Neighborly: New Wake County Program for Home Weatherization

One of the many benefits of being a Realtor(R) is that we have the opportunity to serve as a reliable source of information for homeowners - before, during, and after their purchases or sales. If you have a friend, family members, or neighbor who may benefit from this information, please pass it along!

New Wake County Program Weatherizing their Homes May Qualify for Referral to a New Wake County Program

Source: Town of Garner

The Town of Garner is now referring homeowners to the Wake County Weatherization Program. The Wake County Weatherization Program is designed to make your home more energy-efficient, which will lower your heating and cooling bills and make your home a safer and healthier place to be.

This weatherization program is available to residents that meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Wake County Resident
- Must be a Homeowner or Renter (with landlord approval)
- Must be a U.S. Resident
- Live in a single family home, mobile home, or certain multi-family dwelling (within program guidelines)

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a free program that reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Low-income households typically spend 17% of their total income in energy vs. 4% for other households, which forces low-income families to
choose between heat and other necessities.

Thousands of Wake County homeowners and renters qualify to have their single-family homes, mobile homes and certain multi-family dwellings (for which special guidelines apply) weatherized, as part of an increased effort to help control energy use and cut bills.

There is no age limit to participate in the program but applicants must qualify based on their income. Please review the following income scale to determine if you qualify for this program.

Residents Income
1 $21,660
2 $29,140
3 $36,620
4 $44,100
5 $51,580
6 $59,060
7 $66,540
…add $7,480 for each additional household member

If you believe you or someone you know may qualify for this program, please contact Reginald Buie, Neighborhood Improvement Manager at (919) 773-4446 or by email at rbuie@garnernc.gov for additional information.

If you are not a Town of Garner resident, contact Ms. Janet Harrison, Weatherization Outreach Coordinator at (919) 630-7240 or the Wake County Weatherization Assistance Program directly at 1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27609 or by phone at (919) 713-1570.

A Quick Holiday Update from the Community Service Committee

Just received this great email from our RRAR membership committees organizer, Priscilla, who keeps the Community Service committee rockin' and rollin' for its members between events and meetings. (You'll see my CliffsNotes(R) in [brackets] in case you need a refresher on the projects we've been working on this season.)
Just wanted to pass along some terrific news.

All of the angels [Angel Tree gift drive for local children!] have been spoken for and will receive gifts on Christmas morning. We had approximately 50 angels left as of last Tuesday so I went on a shopping adventure during Thanksgiving break. The RRAR staff and I wrapped all of the gifts today.

Once I receive budget tallies from accounting, I will send an email detailing any additional [leftover cash from our annual budget] contribution we make to Inter-Faith [food shuttle].

I will also send an email noting how many boxes are shipped to the USO [donation drive of toiletries and other daily needs for our soldiers serving overseas!] once we box them tomorrow.

Lastly, because of our continued participation and support of The Shepherd’s Table and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, the Realtor® Foundation of the Triangle (RRAR’s Foundation) will be donating $4,000 to each organization next Wednesday. At the last Board meeting, they reviewed different organizations supported by the various committees at RRAR and those were 2 of the 3 selected to receive donations.Nothing like a little cheery news to start off the month of December!

RRAR Community Service Committee Update: November 2009

Just a few quick updates from the RRAR Community Service Committee!

Support the Troops
The Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® will host another “Support the Troops” donation drive November 1st – 23rd. Because of your support, the drive held in June was a huge success. We sent more than 500 pounds of donated items to the largest USO distribution center in Baghdad. With your dedication, we can make this holiday drive even more successful. You can show your support to our soldiers by making a simple donation. For a complete list of requested donations, please visit www.rrar.com/rrar-events.html. The need is especially great for rags, hand sanitizer, chapstick and small bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Drop off your donations at the Board (directions) now through November 23rd and we’ll ship the items just in time for the holidays.

Project Angel Tree 2009
The holidays are quickly approaching and you can help put a smile on a child’s face by participating in Project Angel Tree 2009. The RRAR Community Service Committee is proud to sponsor this initiative, which provides gifts to children who would otherwise go without. If you would like to participate, please contact Priscilla Erwin at priscillae@rrar.com. For more information, please visit www.rrar.com/rrar-events.html.


