 There are so many great places to shop in Durham, NC, and if you're a shopping enthusiast like we are, you'll definitely want to stick around to check out some of Carl's favorite and most treasured, locally owned retail hot spots in Durham. These stores could have just what you're looking for, whether it's the perfect gift or something special for yourself! Please shop local in your area. Your support creates jobs and a vibrant economy in your community.  Photo credits: Discover Durham Smitten, Durham Smitten Boutique is a charming shop in Durham, NC, catering to women of all ages who embrace style with a sense of humor and sass. This boutique offers a fantastic selection of stylish clothes and accessories, making fashion fun and accessible. Looking for some outfit inspiration? Smitten Boutique goes the extra mile by providing helpful style options and pairing suggestions to help you visualize the perfect ensemble. It's the ideal place for women who want to look great and have a little fun with their wardrobe! CLICK HERE to visit this charming boutique's website and discover your next fashion piece.  Photo credits: Parker & Otis, Trip Advisor Parker & Otis, Durham Parker & Otis is a delightful café offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast, freshly made sandwiches, and expertly brewed artisanal coffees. The café also features a gourmet food and wine market, where customers can discover a curated selection of fine foods and premium wines. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or exploring the specialty market, Parker & Otis delivers a unique, quality experience for all who visit. For more information on this spectacular café, CLICK HERE to see exactly what delicious treats they have to offer.  Photo credits: Vaguely Reminiscent Vaguely Reminiscent, Durham Vaguely Reminiscent has been a beloved fixture on Ninth Street in Durham, NC, since 1982. What started in a small space with a focus on natural fiber clothing and basket-weaving supplies has since evolved into a unique boutique offering eclectic and comfortable women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. In addition to fashion, the shop also features an assortment of jewelry, fun toys, quirky socks, and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. With its ever-changing, curated collection, Vaguely Reminiscent continues to be a must-visit destination for those seeking something special and distinctive.  Photo credits: The Mugs Catalog Hometown Apparel, Durham Hometown Apparel is a family-owned, brick-and-mortar shop located in the heart of Durham, NC. Founded by a proud Bull City native, the store celebrates the experiences, culture, and stories that make Durham a special and cherished place to call home. Offering a collection of designs that reflect the city's unique spirit, Hometown Apparel also provides a wide range of custom gifts, monogramming services, and screen-printing. Whether you're looking for a keepsake or a piece that captures the essence of Durham, Hometown Apparel has something for everyone.  Photo credits: Details Details, Durham Details is a charming local shop in Durham, NC, offering a carefully curated selection of home décor, jewelry, accessories and gifts. The store provides a diverse range of items designed to add a personal touch to any living space and or fashionable outfit, with an emphasis on quality and style. Whether you're looking to enhance your home or find the perfect gift for a loved one, Details delivers a unique shopping experience. Their collection caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring that every customer can discover something special to suit their needs.  Photo credits: Merle Norman Durham Merle Norman is a family-owned business that has proudly served the Triangle area for over 60 years. Specializing in skincare and cosmetics, all of their products are made in the USA, ensuring top-quality care and beauty. In addition to their beauty offerings, Merle Norman also provides professional ear piercing services, along with a carefully curated selection of boutique gifts, apparel, and accessories. Whether you're in need of skincare advice, a fresh new look, or unique gifts, Merle Norman is dedicated to providing a personalized and exceptional shopping experience. Now that you’ve had a glimpse into some of Carl's favorite retail stores in Durham, you might want to add a few of these gems to your own list of favorites. Whether you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, stylish apparel, or a cozy café, Durham’s vibrant local businesses offer something special for everyone.
Click here to read about some of Durham, NC's best golf courses and clubs, and discover the perfect spot to tee off in this beautiful area.
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If you have plans to send out a holiday card but haven't started yet, have no fear! These helpful tips, tricks and services make it easy to send the perfect card. CLICK HERE and contact Carl. He can sell your home on a time crunch.  CLICK HERE and contact Carl. He can sell your home on a time crunch.
 The holidays are a special time to gather with loving friends and family. During this heartwarming season, your home becomes the centerpiece of joy and connection.
