Top Must Haves For Buyers in Today's Raleigh Real Estate Market!

According to  a survey conducted by the Demand Institute of 10,000 households' current living situations, one in three households say they plan to move in the next five years. The location of the home will be driving most of those moving decisions — more so than the physical home itself.

The top reasons to move include:

• Desire for a safer neighborhood
• Being closer to family
• A change of climate
• Being closer to work
• Moving for a new job

For those wanting to move for a change of climate, the Western and Southern U.S. continue to be the top destinations.

The top location features include:

• Amenities/services in walking distance
• Good school district
• Close to work
• Diverse neighborhood
• Near public transit

More and more buyers are looking for walkable communities. There is an upturn in home price growth in walkable communities compared to less walkable communities, according to the Demand Institute's report. Those who reside in walkable communities report that their quality of life has improved in the past few years due to their change in residence.

Americans are looking for more amenities near them. The following places were identified as what home buyers would most like to have near their future home:

• Grocery stores
• Restaurants and cafes
• Parks and green space
• Healthcare services
• Retail

According to Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City, Downtown Raleigh has the bone structure to becoming a great walkable city. In 2014, 36 street level businesses opened their doors which are 95 percent locally-owned. Downtown Raleigh's green spaces are being upgraded and new ones will be added in the coming years.

 

Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601, was founded in 2005. If you are looking to move to Raleigh, NC or the surrounding area, call us today at 919-800-0800 or start your home search by visiting our website! If you are interested in see how much your Raleigh, NC home is worth in today's real estate market, please fill out this form today!

Downtown Raleigh Alliance Annual Meeting Was a Huge Succcess!

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) Annual Meeting was held in the Convention Center on February 19, 2015. There were over 2,000 attendees; a mix of business owners, residents, and local employees. The focus of the meeting was to recognize the accomplishments of 2014 and to set the vision for not only 2015 but for years to come.

 As attendees sat down, it became obvious that tables were decorated in different color tablecloths and there were street signs lining the perimeter of the room. It became appearant that the room was cleverly broken into a representation of downtown's five districts to demonstrate the smooth walkability of Downtown Raleigh.

 Thomas Hill, the DRA Board Chair started the evening with a snapshot of the organization's impact in 2014. Downtown Raleigh was kept attractive with the Ambassador Clean Team and new clean machines removing close to 70,000 pounds of trash. The Ambassador Safety Team spent over 7,000 hours patrolling parking decks, surface lots, and the streets to ensure a safe and friendly environment. A vibrant downtown atmosphere was created with activities with over 80% of downtown merchants benefiting from promotions such as First Friday Raleigh Art Gallery Walk, Downtown Raleigh Gift Card, Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week, The Raleigh MIX, and Shop Downtown Raleigh. Downtown Raleigh saw 33 street-level business open their doors in 2014.



Keynote Speaker, Jeff Speck entertained us through his presentation of The Walkable City. He introduced us to The General Theory of Walkability, which states that in order to get people to walk, you have to give them a reason to walk. So, how do you get people to walk? There are four main ways, give them a reason to walk, a safe walk, a comfortable walk and an interesting walk all simultaneously. A reason to walk is to plan a downtown that has residential, business, schools, and worship close to each other. He authoritatively expressed that Downtown Raleigh has the perfect bone structure, and is heading in the direction of a truly walkable city. If we are cognizant to add bike lanes and use more two lane roads, Downtown Raleigh will be well on it's way to becoming a downtown that everyone will want to visit.

Lisa Southern Real Estate & Property Management is a true family owned business. We live and work in Downtown Raleigh.  Our offices are located at 15 E. Martin St in the heart of downtown Raleigh and we live on the top floors of the building. If you are interested in buying a property in the Raleigh area or selling your Raleigh area home, visit our website, give us a call at: 919-800-0800 or stop by our office TODAY! We look forward to meeting you!


       

Lisa Southern Real Estate is Growing!

Raleigh, NC (February 19, 2015) — Portia Springer has joined the Lisa Southern Real Estate Team in Raleigh, NC as their Marketing Director.

Portia Springer  has an extensive background in technology, online marketing and marketing strategies, and has been in the real estate industry for 4 years. Portia holds a Bachelor’s of Science in English: Literature from the University of CentralFlorida. She is an avid reader, passionate about growing her knowledge and staying on the edge of technology.  

“We are truly lucky to have Portia 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 Portia will be a great fit and that it is our customers who will truly benefit from Portia joining us.”

“I chose Lisa Southern Real Estate because of its reputation for integrity and its customer service business model,” says Springer. “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.” 

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.  

Things to Do in Downtown Raleigh

Things to Do in Downtown Raleigh

Whether you live in Raleigh or you are just visiting, there are plenty of Things to do in Downtown Raleigh. The downtown area has seen a great revival in the last 10 years. More and more restaurants, housing and businesses are springing up and creating a hip and vibrant place to live, work and play.

We have been living downtown for almost a year now and we are always discovering Things to do in Downtown Raleigh. From events, to getting to know local business owners to even taking a walk at different times of the day, living here is a unique experience.

