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All About North Carolina Real Estate

By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**SOLD!** 2br/2bth OCEANFRONT CONDO in popular Villa Capriani, North Topsail Beach NC! Need help selling your beach property here in southeast NC? Call The Whalen Team today - WE GET RESULTS! https://www.desireewhalen.com/villa-capriani-condos-for-sale/
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
I often have the pleasure of introducing home buyers considering a move to the Research Triangle Park to our beautiful cities and towns. We'll explore the cities of Raleigh and Durham but let's chat about why some people only consider Small Town Americana. Imagine arriving in a small downtown in the Triangle just before sunset. The streets are easy to walk, lined with mature oak trees and brick sidewalks. Cars move slowly along two main streets that cross in the center of town, creating a simple four block downtown district that feels welcoming and relaxed.At the center sits a small town square with a grassy lawn, a few benches, and a shaded pavilion where local events are held. On Saturday mornings the space fills with a farmers market. Local farms bring fresh vegetables, baked goods, ...
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
Small Town Living Near Raleigh and Durham A Local Guide to the Triangle’s Growing Communities The Raleigh-Durham area is known for its strong job market, research institutions, and growing population. Many buyers relocating to the Triangle look just outside the larger cities for communities that offer charm, convenience, and a strong sense of community. Follow along as I explore several of our small towns. Below is a brief description. I'll be adding additional blogs diving into each small town. From historic railroad towns to newer communities shaped by the region’s rapid growth, the towns surrounding Raleigh and Durham offer a mix of walkable downtown areas, parks, and access to major highways. Below is a guide to several of the Triangle’s most popular small towns. Cary, North Caroli...
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
The First 10 Minutes MatterBuyers often decide how they feel about a home within minutes of walking through the door.Before listing your home in Cary, Apex, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, review this quick checklist to help your home make a great first impression.1. SmellBuyers notice odors immediately.Check for: pet smells smoke mildew strong cooking odors Quick tips: open windows when possible clean carpets and upholstery replace HVAC filters avoid heavy air fresheners 2. CleanlinessA clean home signals that the property has been well maintained.Focus on: baseboards kitchen counters bathrooms ceiling fans light switches 3. Flooring ConditionBuyers often look down as they walk through a home.Check for: stained carpet worn areas scratched hardwood floors Consider professiona...
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
What Buyers Really Say When Touring Your Home (And How Sellers Can Prepare)If you could listen in during a home showing, what would buyers say about your house?Would they walk in and say, “Wow, this feels like home.”Or would they quietly whisper, “This house needs a lot of work.”Many sellers are surprised by the small things buyers notice. Buyers today want homes that feel clean, fresh, and move-in ready. The good news is that many of the things buyers talk about are things sellers can improve before listing.Some things cannot be changed.Your home may back up to a busy street.The yard might slope.The home might face a direction some buyers do not prefer.Room sizes cannot be altered easily.However, many things that buyers talk about during showings are fully within your control.Before li...
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
Downsizing in the Triangle: When Is the Right Time to Make a Move?For many homeowners in the Triangle area, the question eventually comes up: Is it time to downsize?Sometimes this begins when parents become empty nesters, when finances need to be trimmed, when homeowners want freedom from home maintenance, at retirement or when health dictates the need for downsizing. We're finding people are downsizing at younger ages and enjoying their lives more abundantly.Downsizing is not only about moving into a smaller home. It is about choosing a home that fits your current lifestyle, future plans and financial goals. Across Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Fuquay Varina and surrounding communities, many homeowners are deciding that a simpler living space better supports their next stage of life.If ...
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
Moving to Cary NC? What Homebuyers Should Know Before RelocatingThinking about moving to Cary, North Carolina? You are not alone. Cary is one of the most sought after communities in the Triangle region and continues to attract buyers from across the country. Located between Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, Cary offers a strong job market, beautiful neighborhoods, excellent school choices and a high quality of life.If you are considering relocating to Cary NC, here are several things homebuyers should know before making the move.Why So Many People Are Moving to Cary NCCary consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in North Carolina and the United States. Its convenient location in the Triangle gives residents easy access to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill while maintaining ...
