In 2001, I accepted a secretarial job in a small, independently owned real estate company in Raleigh, N.C. From 1994 till 2001...I owned an interior design company in the Cary/Apex area of North Carolina. Following a separation from my junior high school sweetheart and husband of fifteen years, I NEEDED a break from the responsibilities and pressures of being self-employed. (I had no idea that my decision would lead me to where I am today! ONLY GOD KNEW!)
Having absolutely NO background or experience in real estate, I knew little about ‘fair housing laws' and ‘protected classes'...but I did know about PREJUDICE. Growing up in the South in the 1970s, I was exposed to all forms of prejudice. In my junior high school, we had police officers on duty to keep the racially motivated violence under control. When I developed a close friendship with a black kid in my class, a group of white boys threatened him to 'leave one of ours alone', or he would be harmed. I did not even know those boys, but I lost my friend.
OH YEAH...I almost forgot to mention...my father is Native American Indian. Growing up, I heard all of the jokes about ‘dirty indians' and watched my father struggle to prove that he was ‘as good' as the white men around him
. I don't believe he ever convinced himself.
Some people believe that we humans are programmed by the environments in which we live and grow. I agree that our environments shape our beliefs and our views on life...but I get angry when people say, "I can't help the way I am because I was raised that way." As a child, I witnessed nothing but hatred and prejudice, but it never embedded itself in my heart...it never imprisoned my spirit. I remained...as I was created to be...‘colorblind'.
Fast forward to 2001:
As I worked in the real estate industry and learned about real estate law, I became very interested and involved in working with minority families. As I shared in The REAL reason I became a REALTOR® (This will make some people angry...and...I can live with that.), I realized that I had found my calling in assisting minority families to obtain affordable housing and financing. I witnessed a particular need (a void) in the Hispanic Community, and I chose to focus my attention and efforts on filling THAT void. It became my PASSION...my MISSION!
The real estate office in which I worked was small...only six agents. All of them were aware of my newly discovered passion to help the Hispanic Community, and most of the agents encouraged me to follow my heart. However, there was one agent (let's call him Billy Bob), who insisted that I was ‘doing ALL that just to get under his skin'. Apparently, he was a graduate of the ‘Good Ole Boy School of Real Estate' where they do not teach about fair housing, protected classes or anti-discrimination.
One afternoon, ‘Billy Bob' came into the office when no one else was around. I could tell immediately that he had something on his mind, but I tried to avoid him. He hovered over my desk until I could ignore him no more. He said, "Elizabeth...I've been wondering about something." "Okay, ‘Billy Bob'...what have you been wondering?" (Thinking:: This oughta be good!) He said (the pitch of his voice raised), "Elizabeth...you look white (he paused)...so I don't understand why you always go ‘round telling people that you are (Native American) Indian...like you are proud of it or something. Why don't you just keep your mouth shut and let them keep on thinking you are white?"
[WOW! Did he JUST say THAT out loud to ME?]
I thought for a moment. Then I replied, "Billy Bob...you don't look THAT stupid. (I paused.) Why don't you just keep your mouth shut and keep them guessing?" He stared at me blankly. I honestly do not believe that he had a clue what I meant. That is the problem with prejudice...it is not based in logic or reason...it is rooted in hatred. To ‘Billy Bob'...my being proud of my Native American heritage and wanting to help minority families achieve their dream of homeownership...was a slap in ‘the white man's' face. In reality, it had NOTHING to do with him. He did not get it, and I suspect he never will.
As real estate professionals...we have a legal obligation to be colorblind. Refer to Article 10 of The Code of Ethics and Standard Practice:
Article 10 
REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. (Amended 1/90)REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. (Amended 1/00)
As humans...we have a moral responsibility to be colorblind. The ‘Golden Rule' challenges us to ‘Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.' Let's take that one step further...‘Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.'
Prejudice is a disease...but unlike cancer or AIDS, we already have the CURE. IF the cause of this disease is HATE...then the cure for this disease must certainly be LOVE. LET'S LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale
Once again, I have received The ActiveRain Friendship Ball...this time from my sweet friend, Sharon Young. As outgoing and popular as Sharon Young is, I'm sure that you all know and love her just as much as I do. IF you do not know her, go say 'HOLA' right now. She is a very special person who has been the source of a lot of sunshine (and some beautiful clouds) here in the 'RAIN'.
Since this is my second time receiving The Friendship Ball...I thought it might be a great time to finally announce something that I've been just itchin' to tell the whole world. My dear friend and fellow ActiveRainer, Carol Smith, will soon be a part of The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams.
