Are you Cool enough to hang in The Bull City?

Are you looking for some fun this weekend? If you are Cool enough to hang in Durham you will want to check out these Hot options!

July 29, 2011  Author Clyde Edgerton The author will will read from and sign copies of his new book, "The Night Train." July 29, 2011 7pm. Regulator Bookshop, 720 Ninth St. (919) 286-2700 Captain Luke, Big Ron Hunter, Whistlin Britches and Ironing Board Sam - Warehouse Blues Concert FREE admission. July 29, 2011 6-8pm. Durham Central Park, 502 Foster St. (919) 643-2456 Cave Dwellers - Brightleaf Square Concert FREE admission. July 29, 2011 7-9pm. Brightleaf Square, Gregson St. at Main St. (919) 682-9229 Channing and Quinn Acoustic/indie/soul. Followed by Nova Echo (rock/electronic/pop). FREE admission. July 29, 2011 8:30pm. Broad Street Café, 1116 Broad St. (919) 416-9707 Coffee Cupping A chance to taste interesting varieties of coffee. Immediately following each cupping participants can join a free, guided tour of the roastery and headquarters. FREE and open to the public. July 29, 2011 10am. Counter Culture Coffee, 4911 South Alston Ave. (919) 361-5282 Family Roller Skating Music by DJ Pittipat. Skates available to borrow. Cost $3 adult, $2 kids 4-17. July 29, 2011 6-8pm. W. D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville St. (919) 560-4292 Janzig Misfists/Samhain/Danzig cover band. With Cher Horowitz, Earth Balance, DJ Queen Plz, and Sarah Pheonix: Fire Spinner. Admission $6 with $2 membership. July 29, 2011 9pm. The Pinhook, 117 W. Main St. (919) 667-1100 John Wendelbo Art Show Featuring wine, music, an outdoor projection show and great art indoors too! FREE admission. July 29, 2011 7pm-late. The Carrack, 111 W Parrish Stt. Kim Pacheco Admission $7. July 29, 2011 9pm-12am. Beyú Caffé, 335 W Main St. (919) 683-1058 Mystery Hillbillies with Michelle Bellanger The Mystery Hillbilles come strong with a variety of early classics to include bluegrass and some of the very earliest country; 40's,50's and 60's classic country, on through to the present. FREE to patrons. July 29, 2011 8:30-11pm. The Blue Note Grill, 4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. (919) 401-1979

