The Hill Barbour Home Team Real Estate Blog

Jan. 24, 2016

What's up in Burlington?

Burlington has really come a long way since I first moved here in 1999!  We may be a little city surrounded by big-time players like Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, and Winston but we are built on a base of wonderful and diverse people who are invested in making Alamance County great!   Our Parks and Rec department has worked hard to offer many fun and family-focused events throughout the year in our area.  We have a great variety of parks and outdoor music venues that are the perfect back drop for events that allow us to come together as a community.  

Next up?  Chili Cookoff at Holly Hill Mall on January 30th!

This is a good site to keep an eye on for local events: www.btowneventsnc.com

Let’s get involved in this wonderful place we call home.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home here, contact Hill Barbour Realty!

#ChooseHBR

Jan. 22, 2016

Loving Blend in Burlington!

Have you been to Blend Juice Boutique in Burlington? The shop opened late last year and serves organic, raw, cold-pressed juices, nut milks, and smoothies. They have food too: vegan snacks, salads, and oatmeal. Our favorite menu item is the Avocada-Lada Smoothie! 

blend juice boutique

Visit Blend at 3254 S Church Street in Burlington and let us know in the comments what you think! 

 

Read more about Blend here:

http://www.blendjuiceboutique.com/

http://myfox8.com/2016/01/21/meet-the-queen-of-green-in-alamance-county/

 

Need help buying or selling a home in the Burlington, Elon, or Central North Carolina area? Contact Hill Barbour Realty for your real estate needs!

April 13, 2015

Shakori Hills Music Festival - April 16-19, in Chatham County NC

If you’re searching for a music lovers’ paradise complete with a family-friendly environment, be sure to mark your calendar for The Shakori Hills Grass Roots Festival of Music and Dance to be held April 16-19 in Chatham County. Sponsored by the Finger Lakes Grass Roots Festival of Music and Dance Organisation, this event is used as a fundraiser for the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center.

Over the four day period you and your family can enjoy four different stages loaded with talented musicians from over sixty bands. You’ll find plenty of convenient parking at the festival site which is right off Henderson Tanyard Road; purchasing a weekend parking pass will be the best value especially if you plan to attend as many events as you can. In order to better plan your days http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/festival/performance-schedule to locate the times and performances of your favorite bands.

It’s also a good idea to find a site map when you arrive at the Shakori Hills Music Festival so that you can easily find the restrooms for the children, vendors for your food and beverage needs, and the ATM so that you can get additional money when you find that bargain that you just can’t live without. Keep in mind that the Festival features foot paths with no vehicles allowed for the safety and security of you and your family members attending the Festival. Another idea that you might consider if you plan to attend as many of the shows that you can is to bring your camper. Be sure to check the guidelines for camping prices and policies before you plan to bring your RV to the Festival area. This website http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/getting-here/campingvisiting-chatham-county will provide you with the details that you’ll need for a successful camping weekend.

Dancing workshops are also offered during the festival!  http://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/happenings/workshops 

We are so fortunate to have so many great live music choices in our area.  Hope to see you there!

Contact The Hill Barbour Home Team for information about moving to central North Carolina!

www.HBHTeam.com

 

 

March 23, 2015

Visit the Co-Op in Downtown Burlington!

Enjoy All-Natural, Organic, and Locally Grown Items at the Co-Op in Downtown Burlington

One of the most interesting places in downtown Burlington that you can patronize is the Co-Op where you’ll find a large selection of local produce, dairy, and meat products that are all-natural, organic, and grown locally by farmers in our area. The specialty departments feature craft beer and wines, health and wellness items, and there’s a café where you can enjoy a quick bite as you attend to your shopping needs. Whether you want a freshly made sandwich on locally made breads, a serving of their outstanding bread pudding, or a trip to the buffet you’ll find just what your taste buds need at the Co-Op.

The Co-Op’s vision was to have a grocery store and a gathering place where people could find the fresh foods and produce grown locally so that local farmers could be supported and appreciated for their hard work in the fields around Burlington. When you purchase your groceries here it helps to preserve local farms and boosts the economy of our region; it’s a great to live here and buy here from our neighbors. The Co-Op is open seven days a week, offers a hot lunch and dinner selection, and has fresh coffee and pastries every day.

The Co-Op has been able to renovate the upstairs community room which is available to you for meetings, get-togethers, parties, retreats, game nights, movie viewings, and many more activities. All you need to do is make reservations so that you can be scheduled for the exact day and time that you want. From thirty to thirty-five people can fit comfortably in the Community Room where there are tables, chairs, a flat screen plasma television and a blue ray DVD player. With advance notice the Co-Op can provide catering for your event. 

