New Homes in North Carolina

4 Bd | 2 Ba | 3,359 Sq. Ft. | Single Family    Foreclosure Status: Bank-Owned (REO)

For an appointment Call:  JoAnne S Mercer  919 559 7584

Understanding Points, Rates and Points You do you have to understand what type of mortgage you should choose, you have to understand the costs associated with your mortgage. All of these costs will be paid upon closing your mortgage.

Purchase Points

Purchase points, also known as a "buy-down" or "discount points," are an up-front fee paid to the lender at closing to buy-down or lower your interest rate over the life of the loan. Each point is equal to one percent of your total loan amount. If you have a $100,000 loan, one point would equal $1,000. The more points you buy, the lower your interest rate, but the more money you'll need at closing.

How do you decide whether you should buy points and if so, how many? Well, the decision should be based on how long you plan on living in your home and what you can afford to pay each month toward your mortgage. If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, it's probably a good idea to purchase points. The longer you live in your home, the more you can save on interest over the life of the loan.

Interest Rate
When you get a mortgage, you are charged an interest rate.this is the rate which the lender charges you for using their money to buy a home. It determines how much your monthly payments will be. Generally speaking, the higher the interest rate, the higher your monthly payment.

Mortgage interest rates change constantly.daily, even hourly. If you speak to a lender and are quoted a specific interest rate, that's not to say you'll necessarily get that rate when you close on your loan. Not unless you formally lock-in that rate with the lender.locking in an interest rate will guarantee you get your loan with a particular interest rate. Lenders will allow you to lock in for 15, 45 or 60 days. But the longer you lock in, the more expensive it will be, since it's more of a risk to lenders.

Fees
There are always fees associated with getting a mortgage, these fees cover the cost of processing and underwriting the loan. These fees can include charges for ensuring the title to the home is free and clear; paying for a land survey; or paying for a home appraisal which gives you the estimated value of the property (lenders require an appraisal to close on your mortgage).

Deciding which mortgage to get may depend on what each lender does because different lenders may charge different amounts. Some may charge lesser closing fees to lure you in, but may charge you a higher interest rate, which means you may pay more in the long run. But everyone has different needs.you may or may not be able to afford to pay more at closing and are willing to pay more over the long term.

Before it comes time to close, do your homework, make sure there are no hidden fees, and ask your lender lots of questions so that you understand all the costs involved with your mortgage.

*Please consult your tax advisor.

Existing-Home Sales Down in January 2010 but Higher Than Year Ago
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RISMEDIA, March 4, 2010—Existing-home sales fell in January 2010 but are above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors. Existing-home sales- including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops- dropped 7.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.05 million units in January from a revised 5.44 million in December, but remain 11.5% above the 4.53 million-unit level in January 2009.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there is still some delay between shopping and closing that affected current sales. “Most of the completed deals in January were based on contracts in November and December. People who got into the market after the home buyer tax credit was extended in November have only recently started to offer contracts, so it will take a couple months to close those sales,” he said. “Still, the latest monthly sales decline is not encouraging, and raises concern about the strength of a recovery.”

Total housing inventory at the end of January fell 0.5% to 3.27 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 7.8-month supply at the current sales pace, up from a 7.2-month supply in December. Raw unsold inventory is 9.6% below a year ago, and is at the lowest level since March 2006.

“Activity should be picking up strongly in late spring as buyers take advantage of the tax credit, which is critical to absorb distressed properties reaching the market and to continually chip away at inventory,” Yun said. “With a downtrend in the number of homes on the market, especially in the lower price ranges, values are beginning to firm but with great variance around the country.”

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $164,700 in January, unchanged from a year earlier. Distressed homes, which accounted for 38% of sales last month, continue to downwardly distort the median price because they typically are discounted in comparison with traditional homes in the same area.

A parallel NAR practitioner survey shows first-time buyers purchased 40% of homes in January, down from 43% in December. Investors accounted for 17% of transactions in January, up from 15% in December; the remaining sales were to repeat buyers. The survey also shows that buyer traffic increased 9.4% in January.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz., said buying a home in the current environment has become more challenging. “First-time buyers and others who need a mortgage are increasingly losing out to all-cash investors for the best bargains in many areas, particularly for foreclosed homes where cash is king,” she said. “Inventory conditions vary by price range, and of course there are major differences depending on location. Realtors are the best buyer resource for strategies on winning bids in increasingly competitive markets,” Golder said. “The bidding for more desirable homes will only accelerate between now and the April 30 contract deadline to qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 5.03% in January from 4.93% in December; the rate was 5.05% in January 2009.

Single-family home sales fell 6.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.43 million in January from a level of 4.76 million in December, but are 8.6% above the 4.08 million pace in January 2009. The median existing single-family home price was $163,600 in January, down 0.4% from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales dropped 8.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 620,000 in January from 675,000 in December, but are 38.1% above the 449,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $172,400 in January, which is 1.4 % higher than January 2009.

Northeast
Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 10.9% to an annual pace of 820,000 in January but are 22.4% above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $245,300, a gain of 8.8% from January 2009.

