http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/archive_201606/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ The Farmers’ Market of Carrboro has been going strong since 1996. You can come experience a local favorite Wednesdays 3-6pm and Saturday 7am-Noon. One of the unique features this market has to offer is that all of the products must be local. The farthest away the produce can be grown is just 50 miles, with an average of only 25 miles. This market gives the customers and farmers a mutual feeling of merriment because of the local environment surrounding them. http://www.carrborofarmersmarket.com http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/42/carrboro-farmers-market/ Thu, 30 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Downtown Raleigh provides attractions everybody loves which consists of: over 150 restaurants and bars, shopping, concerts, art museums, and even food truck festivals. With all of these amenities given, the welcoming environment is a great place to get out and explore what we have to offer in the state capital. This month there are plenty of events going on.Every Tuesday year-round at the Raleigh Times Bar there is beer and banjo music played from 7:30-10:30pm. Enjoy a cold drink and some great music. http://www.visitraleigh.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Beer-Banjos-Music-Series/40147/Midtown Beach Music Festival occurs every Thursday from 6-9pm at North Hills. Get your groove on with some shag music and good beer. http://www.visitraleigh.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Midtown-Beach-Music-Series-The-Fantastic-Shakers/41034/44 Soul Cafe hosts live music every Friday from 8-11pm. Soothe your mood while listening to some good jazz music and eating some great food. http://www.visitraleigh.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Live-Music-Friday/43609/Toby Keith will be performing at Walnut Creek starting at 7:30 p.m. on July 10th. Celebrate summer with some good country music! http://www.visitraleigh.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Toby-Keith/40349/Florida Georgia Line is playing at Walnut Creek on July 14th starting at 7:30pm. http://www.visitraleigh.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Florida-Georgia-Line/40350/ http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/47/downtown-raleigh/ Thu, 30 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Hurricane season is upon residents in coastal areas around the country, but there are months to go before season’s end. There’s still time to prepare!Your short list should include the following tasks:1. Assemble an emergency kit. Set aside provisions of non-perishable food and water, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, a flashlight (with extra batteries), hand tools and a whistle.2. Gas up. Fill up your tank, provided it is still safe to travel ahead of the storm.3. Set a plan for your household. Take time to discuss a communication and/or evacuation plan with the members of your household. Decide how best to contact each other in the event of a power outage. Charge all mobile devices—and keep them charged—in the time leading up to the storm.4. Know your local disaster protocols. Familiarize yourself with your area’s evacuation routes, shelters and any other contingency plans—you may not be able to access this information once a storm hits.5. Install a backup power source. Set up a portable or whole-home standby generator to keep lights on and necessary appliances operational. Never run a portable generator inside the home, even in an attached garage—this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.Source: Generac Power Systems, Inc. http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/52/hurricane-safety/ Thu, 30 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0500 North Carolina is celebrating Independence Day all weekend and into Tuesday. There are plenty of patriotic celebrations for you to choose from below. There is everything from fireworks to live music to offer with these celebrations. So come out and celebrate Independence Day in your hometown! The town of Cary has their 4th of July celebration from 3-10 p.m. at the Koka Booth Amphitheater. It is a free event to the public but you can also reserve table seats for 4 people at $160. There will be kids activities, ferris wheel, scavenger hunts, eating contests, and corn hole. There will also be live music played by the Cary Town Band and the NC Symphony and don't forget the exotic fireworks to finish it all off. http://boothamphitheatre.com/event/independence-day/?Clayton is hosting their 36th anniversary of Independence Day Celebration at Municipal Park (325 McCullers Drive) that has plenty of activities to offer. It begins at 4:15 p.m. with family field events, basketball competition, corn hole tournament and for the kids inflatable bounce houses and rides! There is free watermelon, ice cream, and live music as well. Fireworks will begin once it’s dark and stay after another half hour to finish it off with more live music provided by the North Tower Band! http://www.townofclaytonnc.org/Parks-and-Recreation/july-4th.aspx?Durham begins their day with a Children’s Independence Day parade at 10:30 a.m. which is followed by a home Durham Bulls game against the Syracuse Chiefs starting at 6:05 p.m. that evening. Because of Independence Day, after the 7th inning the gates will be open for general admission for the fireworks after the game. http://www.durham-nc.com/events/features/independence-day-durham/?On July 1st at 5:00 p.m., Fayetteville