In July, Carol and her husband, Tim, visited North Carolina (and me)...and, thankfully, made the decision to make North Carolina their new home. Carol has already applied for her N.C. real estate license and will be back this month to make the final arrangements.
I met Carol shortly after joining ActiveRain, and we became instant friends and 'sisters'. When she came to NC, it was like seeing a friend I had not seen in many years. The conversation was easy and fun...and we actually did not leave much room for Tim to talk at all. (Sorry Tim!)
IF you do not know Carol, it is my honor to introduce her to you. She is kind, gentle, bubbly, loving, faithful, smart, funny and completely committed to her friends, clients, family and God! I adore her, and I am so proud that she will be a part of my team.
Soon, I'll be saying...
WELCOME HOME, Carol!!!
A few of my favorite posts from Carol's blog:
Unexpected gifts ---- Life is full of them!
On Praying for Peace, Honoring Sacrifice and Winter Sunsets
My 100th Post - Reflections, Ruminations and the Reality of My Blogging Experience
This Is Why I Do What I Do - Sharing, Caring and Doing
One ringy dingy, two ringy dingys ...
Knock, knock! Who's there? ---- MEME of course!
Kindred Spirits --- Active Rain Strikes Again!
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale
Yesterday, I wrote ADORABLE Bungalow...walk to Duke University, Ninth Street and Brightleaf Square! JUST $83,500!!! profiling one of my listings that is just outside of Historic Trinity Park in Durham, NC. In my profile, I included a little (virtual) tour of the neighborhood...highlighting Ninth Street, Brightleaf Square and Duke's East Campus.
Today...I'd like to continue the 'tour' and show you some other homes that are currently for sale in the Trinity Park area. So...grab your most comfortable tennis shoes, your sunglasses and a bottle of water...LET'S GO!
The first stop on our tour is 401 N. Gregson Street...one of the oldest row houses in North Carolina. Built in the 19th century for Brodie Duke as his guest house...this home has been lovingly restored to its original luxury and charm. Love the high ceilings and heavy mouldings of yesterday...but want the convenience of today...this is the perfect home for you! Just $229,900!
Just down the road...our next stop is this gorgeous townhome at 309 N. Gregson Street. With almost 2000 square feet, beautiful hardwood floors and high ceilings...you will not know what to do with ALL THIS SPACE! At $264,900...this home will not be available for long.
I cannot wait to show you our next home on the tour! This precious, 2 story vintage cottage at 113 W. Trinity Avenue really gets my attention. When I look at this home, I think 'English garden'. Would you like to sit in the screened porch for a little while before we visit the next home? At $269,000...this home is an ABSOLUTE MUST SEE!
There is still so much to see before the sun fades. Our next stop is 1320 N. Gregson Street. Built in 1928, this fabulous 2600 square foot home has survived the last eight decades without losing its 1920's personality. Own a piece of history for ONLY $269,900!
916 Dacian Avenue is undergoing a complete renovation...1930 and 2008 collide to create THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS! Energy efficient and built 'green'...you'll LOVE this Historic Trinity Park beauty! JUST $379,000!
Heading back over to 1405 Gregson Street...we are going to take a look at this 1948 all brick home with a detached garage and basement! You will love the Southern charm of this elegant home...with oak hardwoods and formal dining room with built-in hutch. Come home to Trinity Park for $399,500!
There are only two homes remaining on our tour, but I have certainly saved the best for last! IF you are looking for a truly spectacular home...look no further. This 1927 estate has been completely RESTORED and IMPROVED! With the most amazing gourmet kitchen I've seen in years...you will want to entertain all the time. Did I mention the ENCLOSED POOL? This stunning executive home has just been reduced $50,000 to $948,000
Last...but definitely not least...we conclude our tour at 1014 W. Markham Avenue. This 1926 J.O. Lunsford Dutch Colonial home occupies three lots and has all of the architectural detailing you would expect. Having lived just a few homes down from this beauty for years...I can attest to this home's eloquence and special presence. Claim your place in this home's history for $986,000.
Historic Trinity Park in Durham, NC is a wonderful place to live.
I called this neighborhood home from 1983 through 1987
.
If you are planning a move to Durham, NC...please give me a call today. I would love to tell you why I LOVE CALLING NORTH CAROLINA HOME!
You can reach me anytime on my cell (919)749-3749.
To search EVERY HOME FOR SALE in the Raleigh/Durham/Triangle Area...click on the Durham Bull photo to the right or the link below.
