Dram & Draught is Coming to Downtown Raleigh

A new private tavern, Dram & Draught, is coming to 623 Hillsborough Street (across from the original Char-Grill in Raleigh.

The bar is being developed by Drew Schenck, owner of RallyPoint Sport Grill in Cary. The location is a 1,473 square foot former auto body shop.

Follow the progress on Dram & Draught's Facebook Page!

Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin Street in Downtown Raleigh. We specialize in residential sales and property management. If you, or someone you know is looking to sell a property in the Raleigh area, call us at 919-800-0880 to find out how we can help! If you are looking to buy a home in the Raleigh Area, start your property search today!

Start Your Property Search Today!

Downtown Raleigh Condos For Sale

Downtown Raleigh Homes For Sale  

Portia Springer is Promoted to Director of Operations at Lisa Southern Real Estate

Portia Springer is promoted to Director of Operations at Lisa Southern Real Estate in Raleigh, NC.

Portia  has an extensive background in leadership, organization, technology, and online marketing. She has been in the real estate industry for 5 years. She has been recognized for her ability in front of a classroom teaching marketing strategies, current technology and the use of social media to real estate agents around the country. Portia holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in English: Literature from the University of Central Florida. She is an avid reader, passionate about growing her knowledge and staying on the edge of technology.  

“We are truly lucky to have Portia 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 thrive in her new position and it is our customers who will truly benefit from Portia’s new role.”

“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.

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.

WIN 2 FREE VIP Tickets for Slide the City Raleigh!

        

WIN 2 FREE VIP Tickets for Slide the City Raleigh!

Lisa Southern Real Estate is partnered with the SPCA of Wake County. Every year, more than 3,000 animals find their fur-ever home.

The SPCA of Wake County is a local, independent, non-profit organization that rely almost entirely on private donations to fund their annual operating budget.  

 Slide the City Raleigh is SOLD OUT! Don't despair! Lisa Southern Real Estate has 2 VIP Tickets that we will giving away for FREE! Drop off an item from the SPCA of Wake County's Wish List at our Downtown Raleigh Office (15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601) and you will automatically be Entered to WIN!  

 We will be drawing for the winner on Thursday, May 28th at 5:30pm. So bring your items in, and lets helps the animals at the SPCA of Wake County have a brighter future!

SPCA Wish List
Raleigh Slide the City Information
About Lisa Southern Real Estate

Downtown Raleigh Market Plaza Construction Has Begun!

Our backyard is getting a face lift! Construction has begun on renovating Market Plaza in our backyard. 

The City of Raleigh is redesigning both Exchange and Market plazas to create more flexible and modern spaces. The improvements include new concrete paving, benches and seat walls, updated planter, improved site lighting, shade structures, and screen enclosures. There will be new storm water drainage system, irrigation system and water and electrical service added as well. The Construction Management Division of the City's Public Works Department is overseeing the project; Hold Brothers is the general contractor.

The construction is expected to last five months. During this period, pedestrian use of Exchange and Market plazas will be restricted. Located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601, Lisa Southern Real Estate has it's main entrance on E. Martin St and will continue to have access throughout the construction!

If you are thinking about moving, weather it is selling your current home, or buying your next home, call Lisa Southern Real Estate at 919-800-0880 for a FREE Consultation today! Visit our website if you want to start your no hassle home search.

More Green Space in Downtown Raleigh Coming Soon!

More Green Space in Downtown Raleigh

The City of Raleigh Public Works Department is preparing to begin renovating Exchange Plaza and Market Plaza, on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. The civic plazas will be redesigned to create more flexible and modern new spaces. The city will oversee the installation of concrete and paver sidewalks, benches and seat walls, updated planters, improved site lighting and shade structures.  

Construction is expected to begin in mid to late April and last about 5 months. Check back for updates!  

Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601, is in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. If you are interested in moving to Downtown Raleigh, or the surrounding areas of Apex, Cary, Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs, or Morrisville, give us a call at 919-800-0880!

