Chapel Hill Durham Real Estate

Many have the desire to “Go Green” to benefit the environment.  The kitchen is a great place to start.  You don’t have to completely remodel your kitchen.  Start small!  You will be amazed how you can make a difference with some of these tips to help green your kitchen:

Use biodegradable garbage bags.

Use recycled paper products - napkins & paper towels.  

Choose cleaning supplies with organic ingredients.  Save time standing in line at the supermarket and make your own chemical-free cleaning supplies! 

• Dissenfectants can be made from essential oils - use 1/2 teaspoon of lavendar, thyme, eucalyptus, or tee tree oil mixed with distilled water and put in a garden sprayer.
• For windows, mix 1/3 liquid castile soap or other liquid vegetable based soap, 3 tablespoons white or cider vinegar with 2 cups of water
• To kill mold, use full strength vinegar
• Clean musty smelling cutting boards with sliced lemons
• Lemon juice can dissolve soap residue and help with hard water stains
• Use washing soda to cut grease and clean tile (don’t use on aluminum) 
• To keep drains clear, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain then slowly pour at least 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain, continue adding vinegar until you don’t hear the fizz sounds  … kids love the fizzy noises and foam
• For greasy no-wax floors, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup washing soda, 1 tablespoon vegetable based liquid soap and 2 gallons of hot water and stir well to dissolve washing soda, then mop as usual
• Clean Wood floors with a damp mop - make sure to wring out mop well as water can warp the wood - then dry with towel; for scuff marks, use a sprinkle of baking soda with a damp sponge and rub

If an appliance breaks and needs to be replaced, for these larger purchases, do your research and look for Energy Star efficient appliances.  Consider that larger appliances will use more energy.

If you are intersted in buying or selling a home in the Triangle Area or in Orange, Chatham, Durham or Alamance Counties, have experience on your side! Visit www.GreatTriangleHomes.com to begin your home search and to learn more about The Shuping Advantage Team. Ask us about ”Green Homes”!

G. Crabtree Home Building
What Makes Our Homes Green
 Lot Design: Preparation and Development

Not only are the days getting longer, but they’re also getting warmer. You know what that means. It is time to start beautifying your yard! Here are a few simple ideas to get you thinking about how to start.

1. Design a plan for your yard that will work for all seasons. For example, your design should include plants that will provide gorgeous greenery in the spring, beautiful blooms in summer (maybe even a small vegetable garden), fabulous fall colors, and some evergreens to make winter not so white.

2. Layer your flower beds in rows, tallest plants in the back, shortest in the front. This way you get the most beauty, even in a small space. Also try to use repetition in your yard, meaning the same layers in different areas of the yard tying everything together.

3. You can also use ‘hardscaping’ tools like bird baths, stone paths, or Arbor Arches for interesting details.

4. Great landscape designs are anchored by focal points. One of the most peaceful focal points are water features. Water features are not only visually appealing, but emit soothing sounds. You can use pre-formed rigid plastic liners, durable pumps, flexible tubing and cheap fountains, they’re also a lot easier to install than you think.

5. Don’t forget about texture and color. Be sure to have varying forms of plants that not only vary in texture, but vary in color as well.

6. For folks in dryer areas, look into drought-tolerant plants that can grow even in poor soils. Click here for a site that has a list of some gorgeous drought-tolerant plants.

7. Make your life simpler by selecting plants that require little to no maintenance.
Every yard, big and small, can be gorgeous with the right tools and tricks. Getting out into the sunshine is a great way to beat the blah winter days, relieve stress, and get in some exercise at the same time. Landscaping should be fun, even the kids can help in the simpler projects.

Having a beautiful yard is especially important when trying to sell a home. Visit Great Triangle Homes online today to see how The Shuping Advantage Team can help your sell your home and/or buy a new one! With all of their expertise and education, The Shuping Advantage Team will help you every step of the way in buying and/or selling a home.

A new home community in Durham is offering homes starting from the low $200,000. Built by the 2006 Builder of the Year, Olde South Homes, Inc., these homes are sure to catch your eye.

Some of the included special features are:

• Fiberglass Shingles with 20 year manufacturer warranty
• 10′ x 10′ wood deck
• 9ft smooth ceilings on 1st floor
• Direct vent fireplace with gas logs, mantle, slate surround and hearth
• Installed security system
• GE appliances in choice of colors (Self Cleaning oven and range hood, Dishwasher, and Garbage Disposal)
• Luxury bath in owner’s suite includes tub and separate shower
• Water saver toilets
• Comfortable dual zone gas heat and central air

With 9 different models ranging from 1690-2325 square feet, you can find the perfect home for you!

Have an experienced Real Estate professional on your side to guide you through the home buying process with this new exciting community.  With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping and Wilma Gunnesch will save you time and money with your real estate needs!  Visit Great Triangle Homes online http://www.greattrianglehomes.com to learn more about The Shuping Adavantage Team.