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale
Earlier today, I read The ARchie Awards, have you heard of them?.........And the Winners Are............. by Marlene Pellegrini...in which she recognizes the winners of the very coveted ‘ARchie Awards'. (To learn more, you'll just have to go read it for yourselfJ) As I read Marlene's post, a certain ‘feeling' came over me...a feeling that took me back to a day long, long ago...to forty-five minutes that impacted my whole life. I'd like to share my special memory with you now.
As many of my readers know, I grew up on Quail Roost Farm, a huge horse farm in Durham County, North Carolina. Even as a child, I knew that Quail Roost Farm was not like most farms. With hundreds of horses, a fully operational dairy, seven ponds and thousands of acres to e
xplore...there was a new adventure waiting for me every day. Oh...did I mention The Quail Roost Conference Center...a 90 acre facility that was located at the top of the hill, across the big pasture, in front of my house?
For at least a year, Quail Roost Conference Center represented a great mystery to me. Staring across the big pasture, I would often imagine what was happening inside the ‘big house'. Then, one day, while pretending to be an Indian warrior who had just captured the enemy (my younger brother)...a golf cart putted down the road in front of my house and came to a stop. I immediately recognized Mr. Phillips, the friendly, big-hearted man who lived in the ‘big house'. He was giving one of the center's special guests, Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee to me), a tour of the farm. He thought my brother and I would get a kick out of meeting her, and he was so right! I couldn't believe that Aunt Bee was on my farm...shaking my hand. As he drove away, Mr. Phillips yelled back to me "Come on up to the house anytime you want a pepsi."
Mr. Phillips' invitation only added fuel to my already burning curiosity...until one hot afternoon...I reasoned that it was a perfect time for a pepsi. As I made my way across the big pasture, I tried to imagine what it would be like inside the ‘big house'. I had been inside the Conference Center kitchen one time before, with my dad...but only for a few minutes. The kitchen ladies had shooed me out the door almost as fast as I entered. I thought to myself..."I hope I find Mr. Phillips before one of THOSE kitchen ladies finds me!"
Entering slowly and quietly through the back door of the ‘big house'...I heard music playing. It was different than the music my daddy played on the radio in the car, but I liked it. Moving closer and closer to the source of the music, I pressed the heavy, wooden door open and peered into the room...full of ladies and men wearing long dresses and black suits. I had only seen people like that on television, and I was in awe.
As I was standing there...in my torn jeans and bare feet...Mr. Phillips spotted me and started walking toward me. He was smiling as he reached down and took my hand...leading me out of the shadows and into the beautiful room. One by one...Mr. Phillips took me around the room and introduced me to those glamorous people...telling them that I was his special friend. Even though I was a disheveled, little girl...Mr. Phillips made me feel like a beautiful princess that day. I've never forgotten that special day, and I've never forgotten Mr. Phillips' kindness to me.
Have you ever thought about the impression that you leave on the people you meet?
Do you build people up...or do you tear them down?
When you encounter a ‘small' person...someone who you deem less important than yourself...do you make them feel ‘big'? Do you present them to the world as your ‘special friend'...or do you draw attention to their weaknesses to make yourself feel more important? When people remember an encounter they had with you, do they remember your kindness or your callousness?
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. ~Author Unknown
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale
Cary, North Carolina Homes for Sale
September 2008
Single Family Homes -- Under 200K
The least expensive home is priced at $140,000...$19,627 BELOW TAX VALUE. It is offered for sale 'AS IS'.
Based on this current list of single family homes for sale in Cary, NC...the price per square foot ranges from $93 to $151. The average price per square foot is $123.
The following home is the least expensive home on this list, based on the price per square foot.
Priced MORE THAN $57,000 BELOW TAX VALUE...this SHORT SALE at 10709 E. Bridgford Drive could be a GREAT INVESTMENT!
This updated beauty is a rare find in Cary, NC...with a partially finished basement and a .44 acre lot! The AMAZING KITCHEN is my favorite part of the home.
This charming home on 1/3 of an acre...walking distance to BEAUTIFUL BOND PARK...is another one of my personal favorites from the list of currently available homes.
Of the currently available single family homes...priced under 200K in Cary, NC...this spacious home on 1/3 wooded acre is 'Elizabeth's Pick of the Litter'! At $175,000...NOT ONLY has the home been drastically reduced...BUT THE SELLER IS VERY MOTIVATED and calling for ALL OFFERS!
Cary, NC is a great place to live!
