We currently have 293 Days of Water left in Falls Lake- we are at 75.9% full. Stage 2 restrictions will be lifted when Falls Lake reaches 90% full. Please note that the number of days may not correlate to percentage of water in the lake...why? How many days of water would make the lake full?
That question cannot be determined because how the number of days is determined. The formula for number of days is based on volume of water in the lake divided by the weekly usage average. So if the usage goes down, the number of days remaining can go up or if the usage goes up the reverse will occur whether it rains or not.
Stay tuned...
Wednesday
Tuesday
Built to Scale- An Article from The News and Observer
This is a very timely article about a home built in Five Points specifically designed to stay within the current streetscape and scale of the neighborhood. This is a HOT topic in Raleigh...non-profit groups are rallying behind their respective sides (private property rights vs. neighborhood conservation) and the city council is being faced with a challenging decision. If people would concentrate on better design and use of space, like they talk about here, I think both sides would win!
Built to scale
A small bungalow turns into a roomy modern home without overwhelming its space
By Michael Wagner, Correspondent
Robert and Jennifer Barker were looking for lots of space when they bought a 1,000-square-foot bungalow in Raleigh's Five Points. But rather than tear it down and erect another cookie-cutter design, they chose to renovate and build an addition -- satisfying both their need for more room and their respect for this historic neighborhood.
Raleigh architects Brett Hautop and Chad Parker of Vernacular Studio created a spacious home that belies its quiet, streetside presence. Building off the original shotgun style bungalow, built in 1930, the house retains its original street profile with its traditional gabled roof. What's entirely new is the flat-roofed, two-story, 2,400-square-foot addition in back and the entry court that joins the two volumes into a single home.
The result is a house that is entirely modern in its aesthetic yet fits seamlessly into its surroundings. It is a powerful statement about the value of retaining the characteristics that make this neighborhood special while enjoying the benefits of contemporary living.
The house sits in the heart of Raleigh's teardown district, a swath in which developers are razing older structures and replacing them with homes three, four and even five times their size.
Read More at: http://www.newsobserver.com/371/story/960877.html
Built to scale
A small bungalow turns into a roomy modern home without overwhelming its space
By Michael Wagner, Correspondent
Robert and Jennifer Barker were looking for lots of space when they bought a 1,000-square-foot bungalow in Raleigh's Five Points. But rather than tear it down and erect another cookie-cutter design, they chose to renovate and build an addition -- satisfying both their need for more room and their respect for this historic neighborhood.
Raleigh architects Brett Hautop and Chad Parker of Vernacular Studio created a spacious home that belies its quiet, streetside presence. Building off the original shotgun style bungalow, built in 1930, the house retains its original street profile with its traditional gabled roof. What's entirely new is the flat-roofed, two-story, 2,400-square-foot addition in back and the entry court that joins the two volumes into a single home.
The result is a house that is entirely modern in its aesthetic yet fits seamlessly into its surroundings. It is a powerful statement about the value of retaining the characteristics that make this neighborhood special while enjoying the benefits of contemporary living.
The house sits in the heart of Raleigh's teardown district, a swath in which developers are razing older structures and replacing them with homes three, four and even five times their size.
Read More at: http://www.newsobserver.com/371/story/960877.html
Rain Barrels- An Easy way to Conserve Water
-From the folks at rainbarrelguide.com
Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels or other depositories is an ancient and traditional practice. Historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago in Thailand, and throughout other areas of the world after that. With the rising price of municipal water and drought restrictions now facing much of the United States during the summer months, more and more homeowners in our own modern society are turning to the harvesting of rainwater to save money and protect this precious natural resource.
It is a common belief in many parts of the world that water is an infinite resource to exploit as needed, but as the saying goes, "you don’t know the value of water until the well is running dry." This is especially true in arid parts of the U.S. where most of the municipal water comes from overstressed underground aquifers. Whereas rainwater is considered a renewable natural resource, many aquifers are being "mined," that is, communities are drawing out more water than the aquifer naturally receives to recharge it.
As drought and aquifer mining begin to call attention to an increasing water crisis, people are seeking ways minimize impact on their municipal water supplies. Rain barrels can be part of the solution. Just look outside your window the next time it rains and imagine all the water that’s running down your driveway being put to beneficial use in your home and garden!