July 30, 2011  A Taste of Durham Gourmet Food Tour  See a vibrant city in the midst of its revitalization and get to know the restaurants, shops and people that are making Durham one of the nation's cultural hotspots. From crostini topped with local produce and house-smoked meats to gourmet popsicles to renowned pimento cheese to organic wine and local beer, you will discover all of Durham's flavors. Reservations required. Cost $43.43. 1:30-4:45pm. American Tobacco Warehouse to Downtown to Brightleaf Square info@tastecarolina.net Bull Spec presents The Cabinet of Curiosities Extravaganza Featuring award-winning editors of speculative fiction, Ann and Jeff Vandermeer, who will read from and sign copies of their latest book, "The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities." The event also features "The Steampunk Bible", which traces the roots of the steampunk movement, as well as Durham author Mur Lafferty's Afterlife series. There will be short humorous readings by contributors, raffles, and more. July 30, 2011 7pm. Fullsteam Brewery, 726 Rigsbee Ave. (919) 682-2337 Charlie McNeill Featuring a mixture of Progressive Christian, country and popular tunes. FREE admission, but donations accepted. July 30, 2011 7:30pm. Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, 2700 N Roxboro Rd. (919) 220-2458 Da Muthas Reunion Show Da Muthas Reunion Show. This party band is made up of long time music veterans. Playing your favorite classic rock tunes.This is their first show in over a year, get ready for high energy and great music. 8-11pm. The Blue Note Grill, 4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. (919) 401-1979 Durham Bulls vs. Charlotte Knights  Tickets: Field Box $9, Terrace Reserved $8, Diamondview $7, Lawn $5. July 30, 2011 7pm. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St. (919) 956-2855 Durham Craft Market An exciting open-air market with Durham-area artisans displaying original jewelry, woodworking, glass, pottery, metal, photography, fiber arts, and more. See some of the finest handmade, unique, and affordable arts & crafts in the heart of North Carolina. July 30, 2011 8am-12pm. Across from the Farmer's Market, 538 Foster St. (919) 220-1857 Durham Farmers' Market Vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, cut flowers, potted plants, artisanal cheeses and breads, home-baked pies, honey, handmade chocolates, preserves, local wines, hand-made soaps, pottery, jewelry and artwork of all sorts. (Fruits and vegetables are seasonal and include only things that actually grow in North Carolina.) July 30, 2011 8am-12pm. The Pavilion at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St. (919) 484-3084 Ernest Turner Quartet Admission $6. July 30, 2011 9pm-12am. Beyú Caffé, 335 W Main St. (919) 683-1058 Garden Party A Garden Party celebrating the church's community garden with music, food, fun, garden tour. FREE. 6-8pm. St. John's Presbyterian Church, 5471 N. Roxboro Rd. (919) 471-1776 Music on the Patio FREE to patrons. July 30, 2011 8-11pm. Dos Perros Restaurant & Bull City Burgers, 200 N Mangum St. (919) 956-2750 Painted Chair and More Auction Original masterpieces created by some of NC's finest artists will be auctioned. Live music, food trucks and a cash bar. Proceeds benefit Independent Animal Rescue. $15, or $10 in advance. July 30, 2011 5-8pm. Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Ave. (919) 403-2221 Pinhook Karaoke FREE with $2 membership. July 30, 2011 10pm. The Pinhook, 117 W. Main St. (919) 667-1100 Pocket Creek July 30, 2011 8:30pm. Broad Street Café, 1116 Broad St. (919) 416-9707 Soft Company w/How I Became the Bomb Ages: 18+ (or all ages w/adult). Tickets: $8, $6 in advance, with $5 membership. July 30, 2011 8:30pm doors/ 9:30pm show. Casbah, 1007 W. Main St. (919) 687-6969 Summer Music FREE to patrons. July 30, 2011 7-11pm. Parizade, 2200 W. Main St. (919) 286-9712 The Art Market at Vega Metals - Saturday Market Outdoor market featuiring gorgeous locally produced arts and crafts, including metal, jewelry, fabric arts, pottery, and more. July 30, 2011 9am-2pm, The Art Market at Vega Metals, 214 Hunt St. (919) 688-8267 Tree Camp Environmental education program for adults who desire to become familiar with our Piedmont region's 100 species of trees. Format consists of a five hour leisurely walk in the forest. Each participant bring day pack for picnic lunch in the woods together. Pre-registration required. Cost $30. July 30, 2011 10am-3pm Sa; weekdays by special request. West Point on the Eno Park, 5101 N. Roxboro St.. riverdave1@aol.com Walltown Children's Theatre Open House July 30, 2011 12:30-3pm. Walltown Children's Theatre, 1225 Berkley St. (919) 286-4545 Yoga in the Park The class is taught by local volunteer teachers, which means a different yoga experience each week. Bring: a towel and some water to drink. FREE. July 30, 2011 9-10am. Durham Central Park, Hunt St. and Foster St. (919) 682-2800

July 31, 2011  Durham Bulls vs. Charlotte Knights  Tickets: Field Box $9, Terrace Reserved $8, Diamondview $7, Lawn $5. July 31, 2011 5pm. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St. (919) 956-2855 Jo Gore and the Alternative FREE to patrons. July 31, 2011 Dinner hours - call for time. Bavarian Brathaus, 4010 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. (919) 381-6412 Motorcycle Sundays Coffee, breakfast & bikes every Sunday morning July 31, 2011 9am. James Joyce Irish Pub, 912 W. Main St. (919) 683-3022 MOTORKOKYU Bloody Brunch Show & Marketplace Music by Peter Holsapple. FREE to patrons. July 31, 2011 12pm. Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave. (919) 901-0875 Music in the Park DJ Piddipat (Pat Murray) will spin old school and r&b music from her prodigious music collection. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, or simply dance the night away. FREE all-ages event. July 31, 2011 5-7pm. Pavilion at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St. (919) 809-9682 Vocalist Noah Powell FREE admission. July 31, 2011 7:30pm Broad Street Café, 1116 Broad St. (919) 416-9707 Year's worth of birthdays Celebrate a year's worth of birthdays, with ice cream and cake. Please send RSVP to smurphy@nccumc.org. July 31, 2011 5pm. St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2700 N. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27704

Brought to you by: Durham Visitor Center

Girls ROCK NC!