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**SOLD!** Beautiful 3br/2bth home in The Cape neighborhood, Wilmington NC! Need help selling your southeast NC area property? Call The Whalen Team today - WE GET RESULTS! https://www.desireewhalen.com/the-cape-homes-for-sale/
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**SOLD!** Beautiful 3br/2bth home in popular Mallory Creek Plantation, Winnabow NC! Need help selling your southeast NC property? Call The Whalen Team today - WE GET RESULTS! https://www.desireewhalen.com/mallory-creek-plantation-homes-for-sale/
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By Carla Freund, NC Realtor - Senior & Luxury 919-602-848
(Keller Williams Legacy)
Top 10 Reasons People Move to North CarolinaEvery year I talk with people from across the country who are thinking about relocating. Many of them have heard good things about North Carolina but want to know what life is really like here. After helping buyers relocate for many years, I can tell you there are some clear reasons why people choose to make this move.Here are the top 10 reasons people are moving to North Carolina.1. Mild WeatherNorth Carolina has four seasons, but the winters are generally mild. Snow is rare in many parts of the state, especially in the central region. Spring and fall are especially beautiful and comfortable. It is beautiful year round.2. Lower Cost of LivingMany people moving from states like New York, New Jersey, or California find their money goes much fur...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journal Entry for 3/4/2025Yesterday, Nina Hollander, Broker reminded us that March is Women's History Month. I can think of many women in history I admire, but for today, I am writing about a woman I've come to know on ActiveRain who continues to be a welcoming member and a friend. In one of her last blog posts last year, "Saying Goodbye to 2025," she blessed us with an anonymous quote. Let me test your memory:"Behind you....... all your memoriesBefore you...... all your dreamsAround you...... all who love youWithin you...... all you need" Over the years on AR, Nina remains a professional. I see her as a polished woman who does not leave stains on other people where there is disagreement over opinions.  She is always gracious and never rude. What I discovered is, Nina's personality rema...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Centerville North Homes for Sale and What Buyers Should KnowIf you are researching centerville north homes for sale, you are likely focused on one of the quieter and more residential sections of Centerville that offers space, privacy, and year-round livability. As a local real estate professional serving Centerville and the surrounding Barnstable area, I often work with buyers who are specifically drawn to Centerville North for its established neighborhoods and convenient location away from the busier coastal corridors. This part of town appeals to buyers who want Cape Cod living with a practical, residential feel.Centerville North does not rely on seasonal demand alone. It attracts full-time residents, second-home buyers, and long-term investors who appreciate its balance of accessibil...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
March Is Women's History MonthRecognizing The Past, Shaping The Future “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”- Ruth Bader Gizburg Throughout history, bold, wise and resilient, women have left a remarkable legacy to our culture and society. During the month of March we celebrate the wisdom of women who have defied inequality and ignored defeat. Through their tenacity, we all have and continue to benefit.  President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week. In 1987 Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as “Women’s History Month.” "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal."- Elizabeth ...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
 CHARLOTTE'S MOST DELICIOUS TRADITION RETURNS6TH ANNUAL DONUT FESTIVAL — MARCH 8, 2026DONUT MISS IT! 🍩🧁🍪🍯 🍡 Charlotte’s Donut Festival 2026, affectionately known as the "Unlimited Cheat Day," is returning for its highly anticipated 6th year! This indulgent festival is a paradise for donut lovers, featuring an array of delectable, handcrafted donuts from some of Charlotte’s most beloved bakeries. But the treats don’t stop there—attendees can also savor a variety of other sweet and savory delights, ensuring there’s something for everyone. In addition to mouthwatering pastries, the festival will offer a carefully curated selection of specialty coffees, mimosas, Bloody Marys, craft beer, and other refreshing beverages to perfectly complement every bite. Whether you’re a fan of classic glaze...