Do these events sound right up your alley?
Looking for a few fun ways to "pay it forward?

Join the Community Service Committee!
The Community Service Committee is dedicated to making positive contributions to the community through a collective effort of service to charitable organizations. If you would like more information on how to join or to obtain information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, please contact Priscilla Erwin at priscillae@rrar.com.

RRAR CS Committee: Project Hope Update

Just wanted to send a quick "Thank you!" to everyone who was so kind as to pick up donations for Hope Charter Elementary School.

Here's a little update from Priscilla Erwin, the RRAR Member Services Associate who coordinated the project for us:All of the food and snacks collected during the Project Hope Food Drive were delivered yesterday to Hope Elementary. Melinda, our contact person, was in tears when she saw the donations and learned of the fact we were donating a $1000 to support their efforts. Thank you so much for your support and for encouraging others to participate.

If you would like to see the pictures from yesterday, please visit http://picasaweb.google.com/ncsulilwolf/20090928RRARCSProjectHope?feat=directlink. At one point, the children were having a blast taking pictures so that’s why you’ll notice a picture of bananas. The pictures will be on the RRAR Facebook page by this afternoon.

Again, many thanks! Hope Elementary was extremely grateful for the support and stated the food and snacks collected will last them throughout the end of the school year!
Here is a link to the pictures if you'd like to check them out! We had a great time... the kids were a SUPER fun bunch!

What really amazed me was how much the school is able to do with what they have. They told us that the snacks provided will last them an entire year... a YEAR! Can you imagine?

RRAR Community Service Committee Update: September 2009

Resources for Seniors
Two weekends ago, volunteers from the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtor's Community Service Committee (plus extra volunteers from their respective offices and families) split up into two teams and headed out into North Raleigh and Wendell to build ramps for two very deserving senior citizens in our area.

The CS Committee partners with Resources for Seniors to assist in accessibility projects, helping local seniors make the adjustments needed with age, allowing them to stay in their own homes... a goal that as you can imagine, we Realtors hold close to our hearts.

Click here to see some of the pictures from the Wendell build!


Project Hope Food & Snack Drive
September 1st – 25th

The Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® Community Service Committee needs your help to stock the pantry and prevent hunger at Hope Elementary.

Hope Elementary is a charter school in Raleigh providing education for at-risk urban children. 99% of the students attending Hope are living below poverty and most do not receive adequate meals at home.

Hope Elementary provides after school care and camps during track out weeks at little or no cost to the families. They are in desperate need of non-perishable foods and snacks to aid these programs.


REQUESTED DONATIONS
· Juice Boxes
· Water Bottles ( ½ Pint Sized)
· Granola Bars
· Fruit Snacks
· Crackers (Individual Variety Packs)
· Chips (Individual Variety Packs)
· Cookies (Individual Variety Packs)
· Canned Goods (Peanut Butter, Vegetables, Spaghetti O’s)

During your next grocery trip, please consider picking up an extra item to support PROJECT HOPE. For a list of requested donations and drop-off locations, please visit http://www.rrar.com/rrar-events.html or click here to download the PDF.

If you can't get by any of the drop-off locations in Raleigh or Cary, feel free to drop us a note and we'll be glad to pick up any donations from you!

Volunteer Opportunity: Resources for Seniors Building Project

Click here for a printer-friendly PDF that you can pass around (even by email - no printing necessary) to anyone who might be interested!

Contact Priscilla directly - her info is listed on the event graphic/pdf - if you can help in any way.

Why I <3 the FHA

Sure, they won't give you 120% financing and an interest-only loan, but maybe that's why in the last year they've jumped from a market share of 6% to financing 23% of all new loans that have originated since the federal government stepped in to lend a hand in housing recovery.

And that's exactly why I love the FHA!

The FHA and Homes4NC are probably two of the most important resources for home buyers, especially FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.

If you're interested in learning more about how these programs affect you, take a look at some of these online resources from each agency:
The Federal Housing Administration
HUD (the authority that FHA is created under) in North Carolina
Homes4NC.org

And finally, here is the USA Today article that prompted my thought for this post: FHA on track for busiest year as it backs 23% of mortgages.

If you have any questions, or would just like to know more about how each of these programs can help you purchase a home that you make your very own, just ask!

