Date Archives: March 2021
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24
5 Helpful Tips for Introducing a Pet to Your Home
If you feel your home isn't complete without a four-legged friend, you're not alone. Many homeowners have at least one pet. Whether you're thinking about getting your first pet or adding yet another to your pack, introducing a new pet requires some planning and finesse. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for bringing a new fur-buddy into your home.
- Get your home ready.
Before your new four-legged friend comes home with you for the first time, make sure you have everything you need and that your home is ready for their arrival. Get all the pet supplies you need, such as food, bowls, a kennel or carrier for a larger pet or a cage if it's a small animal, and a collar and a leash if necessary. Also, be sure your home is ready to receive a new pet. Pet-proof and put anything away that could be hazardous for your new pet. - Make new introductions slowly.
Keep introductions stress-free for your pet by slowly introducing them to other household members. For a dog, meeting on a leash in a neutral area, such as outside instead of in the house, can take some of the pressure off. A new cat may need to be kept confined to a single room for a few days while getting used to the new home. - Plan a quiet few days at home.
The last thing you want is a lot of activity while you're letting a new pet adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, so keep introductions to just the immediate household for now. Remember, this is a new member of your household, so friends and family will have plenty of time to get to know them later on. For now, plan to spend a few days at home while they get to know you and their new home. - Establish routines.
These first few days at home are a good time to start establishing routines with your new pet: when mealtimes are when bedtime is, and if it's a dog, walk schedules and outdoor routines. - Plan for the future.
As you and your new pet settle in together, remember to plan for the future. For instance, if you plan to move soon, maybe you don't want to cut through that exterior wall to make a doggy door. House training is important at this point so that you keep your home in good shape, minimize repairs, and maintain the value for when you sell one day. Keep in mind things that you notice would be nice, such as a larger yard for your dog, so that you know what to look for when you start browsing Raleigh homes for sale.
Adding a pet to the family is exciting, but it may also remind you of the features you want in your next home, such as more space, a larger yard, and close proximity to parks or walking trails. If you're ready to start looking for a new home for you and your family, both two-legged and four-legged family members included, contact us today.
17
North Carolina: One of the Top States for Inbound Moves
In the last five years, while many states are seeing a decline in growth, North Carolina surges forward. In fact, it was recently reported that North Carolina was one of the top states for inbound moves in 2020. If you're curious about why families are flocking to our state, our real estate agents will be happy to answer some of your questions.
- What is North Carolina like?
From the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic, the terrain sweeps from the 6,684 feet of Mount Mitchell in the Blue Ridge to over 300 miles of pristine beaches. The famous Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands that lie to the east. Outdoor lovers will thrill to skiing in winter, surfing, and sailing in summer. Lakes and rivers offer swimming and fishing. Spectacular views await whichever direction you turn. With four distinct seasons, North Carolina enjoys mild temperatures, with average highs at around 70 degrees and lows from 56-67 degrees. - What is there to see and do?
With a rich history going back to Colonial America, museums and historical sites abound. The North Carolina Museum of Art houses a broad range of art worldwide, including the largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the southeastern United States. In the music scene, you can find a concert somewhere in the city nearly every day. Home of the world's largest beer garden, Raleigh offers a rich nightlife flowing with locally crafted beers to accompany world-class food. - How much does it cost to live in North Carolina?
Homebuyers always look at a house as an investment, probably the largest they will ever make. In North Carolina, the median listing price is $184,100, or about $115 per square foot. Raleigh homes for sale are somewhat higher, but at $315,000 median listing price is still below the national average of $346,800. The continuing high growth in population has given rise to a home appreciation of 8.5% over the last ten years. A number of factors, such as a reasonable flat tax, make the cost of living significantly lower than the rest of the country. The property tax rate is only 0.84%. - Education Opportunities?
Many move to North Caroline to the Research Triangle because of the educational opportunities in a variety of fields and professions. At the college level, Duke, Wake Forest, Davidson, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill top the list of the best colleges in North Carolina out of seventy-nine to choose from. - How is the job market?
Although the unemployment rate remains high across the nation, North Carolina anticipates a decline to about 5.1% by December of 2021, with a net job increase of 245,100. With 12 of the states 14 nonagricultural sectors seeing an increase in employment, hospitality, and leisure services will lead the way. Household income averages $61,505, as compared to the national average of $57,652. North Carolina's economy focuses on banking, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
When you consider the beautiful landscape, fantastic weather, and abundance of leisure activities, you may wish to change your question. Instead of asking why people are moving to North Carolina, you might ask why anyone is not. If you're ready to make a move, contact us to find that perfect house.
10
St. Patrick's Day Crafts Your Kids Will Love
Our real estate agents love spreading the Luck O' the Irish! This year, consider taking a short break from exploring the beautiful Raleigh homes for sale so you and your little ones can enjoy a fun St. Paddy's Day-themed craft party! Here are a few easy ideas to help you plan your day.
