So, you’ve finally found an apartment in North Carolina that you like, and you just can’t wait to move in. It’s an exciting time for you, but there are several things you should be aware of before you sign those papers to seal the deal…

Before You Sign the Lease

• Drive around. Make sure you have driven through the neigborhood and surrounding areas to make sure you feel safe. If you still feel uncomfortable, you can contact the local police department and request the crime statistics for that particular area to be sure.
• Know the rules. Make sure you know if there are any “written rules and regulations” that the landlord may have.
• Know the parking situation. Would there be enough parking available if you had friends/family over? Is there a towing policy?
• Ask to see an actual, unfurnished apartment. Often times, leasing agents will show you “model” apartments that are fully furnished, which can sometimes be misleading.

Your Leasing Agreement

• Sleep on it. As the leasing agent for a copy of the lease so that you can take it home and thoroughly review it without feeling pressured. This will also give you the chance to read over any of the fine print and write down any questions or concerns you might have.
• Get it in writing. Never agree to anything that is said by word of mouth. Likewise, never believe everything you hear. Ask the leasing agent to write down any promises they make to you, then have them sign and date it. If he/she refuses to write it down, then chances are they weren’t going to keep the promise to begin with.
• Get a copy. If you are not provided with a copy of your leasing agreement, ask for one to be made for you. If you have any roommates, make sure that they are listed as occupants on the lease and that they have signed the lease. If they do not sign the lease, then they will only be liable to you, not the landlord.

For information on buying property in Raleigh, NC, contact Buyers Advantage for all your needs.

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Looking to save some money? Who isn’t? If you just bought a house, there are plenty of ways to cut back on energy costs in ways that will not only save you money but will help the envirnment too. For instance, consider having your house run on solar power versus other conventional forms of power.   Â

Solar Energy vs. Conventional Energy

While having a solar powered energy system installed in your home may cost you a little bit of additional money up front, there are many added benefits of having your home run on solar energy that will save you a bunch of money in the long run.  Some of these benefits include the following:

• Little Maintenance- Once installed, solar powered energy panels function quietly and efficiently, requiring little to no maintenance and usually lasting anywhere from 25-40 years.Â
• Cost- Studies show that installing a solar powered system is equivalent to prepaying the next 40 years of utility bills at a mere fraction of the cost. As energy bills increase in the future, the discrepancy between what you originally paid for your solar energy system versus electric/gas power will increase showing more savings with solar energy.
• Incentives- In some cases, the government actually offers incentives for those who choose to use solar power, offering tax writeoffs- all because you’re trying to save energy!
• The Environment- Using solar energy versus conventional forms of energy reduces our dependency on fossil fuels which means that we wouldn’t be depleting our fossil fuels as fast. This leads to cleaner air (due to less gas emissions).

But simply getting solar powered energy for your home doesn’t have to be the only “green” thing you do. There are also many ways to decorate your home while keeping with the “green” theme. For instance, there are many eco gadgets, and even ways to keep fashion and beauty green.

For more information on “going green,” as well as how to be a greenpreneur, visit www.greensense.biz today!

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Townhomes and Condominiums are popular in Raleigh, NC. If you’ve decided to move to the area, you’re one of many people doing so. And if you’ve decided to purchase or invest in a townhome or condo, then more than likely, you are responsible for paying Homeowners’ Association (HOA) dues each month.

What is a Homeowners’ Association?

A homeowners’ association (HOA), by definition, is the legal entity created by a real estate developer for the purpose of developing, managing and selling a community of homes (according to Wikipedia). It has the power to enforce rules and restriction as well as the power to manage whatever amenities are included in the development. Most townhome/condo communities have an HOA, and many people don’t mind it because there are various perks that go along with it.

What are the Advantages of Having an HOA?