Real Estate Word of the Day: Due Diligence

Word of the Day, well... it might be Word of the Week (probably the later), but let's see how well we can keep up with this mini-feature and how much folks like it and find it useful.

Today's feature: Due Diligence.

In the financial world, it's defined by dictionary.com as:"1. An investigation or audit of a potential investment. Due diligence serves to confirm all material facts in regards to a sale.

2. Generally, due diligence refers to the care a reasonable person should take before entering in an agreement or transaction with another party."
In the real estate world, it's mostly used in conjunction with what we brokers owe the client - loyalty, obedience, accounting, disclosure, etc. It is also defined by dictionary.com as:"2. Due diligence is essentially a way of preventing unnecessary harm to either party involved in a transaction."
Learn something new every day, right?

Fair Housing Hearing Board Launches Educational Campaign

From the City of Raleigh's eNewsletter:

The City of Raleigh Fair Housing Hearing Board and Capital Area Transit (CAT) will kick off a Fair Housing educational and outreach campaign at a joint ceremony on Monday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the Moore Square Transit Station. The event is open to the public.

The theme of the campaign is “Know Your Fair Housing Rights!”

In collaboration with CAT and the City of Raleigh Community Services and Community development departments, the Fair Housing Hearing Board has produced placards promoting the campaign. The placards, written in English and Spanish, will be visible on all CAT buses. Attending Monday's campaign kickoff event will be Fair Housing Hearing Board Chair Octavia Raney, City officials and representatives from partnering agencies.

Through education and information, the Fair Housing Hearing Board is responsible for helping to safeguard all individuals within Raleigh from discrimination in housing opportunities.

For more information about the Fair Housing Hearing Board and Monday’s campaign kickoff event, contact Tyrone Lindsey at the City of Raleigh Community Services Department, 996-6100.

CSS Announces Online Showing Confirmation for Sellers

Central Showing Service (the group that coordinates Triangle real estate showings) just announced today that sellers will be able to confirm showing appointments for their homes online. The new feature will be online starting June 10th.

Hope that makes life a little easier for some of y'all :-)

It's Official: Using the $8,000 Tax Credit Toward Closing Costs

Via email from the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors:Friday - May 29th, 2009

It's official!
Tax Credit Can Be Used on Downpayment/Closing Costs

FHA-approved lenders received the go-ahead to develop bridge-loan products that enable first-time buyers to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront, according to eagerly awaited guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on so-called home buyer tax credit loans that was released today.
Read up on more information online from Realtor(R) magazine and let us know if you have any questions!

*FHA is still requiring a 3.5% down payment, but the $8,000 benefit can be applied toward closing costs. (Source: NC Association of Realtors blog.)

Reporting from Greensboro

I'm really excited to let you all know that I'm posting this from the beautiful Grandover area in Greensboro, NC today at the NC Association of Realtors HQ.

Why am I out of the Triangle market you may ask?

Because for the next two days, I will be completing the Core Course requirements for my very first (and might I add, VERY COOL) broker designation - the Green Designation!

I can't wait to post again later this evening or first thing tomorrow about the first day of training and just what kind of sustainable practices and real estate practices that I learn about!

Stay tuned :-)


{Image: NC Association of Realtors website}

Honest to Goodness Truth

"Home is an invention on which no one has yet improved." - Ann Douglas

Thanks to @StanPacHomesRaleigh on twitter for that one!

If you'd like to take a look at any of their local communities, please let us know. We'd be glad to navigate you through their many locations, designs, and options!

A Reprieve for the Guilty

Quick Update: The City of Raleigh has extended the rental property registration date to May 15th.

Read the full news release here.



Related Posts: 2/15/09 - FYI for Rental Property Owners

Going Green Could Get Easier

In honor of Earth Day, I thought I'd offer some info on making your home as efficient as possible. It's a great chance to not only help protect our environment, but also save you a little money, too!

Progress Energy Will Offer Solar Benefit

-Progress Energy's residential customers may soon receive $1,000 to help pay to install solar water heaters in their homes.

-The Raleigh-based electric utility will offer the incentives to 150 people throughout its service area in the state as part of a pilot project. Progress will run the pilot program for two years to measure its effectiveness in achieving energy savings. The company will also assess whether the amount of the incentive attracts participants.