Midwest
Existing-home sales in the Midwest declined 6.9% in January to a level of 1.08 million but are 8.0% higher than January 2009. The median price in the Midwest was $130,300, which is 1.0% below a year ago.

South
In the South, existing-home sales dropped 7.4% to an annual pace of 1.87 million in January but are 12.0% above a year ago. The median price in the South was $140,200, down 2.0% from January 2009.

West
Existing-home sales in the West declined 5.2% to an annual rate of 1.28 million in January but are 7.6% higher than January 2009. The median price in the West was $203,400, down 5.8% from a year ago.

10 Rookie Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

February 19, 2010 -

posted by- JoAnne S Mercer

With the extension and expansion of the popular first-time home buyer tax credit, which President Obama signed into law in November, as well as price declines and attractive mortgage rates, an influx of qualified first-time buyers are rushing to take advantage of the market. Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com, projects there will be 1.84 million home sales to first-time home buyers in 2010, compared with 1.73 million in 2009. If you’re a property virgin about to take the plunge, here are some common blunders to avoid—and helpful tips that could mean the difference between financial security and a mountain of debt:


1. Not checking your credit report and score

You’ve clicked through hundreds of online listings, compared floor plans and square footage, and are eager to jump-start your search. But before you even think of setting foot in an open house, make sure you get a copy of your credit report. The cleaner your credit report and the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be preapproved for a mortgage at a low interest rate. According to Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com, most home buyers will need a credit score of about 720 to obtain the most favorable mortgage rates.
Review your credit report a few months before you begin your house hunt, and you’ll have time to ensure the facts are correct and dispute mistakes before a mortgage lender checks your credit. You can access a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com once every 12 months.

2. Not getting preapproved

After you’ve assessed your credit report, it’s time to establish with a qualified lender how much you can afford. “First-time home buyers need to take the time to get an approval from their lender before looking at homes,” advises Ray Boss Jr., a six-year licensed Realtor with RE/MAX Realty Group in Maryland. “This includes getting a credit check and giving their lender a copy of W-2s, pay stubs, and bank and brokerage statements.” Getting preapproved can help you save time by looking for homes that you know you can afford instead of lusting after something out of your price range. And it will put you in a better position over another bidder with no preapproval.

3. Not creating a long-term budget

If the housing crisis proved anything, it’s that mortgages were given to people who clearly did not have the means to pay them back. To avoid making this mistake, home buyers should create a budget before even beginning their home search to determine just how much house they can really afford. A good rule of thumb is to devote no more than a third of your monthly household income to housing costs, which include mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. “A good number would be 30 percent,” Zandi says. “If you are over 35 percent, you are really pushing the en­velope.” There are several work sheets available online to help you figure out how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford each month for the next 15 or 30 years.

4. Forgetting about the hidden costs

You grossly underestimated what you can afford to pay each month. You factored in the purchase price of the home but didn’t consider the cost of taxes, insurance, utilities, and fees. There are several hidden costs that first-time home buyers neglect to prepare for. They can be anything from the closing costs to appraisal fees, escrow fees, homeowner’s insurance fees, property taxes, and even moving costs. Another factor is the cost of repairs and maintenance. “When you’re renting and the furnace goes out, what do you do? You call the landlord,” says Tom Vanderwell, mortgage officer for Fifth Third Bank in Michigan. “When you own a house, what do you do? You have to fix it yourself.” You may find there are numerous “nickel and dime” things to account for that could add up to a significant chunk of money over time.

5. Not using professional help

Sure, it’s possible to go out and buy a home without the aid of a professional real estate agent. But think about how much time and stress a good agent can save you. For starters, Realtors have access to all the homes on the market through the multiple listing service, or MLS, plus all the ones that are under contract and have been sold. A specialist has time to sift through all of these listings, says Boss, and make the appointments to show you the houses, create comparative market analyses to determine proper pricing,and meet with necessary inspectors. Real estate agents also can help buyers traverse a taxing, 70-page legal contract. “I would want someone who is going to look out for my interests first and foremost,” says Boss. “Someone who knows the contracts, who has experience negotiating, and who can walk me through the entire process smoothly—step by step—and make sure I get the house that’s right for me.”

6. Picking your real estate agent and lender blindly

“One of the mistakes a lot of people make is finding a Realtor they aren’t comfortable with,” says Boss. Begin your search at the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, a nonprofit that represents buyers. Or ask relatives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers for referrals.


4. Forgetting about the hidden costs

You grossly underestimated what you can afford to pay each month. You factored in the purchase price of the home but didn't consider the cost of taxes, insurance, utilities, and fees. There are several hidden costs that first-time home buyers neglect to prepare for. They can be anything from the closing costs to appraisal fees, escrow fees, homeowner's insurance fees, property taxes, and even moving costs. Another factor is the cost of repairs and maintenance. "When you're renting and the furnace goes out, what do you do? You call the landlord," says Tom Vanderwell, mortgage officer for Fifth Third Bank in Michigan. "When you own a house, what do you do? You have to fix it yourself." You may find there are numerous "nickel and dime" things to account for that could add up to a significant chunk of money over time.

