Lisa's Raleigh Midtown Blog

Saturday, September 11, 2010

What's happening in Midtown Raleigh this weekend? The St. Raphael's Fair!

It was a beautiful night last night at the annual St. Raphael's fair on Falls of Neuse Road. Head out there tonight and enjoy rides, games, food and so much more! And if you want to live in this wonderful area where there is always something fun to do, just contact me today.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Friday, September 10, 2010

We had a guest at lunch today. Beautiful! #REBCRDU

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

@MayaREGuru at #REBCRDU

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

#REBCRDU getting started!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ranch home in Raleigh Golf community--Coming Soon!

Great three bedroom, two bath ranch home in Raleigh's Hedingham Golf Community will be on the market soon. Priced at $149,900, this is a great deal! Contact me for details.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Healthy breakfast for me this morning!!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Monday, August 30, 2010

Social Media and Real Estate Class at Falls Midtown Office

With @mmorgantriangle teaching linking your social media accounts. A great way to begin the week!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Real Estate market update at the RBC Center in Raleigh

I'm at the Real Estate Market update and forecast at the RBC Center. Good news, rates are low. Let's not focus on bad news!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

North Hills Basement Townhome For Sale Soon!

This three bedroom, two full and two half bath, basement townhome will hit the market soon. Completely redone on the inside, beautiful deck overlooking wooded area and over 1900 square feet and priced under $150,000. Contact me today fir a sneak preview!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

It's Mater Sandwich day at the #Midtown office of @CBHPW

If you are Southern Born and Bred, or arrived here by plane, train or automobile, you know that mater sandwiches are the staple of a Southen Summer Diet! And it's not complete unless you have the Duke's mayo to go along with it! So here's to tradition and summers in the South!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

http://twitter.com/MidtownRealtor

It's Mater Sandwich Day at the Midtown Office of @CBHPW

Click here to download:

mater sandwich day (125 KB)

It's that time of year again, It's Mater Sandwich Day! If you are Southern Born and Bred, or if you arrived here by plane, train or automobile, you know that Mater Sandwiches are the staple of the summer southern diet! And no proper mater sandwich is complete without Duke's Mayo! Here's to tradition and summer in the south! May you both live on forever!

Lisa Coleman

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Text "LisaC" to 87778 for a free SmartPhone App to search the MLS!

Become a Fan! http://Facebook.com/MidtownRealtor

http://www.mefinefoundation.org/how-to-help

MeFine Foundation and my daughter Holly Need Your Help!!

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let everyone know that my daughter Holly is competing in the SEC (Southern Elegance Charm) State Pageant on August 28th. This is a wonderful pageant for little girls, and they always choose a charity to help during their state competition. The little girl that raises the most money gets crowned the Sweetheart Queen of the pageant and gets to participate with the state queens in all their appearances during the next year!

This year they have chosen the MeFine Foundation in Johnston County. If you don't know about MeFine, this wonderful group of people helps parents and families of children with terminal illness and those that have long hospital stays. They rely solely on the goodness of those around them for their funds through donation and money collected at their thrift store. In fact, I love this organization so much that I have a portion of every paycheck I receive sent to them through our foundation here at HPW.

Holly is collecting money for MeFine through August 28th. I know that everyone's budget is tighter this year, so I don't want to ask for any specific amount. If you can give a little something, that would be great. Even a couple of dollars goes a long way!

All you have to do is click on the link below to find out more about MeFine and to make a donation. If you choose to donate this way, just cut and past this is the note section:

"For Holly Coleman for SEC State Pageant". If you would like to write a check, let me know and you can send it to me or directly to MeFine.

Also, if you do donate, can you drop a private email back to me and let me know you did with how much, so I can keep track.

Thanks for all your help and I hope you are all having a wonderful day!!

Lisa Coleman

First Day of School!

My son Chip is checking out everything on his way to class his first day of school at Friendship Christian School. Time is going by so fast. Next thing I know I'll be dropping him off at college! Hopefully NC State!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyer's May Be Back

There is a "new" bill in Congress (I say "new" because it was originally introduced on January 16, 2009) that would reinstate FHA seller financed down payment assistance.

