Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Has a Change of The Guard

There has been a changing of the guard at The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Harvey Schmitt served as the head of the Raleigh Chamber for two decades, and decided it was time to retire and spend time surrounded by family. As he says, "[The] Chamber has a talented, professional, responsive, energetic team with a 'can do' attitude". 

"Chairman Ed Willingham, Chair-elect Jill Heath, and Treasurer Greg Winkler have put in extra work during this transition" says Schmitt. They have been instrumental in finding a successor who will write the next chapter in The Raleigh Chamber's history. Tim Giuliani is the new Chamber President and CEO. Here is a message from him!

Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601 is a proud member of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. If you or anyone you know is thinking about moving to the Raleigh area, call us at 919-800-0880 or visit our website for more information on the surrounding communities.

Lynette McEvoy Partners with Lisa Southern Real Estate!

Lynette McEvoy, a real estate professional, has partnered with Lisa Southern Real Estate in Raleigh, NC.

Lynette welcomes the opportunity to assist both buyers and sellers with one of their most important investments, their home. Originally from central Ohio, Lynette graduated from Otterbein College with a degree in Family and Consumer Science, and moved to Raleigh in 2001. Real Estate has been a perfect fit, as Lynette grew up in a family of builders. She incorporates her knowledge gained from course work and experience in interior design, real life business experience and her love for helping her clients stage and sell or find their ideal home.

“We are truly lucky to have Lynette join us here at Lisa Southern Real Estate,” says Owner Lisa Southern. “Lisa Southern Real Estate offers its associates unparalleled career growth and lifelong learning opportunities in the real estate industry. We know that Lynette will be a great fit and that it is our customers who will truly benefit from Lynette joining us.”

“I chose Lisa Southern Real Estate because of its reputation for integrity and its customer service business model,” says McEvoy. “I am always looking to grow, and Lisa Southern Real Estate  provides the family atmosphere, training, and servant leadership that will help me reach my goals.” 

Lynette is eager to help you with all of your real estate needs and can be reached by phone at: 919-745-9925. You can also connect with Lynette through Facebook!

Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601, was established in 2005 and has catapulted to the top in both residential real estate and property management.

To learn more about Lisa Southern Real Estate and how they can help you buy and sell your home, visit www.LisaSouthern.com.

Lisa Southern Real Estate Is Now Located in Downtown Raleigh!

Lisa Southern Real Estate is excited to announce their Downtown Raleigh location at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

Lisa Southern Real Estate opened its doors in 2005 and is a true family owned business. Lisa owns the residential real estate division, working with her daughter Kendall and Director of Operations, Portia Springer. Lisa serves as our Listing Specialist while Kendall serves as our Buyer Specialist. 

Jim Southern owns the property management division, Southern Group Property Management. Son Reid and daughter Spencer are Property Managers and handle all rentals. Jim works directly with owners to make sure their investments are well taken care of.

Youngest son Truman goes to school at St. David’s School and loves to explore Downtown Raleigh with his family and friends.

Lisa Southern Real Estate Specializes in the Downtown Raleigh, Inside the Beltline real estate market. We also serve the greater Raleigh Metro Area including Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs and Morrisville. Living and working in Downtown Raleigh keeps us on top of everything Downtown. Being able to walk out the door and enjoy Raleigh nightlife, weekend Farmer’s Market and the many special events through the year is truly amazing. Our office is located at 15 E. Martin St. in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. We hope you will stop by our office and say hi!

Contact us if you are considering living, working, visiting, renting or selling a home in Downtown Raleigh or the surrounding Raleigh Area. We would love the opportunity to earn your business. Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601, was established in 2005 and has catapulted to the top in both residential real estate and property management.

To learn more about Lisa Southern Real Estate and how they can help you buy or sell your home, call us at 919-800-0880 or visit www.LisaSouthern.com.

It's Official! The Community of Harmony Now Has A Swim Team!

The community of Harmony now has a Swim Team !

The Harmony Hammerheads began their 2015 season on Monday June 1st with a swim practice at the Harmony community pool. Occupying 3 of the 5 lanes, the first 40 minutes were younger children and the second 80 minutes were for older children.

Swim team coach, Joe Watts is excited to start this year as an exhibition team on the Tarheel Swim Association (TSA) “South Wake” League. There are a total of 86 teams in the TSA. As an exhibition team, the Hammerheads will have 2 swim meets this season, one home and one away. Click here to view the 2015 Ranking.

There are a few requirements to join the Harmony Hammerheads. First, you must be between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, second, you must pass the swim test (25 yards unassisted any stroke), and third, you must attend practices (three times per week).

