by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator

If you are a single woman who wants to buy a house, the good news is: opportunity abounds in the Triangle Real Estate Market! Recent statistics from the Joint Center for Housing Studies confirm what Buyers Advantage Group Realty Agents have known all the while. The study tells us:

• Women want to grow equity, not pay rent!
• More than one in five home buyers is a single woman!
• Twice as many unmarried women are buying homes than unmarried men!
• Single women make up more than one-third of the growth in real estate ownership since 1994!

Raleigh/Durham/Cary is a great place to purchase a home. Whether you’re moving into your first home, moving up, or downsizing, it is a smart move! Also, for real estate investors of every size, this area offers great residential and commercial real estate investment opportunities. A growing number of women are interested in purchasing real estate in the areas where they live or vacation as income-producing investments. Whatever your reason for exploring a new home purchase, you can rely on the expertise of Buyers Advantage Group Realty Agents to help you realize your goals!

For more information about Raleigh real estate, contact Buyers Advantage Group Realty today!

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by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator

I am excited about all of the new development in Fuquay Varina. I moved here six years ago when I was looking for a larger home to accommodate my growing children (and their growing friends!). We considered adding on a garage and bonus room to our Cary home, but the cost analysis convinced us to rethink that.

We wanted a larger home with a 2-car garage on a good size lot. Frankly, we were priced out of Cary after having lived there for 16 years. Commuting to RTP was not a concern for us, so we expanded our search and found the perfect home in “The Quay!” We have seen a lot of growth over the last six years and, I am happy to say, all of that growth has been welcomed by the town and its friendly residents.

One of Fuquay Varina’s newest custom home built neighborhoods, Brighton Forest, is nestled off of Ten Ten Road and Johnson Pond Road. And, there is no indication of a housing downturn here: twenty homes have been sold since the beginning of the year and at least three more homes are under contract.

It is easy to appreciate the appeal of this neighborhood. Visitors will definitely appreciate the generous lot sizes, averaging from .28 to .35 acres. The custom build team, which includes some of our area’s best builders, has taken great care to preserve the character of the land by saving trees and a serene forest-like setting is the reward!

Three hundred ninety-two custom built homes are planned for this community. Distinctive floor plans will eliminate any concern for cookie-cutter syndrome. There will be homes to accommodate every taste; from first floor masters for families with older children to second-floor masters for those who want to be closer to the younger children, to walk-out basement homes, to one-story ranches for those who don’t want to deal with stairs at all; you will find it here!

When people relocate to the Triangle, one of their most important considerations is where their children will attend school. The base school assignments for Brighton Forest are desirable West Lake Elementary and West Lake Middle Schools, and Middle Creek High School. The community swimming pool, which will feature a tot lot and a water slide, will keep the kids happy during the summer months.

All of this plus the convenience of nearby parks, lakes, golf courses, shopping, Kraft Family YMCA and Historic Fuquay Varina will make this a popular choice for homebuyers for years to come. If you’d like more information on Brighton Forest, give me a call. I’d be happy to arrange a private tour of the neighborhood for you!

For more information about Raleigh Real Estate, contact Buyers Advantage Realty Group today!

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by Marge Bish

We know that we live in a great area with many activities for young and old. Following are a few of the things you and your family can do to get better acquainted with new friends and have fun this summer.

Fun Events

Teen Jam: Ralph Campbell Community Center, Ages 12-18yrs. This is only for the young and classy, finally a place to escape. That’s right- it’s going down at the Campbell Center, which is the hottest place for teens to mingle and we are bringing the heat! The DJ will be blazing all of the hottest hits that will keep your body moving. You don’t want to miss the party! They will sell out, so you’d better get them early!

Dates: May 23, June 27, July 25 and August 22 | Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm | Fee: $5 in advance $7 at the door

Gardening Club: Tarboro Road Community Center, Ages 14 and older. If you are interested in learning the basics of growing and nurturing plants and vegetables, then the Gardening Club is just what you need. Participants will learn the basic techniques for nurturing their plants and vegetables to full growth potential.