Call me today so that I can assist you to find YOUR NEW HOME in Cary, NC.
(919)749-3749
Email me: Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale
 |
|
|
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group specializes in representing buyers and sellers in North Carolina. We serve WAKE, DURHAM, ORANGE, CHATHAM, JOHNSTON and ALAMANCE COUNTY. Let us serve YOU!
Agent of the year 2004
(Century 21 FourStar Realty)
President of NAHREP
(National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals of Greater Raleigh/Durham)
Multi-Million Dollar Top Producer
2005 Recipient of the Gold PACESETTERS Award
Titles and credentials are nice to have...I have a few of which I am quite proud. However, I do not want to be defined by the titles and credentials I have earned. I wish to be defined by the difference I make in the lives of my family, friends and clients.
For the past five years, I've been involved in the real estate industry. I was blessed to have learned the 'ins and outs' of this business by managing a small real estate office in Raleigh, N.C. While I was earning my real estate license, I worked as a closing coordinator for a top producing agent in Chapel Hill, N.C.
During my years in the real estate business, I've learned many things. I've learned that...whether it is their first or fifth real estate transaction...ALL buyers and sellers are INTIMIDATED!!! They are filled with fear and trepidation...terrified of making a wrong decision with life-changing consequences. Fortunately, I've also learned that almost ALL of the stress and fear can be avoided by giving my clients the information necessary to make the RIGHT DECISION with CONFIDENCE!
Throughout the buying or selling process...from the first point of contact...to closing...and beyond...I am absolutely committed to providing my clients the highest level of customer service. INTEGRITY...EXCELLENCE...CARE...
DILIGENCE...THESE ARE THE VALUES BY WHICH I CHOOSE TO BE DEFINED.
If you are thinking about buying or selling your home, please allow us, The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group, to join you on your journey. We truly look forward to working with you to make your real estate experience as easy and pleasant as possible.
For more information about The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group, please feel free to explore our website. We hope that you will find it to be helpful and informative. For further assistance, please contact me at Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com. IF you prefer, call me directly on my cell at (919) 749-3749. I look forward to hearing from you!
YOU HAVE A CHOICE!
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO WORK WITH ME?
As my client, I give you my personal commitment that WHAT MATTERS TO YOU MATTERS TO ME! I recognize that YOU want to do business with someone you can trust. I will work diligently to earn your trust.
The real estate market changes everyday. By staying current with the daily trends and changes of the market, I can better guide you through one of the most important decisions of your life.
You have worked hard to be able to achieve your dreams.
I FEEL THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY!!!
Elizabeth is great!
Khaled and I moved out from California to attend Duke Medical School in the summer of 2004. We had just gotten married three days before our trip to NC. We arrived in NC with only our checked luggage and a phone number for Elizabeth Nieves.
Right from the start, Elizabeth used her business connections to get us a discount at a nice hotel...which was great because it saved us a ton of money. We also had our cats with us...and, she welcomed them also.
From that point, Elizabeth spent 3 or 4 full days with us...as if we were her only customers. Even though she was incredibly busy, she cleared her schedule because she knew that we had very little time and no home. We felt really special...that we were her highest priority. We told Elizabeth what we wanted, and she prepared a list of available homes. She was honest, thorough and knowledgeable...pointing out things to us that we would have never thought about. Being a native of NC, she knew everything about the area and shared her knowledge and experience with us. She led us every step of the way.
Once we found the perfect home, she handled everything on our behalf...helping us to find a loan officer, home inspector and other professionals. She even arranged it so that we were able to move into our new home two weeks before our closing. From the day we arrived in NC to the day we closed, the whole process took three weeks.
Even after the sale, we have called Elizabeth for copies of our documents or for answers to other questions. She always helps us and always gives us the information we need. We know that we can rely on her for anything. We will definitely call Elizabeth Nieves when we are ready to sell our current home and purchase our next home. We recommend Elizabeth Nieves to all of our friends and family. It is our pleasure to recommend Elizabeth Nieves to you, as well. Khaled and Lizette Hassan - Duke MS II
I was recently involved with selling my townhome and purchasing a new home using The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group. I was able to sell my townhome within days of placing it on the MLS. She actually told me she had an interested buyer days before we placed my home on the MLS. I also used Elizabeth in finding and purchasing a new home in Knightdale. I realize that my experience is an exception, but I was able to find a house and sell my townhome on the same day! I closed both homes on the same day in the same office. I will have no hesitation in recommending Elizabeth Nieves to anyone who can make use of her services.
Sincerely, Robert Armstrong
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
