Saturday, April 27, 2013

Great News For Downtown Raleigh - 250 New Jobs Coming! Live,Work and Play in Trendy Raleigh Downtown

Raleigh Downtown has lured another 250 jobs!

Ipreo, the New York technology company has leased a full floor of office space in the One Bank Of America Building in downtown Raleigh, confirming that Downtown Raleigh is the "in Place" to live, work and play. Building in downtown is gaining momentum and the Raleigh city centre is a throbbing metropolis. Young people are buying up condo's and townhouses, while homes inside the beltline are commanding more and more attention.

If you have been considering purchasing a Downtown Raleigh investment, then this is the time to do it. Rentals are in demand and there is a good chance that your investment can grow in value over the next few years. With the moves by large companies like Citrix and Redhat to the Raleigh Downtown area, the signs for investment are just right.

If You are looking to buy, sell or rent in Downtown Raleigh, We at Lisa Southern Real Estate look forward to being of service to you. Visit our website http://www.lisasouthernrealestate.com/

Lisa Southern Real Estate are Raleigh Real Estate Specialists and offer

 

Whether Buying, Selling or Investing in Raleigh NC, we offer a wealth of expertise to assist you in your next move. 


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Downtown Raleigh Murals, Sculptures and Street Art

Downtown Raleigh Murals, Sculptures and Street Art

Stroll downtown Raleigh's streets and you will see a wide variety of Murals, Street Art, Sculptures, and Architecture.  The arts scene is Raleigh is vibrant and growing.  First Friday is a great opportunity to view the works of many local artists, both visual and performing arts.

Enjoy these downtown Raleigh scenes and public art.  Follow this blog and watch for more photos!















Here are some of Raleigh's muralists.

http://raleighemergingspaces.com/best-projects
http://www.mekdesigns.com/interior_murals.htm

Search for Homes in Downtown Raleigh

Monday, April 15, 2013

Triangle | Raleigh Real Estate Market News - March 2013

Triangle MLS, Inc. Had this to say about the Market for March 2012

Real Estate in the Triangle On the Move in Positive Direction


Raleigh, NC: The Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS) reports the following information pertaining to the housing industry in the greater Triangle region during March 2013. The data shown reflects information on properties located in the 16 counties of the greater Triangle Region. The percentage changes are comparisons with the prior year’s month unless otherwise noted.



Closed sales continue on an extended positive trend. Sales in March were up 25 percent over March of 2012 and the first quarter sales were up 22 percent over the same time period last year. In addition, the pending sales (homes under contract, but not yet closed) also exceeded a year ago by over 31 percent. Total closed sales for the region were 2,261 units.

New Listings in the Triangle region increased only .4 percent to 4,268 units for March. Total inventory levels continue to shrink by 13.8 percent in March to 13,591 units from 2012. The months supply of available inventory shrank by 29.4 percent leaving only a 6.6 months supply. Housing prices continued to improve in March with the Median Sales Price up 4.3 percent to $193,000 and Average Sales Prices also up 4.3% to $228,170. The Days on Market decreased 16 percent to 112 days from last March.

The Housing Affordability Index was at 196, 1.3% higher than last year. This index measures housing affordability for the region and an index of 120 means the median household income is 120% of what is necessary to qualify for the median-priced home under prevailing interest rates. Higher number means greater affordability.


Ray Larcher, President, Triangle MLS, Inc., said, “As Spring blooms so does the housing market with all major indexes moving in a positive direction. The tightened inventory levels combined with strong demand are fueling price gains in many areas.”


Larcher continued, “New home construction is also on the rise with new building permits increasing at a steady pace. In addition, record-low mortgage rates and rising rents are supporting the housing recovery.” 




Citrix Project - Follow the Progress Here - Downtown Raleigh Warehouse District

Citrix Project - Follow the Progress Here

Downtown Raleigh Major Construction Project Transforms Old Warehouse

We are keeping a close eye on the exciting new Citrix project in downtown Raleigh.  Anticipated for an opening late this year or early next year, this new building will change the Warehouse District scene.

Future Home of Citrix in Downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District
This will be a major transformation from a run down old warehouse to a high tech, ultra modern facility.  You would know by looking at the site now, that it will transform into the space shown above.  rather than completely destroying the building, Citrix has chosen to save the architectural details and bones of the building and incorporating the brick into the facade.  In true downtown Raleigh style, a perfect mix of the historical and new will be represented in this building.