On Friday nights you can enjoy live music while on other days you can watch demonstrations and receive discounts on your purchases if you’re an owner. It’s always a good idea to review their monthly calendar so that you can get these events on your own personal calendars. In fact, you might want to visit their website at http://companyshopsmarket.coop where you can find great recipes, their event calendar, and helpful articles about natural wellness.

For an experience that takes your grocery shopping and dining to a new level, be sure to visit the Co-Op in downtown Burlington.

 

March 16, 2015

Living in Old Glencoe Mill Village in Burlington

Take a Step Back in Time at the Old Glencoe Mill Village in Burlington

Located on the banks of the Haw River you’ll find one of the most interesting and well-preserved nineteenth century industrial villages of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. The Old Glencoe Mill Village covers about 100 acres and consists of the manufacturing and commercial complex, a power and water system, and a residential and social area. 

One of the attractions that you should visit at the Old Glencoe Mill Village is the Textile Heritage Museum which was built in 1880; it highlights the textile history of our area and features old machinery from the textile industry. You can view many exhibits that will take you back to a time when life was simple but the work was hard for those trying to make a living in the textile industry. Open on Saturday and again on Sunday from 1 until 4 p.m. this is an excellent opportunity for you to teach the children in your family about the heritage of Burlington and how life was carried on in a much simpler time. The museum was once the old company store where employees could purchase things that they needed to run their households comfortably. You’ll be able to learn about cotton mills, how they prospered in the Old South, and how water-power ran the production lines and equipment quite effectively. 

Some of the exhibits that you can see in the museum are historical artifacts, wartime fashion and fabrics, pretty feed and flower sacks and how they were used by the citizens of Burlington, and old medicine bottles that have been preserved by dedicated historians. You can also see demonstrations of dyeing, weaving, circular knitting, and an old lacing machine. Your visit to this museum will truly give you a glimpse back into the good old days of Burlington.

Providing a comprehensive picture of both social and commercial life of the time period, Old Glencoe Mill Village is truly a treasure that has been restored and continues today to develop into the thriving village and workplace that it once was. Whether you want to bird watch, take a picnic and relax by the Haw River, or hike, bike, or jog along the 9-mile loop, Old Glencoe Mill Village has something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your own gear and you can canoe, kayak, or try your hand at fishing in the beautiful Haw River; the options are endless and the choices always provide you with an exciting adventure.

There are several homes listed for sale in Old Glencoe at this time.  Some of these homes are the original mill properties that have been beautifully restored.  Others are more recently built replicas.  This neighborhood offers a great community feel with many activities throughout the year that bring neighbors together.  Families with children take advantage of the new park that was built in 2012 as well as fantastic sledding hills and a safe place to Trick or Treat on Halloween.  

Contact our team of experts to learn more about living in Old Glencoe!

March 2, 2015

Why we love The Eddy in Saxapahaw NC

Visit the Eddy in Saxapahaw 

In the Old World, pubs were the center of the community where everyone felt welcome, where they could connect with the friends and neighbors, and where the food and beverage was deliciously and specially prepared. The Eddy was opened in 2010 with these same ideas in mind for the folks of Saxapahaw. The space has a meaningful and relaxing design that invites you to come, sit, and enjoy the living room feel of this unique gathering place with its cozy ambiance. 

You’ll love the fare served up at The Eddy; Delicious  and presented with pride and the greatest of care. You’ll enjoy foods that are non-GMO and antibiotic/hormone free protein dishes. By supporting local farmers, The Eddy purchases locally grown vegetables and produce so that you can experience a home-cooked taste delivered right to your table; this also helps to support the local economy by buying home-grown foods by neighboring farmers who strive to provide only the best.

With special attention being given to the table arrangement, the lighting, and the reclaimed maple flooring you’re sure to feel as if you’re in the middle of an Old Pub complete with a Coat of Arms and many repurposed objects from days gone by in historic Saxapahaw. Designed to be energy efficient by using renewable energy sources, The Eddy is an environmentally friendly establishment that welcomes you and your friends in for a tasty meal and a hearty beverage at the end of a stressful day.

Be sure to take a look at The Farm Table Room with its long crafted tables, original floor, and warm simplicity that encourages family-style meals and serves as the perfect location for private functions. When the weather cooperates you and your party can enjoy The Patio that overlooks the meandering Haw River; you’ll love the gorgeous sunsets, the fresh air, and the solar lights placed carefully on the tables so your nighttime view of the stars won’t be disturbed. This area will become your favorite spot to meet and greet friends as you begin another weekend in Saxapahaw. Finally, you may want to have a drink or enjoy a meal on The Mezzanine which is perched at the top of the Haw River Ballroom. Steeped in heritage, this room still has original paint on its walls, one of the drying vats from the old cotton mill, and a forty-four foot high ceiling that will take your breath away.

