The Bliss Real Estate Group

We are big supporters of creating a local food movement and buying local in general. One of the great things about living in this area is that farming is still prevalent and access to fresh local foods is made possible through many local Farmers Markets.

Make this 2011 Holiday even more meaningful and special by buying your produce, meats and sweets from local farmers and producers. You can also find unique holiday gifts or make bountiful baskets for a hostess gifts by shopping your local Farmers Market. Get creative and enjoy shopping local!

TRIANGLE FARMERS’ MARKETS HOST HOLIDAY MARKETS FOR A LOCAL THANKSGIVING http://trianglefarmersmarkets.wordpress.com/

Cary, NC – October 28, 2011 –Enjoy a truly delicious, local Thanksgiving by shopping pre-Thanksgiving markets on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at five Triangle area farmers’ markets. The Carrboro Farmers’ Market, Durham Farmers’ Market, Eno River Farmers’ Market in Hillsborough, S. Estes Farmers’ Market in Chapel Hill and the Western Wake Farmers’ Market (WWFM) in Cary are all hosting holiday markets to provide shoppers with the freshest, locally and sustainably grown foods available.

Farmers and artisans at each of the markets will feature a variety of seasonal produce, as well as meats, eggs, cheeses, desserts, flowers and more for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. Shop at one of the five pre-Thanksgiving markets on Nov. 22 (respective times below) and enter in to win a Holiday gift basket with local products from each of the five markets.

Together, the markets have created a web site as a resource for a local Thanksgiving, complete with details on each of the markets’ hours, offerings, special events, and recipes. Visit http://trianglefarmersmarkets.wordpress.com/and be sure to bookmark it as recipes will be added over the coming weeks.

“We are very excited to partner with some of our sister markets in the area for the second year in a row to promote shopping locally during the holidays,” says Sarah Blacklin, Market Manager for the Carrboro Farmers Market, “To show our appreciation, each of our area Markets will be offering a lucky customer a gift basket featuring specialty items collected from each of the 5 Markets. It’s our way of saying thank you to all our customers who commit to buying local during the holidays and support our local food community in the Triangle.”

About the Farmers’ Markets and the 10% Campaign

All the markets are grower only/producer only markets, which means that all the foods are grown by area farmers and all the crafts made by local artisans. Each market supports local, sustainable agriculture and provides the Triangle with access to healthy, local, sustainably grown and produced foods.

Carrboro Farmers’ Market
Pre-Thanksgiving Market hours: 2-5pm

Saturday Market runs from 9am-Noon

Wednesday Market runs from 3:30-6:30pm through Nov.16th

Saturday Market will be OPEN Saturday, November 26th following Thanksgiving

Carrboro, N.C., is home to the nationally recognized Carrboro Farmers’ Market. Recently highlighted by both Bon Appétit and Audubon Magazine as one of the top markets in the country, Carrboro Farmers’ Market celebrated its 31st season in 2009. The market is open Saturday mornings year round, from 7 am (or 9 am, depending on the season) to noon and Wednesday afternoons, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, from April 14 through late November.

Durham Farmers’ Market
Pre-Thanksgiving Market hours: 2-5pm

Saturday Market will be CLOSED Saturday, November 26th following Thanksgiving

The Durham Farmers’ Market is held in the Pavilion at Durham Central Park in the heart of downtown Durham.

Local Farmers’ Markets for Thanksgiving

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Opening in 1999, the Durham Farmers’ Market started as a small group of dedicated farmers and grown into a large,

diverse group of farmers, bakers, artisans and crafters. The market is open Saturdays, year round, from 8am (or 10am, in the winter months) to noon and Wednesdays, April through September, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Market is open rain or shine!

