North Carolina ranks fourth in population growth
January 29, 2009
The secret is out…North Carolina is a fantastic place to live. Census figures for 2008 rank North Carolina as the fourth highest in population growth. Only Utah, Arizona and Texas saw more new residents. According to the new figures, the population of NC now exceeds 9 million. Growth was calculated at over 180,000 new residents resulting in a 2% increase for the year.
Other trends reported was a population shift to states in the Rockies. The southeast continues to see more people relocating here as Georgia and South Carolina also ranked in the top ten states. The southeast added more residents but the states in the Rockies claimed the title of fastest growing region as six states reported increases. North Carolina held its place as the tenth largest state population in the nation.
If you are considering a move to NC, please visit my website: www.mariescheuring.com and check out the “resources” section. I have provided links to everything North Carolina for you.
Steelers vs the Cards!
January 28, 2009
Ok, this is not related to real estate other than it is one of my passions. I am from the Burgh, so I love my Stillers. My family and I are the proud owners of terrible towels and lots of black and gold memorabilia. Our friends all know that we are not available during the NFL football games. There is a unique thing about Pittsburgh girls; they don’t just follow football, they understand it as well as most guys.
The Steelers are one of the most admired franchises in the NFL. Their fans are so fanatic, there is no need for cheerleaders. There is a looonnngg waiting list for season tickets and tailgaiting is often the only way to go to the game. But, that doesn’t stop them, neither does subzero weather and snow. If I had to rank one thing I miss about Pittsburgh other than my family, it would be Steeler football.
Many famous NFLers hale from the Pittsburgh area including Joe Montana, Tony Dorsett, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Charlie Batch, Ray Bolger and Mike Ditka to name a few. As a student at the University of Pittsburgh, I would see Danny Marino on campus occasionally. It is not unusual to see the Steelers in public places. Once Terry Bradshaw held a door for me and I rode an elevator with Lynn Swann. I’ve passed Franco Harris on the street and I had lunch with my boss seated at a table next to Tony Dorsett. My boss who was from Dallas was so excited, but I wasn’t surprised at all. I think it is one of the reasons we love our Steelers so much. It is the kind of town where they can go out and be part of the community. The difference between the Steelers and many other franchises is the tradition that goes way back and a city that is conservatively rooted in their history and pride in the place they live. Even when the Steelers have a bad year, the fans are still loyal.
This weekend the Steelers will play in their seventh superbowl with only one loss. This win will make them the first NFL team to win six superbowl titles. I loved this graphic of the history of the game so I am posting it here:
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Do I even have to say who I am picking for the Superbowl? I wasn’t able to get a hold of the black and gold afro wig but this Sunday, I will be wearing my Troy Palomolu jersey and waving my terrible towel. GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out All the Steeler ladies on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzI_8ZFdvZQ
Class in session: Understanding your tax revaluation 101
January 25, 2009
I received notification from my Board of REALTORS regarding the Chatham County tax revaluation that I felt warranted sharing. I think this meeting is worth attending for anyone who is not clear about the process. Every time I attend county meetings, I am surprised at how much there is to learn and hopefully this will be consistent with the past. I am curious to see how the county will set the valuations in light of the ups and downs of the market. If you decide that it is appropriate to appeal your tax revaluation, a comparative market analysis may be helpful in supporting your plea. Contact me to receive a complementary report on your neighborhood (919) 357-6064.
Here is the notice:
Chatham County’s Tax Office will offer five sessions to help property owners and others better understand the 2009 property revaluation. Presentations dates include:
• January 28, 6:30 p.m., Goldston Town Hall;
• January 29, 6:30 p.m., Moncure Fire Department;
• February 4, 6:30 p.m., District Courtroom, Pittsboro;
• February 5, 6:30 p.m., Siler City Town Hall; and
• February 9, 6:30 p.m., North Chatham Elementary School Multipurpose Room.
Property owners should receive the new valuations in early to mid-February.
From the Carrboro Citizen
Low VOC paint, choices, and help,WOW!
January 19, 2009
There is something about painting (a room) that gives me a quirky satisfaction. In fact, I have a couple girlfriends who also have this weird habit. Our mantra is “ friends who paint together, stay together”….how original. And, I am very loyal to Behr paint. It is the number one rated paint of consumers by far for durability, ease of application and price. But, the problem is, it is not low VOC.
I recently took a little departure. It has been almost five years since I painted my kitchen. That is unheard of in my home. I guess I really liked that color. But, all of a sudden, I couldn’t get it out of my mind to change it. I made a visit to the Sherwin Williams in Chapel Hill and was thrilled to see that I could get any color in a low or no VOC base. The paint was close to twice the price of the Behr but I decided to go no VOC.
In addition to the pleasant experience of knowledgeable and willing help, there was no wait. I was out of the store in less than five minutes. As for the paint; a resounding thumbs up. Good coverage, easy to clean up and zero odor.
So, this begs the question we are all pondering with ecofriendly products: was it worth the extra money? For me, yes. “Green” will usually cost you more but while pondering whether you need an ecofriendly product you must look at more than the price. Instead, compare the value and say “did I get a better value”? Then the choice is only a matter of whether or not you are willing to make a choice that is not only good for you but good for the planet.
Appealing your tax revaluation is a simple process
January 17, 2009
Five years ago, we bought our home in Chatham County. When our tax assessment arrived, our home was valued at $40,000 more than the price we paid at closing. Needless to say, we filed an appeal. We were successful in getting the assessment reduced. The argument we presented was that the value of the home was what the market would bear, and that was the amount we paid.
