Date Archives: September 2022

Calling all Raleigh residents — and those looking at homes for sale in Raleigh! One of the year's best events is coming up soon. The N.C. State Fair is scheduled for October 14 - 23rd, 2022. After a couple of quiet years, this year's fair promises to be better than ever, offering everything from rides to animal exhibits. If you'd like to attend the fair, here's the key information you need to know.

• Location and Parking
  The N.C. State Fair takes place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, located at 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh. This is in the West Raleigh and N.C. State University area. 
  
  The fair offers parking at the corner of Edwards Mill and Reedy Creek. There are shuttles that will take you from this free lot to Gate 8, where you can enter the fair. Free Parking is also available at the PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Football Stadium.
  
  
• Tickets and Admission
  Tickets will be sold at the gate for $13 per adult and $7 per child. There are discounts available for senior citizens and military members. Children ages 5 and younger enjoy free admission.
  
  If you'd like to save a little cash, look for advanced tickets on sale at many Raleigh businesses leading up to the fair. Advanced tickets will be priced at $10 per adult and $5 per child.
  
  If you plan on riding a lot of rides, consider a Dizzy Pass. For $38, you get one admission ticket plus one unlimited ride wristband.
  
  
• Key Events and Entertainment
  The N.C. State Fair is known for its unique performances and entertainment. One such event is the Folk Festival, which takes place at Heritage Circle inside the fairgrounds. Each day, folk dancers and musicians will compete for prizes. You'll hear bluegrass, square dancing music, and modern folk.
  
  Another fun attraction is the Antique Farm Machinery exhibit. Featuring a range of old-fashioned tools and machines, this display will teach you a lot about how farmers used to work.
  
  Of course, you can't miss the Flower & Garden Show. Here, you can walk along winding pathways, admiring stunning plants grown by local gardeners. See flowers, herbs, and even potted trees.
  
  
• Food and Drinks
  Would it even be a fair without fair food? Walk through the fair, and you'll find it hard to resist options like deep-fried Oreos, gator kabobs, and fruit smoothies. Of course, you'll also see plenty of the classics: roasted corn, turkey legs, funnel cakes, and snow cones.
  
  Don't forget to buy some salt water taffy or fudge to take home for later. There are several candy booths to visit.
  
  
• Grandstand Shows
  The N.C. State Fair also presents several grandstand shows for which you must purchase separate tickets. 
  
  There are Tractor Pulls presented by United Pullers of the Carolinas on October 14, 15, and 16th. Another big event is Motor Sports Mayhem, held on October 21, 22, and 23rd.
  
  And, of course, you can't go wrong with the Draft Horse Pull, which will take place at 7 pm on Friday, October 21st. Proceeds for the Draft Horse Pull go to benefit Duke Children's Hospital CPRP Clinic.

Whether you're new to Raleigh or have lived here for many years, our real estate agents highly recommend spending a day at the N.C. State Fair. It's such a thrilling way to experience the best of North Carolina's culture and history. Contact us if you're new to the area and would like to learn more about our real estate services.

If you've grown dissatisfied with the home you live in, you may wonder if buying a new home or remodeling your current one is your best option. Each has its pros and cons, and the right answer depends on your particular circumstances as well as the real estate market in your area and in the one you might move to.

Our real estate agents recommend taking the following steps to determine whether buying or remodeling is best for you:

• Determine the Cost of Each
  Buying a new home means you'll have to pay costs such as moving expenses and making sufficient repairs to your current home before putting it on the market. In addition, if you're upsizing, you may have a larger monthly mortgage payment, higher property taxes, and a larger utility bill. On the other hand, remodeling means you'll pay for materials, labor, and possibly a permit and architectural plan. In addition, if you finance the cost of your remodel, the interest you'll pay on the loan will also add to your eventual cost.
  
  
• Consider Your Neighborhood
  Do the changes you'd like to make generally line up with what other homes in your neighborhood have? Neighborhoods generally have an upper limit of what homebuyers will pay for a home there, even if it comes with more amenities. If you exceed the top of the market for your neighborhood, you may find that in the future, your home sells for less than you would expect. So if your planned improvements would effectively price your home out of your neighborhood, moving may be your better option.
  
