Raleigh has been named one of the “top U.S. cities for business prosperity in 2014” by online publication Business Review USA.

Business Review ranks the City of Oaks No. 3 on its list, saying Raleigh, North Carolina has always caught the eye of entrepreneurs, due to a highly educated workforce and high quality family life.  Of course, Research Triangle Parkalso brings a lot to the table.

The area also boasts an impressive education system, with the likes of Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina in the immediate to surrounding area.  High research produces a nice pool of graduates that can boost local businesses looking to grow.

Des Moines, Iowa ranked No. 1 on the list with Austin, Texas ranking No. 2. and San Francisco, Ca. and Pittsburgh, PA 4^th and 5^th.

These five cities should certainly be a great source for businesses looking for interesting opportunities in 2014.

Capital Oaks Retirement Resort will break ground on Ray Road November 13 for an independent living senior apartment community.

Lincoln, Nebraska based Resort Lifestyle Communities is developing Capital Oaks Retirement Resort located at 6498 Ray Road just off Leesville Road in North Raleigh. There will be 130 one, two and three bedroom units for seniors ages 55 and up. There will be no additional buy-in or substantial deposits, only month to month rent which will include most utilities. Amenities will include 24/7 onsite staff, 3 daily meals, weekly housekeeping, social activities and transportation and valet parking services, and emergency call system in all units. The property plans to house a bank, pharmacy, and gift shop that will be available to the public.

Rents at these places are not cheap, however.

Rental rates at RLC’s newest community in Knoxville, Tenn., start at around $2,530 per month, which includes most utility costs, three daily meals, weekly housekeeping, social activities and transportation services. RLC also has financing options available.

Capital Oaks will start moving dirt on Nov. 13. Construction is expected to last just a little more than a year. Resort Lifestyle paid $1.9 million for the nine acres of land in August, according to Wake County records, after purchasing the property from longtime owner Evelyn B. Stanley.

Money Magazine placed Raleigh among the top 5 best places to retire in 2014.

Donna Rosato, senior editor of Money Magazine stated that a few of the things that draw people to Raleigh is the strong local economy and North Carolina State University’s life long learning program for seniors has been popular with retirees. The numerous and well respected Medical Centers including Duke and University of North Carolina within easy access to Raleigh make it a very desirable choice for seniors.

Many people from the northeast move to Florida then decide to make a second move back north to the North Carolina and Raleigh or Triangle area. These people have become known as the “half-backs.”  The mile weather and four seasons seem to be some of the drawing cards for these “half-backers.”

This designation for Raleigh as being one of the best places to retire is no surprise for those of us who live in the area.  The housing prices are very reasonable in comparison to some areas of the country and the quality of life far exceeds most metropolitan areas of the country. Whether retiring or relocating for employment, Raleigh and the surrounding areas of Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, Durham and Chapel Hill are great places to live and to raise a family, as well as, to retire.

2013 Raleigh, Durham, & Chapel Hill, NC Home Sales exceeded July 2012 sales by 34%.

The Housing market in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Triangle, NC area is improving, The housing market in the Triangle seems to be very healthy, as the pace and price of home sales in the region continues to climb.

Home sales in the Triangle were up 34 percent in July compared to the year prior, with 3,082 closings recorded so far in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service database. On average, a home listed on MLS during the month of July was on the market for only 95 days. A year ago, that average was around 115 days on the market.

The price of homes sold also continued to climb. The median sale price for July, $202,559, was up 5.5 percent compared to the year prior, according to the Triangle MLS report. The average sale price was $242,153, which was up 5.1 percent. Increasing home prices could also be attributed in part to a boost in luxury home sales.

Apex, NC # 9 on list of Best Small Towns in which to Live by Money Magazine

Money Magazine is pointing out something those of us who live in Wake County have known for a long time that the town of Apex is one of the best small towns in Wake County in which to be living.  With a population of 20,000, it ranked #9 on Money Magazine’s list. The historic, quaint downtown is the center of shopping, a jazz festival and many other family oriented activities. The 400 acres of park and recreation facilities are also a major draw for settling your family in the Apex area.

The median family income is $93,000 and the average priced home is $225,000. Projected growth is expected to almost double in the next 2 years, especially now that our secret is out. Check out the web site www.Apexchamber.com.

Even if you are not in the market for a home it is fun to visit all the new construction homes on preview for the Parade of Homes.

Even if you are not in the market for a home it is fun to visit all the new construction homes on preview for the Parade of Homes.  Homes will be open September 29-30, October 5-7 and 12-14 from noon to 5 pm. Raleigh-Wake County Home Builder’s Association has books available with all the homes listed with the addresses. Home prices range from $157, 700 to $2.5 million. The homes are beautifully furnished so you can get some excellent decorating ideas when viewing the homes, as well as, seeing the latest in new home construction materials, styles and technology.

The Orange, Durham and Chatham County HBA is also holding a Parade of Homes. Tour books are available at most Harris Teeters in Orange and Durham Counties.

Many of the homes are “For Sale” but many are already under contract and are open for viewing.  Parade of Home guide books are usually available in each of the homes you visit. However, you will need to get there early or they may be gone.

The Triangle wide Parade of Homes for those interested in building a home or for those who want to fantasize about their “dream” home, can be a wonderful time of weekend entertainment. There are approximately 250 homes on the Parade built by 90 of the builders who build in the Triangle. Enjoy this self guided tour of some of the loveliest homes you will see in this area.

Sales of previously occupied homes rose 7.8% in August from July said a spokes person for the National Association of Realtors.

Reports Show U.S. Housing Market Improving

Sales of previously occupied homes rose 7.8% in August from July said a spokes person for the National Association of Realtors. That is the highest level since May 2010, when sales were aided by a federal home-buying tax credit. New home sales are up, as well, and builder confidence has reached its highest level in more than 6 years.

These 2 reports indicate recovery efforts gain momentum after years of no change. Sales and construction rates are still below healthy levels but the improvement has been steady. As the home market improves this tends to affect the broader economy as many sectors are impacted by housing market.

The Triangle Multiple Listing Service reports that Triangle home sales have increased over last year at this time by 22%. The Triangle region includes homes sold in Wake, Durham, Orange and Johnston Counties. In August of 2011, TMLS recorded 1978 homes sold and in August of 2012, TMLS recorded 2406 homes sold. During this same time, the average home price has increased by 3% from $226,460 to $234,039.

The Triangle is also showing strong retail gains, as well as, strong economic growth.  Durham was ranked #12 and Raleigh was ranked #32 by American City Journals index report as having one of the strongest economies in the nation.

What does this information mean to you, the buyer? It is a strong indication that the housing market in the Triangle may have bottomed out and home prices may be on the rise.  If you have been waiting for the market to hit bottom, it may have already. If you have been sitting on the fence about making a decision to purchase a home, now may be the time to make your move or you may miss the boat.

If you think you might be ready to begin the home buying process, give us a call at 919-878-1110 for a free, private consultation about how FOR HomeBUYERS, Inc. and Exclusive Buyer Only Representation can guide you around the pitfalls and help avoid costly home buying mistakes. Contact Us.