Blog

Real Estate 101

November 28th, 2011

Have questions? Need answers?

Join RtownLiving on Tuesday Dec 6, 7pm, at SWBC Mortgage at 8816 Six Forks Rd #107, Raleigh, NC as we explore the basics of real estate, including the in’s and out’s of buying, selling, renting and property management. We’ll also discuss some good rules of thumb to understand regarding financing options as well as tools and techniques for finding the right home, the right service providers and making for a smooth transaction.

Buying a home is typically the greatest asset a person takes on and it can provide security, protection, multiple tax benefits, a sense of pride, and in the triangle market… a return on your investment.

There are many decisions that home buyers and sellers must make throughout a real estate transaction and we will cover all of these during this informational session.

This will not be overly formal and all levels of experience are welcome. Light apps, great conversations and solid information will be provided. Bring your questions!

Rtown Events

November 25th, 2011

This is a crazy time of year for the folks at RtownLiving and RtownNetworks. It seems as if there is a HUGE Raleigh event happening every week and an even bigger one right around each and every corner.

The last few weeks have been awesome. RtownNetworks hosted an after work roof top happy hour at Solasin the middle of October that brought almost 150 guests out at 6pm to meet and mingle with many of Raleigh’s most connected and active downtowners. Solas did an awesome job of co-hosting with great food, plenty of private reserved space and one of the best views in Glenwood South.

Just a few weeks later Napper Tandy’s hosted Friday Afternoon Club on November 18th and the Raleigh Young Professionalsalong with Triangle Entrepreneurship Weeksaw over 140 guests join in the fun. Napper Tandy’s provided an amazing happy hour buffett, great door prizes and the biggest happy hour happening anywhere in Raleigh.

And then…just this past Wednesday at The Big Easyon Fayetteville Street RtownNetworks brought 40 people out on the night before Thanksgiving to discuss and learn social media marketing while celebrating the night before a big day off. We enjoyed great food courtesy of Big Easy, a fantastic speaker from LoveItPromoteIt.com, Jayson Humphrey, and a beautiful private area upstairs to network in a professional setting.

But the biggest event is still to come. On December 9 RtownLiving will host the 3rd Annual Rtown Holiday Party. 

Please join us for the 3rd Annual Rtown Holiday Party. This will be the most exciting RYP event of the year. We have many great contributors and partners that have collaborated to make this the holiday party of the season. There will be a small fee to attend this event. Each guest is urged bring a canned food, LIGHTLY used clothing, and/or monetary donation to help those in need during the holidays. We will have boxes to collect at the entrance. You must RSVP to get in at www.RtownNetworks.com

The event will run from 7 to 10pm on Friday December 9th. Dress appropriately for a classy yet casual holiday party. Complimentary gift bags including items from many of our partners will be distributed to the first 100 guests. RYP will pick up the tab for the first 50 people that order a Red Bull drink (upcharges may apply). Enjoy a complimentary appetizer buffet, open bar (some restrictions apply) from 7-9pm and be registered to win one or more of our fantastic door prizes for the evening.

Tonight is also the night that we will be giving away our Miller Lite and Coors Light VIP Panthers and Hurricanes tickets that you’ve had multiple chances to register for over the last 3 months.

You are only allowed to RSVP for yourself plus 1, however you are welcome to tell as many guests outside of RYP that you wish. Each individual guest must register on the RYP site to confirm. There are only 75 tickets being released on November 18th at 12pm with the possibility of more to come depending on interest level. But get yours early, you won’t want to miss this party. Tickets are only $10 from now until Nov 30. Starting Dec 1 the price will go to $20 per person. We will do all we can to accommodate walk ups and ticket sales at the door, space permitting but cannot guarantee it so register early.

Stay longer into the evening as Five Star welcomes Grammy award winning DJ 9th Wonder to the stage at around 10:30 to spin many of your Old School Hip Hop and R&B favorites.

To join our list of Valued Supporters below please contact Chuck. If we have more financial sponsors participate the price to attend may go down and refunds will be made.