The counties in NC will be sending out the new tax valuations before the end of January. If you believe your home is assessed at a higher value than what you could sell your home for, consider appealing your valuation. It is a matter of simply writing a letter explaining why your tax value is not accurate and requesting an appeal. Usually, it is done by mail and is a simple process.
A CMA ( comparative market analysis) can help determine if your valuation is fair, especially if you are not sure what homes in your neighborhood are selling for. Providing a CMA with your appeal letter, may add validation to your request. If you live in the triangle and need help with a home valuation, please contact me for a complementary CMA. You can reach me at 919-357-6064 or email: marie@kw.com. I will be happy to help.
Don’t whine about your floors; choose cork
January 13, 2009
One of the difficult aspects of choosing “green” building materials is that it is a relatively new concept. Although we can define “green” qualities, we don’t necessarily have a standard way of measuring the degree of green properties for all products. I draw my conclusions from several points: how renewable are the resources used to produce it, if
the company has good green practices in their manufacturing processes (do they recycle all waste and waste water), will the product affect indoor air quality and whatever I can learn about the carbon footprint
My choice for the greenest flooring material is cork. Cork is tree bark from the cork-oak trees that is completely renewable. When the bark is stripped from the tree, there is no permanent harm to the tree and the bark grows back to be harvested again. Besides natural beauty, cork flooring is easy on your feet, has thermal, acoustic and antimicrobial properties. It is mold and mildew resistent, easy to clean and similar in durability to wood flooring.
Although cork is not grown in the US, it is lighter than hardwood so it takes less energy to ship and there is no deforestation associated with harvesting. To further enhace the benefits of cork flooring, select solid cork tiles with no added fiberboard or formaldehyde and choose a low or no VOC adhesive.
Cork flooring cost is similar to the cost of hardwood and oh so gorgeous!
There was an interesting column by Sharon Cook in last Sunday’s Chapel Hill News, page A9. She brought an interesting argument to light regarding proposed new development in Carrboro, near the Bolin Creek. Chapel Hill and Carrboro are constant in their stand to provide affordable housing. Developers who want to build new communities in the area, are required to do 10% affordable housing, targeting homebuyers with income around $40,000. The goal is to provide housing that entry level faculty and other UNC employees can afford.
The plan calls for development of 40 acres in the southwest portion of a parcel of land that was donated to UNC by Horace Williams. The land is on the west side of Bolin Creek and adjoins the Lake Hogan Farms and Winmore neighborhoods. Locals are concerned about preserving the Bolin Creek as a recreation area and wildlife preserve and a pedestrian and biking connection through Carrboro. Additional concern is road access which will need to be provided, possibly at the expense of taxpayers.
According to Cook, the public hearing on this issue will be continued on Tuesday January 27, at 7:30pm in Carrboro Town Hall. You can learn more about The Friends of the Bolin Creek at: www.bolincreek.org.
Cambria quartz counters tops for green choice
January 10, 2009
Choosing a “green” material for kitchen and bath counters is a daunting endeavor because there are so many options and determining how green a product is can be confusing. Granite is the most popular material for aesthetics, but offers almost no green qualities.
Recycled quartz offers the classic, lasting beauty of granite and is much more durable. It does not require the maintenance neccessary to retain the beauty of granite and stone counters.
Cambria brand quartz counters are manufactured in the US. Cambria is committed to sustainable business practices. 100% of the water used in fabrication is recycled. The company also recycles tooling, scrap material, shipping crates, office paper and supplies, computer equipment and batteries that are used in their daily business. I love that this company prints all their business material on recycled paper and uses Hybrid vehicles in their company fleet.
It is no surprise that Cambria participates in the US Dept of Energy, “Save Energy Now” program. Cambria products meet the GREENGARD Environmental Institutes indoor air standards for low chemical and particle emissions.
I think that quartz counters are incredibly beautiful. Consumers can get the look of natural stone or granite with better durability and a uniform pattern throughout the material. If you really want green, Cambria quartz takes this win win to the next level. Cambria products are available locally at Cassedy and Farbach kitchen and bath designers in Pittsboro, NC.
Solartech; just your local solar store in Chapel Hill
January 6, 2009
Solartech will be occupying the long vacant commercial property located on the 15/501 just before the Southern Village entrance. You know solar is here to stay when they open a store front in the community.
I attended a presentation by the company owners just before the holidays and they have gone to conventions and trade shows to acquire the best product line they could find. The photovotaic (solar) panels they will be selling are the latest Japanese technology. Lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the elements, these panels will provide one half or more of your home’s energy for the next twenty years or more. They include a patented bracket system for securing the panels to your roof.
Solartech will also offer solar hot water heaters for new construction or retrofit for existing homes. Installation services will also be an option for all their products. The company will offer light measurements and positioning expertise to maximize the benefits of their product installation.
I am hopeful that this group of entrepreneurs and this venture marks the beginning of this movement. I found them very informative and knowledgeable about the industry, products and tax incentives.
Chapel Hill and Orange County tax letters in the mail
January 5, 2009
Orange County and Chapel Hill residents will be getting their new tax valuation letter some day this week. The county reviews home values every four years to be sure that tax values are comparable to market values. Homeowners should expect their tax value will increase 20 to 30%, reflecting the escalation in home prices over the past four years.
Unlike other real estate markets, home prices have continued to climb in the triangle. Even in this year of slow sales, our market has remained strong and prices have been stable and even increasing in some area. The increase of inventory and number of days on market has not resulted in overall price reductions.
Don’t panic if you see your home’s value increase dramatically. An increase in valuation is not necessarily an automatic tax increase. Typically, the county will decrease the tax rate to keep taxes payments in line with what homeowners were paying prior to the revaluation.