will celebrate their annual free Independence Day celebrations which includes patriotic songs by the North Carolina Symphony and afterwards kids are invited to play and learn about the symphony instruments. http://www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com/event/independence-day-concert-and-fireworks/?instance_id=3355920?The Berkeley Mall in Goldsboro is hosting their annual fireworks at 9:00 p.m., come enjoy some beautiful fireworks and a great time. http://www.shopberkeleymall.com/events.html?Lake Gaston will have their fireworks located on the lake near Eaton Ferry Bridge at 9:00 p.m. on July 2nd. The outstanding show will be given by the Longbridge Volunteer Fire Department. Just a reminder that Eaton’s Ferry Bridge will be closing at 8:00 p.m. http://www.lakegastonguide.com/?q=node/672?Downtown Raleigh will host “The Works” will begin on July 4th at noon until 11:00 p.m. for the Independence Day Celebration during the day with live music, Beer/Wine tent, kids rides and games, Aerial Performances, Cirque de Vol street performers, eating contests, food and art vendors, and much more! Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. so be prepared to have a great time! http://www.raleighconvention.com/works/?Wake Forest is hosting their fireworks on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at Wake Forest High School, on July 4th there will be the Children’s Parade at 10:30 a.m. on North Main Street followed by games in the park at 11:00 a.m., we hope to see you there!http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/july4.aspx http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/32/4th-of-july/ Wed, 29 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0500 DIY Fails: Hire a Pro for These 5 Home Improvement ProjectsBy Nicki EscuderoConsumer spending on home remodeling is outpacing the growth of the economy, according to data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.The proliferation of home improvement programs on TV and online has contributed to the DIY movement, but don't think you can do it all yourself. Realtor.com® reports that only about 10 percent of the steps it takes to complete a project actually make it to air, and recommends that those who don't already own most of the tools needed for a project hire a pro.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports hospital emergency room visits due to unintentional injuries increased by more than 1.5 million from 2005 to 2011. Prevent a home improvement injury by hiring a pro for these five tasks, all of which require precise skills and equipment to be executed safely.1. Sealant Repair on an A/C UnitAn air conditioner leak doesn't just do damage to the environment. The gas that's emitted can harm your family and cause ailments ranging from headaches and nausea to asphyxiation. An A/C coolant leak will also damage your air conditioner and cause it to be less efficient and more costly. Hire a professional to fix it correctly the first time. 2. Tree Trimming and RemovalClimbing to extreme heights and dangling from the air makes for a situation ripe for falling. Removing a tree can cause aches and pains that may require a doctor's visit — especially if a chainsaw or wood-chipper is involved. Professional tree specialists are insured and properly trained. They make sure a tree is taken down safely with heavy-duty equipment to prevent damage to your yard and house.3. Running Electrical WireBesides the risk of getting electrocuted and potential death, conducting electrical work in your home may be illegal if you're not certified. The National Electrical Contractors Association lists electrical regulations based on state, which serves as just one reason why you should leave it to pros. Faulty work can result in the need for costly repairs. Situations requiring a call to a professional include flickering lights, outdoor lighting installation, new home construction and security system installation.4. PlumbingJust like electrical work, leave plumbing to the professionals, too. They follow standards set forth by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials to ensure safety. Plus, if you experience gushing water or messy clogged pipes, you'll want the crisis to be averted immediately by a pro. Professional plumbers make sure the correct parts are used in installation and upgrades, that home remodels go smoothly so you can use your pipes, and that drinking water stays sanitary when work is done.5. RoofingSafety first! With roofing, you run the risk of slipping and cracking your head or breaking your back if you fall off of your roof. Even tasks as simple as cleaning gutters could result in painful and costly ladder slip-ups. Also, you could cause significant damage that requires calling a professional anyway. A pro has access to the latest equipment and roofing techniques, improving efficiency and saving you time and money.When in doubt, don't do it yourself. Think about the potential costs you'll have to pay for repairs should you get the technique wrong or use incorrect equipment. And in cases like electrical work, it's definitely not worth breaking the law to DIY.Nicki Escudero is an expert at crafting an engaging brand story through news and features journalism and marketing copywriting. She currently has more than 14 years of publishing experience. This post was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends. http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/18/diy-fails:-hire-a-pro-for-these-5-home-improvement-projects/ Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0500