  
• What Would You Change?
  If you're dissatisfied with your current home, take the time to figure out exactly what you're not happy with. There are some things you can change fairly easily, while others are more difficult or impossible. For example, if your home is too small to suit your needs, you may be able to expand your living space by converting a garage into a family room or bedroom. But this kind of renovation can be costly. If you don't like your home's location, that obviously can't be changed. But if you're tired of the decor, your kitchen appliances, layout, or other similar issues, a remodel can probably address the problems.
  
  
• Consider Possible Lifestyle Changes
  If you're making a move that takes you out of the neighborhood you currently live in, moving into a new home may involve some lifestyle changes. You may have a shorter or longer commute, and if you have kids, they may be attending different schools. In addition, you may have attachments to the community and neighbors or family that lives nearby. If you already live in a community you know and love, renovating or moving within the same area may be the best option.
  
  
• Research the Real Estate Market
  Our real estate agents can help you gauge the current state of your local real estate market. For example, they can let you know what comparable homes in your area are selling for and how long they're usually on the market. Would your home be appealing to buyers with just a little sprucing up, or would it require more extensive improvements? This information can help guide you in determining whether buying a new home or remodeling is the best choice.

Contact us today if you'd like to see Raleigh properties for sale. Our full-service real estate agency is locally owned and operated, and we take pride in putting people first. 

The Morgan Street Food Hall is one of the most exciting places to eat near our homes for sale in Raleigh. No matter what dietary restrictions you have or what type of food you're craving, there's a vendor for you. Let's take a look at some of the vendors currently serving up dishes in this unique dining space.

• The Bowls
  Want a tasty, quick meal that will fill you up? Head over to The Bowls for, you guessed it, bowls of delicious East Asian cuisine. Each bowl is named after a different Asian city depending on its ingredients. 
  
  
• Makus Empanadas
  Makus Empanadas is run by two Argentinian brothers and one of their best friends from childhood. Together, they bring the humble empanada to a whole new level. Get these flavor-packed pockets stuffed with chicken, bacon and cheese, sweet corn, and all kinds of other fillings for a tasty meal you can take on the go. 
  
  
• The Katsu
  If you're in the mood for extra-large sandwiches, The Katsu has you covered. Choose from options like the Ninja Chicken Katsu, the Monster Katsu Sandwich, and the Bulgogi Cheese Steak Sandwich – each one features fried katsu meat and fresh vegetables and can be topped with extra fixings like avocado, kimchi, or eggs. 
  
  
• Bella's Wood Fired Pizza and Tapas
  Bella's Wood Fired Pizza and Tapas serves warm, mouth-watering pizzas made in a real brick oven as well as some pasta options, including spaghetti and meatballs and chicken alfredo. They also offer a small seasonally-rotating selection of tapas plates, usually featuring some of the cheeses they use when making their pizzas.
  
  
• CowBar Burger and Fries
  CowBar Burger and Fries is much more than your typical burger joint. Here, you can order gourmet burgers by chef Dan Yeager, a graduate of the famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy. Try out specialty sandwiches like their luxurious truffle burger or their vegan Beyond Burgers. 
  
  
• Curry in a Hurry
  Curry in a Hurry is run by chef Alaksha Surti and offers a multitude of different curry dishes with authentic Indian flavor profiles. Their menu changes daily, but they always make sure to have several vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options available so more people can enjoy their food.
  
  
• Oak City Fish and Chips
  When your next seafood craving hits, check out what's on the menu at Oak City Fish and Chips. Patrons can feast on fried fish, shrimp, scallops, oysters, and calamari, all coated in Oak City's proprietary spice blend.
  
  
• Amitie Macarons 
  Amitie Macarons makes just one thing – macarons, of course! These goodies come in all kinds of flavors, including Dark Chocolate Pomegranate, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, and Matcha Green Tea. Try them alone or in a variety pack for even more sugary goodness.
  
  
• Boba Brew
  There's always something good to sip on at Boba Brew. Their naturally sourced milk and fruit teas can be topped with boba pearls, popping jellies, and other fun additions. They also serve smoothies in many of the same flavors that their teas come in, giving you the same great taste with a smoother and richer texture.
  
  
• The Raleigh Popsicle Company
  Grab a light, refreshing dessert at the Raleigh Popsicle Company. This small company makes all of its popsicles by hand using fresh local fruits. The result is a subtly sweet treat with unbelievable natural flavor. 

Food halls are a growing food trend, and it's no surprise you'll find fantastic options here in the Triangle. Why not see what else the Raleigh area has to offer? Contact us today to begin browsing or listing with one of our real estate agents.