If you have children between the ages of 5 and 18 attending public schools or are relocating to Chapel Hill-Carrboro area, you may want to check out the local public school information. By clicking on this link, you will find the most up-to-date information regarding Academics, Family Resources, Student Resources, and much more.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is one of two public school systems in Orange County, N.C. Located near University of North Carolina and the world renowned Research Triangle Park, they serve a community with one of the highest educated populations in America. The CHCCS district operates three high schools, four middle schools and nine elementary schools which serve more than 10,000 students.

If you’re looking for an educational way to satisfy your child’s’ scientific curiosity The Moorehead Planetarium is the place to go.  Without question, this Science 360 and Science LIVE demonstrations are unbeatable.

One of the longest running shows, Carolina Skies, is just magnificent. Viewers learn how to spot the planets and stars currently making up the night sky and how to find the cardinal directions using celestial signposts. One will also learn the constellations and the ancient myths that string together their component stars. Other shows include “Destination space”, “Earth, Moon, and Sun”,  “Extinction”, “Extreme Weather”, and “Life in the Universe” and are fun and educational!

Current exhibits now showing at the planetarium are “Ancient Carolinians” and “Zoom In: Science at the Extremes”.

Typical Hours for the Moorehead Planetarium are:

Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm and 6:30pm-9pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm

Admission prices typically are $6 for adults, $5 for children, and FREE for members!

For a special web offer for $1 off admission, please click here.

For updates on shows, show times, admission costs, and current exhibits please visit the Moorehead Planetarium online!

As promised, here are more ways to Keep your identity safe!

• When choosing computer passwords, use a combination of numbers and letters that cannot be tied to your personal information, i.e. birthday, parts of your social security number, etc.
• Be mindful of those around you when entering PIN (personal identification number) into ATM’s (automated teller machines) and when giving out personal information on the phone.
• Consider using a post office box to receive financial or other confidential documents.
• Compile a list of your important account numbers and the phone number to call in case of loss or theft. Store this list safely in a locked box or file cabinet.
• Beware of anyone asking for your personal information via email or phone if you did not make the initial contact. Usually, reputable companies will not solicit your information in this way.

The one thing that most people think will never happen to them, but CAN happen is Identity Theft.

There are some great ways to avoid it, however, and here I will list a few:

• Consistently check your credit reports for inaccuracies and unanticipated activity, as well as regularly reviewing bank and credit card statements for unexpected transactions and late arrivals.
• Shred items like credit card slips, bank statements, credit applications or any other document containing personal information, before you throw it away.
• Before entering your credit card number or personal infromation online, make sure you are on a secure web page. Some indications of a secure site include the padlock symbol or https in the address bar.
• Protect your family! Remind children and young adults not to share passwords or give out personal information. Check bank statements and watch for credit applications that come in your minor children’s names.
• Do not carry your social security card with you or have other confidential information, such as your driver’s license number, printed on identification cards or checks.

More ways to keep your identity your own coming soon. Keep an eye out for Avoid Identity Theft Part 2!

A sparkling new neighborhood located near The Streets at Southpoint Mall in Durham and adjacent to Herndon Park and the American Tobacco Trail awaits your arrival. Brand-new homes starting from the low $300,000s offers outstanding features at no additional costs. Thousands of customizing options are available to fit your unique style. Amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, Resident’s Club, multipurpose courts, playground, and walking trails will be completed Spring of 2009! 

The home of your dreams, the time of your life!

Have an experienced Real Estate professional on your side to guide you through the home buying process with this new exciting community.  With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping and Wilma Gunnesch will save you time and money with your real estate needs!  Contact us for more information on this exciting new subdivision.  Visit Great Triangle Homes online http://www.greattrianglehomes.com to learn more about The Shuping Adavantage Team. 

Who knew that the concrete we walk and drive on could be beautiful enough to include inside our homes.

Concrete has a new look nowadays and can be quite versatile. For those building or remodeling, concrete proves to be an available, organic, and economic resource. Its anti-bacterial properties as well as its heat resistance makes this resource very valuable. Concrete can be mixed in any array of colors to coordinate with your space. The moldable qualities enable you to create almost any size and shape. You can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. You can also add objects to the mix to create more interest. Specialty sealers can be added to the counter tops to give them a highly polished look comparable to the most exquisite marble.The possibilities for creative expression are endless.

Of course, concrete is wonderful for many projects around the home including fireplace surrounds, outdoor furniture, and decorative flooring.

For more information on concrete counter tops and other projects, visit Concrete Network online.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a property in the Triangle Area, have an experienced Real Estate professional on your side.  With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping and Wilma Gunnesch will save you time and money with your real estate needs!  Visit Great Triangle Homes online http://www.greattrianglehomes.com to learn more about The Shuping Adavantage Team.