The Freshwater Facts
To illustrate how important and how limited a resource freshwater is in our world, consider the following. More than 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only 2.5% of this supply is considered fresh water. The rest is found in the form of salt water in the oceans. Of the fresh water that exists, most is locked up in glaciers and ice caps. Water can also be found in the form of clouds and humidity in the soil. That leaves us 3/10 of 1 percent found in the form of lakes, rivers and streams. Unfortunately, much of this small amount of freshwater is in danger of drying up through desertification or becoming so contaminated that it cannot be used for human consumption. Changing our habits of water use can help to abate this growing problem.
Why Harvest Rainwater with Rain Barrels?
Besides helping the environment, an obvious reason for harvesting rainwater is to save money. Depending on the size of your house and the amount of rainfall in your area, you can collect a substantial amount of rainwater with a simple system. This extra water can have a significant impact on your water bill. The use of rainwater combined with the domestic use of grey water can further increase your savings. Even if you live in a rural area and have your own well, the fact that rainwater is a naturally soft water may be enough to justify harvesting rainwater. (Keep reading for information on how to calculate the potential volume of rainwater you can collect.)Rainwater stored in rain barrels has many uses. Some people find it mostly useful for watering their landscapes and gardens. Others find uses within the house as well. Rainwater can also be used for drinking but requires special treatment with a filtration system. Note that many cities require the filtration system for drinking water to be certified and the water to be tested on a regular basis. You do not need a filtration system for landscape uses. You can use it directly from your rain barrel on your garden.If you’re harvesting rainwater with rain barrels to use for watering your landscaping, the rainwater can help to improve the health of your gardens, lawns, and trees. Rain is a naturally soft water and devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. For this reason, plants respond very well to rainwater. After all, it’s what plants in the wild thrive on!
Rainwater from Rain Barrels Makes Your Garden Smile
Since the rain water is usually collected from the roofs of houses, it picks up very little contamination when it falls. You’ll of course want to keep your roof clean of debris and potential contaminants to maximize purity. The material your roof is made of is also important in how much contamination the water will carry (see Safe Rainwater Harvesting Catchments). The chemicals and hard water from many of our municipal water systems can produce an imbalance in the soil of your garden. Chemical fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, and drought can also disrupt the balance and harmony of the soil. This imbalance causes trees and plants to weaken and makes them more susceptible to disease.
Trees and plants have an efficient immune system that allows them to fend off diseases and other invaders as long as they have a healthy soil environment and aren't stressed by other factors such as drought. Trees and plants rely on fungus, bacteria, and nematodes to help them absorb the minerals and nutrients they need. Trees and plants depend on a fungal root system called mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae attaches itself to tree and plant root hairs and extends the root hair system.
Mycorrhizae uses some of the plant's energy, but provides the plant with minerals it can't otherwise absorb. In healthy soil, the mycorrhizae of one tree connects with mycorrhizae of other similar trees. When you look at your garden, visualize it as a vast interconnected community of trees, plants and tiny critters that live in the soil, all interacting and affecting each other. Thus, the type of water you use in your garden will affect the health of this intricate community.And speaking of community, one of the best reasons to start harvesting rainwater with rain barrels is that if you teach and encourage others to do the same, you will help to spread the culture of rainwater collection and in turn help your larger community and the environment. It is always important to remember that every living thing on the planet needs water to survive so we as humans must expand our idea of community to the plants and animals that surround us.
Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels or other depositories is an ancient and traditional practice. Historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago in Thailand, and throughout other areas of the world after that. With the rising price of municipal water and drought restrictions now facing much of the United States during the summer months, more and more homeowners in our own modern society are turning to the harvesting of rainwater to save money and protect this precious natural resource.
It is a common belief in many parts of the world that water is an infinite resource to exploit as needed, but as the saying goes, "you don’t know the value of water until the well is running dry." This is especially true in arid parts of the U.S. where most of the municipal water comes from overstressed underground aquifers. Whereas rainwater is considered a renewable natural resource, many aquifers are being "mined," that is, communities are drawing out more water than the aquifer naturally receives to recharge it.
As drought and aquifer mining begin to call attention to an increasing water crisis, people are seeking ways minimize impact on their municipal water supplies. Rain barrels can be part of the solution. Just look outside your window the next time it rains and imagine all the water that’s running down your driveway being put to beneficial use in your home and garden!
The Freshwater Facts
To illustrate how important and how limited a resource freshwater is in our world, consider the following. More than 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only 2.5% of this supply is considered fresh water. The rest is found in the form of salt water in the oceans. Of the fresh water that exists, most is locked up in glaciers and ice caps. Water can also be found in the form of clouds and humidity in the soil. That leaves us 3/10 of 1 percent found in the form of lakes, rivers and streams. Unfortunately, much of this small amount of freshwater is in danger of drying up through desertification or becoming so contaminated that it cannot be used for human consumption. Changing our habits of water use can help to abate this growing problem.