Tired of people letting their dogs use your front lawn as their own personal bathroom? How about that neighbor who keeps working on his car in the street? If you had an HOA, then whenever someone purchased a home in that particular community, along with their new set of keys, they would also get a list of all of the covenants and rules that have to be followed. In a lot of communities, HOA’s are a great resource to have because everyone who lives there knows the rules ahead of time; and if they’ve chosen to live in the community, then they’ve agreed that they will abide by the rules, thereby making the overall experience of being a homeowner more enjoyable. No one can use the excuse, “I didn’t know,” because the rules would have already been explained in person and then provided to them in writing. Some communities even have online sites where residents can post comments about various activities, problems and the like.Â

Another advantage to having an HOA is that the dues you pay each month go towards the general upkeep of the neighborhood. For example, you never have to mow your lawn because the HOA assigns a landscaping company to come out regularly to maintain the grounds. The same thing is true of the pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, playgrounds and the exterior of your home. If there are problems with any of these things, it isn’t your headache. This is part of the appeal of living in a townhome community and the reason why so many people are moving into them.Â

While buying a single family home has its advantages too- for people who like neatness and order, HOA’s seem like a great idea. When you’re preparing to buy real estate in North Carolina, make sure you contact a qualified NC buyer’s agent. They’ll be able to help things run more smoothly.

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If you live in the Raleigh area, then this is your chance to be a part of Raleigh’s Comprehensive Plan 2030. It’s an opportunity to voice your opinion and have a say as to what direction the city of Raleigh will take over the next 22 years!

In two, 1-hour, small group discussions, you will have the opportunity to share your ideas on the issues, new policies and potential strategies affecting the Raleigh area. Register today and choose any two of the following topics:

1. Affordable Housing- dealing with affordable housing for low income residents as well as the issue of general housing affordability.

2. Green City of Raleigh- dealing with all issues related to promoting ecological and sustainable development practices.

3. Economic Prosperity & Equity- dealing with the city’s economic health as well as ways to “have the rising tide lift all boats” equitably so that all parts of the city and population can benefit from economic expansion.

4. Growing Successful Neighborhoods- managing growth and change in both established neighborhoods as well as better design and mixed use in new developments.

5. Growth Management: How and Where Should the City Grow? -dealing with city-wide growth.

6. Coordinating Land Use & Transportation- addresses the need to better coordinate land development with transportation investments.

Visit Planning Raleigh 2030 for more information. Prior to the March workshops, we will send you an email announcement promoting the release of related issues papers and the community inventory. Additionally, light refreshments will also be available at the workshops.Â

Thank you for engaging in shaping Raleigh’s future; and don’t forget to REGISTER TODAY !

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Increasing numbers of people are relocating to Wake County, NC. Wake County is popular for a reason. It is home to Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). It is also home to one of the most well know research areas in the country for medicine and technology better known as “Research Triangle Park” (located on the border of Durham and Wake County). But, let’s take a look at some of the other things that make Wake County such a great place to live, work and play.

Still Growing

A 2007 census showed the population in Wake County, NC to be just over 800,000 people, making it the second largest county in the state of North Carolina. The county takes up 857 square miles and is home to over 160,000 families. When asked why they’ve moved to Wake County, most people respond, “because I just like the atmosphere.” Wake County is also houses the city of Raleigh, which is the state capital of North Carolina. There is always plenty to see and do. Located in the “piedmont” part of North Carolina, Wake County is an easy drive away from the mountains or the beach (depending on your preference).

Searching for the Right Place

If you’re more of a city-goer, then downtown Raleigh might be the place to you. If you like a more relaxed atmosphere, then perhaps the town of Holly Springs is more “up your street”. When looking for a house, apartment, condo or townhome, make sure you speak to a qualified NC real estate agency. A NC real estate agent will know the area and be better equipped to show you around based on your preferences. However, if you prefer to drive yourself around in order to get a better feel for the area, enjoy yourself. There is plenty to see!

