What Is a Due Diligence Fee?
August 26, 2025
What is Due Diligence? In North Carolina, due diligence is the period of time after a home goes under contract when the buyer has the opportunity to fully investigate the property. During this window, the buyer can schedule inspections, review title work, confirm financing, and essentially do everything needed to make sure the house is the right fi...
Emma CarpenterBest Restaurants in Durham in 2025
August 19, 2025
Quick Bites & Casual Favorites Monuts – A must-visit for breakfast or brunch. Known for creative donuts, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and great coffee. It's a favorite stop for many of our agents. Joe Van Gogh – More than just coffee—this local roaster offers some of the best espresso drinks in town. Multiple locations make it an easy go-to. The Lo...
Emma CarpenterBest North Carolina Beaches Within a Day Trip of the Triangle
August 12, 2025
Wrightsville Beach About two hours away, Wrightsville Beach offers clean sand, solid surf, and a strong outdoor lifestyle. It’s popular with paddleboarders, kayakers, and anglers. Nearby Wilmington gives you options for dining and entertainment when you want to get off the beach. Tip: Stop for lunch at Dockside or Bluewater Grill, both overlooking ...
Emma CarpenterRaleigh vs. Charlotte: What It’s Really Like to Live in Each City
August 05, 2025
First, the Basics Raleigh is part of the Triangle (along with Durham and Chapel Hill), a region anchored by research, education, and tech. It’s home to North Carolina State University and is close to the Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the largest research hubs in the U.S. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and a major banking center, ...
Emma CarpenterTop Things to Do in Durham, NC
July 16, 2025
1. Sarah P. Duke Gardens Spanning 55 acres on Duke University's West Campus, these beautifully landscaped gardens offer walking paths, terraces, and specialty plant collections ⏤ ideal for tranquil strolls or photographing seasonal blooms. Tip: Be sure to stay updated with the Duke Gardens Garden Gateway Project as its construction will affect par...
Emma CarpenterLiving in Pittsboro: NC’s Hidden Gem
July 09, 2025
Where Exactly is Pittsboro? Location is everything, and Pittsboro offers the best of both worlds. Pittsboro sits about 30 minutes southwest of Chapel Hill and less than an hour from Raleigh and Durham, making it a hub for those who want Triangle access without city congestion. U.S. Highway 64 and U.S. 15-501 offer easy routes to all major destinati...
Emma CarpenterWhat Do HOA Fees Cover?
July 02, 2025
Homeowners Association (HOA) fees are a common part of living in a planned community, but they can raise a lot of questions—what they include, how much they are, and who decides them. Chris Hawkes, President of West & Woodall Property Management, shares key insights to help homeowners understand how these fees work and how to make the most of t...
Robyn MooringRaleigh vs. Durham: Which Triangle City is Right for You?
July 01, 2025
Overall Vibe Let’s start with feel. Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital, and it shows: planned streets, government buildings, a cleaner skyline, and a somewhat suburban pace in many neighborhoods. It’s often described as “buttoned-up” or polished. Durham, on the other hand, leans into its historic industrial roots. Known for its revitalized tobacco...
Emma Carpenter