The Raleigh real estate market has been soft for the past 18 months. Many home owners have had difficulty selling their homes for the price they want.

“Even though the home prices in Raleigh have been at their lowest point in a few years, there are many things homeowners can do to boost the final selling price $ 5000 to $10,000 and more above the average sale price,” according to Jeff Dicks, a real estate specialist based in Raleigh. “Most home owners feel they’re at the mercy of the market. If the market falls, so does the value of their home. This simply is not true. ”

According to Dicks, there are several easy things home owners can do to substantially boost selling prices. For example, there are over 24 ways home owners can “dress” their home’s exterior so it gives a more appealing first impression. “As people walk up to your front door, they’re getting their first impressions. You want to be sure your lawn, walkway, and home’s exterior looks as good as possible.”

Dicks offers a few simple tips to home owners. “If a homeowner has only half an hour to make their home as appealing as possible, I would suggest the following:  1)  turn on all the lights in the home and open all the curtains,  2)  take almost everything out of the closets, it makes them look a whole lot bigger, 3) be sure the door bell works, The first contact a prospective buyer has with the home is the door bell.

Dicks offers Raleigh home owners a free booklet that is full of tips that can boost the selling price of any house by thousands of dollars. For a free copy of his booklet, “What You Can Do To Ensure Your Home Sells for Top Dollar,” Call Jeff at 919-793-4730 or e-mail jeff@jeffdicks.com

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