2015 Downtown Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Celebrations!

Downtown Raleigh's 2015 St. Patrick's Day is filled with events and celebrations. This map gives you locations and details for all events and celebrations in Downtown Raleigh!

 

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Wearin' 'O The Green Festival

The Parade is on Saturday, March 14th from 10am - 11:30am. After the Parade is over, the Festival begins in City Plaza. There will be live music, dancing, kids activities, vendors, craft booths and great food.

St. Patrick's Day at The Architect Bar & Social House

On March 17th from 5pm - 2am, The Architect Bar & Social House will have a special menu and drinks for St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Celebration

Bolt Bistro & Bar will have a special St. Patrick's Day Parade Menu on March 14th from 11:30 am - 2am.

St. Patrick's Day Crawl Downtown

Starting at Clockworks on March 14th from 2pm - 11:30pm, make 10 stops in the Glenwood Ave. area hitting up favorite bars and Napper Tandy's Block Party! MUST be 21+, and Must have tickets that can be purchased by visiting this link.

St. Patrick's Day Time Warp

Coglin's Raleigh will have a St. Patrick's Day menu on March 14th from 10am - 2am.

St. Patrick's Day Ball

Common 414 will have St. Patrick's Day menu on March 14th from 10am - 2am.

Hibernian Co. & Napper Tandy's Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Free until 4pm, $5 after 4pm. Live music, cold beverages and great food will be available at this annual Irish Celebration in Downtown Raleigh. One new addition this year is the partnership with the local nonprofit Shop Local Raleigh and local and regional vendors will be at the event. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit Shop Local Raleigh.

St. Patrick's Day at The Level Up Kitchen + Barcadium

On March 17th from 5pm - 2am, The Level Up Kitchen + Barcadium will have drink specials.

St. Paddy's Parade Party

Paddy O'Beers will have special drinks and menu on March 14th from 10am - 2am.

The Pour House Annual St. Paddy's Day Free For All

This free event at The Pour House Music Hall will feature live music on March 14th from 11:30am - 9pm.

St. Patrick's Day Block Party

On March 14th at 9am, Tir Na nOg will have a full Irish Breakfast. Irish Dancing, Live Irish Music and Shenanigans will continue all day.

Irish Jam Session

On March 15, 22, & 29th from 3pm - 6pm, Tir Na nOg will have a free weekly Irish jam session with musicians of all skill levels, singers and dancers!


 Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 and specializes in the Downtown Raleigh real estate market. If you are interested in living, investing, renting or selling in Raleigh, Cary,Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs or Fuquay Varina, contact us today at 919-800-0800 or to start your home search,visit our website!

2015 St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Downtown Raleigh

2015 St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Downtown Raleigh, NC - Lisa Southern Real Estate

www.lisasouthern.com   919-260-8607

 Are you looking for family fun to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Downtown Raleigh has many free events!

1. Raleigh’s 29th Annual St. Patricks’ Day Parade

Date & Time: Saturday, March 14, 2015 10am

Where: 400 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601

Admission: FREE

Details: Celebrate St. Patrick and Irish and Celtic Traditions and Culture.

2. Raleigh Wearin’ ‘O the Green Festival

Date & TIME: Saturday, March 14, 2015

Where: 400 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601

Admission: FREE

Details: After the Downtown Raleigh Parade, the celebration continues in City Plaza at the south end of Fayetteville St, along with some of the neighboring streets. There will be lots of live music, dancing, various vendors, craft booths, Leprechaun Lane for the kids, and lots of food and refreshments!

3. St. Patrick’s Day Crawl Downtown

Date & Time: Saturday, March 14, 2015 2:00pm  - 11:30pm

Where: Clockwork 519 W. North St Raleigh, NC 27603

Admission: $10.00 in Advance, $20.00 day of

Details: MUST be 21+, 10 Stops in the Glenwood Ave. area favorite bars and also Napper Tandy’s block party! There will be fun games, prizes and giveaways throughout the event.