I recently had the pleasure of volunteering at a Girls Rock NC event in Durham. I was not aware of the program until a few days before the "Rockin" finale at Motorco. A friend contacted me and told me a little about the program and said they needed volunteers to help the girls with makeup and hair before they performed. It sounded like a good enough cause so I agreed to help. WOW, was I in for a treat. Have you ever walked into a room or been surrounded by people that just gave off a powerful vibe? I was overcome by the contagious energy and high spirits. The girls ROCKED the house with their incredible songs, music, confidence and style. They cheered positive affirmations and brought tears to my eyes. I stood their like a proud parent and a Proud Female! I was so touched by the event and will definitely be involved with Girls Rock NC in the future. The following is a small clip of one of the 10 different performances.

Girls Rock NC is a nonprofit organization that runs programs that encourage girls to be confident, creative members of their communities. Girls make bands, have workshops in teamwork, body confidence, zine-making, DIY clothing, recording, Tech Talk, songwriting and more, and are supported as they speak up and share their experiences as girls. We’re part of the international Girls Rock Camp Alliance, helping each other stay true to our mission–empowering girls! Close to 1,500 girls around the globe will have the rock camp experience in 2011–and we also have a women’s ‘Rock Camp’ to raise money so more girls can attend camp through scholarship funds.

NO MUSICAL EXPERIENCE OR INSTRUMENTS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OUR PROGRAMS!

We want girls to be creatively supported, and we’re here to help mentor them as they become confident, expressive young women. This is a true feminist movement that you can be a part of! Join us for all of our upcoming events, or contact us to volunteer or donate. Girls Rock NC

To Pre-Inspect or Not To Pre-Inspect?

To Pre-Inspect, or Not To Pre-Inspect?

I think it is better for Sellers to have their home pre-inspected prior to listing. While it will not secure every potential "deal-breaker" issue, most agree on the benefits of a pre-inspection. I am often asked this question by Sellers, and the conversation usually goes like this: 

Stacie: Having a pre- inspection allows the Seller to be informed of any issues upfront, and allows time for corrections to be made before the buyer views the home.  Sharing a pre-listing inspection report with a potential Buyer is a powerful marketing advantage!

Seller: I don't want to pay for an inspection.

Stacie: I can recommend a Home Inspector that requires NO PAYMENT until your house sells (or if it is taken off the market). In other words, it costs you nothing until closing day.

Seller: Why would I want to do this when the Buyer will still have the home inspected?

Stacie: Peace of Mind! You will know of if there are major issues, and have time to get estimates for repairs. Who wants to be surprised? If you were buying a home wouldn't you feel more comfortable knowing that the property was pre-inspected? 

Seller: What if the Buyers Inspector finds something wrong?

Stacie: The inspector is always going to find something wrong. No major problems should be found by the second inspection. It's in a seller's best interest to have the home as ready as possible before the inspection. It can cost more to address a problem later, you may lose the buyer or end up lowering the sale price. Fix it now or deal with it later. You can also price it reflecting the work that needs to be completed. However, keep in mind that certain types of financing require the home to be in specific condition, and that the Appraisal could become an issue.

Seller: What if the Pre-Inspection uncovers something major that I don't want to tell the Buyer?

Stacie: Any defect that is detrimental enough to kill a real estate transaction is likely going to be uncovered eventually anyway.  It is best to discover the problem ahead of time and make repairs and disclosures as needed.

When a buyer tours a home that they are considering purchasing, they can be presented with the inspection report. The seller can then show what, if anything, has already been taken care of.  This can be very comforting to a buyer and help them make a decision when comparing homes.

I usually suggest pre-listing inspections to my sellers.  Many have chosen not to do them but I think it helps in a competitive market to be above the standard, not to mention, it may help them sell their homes faster!  What are your thoughts?