A friend of mine on Facebook (and yes, she is a real friend, not just a social networking friend) recently sent me an invitation to join a group called My Shoes Your World. The purpose of this group is to let someone and yourself "walk a mile" in someone else's shoes. They encourage members of the group to exchange shoes, then spend the day walking in the other person's shoes, and document it through comments and photos on Facebook. I thought this was an interesting idea, so I joined.
Then I really started to think about it. In a way, I am already walking in someone else's shoes. In fact, I am walking in several people's shoes right now. If you are a friend of mine of Facebook, then you may already know that we are building a new home. We are not moving far, just a few streets over. But as a real estate agent, I am now experiencing what my clients go through every day.
We have been in our current home for eight years. I am a "nester." Moving to a new home every two or three years is just not my cup of tea, even though that's the business I am in. And since it has been so long since we have had to sell a home and completely build another one, I had forgotten how hard and time consuming, and let's not forget stressful, it can be.
Keeping a home in market ready condition, especially with two small children and a cat, is very difficult. It takes a lot of work and coordination on everyone's part. And building a new home just adds to the stress. The builder keeps apologizing for calling me and asking me to make another decision, but that's his job, and he is doing a great one at that. Let's just say that I have a renewed respect for all my current and past buyers and sellers. And to the Houghtlin's, my hat is off! They sold two homes and bought a new home (to combine their newly blended family) at one time. And it all happened in a matter of 60 days. I cannot imagine throwing another piece into this puzzle.
So walking a mile in someone's shoes? I'm doing that now. And what a great learning experience it is!
If you are interested in joining this group, just go to my page on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LisaColemanRealtor and you can find the link there.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Girls Night Out is not what it used to be.
I have determined that I never want to be an "empty nester." I came to this conclusion this past weekend, while my husband Peter and my two adorable children, Chip and Holly, were in Bellhaven (on the Intercoastal Waterway may I add) visiting their Mema and PaPa, while I was here showing property to a client. There have been weekends where the kids were with their grandparents, but I have never had both the kids and the hubby away at the same time. Having no one to look after really threw a wrench in my weekend.
So after a day of showing property in Johnston County (and Lea, my client, will tell you that is an adventure in itself, and will make an excellent blog post). I arrived back in Raleigh/Midtown and decided to make my way to the new Harris Teeter. I have been there twice before, once with the Falls/Midtown CAC and another time just to pick up a couple of things for the neighborhood martini party. But this time was different. I wasn't on a time schedule, and I didn't have two kids in tow. Ahhh, bliss!
The paper and the other blog posts have it right, this is really a social event for our neighborhood. Not only do I seen neighbors that I know there, but I see neighbors that know me, but I may not have met them yet. It's a great way, besides the Quail Hollow Swim Club and the Hill and Hollow Club to find out what is going on in the neighborhood.
I was amazed by the selection of Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses, and the amount of prepared foods is astounding. I may never have to make a home cooked meal again! The Asian bar looked a little less inviting, due to the limited amount of choices, but then I saw lots of carts with take out trays in them, so I came to the conclusion that everyone must be having Asian food for dinner. Remembering that I needed some laundry detergent, I took my cart and headed to the ultra cool glass elevator. And if you don't think that this store is urban upscale, just tell that to the elevator operator. I mean, how many grocery stores in "cosmopolitan" cities have their very own elevator operator. Not many, I can guess.
I did strike up a conversation with a shopper on the way back down to the first floor. We both thought that the new store was great, and the selection was good. But the store nor the elevator operator have had to direct traffic during a high shopping day, such as Memorial Day weekend, Easter, and let's definately not forget the day before Thanksgiving. With an elevator that only holds three shopping carts comfortably, it should make for a great spectator sport.
All in all, the new North Hills East is a welcome addition to the area and our neighborhood. And to other non-midtown dwellers as well. I even saw someone from my church there, and I know where he lives, and this is not the closest grocery store to his house.
I guess everyone wants to be part of our new "Urban Upscale."