Why Harvest Rainwater with Rain Barrels?
Besides helping the environment, an obvious reason for harvesting rainwater is to save money. Depending on the size of your house and the amount of rainfall in your area, you can collect a substantial amount of rainwater with a simple system. This extra water can have a significant impact on your water bill. The use of rainwater combined with the domestic use of grey water can further increase your savings. Even if you live in a rural area and have your own well, the fact that rainwater is a naturally soft water may be enough to justify harvesting rainwater. (Keep reading for information on how to calculate the potential volume of rainwater you can collect.)Rainwater stored in rain barrels has many uses. Some people find it mostly useful for watering their landscapes and gardens. Others find uses within the house as well. Rainwater can also be used for drinking but requires special treatment with a filtration system. Note that many cities require the filtration system for drinking water to be certified and the water to be tested on a regular basis. You do not need a filtration system for landscape uses. You can use it directly from your rain barrel on your garden.If you’re harvesting rainwater with rain barrels to use for watering your landscaping, the rainwater can help to improve the health of your gardens, lawns, and trees. Rain is a naturally soft water and devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. For this reason, plants respond very well to rainwater. After all, it’s what plants in the wild thrive on!
Rainwater from Rain Barrels Makes Your Garden Smile
Since the rain water is usually collected from the roofs of houses, it picks up very little contamination when it falls. You’ll of course want to keep your roof clean of debris and potential contaminants to maximize purity. The material your roof is made of is also important in how much contamination the water will carry (see Safe Rainwater Harvesting Catchments). The chemicals and hard water from many of our municipal water systems can produce an imbalance in the soil of your garden. Chemical fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, and drought can also disrupt the balance and harmony of the soil. This imbalance causes trees and plants to weaken and makes them more susceptible to disease.
Trees and plants have an efficient immune system that allows them to fend off diseases and other invaders as long as they have a healthy soil environment and aren't stressed by other factors such as drought. Trees and plants rely on fungus, bacteria, and nematodes to help them absorb the minerals and nutrients they need. Trees and plants depend on a fungal root system called mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae attaches itself to tree and plant root hairs and extends the root hair system.
Mycorrhizae uses some of the plant's energy, but provides the plant with minerals it can't otherwise absorb. In healthy soil, the mycorrhizae of one tree connects with mycorrhizae of other similar trees. When you look at your garden, visualize it as a vast interconnected community of trees, plants and tiny critters that live in the soil, all interacting and affecting each other. Thus, the type of water you use in your garden will affect the health of this intricate community.And speaking of community, one of the best reasons to start harvesting rainwater with rain barrels is that if you teach and encourage others to do the same, you will help to spread the culture of rainwater collection and in turn help your larger community and the environment. It is always important to remember that every living thing on the planet needs water to survive so we as humans must expand our idea of community to the plants and animals that surround us.
Friday
Fed cuts rate by 1/2% ...but what about mortgages? Also Great FHA news!
So you have heard about "the Fed" "cutting rates..." but what does that mean for you as a home buyer? Here's a couple quick thoughts from Brad Arendt of CTX Mortgage on the impact of recent decisions.
*The Fed surprised everyone with a 1/2 percent rate cut - stock market rally!
*Mortgage rates actually move up following the news. Contrary to the TV news reports, mortgage rates actually rise when the Fed lowers their rate. Why? Mortgage rates hate inflation, and a Fed cut can lead to inflation.
*FHA has increased their loan limits in the Triangle....now up to $224,200 for a single family dwelling. Great news! This will help many buyers with credit challenges find a home AND a loan!
*The Fed surprised everyone with a 1/2 percent rate cut - stock market rally!
*Mortgage rates actually move up following the news. Contrary to the TV news reports, mortgage rates actually rise when the Fed lowers their rate. Why? Mortgage rates hate inflation, and a Fed cut can lead to inflation.
*FHA has increased their loan limits in the Triangle....now up to $224,200 for a single family dwelling. Great news! This will help many buyers with credit challenges find a home AND a loan!
Tuesday
To Buy or to Rent? That is the question...
...and here are some answers...
It's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. Right? After all, you build equity and get to write off your mortgage interest. And if you play your cards right, when you sell you'll be eligible for one of the best tax breaks available.
But that doesn't mean that everyone should be a homeowner. Ask someone in Florida whose house has been on the market for a year and is losing value every month...
If your move is short-term or if interest rates are high and property values deteriorating, it may be worthwhile to deal with a landlord for a while.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages if you are considering buying vs. renting.
