Tuesday, December 18, 2012

THE TRIANGLE EXPRESSWAY-PHASE III OPENS THIS WEEK!


The Triangle Expressway – Phase III Opens this Week.  Helpful information and status on the next leg can be found right here.

Phase III of the Triangle Expressway from U.S. 64 in Apex to the N.C. 55 Bypass in Holly Springs will open Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6 a.m.  This section, called the Western Wake Freeway, is part of the Triangle Expressway (also called Route 540). 

While the road will be open to traffic, tolling on the gantries (the electronic devices that capture your license plate and/or transponder information) from U.S. 64 to N.C. 55 will not begin until Jan. 2, 2013. These gantries are located at Old U.S. 1/Salem Street, U.S. 1 and N.C. 55 Bypass.   For more information on where to get the transponders, click here:  https://www.myncquickpass.com/en/home/index.shtml

“We are proud to have completed the road ahead of schedule,” said Turnpike Authority Director David Joyner. “These three new tolling gantries will not be fully operational until Jan. 2, 2013, but the road is ready so we encourage motorists to begin using it.”

The Triangle Expressway is a toll road and all motorists are reminded that the gantries on the first two sections are fully operational. Anyone who uses the first two sections of the road will be charged either via mail or NC Quick Pass account.  For info on toll cost & other FAQ, click here:  http://www.westernwakeinfo.com/frequently_asked_questions.html

For information about the Western Wake Freeway project -- a section of the Triangle Expressway, North Carolina's first modern toll road—visit www.westernwakeinfo.com.  If you need to contact the Turnpike Authority, you can reach them at: 

NORTH CAROLINA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY
1578 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, N.C.  27699-1578
TELEPHONE: 919-571-3000    FAX:  919-571-3015

NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. Then, bookmark it to save for future reference. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.

 Source:  NC Department of Transportation


Plans are still being hotly debated on which route will be used to complete the Triangle Expressway.  This section, called the Southeast Section, would connect Holly Springs to the road’s beginning in Knightdale, thus creating an “outer loop” connecting the suburbs to RTP, Raleigh, and each other.

As I’m sure you’ve been hearing, the Federal Government has withdrawn funding for this portion as they want to use the “red” route which Garner town officials oppose as it would cut through the center of town.  I'll keep you posted with updates on outcomes and any decisions.  Here's an overview of the area under study:

This new road will have an effect on the value of your home.  If it is nearby, your home value may increase; if it is right in your backyard (or worse, eminent domain is put in effect) your home value may decrease.  You need a knowledgeable and caring real estate expert to make sure you have all the facts  you need to make an informed decision.

Have questions?  Let me know and I’ll do my best to get you the right answer: 


MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Elizabeth Scott, Realtor®, Broker
e-PRO, Strategic Pricing Specialist
Fathom Realty NC, LLC
Phone: 919.306.9699
TheSmartRealtorNC@gmail.com







Thursday, December 13, 2012

Homes Sales for November in the Triangle, NC

HOME SALES IN APEX, CARY, HOLLY SPRINGS, FUQUAY-VARINA, RALEIGH AND ALL OVER THE TRIANGLE, NC.

This November, there was a lot to be thankful for.

Home buyers were thankful for historically low mortgage rates and still-affordable prices. Sellers were thankful for increased sales, less competition and faster market times. Both parties can be thankful for the slow yet steady economic recovery.

Challenges persist, to be sure, going into 2013, but there's more reason for optimism than pessimism. Here's the scoop on home sales in our area:

   - Pending Sales Increased 24 percent to 1,833
   - New Listings Decreased 3.6 percent to 2,221
   - Inventory levels Decreased 22.9 percent to 11,887
Prices are up!
   - Median Sales Price Increased 6.5 percent to $197,574
   - Days on Market are down (again!) 12.1 percent to 114 days
   - Absorption rates improved:  Months Supply of Inventory was down 35.1 percent to 6.1 months.

 Here's what we need in order to continue our upward trend in the coming months and year ahead:
  - Better market conditions (eg, higher demand and lower supply)
  - Improved market composition (eg, lower numbers of distressed properties)
  - Jobs!  More hiring and less unemployment

On a personal note, I have much to be very grateful for.  I love helping my clients buy and sell their homes.  I love how they let me into their lives and their happiness is my happiness.  Things are much more stable now and this dream is still possible for those who are willing to work and qualify for it.  I have wonderful resources, including a credit repair specialist who can help you get in fiscal shape for 2013 for a very reasonable rate.

Ready to buy?  Ready to sell?  Things are getting busy -- call me soon!

Be Savvy...Call the Smart Realtor
Search for Homes Now


Elizabeth Scott, Realtor®, Broker
e-PRO, Strategic Pricing Specialist
The Smart RealtorFathom Realty NC, LLC
Phone: 919.306.9699

TheSmartRealtorNC@gmail.com