Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

I just love seeing small businesses succeed,and from time-to-time on my blog, I've decided that I will profile businesses that I think are cool.

Last night, I discovered a wonderful eatery called Solomon's Mediterranean Restaurant in Raleigh's Brierdale Shopping Center, near the popular Brier Creek shopping center. I wasn't very hungry so I ordered the Mercer Portabello Wrap, and substituted chicken for the fried eggplant - and sauteed veggies for the fries. (I was patting myself on the back for making some "healthy choices", especially when all I could think about were their French Fries!)

The food was awesome!!Which is why I was surprised that there was absolutely no one in the restaurant. When I pulled up in the parking lot, and noticed that there were no other cars there, I started thinking, "Oh no! The food must not be too good here if there's no one here." Wrong! It was absolutely delicious!!

If you get the chance, stop by. Chances are, you won't be disappointed!

And Oh...Did I mention that they have coupons for $5 off two entrees? Go to the Money Saver's Website and Search on "Solomon's"

Solomon's
10410 Moncreiffe Road (MAP)
Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: 919.313.1381

Happy Dining!

Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

I was out for my morning walk earlier this week, and for the first time really "looked" at a set of new town homes near my residence. They're nice homes, but they back up to a busy street!

I thought to myself:

• What were these people thinking when they purchased these town homes??
• "Were they so anxious to just to live the American Dream that they weren't thinking about the location of the home?"
• "Did the Builder give them incentives to purchase these homes that they didn't carefully consider the location - and the noise they'd hear inside the home at various times of the day?
• Did they have a REALTOR® to advise them?

WHAT COULD IT BE THAT WOULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO MAKE SUCH A POOR DECISION WHEN PURCHASING THEIR HOME?

As a real estate agent, when I am working with Buyers, especially first-time home buyers, I always advise them to "Buy with the end in mind."

Buyers sometimes purchase what they consider the "perfect" home for them - without considering that they may wish to resell it in the future. The next buyer may not appreciate the fact that the home backs up to a busy street.

If trying to resell such a property, it may be necessary to cut the price to get rid of it. Home sellers, of course, want to protect their equity. So buying right in the first place will certainly help!

Yes, I believe there will eventually be a buyer for every property. But the question is "At what price will the buyer come?"

Need a meticulous real estate agent who will help you buy right? Call me.

Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Photos courtesy of RealEstateClipArt.com

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

I don't know about you, but it is sooooo depressing to turn on the television or read about the record number of foreclosures in the United States.

I'm happy to say that the Sky is NOT falling in Wake County, North Carolina (where the 12 municipalities of Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon) are located!

In North Carolina, foreclosure rates are almost certain to climb. However, we are quite fortunate in Wake County. In 2007, fewer than 1,400 homes actually made it to the Courthouse steps as foreclosures, according to a manager in the Special Proceedings Division at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court.

As a real estate professional, each week, I receive quite a few emails and phone calls from new investors seeking hugely discounted deals. The truth is, many foreclosure properties aren't a bargain at all, and are often sold at or near retail value. (Yes, it's true!) In addition to the unpaid mortgage, items such as the foreclosure attorney's fees; back taxes; homeowner association dues; etc.; are added into the price-increasing the property's cost as much as $40,000.

If you are a real estate investor looking for investment property, rather than setting out solely to purchase a "foreclosure", a savvy real estate agent can help you research a good investment that meets your needs.

Call me. I'll be glad to help you.

Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Photos courtesy of RealEstateClipArt.com

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

I see it all too often when I walk into the model at a new construction site ... Trusting Potential First-time Home Buyers who are not represented by a Buyer's Agent.

Inside my head, I'm screaming, "Run away from the on-site agent. S/he is working for the Builder and NOT you. The on-site agent may/may not be a licensed real estate agent!"

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against on-site agents - and as a real estate agent, they treat me quite well. However, I, too, was once a First-time Buyer, and back then, I wish I had someone to look out for me. Sometimes, you don't know, what you don't know - until it's too late!

Once I became licensed, I was determined to do everything I could to help Buyers (and Sellers, too!) to navigate through the complicated process of buying and selling real estate.

Again...The on-site agent is there to represent the Builder's interest - and not the Buyer's. In other words, although they are quite nice and are very accommodating, at the end of the day, they work for the Seller.

And in North Carolina, the on-site agent who works for the Builder as an employee does not have to be licensed! Say WHAT?? (Many are, but it's not required.)

When I was a first-time Buyer all those years ago, I didn't realize that the onsite agent only worked for one person: The Builder.

I also didn't realize that Buyers usually will NOT get a better price on the home without using a REALTOR®. So why NOT hire one to represent you? (The best part: the Builder will usually pay the REALTOR® fees - although you get to choose with whom you'd like to work.) Sweet deal, huh? You choose but someone else pays!

Why Use Your Own Real Estate Agent for New Construction?

REALTORS® have gone through rigorous training before and after licensing - and have the ability to help you better understand the complicated paperwork you're signing.

After all, this may be the single largest purchase you'll ever make in this lifetime. Shouldn't you have a professional on your side?

Think about it this way: You've been trained well to perform your chosen profession- and chances are, unless a real estate agent had the same training and experience as you, we would not understand the intricate details of how you make a living. The same goes for real estate.

A good REALTOR® is continuously going through trainingand updating his/her marketplace knowledge. For instance, in 2007, I attended approximately 80 hours worth of seminars and training - although the Real Estate Commission only requires that agents go through 8 hours to maintain a license. (That's 10 times the amount of knowledge I gained vs. what's required to renew my license.)

Wouldn't you love to benefit from all the knowledge and experience I have about this business? Call me.

Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Website: www.darleenmc.com

Photos courtesy of RealEstateClipArt.com

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.