- Leprechaun Paper Plate
It's easy to make an adorable leprechaun using a paper plate, a little bit of paint, and some construction paper. Begin by turning a plain white paper plate upside down and painting the outside edge with orange paint. While you're waiting for the paint to dry, use green, yellow, and black construction paper to make a hat and glue it to the top of the plate. Draw a face with a black Sharpie marker, and you've got an adorable leprechaun to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
- 3-D Shamrock
Want to make a shamrock that pops? Try this fun 3-D paper shamrock. Start by cutting green construction paper into six hearts that are the same size and a piece in the shape of a shamrock stem. Fold each heart in half vertically, making a strong crease. Glue the stem at the bottom of the page and the bottom four hearts over the stem, directly across from each other. Now use the last two hearts to make the top of the shamrock, and you're done! This is a great way to make a 3-D card that your child can give to a loved one.
- Leprechaun Handprint Craft
Handprint crafts create a memorable keepsake you can treasure for years. To make this fun handprint leprechaun, start by painting your child's fingers orange and the palm a skin color. Then, have them press their hand hard on a piece of white paper. For this craft, the fingers will point down, as they will make the beard. Use paint, markers, or construction paper to make a tophat and add some orange paint underneath to look like hair. Finally, add some googly eyes and draw a nose and mouth -- and you've got a happy leprechaun to celebrate the day with you.
- Rainbow Chain Necklace
Kids love crafts they can wear, so this rainbow chain necklace is always a big hit! It's easy to make and will keep them busy for a while. All you need is colored construction paper, tape or a stapler, and some gold glitter. Start by cutting red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple paper into small strips. Then, show your child how to make each piece into a circle, interlocking them together. Hold each piece together with a staple or a dot of glue. Finally, make a pot of gold with construction paper and your gold glitter. Staple or glue it to the front of the wreath, and it's ready to go.
- Fabric Wreath
If you have an older child or you're willing to help, this DIY fabric wreath is another fun project. Start with a 12-inch wire wreath frame and 1 yard each of lime green, polka dot, and shamrock-patterned fabric. Cut the fabric into 1.5 x 7-inch strips. Then tie each piece of fabric to the frame, one at a time, creating a pattern. Start from the outside edge and work your way in. When you're done, hang it on your door with a piece of green ribbon.
You don't need luck to find a great home in the Raleigh area. The home of your dreams is out there waiting for you, so don't delay! Contact us today to get started.
5
HPW Open Houses | March 6 - 7
This weekend's forecast looks like lots of sunshine and a 100% chance of some awesome open houses to visit. So, go ahead and put on your favorite pair of shades - it's time to find you a home!
Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have listed some beautiful homes that are sure to catch your eye.
Check out the complete list of our agents' open houses to figure out which homes you'd like to tour on Saturday and Sunday.
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3
National Day of Unplugging: Nature Retreats Around Raleigh
"Can you hear me now?" Electronics and social media often drown out the sounds of actual connections. Our real estate agents know that the Raleigh area has plenty of nature retreats perfect for a visit on Friday, March 5, for the National Day of Unplugging. Recharge your "batteries" by getting back to nature at one of these fabulous spots around Raleigh.
- Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park - 1800 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
Museums are usually indoor activities for a rainy day. Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park is a delightful outdoor "gallery" where works of art share the stage with beautiful natural surroundings. The 164-acre park includes miles of trails dotted with signs providing information about the artworks and the history of the adjacent North Carolina Museum of Art. Leashed dogs are welcome. Admission is free, and the park is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. - TreeRunner Adventure Park - 12804 Norwood Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613
When you're navigating obstacles 30 feet above the ground, cell phones are the last thing on your mind. TreeRunner Adventure Park features seven different obstacle courses to provide a challenge for any level of experience. Make your way across tightrope bridges, cargo nets, and zip lines as you enjoy the thrill of accomplishment. TreeRunner also has a Junior Park for ages 4-7, so the whole family can participate. Advance tickets are required. Admission is $42 for adults, $35 for kids 13 and under, and $20 for the Junior Park, with prices slightly higher on weekends. Visit the website for hours. - Historic Yates Mill County Park - 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603
Prior to the 20th century, mills were the social and economic backbone of life around Raleigh. The last mill in operating condition is the foundation of Historic Yates Mill County Park. Pedestrian-only trails pass through forests and wetlands, while three onsite gardens provide a look at Native American farming methods and endangered ecosystems. Pack a lunch and take a break at one of several picnic tables located throughout the park. Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset daily. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens - 1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27610
Opened in 1975, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens has the distinction of being the first park in the United States exclusively dedicated to the renowned civil rights leader. Highlights of the 2.4-acre park include a life-size statue of Dr. King, which is part of Raleigh's public arts collection, as well as a stunning 12-ton granite water fountain honoring his fellow civil rights pioneers from the area around Raleigh homes for sale. The King Memorial Wall is made from 2,500 bricks, each bearing the name of one of the park's supporters. Park hours are sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. - Raleigh Walking Tours - 400 N. Person St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Just how well do you really know Raleigh? Have fun as you learn about ghosts, art, and other lively facets of the city's history during Raleigh Walking Tours. Each event lasts approximately one hour, and the company has a unique pay-what-you-want policy to accommodate all interested participants. Private tours at a fixed rate are available for individuals and groups of all sizes. Reservations are required. Visit the website for tour schedules and tickets.
Raleigh is a perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Whether you're buying or selling a home in the area, contact us.
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