Eno River Farmers’ Market

Pre-Thanksgiving Market hours: 3-6pm

Saturday Market will be CLOSED Saturday, November 26th following Thanksgiving

Located in downtown historic, Hillsborough along the Eno River, this year-round market features a wide variety of local produce, fresh meats, eggs, baked goods, crafts and fresh flowers. Each weekend there are special events including live music, local food truck vendors, chef demonstrations or arts and crafts activities. This is a charming community-oriented market, which is perfect for families and supporters of the sustainable agriculture movement. We are open rain or shine!

S. Estes Farmers’ Market

Pre-Thanksgiving Market hours: 2-6pm

Saturday Market will be CLOSED Saturday, November 26th following Thanksgiving

South Estes Farmers’ Market was started in April 2008 by Farmers of Orange, a state non-profit organization created for local farmers by local farmers. Every dollar spent goes directly to our farmers and crafters. The Saturday market is 8 am-noon, April-November, 10 am-noon December-March. The Tuesday market is 3-6 pm May-November.

Western Wake Farmers’ Market

Pre-Thanksgiving Market hours: 3-6pm

Saturday Market will be CLOSED Saturday, November 26th following Thanksgiving

WWFM is in its third season in Cary at Carpenter Village Marketplace (1225 Morrisvile Carpenter Rd.), and is open year-round on Saturdays. The market is open from 8 am-12 pm April-November and 10 am-12 pm December-March, rain or shine. The market’s mission is for all people in the community to become educated about and benefit from locally grown food.

N.C. 10% Campaign

Help build North Carolina’s local economy by spending 10% of your existing food dollars on locally produced foods. Learn more about this Center for Environmental Farm Systems initiative at www.nc10percent.com.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact:

Madison Whitley

madisonlisbethwhitley@gmail.com

540.230.6697

Keith Bliss, Real Estate Consultant

Relocation Specialist/Accredited Buyer Representative

The Bliss Real Estate Group

associated with KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY-CARY

919.467.0707 office 919.459.6870 direct fax

www.bliss-realestate.com

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) recognized 15 of Wake County™s magnet schools, from more than 2,000 magnet schools nationwide, as top magnet schools in the country.  

The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) recipients for the 2011 Magnet Schools of Excellence Award went to the following magnet schools:

Combs Leadership Magnet ES

Bugg Creative Arts & Science Magnet ES

Farmington Woods International Baccalaureate PYP Magnet ES

Joyner Center for Spanish/International Baccalaureate PYP Magnet ES

Millbrook International Baccalaureate PYP Magnet ES

Ligon Gifted & Talented / AG Basics Magnet MS

The WCPSS recipients for the 2011 Magnet Schools of Distinction Award went to the following magnet schools:

Brooks Museums Magnet ES

Underwood Gifted & Talented Magnet ES

Washington Gifted & Talented Magnet ES

Martin Gifted & Talented Magnet MS

Garner International Baccalaureate MYP/DP Magnet HS

Southeast Raleigh Leadership & Technology Magnet HS

Wake Early College of Health & Science HS  

WCPSS Magnet Schools that received Honorable Mention this year were:

East Garner International Baccalaureate Magnet MS

Wiley International Studies Magnet ES

If you are searching for a home and schools are on your list of œmust-have™s   for your next home, let us help you by setting up a customized search by School Name.   Contact Us.   Listings will be emailed to you as soon as they come on the market that match your specified criteria.

*** NOTE “ Zoning changes within the WCPSS system are ongoing.   Information presented in listings is deemed to be accurate, but not guaranteed.   Please check with the WCPSS through their School Locator by Address search to confirm current zoning.   Contact WCPSS directly before purchasing a home based on presented information.   Also check with WCPSS for application/transfer policies.

With the convenience of all of the big box stores out there, sometimes we forget to think about buying products locally made and food locally grown.   There are many entrepreneurs, family farmers, and lots of passionate & creative folks right here in our area that have a wide variety of products to choose from.   Here are a few that we know of.   If you know more, please share!