Citrix Renovations Spring 2013
Although this part of downtown Raleigh has seen a revival in recent years, a new company with many new employees, will bring even more vibrancy to the area.  There are still some great commercial spaces available walking distance to Citrix.  There is not much for the lunch crowd in that area, or walkable housing developments, so if you are looking for a restaurant location or building site, the Warehouse district is a good choice.  Contact Jim Southern, Commercial Property Specialist at Lisa Southern Real Estate.

Stay tuned for more images coming soon as we follow the progress of this amazing project.


Follow Our Renovations at 15 E Martin St - Lisa Southern Real Estate & Property Management

Follow Our Renovations at 15 E Martin St - Lisa Southern Real Estate & Property Management

Downtown Raleigh Office and Residence Project

Bookmark this Blog Post to Follow the Progress of Our Renovation!

September 2013

We are approved!  The bidding process has now started and we are hoping to get the renovations underway very soon.  Our projected completion date is still early January.  Stay tuned for some construction news.

Here are the renderings of the front and interior.  Stop by and watch the progress.  In the meantime - we are open for business by appointment - just give us a call!

The Southern's primary residence is above the office space on the second and third floors, which will also undergo renovations early next year.  "We love living and working in downtown Raleigh.  It is definitely an exciting place to be right now and we look forward to getting more neighbors living and working here." said Lisa Southern.


Jim Southern, Commercial Broker and Property Manager, added, "There are several new urban living projects underway, many new businesses and restaurants and other new commercial ventures in downtown, so we see huge growth in the coming years."




August 2013

All plans have been submitted to the City of Raleigh and we are waiting for approvals to get started!  We can't wait to start demo and unveil our new look. Renovations will begin on the exterior of the building, keeping its historic charm but adding some modern updates.  The interior at ground level will be our Real Estate and Property Management offices.  The entire floor plan will be changed to make way for a modern and open feel.  We hope to have our Grand Opening Celebration January 2014!

May 2013

Moving Day!  We moved into the upstairs portion of the building and are now official downtown Raleigh residents!  Very excited to call downtown our permanent home.  Now the work begins on transforming the office space below.

Before Picture of Office.  Complete transformation in progress.  Stay tuned.



April 2013

The Southern's officially closed on their new office and permanent residence at 15 E. Martin St. in downtown Raleigh.  See Press Release for details.

Before - Office Front.  Stay tuned for a new facade!
Before - Residence 2nd & 3rd Floors
Jim Southern meets with downtown Raleigh Architect, David Maurer, to finalize plans for the renovation.

Stay tuned for a new contemporary facade!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH BUILDING GETS NEW OWNER

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH BUILDING GETS NEW OWNER

Transformation underway for home and business of local family.

PRESS RELEASE


RALEIGH, NC, April 10, 2013 -- The Southern family recently purchased an historical building at 15 E Martin St in the heart of downtown Raleigh and will transform the building into their personal residence and an office for their real estate and property management company.

Lisa Southern Real Estate & Property Management is a true family owned business.  Lisa runs the residential real estate division working with her two daughters Kendall and Spencer.  Kendall serves as the office manager and Spencer is a Buyer Specialist.  Jim runs the commercial and property management division of the company along with their son Reid.  Youngest son Truman attends middle school at Sacred Heart Cathedral  in downtown Raleigh.

The Southerns specialize in downtown Raleigh real estate and property management.  The family owns several properties in downtown Raleigh and they manage over 150 properties all over the Triangle.  "We are so excited to become full time residents of downtown Raleigh. We spend a lot of time here through our son's school and working with clients.  We love everything the area has to offer and see it as the place to be in the Triangle," says Lisa Southern.

Renovations are underway on the historic building on E. Martin St. adjacent to Square Rabbit Bakery and walking distance to Moore Square and Marbles Kids Museum.  The Southerns will transform the bottom floor into their real estate office. The top two floors of the building will be their permanent residence.  Jim Southern stated, "We will move into the upstairs portion of the building this Spring while we are renovating the office downstairs."  The look of the new office will be contemporary with traditional influences, representing Raleigh as a historic, yet modern City.

The Southerns are working with local Architect  David Maurer to design the space as well as enhance the facade of the building.  The interior will be sleek and modern, with glass walled offices to make an open and airy feel.  The facade will be changed to a flat front with larger windows to let in more natural light.  

"We can't wait to be involved with First Friday events and invite local artists to display their work at our offices.  We are already designing gallery style walls in the front office for that purpose", says Kendall Southern.


Lisa Southern Real Estate and Property Management specializes in the downtown Raleigh, Inside the Beltline, real estate market.  Their team has the pulse on everything downtown.  Contact Lisa Southern if you are considering living, working, investing, renting, or selling in downtown Raleigh!