H.R. 600 was introduced by Rep. All Green (D-TX) and has 23 additional sponsors. This bill, if passed, would revive the down payment assistance programs that were so popular before the mortgage meltdown and the foreclosure wave that has hit the US real estate market.

This bill differs from the previous Down Payment Assistance programs in that a buyer would need a credit score of 680 or higher to qualify. Which supports say would lessen the risk of foreclosure. The majority of foreclosures that have happened in recent months have been with loans given to buyers with credit scores south of 600.

So, the question is, is this the magic tool that will kick-start our real estate industry? Let's think about it this way. Seventy percent of all first time buyers who purchased a home using the now expired tax credit, stated that they would have purchased a home anyway. The tax credit just gave them the incentive to do it a little earlier. The cost of the tax credit is placed on the government, which eventually gets passed to the tax payers. So why not have a program where the seller helps the buyer with the down payment, instead of the tax payers. This could work.

Below is a link to a video giving more information about this program:

http://www.thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/archive/1/52128/

Also, if you would like to read the bill, here the link for that:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-600

This may be a great way to breathe some life into the US Real Estate Industry, which is on of the major drivers of the entire US Economy. If you agree with this bill, contact your representative and tell them to take a look at this bill, a see what can be done to get it passed.

And as always, if you need any assistance with any real estate related issue, just contact me. I'm always happy to help!

Monday, July 26, 2010

One reason built-in bookcases are popular in new homes.

This us our family pet, Max&RubyJoe. (my children named him after their two favorite NickJr. Shows). He loves the built-in bookcases in our new home.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Friday, July 23, 2010

The Chic fil A cow is an NC State Wolfpack fan!

There's no doubt about it! This is a die hard Wolfpack fan!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Meet Mary...a great lady in search of a job!

This is Mary Roberts. She, her husband Jim and their daughter Lexi just sold their home in upstate NY and are relocating to Raleigh. They are going to buy a house from me, but Mary needs to find a job.

So let's help her. Mary is looking in the accounting field, as a Controller, Director or CFO. You can contact her at MRoberts127@nc.rr.com . Or email me and I'll be happy to forward you her resume.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Mimi's Cafe has the best French Toast!

Yum yum!!!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act H.R. 5623

The Congress has passed H.R. 5623, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act, which extends the tax credit closing deadline until September 30^th. There will also be no gap between June 30^th and the date the President signs the bill into law. The extension only applies to transactions in which the purchase contract was signed by April 30^th. Again, this applies only to contracts executed on or before April 30.

This will go to the President for his signature before it becomes law.

I know there are few of these deals floating around out there (new construction?) which is great news for these buyers.

What this new Act does is extends the time that a home buyer must close to October 1, 2010. The old date was June 30, 2010. It was estimated that over 180,000 home buyers were going to miss out on the tax credit because of lack of time for underwriters and loan officers to get needed information and to get the closing documents to the closing parties or attorneys.

In the Senate's version of this bill, there is also a measure to extend unemployment insurance to those out of work.

So, will this fix the economy? Many do not think so. I have been reading comments online from people who think that the government should stay out of it and let the economy fix itself. However, this is not an expansion of the tax credit, simply an extension.

The home buyer's that this applies to are those that did purchase, in good faith, a home before the April 30th deadline, and through no fault of their own, would have missed the required June 30th deadline for the tax credit. Most delays are coming from swamped loan underwriters and home builders trying to get new home finished in time.

If you have any questions about this extension, please feel free to contact me or visit www.MarketWatch.com. They have a great section on this as well as other items affecting the economy.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Dropping off flyers at another great home in Midtown Raleigh!

Out and about today dropping off flyers at another beautiful home in Midtown Raleigh. With tons of updates and a fabulous yard, this home is worth seeing! 913 Deerfield Road, Raleigh.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

http://twitter.com/MidtownRealtor

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Midtown Raleigh's Latest Listing!

