Monday, December 10, 2018

November 2018 Market Snapshot

Below are a few updates regarding home values and other data.  This data is for the entire Triad MLS:

-Median Sales Price - $171,750 - 10 year high
-Number of Homes for Sale - 5485 - 10 year low
-Median Days on Market - 21
-Months Supply of Homes - 3.1 (normal is closer to five or six months)
-Median Percent of List Price - 98.7% (homes are selling for this percent of list price)
-Average Showing/Listing - 4.7



Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Home Values and the Transportation Network?

Here is an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal.  There is a lot of road construction going on in North Carolina...from new interstate highways to road expansions to major road retrofits...all of which are a good thing for jobs and the economy.  However, it can be short-term pain for long-term gain.

In the Winston-Salem area there is a lot of money being pumped into the network and a brand new interstate highway is under construction and schedule to open within the next couple of years...I-74.  This is a major project which will connect SC and NC to the midwest of the United States and will open up a lot of new opportunity and investments from distribution facilities to new neighborhoods and all things in-between.  Below are some recent pics that NC Department of Transportation took of the project.

But what does it mean for home values in the area of the new interstate?  Would we see similar numbers from this report in our region?  It is hard to say right now, but IT IS accurate to say that an improved transportation network is good for the economy, mobility, growth, quality-of-life and many other things and therefore appreciation and values. But we'll have to wait and see how things go but nonetheless, we are optimistic about the future of home values.











Monday, November 12, 2018

Dogs, Water and Playtime...What do they have in common?


From the Desk of David Wilkins - Allen Tate Insurance

Risks that affect your homeowners insurance rates

Insurance, by its very nature, is about risk – the likelihood that an insured event will occur, requiring the insurance company to pay a claim. The insurance premium you pay reflects how great the risk, based on historical data about claims.

Most of us understand that your car insurance will go up if you buy a sports car, have an at-fault accident or are charged with a moving violation that results in points on your driving record. But your homeowners insurance premium can increase based on your children’s play equipment, how you maintain your land and even your choice of four-legged, furry family members.

Dangerous dogs
You’ve decided it’s time to add a dog to the family and researched various breeds. But have you talked to your insurance company?

Yes, you need to. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, and more than 50 percent of dog bites occur on the owner’s property. Many bites require medical attention – which could mean claims against homeowners’ liability policies.

“While all breeds of dogs can bite and temperament largely varies, many insurance companies maintain a list of dog breeds that they consider to be dangerous, based on past claims or popular perceptions of breeds,” said Robin Price, president, Allen Tate Insurance.
These breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Huskies, Chows, Boxers and other breeds with potentially aggressive behavior.

So what if your desired dog is on the dangerous list? It is possible that you may denied coverage, but it’s more likely you will be offered limited coverage or pay a higher premium – because of the increased risk. It’s also common for an insurance company to require you to carry additional liability insurance, in addition to your standard homeowners coverage.

But your insurance company doesn’t need to know about your dog, right? What they don’t know can hurt you.

“Your coverage could be cancelled if you haven’t notified your insurance company about your pet. And you could be sued if someone is injured by your dog,” said Price.

Worrisome water
You’ve found the perfect home – complete with a swimming pool. Anything to consider before you make an offer?

“In insurance terms, a swimming pools is considered an attractive nuisance. This strange but accurate name refers to an object, structure or condition that is both dangerous and irresistibly inviting or intriguing to children,” said Price.

While a swimming pool might make you the most popular neighbor, it also creates an opportunity for accidental death or injury. For that reason, insurance companies will require your pool to be securely gated and locked at all times. Your insurance agent may recommend raising your liability coverage and purchasing an umbrella policy for additional protection.

Other water structures like artificial or man-made fountains and ponds are also considered risky when it comes to homeowners insurance.

Playtime pitfalls

Another category of popular attractive nuisance is trampolines. While they seem like a great way to get the kids away from the video games and out of the house, trampolines are actually one of the most dangerous toys.

Trampolines cause more than 100,000 injuries annually, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, with 75 percent occurring when more than one person is jumping at the same time.

“Trampolines are also difficult to secure, so you may be liable if someone is injured, whether or not you gave them permission,” said Price.