At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we’re dedicated to helping you find a cozy home that radiates love and warmth throughout the winter holidays. We know that buying a home during this time can feel challenging, but you're not alone in this journey. We are here to support you every step of the way, helping you achieve your real estate goals. Call us today at 919-880-0904, and let us help you find the perfect home for the holidays and beyond. The holidays are a time to reflect and show gratitude. For some, this season may bring mixed emotions, including grief from lost loved ones or the weight of challenges faced throughout the year. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we understand these complexities, and we want to offer some tips on how to embrace the holiday season, find joy in the small moments, and cultivate a sense of gratitude. Even in times of difficulty, there's always something to be thankful for. Let’s make this season one of hope, peace, and the freedom to find the good in life.  Explore the ever-evolving real estate landscape of the Crystal Coast, where each neighborhood offers a unique and captivating story of market activity. From vibrant, bustling hubs to charming, undiscovered gems, the Crystal Coast is full of opportunities waiting to be explored. Embark on a journey with us to uncover the latest trends in both residential and multi-family properties. Dive deep into the data to reveal the standout areas making waves, with dynamic sales figures and promising investment prospects.  Atlantic Beach is currently a vibrant real estate market, featuring 67 active properties and 18 new listings. With 9 properties sold, the area is maintaining steady transaction activity. What's particularly notable is the impressive average sale price of $1,147,556, showcasing the demand for high-end properties in this sought-after coastal location. This combination of new listings, active properties, and strong sale prices highlights Atlantic Beach as a dynamic and desirable market for both buyers and sellers.
Beaufort is emerging as another vibrant hub in the Crystal Coast real estate market, featuring 90 active listings and welcoming 20 new listings. With 11 sold listings, and an average sale price of $479,659, Beaufort offers a more accessible price point compared to its coastal counterparts while still maintaining strong market activity. The steady influx of new listings and competitive pricing make Beaufort an appealing destination for buyers looking for a mix of charm, accessibility, and investment potential in a growing community. Despite its smaller scale, Cape Carteret demonstrates notable resilience in the real estate market. With 8 active listings and 4 new listings, the area continues to attract interest. In November, 5 properties were successfully sold, with an average sale price of $497,600. This reflects the area's ability to maintain steady market activity, offering a balanced blend of affordable pricing and strong demand. Cape Carteret remains an appealing option for buyers seeking a quieter, yet thriving coastal community. Emerald Isle continues to maintain its appeal as a sought-after coastal destination, featuring 72 active listings and 19 new listings, along with 14 sold listings.. The area's average sale price at $881,067, reflecting the high demand for properties in this scenic locale. Emerald Isle's strong market activity and desirable location continue to captivate both buyers and sellers, highlighting the resilience and allure of the region's real estate market. Whether for a primary residence or vacation home, Emerald Isle remains a prominent and thriving hub for coastal living. Indian Beach is displaying promising real estate activity, with 27 active listings and 2 new properties entering the market. This quieter, coastal community continues to draw interest, offering potential for both buyers and investors. With a steady supply of active listings, Indian Beach remains a noteworthy location for those seeking a tranquil, yet accessible coastal retreat. The area's market momentum reflects its appeal in the broader Crystal Coast region. Morehead City demonstrates its resilience in the real estate market with 46 active listings and 20 new properties recently added. Notably, 14 properties were successfully sold, with an average sale price of $433,679. This indicates steady demand in the area, showcasing Morehead City's appeal to both buyers and sellers. The combination of a solid inventory and strong sales activity highlights the area as a stable and attractive option for those looking to invest or settle in the Crystal Coast region. Pine Knoll Shores shines brightly in the real estate market, with 24 active listings and 9 new properties entering the market. Additionally, 6 properties were successfully sold, with an average sales price of $965,417. reflecting healthy market activity in this desirable coastal community. The area's combination of new listings and steady sales showcases its ongoing appeal to buyers, making Pine Knolls Shores a notable destination for those seeking a serene and vibrant coastal lifestyle. Swansboro is showing a healthy real estate market, with 45 active listings and 15 new additions. The area also saw 12 properties successfully sold, with an average sale price of $451,042. This consistent activity reflects strong demand in Swansboro, making it an attractive option for both buyers and sellers. With a solid number of new listings and competitive pricing, Swansboro remains a dynamic and promising location in the Crystal Coast real estate landscape. The home buying or selling process can be very intricate, involving paperwork, market knowledge, and experience in handling situations as they always arise. A REALTOR® like Carl Johnson is well-versed in navigating these complexities and streamlining the journey for you. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we have an extensive network of professionals – from mortgage brokers to inspectors – ensuring a seamless process. By leveraging our trusted partners and our resources, you save time, energy, and money, allowing you to focus on your next move, which is more than enough to focus on as there is so much to do when moving. Call 919-880-0904 today to experience Carl Johnson Real Estate in Carrboro, Hillsborough, the Greater Triangle and Crystal Coast. Stay tuned to our monthly blog series, where we provide up-to-date insights and a pulse on the market, helping you make informed decisions as you navigate the Crystal Coast real estate scene. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, this series is your go-to resource for understanding the ever-changing market dynamics. CLICK here to view this month's Luxury Market Report for exclusive Real Estate market information and trending topics.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home during this year, there are a few important things to consider. While the process can feel extensive and overwhelming, as your trusted real estate professionals at Carl Johnson Real Estate, we're here to ensure that your experience is smooth and rewarding. With mortgage rates fluctuating, the market is becoming more competitive. That’s why it’s crucial to have an expert by your side to help navigate the changes and secure the opportunity. Whether you’re buying or selling, we’re dedicated to maximizing your investment and making sure you get the best value for your home. We will help you make the most out of this unique market.  Buying a new home is one of the most important and life-changing decisions you'll ever make. It's essential to take the time to carefully consider your wants and needs to ensure that your new home truly aligns with your lifestyle and future goals. Whether it’s the number of bedrooms, proximity to work or school, or outdoor space, understanding what matters most to you will help guide you toward the perfect home. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we’re here to support you every step of the way, making sure you make an informed and confident decision for your future.