Want to live in Raleigh's Midtown/North Hills Area? Then look no further! This great four bedroom home is priced under $200,000 and has a ton to offer.

Four bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, a large kitchen and breakfast area, screened porch, and a wooded back yard with an outside detached storage building. Contact me for details!

Lisa Coleman

Follow me on Twitter:

Go Mobile!

Text "LisaC" to 87778 for a free SmartPhone App to search the MLS!

Become a Fan! http://Facebook.com/MidtownRealtor

Thursday, June 24, 2010

North Hills Raleigh's Plein Air Art Festival Winner.

A BIG congratulations to my past client Jean Gruenwald. This is the second year in a row she has taken home the blue ribbon at the North Hills Art Festival!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Meet another happy first-time homebuyer in Raleigh!

Meet Jennifer Swinea. She is all smiles because she just closed on her first home, a beautiful town home in Raleigh. I love happy endings and beginnings! Congrats Jennifer!!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Monday, May 17, 2010

Lunch @ThePit part 2

The photo would help!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Lunch @ThePit in Raleigh!

Yummy Fried Green Tomatos!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Monday, May 10, 2010

Oh The Places You Go...And the People That you Meet-and the Life Lessons you Learn.

It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I became familiar with the Dr. Seuss book "Oh! The Places You'll Go." (I must have been the only college graduate in the country that didn't receive that as one of my graduation gifts.)

My first experience with this was with another agent in my office. She works as a buyer's agent for another agent, and he gave her that book for Christmas. She was a little disappointed, because the year before he had given her a beautiful gold bracelet. But with the economy and real estate down, I guess a $9.00 book was all he could afford that year. But she was less than thrilled. Then I came across the idea of it again last summer during Vacation Bible School. But added on the end of this popular title was "And the People You Can Help."

This book title came to mind to me this weekend as I stumbled around Raleigh with my family. Although we didn't leave town, we went several different places and the people that I met...Oh!

My first stop was North Hills on Friday afternoon. I was headed to Harris Teeter, and since it was such a beautiful day out, I decided to stop at Starbucks for an iced coffee and a little break. While in Starbucks, I struck up a conversation with a young girl (now that I am in my 40's, all 20 somethings are young girls). She was distraught that all the cards with the code to the free music download from Starbucks website were gone. She kept asking if the barista didn't have just one or two more lying around.

Then I remembered that I had one such card in my purse. I had picked it up the day before, and hadn't used it yet. I took mine out and offered it to her. She was like a kid at Christmas!

My lesson learned here was about the power of music. What was trivial to me was a huge deal to this young girl. I hope she enjoys the song, and remembers to hit Starbucks on Tuesday when the new cards come out.

As I walked back to my car, I met Jimmy Carter. No, it's not the famous ex-peanut farmer, ex-president, founder of Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter, but 50 something, Raleigh resident, artist in training Jimmy Carter. He was stitting by the large fountain across from Certain Things, painting a street scene. We struck up a conversation, and I learned that he had not always been an artist.

When Jimmy turned 50, he decided to try something new, so he started taking art classes. That was two years ago, and he is now getting ready for the Plein Air Art Festival that will be held at North Hills in June. He said that he had always had an interest and decided that now was a great time to start. His work will be on display during the festival and be available for sale during the silent auction the last day of the festival.

My lesson learned here was that you are never too old to try something new and different. Jimmy would have turned 50 anyway, so now he is a 50 something artist. And a good one I can add. See my photo blog at www.MidtownPhotoBlog.com to meet him.

Saturday morning too us to the gym. It seems that every time I am there, I see this person. He's not the hunky, beefcake type that you see at 5:30 each day, trying his best to try to look cool while working out. This young man is about 90 years young. I got a chance to talk with him while working out this past weekend, and what a story he has.

He goes to the gym at least six days a week, and tries to go everyday if he can. He doesn't drive any more, due to his eyes failing, so one of his three children take him. All three were there that morning. He told me that five years ago he had to use a walker to get around, and was always tired. So he decided to join the gym.

