Many wonder what may transpire over the next few months or years with long term rates. Inevitably it’s inflate or die or worse stagflation. Much as the unwinding of Japan’s economy in the late 80’s we ponder if the US is heading down a similiar path.

The economic models however, are somewhat uncertain, however many theorists indicate were heading for inflation and it won’t be pretty. Mortgage Rates have bottomed and have headed higher for the past several weeks. If and when the Fed begins to raise short term rates long term will certainly follow. So, if you have an ARM about to reset don’t wait longer refinance ! It is said that rates are like a boat floating atop the sea of inflation as inflation rises, so will home loan rates. Call your lender to catch today’s still low loan rates.

Jeff D

Many places offer great weekend getaways. One of my favorites Wilmington, North Carolina. Just a couple of hours drive from Raleigh, Wilmington has a certain allure that makes it such a great pit stop. Not only do you have a symphony, theater groups and tons of live music clubs, there are festivals from the Azalea festival in the spring and the celebration of jazz music it gives to many a late evening. The riverwalk in the downtown features a reclamation of old warehouses converted to shops and restaurants bringing new life to the older commercial areas.

Always, everyones favorite as we ponder relocation, warmer climate or simply a change of pace. I caught this article recently published on Yahoo News about Durham, North Carolina.

Once a tobacco town, Durham, N.C., has evolved into a world-class center of all things advanced. This city of 206,000, located halfway between the Atlantic coast and the Great Smoky Mountains, is called the “City of Medicine” because of its expansive healthcare industry. And although widely known as the home of prestigious Duke University, it’s also a thriving technology hub. At the same time, Durham’s mild climate allows residents to get out and explore the region’s abundant outdoor attractions. Consider hiking one of the many distinct trails and greenways or heading over to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for an afternoon baseball game.

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Ajpbdo6Qa0AbAqRIVr.8CVbFLs8F/SIG=12ddmoste/**http%3A//www.usnews.com/business/best-places/listing/north_carolina/durham

I happened to come by a recent news article on a couple from Raleigh in the USA Today, James and Macon McDavid.  The McDavid’s had spent a large sum of money to pay for their sons medical expenses whom died. Not only was the story about the passing of their son, however, evolving too a much bigger story.

Sadly, the story turned into the situation of approximately 600,000 AARP members in foreclosure. As a son of parents whom are alive (god bless) I was extremely saddened at the current pandemic. I live some 2500 miles from my parents and being a single child perhaps I feel it more than some. My parents divorced in the mid 1980’s and both are in reasonable good health, however a hip here and a knee there are needed. Not only do they face an uncertain economic future there are many like them.

Many have seen their 401k’s decimated and the coffee room banter turns them into 101k’s. I suppose we get a chuckle when were 47 or perhaps younger believing time is on our side, however this is all to real for the folks who are retired or supposed to be. With the demise of the automakers we’ll likely see a further digression for some retiree’s.

You may wonder where I’m going with all this and some will inevitably say ‘Oh well” the beat goes on. All I can say is these folks built this great nation, so government, private interest, and the public take notice this problem is growing and these folks deserve much better. ask yourself “How can I help”?

For many private clubs offer incredible benefits. Having recently joined the Capital City Club in Raleigh I have nothing to say but great things. After several visits  I decided it’s a great place to be. The business and networking events have been tremendous and above all the atmosphere and food are great.

The Capital City Club located in the Progress Energy Building in downtown Raleigh, is certainly worth the visit for not only business but for special events with family and friends. You can visit their website at

www.clubcorp.com

Have a great week !

Jeff D

After the long winter thaw in the more northern regions of  the United States inevitably most contemplate the retirement of their snow shovels and relocating to more moderate temperatures. North Carolina has long been a haven for transplants from the Northeast to escape onerous taxation and a higher quality of living.  The Greater Triangle area includes many great communities. Today’s feature community is that of Wake Forest. Having a long history Wake Forest offers an incredible lifestyle. Heritage  a master planned community is just one.  Click the link to see what the rave is all about.

Wake Forest Living

The much anticipated return of the Nationwide Tour event at TPC Wakefield is in full swing. The Rex Hospital Open runs May 24th-31st in Raleigh. The Pro-Am event runs May 27th and the Nationwide Tour event the 28th-31st. Funds raised during the event support programs and services at Rex. The event has generated several million dollars over the past 20 years supporting community based programs

Research Triangle Park, N.C. — Having exceeded the goal of adding 100,000 new jobs over five years that was set in 2003, leaders of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership are preparing a new plan through 2014.

Titled “Staying on Top: The Shape of Things to Come,” the RTRP leadership unveiled the plan Thursday morning at its annual regional briefing for business and government leaders.

The region appears to be off to a good start. Despite the global economic recession, Charles Hayes, president and chief executive officer of the RTRP was introduced to the beat of James brown, and he said the recruitment pipeline for new jobs and expansions is brimming with opportunity.

“Why did I choose James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good; this morning? Well, I do feel good, even in economic times like this,” Hayes told the crowd. “Let me tell you why.

“Since April we have added 17 companies to our portfolio of businesses considering relocating or expanding here. Those companies represent $1.7 billion in new investment and nearly 6,500 new jobs for our region. This activity comes on the heels of a record-breaking 2008, when companies announced $1.3 billion in new capital investments and nearly 6,000 new jobs.

“So, even in tough times, I feel good because I believe there is simply no place in the world better positioned for economic recovery than right here – The Research Triangle Region of North Carolina.”

Primary goals of the new plan include:

• “Expanding the region’s world-leading life sciences and technology clusters and selected new, emerging clusters.
• “Enhancing and preserving the superior quality of life and competitive business climate that enables the region to attract the talent and investment that companies need to continue being successful.
• “Engaging regional leaders and partner organizations in ensuring the region’s economic competitiveness.”

According to the RTRP’s latest report, the 13-county region added 110,224 new jobs between 2003 and 2008. Counties included are: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren.

“These results demonstrate the strength of our diverse, knowledge-based economy and affirm that sound, long-range strategic planning brings measurable benefits to our region through good times and bad,” Hayes said at the event, referring to the original “Staying on Top” plan.

Employment grew in all the counties but Warren, which lost 407 jobs, the partnership reported.

Wake added the most jobs (67,781) followed by Durham (14,258), Johnston (9,214) and Orange (5,663)).

The region did lost some 2,500 manufacturing jobs over the past five years, a decline of 2.9 percent. But Hayes noted that nationwide manufacturing jobs fell by 6.9 percent in the same time period.

“Though we’re a technology region, our manufacturing economy has held up well when viewed in a national context,” Hayes said.

Most job growth occurred in healthcare, he added.

Despite the economic slowdown in 2008, the region did secure $1.3 billion in new investments that could create nearly 6,000 jobs, Hayes added. Those included $362 million from IBM for a new data center and a $300 million expansion by Merck at its Durham facility.

According to the partnership, other investments and jobs included:

• $445 million from informatics companies (1,048 jobs)
• $374 million in life sciences (1,059 jobs)
• $251 million in advanced medical care (587 jobs)

Great news from congress……….Beat the rate hikes

http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/18/real_estate/tax_credit_as_downpayment/index.htm?postversion=2009051912

Raleigh, continues to be one of the nations top places to live. Todays interview with Barbara Corcoran makes her case. The diverse economy of Raleigh and the greater Triangle explored.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/73633/nbc-today-show-housing-markets-most-likely-to-rebound-fail