Dates: June 4, July 9 and August 6 | Time: 11:00am-1:00pm | Fee: None

Basic Keelboat Sailing: Lake Wheeler, All Ages. This 2 hour course is designed for beginner sailors who would like to advance their knowledge of sailing principles aboard small keelboats. If you would like to improve your boat handling skills, this class is for you. Emphasis will be placed on basic sailing elements, steering, setting sails, trimming and other boat safety. American Sailing Association (ASA) sailing instructor will be conducting the course. Instruction will be conducted dockside or on the sail boat. Be prepared to have a fabulous educational experience!

Dates: June 14 and July 12 | Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm | Fee: $40

Ribbon Dance II: Laurel Hills Community Center, Ages 4-7yrs. Dance like a rainbow in the sky! Dancers will learn ribbon twirls, spins, trains, floats and dance patterns all using a colorful ribbon. This class will stimulate a wonderful sense of self discovery, body control and create an artistic experience that will last a lifetime. The music selected is from the Art Education Activities collection instruction: Ms. Khadija.

Dates: June 3-24 | Time: 5:15pm-6:00pm | Fee: $42

These are only a few of the dozens of programs available for all ages in Wake County. To find out more information about other programs as well as to register for these ones, click here.

For more information about Raleigh real estate, contact Buyers Advantage Group Realty today!

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by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator for Buyers Advantage Group Realty

Well, for one, they each have a right to full and equal representation! The only way for a buyer to be guaranteed full representation is to use an exclusive buyer agent. Buyers Advantage Group Realty is one of only two exclusive buyer agency firms in the Triangle area. We and the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) are proudly pioneering a nationwide effort to give today’s home-buying consumers the level of service they are entitled to.

NAEBA was founded in 1995 in an effort to “level the playing” field for home buyers. Up to that time, traditional real estate agents represented the seller in all real estate transactions. According to NAEBA’s president,

The major business attributes of NAEBA Agents include: protection of the Buyer, negotiations for the Buyer, advocacy for the Buyer, and representation of the Buyer. NAEBA agents will never sell or list property and work in the best financial interests of their clients- 100% of the time.

I encourage you to visit our website to connect with an Exclusive Buyer Agent who will:

• Negotiate the best price and terms for YOU, not the Seller!
• Locate and evaluate residential, commercial, and investment property without conflict of interest
• Assist you in evaluating loans and financing options
• Help you find competent home inspectors and home warranty companies
• Offer undivided loyalty throughout your transaction
• Never ask you to limit the service to which you are entitled for their own benefit

Whether you are considering buying your first home, buying a luxury home, finding a resort home, buying a second home, or purchasing an estate home, working with an Exclusive Buyer Agency is strongly recommended. After all, you deserve it!

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by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator for Buyers Advantage Group Realty

Real Estate is a service oriented business. As an agent, I see this combination of client attributes as a benefit. As an on-line consumer myself, I appreciate the opportunity to research my options in my own time frame, the ability to remain anonymous, and the fact that I choose if and when to go to the next level. I believe the Internet allows me to provide service to my past, present and future clients in a manner that is centered on their unique needs. I am confident that the level of service we, at Buyers Advantage Group Realty, provide differentiates us over all others.

The Internet came ashore like a tidal wave over ten years ago. The business and industry reaction was to implement every technological tool available to provide consumers with the information needed to make informed decisions. That is great, but it is only one part of a customer’s overall experience. Unfortunately, more often than not, what was and continues to be lost in the process of implementing this technology is “personal service”. I see it everywhere I go; or rather, I don’t see it at all!

How often do you get the sense that you and your business are appreciated by those you do business with? According to Realtor.com president, Allan Dalton,

What we’re seeing now is the emergence of a customer-service void as real estate professionals struggle to get their arms around the impact of the Internet. To the potential customers, we come across as a service industry that’s failing at this most basic level of service.

Buyers Advantage Group Realty has always differed from other companies in our belief that, by providing exceptional customer service, we build exceptional relationships. That is the cornerstone of our mission; it is what is valued here.