Azurelise Gourmet Chocolate Truffles

Cary Gallery of Artists

Chatham Hill Winery

Escazu Artisan Chocolates

Just Neem

Oh Wow Premium Lipbalm

Mooddance Soaps

NC General Stores

Red Light Chocolates

Another great place to find locally made products is at the many  Farmers Markets in our area.   And of course the farmers Markets offer  the freshest locally grown produce and support local farmers.

State Farmers Market, Raleigh

North Raleigh Farmers Market

Downtown Raleigh Farmers Market

Western Wake Farmers Market in Cary

Downtown Cary Farmers Market

Durham Farmers Market

Apex Farmers Market

If you like to shop online, check out Esty.com.   You can search locally for Artisans in our area.

Also check out The Handmade Marketfeaturing local artisans, designers and crafters.

Ahhh, Memorial Day Weekend.   Time to break out the flip flops, fire up the grill, throw back a cold one, have fun with the family and most importantly honor those who make it possible for us to have the Freedom to enjoy these things.Saturday 5/28/11Bennett Place Historic Site.   Special program to remember the American soldier.   Reenactments from the American Revolution, Union and Confederate sides of the Civil War, The Spanish American War; and both World Wars.   The site’s grounds, nature trails and picnic area, along with the visitors center will be open.     The farm is the site of the largest troop surrender of the Civil War.  Event from 10am to 4pm.    

The Raleigh City Museum will host a program about life during World War II for kids ages 10 and up and their family. The free program is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Kids can learn about military and civilian life in Raleigh and North Carolina in the 1940s. There will be costumed living historians and a special presentation at 2 p.m. by author and historian Dr. John Duvall.  

Sunday 5/29/11Raleigh National Cemetery – Memorial Day program sponsored by the Raleigh American Legion Post #1 at 2pm.Monday 5/30/11Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.     Tony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general and now superintendent of Wake County Public Schools, will deliver the keynote address at this Memorial Day service. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. in the Veterans’ Field of Honor. Retired Marine Maj. Joseph E. Freed will dedicate memorials honoring five of his Marines who died in combat in Vietnam. Veteran™s Memorial (Raleigh)- Wreath laying service at 10am to 1pm at the North Carolina State Capitol.Wake Forest Veteran™s Memorial- Memorial Day service at 11am.  

Hillcrest Memorial – Program @ Hillcrest Cemetery, Cary, NCVeterans Freedom Memorial (Cary) – On Harrison Avenue between Cary Parkway and Beechtree Drive.   No event planned, open to the public.All Weekend31 Day Salute.   Fayeteville™s month long tribute honoring honor soldiers, vets, and their families who have put it all on the line to defend our country.   See website for more information and a for a full event schedule.    

For a complete list of Memorial Day Observances Visit http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/05/26/1226256/memorial-day-observances-set.htmlHere are some more things to do in the Triangle and nearby this weekend.THE SPCA of Wake County, Raleigh.   $15 Pet Adoptions.   Adopt a new best friend this weekend.   Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 11:00am.   The SPCA of Wake County is opening its doors and reducing adoption fees this Memorial Day weekend.

North Carolina Museum of Art.   If you haven™t been to see the new Museum yet, take some time this weekend.   Especially if you want to impress your out of town guests!   If you plan to eat at Iris, the great restaurant onsite, make sure you make a reservation.   Admission to the Museum™s permanent collection and Museum Park is free. There is a charge for some special exhibitions and programs, such as concerts, films, classes, and performances.  

Koka Booth Amphitheatre- Sunday, May 29, 2011.   Enjoy some great music outdoors.   AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION Featuring The Concert Singers of Cary and Triangle Wind Ensemble.   7:30 p.m. General Admission Lawn/$15, Table Seats/$25, Students/Senior Lawn Tickets/$12, Kids 12 and under free.  

ACC Baseball Championship.   May 25 – 29, 201. The ACC’s top eight teams will compete in a round-robin format for the Championship. See website for ticket pricing.   Th-Sa 11am, 3pm, & 7pm; Su 1pm Championship game. Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Durham.  

