Went out on my upstairs porch yesterday to enjoy the beautiful autumn day in Apex and out of the corner of my eye spotted something unusually large looking at me from on my front lawn.             Ran to get my camera, set it up on the railing, zoomed in aournd 25 times, set it on a high shutter speed, and snapped away at this young hawk WALKING around on my front lawn. I've seen deer on my front lawn, plenty of rabbits, and the neighborhood dogs, but this is the first time a HAWK was actually just walking around the yard, picking at worms.      Not eating the mice and other rodents that are supposed to be their main meals of course,  but eating the worms that help to break up the red clay that passes as soil down here in North Carolina.         Another Nature blog and pictures from ... 10/20/2010

So many people move to the Raleigh Cary area of North Carolina from New York City and Long Island  that we can almost call it Manhattan South.   Except of course that we don't have the skyscrapers, city lights, subways, and 8 million other people.     We do have:  fine dining  little cafes  theatre  lots of shopping  and most important of all- lots of free parking!!!                   While it may look like worlds away, New York is a mere 500 miles, 9 hour drive from Apex, Cary, and Raleigh.  And in between are Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, etc.  No reasons to get homesick or miss the action of the city when you can get back there with a cheap 1 hour flight, or a day's drive. If you're thinking of moving to North Carolina but afraid you'll miss the "big city", think again.  Ho... 10/15/2010

While the weather remained hot throughout most of September here in Apex North Carolina,  the real estate market did not. Apex Homes Sold in September 2010 Address Subdivision Tot LA LP $ SP $ 300 West Street Not in a Subdivision 825 51,000 48,000 505 Lynch Street Justice Heights 1056 74,900 72,000 8000 Everard Court Bayfield Run 1097 95,000 105,000 2808 Thurrock Drive Amherst 1200 117,000 123,000 108 Silver Branch Court Sunset Hills 1068 135,000 122,500 2804 Ringgold Drive Glendale 1528 149,900 145,000 7912 Senter Farm Road Whippoorwill Downs 1500 149,900 147,500 8600 GLENDALE Drive Glendale 1350 155,000 149,900 113 Milky Way Drive Sugarland Run 1210 156,750 156,750 107 Perry Farms Drive Perry Farms 1312 159,900 155,000 1011 Cherokee Court Indian Trail 1345 169,000 162,000 4409 New Br... 10/09/2010

Raleigh real estate Raleigh mortgage rates started lower this morning but by days end had risen slightly. Rates are very attractive for those looking to buy a home using VA, FHA or jumbo loan programs. 30 year and 15 year fixed rate mortgages are at an all time low for those wanting to refinance their home or purchase a new one. We're a low cost Raleigh mortgage banker. Because we are a direct lender we can often offer no point and/or no fee loans. We provide purchase and refinance loans throughout the entire state of North Carolina and we are headquartered in Raleigh. We love the opportunity to compete so ask us for a free no obligation quote. A call to us may save you thousands of dollars in mortgage interest by securing a low rate. Find out why our company is growing while many other... 10/08/2010

It's been a long hot and DRY summer here in North Carolina. In fact, last Saturday the record was broken for the hottest day on record in the Raleigh area for September 25 when it hit 93 Degrees!  The weather guys mentioned that it was 20 degrees over the normal temps, that ususlly run in the very pleasant 70's. No one felt like moving much. Even the pond in Crowder Park was still and the sky was hazy.   Sunday afternoon it finally started to rain! What a welcome relief. It seems that now the rain is washing away the summer blahs that have slowed down our lives here. And what better way to start anew than looking for a fresh new place to live! Wouldn't you like to live around Crowder Park in Apex, the Peak of Good Living? Right now there are 170 homes for sale within a 2 mile radius of ... 09/29/2010

    Raleigh real estate     Raleigh mortgage rates are slowly rising due to positive news in the stock market. However the rates are still attractive for those looking to buy a home using VA, FHA or jumbo loan programs. 30 year and 15 year fixed rate mortgages are at an all time low for those wanting to refinance their home or purchase a new one. We're a low cost Raleigh mortgage banker. Because we are a direct lender we can often offer no point and/or no fee loans. We provide purchase and refinance loans throughout the entire state of North Carolina and we are headquartered in Raleigh. We love the opportunity to compete so ask us for a free no obligation quote. A call to us may save you thousands of dollars in mortgage interest by securing a low rate. Find out why our company is growin... 09/28/2010