As a result, some homeowners insurance companies will exclude trampolines from coverage. Others will require certain safety precautions or raise the premium. Similar conditions may be added for playground structures, treehouses, and skateboard ramps.

Numerous nuisances

Other attractive nuisances considered insurance risks include abandoned cars, old appliances, railroad tracks, farm and construction equipment, power lines and holes in the ground.

A landowner can be held responsible for a child injured by any of these, assuming owner had knowledge children may trespass, an object or condition has the ability to cause harm, the cost of the repair is small, or the owner fails to take reasonable action to eliminate the nuisance.

Your Allen Tate Insurance agent can advise you regarding risks that may affect your coverage. It’s important to be upfront when obtaining coverage so your insurance is not cancelled. Don’t risk it!

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

What does home mean to you?

With the mid-term elections behind us, we can all now refocus and get ready for the Holidays!  Can't believe it is already upon us!  Below are some updates we thought we'd share.
Market Update:
The Triad's average home price for October 2018 was $196,000 and the days on the market and the months supply is ticking up slightly. Below is a recent quote that was in the Winston-Salem Journal.
“While steady appreciation continues, we are beginning to see the market balance out in certain price points,” said Brooke Cashion, the association’s president. “Rising interest rates will further encourage buyers to secure housing sooner than later, as the rate increase will impact affordability and monetary outlay for years to come.”
What do the changes to Congress mean for homeowners and real estate?
What the new Congress means for real estate...Expect gridlock with tax reform, HUD cuts, flood insurance and other housing policy 
BY: INMAN Staff Writer 

When it comes to real estate, don’t expect any sea changes coming from last night’s midterm election in which Democrats seized a majority in the House and Republicans tightened their control of the Senate. For one the housing market, unlike the stock market, does not make sudden moves based on events like elections. 

Buyers will still purchase homes and sellers will still list their houses.  That is the same with the economy, it will remain strong regardless of shifts in the U.S. Congress. However, longer term public policy can play an important role, as we have learned with actions by the Federal Reserve, starting three years ago when it began raising interest rates.  Plus, tax reform has played a role — good and bad — with the real estate scene. 

Tax reform rollback? 
Last November around this time, much of Washington was focused on the first major piece of legislation from the Republican Congress: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed a month later along party lines. 

The tax reform bill included some major changes for real estate, including capping mortgage interest deductions at $750,000 for both primary and secondary residences (down from $1 million previously), and capping state and local tax deductions at $10,000 (no previous cap). It also allowed pass-through entities and S-corporations — which some real estate agents and brokers may qualify as — to claim a 20 percent deduction on their business income. 

There is unlikely to be a major roll back of this policy anytime soon. 

Even with a new split House and Senate, the Congress is unlikely to pass a full rollback and President Trump would not sign a retreat of his major policy initiative. However, certain adjustments could be made through amendments, such as raising the property tax deduction. 

Budget cuts will be stalled 
Facing a ballooning $779 billion national budget deficit, the highest in six years, President Trump recently said he would ask all the members of his cabinet to cut 5 percent from their respective departmentmental budget proposals for 2019 (Agriculture, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, etc). 

However, Congress approves the federal budget and funding for all major government departments. It’s unlikely that Democrats and Republicans will agree to much on the way of cuts. Democrats will most likely fight to preserve funding for social services, education, and benefits programs, including for women’s health and affordable housing, while some Republicans will look to make deeper cuts.

Without agreement on what to cut, neither party will sign on to pass bills aimed at reducing the budget deficit, leaving attempts to curb the deficit to another Congress with a clearer majority. 

Flood insurance will not be reformed 
Just weeks after the midterms elections come to a close so too will the National Flood Insurance program, an ailing 49-year-old insurance plan that will lapse in December without re-authorization or partisan support of the so-called “21st Century Flood Reform Act.” 

Such an endeavor is easier said than done, as the bill has languished in the Senate since late last year — ever since the GOP-led House voted in favor of the bill 237-189 despite significant opposition from coastal Democrats, who believe premiums on high-risk properties could skyrocket under the reform initiative. 

Under the terms of the “21st Century Flood Reform Act,” premiums, which on average cost homeowners $650 annually but can spin out of control in coastal regions, would be capped at $10,000. Additionally, new mapping technology authorized in the new legislation would reduce rates by calculating the true risk of flooding farther inland. 

