How lot design and development can make your new home greener Tips from Durham Green Home Builders Building or buying a new green home in Durham? Consider having it built green certified. Here's what you need to know.  Durham Green Home builders need to adhere to strict regulations in order for a home to be certified.  Throughout construction, six aspects are rigidly evaluated by a qualified third party before green homes in Durham can be certified: Lot Design, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Operation/Maintenance.  In each of the six areas, a certain number of "points" must be earned by selecting certain green home features, or using green construction guidelines. Design, Preparation and Development of your Green Home lot Cert... 12/14/2010

  No doubt about it - the Triangle area in central North Carolina is one of the best places to live in the US. Numerous surveys and studies have proven it for many years. I was reading a local Durham blog called Bull City Rising which prompted me to write this post. The blog raises an interesting point - do we feel we need to compete with other towns and cities within the Triangle in order to say our city is best? Some people are quick to say that Cary and Raleigh are better than Durham, but Durham has been getting many accolades too and most Durham residents will tell you that Durham has more character than Raleigh or Cary. Asking Triangle residents I found that most people feel very strongly that where they live is the best place in the Triangle. Cary, downtown Raleigh (aka Inside the... 12/07/2010

There are 6 pieces of information that are required to constitute a loan application for a mortgage lender, bank or mortgage broker. They can be provided in person, via phone, fax or email:1) Applicant name(s) 2) Applicant(s) monthly income 3) Applicant(s) social security number(s) 4) Property address for purchase 5) Estimated purchase price of the property 6) Approximate loan amount applicant is requesting Once all this information is provided to a lender or broker, he/she should issue a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) or estimate worksheet for you. How do you shop around with different lenders and fulfill your legal obligation on the real estate contract to make loan application? You may make loan application with more than one lender and get an estimate of costs - either a Good Faith Esti... 12/03/2010

Private Academies and Schools  Durham Private Schools | Raleigh Relocation Information Private Schools in Durham County  Considering private school options in the Durham area?  The Raleigh area has a variety of options when it comes to private pre, grade, and high schools, either religious or independent.  Check out these Durham area private schools. Agape Corner School 1402 Holloway StreetDurham, NC 27703Phone: (919) 682-0546 The Agape Corner School is a Christian-affiliated boarding school for Kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in downtown Durham The Agape School requires no tuition payments. The school is funded by private donations and volunteer work. Bethesda Christian Academy 1914 S. Miami Blvd. Durham, NC 27703(919) 598-0190 Bethesda Christian Academy (BCA) is a Baptist-aff... 11/30/2010

Hi this is Amy Shair. I’ve been out showing buyers some properties recently, and I wonder if buyers are forgetting about something...Location, location, location. You know buyers are talking about getting the best price, they're talking about getting the best looking house in terms of curb appeal and colors and updates. They're talking about things like kitchens and baths, wanting stainless steel cabinets, and they want tile. But I wonder if they're forgetting about location. Private backyard, a big backyard, if the house is walking distance to the community pool to restaurants, to shops and things like that, to the local library, anything you might appreciate well I promise will be a component for resale too. If you’re a buyer out there remember that putting some work into the house is... 11/22/2010

What do History, High Tech & Green Technologies have in Common? The King's Daughters Inn of course! Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour downtown Durham and hear about all the new things coming to Durham and why the Chamber wants you to call Durham home!  It was a fabulous tour - More about that later! Halfway through our trip, we stopped at The King's Daughters Inn for a cup of coffee and scones.  I was delighted to see what was in store for us! Whether you're a history buff, a state of the art business traveler, or just visiting, you'll love The King's Daughters Inn.  It is located in the historic Trinity Park neighborhood in the heart of Downtown Durham.  You'll find it just across the street from Duke University.  The King's Daughters of Durham built this stunning home to care fo... 11/19/2010

New Homes Durham NC Durham NC Property Taxes Raleigh Relocation Information - How Much Does it Cost to Live in Durham NC? Read up-to-date Durham County property tax information here.   When thinking about buying a new home in Durham, you'll want to understand how much Durham property taxes are, and how they are paid. Durham, known as the "City of Medicine," is home to the Durham Bulls and Duke University. Durham also serves as one of the corners of the Research Triangle Park, along with Chapel Hill and Raleigh.  Find Out What District Your New Durham Home is Located In Ask your real estate agent what district number the property resides in.  Or click on the link below to enter the address and find out the tax district:  Durham County Address Check for Property Tax Rate. This chart shows... 11/14/2010

