Blog
Richard Riano – Lender Extraordinaire
January 25, 2012 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
Rarely do I send out compliments about a lender – this time I have to because he is so fantastic. He figured out how I can refinance my rental properties when NO ONE ELSE could. Rich Riano loves problems, so if your taxes are complex, if your financing is complicated, he just may be able [...]
Where’s 2012′s Real Estate Market Headed?
January 16, 2012 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
Call me an optimist, but I think the economy will continue its slow recovery in 2012. And according to financial forecasters polled by the Wall Street Journal, I’m not the only one who feels that way. Fifty or so forecasters expect growth rather than decline in the coming year. How does that look exactly? I [...]
Cleaning Out? Here’s Where to Donate Your Old Stuff…
January 12, 2012 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
This is the time of year when many of us resolve to clean out and organize – as part of our resolutions – or simply making space for the new things we have received over holidays. If you are getting rid of used items (or unwanted gifts!), consider donating them to one of the local [...]
Giving for the Season
December 8, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
This is the time of year that usually brings out the generous spirit in all of us. Most of us want to share with others, but there are so many options that sometimes it’s hard to know which one is the best. If you live in the Chapel Hill/Durham area, here’s a list of some [...]
Buy Local!
November 22, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
Buy local. You’ve seen it on bumper stickers, read it on blogs, heard it on the radio. Most of the time when we think “Buy Local”, we’re thinking about food. But as “Black Friday” approaches, what about thinking “Buy Local” for all those on your gift list? Instead of heading to the big box store [...]
New Commandments for Real Estate
October 14, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
In the past couple of years, the rules for real estate have changed. Here are four new “commands” to keep you on the straight and narrow. I. Thou shalt not sell. If you don’t have to sell – don’t. If it’s already on the market, and hasn’t sold, rent it. Wait until 2012 to list [...]
The Best Home Show in Town!
September 29, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
It’s no secret that I love great architecture, and I love touring homes. One of my favorite home tours is coming up this weekend – American Institute of Architects (AIA) Triangle Tour of Residential Architecture. This year, there are two Chapel Hill homes included in the six on the tour! You’ll see the best of [...]
Bullish for Durham
August 17, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
I’m getting calls from Oregon and Texas because of my Durham listings. Recent articles in CNN Money and US News list Durham as one of the 100 best places to live and one of the best 25 places in which to retire. The secret has escaped! Is it the appeal of Duke University and the [...]
How to Plant for a Drought
August 15, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
With the current drought conditions, keeping your landscaping beautiful can be a daunting task. Before you begin planting, keep in mind that some plants and flowers can thrive in a dry environment. Designing your yard with decorative mulch and stones shaped and defined by borders is another option. This requires NO watering. Tall grasses, those [...]
Cash Out Refinance
August 2, 2011 by CrazyViv · Leave a Comment
As you know, I own some rental properties, and there are some upgrades and additions I really wanted to do – which means I need cash. So I’m refinancing my own house to raise the capital. The low interest rates – we’re about to finance at 4.3% – means we can take out $40K with [...]