HOME OWNERSHIP
Advantages
- Property Builds Equity
- Free to change décor/ landscaping
- Not dependant on landlord for maintenance
- Tax Benefits for interest paid on your loan
Disadvantages
- Responsible for Maintenance
- Property Taxes
- Possibility of Equity Loss
- Less “mobility” than renting
RENTING
Advantages
- Typically little or no responsibility for maintenance
- Easier to move; more “mobility”
Disadvantages
- No Tax Benefits
- No Equity Build up
- No control over rent increases
My best advice is to talk with professionals about your situation. While I believe it is smart to talk with a Realtor, it is also approproate to talk with an accountant, a lawyer, and/or financial planner about your individual goals.
It's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. Right? After all, you build equity and get to write off your mortgage interest. And if you play your cards right, when you sell you'll be eligible for one of the best tax breaks available.
But that doesn't mean that everyone should be a homeowner. Ask someone in Florida whose house has been on the market for a year and is losing value every month...
If your move is short-term or if interest rates are high and property values deteriorating, it may be worthwhile to deal with a landlord for a while.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages if you are considering buying vs. renting.
HOME OWNERSHIP
Advantages
- Property Builds Equity
- Free to change décor/ landscaping
- Not dependant on landlord for maintenance
- Tax Benefits for interest paid on your loan
Disadvantages
- Responsible for Maintenance
- Property Taxes
- Possibility of Equity Loss
- Less “mobility” than renting
RENTING
Advantages
- Typically little or no responsibility for maintenance
- Easier to move; more “mobility”
Disadvantages
- No Tax Benefits
- No Equity Build up
- No control over rent increases
My best advice is to talk with professionals about your situation. While I believe it is smart to talk with a Realtor, it is also approproate to talk with an accountant, a lawyer, and/or financial planner about your individual goals.
And the Winner is...Cameron Pond!
I recently had the privilege of selling a home in Cameron Pond, a new home neighborhood located in Cary, NC.
After looking at almost 50 homes around the Triangle, and facing a 21-day deadline to close on a home in order to avoid living in a hotel, my clients decided on a new home built by Homescape, a great local builder.
Given their tight schedule, my clients were “no nonsense” buyers; they did not want or have time for codling or sugar coating. That is exactly the treatment they received from their Cameron Pond sales team. Lynda Foster and Rick Newnham were nothing but honest, efficient, professional, and direct throughout the entire homebuying process.
Obviously every homebuyer is different. This particular buyer didn’t need the big sales pitch or the scenic tour of the community. They really didn’t need additional information on the builder’s reputation. The sales team sensed that, and just stuck to the hard facts! In my opinion they understand the real definition of customer service: know what your customers want and deliver it.
We were able to agree to the terms, get under contract, close, and move in, all within 14 calendar days!
I owe many thanks to Rick and Lynda at Cameron Pond, as well as Matt, the Homescape construction manager. Because of them, my clients had a great buying experience and now live in a beautiful new home in a wonderful community.
After looking at almost 50 homes around the Triangle, and facing a 21-day deadline to close on a home in order to avoid living in a hotel, my clients decided on a new home built by Homescape, a great local builder.
Given their tight schedule, my clients were “no nonsense” buyers; they did not want or have time for codling or sugar coating. That is exactly the treatment they received from their Cameron Pond sales team. Lynda Foster and Rick Newnham were nothing but honest, efficient, professional, and direct throughout the entire homebuying process.
Obviously every homebuyer is different. This particular buyer didn’t need the big sales pitch or the scenic tour of the community. They really didn’t need additional information on the builder’s reputation. The sales team sensed that, and just stuck to the hard facts! In my opinion they understand the real definition of customer service: know what your customers want and deliver it.
We were able to agree to the terms, get under contract, close, and move in, all within 14 calendar days!
I owe many thanks to Rick and Lynda at Cameron Pond, as well as Matt, the Homescape construction manager. Because of them, my clients had a great buying experience and now live in a beautiful new home in a wonderful community.
Thursday
Green Building
Green Building has become a hot topic lately- a buzz word. But the pratice of using more eco-friendly design and sustainable materials is here to stay! Home buyers and builders alike are paying more attention to the impact that our actions will have on future generations. New Homes and Ideas magazine is featuring an 8 part series about the practices of green building.
Check it out!
http://newhomesandideas.com/raleigh/featured/articles/BuildingGreen.html
Check it out!
http://newhomesandideas.com/raleigh/featured/articles/BuildingGreen.html
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