Sometime between 3 and 3:30 am on Saturday morning, at least one tornado struck Eastern North Carolina. The worst damage occurred in Kenly, NC...between Johnston and Wilson Counties. According to residents, the town looks like a war zone…with ten homes completely destroyed. There have also been two confirmed deaths.
CLICK HERE for Photo Slideshow:
As I was reading the news reports, I discovered a story within the story that touched me profoundly. I feel compelled to share this story with you…to remember this child who was taken too soon and to pray for this family who has lost everything.
One of the victims of this storm was an eleven year-old boy named Joshua Wiggins. Joshua came to live with his grandparents in 2005, after his mother was murdered. When the storm passed, a neighbor who heard the tornado ripping through the home came outside to investigate. He found Joshua’s grandmother an eighth of a mile down the road where she was thrown. Joshua’s grandfather was crawling out of a ditch. Young Joshua’s broken body was discovered in the ruins of the home.
Please pray for this family who has not only lost every material possession they owned…but also a daughter and now a beloved grandson. Most of us cannot begin to comprehend the pain they are suffering…but we can pray for them.
Will you please join with me in this prayer for strength for this family?
Dear Heavenly Father,
My mind and my heart are burdened for these grandparents who have lost not only their home and worldly possessions…but who have also lost their daughter and grandson. I do not know them, Father…but You know them intimately. You know the overwhelming pain that they are experiencing right now, and You alone can relieve their suffering. I humbly ask that You bring comfort to their grieving hearts…that You fill them with Your peace…peace that passes ALL human understanding. I pray for Your healing love and mercy to embrace them…to hold them steady through this storm. Oh Father, I pray that You will move the hearts of Your people to come to their rescue…to physically help them through these difficult days. I pray for strength…renewal…and the healing of their hearts. I pray these things in Your Son Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
‘Healing Rain’, by Michael W. Smith always gives me strength when I am going through a difficult time. My hope is that this family will experience God’s healing rain as we stand together in prayer tonight.
**Photo courtesy of freefoto.com**
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
On November 1, North Carolina passed a law that will aid families facing foreclosure. The new law requires that all lenders notify The North Carolina Banking Commission at least 45 days before filing the foreclosure paperwork. The law will give homeowners more time to work with their lenders to negotiate a better loan.
“We've had 5,000 loans registered in our database, and we've sent out 5,000 letters to homeowners urging them to take action to avoid foreclosure,” said Mark Pearce, deputy commissioner of banks.
Prior to this law being passed, the number of NC foreclosures was down from this time last year. Hopefully, this change will further retard the rate of foreclosures for NC families.
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
Even if you have never been to my hometown of Durham, NC…you have probably heard of it. In 1988, Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon starred in ‘Bull Durham’...a love story wrapped in a baseball package. The movie was partially filmed on location in Durham, and Kevin Costner even visited the comedy club that I managed several times while he was in town.
If you have seen the movie, you know that ‘Bull Durham’ depicts the players and fans of The Durham Bulls…our minor league baseball team.
‘Bull Durham’ was filmed at the original Durham Bulls stadium (pictured on the right). On April 6, 1995, the new Durham Bulls Athletic Park opened with a seating capacity of 10,000. Visit DurhamBulls.com for a complete game schedule and ticket prices.
Now that you know that the movie, ‘Bull Durham’, was named for The Durham Bulls baseball team…are you a tiny bit curious to know when and why Durham was first called ‘Bull Durham’?
(Of course, you are!)
Since the 1800’s, the major industry in Durham, NC was tobacco. Blackwell Tobacco Company named its product ‘Bull’ Durham tobacco, and it soon became the most famous trademark in the world…earning Durham, NC the nickname ‘Bull Durham’. In 1898, James B. Duke (of the Duke University ‘Duke’ family) purchased Blackwell Tobacco Company and renamed it The American Tobacco Company. By this time, the nickname ‘Bull Durham’ had already stuck like crazy glue to Durham, NC.
(The following photo is of one of the original 'Bull Durham' tobacco warehouses. I took this picture just before the sun began to set. Notice the Lucky Strike tower in the background.)
(The next photo shows a wider view of the old tobacco warehouse district.)
(The final photo is one of my favorites. The sky was becoming more beautiful and mysterious by the minute. The tower in the background says Lucky Strike...another brand of tobacco product that was produced in Durham, NC.)