4. Hibernian Co. & Napper Tandy’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Date & Time: Saturday, March 14, 2015 12pm—11pm

Where: Glenwood South District, 300 and 400 blocks of Glenwood Ave.

Admission: Free until 4pm, $5 entry after 4pm

Details: Live music, cold beverages, great food, and local vendors. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit Shop Local Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association.

5. The Pour House Music Hall St. Paddy’s Day Free for All

Date & Time: Saturday, March 14, 2015 11:30am—9pm

Where: 222 S. Blount St. Raleigh, NC

Admission: FREE

Details: Featuring live music from Seepeoples, Soft Bullets, Pivot, Jonin, Motorbilly, Hearts & Daggers, and New Car Caviar

Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 and specializes in the Downtown Raleigh real estate market. If you are interested in living, investing, renting or selling in Downtown Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs or Fuquay Varina, contact us today at 919-800-0800 or to start your home search, visit our website!

Real Estate Jargon - Explained!

Real estate jargon, while not in a different language, can still be difficult to understand. There are two types of real estate slang: the acronyms used in ads and the daily jargon used by the real estate industry professionals in their daily business. These are some things you might hear from a real estate agent that you might not understand.

Contingency: A clause in the contract that puts off the terms of the contract until another event occurs. Think of it as "this contract is not enforceable unless X occurs by Y date". Common contingencies include the sale of your current home, obtaining financing, the home appraising for at least the loan amount, and acceptable inspection results.

Closing Costs: The fees paid at the closing of a real estate transaction. These costs vary, and some are negotiable and may be paid by the buyer, seller or both.

CMA: Comparative Market Analysis. This is a report compiled by a real estate agent that analyzes the past sold homes in an area to determine what a home is worth in today's market.

Escrow Impound Account: Buyers will be asked to prepay taxes and insurance upon the closing on a home. This money goes into an escrow impound account, and is used to ensure that these bills are paid on time. Not all mortgages require an escrow impound account, and if your loan-to-value ratio is 80 percent or less, you may be able to have this requirement waived and sometimes the lender will charge your for this.

FHA and HUD: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), is an office overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Many assume that "FHA Loans" are loans actually granted by this agency. They are not. The FHA guarantees the repayment of the loan granted by a conventional lender.

GFE: Good Faith Estimate. A form supplied by the lender that itemizes the terms and costs of the loan given to a buyer.

HOA: Homeowners Association. This is the governing body of a common interest neighborhood. It is made up of a board of directors, elected by the homeowners. Not every neighborhood has an HOA.

HOI: Homeowners Insurance. This is required by the lender and it protects the property from hazards such as theft and fire. It also covers your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries on your property, including those caused by pets that live in the home.

HUD Settlement Statement: An itemized list of services and fees charged to the borrower by the lender. By law, the borrower is given at least 24 hours before closing to inspect the HUD.

MLS: Multiple Listing Service. A database where listing agents share information about properties for sale with other agents. The information contained in the MLS is typically not available to the general public.

PITI: Pronounced "Pee-Tee", this acronym stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance. Combined, these make up your monthly mortgage payment.

PMI: This acronym stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. Lenders typically require PMI when the down payment on a home is less than 20 percent of the total loan amount. This is paid for by the borrower, and can usually be removed once the borrower has paid off 80 percent of the loan amount.

REALTOR: Many consumers assume that all real estate agents are Realtors. This isn't true. A real estate agent must be a dues-paying member of the National Associate of Realtors to legally use the term Realtor. 

Title Insurance: There are two types of title insurance policies. One covers a buyer's interest in real property. The second type protects the lender. Title insurance is necessary to protect your interest from other claims of ownership.

Seller's Property Disclosure: Sometimes referred to as a Transfer Disclosure Statement. This form is filled out by the seller and given to the buyer as part of the disclosure process. This form contains a list of questions that must only be answered by the seller (not by the listing agent). Some of these questions are about the condition of the home and whether or not the seller has knowledge of any major repairs made to the house and items on the property, such as alarm systems, sump pumps and even rain gutters.