5. Not using professional help

Sure, it's possible to go out and buy a home without the aid of a professional real estate agent. But think about how much time and stress a good agent can save you. For starters, Realtors have access to all the homes on the market through the multiple listing service, or MLS, plus all the ones that are under contract and have been sold. A specialist has time to sift through all of these listings, says Boss, and make the appointments to show you the houses, create comparative market analyses to determine proper pricing, and meet with necessary inspectors. Real estate agents also can help buyers traverse a taxing, 70-page legal contract. "I would want someone who is going to look out for my interests first and foremost," says Boss. "Someone who knows the contracts, who has experience negotiating, and who can walk me through the entire process smoothly—step by step—and make sure I get the house that's right for me."

6. Picking your real estate agent and lender blindly

"One of the mistakes a lot of people make is finding a Realtor they aren't comfortable with," says Boss. Begin your search at the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, a nonprofit that represents buyers. Or ask relatives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers for referrals.
First-time home buyers, Boss says, are generally more time-consuming than the average buyer and require more attention. A good real estate agent will be friendly and accommodating, show only homes that fit your parameters, and help you with strategies during the bidding process—but never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with. "It's important that the Realtor be experienced with first-time buyers, understand their wants and needs, and be able to connect with them well," says Boss.
Similarly, the buyers should feel at ease with and have complete confidence in their mortgage lender, and they should fully discuss and understand their financing options with that lender. "Don't apologize for asking questions," says Vanderwell, who stresses the importance of knowing what you're getting into. "There's a pretty substantial chunk of people who are in really rough straits right now and would not have been had they done their homework."

7. Thinking you'll get everything on your "wish list"

Another mistake people make is being too close-minded while searching for their home, says Boss. He suggests sitting down with your real estate broker before searching for a home and creating a need/want list. Some of the items you might want to include as "must haves" or deal breakers are the towns you'd want to live in, square footage, or accessibility to transportation. The second part of the list would be things you don't necessarily need but wish to have, such as a garage, new kitchen appliances, or an extra room for an office. "As you search for your home, you may realize there are certain parameters you really want or don't want," says Boss. "Understand that a certain amount of flexibility is essential." Your aim is to be able to afford everything you need—as well as some items you want—all while staying within a long-term budget.


8. Not keeping your feelings in check before hiring a home inspector

You've already chosen the perfect paint color to match your living room set. But hold on: Before you start picking out accent pillows for your sofa, you need to bring in a home inspector to check the safety of your potential new home. Inspectors will evaluate the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of the home and will give you the approximate price of repairs that may be needed. They will examine everything from the electrical system, water heater, and HVAC system to the foundation and floors.
Buyers should find and hire their own inspector—independent of the real estate broker—to ensure there isn't a conflict of interest. When you make your offer, make sure the seller is aware that your offer is contingent on the house passing inspection. You can also add a clause to the contract stating that the seller will pay up to a certain amount for any repairs required as a result of the inspection.
[See the 5 Best—and 5 Worst—Home Improvement Projects for Your Money.]

9. Not researching your neighborhood

You may be living in your dream home, but your neighborhood's a nightmare. Or you may have children or are planning to have children in the near future, but you didn't consider the quality of the school districts or parks in the vicinity. You should ask yourself a number of questions during your home search, such as "Are there good schools nearby?" and "Do I feel safe coming home at night?"
Boss suggests that if schools are an important factor, you should go check them out personally. Speak with the principals or the parents waiting on the steps outside to pick up their kids. To learn more about the community, open up the local newspaper, Boss says. You can find out about community events or even how good the local high school football team is. Today's buyers can gather all sorts of neighborhood information from real estate blogs and websites like Zillow and Trulia. (U.S. News has a partnership with Trulia.) "It is the responsibility of the buyer to check crime reports, school options, churches, and shopping," says Boss. "Remember, you can change your house, but you can't change the neighborhood."

10. Not considering the resale value of your home

You've just started the home-buying process. The prospect of selling a home hasn't even crossed your mind. Besides, you're thinking you might live in whatever home you buy forever. Yet life is full of surprises, whether it is a job transfer or having another child or taking care of an incapacitated relative.
When the time comes to put your house on the market, will your home be easy or difficult to sell? While you're on the hunt, it's a good idea to account for preferences of the typical home buyer. Just because you love to landscape or enjoy a bright-pink backsplash doesn't mean a prospective buyer will. "How we make our plans initially has a big impact on our ability to adjust those plans and to deal with whatever comes our way," says Vanderwell.

Source: www.Usnews.com

Top 10 Home Updates
These projects will bring the biggest return on investment if you sell your home
By Dona DeZube, FrontDoor.com | Published: 2/02/2009
.The secret to successful remodeling is to keep up with the Joneses -- but never to surpass them. Whether you want to make more money than you spend, or just recoup your remodeling expenses if you sell your home, know what's standard in the neighborhood.