IF you are considering a move to my hometown of Durham, NC…
I would love to assist you to find your new home. Being a native of Durham, I am in touch with the current market conditions and know how to find the best deal for you. Please call or email me today to schedule a tour of Durham, NC homes for sale!
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®
(919)749-3749 cell
Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com
Other interesting articles about Durham, NC:
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This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the participants in the MLS. Neither the participants, their respective Boards of Realtors nor the MLS guarantee or are in any way responsible for its accuracy. Any market data maintained by the MLS does not necessarily include information on listings not published at the request of the seller, listings of brokers who are not members of the MLS, unlisted properties, rental properties, etc.. The information contained in this publication is the copyrighted property of Triangle M.L.S. and may not be reproduced without the permission of the editor.
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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
Today, we honor our veterans who fought to win and protect the freedom that is the right of every American…a right that many take for granted. The National Veterans Freedom Park…which is located just off of Interstate 40 in Cary, NC…stands as a reminder that freedom is not free, that it was purchased with the blood, sweat and often the lives of the brave men and women who chose to serve their country.
In 2003, several veterans and dedicated citizens of Cary, NC joined forces and purchased a monument to honor the veterans of their community. Jim and Ann Goodnight, of SAS, donated the twelve acre park in which the monument was erected. The group had a vision and a purpose in mind (as outlined in an article by Executive Director, Dave Milidonis) :
• To honor and commemorate those who have so selflessly served in all five branches of America’s armed services throughout U.S. history.
• To instruct and educate young people and people of all ages about the meaning of freedom and the level of sacrifice necessary to ensure its perpetuation.
• To inspire all visitors to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the value system that has made the United States unique in all the world and in all of history.
• To foster civic pride, character building and inter-generational awareness for present and future generations of the valor, fidelity, and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
• To pay tribute by the establishment of a fitting memorial complex that will appropriately commemorate the service of the military veterans of this great nation.
• To involve the community in the conception and implementation of public artwork and sculpture to symbolize the value of freedom.
• To promote regional economic development due to the proximity of I-40 and nearby Raleigh Durham International Airport, attracting visitors from around the state and nation.
THANK YOU FOR SERVING YOUR COUNTRY!
GOD BLESS YOU
AND
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
CLICK HERE to watch a moving video that honors our veterans.
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
Durham, North Carolina…the ‘City of Medicine’…is a city with big plans for the future. It is also a culturally diverse city rich in history and tradition…
WHERE EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!
This afternoon, my husband and I took a long walk down Historic Main Street in Downtown Durham. The weather was absolutely gorgeous…with sunny skies and a gentle breeze. It is our desire that our photos communicate the beauty of today and the hope that Durham, NC has for tomorrow. If you look closely enough, you may even feel the sun shining on your face. ENJOY!
Our tour began here…across the street from the Ford Building. Today, the building is home to The Housing Authority of the City of Durham. The building next to it is currently available for sale.
One of my favorite buildings on the tour is The Durham County Courthouse. A new courthouse has been constructed directly across the street; however, this building currently houses the Register of Deeds and other important City of Durham offices.
Just a little further up the block…at the intersection of W. Main and N. Mangum Streets…the S.H. Kress Building is currently undergoing a major renovation. When construction is complete, this historic building will be the new home to luxurious condominiums.
A little further down…the renovations continue.
I know this next shot is high in the sky…but just look at the birds flying over the Suntrust Building. I spent a good portion of my day staring at the beautiful, Carolina blue sky.
No photo tour of Downtown Durham would be complete without including some of the many incredible, historic churches. This next photo is a view of Historic Trinity Methodist Church from Main Street.
We've finally arrived at Five Points...where five streets come together. This photo shows the Five Points Plaza...with The Marriott Hotel in the background.
Another building in the center of Five Points.
Walking away from Five Points...time to go back home.
What a GLORIOUS day for a walk down Main Street!
Back where we started...and one of my favorite photos of the day...St. Philips Episcopal Church. Imagine the stories this tree could tell!
DURHAM, NC...A GREAT PLACE TO CALL 'HOME'!
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
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The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group specializes in representing buyers and sellers in North Carolina. We serve WAKE, DURHAM, ORANGE, CHATHAM, JOHNSTON and ALAMANCE COUNTIES. Let us serve YOU!
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
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