So after a day of showing property in Johnston County (and Lea, my client, will tell you that is an adventure in itself, and will make an excellent blog post). I arrived back in Raleigh/Midtown and decided to make my way to the new Harris Teeter. I have been there twice before, once with the Falls/Midtown CAC and another time just to pick up a couple of things for the neighborhood martini party. But this time was different. I wasn't on a time schedule, and I didn't have two kids in tow. Ahhh, bliss!
The paper and the other blog posts have it right, this is really a social event for our neighborhood. Not only do I seen neighbors that I know there, but I see neighbors that know me, but I may not have met them yet. It's a great way, besides the Quail Hollow Swim Club and the Hill and Hollow Club to find out what is going on in the neighborhood.
I was amazed by the selection of Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses, and the amount of prepared foods is astounding. I may never have to make a home cooked meal again! The Asian bar looked a little less inviting, due to the limited amount of choices, but then I saw lots of carts with take out trays in them, so I came to the conclusion that everyone must be having Asian food for dinner. Remembering that I needed some laundry detergent, I took my cart and headed to the ultra cool glass elevator. And if you don't think that this store is urban upscale, just tell that to the elevator operator. I mean, how many grocery stores in "cosmopolitan" cities have their very own elevator operator. Not many, I can guess.
I did strike up a conversation with a shopper on the way back down to the first floor. We both thought that the new store was great, and the selection was good. But the store nor the elevator operator have had to direct traffic during a high shopping day, such as Memorial Day weekend, Easter, and let's definately not forget the day before Thanksgiving. With an elevator that only holds three shopping carts comfortably, it should make for a great spectator sport.
All in all, the new North Hills East is a welcome addition to the area and our neighborhood. And to other non-midtown dwellers as well. I even saw someone from my church there, and I know where he lives, and this is not the closest grocery store to his house.
I guess everyone wants to be part of our new "Urban Upscale."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Raleigh Housing Market Ranks First
Below is an except from an article from the News and Observer. This is great news for our market and our sellers and buyers!
Raleigh Housing Market Ranks First
STAFF WRITER DAVID BRACKEN
The Triangle has received more affirmation that it is better-positioned than most regions to emerge quickly from this recession.
Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, a California research firm, has ranked the Raleigh-Cary market first and the Durham-Chapel Hill market sixth on its list of the healthiest markets among the top 100 U.S. housing markets.
The rankings are based on home prices, employment conditions and income growth potential. This is the second Market Health report released by Hanley Wood. The first was published last year.
Jonathan Smoke, senior vice president of products and innovation at Hanley Wood, had this to say about Raleigh: "Based on end-2010 economic forecasts, we think Raleigh will be the healthiest of the largest 100 markets in the country. Raleigh comes out on top because of stronger employment conditions, moderate household income growth, and continued strong household formation. The market still is expected to see minor home price declines (approximately 3 percent decline expected for 2010 over 2009), which is one factor that keeps the market from being even stronger."
Link to article-
http://www.newsobserver.com/business/local_state/story/346681.html
Raleigh Housing Market Ranks First
STAFF WRITER DAVID BRACKEN
The Triangle has received more affirmation that it is better-positioned than most regions to emerge quickly from this recession.
Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, a California research firm, has ranked the Raleigh-Cary market first and the Durham-Chapel Hill market sixth on its list of the healthiest markets among the top 100 U.S. housing markets.
The rankings are based on home prices, employment conditions and income growth potential. This is the second Market Health report released by Hanley Wood. The first was published last year.
Jonathan Smoke, senior vice president of products and innovation at Hanley Wood, had this to say about Raleigh: "Based on end-2010 economic forecasts, we think Raleigh will be the healthiest of the largest 100 markets in the country. Raleigh comes out on top because of stronger employment conditions, moderate household income growth, and continued strong household formation. The market still is expected to see minor home price declines (approximately 3 percent decline expected for 2010 over 2009), which is one factor that keeps the market from being even stronger."
Link to article-
http://www.newsobserver.com/business/local_state/story/346681.html
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Cabin Fever Throwdown!
So for my blog this week, I wanted to let you know about a great event that will let you help a great cause as well!