Growth in local commercial business ventures generally indicates a stable economy.   Major retailers and developers conduct extensive and in-depth research years before committing to projects.   Especially in today™s economic climate, it™s a testament to our area™s vitality that several local shopping centers are being revamped and built to meet the growing demand for more conveniences and retail establishments and large scale ventures are in the works for the coming years.

Park West Village – Morrisville

Scheduled for a Fall/Winter 2011 opening, this 100-acre mixed-use project is located at Cary Parkway and NC 54/Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville, North Carolina.    The retail portion of this live/work/play concept project  is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2011 with Target being the major anchor.   Other retailers planned for this new walkable shopping area include: Buy Buy Baby, T J Maxx, The Dress Barn, Rack Room Shoes, Mattress Firm, Sprint, Omaha Steaks, New Japan Express, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Zoe’s Kitchen, Platinum Nail Spa, Fantastic Sam’s, Massage Envy, Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream, GameStop, Ruckus Pizza, Pasta and Spirits and Deluxe Cleaners.

Waverly Place – Cary

With a grand opening celebration scheduled for July, 4 2011, the new Waverly place will surely be a favorite local gathering place and a new entertainment destination.   The transformation of this existing shopping center, with Whole Foods and Rite Aid, is set to have a œNorth Hills feel will bring in more eateries and outdoor dining options to this part of town.   With close proximity to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Waverly Place will be a great place for before or after entertainment and dining options, shuttle service is also being planned between the two venues.  

Stone Creek Village “ Cary  

Located at High House and Davis Dr, this shopping area offers local residents a wide variety of dining and shopping options in an upscale environment.   Harris Teeter, Tribecca Tavern, Red Bowl, and Café Caturra and many other boutique shops serve the local area.

Fairview Village “ Cary

Located next to the new YMCA and new Middle Creek schools at Ten Ten and Holly Springs Rd.   This new shopping area features a new upscale Foodlion and other local retailers.

Veridea “ Apex

Coming soon, a new sustainable, mixed use urban community with more than 1,000 acres is planned with retail, commercial office space, high-tech manufacturing and residential.   Located along the expansion route of the I540 (2013) near NC55, the new development will offer more live/work/play options for our growing area.   These are just a few of the newer shopping, dining and entertainment options.   Cary is a wonderful place to live, work and play for many reasons.   Although the real estate market is down, like most anyplace else in the country, Cary has not been hit quite as hard because prices were not as over inflated to begin with and most people were living within their means.   Also, Cary™s current unemployment rate is at 5.4%, that™s nearly half of the national average.  

More Local Shopping

Southpoint Mall – Durham

Raleigh Flea Market

Cameron Village

Crabtree Valley Mall

Triangle Town Center

Brier Creek Commons

Cary Crossroads

Don’t just take our word for it, check out these recent publications that show why the Raleigh/Cary metro areas are  the places to live in the SE now and for years to come.

Best Places to Live 2010 “ Money Mag

Fastest Growing Cities in the South “ Fortune

100 Best Companies to Work For “ SAS “ Fortune  

If you would like more information about moving to Cary or any Triangle city, give us a call, we will be happy to answer any questions you have. 919-467-0707

Relocation Info

Spring in the Triangle is a wonderful time of year.   Although winters are fairly mild, with a few days of snow and average day time temps above freezing to low 50™s, locals are ready for the barren trees to show their blooms.   The pollen is another story!  

Here are some fun local events to get out enjoy the beautiful weather and explore our area.

NC State Farmers Market Craft Fair – Raleigh

March 11, 12 & 13, 2011 from 9am-5pm

Handmade arts & crafts, plants, produce & more.   Free admission.   Free Parking.

The North Carolina Renaissance Faire - Knightdale

April 2 & 3 – 9 & 10 and 16 & 17, 2011

At this 16th Century Faire, you’ll find over 110 artisans hawking their wares, you’ll enjoy musicians, jugglers, and the ribaldry of actors in many distinct staging areas.   Tickets available online.