Lisa Southern Real Estate sells homes in Harmony 39% quicker and for 67% more than all other agents in the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors. For more information on the Harmony Swim Team, if you are interested in selling your Harmony home or buying a home in Harmony, call us today at 919-800-0880 or start your Harmony home search by vising our website!  

5 Inexpensive Steps to a Speedy Home Sale!

If you’re a homeowner considering a move, you may be wondering what your home needs to sell quickly. Before taking on a costly remodel, consider this: these measures don’t always recoup the highest percentages in return. Many sellers have much more success by investing in upgrades that boost their home’s value in the process. The best part? This becomes a win-win for both sides of the transaction.

  1. Paint Key Rooms Painting is one of the least expensive way to freshen up your home for sale, but it can cost up to $300 a room if you’re hiring a professional to do your entire home. Save big by painting just a few high traffic rooms, like the kitchen, bathrooms and rooms with brightly-painted walls. You can save even more by doing the project yourself (a gallon of pain averages about $30.)

  2. Spruce up the Exterior You never get a second chance at a first impression. The exterior of the home is the first thing buyers see both online and in person. Aside from keeping up the maintenance like mowing the lawn and trimming shrubs, look for any repair work such as a fading front door, cracked siding or a loose step that needs to be fixed before selling. Don’t forget about the roof. If it needs to be replaced, choose an inexpensive but durable option, like standard, three-tab asphalt shingles. They cost approximately $75 per 100 square feet, including installation.

  3. Upgrade the Bathroom Bathrooms can become a point of contention for buyers if they’re not in tip-top shape. Rather than taking on an expensive renovation, make minor upgrades that have an impact. Caulk the tub, re-grout tile, and install new fixtures. Larger, less costly fixes are also a possibility if you know where to look – a new vanity, for instance, can cost less than $1,000 if you shop around.

  4. Make Kitchen Repairs Buyers want to be wowed by the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you have to fork over tens of thousands of dollars to make that happen. Focus on making repairs that cost well under $500, like tightening a leaky faucet or eliminating burn marks on countertops. For a cheap alternative to repainting your cabinets, consider updating your hardware in a modern finish.

  5. Clean, Clean, Clean      Even if the home has been renovated top to bottom, a messy appearance can be the ultimate deal breaker. Fortunately for sellers, de-cluttering and de-personalizing doesn’t have to cost a dime. A short list that will help buyers visualize living in the home:

• Vacuum, dust and wipe all surfaces regularly while your home in on the market.
• Pack your closets so only the bare essentials are left
• Replace family or otherwise personal photos with neutral wall art
• Cut clutter in cabinets and on bookshelves
• Keep counter and tabletops clear, especially during an open house

 
 If the project is overwhelming, consider hiring a professional cleaning service or organizer to cut through the chaos. A pro can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,500.  

 Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St Raleigh, NC 27601, specializes in residential real estate. When you are ready to sell your home, our team has an aggressive marketing strategy that will get your home sold in less time and for more money! Call us at 919-800-0880 for a FREE Consultation today!

6 Things You Need To Do When Moving Into a New Home

 
 Moving into your new home is exciting! It also means you’ve got work to do.

1. Change the Locks
You don’t know who else has a set of keys to your home, so change the locks. This ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock, or call a locksmith – if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20-$30 per lock for labor.

2. Check for Plumbing Leaks
Your home inspector should do this for you before closing, but it never hurts to double-check. Keep an eye out for dripping faucets, running toilets and check your water heater for signs of a leak. Trick: Check your water meter at the beginning and end of a two hour window when no water is being used. If your reading is different, you have a leak.

3. Steam Clean Carpets
Do this before you move your furniture in, and your new home life will be off to a fresh start! You can pay a professional carpet cleaning service – about $50 per room, most services require a minimum of about $100 before they will come out – or you can rent a steam cleaner for about $30 per day and do the work yourself.

4. Wipe Out Your Cabinets
Before you unpack your dishes and bathroom supplies, make sure to wipe inside and outside your cabinets. Preferably use a non-toxic cleaner and replace contact paper if necessary.

5. Get Rid of Critters
Make sure to get rid of mice, rats, bats, termites, roaches and any other uninvited guests. There are any number of DIY ways to get rid of pests, but if you need to bring in the professionals, an initial visit from a pest removal service will run about $100-$300, followed bi-monthly or quarterly visits at about $50 each time.

6. Look for the Circuit Breaker Box and Main Water Valve.
It’s a good idea to figure out which fuses control what parts of your house and label them accordingly. This will take two people: one to stand in the room where the power is supposed to go off, and one to trip the fuse and yell, “Did that work? How about now?”   You’ll want to know how to turn off your main water valve if you have a plumbing emergency, if a hurricane or tornado is headed your way, or if you’re going out of town. Locate the valve – it could be inside or outside your home – and turn the knob until it’s off. Test it by turning on any faucet in the house; no water should come out.  

 Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601. If you or someone you know is looking to buy a home call us today at 919-800-0880 or visit our website to start your home search now!

 

Harmony Community in Cary, NC

About The Harmony Community

  The Harmony community is located near Turner Creek Elementary School in beautiful Cary, NC and was noted in 2011 Money Magazine's "Top 100 Places to Live in the USA".

The open floor plan homes were built between 2007 and 2010. Most homes feature brick or stone fronts, many feature front porches, rear patios or decks. The average lot size is about .3 acres. There are wooded lots, basement lots, as well as interior lots. Homes feature two or three car garages.

At the center of Harmony, there is a residents' center that includes a clubhouse, tennis courts, basketball courts, an updated playground, a large swimming pool as well as a fun kiddie pool. Sidewalks run throughout the neighborhood, making a great atmosphere for taking walks and getting to know your neighbors. Harmony is close to shopping, main roads restaurants and is within walking distance to Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts!

For more information on living in Harmony, call Lisa Southern Real Estate at 919-800-0880! To start your home search in Harmony, visit www.ListingHarmony.com! Keep up to date on information on Harmony by visiting our Living in Harmony Blog!

Fuquay Varina Home for Sale!

5433 Lafayette Dr. Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, June 7thTIME: 2pm - 4pm

Charming Home In Saddle Run On Almost An Acre Of Land! Gorgeous Updated Kitchen With Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash & Stainless Steel Appliances. Updated Bathrooms, Large Master Bedroom, Bonus Room, Cozy Family Room With Fireplace. Large Screened Porch & Deck! NEW ROOF!

Click on the photo below for more information or 

visit our website to start your home search today!

lisasouthern.com/homes-for-sale-details/5433-LAFAYETTE-DRIVE-FUQUAY-VARINA-NC-27526/1997124/89

Listing Courtesy of: Lisa Southern Real Estate
15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601

9 Houseplants That Naturally Clean the Air and Are Nearly Impossible to Kill

Which is more polluted, indoor air or outdoor air?

10 times out of 10, the air in your house, office or apartment is going to be worse than the air outside. Indoor air pollution has been ranked among the top 5 greatest risks to public health by the EPA, and stagnant indoor air allows pollutants to build up and stick to the things inside your home.

The items in your home emit some nasty toxic chemicals like formaldehyde for example. You can also be impacted by pollutants like pollen, bacteria, mold and various outdoor contaminants that find their way inside.

Fortunately, houseplants can help us naturally solve some of these air quality issues. Even if you don’t’ have a green thumb, these houseplants are nearly impossible to kill!  

1. Garden Mum

This plan was found by NASA to be a real air-purifying machine. It removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and xylene from your home’s air. It’s popular and inexpensive, plus they can be planted outside too.

2. Spider Plant

Spider plants are incredible easy to grow, so if you’re a beginner, this is a great one to start with. It likes bright, indirect light and sends out shoots with flowers on them that will eventually grow into baby spider plants that you can plant and grow. Before too long, you’ll have more spider plants than you’ll know what to do with!

3. Dracaena

There are over 40 kinds of dracaena plants, which makes it easy to find the right one for you. They remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. They are toxic to cats and dogs though, so if you have 4 legged children, this is not the plant for you!  

4. Ficus

Ficus trees are able to grow quite large depending on the type of pot you have them in. They typically stand between 2 and 10 feet tall and cleans the air around it. You can also keep it outside in the spring and summer. The ficus removes benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.

5. Peace Lily

Not only does the peace lily have beautiful flowers, but they are impossible to kill and have great air cleaning abilities. They flower through most of the summer and prefer shady spots with moist but not soggy soil. It removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Boston Fern

This plant likes cool locations with high humidity and indirect light. Bathrooms are a perfect spot for these little plants. They remove pollutants like xylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.  

7. Snake Plant/ Mother-in-law’s Tongue

These are found often in offices and restaurants. They are impossible to kill. They need water only occasionally and prefer drier conditions. They don’t need much direct sunlight either. They remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene from indoor air.

8. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palms are most effective at filtering formaldehyde. They thrive in full sun and bright light. They grow as high as 12 feet, making them an impressive site inside. They remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.  

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe is a multi-use plant. It has health benefits when consumed in smaller amounts, helps relieve burns, and cleans your indoor air as well. It removes formaldehyde effectively from indoor air.

Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601. If you or someone you know is looking to buy a home call us today at 919-800-0880 or visit our website to start your home search today!