Is NC only about Charlotte and Raleigh?

Do you ever ask yourself, why? Why has Charlotte seen so much growth?  Why is Raleigh booming?  Why do we only think of Charlotte and Raleigh when thinking about North Carolina?

North Carolina is a great state.  It is a growing and changing state and one that has captured the attention of many from across the country and globe.  As natives, we sure are proud of the Old North State!    While Charlotte and Raleigh are two of the country's great cities, there are many others in North Carolina that deserve attention, comparison, and visits.  Pay attention to the Triad...we sure are bullish about its future opportunities!



The Triad is made up of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem and many other cities and towns in a 12 county region of the state that is geographically located in the center-west of North Carolina.

It is conveniently located along the East Coast of the US and can serve approximately 70% of the nation's population within two days by truck.  This is an amazing stat and one that many businesses look at.

Our workforce is strong - 650,000+ strong; and yes, just like all areas of the country there are workforce issues but thankfully we are well positioned to help fix the issues with the many and great educational facilities.  Here are a few - Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, UNC-Greensboro, Guilford College, North Carolina A&T, High Point University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Guilford Technical Community College - all world class facilities and ones that are growing and seeing national and global attention.

Our transportation network is strong and getting stronger.  Because of the growth and the needs of our area, we are currently seeing approximately $2 billion worth of transportation construction and improvements underway.  When I-74 is complete, it will have a 30,000 job regional impact - new jobs studies tell us!  We have an unbelievable hidden gem in the Piedmont-Triad International Airport and one of North Carolina's only inland ports in Greensboro that feeds not only our area but the entire East Coast.

Compared to our counterparts around the state, we have a low cost of living and competitive wages.

We have affordable housing ranging from under $100,000 to several million dollars and we are seeing a lot of cranes around the Triad building new buildings of all kinds.

We have world-class business parks with well-known, respectable world-class companies and brands.

We have world-class healthcare facilities with some of the globe's leading researchers, doctors and nurses.

We have a growing and vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation network and facilities that allow for the next Fortune 500 companies to not only move here, but to grow here.

We have many great cities but the three bigger ones are all working on their core downtown areas and those are growing and are vibrant.  If you have not been to one of the downtowns on a weekend evening, GO!

We have an incredible Farmers Market where you can buy of plants, vegetables,  meats, interesting knick-knacks and all kinds of cool things.

There is a cultural scene like no other.  From street festivals, to symphonies to Old Salem, which frankly is more authentic than Williamsburg, to great art scenes and talent galore!

Did you know the state's largest economic event is in High Point twice per year - the High Point Furniture Market brings in thousands from around the globe.  If you ever get a chance to go, GO!

There are a ton of sporting opportunities.  If you don't play sports we have numerous minor-league teams in the Triad that you can support and go see live.  For the kids, t here are a ton of ways for the kids to participate in all kids of different sports and excel at those.

For the food and drink lovers - the food scene is awesome and growing.  There are plenty of great restaurants, pubs, breweries, distillers and we are minutes from the Yadkin Valley Wine region which is becoming nationally known with some really cool vineyards.

These are just a few - the Triad is full of opportunity and we are excited about its future, especially as people get sick and tried of all the traffic in the Charlotte and Raleigh regions. What's not to love?!?!  You can have a robust lifestyle and a laid-back southern-style all in the same location.

Go for it...BELIEVE in the Triad...WORK in the Triad...LIVE in the Triad...PLAY in the Triad...WORSHIP in the Triad...RAISE a family in the Triad...RETIRE in the Triad...GRADUATE AND STAY in the Triad!

#WhyWait

With Wall Street Volatility....What's Going on With Your Home Value?

We are sure you have seen in the media that Wall Street volatility has returned in earnest.  As the media goes into hysteria on a day-to-day basis, it is important to remember that markets will bounce up and down.  The macro economy is strong.  Important economies like real estate are strong as well across the nation and thankfully, North Carolina is in the top 10 residential real estate markets nationally.  But given that the stock market and Wall Street are what is driving the narrative, what does this mean for our LOCAL real estate market?

As we predicted in an earlier blog post, we think mortgage rates will be increasing over 2018.  As a matter of fact we have already started to see this and rates are UP to around 4.25-4.5%.   This is important as this impacts what your mortgage payment will be at the least depending on your situation.

As we review the data from January 2018 we are seeing some signs that things are picking up pretty quickly in this new year.  For example in ALL price ranges in the TRIAD MLS system:

-the AVERAGE Sales Price was $180,000, up from $173,000 a year ago

-the number of new listings is up month over month

-average days on market is up to its highest level since March 2017

-months supply is up month over month, and

-the percentage of list to sales price is down to 97.3% 

All this means is that now is the time to enter the market if you have been considering it.  We think 2018 will be a strong year, however as we get closer to spring and the number of homes on the market increases, competition will increase meaning a seller could be in a less competitive position.

Do you go to the doctor on a regular basis for a check-up?  Do you meet with your financial advisor on a regular basis to make adjustments as necessary?  Do you go through an annual review at work? 

Have you ever thought about a simple home valuation check up?  Where are you positioned in the marketplace?  Are you considering "updating" your home or would you be better off to sell it?  Shouldn't you know what your valuable asset is doing for your financial position?

Touch base with your professional REALTOR today - in these market environments, it is important to stay abreast of your financial position.

If you do not have a professional and experienced REALTOR, reach out today for a "no strings attached review".

Go ahead - showcase the wine!

“Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile” 

― Homer

Have you ever gone to a winery and really loved that Carneros Pinot Noir that you were tasting?  Do you remember thinking to yourself, "I really want to buy this bottle or two and keep it for a special occasion, however, I do not have a good place to store it."  Do you have a lot of wine bottles stored and want to show them off or use as decorations?  Ever thought about how wine needs to be stored?

Here is a pretty cool idea - why not build a wine cellar/storage in your own home!

In the Houzz article, 7 Steps to Create a Connoisseur's Wine Cellar, you can get a few good ideas about how to start a wine cellar in your own home.  The following seven steps serve as a couple good ideas to think about and consider should you want to create you own wine cellar/storage area:
-Location
-Size of Space
-How to Keep the Wine Cool
-Lighting
-Door/Entry Style
-Humidity
-Displays

So go for it!  Make you own home a home for great wine!