VA Loan: A mortgage offered to U.S. service members, veterans and sometimes spouses that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Zero-Lot Line: When a home sits right on the lot's boundary, with little or no space between homes, it is said to have a zero-lot line.

Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 and specializes in the Downtown Raleigh real estate market. If you are interest in living, investing, renting or selling in Downtown Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs or Fuquay Varina, contact us today at 919-800-0800 or to start your home search, visit our website!

5 Features Home Buyers Are Looking For

An upgraded kitchen and lots of storage space will always be on the Must Have list of home buyers, but what else are home buyers looking for while house hunting? Surveys by the National Associate of Home Builders show the latest in demand features that buyers are looking for!

1. Walk in Closets

Large closets, particularly in the master bedroom is on the top priorities list for home buyers. Many even said they would sacrifice another home feature in order to have a walk in closet in the master bedroom.

2. Laundry Rooms

Buyers are looking for more than just a place to put their washer and dryer. They want upgraded laundry rooms; complete with built-in ironing boards, space for folding clothes, extra storage and upgraded appliances.

3. Energy Efficiency

Home buyers are looking to cut utility costs, and energy efficiency appliances and products can be one way to do that. Low e-windows, Energy Star appliances and programmable thermostats are more in demand than ever.

4. Great Rooms

Large open spaces that often merge dining rooms, living rooms and kitchens, continue to be in high demand among home buyers. It is an area where everyone can come together, where kids can do their homework, and dinner can be prepared.

5. Taller First Floor Ceilings

More home buyers want the first floor to stretch beyond the typical eight foot ceiling. The taller ceilings can open up living rooms, dining rooms and other spaces on the first floor. Many home buyers are not looking for tall ceilings on the second floor, as they want a more cozy feeling.

Lisa Southern Real Estate is located at 15 E. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. We specialize in Downtown Raleigh and the surrounding Raleigh Metro area of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina. If you are interested in living, investing, renting or selling in the Raleigh area, visit our website, give us a call at: 919-800-0800 or stop by our office today! We look forward to meeting you!

             

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!


       

Downtown Raleigh - Local Real Estate Agent with Local Knowledge

Downtown Raleigh - Local Agent – Local Knowledge 

Whether you are buying or selling a home in Downtown Raleigh, it pays to use a local real estate agent with local knowledge. Essentially this is because a local agent knows what’s happening in his or her area, and has a well-established local network of people to work with. A local agent will be able to analyze things like local services information (about education, schools, local amenities and so on), local demographics, and house-price information that is relevant to the area. 

Working with a local agent with local knowledge does not in any way imply small and parochial. Even major international property chains prefer to work with local agents who have good knowledge of the area in which they live and operate. So the fact that the agent you choose to work with is a local agent will usually work in your favor. 

Of course you need to be sure that the property person you choose to work with is an experienced professional, and somebody who will have your interests at heart. A good local agent will be able to accurately assess the market in your area and evaluate your property in relation to the other houses that have sold, and are for sale, where you live. Ultimately that means the best price possible for buyer and seller. 

I am your local Downtown Raleigh Real Estate Expert. I am here to assist you with your Raleigh home buying or Raleigh home selling needs. I am able to share my local Downtown Raleigh knowledge with you. We, as a family, live in this area, we work in the area and my children are at school and university locally and with my years of real estate experience, I would like to be the person to get the job, looking after your Raleigh Real Estate needs.

For a confidential chat about the Local Raleigh Real Estate Market, please give me a call 919-260-8607 or email me lisa@lisasouthern.com

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

• Homes | Condos for Sale in Raleigh
• Homes | Condos for Sale Glenwood Neighborhood
• Homes | Condos for Sale Brooklyn Neighborhood 
• Homes | Condos for Sale Mordecai Neighborhood
• Homes | Condos for Sale Oakwood Neighborhood
• Homes | Condos for Sale Boylan Heights Neighborhood
• Homes | Condos for Sale Cameron Park Neighborhood

 

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