How hardy is your hardwood floor? Durham Custom Home Builder Tips Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular upgrades in any new home in the Durham area. But not all hardwood is really "hard." Some wood flooring might actually be more prone to scratches, gouges and wear.  Here's what you need to know, when you make your choice. The Janka (or side) hardness test ranks hardwoods by measuring the force needed to embed a .444 inch steel ball halfway into the wood. This is one of the hardwood industry's best measures to determine whether a wood species will withstand denting and wear.  It can also determine how hard it will be to saw and nail a particular species. The chart below reflects the rankings, from softest to hardest, of the hardwoods used most often. The most common natural hardw... 11/12/2010

The fence is not a comfortable place. It’s not designed for sitting. Yet, many buyers in today’s real estate market are doing just that. Buyers are not ready to make an offer or they have made an offer and cannot successfully negotiate an acceptable contract with the seller. 1) The MediaThe media focus is politically charged as we approach the November elections. The media focus has been on the fact that the economy has rebounded yet. The television news, interviews, political ads and commentary are confusing for buyers. The fact is that today’s economic conditions are offering buyers interest rates around 4% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage. That buying power is huge for today’s homebuyers.2) Waiting for the Market to Hit BottomTalk about a double-dip recession has scared some homebu... 11/11/2010

Get Top 5 New Home Tips from a Durham Custom Home Builder Thinking of building a new home in Durham, NC?  Here are some top new home tips from a Durham custom home builder that you'll be glad you saw.  Check out five of our most popular New Home topics: When Will Mortgage Rates Go Up? Find out when mortgage industry analysts think rates will rise, and see the surprising trends they're predicting for new homes. Universal Design - Homes that Work Don't Have to Be Ugly Universal design trends are becoming more common.  Learn how a universal design home can be easy to use for everyone, while staying gorgeous - with a Durham custom home builder.  Top 5 Changes You'll See in New Homes This Year Before you choose the design for your new Durham custom home, take a look at the top 5 trends in ne... 11/02/2010

Click here for Pumpkin Patches and Farms Near Raleigh - Open Fall 2011 Looking for Pumpkin Patches Near Raleigh? Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Ganyard Hill Farm! If you're looking for a beautiful, natural pick your own pumpkin farm near Raleigh, Ganyard Hill Farm in Durham is well worth a visit. It was an absolutely gorgeous, warm day - the kind you can only find in North Carolina in October! Ganyard Hill Farm is one of the few local pick your own pumpkin farms that is open 7 days a week. This pumpkin farm is open Mon - Sat 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sun 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.         After entering through the little store, paying admission, (and saying hello to the bunny and chicks inside), the kids ran right to the giant slide.  Climb up the bales of hay, then take a fast but safe ride down th... 10/11/2010

The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties honored its members who competed in its 2010 Parade of Homes during a reception last night. The HBADOC honored builders who entered the 42 homes in the 2010 Parade of Homes and have displayed the finest in building and decorating. Colvard Farms is proud to have one of the builders from our exclusive Custom Build Team, Loyd Builders, be honored with the Gold Medal for his entry into this years parade.  Priced at $899,900 Tripp Loyd's entry, entitled "The Wynchester II", is a shining example of quality craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail.  The Parade of Homes takes place on October 2 thru October 17, 2010. Hours for tours of new homes are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 pm.  Admission is FREE to the pu... 10/06/2010

For many people, the task of building their dream home can feel daunting.  There are many decisions to be made.  The custom home builder team at Colvard Farms is adept at helping property owners navigate the custom build process.  At Colvard Farms, custom home building is a passion.  Inspired designs that reflect the owners' lifestyle are hallmarks of the Colvard Farms Builder Team.  Many factors are considered when building a custom home.  When you walk through your front door - you want to feel welcome, as though your home is your personal retreat.  Easy access from room to room, spaces filled with natural light, and warm gathering places for family and friends can make all the difference in the world.  A good custom builder will encourage you to consider these factors in picking and ... 10/05/2010

Parade of Homes is Here! Come visit Colvard Farms and view our outstanding Parade Home build by Loyd Builders!  This stunning custom home is a true example of quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail!      Parade of Homes Oct. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17th, 2010 12-5pm www.ColvardFarms.com 10/02/2010