Great Grapes Wine Arts & Food Festival - Cary

Saturday, April 16, 2011 11am “ 7pm

A fun day for the entire family at Koka Booth Amphitheater, with over 220 Wines, over  24 Wineries,  great live music, wonderful food and crafts.

Herbfest “ Wake Forest

April 15-17, 2011

Herbfest is a spring festival highlighting low maintenance, organically grown natural perennials, herb plants, organic vegetables grown from organic seeds, herb crafts, cosmetic soaps, cooking recipes, live entertainment, and educational seminars at Festival Park in Wake Forest, NC.

Spring Daze “ Cary

Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 9 am to 5 pm at Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Free admission, beautiful park with shaded walking trails & lake.   Arts & crafts, kids activities, live music, food, civic group info and environmental info.

Durham Earth Day – Durham

Sunday May 1, 2011

“Go Green” at Durham™s 2011 Earth Day Festival. Celebrate Durham’s sense of community, raise awareness of current local and global environmental issues, actively engage in hands-on learning activities, and celebrate our environmental success. Festival goers will participate in “green” activities and demos; learn about many green practices and products at the Sustainability Expo and Earth Art Market; and enjoy great music, food and much more! The Durham Earth Day Festival is presented by Durham Parks and Recreation and Keep Durham Beautiful, Inc.

Got To Be NC Festival – Raleigh

May 20-22, 2011

This fun festival at the NC State Fairgrounds features North Carolina™s agricultural bounty and mix in a generous dash of music and fun for everyone. General admission is free to all ages, including all grandstand events.  Rides, games and food are also available.

Artsplosure “ The Raleigh Arts Festival “ Downtown Raleigh

May 21-22, 2011 in Moore Square  

Celebration of the Arts “ Fuquay-Varina

June 4, 2011

Art festival with more than 80 art vendors, food, entertainment and more.   Part of a town-wide festival called Celebrate Fuquay-Varina.

Garden Events Around the Triangle

Throughout the Spring and Summer.   Check here for a wide variety of gardening workshops, classes and activities.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens “ Duke University, Durham

Open daily with on-going events and programs for children & families

Duke Gardens hosts myriad events, from concerts to classes for adults and children, field trips, weekend workshops, day camp, drop-in programs for children and free walks with Gardens curators and horticulturists.   Or just bring a picnic and enjoy the beauty anytime.  

JC Raulston Arboretum “ NC State University, Raleigh

Open daily with ongoing events.

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants adapted for landscape use in the Southeast.

North Carolina Botanical Garden “ UNC Chapel Hill

Daily plant sale and ongoing events for the whole family.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden has been a leader in native plant conservation and education in the southeastern United States for more than 30 years.  

Check out our Things to Do Page for on-going fun in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest areas.

As the internet began playing a greater role in the real estate industry, many people in the business feared that it would eliminate the need for Realtors all together.   In some respects that™s true.   It eliminated the need for Agents whose only service capability was to provide listing information.   The age of the guarded listing book is ancient history; in fact most agents in today™s market don™t even know what that is!

Now over 85% of  home buyers first see the home online that they eventually buy.   They find a home themselves and then contact an Agent.   Most buyers and sellers are tech savvy enough to use online resources to gauge the value range of homes.   There are endless resources online to learn everything you need to know about the home buying and selling process.  

So, what is left for a Realtor to do?   Think of it as preparing for a surgical procedure.   I know that sounds pretty farfetched to compare buying or selling a home to going under the knife, but for some people the experience has been just as painful, if you don™t have the right person doing the job.

If you were going to have major surgery, you would probably get a second and third opinion on the necessity, risks and benefits.   Just as if you were buying or selling a home, you would want to compare different agents to see which one provides you with the information you need to make the right decision.   Just as you can use the internet to research ailments and treatments and discover options, so does the internet provide you with endless amounts of information about the real estate market.   And also like medical information, some of it is relative to your situation and some is not.   That™s where it takes a professional to guide you through all the information.   Then when it comes time for the surgery, it™s probably not something you would attempt to perform on yourself, even if you have all of the information you could possibly know.  