Either way, expect the lights to dim on flood reform. 

Mortgage finance 
The mortgage finance system is unlikely to be overhauled entirely. 

Under a Trump administration plan to end the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, first floated over the summer by the Office of Management and Budget, both government-sponsored entities would be tossed into the private market, requiring each to raise their own capital and compete with traditional lenders.

But for such an endeavor to pass muster in Congress, Democrats would likely demand key concessions to buoy affordable housing. Under Trump’s proposal, HUD, which would take responsibility of all affordable housing objectives, would be untethered from the traditional mortgage market.

Critics of the proposal fear that such a shift would allow lenders to be more selective. Therefore, the odds of significant changes appears low at best. 

Executive orders by the President are expected to continue, such as moves to further wipe out punitive financial regulations and easing environment enforcement. 

No new middle-class tax cut 
In the runup to the 2018 midterm elections, President Trump said in late October that he was working with Congressional Republican leaders to pass a new tax cut bill that would reduce the burden on middle class families by 10 percent. 

However, just last week, the president and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, a Republican Congressman from Texas, said that they would need to continue working on further tax cuts with the intention of passing them during the next session of Congress, in 2019. 

Once again, since the entire Congress must vote on any new major tax cut or reform package affecting the nation, and a majority must vote in favor, it is unlikely that the new Congress will pass any significant changes.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Think you're ready to be a homeowner?

Owning a home is a big responsibility but also an exciting endeavor. So when you find that house, how do you know you’re ready to buy that house? Here are eight signs to help you know if it’s a dream or a reality.
1) You’ve got your financial act together. Clean credit report, check. Little or no debt, check. And, there are other ways your financial house should be in order before you can make your move. Do you make enough money or have income from other sources that make the house affordable? Do you have funds for the downpayment and closing fees? It all adds up. Can you cover it?
2) You’re ready to settle down for a while. Before you tour the house that’s caught your eye, or begin to shop because you’ve caught the home buying bug, dig in for some self-awareness time and be sure you really are ready to stay put. Because you’ll most likely need to be there for at least 3-5 years, if you become a homeowner, to get any return on investment. So, if you’ve been at your job for 24 months, have made a commitment to where you are, don’t anticipate any major life changes, etc., you could be ready to settle in and settle down. For a while, anyway.
3) You’re prepared to be chill about unexpected expenses. Property taxes, HOA, city assessments, water, sewer, trash, electricity, natural gas and cable could make your house payments higher than you calculated. Will you freak out or rest easy in knowing you can cover it? And those trips to big box stores when you move in and realize you don’t have a rake, shelf organizers or window coverings can add up. If you’re ready for that, you could be ready to buy that house.
4) You won’t become a helpless homeowner. You know how to fix a leak. The kind from a faucet, or toilet. Or you at least can follow a DIY on YouTube with some degree of competency. Also, you can decipher a trash pick up schedule, will clean out your gutters and have shook hands, or are willing to shake hands, with a lawnmower, or someone you can hire to do the lawnmowing. It’s the little things that mean a lot.
5) You have savings. Not just for the downpayment and closing costs, but a regular savings and emergency fund. In all seriousness, it’s critical you have funds beyond just getting in the house and paying for moving and move-in expenses. Should something life-changing happen—an accident, an illness, family emergency, etc.—having a savings and emergency fund could close the gap between you and an unpleasant financial situation.
6) You can reach other goals and still own a house. Think if you get that house you’ll be content forever, simply hanging out there and nowhere else? Think again. Just like anything else, the new will wear off, and you’ll want to travel, finally get that new bike or boat, go back to school, or whatever. And the reality is, most “whatevers” cost money. So as you may have been told, don’t make yourself “house poor.” You won’t be happy with that.
7) You know what you want and where you want it. If you’ve already spotted that dream home, that’s great, as long as it really is what you want, where you want it, and affordable. But if you are starting to shop, looking at images on your laptop is just the tip of the iceberg. Spend some time driving around neighborhoods, timing your morning commute from your target area, checking out schools and other things important to your lifestyle. This helps your Realtor® a ton, and can cut down on the wear and tear as you begin your quest.
8) Your happiness doesn’t hinge on being a homeowner. Sure, you’ll have more freedom to make it your own, and a yard can be the setting for numerous enjoyable get togethers, but a house can also be a source of frustration from time to time. If you’ve been heard to say, “When I get my own home, then I’ll be happy,” slow down and put some thought into what really makes you happy. Yes. Moving into your own home, whether it’s your first or fifth, is hopefully one of the happiest days ever. Just remember, it’s the heart you put into it, and not the house itself, that will make you a happy homeowner. 