Tonight in Durham,  join Un Mundo for a night of music, dance and fun to support our cause! LEARN, DANCE AND CELEBRATE WHILE HELPING TO BUILD ONE WORLD.             DATE:Saturday, September 25, 2010     TIME:7:30 pm - 1a.m. LOCATION: Alivia's Durham Bistro, Durham, NC FREE SALSA LESSONS AT 8P.M.   BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY TO SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY, CELEBRATION & FUN-RAISING!  ALL ARE WELCOME! With special performances by Nogui Aramburo (aka Dj Nugz from Sound Cartel), Takiri Colombian Dance Group, Sabrosura Dance Group and Salsa Lessons @ 8 Visit us online at www.unmundo.org/ncbenefit2 010 for more event info, to pre-purchase tickets, enter raffles, make a donation or BE AN EVENT SPONSOR! Alivia's will be offering a fixed Un Mundo menu the night of the event. Every dinner... 09/25/2010

Durham, North Carolina Is The Number One Best Place To Retire In The USA. Money Magazine has released their Top 25 Places To Retire and Durham is at the top of the list. They cite the affordable homes, the mild four season climate, the access to some of the best health care facilities in the country. The brand new Durham Performing Arts Center gets a mention and my wife Kelly has seen two shows there and says it is spectacular.   The former tobacco town has been renovating and rehabbing the downtown district and has the Durham Bulls Baseball Stadium, lots of good and really good restaurants. Duke University has a 33 year old senior learning program and the courses are on campus so the members can mix it up with the students.They offer a range of classes as diverse as Belly Dance Fitness... 09/11/2010

Last week I posted the chart below to show that interest rates are truly at an all time low.  With rates as low as they are, this is the time to take advantage by either refinancing your home or purchasing a new home.  Please note that if you can reduce the rate on your mortgage by a full point, it is really worth considering refinancing.  Mortgage Rates - A 10 Year History Here are todays updated mortgage rates:  CONFORMING                                                        JUMBO (Over $417 Loan Amt) 30 Yr Fixed    4.25%                                                  30 Yr Fixed   5.375% 15 Yr Fixed    3.75%                                                  15 Yr Fixed   4.875% 30 Yr Fixed (FHA)     4.25%                                     7/1 Arm         4.75% 7/1 Arm           ... 08/16/2010

    It's Hot outside and the mortgage interest rates posted below continue to sizzle. Contact me to get a pre-approval and to begin your Triangle area home search...I can help. TRIANGLE AREA MORTGAGE RATES AS OF 07-23-2010 ALL QUOTES WITH 1% ORIGINATION FEE OR LESS. RATES VARY ACCORDING TO DOWN PAYMENT AND CREDIT SCORE  _________________________________________________________ CONVENTIONAL 30 YEAR FIXED 4.375% CONVENTIONAL 30 YEAR FIXED-NO ORIG 4.625% CONVENTIONAL 15 YEAR FIXED 3.875% JUMBO 30 YEAR FIXED 5.125% JUMBO 5YEAR ARM 4.00% FHA 30 YEAR FIXED 4.25% FHA & VA 5 YEAR ARM 3.50% VA 30 YEAR FIXED 4.50% NC HOUSING BOND 4.75% 07/24/2010

Small habits can add up to big savings when it comes to electricity. As the summer heat soars, so do many homeowners' electric bills. Here are some savvy tips on how you can start saving both your cash and the environment. 1. Get Unplugged. You may think that simply turning a device or appliance off is enough to stop the flow of electricity, and the subsequent flow of money out of your bank account, but any item plugged in to an electrical outlet is drawing a small amount of electricity. So, unplug all of your items. 2. Swap it Out. Replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL) and save yourself in the long run. Energy Star reports that a CFL will save "about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less en... 07/11/2010

Closed sales in the first quarter of 2010 were up 9.7% from the same period in 2009. This trend continued into April and May as sales were up 13.8% in April and 14.8% in May respectively over the same months in 2009. Showings in Durham County were down 33% in May, however, as buyers rushed to contract before expiration of the tax credits as buyers had to be under contract by April 30 to qualify for the credits. That left a void in motivated buyers.The Durham residential real estate market begain showing signs of recovery in the 4th quarter of 2009 after experiencing significant declines over the previous two years. Homes sales in Durham County were up 27.8% in the 4th quarter after showing period over period declines in each quarter beginning the second half of 2007. A big reason for t... 06/26/2010