Does everyone have laminate kitchen countertops? Splurge on granite and you'll be the envy of your friends, but you won't get your money back at resale. Is your home in a high-end neighborhood? Laminate countertops will save you money, but if you have to sell, high-end buyers will discount their offer because your kitchen isn't what they expect or simply not buy your home at all.

In markets where home prices are declining, remodeling decisions are particularly tough to make, especially if you're remodeling to get your home sold. If you don't update, your home may not attract buyers. However, if you do update, you may not be able to recoup what you spend. Seek advice from at least three experienced real estate agents before making any decisions.

Before you pick up a hammer, visit real estate open houses and new-home communities. Ask the builder to show you a spec home (that's an already built home without the model home's decorative features and upgrades). Then, compare your home to homes on the market to make sure your remodeling project is on par with the competition.

"The homes that sell in a buyer's market have four things in common: an in-demand location, the right price, a perfectly maintained exterior and updated kitchens and baths," says Susan Huerta, a Realtor with Long & Foster Real Estate, Clarksville, Md.

To get the biggest bang for your remodeling buck, try one of these 10 projects, which have the highest payoffs, according to Remodeling magazine's 2009 Cost vs. Value Report (CVR):


1.Spruce up or replace your siding.
2.Add a deck.
3.Tweak your kitchen.
4.Repair or replace windows.
5.Overhaul your kitchen.
6.Strip the bathroom.
7.Find cash in the attic.
8.Earn bucks from the basement.
9.Add space to add value.
10.Add low-cost landscaping.
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April 2009

Spring has sprung in Greater Raleigh with a wide variety of festivals, sporting events, performing arts and the anticipated start of concert season. Find out why the Raleigh area is the place to be for affordable family fun this April.



Festival Fanatic

Fresh herbs, North Carolina wines and Turkish folk dancing are just some of the themes you'll find this month during festivals held throughout Wake County. Enjoy Wake Forest's historic downtown while learning about fresh herbs during the 10th Annual HerbFest (4/17 - 4/26), complete with duck parades, seminars, local food, music and family entertainment. Conservation and preservation is the goal during Earth Day (4/18) celebrations at both the N.C. Museum of Art and the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, while Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts more than 15 wineries and 150 different wines during the 6th Annual Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Music Festival (4/18). Find plenty of baklava at the Turkish Festival (4/18) at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, shag the night away at the 11th Annual Beach Music Festival (4/25) in Garner or buy your mom an early Mother's Day gift at Cary's Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival (4/25). Learn More

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Sports Enthusiast

Warmer temperatures mean the ice is heating up in the RBC Center as the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Rangers (4/2), Penguins (4/4), Islanders (4/7) and Sabres (4/9). Want to enjoy a game outdoors? Head to Zebulon's Five County Stadium and root for the home team as AA Baseball's Carolina Mudcats take on the Huntsville Stars (4/20 - 4/24) and the Chattanooga Lookouts (4/30 - 5/4). Regardless of whether you're a spectator or a participant, Cary hosts the 31st Annual Cary Road Race (4/4) and Earth Day Celebration: Bike, Run, Walk at Umstead State Park (4/18), or watch the Carolina Railhawks bend it like Beckham during games against the Minnesota Thunder (4/11, 4/26) and Rochester Rhinos (4/18). Learn More

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Performance Highlights

The curtain will rise for an incredible month of musicals, ballet and theater by some of the area's most notable performing arts groups. Broadway Series South presents the family classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (3/31 - 4/5) and brings back the fabulous '50s with Happy Daze: The Musical (4/15 - 4/19). The Carolina Ballet pays tribute to Bernstein and Robbins with American Music and Dance (4/9 - 4/12) and performs the family-friendly Coppelia (4/30 - 5/3). Speaking of dance, your toes will be tapping when the popular Lord of the Dance (4/24 - 4/26) comes to the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Theatre in the Park looks at three different outcomes to a dinner party in Life x 3 (4/17 - 4/26), and Lend Me A Tenor (4/10 - 4/26) by Raleigh Little Theatre is a madcap backstage farce. Learn more

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Concerts Rock

Neko Case (4/7) is the first concert in a month of performances that offers everything from soulful sounds to rocking riffs and a little bit of Margaritaville. The N.C. Symphony performs American Romantics (4/3 - 4/4) and I Got Rhythm: Mickey and Judy's Hollywood (4/17 - 4/19), Pinecone presents Jake Shimabukuro (4/30) who plays the violin in a non-traditional manner and Yanni (4/24) makes a stop at the RBC Center for his nationwide Voices Tour. Outdoor concert season is here, and Rock 4 Pets (4/19) and Kings of Leon (4/28) open Koka Booth Amphitheatre's 2009 season, and the Dave Matthews Band (4/22) and Jimmy Buffet (4/23) rock Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek. Learn more