Aprill Jones
APRILL JONES
Aprill Jones is a writer covering all things real estate. She resides in Charlotte, NC.


Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Sales Tax or Property Tax Increase: 
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will be building a new courthouse in downtown Winston-Salem for $120 million.  There’s no doubt the need for it is great but the way it gets paid for is just as important.  On the ballot this election cycle will be an option to vote for a 1/4% (.25%) sales and use tax increase but if that does not pass, the county will be forced to apply a 3.1 cent property tax increase.  While we hope there were other choices, this is what we are left with so we will be supporting the sale tax increase as it mitigates the damages the most.  Since Forsyth County has a lot of folks that drive into the county to shop, more than just homeowners and property owners will pay for the new courthouse.  So if you live in Forsyth County, make sure to support the sales tax and not the property tax increase. Click on the pictures to learn more...




















ICYMI - September - Local Real Estate Market Update:
“While steady appreciation continues, we are beginning to see the market balance out in certain price points,” said Brooke Cashion, the association’s president. “Rising interest rates will further encourage buyers to secure housing sooner than later, as the rate increase will impact affordability and monetary outlay for years to come.”

Business 40 in Downtown Winston-Salem closing:
Business 40 through downtown Winston-Salem will be closing at 8:00 AM on Sunday, November 11 due to construction.  For more information on how to get into and around downtown Winston-Salem, please see the website the North Carolina Department of Transportation put together - it will be a great tool and NCDOT has partnered with WAZE for best routes.

Work Ready Forsyth:
Businesses in North Carolina, the Triad and Forsyth County are thriving, but the biggest issue impeding their continued growth is the growing shortage of workers with the adaptable skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace.  Education and talent supply are, by far, the top concern weighing on job creators’ minds according to a recent CEO poll performed by the NC Chamber.

However, an important step has been taken in Forsyth County.  The County Commissioners recently decided it was time for the community to put a focus on our talent supply.  Forsyth County has applied to become a North Carolina Certified Work Ready Community (NCCWRC).  Currently in NC, there are 62 counties that are participating which means, 62 other counties are working every day to become more economically attractive to businesses, in direct competition with Forsyth County.

NCCWRC is a collaboration of members from the Office of the Governor, NC Chamber Foundation, NC Community College System, NC Department of Instruction, NC Department of Commerce, regional economic development professionals and local community college leaders. 

What does this mean for Forsyth County, now that county leaders made the decision to acquire certification? 
  • Business and industry gain confidence that Forsyth County has a skilled workforce and a considerable talent supply
  • Individuals and students understand what skills are required in today’s workforce and therefore know how to prepare themselves for success
  • Allows policy makers to consistently measure the skills gap and work on adjustments
  • Educators can help close the skills gap via tools integrated into curriculum and career pathways with industry credentials
  • Economic developers can use an on-demand reporting tool to market the quality of the workforce and therefore, become a more competitive marketplace
In order to become certified and therefore more competitive, workers and  students must obtain enhanced and relevant skills.  Forsyth County’s endeavor to meet these needs will be called, Work Ready Forsyth.  Thankfully, Forsyth County is well on its way to earning certification, however, business engagement is critical and needed on our local level.   

We'd like to ask your company to simply say you SUPPORT the program by lending your company name to this important effort.  It's that simple.  Will you help our students, our workers, our businesses, our education systems and our economy by lending your support?

We hope we can count on your support to ensure a healthy program that will keep us current regarding industry needs and the skilled talent necessary for our economic future.

More information about Work Ready Forsyth will be available soon. Visit for information about the NC Certified Work Ready Community Certificate.




Friday, September 14, 2018

With fall, comes cooler weather...

Want to warm up the house this fall?