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Townhouses and Condominiums are all the craze in Raleigh. Just look around you. Everywhere you turn, builders are building townhouse communities and condos like they’re going out of style. On the contrary, more and more people are turning towards townhouses and condos over buying a house because these types of homes are more accessible to their needs. But before we go any further, let’s look at the definitions of what they mean.Â

A condominium (aka: condo), by definition, refers to the collection of individual home units along with the land upon which they sit.  A modern translation of this means that condos are pretty much like apartments with neighbors above, below and on either side of you (usually). The only real difference between a condo and an apartment is that you can own it rather than rent it.

A townhouse is often referred to by several names which include: terrace house, townhome, or row home.  A townhouse is more similar to a single family home, typically standing at least two stories high (sometimes three or four). By definition, townhouses are single family dwelling units constructed in a series or group of attached units with property lines separating each unit. Translation: It’s a house that is attached to another house on either one or both sides. Also, some people think that the term “townhouse” carries a more prestigious sound than “condo”.

Why choose one at all?

Some of the advantages in choosing a townhome or condo include the following:

• Maintenance- Costs may be less because you don’t have to make exterior repairs to the home.
• Security-Many townhome and condo communities have staff members who regularly check in.
• Amenities-Â A lot of townhome/condo communities have pools, playgrounds, tennis courts and a clubhouse, etc.

Now, some of the disadvantages of living in a Townhome or Condo community include:

• Fees- Usually, there are Home Owners’ Association (HOA) dues which take care of your exterior maintenance
• Privacy- Typically, with townhomes and condos, you don’t have as much property, and because the properties are so close together, you don’t have as much privacy.
• Exterior Changes- Usually, there is a stipulation when you move into a townhouse/condo community that only allows you to make limited changes (if any) to the exterior of your home.

If your move brings you to Raleigh, NC, make sure you contact a qualified Raleigh real estate agency. There are plenty of exclusive buyer agencies throughout the area to assist you in your final decision to make sure it is a happy one!Â

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“Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?” That line should sound familiar to those of you out there who watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood way back when. With most people working full time jobs and trying to balance work with children, exercise and other social activities, we seldom have time to stop by and say a quick ‘hello’ to our neighbors. While neighbors can sometimes be annoying (playing their music too loud, parking their car in your space or blocking your driveway when they have company over), they play a vital role in our lives.Â

Formalities

When you first moved to your neighborhood from out of town, do you remember how you met your neighbors? Perhaps it was a chance encounter as you both happened to be leaving for work the very next day. A simple rule to always remember when greeting your new neighbors is to treat them the way you would want to be treated if you were new in town. The following are some helpful tips for how to do the “meet and greet”:

• Introduce yourself- if you are new to the neighborhood, typically your new neighbor should be the one to make the introduction (since you are usually busy unpacking, etc.), but if they dont; take it upon yourself to do it.
• Trade information-You don’t have to do this right away, but somewhere along the line, it is always a good idea to have the name and contact information for your neighbors in case of an emergency (ex: if you or your kids get locked out of your house, etc.)
• Go for a walk or run- Getting outside to exercise is a great way to explore the neighborhood and meet people.
• Throw a party-Â Have a housewarming party and invite some of your neighbors.

Knowing who your neighbors are makes you a more well-informed citizen. It can also open up a ton of connections if you are new to the area and haven’t met anyone yet. If you are planning on moving to the Raleigh, NC area and are looking for a qualified NC buyer’s agent, feel free to contact Buyers Advantage.

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Increasing numbers of people are coming from all directions to relocate to North Carolina and with good reason. The weather is milder than most climates, the people are friendly and the employment is plentiful; but one town in the Triangle Area is gaining considerable notoriety. Apex, NC was recently ranked the 14th best place to live in the United States by the editors of Money Magazine in their 2007 Edition of the 100 Best Places in America to Live.