Our Valued Supporters:

RtownLiving: Financial Sponsor for the evening

Five Star Restaurant: Providing the amazing location and delicious food for the evening.

Miller Lite: 2 VIP tickets to a Carolina Panthers game as a Grand Prize.

Coors Light: 2 VIP tickets to a Carolina Hurricanes game as a Grand Prize.

SWBC Mortgage: Gift Bag donations and financial sponsor.

Joint Venture Jewelry: Gift bag donations, financial sponsor and a Hummingbird necklace valued at $300 as a door prize.

Fris Vodka:Product

Red Bull: Product

Erin Dunphy: 2 Tickets to Master Dater Speed Dating as a door prize.

Blissful Mind Wellness: Gift bag donations

Rich Commercial Realty: Financial Sponsor

B4Man Consulting: Gift bag donations

LinaCucina.com: Gift bag donations

Simply Photography: Door Prize of 1 Day of shooting valued at over $300 (excludes weddings)

Volcano Cafe & Lounge: Gift bag donations and a $50 gift certificate

Tips To Help You Sell This Fall

October 28th, 2011

I was just reading an article by Chobee Hoy in a recent real estate newsletter talking about ways to improve your chances of selling your home once it starts to get a little dark and a little cold…a little too soon.  Some great points were brought up and I’d like to share them with you.

There are often less consumers looking for new homes during the holidays however, they are often more serious shoppers. Here are a few tips to help you sell this Fall and Winter.

1. Keep your landscaping looking nice. It’s easy to let it go once it’s too cold to water regularly and the flowers start to die off but it’s very important to maintain the curb appeal of your home.  Seed your lawn, trim branches and add color wherever possible. The outside must invite them to the inside or you’ve lost them before they’ve even stepped foot inside the home.

2. Keep your home warm and inviting. Nobody wants to walk into an ice box in December and picture themselves celebrating the holidays there… no matter how nice your fireplace looks.  Keep a constant and comfortable temperature and it’ll be easy for the buyers to see themselves living in your home.

3.  Let there be light! Keep it as bright and airy as possible. Open curtains and blinds and turn on all lights before showings. Bright=good. Dark=bad.

One of RtownLiving’s responsibilities when we list and market a home for sale is to do everything we can to overcome buyer objections in the first 30 seconds. Most consumers know right away if this could be “the one” and as the objections start to add up, they start to look for more. With minimal effort you can give your home a fighting chance.

Good luck out there and for more tips, advice or to interview RtownLiving, please contact us any time.

FAC at Sammy’s Tap and Grill

August 22nd, 2011

This past Friday, August 19 2011, RtownNetworks and the Friday Afternoon Club made it’s first visit to Sammy’s on Avent Ferry. The group had historically held it’s events at “downtown” Raleigh establishments and ventured, for the first time, outside of the downtown proper area. It was worth it. With big time sponsor fire power, the group participated in a cornhole tournament that offered prizes such as a Coors Light grill, a set of RtownLiving and Coors Light custom made cornhole boards and a $25 gift card to Sammy’s.

56 FAC guests made their way to Sammy’s after a long day of work and received exclusive drink specials, complimentary food, and door prizes provided by the evening’s sponsors Coors Light, Deja Mi, Sammy’s and RtownLiving.

 

 

Members of the Triangle Happy Hour group were also in attendance as they have been strong supporters of the Friday Afternoon Club events. Where else in Raleigh can you get over 50 professionals together for happy hour on a Friday? Not many places.

 

 

All of the food at Sammy’s is prepared in house, with a mostly “made from scratch menu”, and they are praised by many casual dining customers as having, “the best wings and the best food anywhere”. Their made from scratch menu is prepared daily and includes: slowly cooked and tender Baby Back Ribs, flame broiled Burgers, hand cut Chicken Fingers and Buffalo Bites, hand tossed Pizza Dough, homemade Wing Sauces, Salsa and more.