"We can hardly believe it, but summer is quickly coming to a close. The kids are back in school, apple-picking is on the weekend agenda, and pumpkin is starting to show up again in the local grocery stores! While the world around you is transforming for the new season, it’s also important to make your home look the part. 
We love fall because it gives us the opportunity to really make our homes feel cozy with throws, wreaths, autumn-scented candles and warm decor. In our opinion, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. 
We spoke to Lauren Nicole Designs — a talented interior designer based in Charlotte, North Carolina — to get the inside scoop on current design trends and...."

Monday, August 13, 2018

The State of Economic Development in the Triad

Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Leak, Executive Director of Winston-Salem Business Inc., which is the economic development arm of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.

Winston-Salem Business Inc. "is the only local agency that conducts external economic development marketing. WSBI promotes Winston-Salem and Forsyth County as an excellent business location and provides unparalleled customer service to clients and consultants interested in locating businesses in our community."

We appreciated Bob taking some time to speak with us.  As you'll see in the video, there is a lot going on and tremendous opportunity for our region.  


Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Are baby boomers to blame?

Recently, there was some positive real estate news concerning the Triad real estate market and we were interviewed by several news outlets.  We'd like to thank Spectrum News 14, the Winston-Salem Journal and the Greensboro News and Record for paying attention to this important economic factor.


We thought that it was an interesting headline...but NO, baby boomers are not to blame.  It is no one's fault.  But it is more of the market conditions, but the sentiments are accurate.  

Frankly, it would be nice to see a little bit more inventory.  There are a ton of buyers in the marketplace and a few more listings would help drive a stronger local economy.  See below for the story:

“Buyers are in the market, but frankly we still need more folks to consider selling,” said Brooke Cashion, the association’s president.

“Inventory is becoming more of an issue with only a three-month supply. We would like to see more of a four-to five-month supply.
“However, Winston-Salem is a stable housing market with nice steady growth, and not the spikes we need to try and avoid.”

Thursday, July 19, 2018

All this is yours!


Have you ever found yourself in this situation?  It can be frustrating.  When looking to get your home on the market, make sure you take into account clutter!  Are you ready to list your home in this hot sellers market?  Below are a few tips from to make your experience better and more profitable!

Much like buying your first home, selling your first home can be tricky if you don’t know what to expect. So rather than navigate the unknown on your own, let me be your guide! Here’s 5 tips to help lead you through this new endeavour.
Find the right listing agent
Your first step is to choose the right listing agent. You’ll need someone who can leverage their expertise to get your house sold, and this is certainly no small feat.
During the listing appointment, the right listing agent should present you with a full marketing plan as to how they plan on successfully selling your home in a timely manner and for the right price. You’ll also want someone who can accurately price your home, provide home staging tips, and effectively negotiate with buyers when the time comes. And just as importantly, your agent will advise you once a buyer is under contract to buy your home to make sure you get to the closing table. Make sure you feel comfortable with your agent; sometimes you may need to interview more than one agent to find the right fit for you.
Consider a pre-inspection
Your home needs to be in pristine condition if you want it to sell quickly, but more than just ridding every nook and cranny of dirt and dust, consider going the extra mile and having a pre-inspection done.
Your Realtor® can provide you with a recommendation for a good home inspector who will be able to zero in on potential pitfalls that could scare off buyers. Get ahead of the game by fixing any serious issues and feel confident that come closing time there won’t be any red flags. A pre-inspection can possibly prevent any surprise repair expenses once you have a buyer.
Enhance your curb appeal
I’ve heard too many stories of would-be buyers driving up to a home for sale, only to speed away before ever stepping foot on the ground all because of a horrible first impression.
Make sure buyers make it past the front door by dedicating enough attention and detail to your home’s exterior. Strategically placed and well-maintained landscaping goes a long way towards amping up your home’s outward appearance. Give your weathered trim and front door new life by applying a fresh coat of paint, and consider using a pressure washer to excavate dirt that’s taken up residence on your sidewalk, driveway and porches.
Stage to sell
Remember when your mother used to harp “a place for everything and everything in it’s place” when you were younger? Who knew she was actually giving sage advice you’d need to recall as prep to sell?!
Cut down the clutter by boxing up items not essential to what you might need to continue living in your home comfortably. You’ll need to make sure buyers can envision themselves living in your home when they tour it, so make sure to remove personal items while you show your home. Make a cleaning schedule and stick to it–you never know when you might receive a frantic phone call from a Realtor whose client desperately wants to see your home.
Oh, and don’t forget about your furry friends. Get a game plan together now for how you’ll keep them occupied while someone is viewing your home.
Be patient
We’ve all heard stories about houses that go on the market in the morning and are sold by the time dinner’s ready, and while this is certainly every seller’s dream timetable, experts say it isn’t exactly the norm.
According to Realtor.com, the median amount of time a home spends on their site is 65 days–this is measured from the time the for sale sign is planted in the yard to the moment the new buyers walk in the front door. This number will of course fluctuate depending on a number of variables, and everything from inventory, location, condition, price and time of year can make time on market ebb or flow.
Phyllis Brookshire
President, Allen Tate Realtors®