History in the MakingÂ

Incorporated in 1873, the town of Apex was given its name for being the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida. Today, Apex remains one of the most intact railroad towns in the state of North Carolina. The town suffered some minor setbacks during the Depression-era; however, it began to see growth again in the 1950s. Now with a population of just over 30,000 people and a slogan that reads, “the peak of good living,” Apex has gained considerable attention since the ranking was released nationwide. Today Apex has approximately 18 movie theaters, over 1,500 restaurants, 70 golf courses, 26 libraries and five museums, which is not too shabby!

Curb Appeal

People relocate all the time, but part of what draws people to Apex, NC is the fact that it is in close proximity to North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park. More importantly, however, is that the fact that despite how the town has grown over the years, it has still managed to preserve the small-town character that so many people love. If you’re looking for a home in the Apex area, contact us at Buyers Advantage so we can help!

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So, you’ve been considering moving to Raleigh and wonder whether professional sports are available in the area? The answer to that is an emphatic YES!

Raleigh has plenty to offer the sports enthusiast! Here are some of the professional Raleigh sports teams.

A Few Of The Many Raleigh Sports Teams:

* NHL: Carolina Hurricanes
* College Hockey: North Carolina State University Wolfpack
* NBA: Charlotte Bobcats
* College Basketball: NCSU Wolfpack
* NFL: Carolina Panthers
* College Football: NCSU Wolfpack
* MLB: North Carolina Tar Heels
* College Baseball: North Carolina Diamond Heels

These are just a few; there are many other great teams in the Raleigh area.

The RBC Center

The RBC Center is at the center of the action and can be accessed easily from anywhere in the state. It is located just off of I-40 or I-440 depending which direction you are coming from. It offers great parking like VIP parking, premier parking, and general parking. The RBC Center also has many other events such as concerts and more.

The RBC Center is aesthetically beautiful from the outside and inside alike. The exterior features gorgeous ocean blue glass windows covering the entire front entrance area! This is a site to see in and of itself, before you even get inside to take in all the Raleigh sports action!

Again, though, the RBC Center has more to offer to Raleigh residents than just sports and motor sports. There are also ice shows, circuses, meetings, and conventions. In addition, companies frequently reserve the Center for their events, both large and small.

Clearly, the sports fanatic and the entire family are right at home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.

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Moving into an apartment can be exciting. Perhaps you’ve been living somewhere that you don’t like (or with someone you don’t like) and you would like to have a fresh start. Maybe you’re looking for a change of pace, or maybe you took a new job.

There are several considerations to take into account when it comes to choosing an apartment. Remember that the right apartment can make you feel at home, but the wrong apartment can really do a number on how you feel every day.

Location, Location, Location!

Sure, it’s cliché but it’s true: location is everything—well, almost. Where your apartment is located will have an incredible impact on several things: convenience to get to work, living in the right neighborhood, proximity to other places, etc.

The first aspect location affects is how close you are to your place of employment. Depending on whether you want a short commute or not, this is a significant concern.

The second aspect it affects is the neighborhood you live in. The right neighborhood is peaceful and clean. The wrong one—well, you do the math on that one! Let’s just say that your happiness and safety could be riding on this one.

And finally proximity to other places like shopping, the interstate expressways and anywhere else you’ll want to frequent is important to keep in mind when choosing your apartment’s locale.

Pricing and Apartment Style

The price is right! Or at least—when it is right—your pocketbook will thank you. Don’t overspend. You can get quality without the high price tag, even when you can afford it. Remember that a good deal on monthly rent means more spending money for you!

The style of your apartment is important, too. That includes the design and layout. Whatever you do, think practically about whether you’ll need an office, how close certain rooms are to each other that you might spend a lot of time in, and whether the layout (such as a loft) is conducive to (for example) a wireless network. People forget that routers don’t like lots of walls, floors or ceiling to be between them and the computers that they are trying to wirelessly connect to!

Let Buyers Advantage Group Realty help you find the right “Triangle” home!

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