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Special Events

Get those shopping bags ready--it's a bargain-filled month throughout the area. Get ideas for home and garden improvements at the Southern Ideal Home Show (4/3 - 4/5), shop for THE big day at the Southern Bridal Show and Expo (4/19) or pamper yourself at the Southern Women's Show (4/24 - 4/26)--all at the N.C. Fairgrounds. Also, at the N.C. State Fairgrounds are the weekly Flea Market (Saturdays and Sundays) and the Spring Boat Show and Sale (4/17 - 4/19). If you're looking for some kitchen remodeling tips, discover the most innovative and creative ideas during the Junior League of Raleigh's Showcase of Kitchens (4/16 - 4/18). Learn More

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Museum Exhibitions

Are you a buccaneer or a landlubber, a lass or a scallywag? Learn about pirate-speak along with the legacy of infamous rogues of the high seas, from ancient times to the present. Intriguing artifacts, legends and history will bring their ruthless adventures to life at the N.C. Museum of History's special exhibit Knights of the Black Flag (3/6 - 1/4). This is an interactive exhibit showcasing the largest collection of artifacts ever assembled from Blackbeard's famous ship - the Queen Anne's Revenge. After the exhibit, head over to North Carolina's only 3D IMAX theatre at Marbles Kids Museum and discover the creatures that call the sea their home in films like: Monsters vs. Aliens, Nascar 3D and Mummies 3D.

Enjoy the first signs of spring on 164 acres of trails, woodlands and open areas at the Museum Park at the N.C. Museum of Art, and explore the people that make up the Raleigh area's history during Portraits of Raleigh: Images of a City and Her People at the Raleigh City Museum. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is gearing up for the blockbuster exhibition Chocolate (begins 5/11), but in April discover the best-of-the-best in animal images during Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Exhibit (through 4/19), and the N.C. Museum of Art showcases Highlights of the American Collection (ongoing). Learn More

TEA PARTIES ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA TO PROTEST GOVERNOR PERDUE'S
PROPOSED TAX HIKES!



Governor Beverly Perdue recently proposed steep tax increases amounting to $680 million in her budget proposal intended to stimulate North Carolina ’s bruised economy.

AFP- North Carolina is very excited to join hands with the many grassroots activists across the country to protest not only Governor Perdue's tax hikes, but all federal bailouts, spending sprees, so-called stimulus packages, earmarks and fiscal irresponsibility in national, state, and local governments.

Please attend one or more of these events and help us spread the word. Our economic freedom is under attack and we must fight back. All of the events below are free and open to the public. (If you are having an event and we don’t have it listed, please email us at info@afpnc.org)





Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Raleigh
12:00-2:00 pm
NC State Capitol (east side) downtown Raleigh
Free Lunch for the first 150 people who attend. Rain or shine.
Register online here.



Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Charlotte
11:00-1:00pm 35.2176 -80.8389
Marshall Park, Second and McDowell Streets, 28204
Need info? info@afphq.org



Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wilmington
5:30 pm
Wilmington Tea Party on the Cape Fear River: “Taxation Without Representation”
Protest at the waterfront by the Federal Building in Wilmington. Federal Building is located at N. Water Street between Market and Princess.

Then, the Tea Party will march to City Hall for a City Council meeting at 6:30 pm. One item on the agenda is a public hearing for the annexation of Monkey Junction area.
City Hall is at 102 N. 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28402

Register online here.



Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Edenton
5:00 pm
Edenton Courthouse Green ( Chowan County)

Note: The Edenton Tea Party was one of the earliest organized women’s political actions in United States history. On October 25, 1774, Mrs. Penelope Barker organized, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth King, fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina. Together they formed an alliance wholeheartedly supporting the American cause against “taxation without representation.”

This event will include Revolutionary war re-enactors to celebrate the famous Edenton Tea Party. This is a once in a lifetime event to celebrate our past and protect us from a future of debt and high taxes.

Please register today here.

Read more about the history of the Edenton tea party here.



Date: April 15, 2009
Raleigh
Note: Two Raleigh Tea Parties on this date—different times and locations—attend both!
4:30-6:00 pm (tentative)
Federal Courthouse. New Bern Avenue across from the Post Office
6:30pm - 8:30 pm
NC State Capitol at One East Edenton Street (east side)
Register online here.




Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Asheville
4:30 pm
Sidewalk in front of Asheville City Hall and Buncombe County Courthouse
Non-partisan Movement to Repeal the Pork!
Email: erikafranzi@mac.com




Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Greensboro
12:00-1:00 pm
Center City Park, downtown Greensboro, between Elm and Davie streets
More details here.
Register online here.



Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Charlotte
2:00pm - 4:00 pm
City Hall Lawn
600 E. Trade Street
Charlotte , NC
E-mail: charlottetaxdayteaparty@gmail.com
Register online here.