Friday, April 5, 2013

Downtown Raleigh - Urban Living Trend Flourishes


Downtown Raleigh - Urban Living Trend Flourishes

Restaurants and Nightlife – Housing within Walking Distance

If you haven't been to downtown Raleigh lately you'll be pleasantly surprised with all the great restaurants, shopping, clubs and more that downtown Raleigh has to offer. With so many new housing options in downtown Raleigh, the City has become more than just a place to work. 

Like many downtown areas across the country, Raleigh also saw the mass migration to the suburbs that changed the downtown Raleigh landscape over the years.  For some time the downtown Raleigh area served only as a place of business for government offices and a few companies.  Nightlife was non existent.

Now the trend for urbanization in many areas has brought a new life to downtown Raleigh. Many new companies like Red Hat and Citrix are bringing new jobs to the area and along with these new jobs comes a need for restaurants and other urban living conveniences.  Check out downtown Raleigh's WalkScore!

There’s a vibrant art scene in downtown Raleigh. If you have not been to First Friday Gallery Walk yet it's a must do! Grab a bite to eat at one of the many fabulous restaurants and tour Galleries, listen to great music, see street performers and mingle with your friends as you stroll up and down the streets of downtown Raleigh.  
Moore Square, one of the best places to be for First Friday, offers a wide variety of restaurants walking distance also to Fayetteville Street where you will find many more exciting restaurants and bars.

Other dining Options in downtown Raleigh include restaurants on Glenwood South, Oakwood area and the Warehouse District.  We live and work in downtown Raleigh so we eat out often and love trying new places.  

Are you dreaming of living in a place where you walk to your favorite restaurants, pop in for a drink and visit friends at the trendiest local nightspot? If so, here are a few options in downtown Raleigh for you. If you are interested in listings in any of these buildings or neighborhoods, give us a call.  Or search within the neighborhoods below.

Condos walking distance to downtown Raleigh hot spots are:
1001 Hillsborough - 1001 Hillsborough St
222 Glenwood - 222 Glenwood Ave
510 Glenwood - 510 Glenwood Ave
610 Hillsborough - 610 Hillsborough St
630 North Street - 630 W North St (Planned)
The Atrium - 112 Fayetteville St
Bloomsbury Estates - 710 Independence Ave
Blount Street Commons - 540 N Blount St
Boylan Flats - 615 N Boylan Ave (Planned)
Boylan Heights Condos - 613 W. Cabarrus St.
The Cotton Mill - 614 Capital Blvd
The Dawson - 317 W Morgan St
Founder's Row - 200 E Davie St
Governor's Square - 710 N Person St
The Hudson - 319 Fayetteville St
New Bern Place - 235 New Bern Pl
Palladium Plaza - 444 S Blount St
The Paramount - 618 N Boylan Ave
Park Devereux - 200 S Dawson St
Person Pointe - 508 S Person St
The Plaza Condominiums (PNC Plaza) - 301 Fayetteville St
WEST - 400 W North St

Downtown Raleigh Neighborhoods:

Lisa Southern Real Estate and Property Management - Your resource for all things downtown Raleigh!  Give us a call today - we are here to help.  (919) 260-8607

Monday, April 1, 2013

Things to Do in Downtown Raleigh in April 2013

Things to Do In Raleigh/Durham in The Month of April 2013

Downtown Raleigh is a great place to live, work and play. There are so many things happening in the City and in the neighboring towns.  here are a few upcoming events we will be attending.  Hope to see you there!

April 5th - First Friday Gallery Walk
Where: Down Town Raleigh 6-9pm
Free Self-Guided tour of Downtowns alternative and cultural hotspots, including art galleries, museums, participating restaurants and retailers. look for markers. For More info see here

April 9th - World Beer Festival 
Where: Moore Square, Raleigh
Two Sessions 12-4pm or 6-10pm
$40 Per Session

April 9th - 10th - Durham Art Walk Spring Market
Where: Durham downtown - Unconventional and unique
Sat 10am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm

April 14th to 17th - Full Fram Documentary Film Festival
Where: Durham

April 16th -17thGreat Grapes Wine and Food Festival
Where: Koka Booth Ampitheatre, Cary
$20 Advance purchase or at the door $25

April 20th - SPCA 3K Dog Walk and 1/2K Senior Dog Walk
Where: Fundraising event. Moore Square

April 24th - Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market
Where: City Plaza and Fayetteville Street

April 27th - Run for Our Heroes Road Race
Where: Downtown Raleigh


If you are interesting in finding your dream home in this vibrant and fun city, we can help.  Whether you are looking for an upmarket Condo, a starter home within the beltline or a gracious luxury home or condo - have a look at what we have to offer.