The self employed applying for a mortgage loan can be frustrating because many loan officers do not know how to accurately read tax returns. Fannie Mae is the largest purchaser of conventional mortgage loans.  Since stated income loans no longer exsist it's important to know their requirements. Here are the guidelines from Fannie Mae: Income from self employment is considered stable, and effective, if the borrower has been self employed for two or more years.  Due to the high probability of failure during the first few years of a business, the requirements described below are necessary for borrowers who have been self employed for less than two years. If the period of self employment is between one and two years:  To be eligible for a mortgage loan, the individual must have at least two... 09/28/2010

First Priority Financial is a direct lender in Raleigh North Carolina.  Our company is located in multiple states and we have over 1,000 loan officers and approximately 300 branch offices. It was founded in Faifield California in 1977. We maintain a reputation of excellence by requiring all of our loan officers to be licensed in the states in which they conduct business. We have always maintained this requirement regardless of the past lax banking laws.  We believe that the best consumer protection in mortgage lending is knowledgeable and ethical loan officers.  Below is just one of many testimonials as to why so many North Carolinian's use our services! ★★★★★  First Priority Financial Services is Excellent!!! George C.  First Priority Financial Services Inc. I was a first time home bu... 09/27/2010

09/17/2010

Just when we were trying to get over the news that July homes sales were down to the lowest point in a (insert huge number here) years, along comes August.   Everyone was hoping those buyers needed to get into a new home before school started. I spent Friday researching the data for Cary and Apex North Carolina home sales for August.  Then I spent the evening having a glass of wine and some chocolate. Unfortunately sales were down again in August from the miserable numbers in July, 2010 In August 51 homes closed in Apex, compared to 58 in July, and 78 in June of 2010   Apex North Carolina Real Estate Market Report - Homes sold in August 2010   Address Subdivision Square Footage Year Built List Price Sales Price 305 Lynch Street Apex Villas 1176 1930 123,900 115,400 795 Burgess Road Not ... 09/04/2010

Holland Crossing Subdivision - Apex NC - 128 Saddle River Road recently SOLD by Nellie Lytvinenko - Homes by Nellie - 919-210-9992 The Buyer of this 3 Bedroom, 2 bath home is thrilled with their new home and the wonderful lot that backs up to wooded protected area!  Holland Crossing  in Apex NC  is in a great location and has a community swimming pool and club house for use by residents.  Convenient for travel to the Research Triangle Park.   View Larger Map     Apex NC has been at the top of the lists for places to move to recently.  The Downtown area boasts many locally owned restaurants and shops in close proximity to Holland Crossing Subdivision.           08/20/2010

"Keep NC Clean & Green" Recycling Information for the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex Area.Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. It's a great idea, and we hear it all the time. But sometimes, we just need some more information on what we can recycle, when recyclables are picked up, and where we can go for those items which are not part of the recycling program. Recycling information for Raleigh Recycling information for Cary Recycling information for Apex Please note that these links are for homeowners who have city services. For those homeowners who are under county jurisdiction, please check with your sanitation company for more details. The following video is a very powerful "documentary" about the importance of recycling. And, even though it's about plastics in California, the message rings true no matter wh... 08/17/2010

    Apex North Carolina Market Report for April 2010     Here is how homes for sale in  Apex NC in Wake County did during the month of July.  Remember this report is for detached homes as reported in our Triangle Multiple Listing Service.   Active Detached homes for sale in Apex NC during the month of July   New listings for sale in Apex NC for the month of July   Take a look at the homes just listed in Apex NC in July Let me know if you would like to see any of these new listings (sorted by subdivisions) Detached homes in Apex NC that went under contract (or pending) in the month of July    Homes that CLOSED (sold) in Apex NC during the month of July     Located in southwestern Wake County, Apex combines a relaxing small southern town atmosphere with convenience to big-city amenities.... 08/16/2010

With the hot weather that we here in Apex North Carolina have been experiencing all summer (along with the rest of the world!)  Mother Nature seems unusually still and quiet. Taking a walk at Crowder  Park near my home recently, my husband and I seemed to be the only ones moving.   Peaceful and serene, the only ones moving were the turtles that were in the water.               Thinking of Moving?   There are currently 153 homes for sale within a 2 mile radius of Crowder Park, ranging in price from $139,900 to $1,549,000 If you'd like to view the homes online  click here. If you'd like to see them in person, Give me a call or email me! 08/11/2010