-If the program is deemed successful, Progress could offer the benefit to all its customers in the state.

-A typical solar water heater can cost about $7,000, compared to a conventional water heater that costs $1,000 or less. Solar water heaters rely primarily on free sunshine as an energy source, and use electricity or natural gas as a backup source of power, and with incentive programs can pay for themselves in five to seven years.

-The utility incentive, along with a tax credits from the state and federal governments, can cut the cost of a solar water heater by more than half.Be sure to keep an eye on headlines over the next few years as I'm sure they'll be offering updates (especially if they achieve a good amount of success) about this program. I'll definitely post updates here, as well.

Until it becomes commonplace and practical to completely convert your home's infrastructure, take a few minutes to complete the EPA's analysis of you and your home's carbon footprint. At the end, there is a great tool that helps estimate (in yearly dollar savings) how small changes (such as changing your overnight temperature by 1 or 2 degrees) can affect not only your carbon footprint but your bottom line, too!

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Upcoming Green Home Workshop in Cary

This came across my email inbox this morning via Chix... looks like a great (and affordable!) opportunity for home owners to gain some realistic insight and ideas for making our homes more green and sustainable.

There's a really good, informative, timely workshop coming up in Cary on 4/21/09 called Living & Working Green: Affordable Strategies for Your Home. It's being hosted/sponsored by Design & Environmental Analysis, LLC (http://www.dea-llc.net), and presented by SolarPlex-US (http://www.solarplex-us.com), which is a a nonprofit organization stewarding the resources for environmental accountability.

Here's the info:
Tuesday, April 21st, 5:30-8:00pm
BNC, 649 Walnut St, Cary, NC

Are you interested in how to reduce your home's carbon footprint & be more environmentally responsible - possibly using renewable energies - but have no idea how to get started, who to talk to, what's the best game plan (even how to create a game plan), how much it really costs (as well as how long does it take to recoup the cost), & how the new TAX CREDITS could apply to you?

This seminar will cover all of these topics, & how just about EVERY homeowner REALLY CAN afford to move in to that direction!

Cost: $10

For more information, see the attached flyer, and the Website: http://www.dea-llc.net/newsevents

Business Networking Center
649 Walnut Street
Cary, NC 27511
919.342.5251
www.i-BNC.comI've been added to my "Raleigh & More" Google calendar if anyone would like to have a nice reminder of this event, you can add it to yours, too.

Curb Appeal without Breaking the Bank

Here in Raleigh, there's a slight chill in the air but the sun is shining and it's Friday afternoon!

If your weekend plans over the next might include adding some shine to your property with a bit of curb appeal improvements, here are some nice local opportunities to keep your budget in check.

The following class can be a great project starter, if you need some inspiration:Free/$5 Seminar - Maintaining a Beautiful, Low-Input Lawn in 2009
Rich Cooper, Ph.D., Professor - Crop Science Department
NC State University

April 2, 2009 (Thursday) – 7:30pm until 9:00pm

Rich Cooper will discuss ideas for maintaining your lawn this season with an eye toward reduced watering, mowing, and other maintenance inputs. Suggestions for proper species selection in North Carolina will also be discussed. Come with your questions and leave with the answers!

Cost: Free for Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum members, NC State University students (with ID), and Department of Horticultural Science faculty and staff, all others $5.00.

Registration: Advanced registration is not available.

Location: Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Directions: Need directions? Click here.

Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Download the informational PDF here!
And once your're ready to start on your projects, save some money on mulch thanks to the City of Raleigh:From the City of Raleigh eNewsletter
City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center Offers Special Pricing on Mulch

The City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center is offering mulch and leaf mulch with a special buy-one-get-one coupon.

Customers to the Yard Waste Center that purchase a pickup truck load of mulch or leaf mulch and present the coupon may return for a free load the same day. A pick up truck load is approximately 2 ½ yards. Compost and wood chips and colored mulch are not a part of this offer. The purchased and free loads must be picked up on the same day. The special offer expires May 1.