Dallas Woodhouse
State Director
Americans for Prosperity

March 2009 Put a little 'spring' in your step this March with an affordable visit to the Raleigh area and experience the sights and sounds of numerous festivals, exhibits, cultural performances and more! Discover many events featuring hot deals and special offers that you can only take advantage of in Raleigh. March Madness March Madness in Greater Raleigh encompasses a lot more than basketball; it is a month made for sporting enthusiasts, no matter what team you cheer for! N.C. State University takes to the court for games against ACC rivals Maryland (3/1) and Boston College (3/4), while female athletes from across the country descend on the RBC Center for the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional Tournament (3/28, 3/30). The Carolina Hurricanes take on NHL rivals the Calgary Flames (3/6), New York Rangers (3/9), New Jersey Devils (3/18), New York Islanders (3/20), Washington Capitals (3/21) and Ottawa Senators (3/25). The Carolina RailHawks don't officially start the soccer season until April, but fans can catch an early match at Cary's WakeMed Soccer Park during the New England “Community Shield” Match (3/14). Lace up those running shoes—downtown Raleigh hosts the St. Patty’s Run Green 8K (3/8), the area's first sustainable "Race without a Trace," and the 27th Annual Run for the Oaks 5K (3/14) attracts more than 900 runners each year. Learn More ................................................. Performing Arts What does a car that can fly have in common with beach music and literary greats like Tolstoy and Shakespeare? They all are part of Greater Raleigh’s incredible calendar of performing arts this month. Carolina Ballet pays homage to two literary geniuses in Tolstoy and Shakespeare: Masterworks in Motion (2/26-3/1), while Raleigh Little Theatre recreates a classic African-American fable in Wiley and the Hairy Man (3/13-3/29). Love, loss and sacrifice is told by the N.C. Theatre with performances of the Tony-award winning Miss Saigon (3/21-3/29), and Broadway Series South presents family favorite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (3/31-4/5). Pinecone presents the Dan Tyminski Band & Tony Rice Unit (3/11), and the N.C. Symphony takes a journey down the Carolina Coast with a program of early American gospel, blues and beach music - Blue Skies and Golden Sands (3/27-3/29). Learn More ................................................. Festivals Festivals abound in March with events taking place throughout the Raleigh area. The UniverSoul Circus (3/11-3/15) returns to Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek, while the Woman's Club of Raleigh Spring Antiques Show and Sale (3/13-3/15) offers outdoor accessories, period furniture, folk art and more. Celebrate Persian New Year (3/17) and India Fest (3/28-3/29), both at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Downtown Raleigh turns green celebrating shamrocks, pots of gold and leprechauns at the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival (3/14), and Cary hopes for wind during the 14th Annual Kite Festival (3/28). Learn more ................................................. Pirates, Parks and Pythons Are you a buccaneer or a landlubber, a lass or a scallywag? Learn about pirate-speak along with the legacy of infamous rogues of the high seas, from ancient times to the present. Intriguing artifacts, legends and history will bring their ruthless adventures to life at the N.C. Museum of History's special exhibit Knights of the Black Flag (3/6-7/6). This is an interactive exhibit showcasing the largest collection of artifacts ever assembled from Blackbeard's famous ship—the Queen Anne's Revenge. After the exhibit, head over to North Carolina's only 3D IMAX theatre at Marbles Kids Museum and discover the creatures that call the sea their home in films like: Wild Ocean 3D and Under the Sea 3D. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences brings out giant snakes, tiny turtles and more during the 14th Annual Reptile and Amphibian Day (3/14). This annual event features dozens of exhibits and activities highlighting reptiles and amphibians, many native to North Carolina. Enjoy the first signs of spring on 164 acres of trails, woodlands and open areas at the Museum Park at the N.C. Museum of Art, and explore the people that make up the Raleigh area's history during Portraits of Raleigh: Images of a City and Her People at the Raleigh City Museum Learn more ................................................. Hometown Discoveries - Wake Forest In 2009, the Town of Wake Forest turns 100, and this northern Wake County town continues to grow while maintaining its warm, welcoming, small-town character. Wake Forest boasts a vibrant downtown featuring more than 100 businesses, including several restaurants and specialty shops. Mindful of its rich heritage, downtown is also an officially registered historic district. Representative of its academic history, Wake Forest is the home of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Southeastern. During the month of March visit Wake Forest for Art After Hours (3/13), Irishfest (3/14), the Winter Farmer's Market (3/21) or the popular Carnival for Kids (3/24-3/29)

Which states does the White House believe will be the biggest winners from the $787 billion package?

In Pictures: The 10 Most Stimulated States

WASHINGTON, D.C.--When President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on Tuesday, he let loose a $787 billion tidal wave of money aimed at getting the stalled economy moving again. But not everyone, everywhere will share in it equally.
In terms of raw jobs and raw cash, it's no surprise that California--the biggest state, staggering under one of the nation's worst unemployment rates--is the biggest beneficiary. What is surprising: On a per capita basis, it is smaller states--where unemployment is not as large a problem--that will get the most help, according to White House data released before the signing ceremony.




Of the 10 smallest states (including the District of Columbia), six are estimated to receive the largest per capita job creation. So while California, Texas, New York and Florida, the four biggest states, get the most total jobs, it is some of the smallest states--Wyoming, Washington, D.C., Vermont, North and South Dakota, and Delaware that are getting the biggest boost per citizen.
Several of the biggest recipients on a per-person basis also have the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Depending on one's perspective, that's either aid for those who don't need it, or it's rightfully not withholding funds from states that have done a good job keeping their economies in order.

