I was looking at inventory in Wake County North Carolina this weekend, surfing throught the REO properties for sale and comparing to other markets. One thing jumped out at me, an agent has three bank owned listings all pretty high priced, over $600,000, and he has a comment on them that cracked me up...."don't waste your time or mine with a low ball offer".

In case anyone cares, in a lot of markets banks are clearing space. They are using their new bail out money to get rid of write down REO inventory, it is not uncommon to see homes in this range sell at a 15% discount in a lot markets.

Do you think this agent will think a $500,000 offer on his $600,000 listing is a lowball?

You say potato....

Nothing like snow to shut down a town! I love the south! My trusty sidekick Rosie and I woke up to discover SNOW! In Cary, North Carolina?! So we put our coats on to investigate, word is a little snow in Cary shuts down the town...Rosie and I were about to find out!

We got dressed in out toughest winter gear to brave these very dangerous conditions, frigid temperatures (hovering around 28* with a wind chill at a mind numbing 24*)deep snow (at least 2.5"). I know you are thinking, "what are they thinking, they may not make it!" but for the sake of the Active Rain Community we had to investigate. Rose led the way through the desolate Arctic conditions.

People were right there were no tracks, nobody on the road, just the sound of crunching snow, the wind whipping the trees and us. It was great. The heavy white snow hanging on the trees, acres of virgin snow, it was perfect.

Then all of the sudden we heard what sounded like panic! Screams and shouts of "watch out". As we ran to help, we came around the corner and there it was a huge mass of humanity, way more people than are usually out at this early hour, hundreds of all sizes, it must have been half of Highcroft.... Sledding!

Ok enough of the attempt to be witty.

Highcroft is very community with the parks, school and greenways. Walking Rosie on the average morning is joy with everyone jogging, walking there dogs or just walking for pleasure. Today was amazing, I really don't think there was a full house in the area, everyone was outside...toddlers seeing snow for the first time, kids like mine from the Midwest enjoying sledding again, parents like me having a blast.

It is shaping up to be a great day, community sledding, hot chocolate, and the inauguration, witnessing history with the kids....

I just noticed a couple of things happening in Highcroft Village.

1. Homes are selling! Seven Pending! Priced from $440,000 to $709,000 and all above the $140 per sq ft price point. (The majority were priced in the high fours low fives).

2. It appears they reduced the price for the Parade of Homes and that special is OVER! the prices have gone back up on seven listings. Knowing this can't hurt!

Highcroft Village is located in West Cary. West Cary is a pocket of mostly new homes between 751 and 55 between Green Level Church and 540. Only minutes from RTP, 540 and RDU this location has not seen much of a slow down as its convience, great schools and exceptional neighborhoods defy the market.

Scott's Mill is such an awesome place, I really like what is there and even more I like the potential. That is why we have invested in a small office in Townside Center. This office is to service the thousands of homeowners and the hundreds of buyers that are looking in this section of Apex and south/west Cary.

This office is home to Nancy Guenther and the Homes by Nancy G Team, Nancy herself is resident of Scotts Mill and has unmatched knowledge of the area.

Judy Thanhauser also calls this office home Judy knows this part of Apex and southwest Cary like the back of her hand having lived in Preston for years.

We love our clients and try to be where they are or want to be!

Real Living Partners is very proud to announce the addition of Tessa Thompson to our growing team in Garner. Tessa brings over ten years experience, many happy clients and unbridled enthusiasm. We are very excited to assist Tessa in growing her business.

Tessa is a self proclaimed "Marine Brat and Navy wife", with her husband doing multiple deployments, she is a strong willed, determined woman who knows how to get things done. She is also involved in the Cleveland elementary PTA, Cleveland Middle school PTSO, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.