One of the ways that we provide an exceptional customer service experience is through our web site. You will always find accurate, informative, and educational content there. We are not afraid to share and teach our web site visitors.

Although today’s home buyers might not rely solely on a real estate professional as their principal source of information; when it comes to interpreting data, answering important questions, and negotiating the transaction, having a trusted advisor, one you would refer to your family and friends, will unquestionably enhance your overall experience.

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by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator for Buyers Advantage Group Realty

Many things contribute to one’s quality of life. Although we may have differences of opinion on what constitutes a great place to live, worship and work, we all agree that these factors will enhance your day-to-day life. These are the same factors that continue to attract many families to our area.

“Living in NC is easy.” That’s not the state slogan, but it could well be! All of the clients that we have worked with in the past that are relocating from outside the area are excited about moving here. Having lived here for so long, I sometimes take things for granted, but when I hear stories from those clients about the traffic problems in many California cities, the high property taxes in states like Florida, New York and New Jersey, the brutal Northeast and Midwest winters, crime and high cost of living in other locales, I am reminded to count my blessings!

Another way that quality of life is measured is through one’s spirituality. Relocating families will find many ways to express their spirituality in this area as well. One morning of watching the sun rise over the Crystal Coast or watching it set over the Great Smokey Mountain National Park is awe inspiring. One interdenominational event that I have always enjoyed is the Easter Sunday sunrise service at the NC State Capital. We are truly a diverse community. This, in large part, is due to our area’s colleges and universities as well as the many companies who have international operations in the RTP. With diversity comes understanding and compassion. We all benefit from that!

What brings people to work in North Carolina? It is said that we spend a full 1/3 of our lives in bed. How about the time one spends at work? There would be little argument that we spend the better part of what remains at work. How fortunate we are to live here! Many of the areas employers recognize that happy employees make good employees. These companies work hard to make and keep their employees happy. Beyond the now-standard benefits of flex-time, job sharing, telecommuting, etc, it is not uncommon to see companies allow nursing moms to have their new babies with them, free employee massage and/or meditation sessions, team building activities, nutrition and health services, concierge services, and pet friendly environments are now being offered. One of the ways that Buyers Advantage Group Realty is helping local small to mid-size companies compete in the recruitment arena is through our no-cost, employee relocation service benefits.

The Triangle area has been repeatedly recognized as one of the Best Places in the country to work, start a business, or look for a job. This recognition attracts the attention of top university graduates, highly talented individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Small companies, facing the challenge of continued growth, depend on competing for and securing that top talent. Buyers Advantage Group Realty can help these companies compete with larger companies, who may have substantial relocation benefits to offer, secure and retain the best talent available without cost.

Many companies appreciate the outstanding employee benefit this partnership provides their employees. We are not offering the typical relocation services. Our services start before a company has chosen the best asset to join their team. Buyers Advantage Group Realty becomes an extension of their Human Resource Division.

The second biggest decision a prospective employee will make when interviewing for a new job is whether or not their family will be happy with a move to the Triangle area. Will their quality of life improve by making the move?

Buyers Advantage Group Realty’s agents meet with prospective employees and give them a tour of the Triangle when they are here to interview for a new position. The Triangle is rated the best place to live, work, and play and we know how to demonstrate our area benefits to support the decision to relocate to the Triangle. A company makes the decision on who will be their best candidate and we make sure they say YES to living in the Triangle area.

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by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator for Buyers Advantage Group Realty

Children grow up too fast! It seems like just yesterday I was in the kitchen mixing batches of bubble solution and making our own play dough. Summers were full of long, lazy days swimming at the pool, catching fireflies and counting stars. My kids are grown and don’t look to me anymore to fill their days with fun things to do, but I get to keep my pulse on what active families are doing in the Triangle these days through my grandchildren.