  Who says Homes aren't selling right now? Here in Apex, North Carolina,- otherwise known as "the Peak of Good Living", we had 58 homes close for the month of July 2010! These homes ranged in price from $112,000 to $799,000!  As you can see, there's something for everyone! Address Subdivision Tot LA Yr B LP $ SP $ 2616 Brad Court Belmont Estates 1010 1980 115,000 112,000 9001 Wesley Court Elizabeth Woods 1552 1992 135,000 135,100 105 Sugarland Drive Sugarland Run 1100 1997 139,000 130,000 922 Homestead Park Drive Homestead Park 1145 1999 145,000 129,000 211 Milky Way Drive Sugarland Run 1149 1998 155,000 150,000 2004 Blanchard Street Brittany Trace 1360 1991 164,900 159,000 807 Windermere Lake Court Amherst 1597 1999 169,900 146,000 500 Kinship Lane Hollands Crossing 1229 1998 173,000 ... 08/06/2010

  If you have never stop at a road side stand with truly fresh produce from tomatoes to potatoes then you have missed life's simple treats. DJ'S Berry Patch in Apex NC has it all, located in one of NC top growing Townes near Research Triangle Park where many of the country's Fortune 500 companies do business and employee 1,000's of highly educated people. Quality of life, schools and affordability are among many of the reasons families have chosen to make Apex NC their home. 3701 Crooked Brook, Apex NC is a fine example of value and quality, listed at $329,900. 3 Bedroom custom with almost an ac. RES - Buyer Full     Go Local: DJ's Farm Stand Posted: 21 Jul 2010 07:42 PM PDT Story & photos by Hal Goodtree. Apex, NC - Wedged in behind the confluence of Davis Drive and Salem Church Road i... 07/22/2010

Backyard Chickens in Apex There is a growing movement of people wanting to get closer to the origins of their food and in touch with the rewards of nurturing and growing their own small bounties.  Small home gardens are cropping up and local grown produce is in demand.    I have also seen a few rustic signs posted in yards advertising "free range eggs."  Always loving chickens in artwork and pottery, I started to wonder about the possibility of having a few hens in my Apex backyard.  What I find in the local ordinances is that the town of Apex allows backyard hens within the Apex Town limits, but no noisy Roosters.  Further research into the basics revealed that one happy hen produces one egg a day, so 2-3 hens should eventually produce enough eggs to feed a  family and a little extra t... 07/18/2010

Cooling off your potted plants Not only are we as people hot during this record breaking heat spell here in the East, but our plants are showing signs of stress too.  The leaves on the maple trees are a little droopy, and the grass is turning brown.  Those "widely scattered thunderstorms" that are predicted every evening rarely occur on our neighborhoods, it seems.   If you're trying to sell your home and want to keep the "curb appeal" of your potted plants looking fresh, this weather could be a challenge. Even if the plants are watered every morning, by the end of the afternoon, they can still look wilted.  Last week I came upon a great idea to keep my potted plants from wilting all day.  I fill some empty plastic bottles with water, stand them up in the freezer and freeze them over ni... 07/16/2010

OLDE FASHION 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONApex, NC July 3rd 9:00AM - 1:00PM - FREE  Olde Fashion 4th of July Celebration  Once again, the "Peak of Good Living" celebrates America's Birthday with a day of fabulous family activities in downtown Apex on Salem Street.  Red, white and blue colors will adorn the historic business district as folks gather to honor America and to celebrate the little town we call home. Festivities include carnival games, a climbing wall, waterslide, mini train rides, food vendors, clowns, jugglers, dunking booth, face painting, karaoke, and much more. As always there is no charge for admission. The Parade of Wheels will, once again, highlight the festivities! In the Parade of Wheels, children decorate their bikes, wagons, and more, in patriotic colors and parade thro... 07/03/2010

Fourth of July Free Events - Holly Springs NC Independence Day Celebration Fireworks and Music Monday July 5th, 2010 Click Here for 2011 4th of July Events in Holly Springs NC   Enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with fireworks and other family fun Monday, July 5 at Womble Park from 5-9 p.m. Admission is free and open to everyone. Free entertainment includes music and inflatable slides and activities for the kids, in addition to the nightime fireworks!  Food will be available, or bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs. Opening by Divine Intentions Musical Group Decorated Bike & Wagon Parade - 6 p.m. Music by Church Alive Band Patriotic Performances by Holly Springs Community Band and the Dave Reitmeyer Trio The Holly Springs Police Department will lead a "bike and wagon"... 06/29/2010