The four states in the country with the lowest unemployment rates all make the list--Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. All four states had unemployment of 4% or lower in December, while the national average was 7.2%. Since December, the national average has jumped further to 7.6% and is expected to jump again in February.
The White House estimates are based off assumptions from "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan," written by Christina Romer and Jared Bernstein. Romer was a member of the National Bureau of Economic Research business cycle dating committee, the arbiter of recessions in the U.S., until leaving to chair President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers.


The estimates from the White House combined Romer and Bernstein's analysis of how many jobs were likely to be created in different sectors with data on state economies, such as the industrial composition of each state.

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The $787 billion stimulus was controversial legislation, obviously, with politicians and economists debating what would be the most effective use of stimulus and whether the administration's job creation claims were realistic. The Congressional Budget Office has questioned whether or not the government is even capable of spending such a large amount of money in two years. Ultimately, nobody knows whether or not the legislation can achieve its goal of creating 3.5 million jobs in two years. Nothing of this scope has ever been attempted before.

What is agreed is that states are hobbled by unemployment and collapsing tax revenues. In December, in California, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 1.7 million people were unemployed--a rate of 9.3%. But even that is lower than the 9.5% unemployment rate in South Carolina, 10% in Rhode Island and 10.6% in Michigan.

The Democrats (and three Republicans) who supported the legislation now have their futures largely tied to the goals they outlined: 109,000 jobs for Michigan, 396,000 jobs for California, 3.5 million jobs nationwide. At a price tag of $787 billion, they better hope they are right.

The scenes on the Lake have been wonderful lately, and so has the fishing. I see seagulls out there everyday all day long fishing. The Fishermen are out fighting the freezing temps just to make the catch. Real Estate is still selling great on the Lake so call if you are interested for listings.

919-559-7584-Direct
JoAnne Mercer

Raleigh Cary NC New Homes Realty has announced that the NC-based corporation has officially launched its new national real estate company with the opening of business in Raleigh, NC, according to JoAnne Stone-Mercer, Founder & CEO of the company. The company embraces the concept of virtual office design that minimizes fixed expenses associated with "brick and mortar business".

“We are leading a change in the relationship between the broker and the REALTOR,” Mercer announced in opening ceremonies. She affirmed the company’s goal of being "The New Solution to Leading Edge Real Estate Sales & Relocation." “By promoting an enhanced working environment via the Internet, we can allow the REALTOR more flexibility to conduct his or her business with more freedom to work with the consumer.”

The company researched many real estate markets across NC for its state and national launch. “We are very excited to have selected Wake County which is leading the state in relocation and at the top 10 metros in the United States,” she noted. “North Carolina has begun to be a national leader in the real estate & relocation industry.”

Raleigh Cary NC NewHomes is now actively recruiting the top producing REALTORS in Wake County. “There are more than 6500 plus REALTORS in Wake County and we know the most successful, independent and professionals among them will embrace this new solution to real estate sales and ride the wave of success available through our company,” Mercer said.

Raleigh Cary NC New Homes plans to launch operations in Mecklenburg, Union, Buncombe, Guilford, Pitt, Brunswick, Johnston, Carteret, Onslow and major markets in South Carolina within the next 90 days and expects other states to come on board as the company expands.