We are fortunate that each community in the area has its own parks and recreation department. In my experience, they are well run and offer great opportunities for kids to try new things and meet new friends. Among other things, one of the common threads between us- whether you live in Cary or Rolesville, Wake Forest or Garner; whether you’re from Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, Johnston or Harnett County- is we love to play! And if you’ve got kids, you will need a steady stream of fresh ideas.

Summer 2008 makes it official debut in less than three weeks. If you haven’t made plans yet to keep your kids happy, healthy and active this summer-don’t worry. There are many opportunities in our area to do just that. Two popular resources for long time residents and newcomers alike can be found through Wake County Public School System and Carolina Parent Magazine.

Summershine 2008 is Wake County Public School System’s catalog of area programs that offer countless opportunities for enriching child care-before and after school care as well as care during school breaks. In Summershine 2008, you will find information on camps, clinics, arts and sports activities. Whether your child is interested in athletics, academics, the arts, or all three, you are sure to find programs to nurture his interest.

Another FREE, popular resource area parents have relied on for years is the Ultimate Family Resource Guide published annually in June by Carolina Parent Magazine. Abounding with information about local activities, schools, health care, shopping, enrichment opportunities, child care, safety, family life and more, the UFRG is the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How guide that area families can go to when looking for new things to do with children. If you would like your own copy of the guide, call me at 919.573.6150 and I will be hapy to put one in the mail to you.

I hope the ideas you find in these two resources lead to many happy memories of long, lazy summer days!

For more information on Raleigh real estate, visit Buyers Advantage Realty today!

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by Marge Bish, Broker/Owner Buyers Advantage Group Realy, LLC

The Citizen Advisory Councils (aka: CACs) were formed in 1973 to give citizens a voice in city government, to educate citizens about city government and to serve as advisory groups to the city council. There are 18 CACs geographically located throughout Raleigh. The CACs review issues of interest to their own community or neighborhood and express concerns to the City Council. The Raleigh Citizen Advisory Council (RCAC) is the overall body made up of the officers of each of the 18 community or neighborhood CACs. By virtue of their residency, every Raleigh citizen is a member of the CAC in their neighborhood or community.

The following are the names of the councils and the days and times that they meet:

• RCAC- meets 3rd Wednesday at 7:00pm in Council Chambers, 222 West Hargett Street, Room 201
• Central CAC- meets 1st Monday at 7:00pm in Lions Park, 516 Dennis Avenue
• Falls of Neuse CAC- meets bi-monthly on 1st Monday at 7:00pm at Eastgate Park Community Center, 4200 Quail Hollow Drive
• Five Points CAC- meets 2nd Wednesday as needed at 7:30pm at Garris Building in Fred Fletcher Park, 802 Clay Street
• Glenwood CAC- meets bi-monthly on 4th Monday (odd months) at 7:30pm at Glen Eden Pilot Park, 1500 Glen Eden Drive
• Hillsborough CAC- meets 3rd Thursday at 7:00pm at Pullen Art Center, 105 Pullen Road
• Mordecai CAC- meets 2nd Tuesday at 7:30pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 824 Bloodworth Street
• North Central CAC- meets 2nd Tuesday at 7:00pm at Tarboro Road Park, 121 Tarboro Road
• Northwest CAC- meets 2nd Tuesday at 7:00pm at Police District 21 Building, 8016 Glenwood Avenue
• Six Forks CAC- meets bi-monthly (odd months), 2nd Monday at 7:30pm at Sertoma Art Center, 1400 W. Millbrook Road
• South CAC- meets 2nd Monday at 7:00pm at Biltmore Hills Community Center, 2615 Fitzgerald Drive
• South Central CAC- meets 4th Monday at 7:00pm at Roberts Community Center, 1300 East Martin Street
• Southeast CAC- meets 2nd Thursday at 7:00pm at Worthdale Community Center, 1001 Cooper Road
• Southwest CAC-meets 2nd Monday at 7:00pm at Carolina Pines Park, 2305 Lake Wheeler Road
• Wade CAC- meets bi-monthly on 4th Tuesday (off months) at 7:30pm at Jaycee Park in the module
• West CAC- meets 4th Tuesday at 7:00pm at Powell Drive Park, 740 Powell Drive

Get Involved!