Visit our blog page to read more descriptive information with some key tips on getting ready to sell your home. If you are ready to buy or sell we would love to hear from you today. Give us a call at 919-880-0904.  The Rise of Smaller Cities Across North Carolina Original Content by Carl Johnson There is no surprise to the people how live in North Carolina that it is the best place to be and the influx of people moving into the state over the years is an indicator that the world knows how special NC is. As the 9th largest state in population, North Carolina has seen the 3rd most growth in new residences, only behind the states of Texas and Florida (North Carolina’s Strong Population Growth Continues | NC OSBM). To put it into perspective, according to the NC’s Office of State Budget and Management, “on average, North Carolina gained 99,000 people from other states annually since 2020 – the equivalent of adding a little more than the population of Asheville annually” (North Carolina’s Strong Population Growth Continues | NC OSBM). We already know why everyone wants to live here - job opportunities, higher education, the great outdoors, community and more . . . but the question is where are all of these people living? Read our article below to learn about the rise of small cities across North Carolina featuring eleven key towns we love. Boom Towns We Love at a Glance Small Towns NC in order from fastest growth percentage and down based on graphs above:
Towns by the Numbers (state rank by population/growth):
 Things are Looking UP The graphics on the above charts are nothing but positive! It is truly amazing how each of these towns and cities has a positive growth in population. These are small towns, outside of the major Triangle, and they are where people are moving. Why? Not only is the commute to any major interstate close by, but all of these towns offer a community of togetherness, good education, and a little more bang for your buck when it comes to buying a home or land. The average home value in the major NC cites are: (United States Housing Market: 2024 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow)
The average home values in smaller growing NC cities are: (United States Housing Market: 2024 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow)
3 out of the 4 largest NC cities have homes that are priced above the US Typical Home Value of $360,385 (United States Housing Market: 2024 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow) where only 3 out of the 10 small cities in NC are above that price. You also, typically, get more square footage or lot size for a better value as you move into those small towns and out of the big cities. Though we are seeing the average home value increase over the year for these small towns, just as it is in the major ones as well, that is just the nature of the current market. If you are looking for a home that is close to work but don’t want to sacrifice on some other factors, we recommend expanding your search to homes in these towns and see what is available for you. North Carolina has something for everyone, you just have to find the right spot, and luckily we are here to help you, for we know all the best spots! See our website links below to learn even more details about what is it like to live in these great towns, from golfing, local events, fishing and more:  When homeowners need or desire to move, a key decision arises: should you sell the property or rent it out? Here's a look at the pros and cons of selling vs. renting out your home to help guide your decision. Pros of Selling
Cons of Selling
Pros of Renting
Cons of Renting
Both selling and renting out your home come with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The best choice ultimately depends on your financial situation, the local market, and long-term goals. If you're unsure, consulting with a real estate agent or financial advisor can help you make an informed decision. Call Carl to discuss the pros and cons 919-880-0904 and click to read about Carl  Welcome to the December 2024 Luxury Market Report, your go-to source for valuable insights into the luxury real estate market trends and data across North America. Curated by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and presented by Carl Johnson Real Estate, this report delivers comprehensive analyses of the most prestigious residential markets in both the United States and Canada. In this month's edition, we will explore key trends, pricing dynamics, and emerging opportunities within luxury real estate, offering you a snapshot of the current market conditions and predictions for the upcoming months. Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor, or industry professional, this report provides critical information to help you make informed decisions.                At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we pride ourselves on offering a seamless experience for all your luxury real estate needs. Our extensive network of trusted professionals – from mortgage brokers to inspectors – ensures that every step of your real estate journey is smooth and efficient. By leveraging our network and resources, you save valuable time, energy, and money, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your next big move.