Coupons are available in the Home and Garden section of the News and Observer on eight consecutive Saturdays starting March 7. Coupons also are available at the City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center, 900 New Hope Road. The Yard Waste Center is open Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Adding two to three inches of mulch around trees or shrubs reduces water loss from the soil by evaporation. A layer of mulch serves as an insulator that moderates the soil temperature during intensely hot days. Mulch can prevent crust from forming on the soil surface, which improves the ability of water to percolate into the soil. Mulch suppresses weeds, and can help gardeners reduce their use of herbicides. Natural mulch, such as that made from yard waste, adds nutrients to the soil as it decays. Proper application of mulch can help homeowners save money and protect surface waters by reducing use of chemical fertilizers.

For any questions or for more information, call the City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center at 250-2728.Feel free to share any of your local resources, too!

Questions About the Federal Housing Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers?

Do you have any questions about the Federal Housing Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers program?

Courtesy of our broker-in-charge, Nathan Becker, here's a link to an informational website (which includes FAQs) from the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders).

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html

Be sure to let us know how we can help you take advantage of this opportunity!

FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act

Just yesterday all members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) received the following email:President Barack Obama signed H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, into law today. In doing so, he ended our nearly eight-year battle to preserve the separation between banking and commerce.

Specifically, this new law permanently bans large national banking conglomerates from entering the real estate business by preventing the Treasury and Federal Reserve, by rule, order, or any other way, from opening the door to such activities.This is a major conclusion which many of us believe will ultimately help preserve the distinction between both the real estate and financial sectors and the relationships that banks and creditors provide for buyers and sellers - ultimately protecting consumers and areas of these industries that affect the US economy.

For more information and to take a look at the informative answers to many frequently asked questions (FAQs), visit the NAR's online reference on banks and commerce here.

First-Time Home Buyer Credit

For Buyers: Please take a moment to review these great points from First Citizens Mortgage Services regarding the First-Time Home Buyer Credit. Feel free to pass this information along to anyone who may find it useful.Key Points: First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
* This credit is available to homebuyers who purchase a home before December 1, 2009.

* In an effort to make the effects of the credit felt quickly in the economy, homebuyers can claim the credit either on their 2009 tax return or immediately on the 2008 return due in April.

* The tax credit represents 10 percent of the purchase price of a home up to a maximum of $8,000 ($4,000 for married taxpayers filing separate returns).

* The credit does have to be repaid if the homeowner sells the home in less than 36 months or if the home ceases to be his principal residence during that time.

* For the purpose of this credit, a first time homeowner is defined as one who has not owned a home for the 36 months ending on the date of purchase.

* The credit is available to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000 or $150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly. Above those income levels the credit is phased out gradually.


* Homeowners who purchased a house between April 8 and December 31, 2008 are not eligible for the new credit. They are covered by the earlier legislation and can claim the $7,500 repayable credit that is actually a 15 year loan.

Customers must consult a local tax professional to discuss how this information applies specifically to their unique financial situation.

We hope you will be able to put this information to use immediately with clients. We welcome the opportunity to partner with you to serve them!

Mortgage Services Team:
Jamie Barron 716-8764 // Kristen Carmack 716-4153 // Ryan Shaughnessy 716-4103 // Erik Taylor 716-2692

Steve Powell, First Citizens Bank
SVP, Mortgage Sales Manager, Central Region
336.412.4033 (O) | 336.412.4008 (F) | 866.407.4206 (EFax) | 336.848.2283 (C)
For Brokers: I had the great opportunity to take a very affordable (only $10!) CE class with the folks from First Citizens Mortgage Services. It was one of the best CE classes I've had to date and you wouldn't believe the amount of useful information I learned to help buyers (first-timers and repeat, alike!). Contact Steve Powell (steve.powell@firstcitizens.com, 336-412-4033) for more info or to sign up for a future event yourself.

Consumer Reports Tips for Remodeling

Consumer Reports just published a blog post this week with some great tips for those of you who are considering remodeling or renovation projects - either on your own property for personal use, for re-sale, or for rental properties that need updating.

(The post is titled to attract first-timers, but I think the info is relevant for any property owner!)

Topics include: bathroom sinks, kitchen floors, kitchen countertops, ranges, washing machines and dryers.

You can check out the whole post here online - Remodeling Tips for First-Time Homebuyers.