MUSEUMS

Mordecai Historic Park, once the site of the largest plantation in Wake County offers several events during the year in addition to a Raleigh Trolley Tour. It's a wonderful place to learn about Raleigh's history.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a fun way to spend a hot afternoon. The new wing has a lot of nice interactive exhibits for the kids including several labs for learning. The older section of the museum if also informative and great for the family.

Just across the plaza is the North Carolina Museum of History. Even long time NC residents will learn something new here.

You can also learn more about the capital city at the City of Raleigh Museum.

Marbles Kids Museum is fun for young and old alike. If you become a member, you can enjoy special events and come in anytime you like. Perfect cure for rainy day boredom. There is also an IMAX theater here.

RESTAURANTS

One of the many great things about living downtown are the fabulous choices in restaurants and nightlife. Many cities fold up at night, but we are lucky that downtown Raleigh has a pretty vibrant dinner scene too. Here are some of our Favorite Restaurants in Downtown Raleigh.

EVENTS

We look forward to First Friday every month! It has become a vibrant and exciting scene that brings a lot of life and interest to downtown. Meander through interesting gallery spaces, try a new restaurant, listen to live music and meet new friends or catch up with old friends. It's really fun!

Red Hat Amphitheater runs shows throughout the year. Check the website for upcoming events. Before or after events you can easily walk to local bars and restaurants, making for a fun night on the town.

Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo holds several events throughout the year featuring the City's best food trucks all in one place. Check their site for upcoming dates.

The Historic Glenwood Brooklyn neighborhood holds two fun events each year. The Garden Tour in the Spring and the Historic Home Tour during the Holidays are two ways to explore this unique Raleigh neighborhood and see beautiful homes.

Check out the Raleigh Convention Center Calendar to find upcoming events open to the public such as home shows, festivals and more.

Come downtown for first class Raleigh Performing Arts at Duke Energy Center. Take in a show and have dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants downtown.

JUST FOR FUN

Downtown Raleigh Farmer's Market is held every Wednesday from 10-2 on City Plaza.

Walking Food Tours are a unique way to sample local restaurants and get a feel for what downtown has to offer. Bonus, you get to pick up fun facts along the way and see downtown architecture up close and personal.

Cameron Village is a trendy place to spend some time strolling around and popping into the boutique shops and tasty restaurants. There is also a nice public library there with children's programming.

Begun in 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre is now one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country. In addition to great performances, they also offer classes, summer camps, costume sales and volunteer opportunities. Don't miss the adjacent rose garden too!

Pullen Park is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the US and 16th oldest in the world. Recently refurbished, the park is a real Raleigh treasure and fun for the whole family.

LIVING IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

New housing developments such as Blount Street Commons, new apartments and Downtown Condos being built are creating more options for living in Downtown Raleigh. One of the plus sides of downtown Raleigh, compared to many other urban centers is that parking is not a challenge for the most part, so you can easily come downtown and enjoy what it has to offer. Downtown Raleigh Neighborhoods offer a unique mix of historic homes and new homes that blend to create a vibe that is truly Raleigh.

If you would like to learn more about living in or near downtown Raleigh, give us a call, we'd love to show you what this area has to offer. If you are considering selling your Downtown Raleigh home, we have buyers ready and waiting to buy! Contact Us Today!

To find more Things to Do in Downtown Raleigh - Use this handy Raleigh Map Explorer provided by Visit Raleigh.

New Homes Blount Street Commons in Downtown Raleigh

Blount Street Commons Begins Construction in Downtown Raleigh

Forty six luxury attached homes are being constructed at Blount Street Commons in Downtown Raleigh. The homes under construction include Row Homes, Carriage Homes and 2 story condos. Each home will have one or two garages, while ample parking is provided. A landscaped park will form a central open park-like space.

These luxury units will be large and spacious with loads of storage space. The open plan layout will allow for great flow within the home. Energy Star Electrolux stainless steel appliances are just one of the many luxurious features.

With 6 different plan options to choose from there is definitely something for everyone.

Downtown Raleigh has become a trendy hot spot in the SE and a great place to live, work and play. With a number of pubs, restaurants and evening entertainment in the Downtown area, it's becoming more and more of an attraction to live in the City.

To take a look at the plans below and find your dream home. Contact Us for free buyer representation. We will negotiate the best terms and conditions for you and guide you through the process. We work for you, not the builder. If you have a home to sell, take a look at our Builder Trade-In Program.

Please give us a call and let us show you this beautiful development offering a great lifestyle opportunity in Downtown Raleigh.

Pricing:

Row Homes

Southport  - starting from $354,990

2 bedrooms 2½  bathrooms 1437 sq ft approx

Hampstead  - starting from $434,990

2-3 Bedrooms 2½  - 3 full and 2 half baths 2152 sq ft approx

Carriage Homes

Monet - starting from $424,990

3 Bedrooms 3 bathrooms 1857 sq ft approx