David Hicks and family and The Raleigh Shag Club invite you to…
~Cabin Fever Throwdown~
Sunday, February 28th At the North Raleigh Hilton
Please come out and join us for this Hospice Fundraiser!
Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Show 2 - 7 p.m.
It is a great time with the bands, dancing, silent auctions,
"Dancing For Dollars" with the Junior dancers
(Alexis Hicks, River Harmon, Allen Lawrence, Jamie Walton, Sam Walter, Garrett and Sophia Spencer) and more!!
All kids under the age of 15 will be admitted for a donation of$5.00.
ALL proceeds go to Hospice of Wake County!!
Enjoy the sounds of…
Jim Quick and Coastline
The Fantastic Shakers
- with special appearances by Craig
Woolard and Big John Thompson
We hope you will come out and help support this wonderful event!
For more information call Karen Brown 919.691.4332
or Mike Blanchard 919.828.0890
David Hicks and family and The Raleigh Shag Club invite you to…
~Cabin Fever Throwdown~
Sunday, February 28th At the North Raleigh Hilton
Please come out and join us for this Hospice Fundraiser!
Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Show 2 - 7 p.m.
It is a great time with the bands, dancing, silent auctions,
"Dancing For Dollars" with the Junior dancers
(Alexis Hicks, River Harmon, Allen Lawrence, Jamie Walton, Sam Walter, Garrett and Sophia Spencer) and more!!
All kids under the age of 15 will be admitted for a donation of$5.00.
ALL proceeds go to Hospice of Wake County!!
Enjoy the sounds of…
Jim Quick and Coastline
The Fantastic Shakers
- with special appearances by Craig
Woolard and Big John Thompson
We hope you will come out and help support this wonderful event!
For more information call Karen Brown 919.691.4332
or Mike Blanchard 919.828.0890
Friday, February 12, 2010
Falls/Midtown CAC Meeting Update
The Falls Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was held last night at the Eastgate Community Building at Eastgate Park. This is a open meeting for all citizens living in the Falls CAC, and it meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.
Last night, updates were given by the Raleigh Police Department, Parks and Recreation, The Planning Department and an update from John Odom, our representative on the Raleigh City Council. Below are some of the highlights from the meeting:
Raleigh PD: Two suspects were arrested in connection with the recent automobile break ins in our area. They were both from Durham, and admitted that they were specifically looking for cars with GPS systems that were removable. So remember that if you have any type of GPS, Satalite Radio, or portable CD player in your car, remove it each night. Several residents are meeting once a week to establish a neighborhood watch program as well. If you are interested, please contact Chad@Chadwicksolutions.com. There is also a website in the works, where residents can register on the site, and get email updates on police calls and more, for their area.
Parks and Recreation: This Saturday, from 9:30 to Noon there will be a community clean up at Optimist Park. Feel free to drop by and help if you can. More information can be found at the REI at North Hills.
John Odom discussed the future plans for the new North Hills East, greenways in our area, and touched on the discussion that is surrounding the proposed Lightener Building downtown. We also learned why the greenway system is not connected and why the city is trying to hard to find alternative routes to connect all of our greenways. The original greenways were built over the sewer lines in Raleigh, to serve as a easement for the city, and to make the area where the lines were built more attractive. As time has gone by, the sewer system is not mainly in the street, so that explains why the greenways are cutting through neighborhoods now, and upsetting many of our neighbors, who are having to deal with greenways in their front yards.
The Planning Department told us about a new website: www.newraleighcode.com, which relates to development in Raleigh, through a Form Based Code. Be sure and visit this site to keep up to date on what plans the City has for developments and improvements.
I know, this was a boring blog today, but I do hope it was informative.
I'll post something more entertaining next time!
Last night, updates were given by the Raleigh Police Department, Parks and Recreation, The Planning Department and an update from John Odom, our representative on the Raleigh City Council. Below are some of the highlights from the meeting:
Raleigh PD: Two suspects were arrested in connection with the recent automobile break ins in our area. They were both from Durham, and admitted that they were specifically looking for cars with GPS systems that were removable. So remember that if you have any type of GPS, Satalite Radio, or portable CD player in your car, remove it each night. Several residents are meeting once a week to establish a neighborhood watch program as well. If you are interested, please contact Chad@Chadwicksolutions.com. There is also a website in the works, where residents can register on the site, and get email updates on police calls and more, for their area.