So, you see it™s not as crazy as it sounds.   The point being, a true real estate professional is one that provides more than the information you can find online.   A true professional has knowledge beyond cyberspace and can help you piece together all of the information and present a clear course of action that takes into account your personal situation, goals, needs, and wants.  

There is a lot more to real estate than picking out a great home or sticking a sign in the yard and entering a listing in the MLS.   Vigilant monitoring of the housing market, years of transaction history,  proven business systems and most importantly keen negotiating skills are what set one agent apart from another.

As lead Broker and owner, Keith Bliss is diligent about staying on top of the market and knowing the issues that affect local home values.   Keith is not only  fully aware of what is listed in the MLS, but he also monitors all for sale by owner (FSBO) Listings and upcoming foreclosure sales.  

When it comes time to list your home, the Bliss Listing Team has systems in place to ensure your home is seen by the greatest number of potential buyers.   With 25+ professional photos, custom virtual tour, video messages and compressive virtual syndication, our listings simply receive more showings because more people know about them.   It only takes one buyer to make an offer “ but it takes a lot of buyers looking to find that one!

If you are in the market to buy, our Buyer Specialist, Kirk Vaughan, is dedicated to helping you navigate the market and negotiate the best price, terms and conditions.   See Buyer Services for more information.  

All of the details that are involved in a real estate transaction from beginning to end are handled with ease and success by Our Team.   At The Bliss Real Estate Group we strive to provide our clients with information and service beyond their expectations.   So if you are in the market to buy, sell or invest, don™t just blindly enter into a contractual agreement with just anyone.   Just as you would choose the right doctor or the best attorney to represent you, you should also take the same care and have the same confidence that your Realtor is also looking out for your best interest and has the tools, knowledge and resources to do the job right!

For many people feeling the pain of this economic downturn, investing is probably the last thing on most people™s minds.   Many of us got burned in real estate and most people who were invested in the stock market, whether in individual stocks or with 401K investments, particularly  felt the pain.  

Although this recovery will be slow, there is hope!   Markets are cyclical and what went down, will go up.   Now is the time to start positioning yourself to rebuild; or at the very least start thinking about your new and improved investment strategy and positioning yourself to get back in the game.   Planning and  preparation makes for smarter investing.  

The first generally accepted rule of investing is to diversify your portfolio with no more than 30% of available investment funds allocated to any one category.  Stocks, bonds and other savings instruments are usually one component to a well diversified strategy.   And even within those categories, you should consider your risk tolerance.   A good financial planner and/or some well researched time and effort on your part will be needed in order to build up that part of your overall strategy.

So what else is there? Well, for many, real estate investment is an essential part of a well-rounded portfolio. If you only want to deal with  ”paper” in your investment plan, real estate offers several opportunities. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), options, property oriented mutual funds, and other mortgage backed securities are still available.   With these options, like any type of securities, you really need to have a good understanding of what you are getting into.

For me, being a real estate professional, I prefer real œbricks and mortar investments.   Something I can drive by and say, œYep, that™s mine and it™s still there!

Historically, buying and selling real property, or even long-term home ownership, has proven one of the most profitable, least risky investments available.  Note: I say “least risky”.  That doesn’t mean “zero risk” as we have all clearly witnessed over the past couple years.   There’s no such thing as zero risk in investing.   Markets are cyclical and prices can always go up or down, just like stocks, bonds, etc.    

That being said, today™s rates are historically low and home prices have fallen dramatically “ some States and Cities have fared worse than others.   Be willing to get educated about the market where you want to invest.    And know your limits and goals before you dive into any major investment.

At The Bliss Real Estate Group, we are here to help you every step of the way.   Whether you are new to real estate investing or a seasoned pro, we can provide you with all of the resources you need to make the best decisions for your financial future.   Give us a call today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your personal investment strategy.