www.raleighcaryncnewhomes.com, newhomesinnorthcarolina.blogspot.com

Triangle Halloween Guide


The TriangleMom2Mom calendar is chock full of Halloween fun from Scare-o-Lina Skies at Morehead Planetarium to the Halloween Spooktacular with the N.C. Symphony to a host of other big and small celebrations across the Triangle.
For the full list of Halloween events that is searchable by date and location, click here.
And we want more. If you know of an event that's not on our calendar, add it yourself or let me know about it by e-mailing me or simply adding a comment to this post.
If you're looking for pumpkin patches and haunted houses that are open multiple days this month and early next month, keep reading. The attractions are listed by county.
Pumpkin Patches, Haunted Houses, Mazes and More
Wake County
The Corn Maze at Hector's Creek, 274 Old Mill Rd., Fuquay-Varina; 552-0823; Open 2 p.m to 9 p.m., Friday, and, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday through Nov. 1. Flashlights required after 7 p.m. $10 per person for ages 4 and up.
Ken's Korny Corn Maze, 3175 Benson Highway, Garner; 779-4765; Open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, through Nov. 15. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for kids 6 to 12; $4 for kids 3 to 5. Its Harvested Farm Nightmares is open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Admission is $17 per person. Scary.
Haunted School at Hunt Community Center, 301 Stinson Ave., Holly Springs; 557-9600; 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25; $3 for kids under 12, $5 for 12 and up. Young children should go between 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a hayride and a not-so-scary haunted school. Come in your costume.
Porter Farms & Nursery Farm Market, 3504 N.C. Highway 42, Willow Spring; 567-0504; Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, through Oct. 31. A traditional farm stand selling pumpkins and mums and featuring a full-service homemade ice cream shop.
Raleigh Farmers Market, 1201 Agriculture St. off Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh; 733-7417; Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. No fancy hayrides here, but there are lots of pumpkins to buy and take photos with.
Terror at Possum Creek: The Penitentiary by the Raleigh Jaycees, Pleasant Valley Promenade, 6234 Glenwood Ave., No. 112, Raleigh; Runs Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22-25, Oct. 28-Nov. 1. Hours vary. Check the Web site for the schedule. Admission is $10. Cash only at the door. Tickets also can be purchased on the Web site. Scary. Recommended for kids 12 and up.
Durham County
Durham Jaycee's 36th Annual Haunted House, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St., Durham, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. Not recommended for kids under 6 (the Jaycees can tone it down for younger kids if you ask). Admission is $7 with opportunities to get $2 off. Check out the Web site for details.
Ganyard Hill Farm, 319 Sherron Rd., Durham; 596-8728; Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. General admission is $12.50 per person ages 2 to 102.
Johnston County
Clayton Fear Farm and Corn Maze, 1620 Loop Rd., Clayton; 553-0016; Hours vary, but attractions are generally open Friday through Sunday and some Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here's the complete schedule through Nov. 1. Tickets range between $10 for the corn maze and $30 for all attractions. The Clayton Fear Farm is not recommended for kids under 12. But its corn maze is fun for everyone.
Lazy O Farm, 3583 Packing Plant Rd., Smithfield; 934-1132; Visits are by appointment only (10 person minimum). A Family Day is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 18. No appointment needed. Admission is $8 per person.
Orange County
McKee's Cornfield Maze, 5011 Kiger Rd., Rougemont; 732-8065; 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Nov. 2. Those hours will vary for the Haunted Trail and Cornfield Maze, which is scheduled from dusk to 9 p.m. on Oct. 24 through Oct. 26 and Oct. 31. Admission is $10.
Nearby
Darkside Manor, 11750 N.C. Highway 222 W, Middlesex; 269-8620, 818-8748 or 269-8444; Open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25, Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1. A low scare kids night is scheduled for Oct. 29. Children under 10 must be escorted by an adult at all times. This is pretty scary. Admission is $12 per person.
Gross Farms corn maze and pumpkin patch, 1606 Pickett Road, Sanford; 498-6727; Open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, through Nov. 1. General admission is $3. Maze, playground and hayride cost more.
Hill Ridge Farms Fall Harvest and Pumpkin Festival, 703 Tarboro Rd., Youngsville; 556-1771; Open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week, through Nov. 9. A $10 general admission ticket for ages 2 and up includes a hayride, free pumpkin, farm animal corral, giant slide and more. A $20 ticket gets you more.
Vollmer Farm, 677 N.C. Highway 98E, Bunn; 496-3076; Open daily through Nov. 2, though the special Back Forty Playground, a 40-acre playground, is open on the weekends only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, through Nov. 2. Admission is $15 per person, $12 for seniors 65 and up; $15 for children age two and up.
Every Thursday, TriangleMom2Mom offers new ways and places to play with your kids.
Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!TUESDAY: Ask!WEDNESDAY: Eat!THURSDAY: Play!FRIDAY: Out!
WEEKEND: Relax!

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Who is Joe the Plumber?

His name is Joe Wurzelbacher and he is a plumber from Ohio. Last night in the Presidential Debate, Joe the Plumber became a symbol of the economic troubles crippling the United States. Joe encountered Senator Obama while he was campaigning in Toledo, Ohio earlier this week. Joe wants to buy the company he works for, but purchasing it would make him a target of the Democrat's plan to tax the "wealthy." Joe told Senator Obama about his frustrations with Obama's plans to raise taxes on the "wealthy" and the Illinois senator replied that it was important to "spread the wealth around.

"Spread the Wealth?

Yes, Senator Barack Obama said he wants to "sprea d the wealth around." That means that he wants to take Joe's, and countless other small business owners', hard earned money. Senator Obama wants to raise their taxes so he can pay for his government mandated healthcare system and other big government programs. He wants to punish small business owners who are successful and about to climb the next step on the economic ladder by spreading their "wealth."It's No Surprise that Obama Wants to "Spread the Wealth Around"It's no surprise that Senator Obama wants to spread Joe the Plumbers "wealth." He voted for higher taxes 94 times in four years in the United States Senate. And, he requested nearly $1 billion dollars of your money for wasteful pork barrel spending. Imagine what he will do as the most powerful man in the United States. Obama's rhetoric sounds nice now, but it will feel like a painful sucker punch if he is elected and his plans to raise taxes are implemented.

Senator McCain will Fight for Every Joe the Plumber

John McCain consistently voted against tax increases and never once took a wasteful pork barrel project. As a result he was given an "A" rating by the National Taxpayers Union and has received awards from the Citizens Against Government Waste for being a good steward of taxpayer money. John McCain wants to lower your taxes and reduce government spending and has the record to back up his rhetoric.