If you would like to be a part of what is going on in your area, join one of these groups! To receive a newsletter, call the Community Services Department at 919.831.6100 or email Patricia Cheek at patricia.cheek@ci.raleigh.nc.us.

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by Kathryn Dunkle, Client Coordinator for Buyers Advantage Group Realty

The other day I came across an interesting list in Our State magazine (By the way, this is an incredible magazine with gorgeous photographs. Even the online version is a delight!). The list includes seventy-five activities and historic sites from Murphy to Manteo that the Our State editors believe every North Carolinian should experience. Well, I have lived in North Carolina for more than forty years (except for the two years I thought Texas would be a good move); so I imagined that I had done or seen at least half of the list. Needless to say I need to get out more! I figure you may need to get out more as well; and what better place to share our adventures and stories than this weblog?

There are so many interesting things to do and see right here in the Triangle. If you include those that are within a few hours drive, we are truly fortunate. Yet, if you’re like me, you haven’t taken the time to appreciate these hidden treasures. With the summer months approaching, why don’t you stray off the beaten path and look for something different? Check out some odd places, meet some interesting folks and share your experiences with me here on the Buyers Advantage Group Realty blog!

Most likely I never will get to all of the things on the Our State list, but together we can share a lot of miles and a lot of memories and have fun doing so! Let us all know about your favorite places to go in and around our area and what makes them so special.

For me, my first stop will be Mama Dips in Chapel Hill. I have always wanted to go there. If you can’t get to Chapel Hill easily, you can meet Mama Dip at her website. If you have been there, what do you recommend?

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by Carl Kiger, President of OakWealth Mortgage Group

The United States economy is truly a wonderful thing. Without too much government control or intervention, our economy grows and contracts based on the rules of supply and demand. You need only to look at the poor economic issues seen in other countries with too much government control to see the benefits of our “free market” economy. The recent issues in the mortgage industry have caused problems for the economy, and have also caused the federal government to look at greater intervention into the mortgage industry. If you have been watching the news media, you have probably heard discussions concerning the federal government stepping in to prevent lenders foreclosing on homeowners who are behind on their mortgages. While this may sound like great news to anyone who is in the foreclosure process, here is a brief description of why that would be negative for our overall economy.

Have you ever wondered why mortgage rates go up and down with the state of the economy, but credit card rates always tend to stay very high? Mortgage rates are tied to a tangible asset- your house. Lenders can loan money and provide a better interest rate because their risk is low. The money they are lending is tied to your house. If you ever stop making payments, they can recoup their money by selling your house. Inversely, the money loaned on credit cards is not tied to any tangible asset. Credit card issuers loan you money on your “good faith” promise to pay the money back. Although they can make your credit score look bad if you refuse to pay them, they cannot get their money back. Therefore, the risk that the credit card issuers take must be built into the rate they offer to consumers. This risk is why credit card rates are higher, and tend to stay high, even when other short-term rates drop.

With this information in mind, think what will happen if the federal government does not allow home mortgage lenders to foreclose on people who have stopped paying their mortgage. The lenders will not be able to recoup the money loaned out, and the mortgage industry will start taking on the look of the credit card industry. The risk the mortgage lenders are assuming will be much greater, and this risk will have to be built into the rates they offer to consumers. This would cause mortgage rates to be much higher on a permanent basis. Please do not get the impression that mortgage lenders are perfect. Over the last decade, there have been many predatory practices and high-risk lending practices that have contributed to the issues that we are currently facing in the mortgage industry.

While some additional government controls or laws may be needed to curb these practices, too much government control would cause more harm than benefit. Look at it this way: has the federal government ever run a program more efficiently than private industry can do? It may take over a year for our economic outlook to start improving; however, if we can make it through this downturn without breaking aspects of the economy which have worked well for decades, then I think we will all be better off in the long run.

To read Carl Kiger’s newsletter, OakWealth Viewpoint, click here.

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