FYI for Raleigh Rental Property Owners

From the City of Raleigh's email newsletter:Raleigh Rental Property Must Be Registered by April 30th

Effective March 1, all owners of residential rental properties within the City of Raleigh will be required to register any such properties they own under Article H Section 12-2175 of the City of Raleigh Code.

All such properties must be registered between March 1 and April 30 and renewed annually thereafter during the same time period. The penalty for a first violation of the ordinance is $100 per day of noncompliance. The second violation carries a fine of $200 per day of noncompliance. The maximum penalty for a calendar month is $2,000.

The Rental Registration program was adopted by the Raleigh City Council on July 1, 2008 and deemed necessary in order to promote public health, welfare, good order and safety of the City of Raleigh and its residents who rent residential properties.

This registration will create a database of the location and ownership of Raleigh’s residential rental properties. The City sees this database as an effective resource to promote responsible management, provide a safe habitat for residents, safeguard property values and expedite housing repairs. This database also will be used to contact owners in the event of emergencies.

Residential rental property owners can complete and/or print the registration online at www.raleighnc.gov under “rental registration.” Applications also are available at the City of Raleigh Inspections Department located at One Exchange Plaza, Fayetteville Street. Rental Property Registration Applications also may be obtained by calling (919)807-5110.

Owners of residential rental properties will be responsible for paying rental registration fees. The fee for the first or only rental dwelling on a property (parcel) is $30.00. The fee for each additional rental dwelling unit on the same parcel is $10.00. For example, if the owner is registering a four (4) unit apartment building, the costs will be $60.

(That is $30 for the first unit, plus $10 each for the remaining three(3) units.) If the owner registers three (3) single-family dwellings on separate parcels, the costs will be $90 ($30 for each of three (3) separate parcel properties).

Complete instructions on registering are available on the City’s website at www.raleighnc.gov. Here you will find instructions, frequently asked questions, registration documents and any further information that may be needed to register rental properties.

This information also may be obtained at the City’s Housing/Environmental Division Office on the fifth floor of One Exchange Plaza in the 200 block of Fayetteville Street. For more information regarding residential rental property registration, please contact Donna Schaeffer at 807-5110.Note that this is something that must be renewed every year. At a $100/day penalty, this is something that needs to be kept a close eye on!

A Great Opportunity for Local Investment Property Owners

From the City of Raleigh's weekly eNewsletter (email Chris Riley directly to sign up to receive this great source of info):THREE LANDLORD TRAINING CLASSES AVAILABLE IN 2009

The City of Raleigh will again offer a training course to help landlords and property managers enhance the quality of living on their properties.

The one-day course, which the City is presenting in partnership with property managers and the legal community, will be held on Feb. 18, May 20 and Oct. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Raleigh Housing Authority, 871 Harp Street. This training course is approved for continuing education credits from the North Carolina Bar Association (six hours) and North Carolina Real Estate Commission (four hours).

The training course will provide practical tips on how to reduce the likelihood of nuisance violations and drug, gang and illegal activity occurring in and around rental property. It will include instructions on implementing effective applicant screening policies and practices, strengthening rental agreements, recognizing warning signs of drug and gang activity, taking the right legal steps to resolve problems, understanding the role of the police, and reviewing the City’s probationary rental occupancy permit (PROP) and rental registration ordinances. This is also a PROP-approved program.

“Our team continues to make improvements each year to this training program based on feedback from participants,” said Interim Community Services Director Kristen Rosselli. “We have a very diverse group of people who attend these classes and we have a diverse group of professionals who offer their expertise. We’re looking forward to another year.”

Participants are encouraged to register in advance as seating will be limited. For program or registration information, contact Christine Alston, Community Services Department, at (919) 831-6100 or email christine.alston@ci.raleigh.nc.us.

Since 2006, nearly 300 participants have enrolled in the class.

Post-class evaluations of the participants showed that 75 percent were actively planning positive changes to their property and/or management practices and 98 percent found the class to be worthwhile.These are definitely worth checking out not only to increase your knowledge as a successful investment property owner but to ensure successful, smoother transactions and business relationships.

As you are all aware, a positive referral from a past tennant or client is the best source of *free* advertising so anything we can do as property owners to ensure a positive experience is worth investing our time and resources in!