When you want a unique dining atmosphere or a historic setting for your next celebration, be sure to visit The Eddy where the food is healthy, the ambiance is comfortable, and the experience is unforgettable.

 

Feb. 23, 2015

Fun March events at Grove Winery in Gibsonville

For a World of Flavor Grown Just Around the Corner Visit Grove Winery and Vineyards in Gibsonville

If you’d enjoy a taste of the old country that’s a short drive from anywhere in the Triad or Triangle you should take a day trip to the Grove Winery and Vineyards in Gibsonville to delight your palate and excite your taste buds. The European wines found here are direct products of the Haw River Valley wine country which is gaining popularity around the region for exceptional labels of wine. The vineyards produce some of the finest grapes that are hand harvested and used to produce about 3,000 cases of premium wines yearly. 

You’ll find that the Grove wine-tasting room is open daily from noon-6 p.m. where you can taste the wines, shop for your friends and family, or simply enjoy a glass of wine as you look over Lake Cabernet. For a mere $5 you can enjoy your choice of any six wines from the daily tasting sheet along with a souvenir wineglass; no reservations are need if your party is less than ten.

One of the many events that you will enjoy at the Grove is the Wine and Song Concert Series which begins this year on March 20th featuring Jake and The Comet Conductors from East Tennessee; this very talented group was a finalist in the 2014 PBPS Blues Challenge. Be sure to get your discounted tickets in advance, reserve your table, and check the schedule for upcoming performances at the Grove.

Some of the other activities planned for March are the Food Truck Rodeo on March 8 that will feature free admission, free parking, entertainment, and locally made beer and Grove wines; you can enjoy a host of delicious foods while you get to meet and make new friends. On March 18 you can participate in a fun and casual painting class led by Bottles & Brushes at the Grove Winery; it’s a great way to express your inner creativity in a completely relaxed atmosphere. The price for participating is $35 which includes instruction, materials, and a beverage of your choice.

If you need an attractive and unique meeting location for your next event or outing you should consider scheduling it at The Grove where the staff is committed to making any celebration a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Also keep in mind that during the spring, summer, and fall months you can enjoy excursions around the grounds where the scenery is unsurpassed and the air is fresh and healthy. The Grove hosts bike rides, canoe trips, and other special events throughout the year. You’ll find riding trails, a hitching post, and sometimes even horse drawn carriage tours that give you a real glimpse of life at its finest in Gibsonville.

Remember that our team of local real estate professionals is available to answer any questions you have about living in our area! We can help you buy, sell, build, or remodel!  #HBHT

Visit Grove Winery online at http://www.grovewinery.com/

 

Feb. 16, 2015

Tips for a Successful House Hunt

Tips for Successful Home Hunting


Finding the ideal home for you and your loved ones in a new community will be a much more enjoyable task if you’re organized, do some planning before you begin your search, and set a budget within which you can work successfully.  You should begin by educating yourself about the area in which you are moving and some of the reputable realtors with whom you can partner on your quest for a new home purchase.  Contact Hilary and Brad to find out why so many buyers choose The Hill Barbour Home Team to walk them through the process.  Let’s take a look at some tips for making your home hunting experience an enjoyable and successful experience.


1. You should begin by determining the budget within which you can work to buy a new home. It is very advantageous to have a preapproval letter from your lender so that your realtor will know which homes to select for property tours.  Remember that you don’t have to spend the amount for which you qualify; an experienced realtor can find what you want for a price that is well within your budget.  If you can easily afford a payment that is just slightly above your budget, you may want to discuss with your realtor the benefits that purchasing this home would bring to the table.  Need a great lender recommendation?  Contact The Hill Barbour Home Team and we will find the right lender for your needs.


2. Once you have determined what you can afford, it’s time to choose the neighborhood in which you would like to live.  You can consider rural areas, suburban, or urban communities depending upon your personal needs and preferences; this will also depend upon the area into which you are moving or relocating.  Another factor that you will want to take into consideration is the HOA fees that you will be required to pay in some neighborhoods; be sure to check their requirements before you extend an offer on any home under the restrictions of a HOA.


3. If you have children, another important factor to consider is the school district that your children will attend.  You can ask your realtor about the staff, their commitment to excellence, and the report card for the school that your child will attend.  The Hill Barbour Home Team will verify all this information for you.