 

Guests are able to watch EVERY game from one of their 57 LCD TV’s, and listen to THEIR game with one of Sammy’s 32 wireless speaker boxes. They show EVERY game, including internet broadcasts.

 

Sammy’s is smoke free, and offers a freshly prepared full menu from 11am to 12 midnight, and a late night menu until 1:45am, 7 days a week. You really need to check out Sammy’s soon if you haven’t been there in awhile.

We would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors and especially the staff at Sammy’s for an exciting Friday Afternoon Club Happy Hour. Please contact us any time for more information on any Friday Afternoon Club events or visit www.RtownNetworks.com to view the entire upcoming calendar. Please join us soon!

Mid Week Networking at Noir

August 11th, 2011

Last night Noir in downtown Raleigh played host to the Raleigh Young Professionals networking event. With almost 150 guests filling up Noir by 9pm the RYP Group held it’s most well attended networking event to date.  

The gang got together to network, build personal as well as professional relationships and have a great time supporting a downtown Raleigh business.

The event was co-sponsored by Miller Lite, RtownLiving, Noir and the Raleigh Young Professionals. All 150 guests enjoyed a complimentary cookout complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, side salads and more. Miller Lite supplied the Miller Lite Girls and some great drink specials.

 

Door prizes included two tickets to see Jason Aldean live at Time Warner Cable Music Pavillion and a full VIP package for a night out at Noir. All guests were also entered to win a grand prize of 2 Club Level VIP tickets to a Carolina Panthers game in December courtesy of Miller Lite and the Raleigh Young Professionals networking group.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out Noir on Glenwood Ave you’ve been missing out. The staff was amazing and the venue is perfect for small groups or large events.

At Noir, allow yourself to be engulfed in the eclectic and supple atmosphere of rich chandeliers, gorgeous fabrics and an extensive drink menu. The bar staff will pour the most sophisticated drinks of times past, as well as the most creative concoctions being invented throughout the world. In this European chic style lounge you’ll hear everything from rock to funk and hip hop to dance.

As the night heats up, step outside onto the patio and under the stars. Right on Glenwood South, you’ll have the perfect seat to sip cocktails, socialize, and experience Raleigh at the center of it all.

Tell them RtownLiving sent you and enjoy yourself.

OPEN HOUSE

July 27th, 2011

Daniel will be hosting an Open House in N. Raleigh at 6942 Middleboro Street on Saturday July 30th from 2 to 4pm. Please stop by and visit this amazing Raleigh town home in a fantastic location.

Over 2000 sqft at just over 200k. Begin your experience starting with the brick front, the two car garage, the arched entry way and immaculate landscaping. You`ll know this place is special from the very first second. The high ceilings and arched openings create drama not typical for a townhome, and the finishes and upgrades make this a real gem.  The large master suite, 2 gracious guest rooms and a private patio finish off this beauty at a great price.

Spy Bar Raleigh Review

July 25th, 2011

Wow…just wow. What a great experience and I, for one, am happy that the boys from Ohio have decided to call Raleigh home and bring a great new multi-functional club to downtown Raleigh and more specifically to the Warehouse District.

By day Spy serves as the main destination for local residents, nearby workers and tourists searching for a great cup of coffee, some free Wi-fi and a chill place to post up out of the 100 degree temps. The new businesses open during day light hours, a flourishing train station nearby and tons of great national publicity have made Raleigh’s Warehouse District the place to be, to be seen and to get some FANTASTIC customer service.

By night Spy is the brand new hip downtown club playing the dance beats, serving up high end cocktails and beers and providing a VIP experience for all that come through the doors. Spy has a terrific “feel” with plenty of seating, ambiance and a customer oriented staff.