Through weight training and some cardo, he has been able to ditch his walker, and has tons of energy. He works out to not only save his body but his mind. He's a perfect example of not growing old gracefully, but fighting it every step of the way.

The lesson learned here was that if you take care of your body, it will take care of you. Exercise, eat right, and maybe at 90 you will still be going strong.

We went to Shelly Lake on Sunday for a picnic lunch and to let the kids play. As I pushed Holly on the swing I started talking with a mom with a two month old in a stroller. She also had a one year old, a five year old, a nine year old and an eleven year old! WHEW! But as her children played on the swings and the slides, she sat on the bench, relaxed, not worried about a thing. Even when one fell off the swing, she told them to get up, shake it off and get back on.

Lesson learned here, having two kids is nothing when you have five to chase after. I am going to try to not get so worked up when one of mine falls down. Shake it off and get back up and get going.

My point of all of this is that you don't have to go far to meet interesting people, discover new things, and learn more about life's lessons. It's all around you if you just look.

You can always see more about what is happening around Raleigh and Midtown at my photo blog at www.RaleighMidtownBlog.com and also at my Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/MidtownRealtor. Please click the like button if you want to keep up with what's happening in the area and with what is happening in real estate.

Have a great Monday!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Jimmy Carter's next contest is the Plein Air Art Festival

Meet Jimmy Carter! (no, this is not a joke). The Midtown PAAF is June 19-20, and Jimmy is working on his entry. Visit my Blog at Www.RaleighMidtownblog.com for more on my visit with Jimmy.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Smart Cars are at Midtown this weekend

The beautiful weather is perfect for test driving a Smart Car at North Hills in Raleigh. It's also great for searching for your new home. Feel free to contact me about the new home, I can't do much about the cars except sit here and admire them!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Tribute to Mother Earth at Learning Express at North Hills

Children's toy store, Learning Express, has a great window display for Earth Day. Reminding us we are never too young to start caring for our environment.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Meet Antoinette at Piola at North Hills!

Fabulous new Italian restaurant in Midtown/North Hills in Raleigh! Come visit and have one if the many White Pizzas!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Happy Mother's Day-The New Survivor Series

NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES -- For the guys out there, please do not get offended, this is all in fun! Happy Mother's Day

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car

and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and take either music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition,each man will have to budget enough money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Emergency Room.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a school function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside, and keeping it presentable at all times. The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn themselves with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished, and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, backaches, headaches,have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings and church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book to the kids each nightand in the morning,feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:30 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:

each child's

birthday

height

weight

shoe size

clothes size

doctor's name

the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor

each child's favorite color

middle name

favorite snack

favorite song

favorite drink

favorite toy

biggest fear

and

what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years, eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

After you get done laughing, share this with as many females as you think will get a kick out of it and as many men as you think can handle it.

Happy Mother's Day to Everyone!

Mura is the place for lunch in Midtown

Next time you are at Mura at North Hills, ask for the Sin City Roll. It's not on the menu, and I think it's the best kept secret in Raleigh!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Friday, April 30, 2010

TGIF-Whatever!

The is MaxandRubyJoe (my children named him), Max for short. He's probably thinking "I don't care if it's Friday, just give me my food and no one gets hurt!" Happy Friday Everyone, including you Max!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

It's lunch time in Midtown!

Having lunch at North Hills/Midtown today @ZoesKitchen with @CMortonRealtor. What a menu-decisions, decisions.

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Advice from Mr. Wuf

The Wolf Line in Raleigh uses Mr. Wuf to remind you to watch out for pedesterians. Good advice!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Carolina Moon

This isn't a great photo, but the moon over Carolina is beautiful tonight!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

Monday, April 26, 2010

Home Inspection #2

Michael Edmonds with Buyer's Protection Group, doing his second inspection today for a first time buyer. It's a great time to buy a home in Raleigh!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754

One happy first time home buyer!

Jennifer is excited to be at her home inspection at her new townhome in Raleigh, NC! She's also excited about the $8000 tax credit as well! Only four days left!

Lisa Coleman, Broker
Coldwell Banker HPW

919.272.4754