Bad News is GOOD NEWS for the Triangle...

Some folks may look at it like Raleigh's drop from the NUMBER ONE spot in the country to start a new business to the NUMBER THREE spot as bad news. But here in the Triangle - we say that's AWESOME NEWS!

Knocking the entrepreneurial ball out of the park in 2009 was Austin, Texas, which preceeded Baton Rouge, LA (number TWO,) and Raleigh, NC (number THREE) which the Triangle Business Journal justified Austin's move to number ONE by saying,

"Last year’s top market for entrepreneurs, Raleigh, drops to third place this year. Its five-year population increase of 22.5 percent was the best in the study group, but Raleigh couldn’t match Austin’s growth rates for jobs or small businesses." (1/20/10)

So while yes, Raliegh did drop from our previously held and most prestigious #1 spot to start a business in the entire country - we earned the #3 spot - and that's alright with us!

To read the article in it's entirety, go to the Triangle Business Journal - which, by the way is a great place to get employment information, business news and more.

Have a great week!

Got Questions about the Tax Credit???

You're not alone. Everyone has questions. But with the April 2010 deadline looming in the not too distant future - you need to get moving and figure out what you're going to do.

Here are some excellent links to the Federal Housing Tax Credit Question and Answer Pages - brought to us by the National Association of Home Builders. Within these links you will find answers to Frequently Asked Questions concerning the $8,000 first-time home buyer principal residence tax credit; $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credit; as well as information on special rules that apply to military personnel:

Frequently asked questions about the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

Frequently asked questions about the $6,500 tax credit for repeat home buyers.

Some key points for prospective home buyers.

Special rules that apply to members of the military, the foreign service and the intelligence community.

Still got questions? Give us a call. Let us help you figure out what all of this means for you and your family. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

If you are even thinking about making a move to North Carolina -- now is the time. Put some of this Federal Tax Money to work for YOU!

Visit our Carolina Pines Realty Website where you can search for homes with no passwords. Just click on the Dream Home Finder, enter your criteria (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price range, etc.) and there you can view tens of thousands of listings in our Multiple Listing Service.

Let us help you make your dream of owning a beautiful home in North Carolina become a reality!

Have a great week.

Blaise & Cathie

NEW YEAR, NEW DECADE.... NEW HOME!

Happy New Year.

2010!

Can you believe we are starting a new decade? We sure can't.

The older we get, the quicker time passes. And the quicker time passes - the less we should procrastinate in making our dreams come true.

What are your plans for 2010? Are you still thinking of relocating? Are you still longing for a better quality of your life for you and your family?

If you are like many people - the answer is YES. Now more than ever.

It seems that with the downturn of the economy, many people are re-focusing their attention and their lives. While the past decade was in many ways, one of decadence - it appears that this next decade, for many - is going to be one of sustenance.

We have heard (at least in our neck of the woods) that the economy is turning around. Home sales are increasing, foreclosures are in the process of decreasing, and things are starting to move again in the real estate market. While we are not yet getting too excited - I will say that we have notice small fissures in the ice. Houses that we've had sitting on the market for a good amount of time - are finally starting to move - but not without alot of sweating. And while lenders have tightened their belts a bit - there is still plenty of money out there to be lent and a good lender can sure help the process to be less stressful and successful.

People are starting to wake up from their hibernation and are begining to make inquiries - of banks, of mortgage brokers and of real estate agents. THIS is a positive sign - one we have noticed by the number of calls that are coming into our office from out-of-state buyers.

With the extension now of the home buyers tax credit to April, 2010 - there is still plenty of time for you to take advantage of not only the tax credit, but low interest rates, and some outstanding home values - particularly in this area.

Let's talk about your options and what you can expect along the road to making your dream of moving to North Carolina -- a reality. We know you have tons of questions -- and we're here to help.

Happy New Year!

Let's Make 2010 the year you finally make your MOVE to beautiful North Carolina.

Blaise & Cathie

Whole Grain Cranberry Muffins

These healthy and absolutely YUMMY muffins, are loaded with cranberries and nuts and flavored with orange are 100% whole-grain -- and they taste AMAZING!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour or White Whole Wheat Flour

3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1/4 cup buttermilk powder or nonfat dry milk

2/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries,*

chopped1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated orange peel)

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

Glaze 2 tablespoons orange juice AND 3 tablespoons sugar

For sweeter muffins you can substitute 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (but those have added sugar!)

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then stir in the cranberries and nuts. Whisk together the orange zest, eggs, milk, and oil or melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until blended; don't beat, or your muffins will be tough! Fill 12 greased muffin cups or paper liners about 3/4 full.Bake the muffins in a preheated 350°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until they're golden brown. Remove them from the oven, leave them in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack.In a small saucepan or the microwave, stir together the glaze ingredients. Bring just to a boil, to dissolve the sugar. Dip the tops of the warm muffins into the glaze. Yield: 12 muffins.

You can make these ahead and heat them up in the microwave, or get up before the kids and serve 'em up fresh out of the oven. These tasty guys are the perfect wholesome breakfast on the cold Carolina mornings we've been having around here. It's been in the low, low 20's lately when we rise and shine!

Do try these when you get the chance.

Keep Warm!