Aside from hosting the Raleigh Young Professionals this past Friday during Friday Afternoon Club, Spy caters to all sorts of meet ups and networking events. If you’re looking for a place to bring a group of people, large or small…for networking or partying, you need to consider Spy. Our event this past Friday drew one of our larger crowds with 94 people coming to Spy Raleigh at 5pm for some after work networking, great conversations and meeting new connections. The Raleigh Young Professionals group just a short time ago averaged 20-30 people per event and now, partially due to great venues like Spy, has seen attendance jump drastically and now 100 guests is fairly common.

Please check us out sometime soon to be part of our group, meet some new friends and see all that Raleigh has to offer. And be sure to pop into Spy day or night for a very pleasurable experience.

Thanks Josh, Jerrad and the rest of the Spy staff. The RYP group had a great time.

Raleigh Specials Tonight Collaboration

July 22nd, 2011

RtownLiving just listed this amazing town home located in the Alexandria Square neighborhood at Lynn Rd and Lead Mine!

Gorgeous townhome in prime location! Starting with the brick front, two car garage, arched entry and immaculate landscape, you`ll know this place is special from the first second. High ceilings and arched openings create drama not typical for a townhome, and the finishes and upgrades make this a real gem.  Large master suite, 2 gracious guest rooms and a private patio..A MUST SEE! 

 

Want to know what awesome Raleigh restaurants you would be near if you purchased this home?  Raleigh Specials Tonight is here to help you out!
Lynnwood Grill
Distance: 3 miles
Known for: Being a popular neighborhood bar for North Raleigh residents. They have 20 beers on tap and drink specials every night!When to go: On Monday nights they have .35 cent wings and $3 Imports.
Grand Asia Buffet
Distance: 2 miles
Known for: Affectionately called, “The Gab”, they have a huge selection of Asian cuisine including Dim Sum, and sushi. They also have snow crab legs!
When to go: If you have a large group of people with different tastes, this is the place to go. The huge selection makes it a crowd pleaser for sure.
Stella Mare Ristorante
Distance: Less than a mile – walkable!
Known for: Their fabulous Italian and Greek inspired entrees.They also have Stella Artois drafts on special everyday for $3.75!
When to go: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays they have a great lunch special: Baked Ziti with meat sauce, garlic bread and a side salad for $8.95.

Please contact RtownLiving and Raleigh Specials Tonight for further information.

Just Listed in North Raleigh

July 18th, 2011

Check out this gorgeous townhome in a prime location! Over 2000 sqft at just over 200k. Begin your experience starting with the brick front, the two car garage, the arched entry way and immaculate landscaping. You`ll know this place is special from the very first second. The high ceilings and arched openings create drama not typical for a townhome, and the finishes and upgrades make this a real gem.  The large master suite, 2 gracious guest rooms and a private patio finish off this beauty at a great price. It’s A MUST SEE! Please contact us for your private showing of this awesome home.

What Makes Us Different?

June 27th, 2011

Times are tough, people are hurting and most consumers are being careful where they invest their hard earned dollars.  Nationally the market is still pretty beat up. However, I say on a daily basis, that I would not want to be in this career in any other place in the country. The Triangle is head and shoulders above the rest right now and every housing market poll sits us right atop the industry leaders. I am happy to be doing what I do in the Raleigh area.

That doesn’t mean that we don’t have our own challenges in this career, and it is a career for us.  The agents at RtownLiving aren’t part time real estate “dabblers” and part time bartenders, waiters or what have you. Real estate and helping our clients make good decisions is our life.  Our clients are much more educated and savvy making it important that we are as well.

Our concept is simple. We put relationships first and we treat our clients like our family. We do everything possible to put their interests before our own, no matter what. Unfortunately, many consumers think that all Realtors do the same things. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It often takes a very bad experience with a real estate transaction for somebody to realize that we all are very, very different. And then, since most home buying transactions are few and far between, a good agent won’t get the opportunity to help until is often too late.

Buying a home is typically the biggest investment that the majority of Americans will ever make and it’s only done a few times in a lifetime. Maybe never and maybe only once. It is absolutely imperative that you work with somebody that you know, you like and you trust. I realize that some consumers might feel uneasy sharing that much personal and financial information with somebody close to them when working through the home buying process, but what is the alternative? Sharing all of that information with a complete stranger? Does that ease the mind and the process? I would think no.