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Latest News On Charlotte Region's Real Estate Sales In January 2026  The Charlotte Region housing market began 2026 with steady pricing, improving contract activity, and continued movement toward more balanced conditions. While closed sales remain below last year’s levels, buyer demand is strengthening and inventory is gradually expanding. In other words, the Greater Charlotte market is not slowing. It is stabilizing. Market Activity and DemandNew listings totaled 4,182, a 1.1% increase year-over-year. However, new listings surged 54.6% from December 2025. Seller activity is holding relatively steady compared with last year, positioning the market for the upcoming spring cycle.Pending sales reached 3,396, up 7.3% year-over-year. Month-over-month, pending sales rose 34.6% from December 2...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Preparing Your Greater Charlotte Home for a Spring Sale If you’re thinking about selling this year, now is the perfect time to prepare your Greater Charlotte home for a spring sale. Many homeowners wait until March or April to start getting ready, but the sellers who see the strongest results begin much earlier.   In markets like Charlotte and the surrounding Greater Charlotte area, spring is historically the most active real estate season. Buyer demand increases, relocation activity rises, and families aim to move before the next school year. If you want to maximize your results, preparing your Charlotte home for spring sale should begin well before the market peaks. However, the homes that command the strongest prices in April and May are usually t...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Carpe Diem Day: Because “Someday” Isn’t On the Calendar  “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”... Mother Theresa Did you know there is a Carpe Diem Day? There is. And it's today! Carpe Diem Day is your official permission slip to stop overthinking and start doing. It’s the one day where “Why not?” beats “What if?” Where you say yes to dessert, take the spontaneous road trip, send the bold text, or finally try that thing you’ve been talking about forever. Big or small, silly or serious, today is about grabbing life by the collar and giving it a joyful shake. No waiting. No excuses. Just pure, unapologetic, seize-the-day energy. We hear the phrase, “Carpe Diem” or “Seize the Day” all the time, but what does it really mean? I suspect that the ans...
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**SOLD! (WE BROUGHT THE BUYERS!)** Congratulations to our clients on the purchase of their home in the Echo Farms neighborhood here in Wilmington, & a HUGE THANK YOU to listing agent Heather Ashworth (https://wilmington.nestrealty.com/agent/heather-ashworth) for working hard to get the job done! Need help finding a home here on the Carolina coast? Call The Whalen Team today! https://www.desireewhalen.com/echo-farms-homes-for-sale/
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By Brett Furniss, Charlotte Property Manager
(BDF Realty, Inc.)
Early in my business career, I attended a networking event at a local restaurant.  I went to the sign-in table and was enthusiastically greeted by Susie.  “Welcome!  What’s your name?” As Susie found my name on the sign-in sheet, she dutifully checked a box and pointed me to a nearby table with white sticker nametags and black Sharpie markers on top.  “Write your name, your business name, and go meet some great people!”  Then she quickly repeated the same spiel to the fellow behind me.  I did what I was told and uncomfortably started to mill around the room while simultaneously straining to read the other attendees’ nametags around me.  Me: “Hi, Jim.  I’m Brett.  What do you do for Hillman’s Autobody?”Jim: “I fix cars.  What does ‘BDF’ stand for?  Oh, that’s really interesting…” It was ...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
What Is Your Home Worth in Today’s Market? If there’s ONE number every homeowner should stay on top of, it’s this:What is my home worth right now?Not your interest rate.Not what you paid five, ten, or twenty years ago.Not what your neighbor sold for last summer.Your home’s current market value. Why? Because the market has changed dramatically. In many areas, home values have climbed close to 50% over the past five years. That kind of appreciation can significantly impact your overall net worth. For most homeowners, their house is their largest financial asset — and when that asset grows, it creates opportunity.Knowing your home’s value helps you: Understand how much equity you’ve built Make smarter decisions about refinancing or leveraging equity Plan renovations strategically Evaluate ...
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North Carolina Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Professionals