Below  is a list of our current income producing listings.   For more detailed information, give us a call at (919) 467-0707.   We can also help you research and analyze any property on the market for its investment potential.

Given the downturn of the economy, many people who were once homeowners have now become renters and for many others, with more stringent lending practices, loss of savings, and job insecurity the hope of homeownership may be years away.   But this isn™t necessarily a bad thing.  

Financially it makes more sense, just from a monthly budget perspective, for many people to rent.   The days of paying 66% more per month, just to say you own a home, are long gone.   People are more cautious about their spending and the bursting bubble of the housing market was also a bubble burst for  fantasies of homeownership.

The rental market is also cyclical, just like the resale and new home sale market.   Right now the resale market is saturated with inventory.   High inventory drives down prices.   But combine this with less people being able to afford a mortgage or even qualify for one, the rental market is ripe for investors.   When more people are  looking to rent, demand goes up, and rental prices will rise.

If you are looking to build your portfolio or just get started in your endeavors as a landlord, now is the time to start crunching some numbers and scouring the market for those great opportunities that are out there.  

Some strategies to consider when looking for an investment property are to find a house that is located near areas of stable employment and employment growth.   Look for homes supported by travel infrastructure such as an airport, trains, bus lines, freeways, and major highways.   A great rental property will also be located in an area convenient to shopping, schools, parks, libraries and recreational activities.   These factors will make your rental property more attractive to renters.  

The Triangle area has all of these factors  combined with affordable prices.   It™s a great time and place to be an investor in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill areas.   With three major Universities and numerous colleges, RDU International Airport, Reasearch Triangle Park (RTP), tons of recreational opportunities,  great schools, decreasing unemployment, and mild 4 seasons weather most residents will agree that this area is a great place to live and work.  

Do you have kids heading off to college in the next few years?   Have you thought about buying a rental property near the University your child will attend?   This is a smart strategy and the perfect gateway into investing.   First of all, you know your tenant.   Second, you get a tax write off.   And third, why pay someone else rent when you can pay yourself?

Properties near Universities are generally a good option because they meet most of the criteria discussed above and you always have an endless supply of renters.   Below are the bus routes for  our three local Universities; NC State, UNC and Duke.   Locating a property along these routes would be a good option.

At The Bliss Real Estate Group we work hard to understand the market as it relates to our Buyers, Sellers and Investors.   We like to provide options, education and expert advice to help our clients make the best decisions for their financial future.   Whether you are relocating to the area or you are an out of town investor looking for opportunities, foreclosures, multi-family or other listings, we are here to help.

Give us a call to set up a consultation to discuss your unique situation and your long term and short term goals. (919) 467-0707

Duke Bus Routes

Chapel Hill Bus Route Map

UNC  Campus Bus Route Map

NC State Bus Route Map “ Wolfline

If you are in the market to buy or are looking for a great investment opportunity now is your chance!

Just days away, 36 elegant and sleek condominiums will be  up for auction at one of Raleigh’s premier urban living locations!

Located walking distance from Raleigh™s Glenwood South restaurant and entertainment district these units are sure to go quickly and have move-in ready appeal! The interior features are not to miss. Sophisticated style living brags custom cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless appliances, frameless glass showers, ten foot high ceilings, and more. Expansive windows show off incredible city views. Heated rooftop pool, security, covered parking, and workout center are additional amenities that come with your new home.  

Units, ranging in size from 700-1900 square feet previously priced at $290,000 will begin auction at just $95,000.

If you have been waiting for a great opportunity to buy in one of Raleigh’s  hip,  urban neighborhoods, this is one worth considering!

The œHow to Buy at Auction starts THIS weekend, Saturday October 23^rd.    The Auction will be held on October 31, 2010.  

You must be registered to attend!  

Contact me and I will provide more details and help you get registered!

Kirk Vaughan

Buyer Specialist – The Bliss Real Estate Group

(919) 602-3082