I believe that consumers should shop around when interviewing real estate agents. We are all very different and I would feel confident putting our agents up against anybody in an interview. And even if we aren’t a good fit for the consumer, it’s ok, they’ve now done their due diligence and have explored what their options are. They haven’t simply thrown a dart at a board covered with photos from the Board of Realtors and said, “huh…they’ll do.”

So, what makes us different from other Realtors? I think, a lot. For starters:

* we are proactive vs. reactive.  We have developed multiple networking groups to educate consumers on the local market, the home buying process, connect them with other active professionals and support our local businesses. Instead of waiting for people to come to us with questions, we’ve offered the answers ahead of time.

* we’ve put thorough systems in place to make the home buying and selling experience as smooth running and enjoyable as possible.

* we systematically handle every aspect of the process starting from the very first meeting with our clients where we learn about your wants and needs all the way through searching for the best financing options and to the closing table.

* once we find “the one” we thoroughly research the history of the home, the neighborhood and the surrounding area looking for market trends and pricing fluctuations in order to secure the right price

* we help our clients take action when the time is right by making sure they have all of the information needed to feel comfortable & confident

* our expert negotiation skills ensure the client will obtain the ideal home and eliminate the chances of losing it to someone else over a sloppy negotiation

* our clients experience a successful purchase/sale, on time and with the fewest problems at the best price and terms

But it doesn’t end there for us.  Our relationship has just begun and our goal is to be there for our clients for life. When they need a new painter, they call us. When they need ideas on where to celebrate their anniversary, they call us. When they need information on how to refinance their home, they call us. We’ve built an extensive network over the years and it’s now at their disposal.

We would be happy to interview with you and answer any questions you may have about the process and have the opportunity to earn your business.  Here is what some of our most recent happy clients have said about us:

* “Chuck and Jason were prompt, professional and most importantly conscientious of my needs. I would not hesitate to recommend RtownLiving to the 1st time homebuyer as Chuck ensured that I was informed and comfortable with my decision every step of the way.” Adam S.

* “I’ve been very pleased with my experience with RtownLiving. Chuck was very honest and loyal from the start. He offered sound advice every step of the way, but I never felt pushed to make a decision. I was impressed with the amount of work Chuck put in even before I agreed to use him as my Realtor. I will definitely use RtownLiving in the future.” Justin C.

* “The service and personal attention we received from Pamela Hooks was exceptional. Her knowledge of the local market and helpful guidance transformed what could have been a daunting and confusing process into an enjoyable and memorable experience. Regardless of whether you are buying or selling, I would highly recommend Pamela to help you in this life changing move. We could not have asked for a better Realtor to guide us through the process.” Steve & Liz M.

* “It was such a pleasure working with Daniel Wadsworth to find my last apartment. He really listened to what I was looking for and showed me some great places that were right in my budget. I definitely plan to call him again when I am ready to go house hunting!” Laura W.

* “Buying a home can be a daunting experience.  Finding a Realtor that will help you through every step of buying a home can make a significant difference.  As buyers we were fortunate to have Danya work with us from start to finish and make the whole process an enjoyable one.  We truly feel he did a first class job of taking complete care of his clients.  To this day several months after closing on our home Danya continues to be there for us. Paul & Yexenia F.

* “I had a great experience w/Chuck. He Went far beyond my expectations as far as what I thought a Realtor would do. He quickly was in tune w/ what kind of home I was looking for and what my needs were. The entire negotiations process went very smoothly. I highly recommend him to anyone needing a Realtor and am 100% sure he has his client’s best interests in mind.” Melissa L.

* “As a repeat client of Jason’s, I cannot express how much I’ve enjoyed working w/ Jason. A real go-getter, I know the process will be completed w/ accuracy & timely. Thank you Jason for ALL your help & consistency thru my home selling process.” Clinton