4. You may want to begin your search online and then ask your realtor about the homes that you have seen that interest you.  Be sure to get all of the information from the listing so that your realtor can find it in the MLS without any problems.  Online you can look at pictures of the home, check the amenities that accompany your purchase, and find the exact location of the home.


5. We will help you to narrow down your choices, extend an offer on the home, and negotiate an appropriate price for the home.  Using his or her expertise will be a valuable asset to have working by your side throughout the entire experience.

Posted in buying a home
Feb. 10, 2015

Choosing the Right Real Estate Professional

Partner with a Professional Realtor
Finding, extending an offer, and buying a new home is a very complex process that will require that you use a professional who can provide you with the guidance that you need to make the purchase that you want.  The professional with whom you partner can help you with contract terms, inspection requirements, financing options, negotiating the price, and the closing process; without the proper assistance you can easily make mistakes that will be costly for you and your family.


How to Find a Reputable Realtor?
Finding the right professional to work with you as you search for a new home is the first step that you should take.  Besides going to Realtor.com, you can check the open houses in your area, speak with colleagues and friends to find referrals, and get suggestions from lenders, financial planners, and attorneys in your local area.  You may want to interview a few realtors before you find one that has the experience, personality, and skill set that suits your needs the best.  Be sure to discuss their training, certification, and level of experience before you make a commitment to work with them and their agency.


What Will Your Realtor Do for You?
Once you choose the realtor with whom you want to work, you should begin to share all of the vital information that you want in a home; be sure to include the number of bedrooms, baths, and square footage that you need to live comfortably.  You should give them the status of your finances, ask them to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, and ask them if they can recommend a lending institution for you to use.  The realtor will also share the current conditions of the market with you, some of the available properties that suit your needs, and will schedule visits for you to review the property that meets your criteria.  If you are moving to a new location in another city or state, your realtor can also recommend the best healthcare facilities, professionals with whom you can make regular transactions as you run your household, and the schools to which your children will be attending and the report card of these schools.


How Will You Communicate?
Impressive realtors are tech savvy individuals who try a plethora of strategies to help you find or sell your home.  One of the most important aspects of working with a realtor is making sure that he or she will return phone calls; communication is the key to finding the right home at the price that you can afford before it moves off the market.  Let your realtor know your preferred method of contact:  can he text or twitter?  Will he send you a Facebook private message?  Do you like emails or the traditional phone call?  Inform him at the onset about how you want to be contacted.
Partnering with the perfect realtor for your housing needs will make the entire process smooth, successful, and a pleasant experience for you and your family.

Call our team for a free consultation on why so many people choose us to help them buy and sell real estate!  336-380-6024, HilaryHill@kw.com

Feb. 2, 2015

Let's get ready for home ownership!

Are You Ready for Home Ownership
Even though you may enjoy buying household items, clothing, and perhaps cars on impulse, when you are considering purchasing a new home, you must give this project a great deal of thought and some careful planning.  It doesn’t matter if this is your first home or you’re a seasoned veteran, buying a new home is both an emotional and financial decision that is a much smoother and less-stressful process if you have an experienced team of professionals to guide you every step of the way. 
Do You Really Need a New Home?
One of the first questions that you must ask yourself is why you want another home; remember that you should have an established career and be financially able to honor the financial obligations that will be required with your mortgage payments.  Is your job causing you to relocate?  Has your family outgrown your present location?  Try to get in mind that you will probably be living in this same new neighborhood about five years at least, so consider your lifestyle, the amenities that you prefer, and the close proximity to surrounding businesses, restaurants, schools, and leisure activities as you begin your search for a new home.
Can Your Finances Support a Mortgage Payment?
In order to buy a home that suits your needs, you must have excellent credit, a strong history of paying your bills on time, and a debt-to-income ratio that is acceptable by your lending institution.  Well in advance of wanting to buy a new home, you should be working to lower your debts and paying off the loans that you have so that your credit score will be higher and more attractive to your lender.  You’ll also need to have a down payment to help lower your mortgage payment or if you qualify for a no down payment loan, you’ll still need funds to cover your closing costs, the price for moving, and some earnest money to accompany the offer that you extend.
How Much House Can You Afford?
This is one of the most important questions to answer before you partner with a realtor and begin your search.  You should take into consideration insurances, maintenance on your home, and other costs associated with running your household from day to day.  A reliable realtor can take your current financial standing, calculate your income and debt ratio, and provide sound guidance about the price range of house that you can really afford.  You should be able to pay your mortgage, cover all of your other bills comfortably, and still enjoy some activities outside your home; you don’t want a payment that keeps you from enjoying those things that help you to make memories with your loved ones.
With careful thought, meticulous planning, and the help of an experienced realtor you can accurately determine if you are ready for home ownership.