Monday, July 09, 2018

Are you ready for a "flood" of information?

Have you ever had to have a flood insurance policy on your property?  There is a huge issue going on in our nation's capital concerning flood insurance that you are probably not hearing much about.  In the following post, we briefly discuss it:


The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will expire on July 31.  If it expires, this will cause many challenges to the real estate market right when things are going well.  

This is important because our area has a number of properties included on the FEMA Flood Zone Maps.  Depending on qualifications of the property, the property could be eligible for the NFIP program which helps keeps flood insurance cost down on consumers.  

Reforms are also needed to the NFIP program.  From the National Association of Realtors, "as currently structured, the NFIP is not financially sustainable over the long run. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the program is not charging enough in premiums to cover expected claims in catastrophic loss years, and has already borrowed over $30 billion from taxpayers to make up the difference." 

We have been talking to our elected representation in the US Congress.  In their responses, action is highly possible and it is our hope that a viable solution comes together.  Stay tuned or see some challenges ahead!  

If interested in more information, just give us a shout!

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Small Businessperson of the Year...

On May 24, 2018, Brooke Cashion of Brooke Cashion and Associates - Allen Tate was named the "Small Businessperson of the Year" by the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce.

The Small Businessperson of the Year is chosen based on several criteria:
-demonstrated a history of managing or operating and established business of less than 100 employees and have shown growth in the number of employees
-shown continued sales growth over the years
-have used creative approaches to business
-contributes to the community

According to the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, this year there were a record number of nominees for this award making the process of selection very tough.

"I am truly honored and humbled and I thank the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce for this wonderful award.  I look forward to continuing being involved and most appreciate all of the support from family, friends and many others!"

To learn more about Brooke, visit our home on the web - http://brookecashion.com

Below are some pictures from the awards ceremony and Brooke's acceptance speech.









Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Top 10...

We have the good fortune of talking to many different people.  We get questions about restaurants and breweries and places to find good wine often, so we thought we would put together our current top 10 of where we go to regularly and included their websites for additional information.  There are many great places to visit but just wanted to name a few...go give them a visit - you will not regret it!




Top 10 in no particular order:

Mozelles - Winston-Salem, NC  

Full Moon Oyster Bar - Jamestown, NC 

Miss Orrs Kitchen - Winston-Salem, NC

Blue Rock Pizza and Tap House - High Point, NC

Lighthouse - Winston-Salem, NC

Fitz's on Main - Kernersville, NC

Joymongers - Greensboro/Winston-Salem, NC

Southern Roots Cuisine - Jamestown, NC

Hops Burger Bar - Greensboro, NC

Blue Water - High Point, NC

Bonus....
Wise Man Brewery - Winston-Salem, NC

Monday, April 30, 2018

The New Long Branch Trail...

Urban centers are becoming more and more popular and the cities that are growing are using innovative and creative ways to offer different amenities.  Recently, a good example of this is in Winston-Salem when the Long Branch Trail opened for use.  

The new trail is a partnership between the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, the City of Winston-Salem, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Rail Division.

This new "urban greenway" runs north to south and will allow downtown residents, workers, and anyone else who wishes to to walk, run, bike or simply enjoy the nice weather in a downtown setting.  Eventually it will connect to the Salem Lake Trail and provide for approximately 20 miles of trail for the public use.  

The short clips gives you an idea of how the urban greenway looks and feels.  What do you think?  Would you use this trail?

The Long Branch Trail - downtown Winston-Salem

The Long Branch Trail - downtown Winston-Salem