by Katie Dunkle, Client Coordinator

There didn’t use to be much to do in downtown Raleigh. For years, the main street had been converted to a pedestrian walking mall. I worked there myself for many years and did what most everyone else who worked there did. At 5:00, I left.

But lately, almost under the radar, things have been changing and many of the town’s residents have hardly noticed. I am guilty of that too. Did you know we have a Shimmer Wall? Read all about it and be sure to check out the video of the Shimmer Wall under the “Related Content” section.

When the new Raleigh Convention Center celebrates its grand opening on September 5th-7th, everyone will come to realize that all of these changes herald many more good things to come. Join your neighbors and come to the Raleigh Wide Open III (RWOIII) where you will experience the grand opening celebration of our new convention center and enjoy street entertainment, good food and music. For a schedule of events, visit the Raleigh Convention Center site.

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

Tags: Triangle Events, Triangle News, homes and community by Janelle - No Comments »

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!

Tags: General Category, Triangle Events, Triangle Real Estate, homes and community by Janelle - No Comments »

Due to fiscally tighter economic conditions, many potential home buyers are taking a more pessimistic step back when it comes to purchasing a home. Reasons for this stem from the belief that banks won’t be willing to lend money to buyers whose credit isn’t as great as it could be. However, what many buyers do not realize is that they have a lot more financing options available than they think.

In a March 2008 newsletter from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the NAR stated that federal housing administration (FHA) loans have come back. According to the NAR, FHA loan originations saw almost a 60% increase in 2007, and currently, the program’s loan limits have been increased to a maximum of $729,750.

Additionally, tax law changes have made private mortgage insurance (PMI) more attractive. Since 2006, PMI premiums have been a deductible on federal taxes, and last year, Congress enacted a 3-year extension on PMI deductibility. This helps buyers who would otherwise be financing with piggyback loans, which are harder to get in today’s market.

Home buyers also have the option of looking into the USDA Rural Development Loan Program. I spoke to Sabrina Schell, who is a loan officer at Southeastern Mortgage Corporation, and she explained the details of the USDA Rural Development Loan Program further stating:

Rural development is a fantastic 100% financing program in a time where most 100% financing has been eliminated. It is driven by population per capita and most of the surrounding counties of Wake are eligible (all of Johnston; all of Granville; all of Franklin, etc..). There are small portions of wake that are eligible too; and while it does have income limits, they are escalated for number of bodies in a household. This is an amazing fixed rate program at market interest rates with no mortgage insurance…

Buyers Advantage wants you to know that you don’t have to miss out on the buyers market simply because of misinformation about current lending practices; 100% financing is still available to those who are looking to purchase their dream home!

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

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