtown, but with lots of public transportation options. The local C-Tran and Triangle ... [Read more...]
16 April 2013 Buy Buy Love: Lighting Up Our Lives

Buy Buy Love: Lighting Up Our Lives

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Successful remodeling means you and your spouse agree on what’s most important. If you read the last Buy Buy Love post, you know that Sim and I do not naturally agree on big decisions, but we’re learning the art of compromise. When we stood firmly at an impasse over certain decisions, a little advice from our designer architect Carol Lippert with Lippert and Lippert Design helped us find our way. Years ago Carol taught us that when you walk into a room, the first two things you notice ... [Read more...]
3 April 2013 Going Up…Insurance Rates in North Carolina

Going Up…Insurance Rates in North Carolina

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If you own a home in North Carolina, your homeowner's insurance premiums are going up. You probably need to contact your insurance agent and/or your bank to see how this will affect your policy and your escrow. If you're a landlord, this will affect you, too. The increase is an average of 7%, but it varies greatly. Take a look at this chart to see the rate hike in your area. You'll note that Chapel Hill fared much better than places near the beach! If you have trouble reading the chart (I ... [Read more...]
22 March 2013 Buy Buy Love: Remodeling…Can Your Relationship Stand it?

Buy Buy Love: Remodeling…Can Your Relationship Stand it?

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Planning your house is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s also one of the most stressful. Personally I would rank it in the top five most stressful things you can experience, alongside such personally catastrophic events like death of a family member, divorce or job hunting in tough times. Remodeling is not for the faint of heart. If you want to take on this challenge, make sure your relationship can stand it. Let’s face it: money issues can test the best ... [Read more...]
19 March 2013 Now’s The Time…and Here’s Why

Now’s The Time…and Here’s Why

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Sometimes you run across a statistic or two you can’t ignore. Right now, interest rates are at an astounding 3.625% -- much less than 10 years ago or even 20 years ago. If you are in the market for a house, waiting until fall could cost you substantially. Look at the following table and discover what kind of house $912 per month could purchase in 1992, 2003 and today. While no one can say for sure what day interest rates will increase, many financial experts estimate another six ... [Read more...]
15 March 2013 American Icon of Ingenuity: the Cape Cod House

American Icon of Ingenuity: the Cape Cod House

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Leave it to those early American colonists to create a house design that’s still very popular today. You have to admire their creativity. Far from home, they initially wanted to re-create a simple house they remembered from England with a hall and a parlor. What they started to plan quickly morphed into a new design to meet the challenges of Massachusetts weather. The wintery coast wind felt bitterly cold, and snow fall could be measured in feet rather than inches. They needed a roof ... [Read more...]
9 March 2013 GREAT Craftsman Homes in Durham

GREAT Craftsman Homes in Durham

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Since I wrote about Craftsman homes a few months ago, they seem to be popping up everywhere. (Do you think I started something?!) In addition, I just learned about some wonderful new Craftsman style homes being built in Durham. And the great thing is that they are affordable – in the low $200’s! If you’ve been looking for a home that feels cozy, but is really roomy, well designed and energy efficient, give me a call and let me tell you about these Craftsman homes for sale in Durham! ... [Read more...]
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