We understand that moving can be a daunting process, but with our help, it becomes one less thing to worry about. Let us guide you through the journey with expertise and personalized service. Call 919-880-0904 to experience the Carl Johnson Real Estate difference, serving the Greater Triangle Region, and the Crystal Coast. We will help you make your next move with confidence and ease. Stay tuned for detailed market breakdowns, statistics, and expert insights into luxury real estate hotspots, emerging areas of growth, and luxury lifestyle trends that continue to shape this unique market segment. Check out this month's Greater Triangle Market report by CLICKING HERE.   In November 2024, the Triangle region experienced notable changes in the real estate market. There was a significant 24.3% increase in new listings compared to the previous month, contributing to a year-to-date rise of 17.3% in new listings. Additionally, closed sales surged by 6.5% in November, signaling a more active market. The average sales price in the region saw a modest 0.8% increase, indicating continued demand. The median sales price also saw a slight uptick, moving from an average of $399,983 to exactly $400,000. These trends suggest a stable yet growing market as we approach the end of the year.  In November 2024, Wake County saw a 10.8% increase in new listings, reflecting a growing supply of homes. Despite this, closed sales experienced a slight decline of 5.2%, indicating a possible slowdown in the pace of sales. However, the market showed resilience in terms of pricing: the median sales price rose by 4.1%, while the average sales price increased by 5.3%. These price increases suggest continued demand for properties in Wake County, even as the volume of transactions may have cooled somewhat.  In November 2024, Person County experienced a significant 29.7% decrease in new listings. Despite this drop in new listings, the real estate market has seen positive year-to-date growth in terms of pricing. The average sales price in Person County has increased by 9.6% year to date, suggesting continued demand for properties, even with fewer homes entering the market. This price increase highlights the area's overall strong market performance amid lower inventory.  In Orange County, the real estate market experienced notable shifts in November. New listings surged by 14.3%, indicating a growing supply of homes available for sale. However, closed sales saw a significant decline of 19.6%, reflecting a slowdown in the pace of transactions. Despite this, the market is showing signs of recovery, with a 9.7% increase in the median sales price, suggesting that demand is picking up and buyers are willing to pay more for properties. These mixed trends highlight a transitional period in the local market, where more inventory is becoming available, yet the volume of sales is still adjusting.  In November, Durham County saw a remarkable 37.1% increase in new listings, signaling a substantial rise in the number of homes entering the market. This boost in inventory reflects a growing supply for potential buyers. Additionally, closed sales rose by 1.5%, suggesting that despite the surge in new listings, demand remains steady, and transactions are occurring at a moderate pace. This combination of rising listings and steady sales indicates a balanced market where both buyers and sellers are active, with more options available for those in search of a home.  In Chatham County, new listings saw a notable 19.4% increase in November, indicating a rise in housing supply. Alongside this, the average sales price saw a 5.3% increase in October, bringing the average price to $816,965. This rise in both new listings and the average sales price suggests a robust market where demand is strong, and buyers are willing to pay more for properties. The increase in listings may also reflect efforts to capitalize on the rising prices, further driving activity in the county's real estate market. Did you know? Hiring a realtor can save you time and stress during the home-buying process. With their expertise in the market, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the process, they will streamline the journey in Real Estate, making the experience smoother and as hassle-free as possible.
Engaging a seasoned REALTOR like Carl Johnson, who is highly experienced in the Greater Triangle area, brings invaluable negotiation skills to the table. Whether you're buying or selling in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or elsewhere in the Greater Triangle, Carl’s deep understanding of the local market ensures you get top-tier service. Don't forget we also work at the Crystal Coast of NC. From navigating counteroffers to securing favorable terms, Carl's finesse in negotiations will significantly impact the outcome of your transaction. Trusting Carl means you have a dedicated advocate on your side, maximizing your chances of closing the deal with the best terms possible. Call 919-880-0904 or visit our site today to leverage Carl's expertise in the Greater Triangle & The Crystal Coast. |
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