Parks and Recreation: This Saturday, from 9:30 to Noon there will be a community clean up at Optimist Park. Feel free to drop by and help if you can. More information can be found at the REI at North Hills.
John Odom discussed the future plans for the new North Hills East, greenways in our area, and touched on the discussion that is surrounding the proposed Lightener Building downtown. We also learned why the greenway system is not connected and why the city is trying to hard to find alternative routes to connect all of our greenways. The original greenways were built over the sewer lines in Raleigh, to serve as a easement for the city, and to make the area where the lines were built more attractive. As time has gone by, the sewer system is not mainly in the street, so that explains why the greenways are cutting through neighborhoods now, and upsetting many of our neighbors, who are having to deal with greenways in their front yards.
The Planning Department told us about a new website: www.newraleighcode.com, which relates to development in Raleigh, through a Form Based Code. Be sure and visit this site to keep up to date on what plans the City has for developments and improvements.
I know, this was a boring blog today, but I do hope it was informative.
I'll post something more entertaining next time!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
North Hills East Harris Teeter Opens this AM!
Raleigh’s much anticipated two-story Harris Teeter opens in its new location underneath the Park & Market Apartments in North Hills on Wednesday at 8am. There will be a ribbon cutting and then the store is open to the public.
Being 26,000 square feet bigger, the new HT will provide the same quality service and products you’ve always enjoyed. PLUS:
- meals-on-the-go Asian Bar, Pizza Bar, and Salad Bar
- access to 750 covered parking spaces
- open 24-hours
- wider selection of products and groceries throughout two floors
- direct in-building elevator access for Park & Market residents
Be sure and drop by the new Harris Teeter this week and check back here for updates on openings for all the new stores and restaurants at North Hills East!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Midtown Happenings For February 2010
Here is what is happening in Midtown for the month of February.
Please check back to see if any of the January events that were canceled because of the snow have been rescheduled for February.
St. Raphael School Open House: February 3rd 9 am - 12 pm and 630-8:00 pm.919-865-5750 or www.saintraphaelschool.org
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Open House February 4th, 8:30-10:00 am and 6:00-8:45 pm 919-861-4635 www.olls.org
Triangle Wine Event February 4-6, All proceeds going to the Frankie Lemmon Foundation 919-845-8880 www.trianglewineexperience.org
First Friday Art Walk February 5th, Downtown Raleigh www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday
Farmer's Market at North Hills February 6th 8:00 am -12:00 pm Come find fresh produce and homemade items from local farmers.
French Cooking Class February 23 4:30-6:30 pm Saint Jacques Restaurant 919-862-2770 www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com
The Full Monty February 27th North Carolina Theatre 800-745-3000 www.nctheatre.com
Keep checking back here for updates, and remember to visit www.LiveInRaleighMidtown.com for all your real estate needs.
Please check back to see if any of the January events that were canceled because of the snow have been rescheduled for February.
St. Raphael School Open House: February 3rd 9 am - 12 pm and 630-8:00 pm.919-865-5750 or www.saintraphaelschool.org
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Open House February 4th, 8:30-10:00 am and 6:00-8:45 pm 919-861-4635 www.olls.org
Triangle Wine Event February 4-6, All proceeds going to the Frankie Lemmon Foundation 919-845-8880 www.trianglewineexperience.org
First Friday Art Walk February 5th, Downtown Raleigh www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday
Farmer's Market at North Hills February 6th 8:00 am -12:00 pm Come find fresh produce and homemade items from local farmers.
French Cooking Class February 23 4:30-6:30 pm Saint Jacques Restaurant 919-862-2770 www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com
The Full Monty February 27th North Carolina Theatre 800-745-3000 www.nctheatre.com
Keep checking back here for updates, and remember to visit www.LiveInRaleighMidtown.com for all your real estate needs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)