Thursday Real Estate Edition | CPR Classes Offered By Wake County EMS | Black History Month Events | New Fire Prevention Technology

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🤣Chuckle - Laughter is good for the soul.

☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🧑‍💼On this day in history

🆕Wake County, On this day in history.🎇🎈🎈

📰News - Stay in the know.

🎙️Events - Don’t miss out on the fun.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Health - Important information on health and wellness

🧑‍💼Featured Business - Let’s support our local small businesses.

➡️New Community Survey◀️

NEW!

♦️Wednesday - Events Update Special Edition♦️

♦️Thursday - Real Estate Special Edition♦️

♦️Friday - Where To Find Savings In Wake!♦️

1952 – Queen Elizabeth II Becomes Queen of the United Kingdom: On February 6, 1952, Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne following the death of her father, King George VI. She became the queen at the age of 25 and is the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

The History of Apex, North Carolina

Located in the heart of the Research Triangle region, Apex, North Carolina, is a vibrant town with a rich history that stretches back over 150 years. Known as the "Peak of Good Living," Apex has transformed from a small railroad town into one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, all while preserving much of its historic charm.

Apex's history dates back to the mid-19th century. Originally, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, followed by European settlers in the early 1800s. The town's name, "Apex," was chosen because of its location at the highest point on the North Carolina Railroad line, making it the "highest point" on the route between Raleigh and Charlotte.

In the late 1800s, the construction of the railroad was a pivotal moment in the town’s development. The completion of the rail line in 1854 led to an influx of settlers and businesses, helping Apex thrive as a transportation and trade hub. As the railroad brought more commerce to the area, the population grew, and Apex began to establish itself as an important stop for travelers and goods.

Apex’s growth continued through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town's early economy was largely centered around agriculture, with tobacco, cotton, and corn being among the primary crops. However, the arrival of new industries, along with the railroad’s continued influence, allowed Apex to diversify economically.

Throughout the early 1900s, Apex remained a small but bustling town, maintaining its status as a railroad stop and agricultural center. As the town’s population grew, so did its infrastructure. Early schools, churches, and businesses were established, many of which still stand today.

By the 1940s and 1950s, Apex began to experience changes as the wider region developed. The construction of highways and improved transportation routes connected Apex even more closely to the larger cities of Raleigh and Durham. This proximity to the growing Research Triangle area, home to world-class universities and industries, played a significant role in Apex’s later expansion.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the town's population grew rapidly, particularly as technology companies and professionals were drawn to the area by the nearby Research Triangle Park (RTP). This wave of development marked a significant shift for Apex, transforming it from a rural town into a suburban community.

Today, Apex is a thriving town with a population of over 60,000, and it continues to attract new residents with its mix of small-town charm and proximity to modern conveniences. Despite its growth, Apex has managed to retain its historical character, with its downtown area featuring a variety of preserved and restored buildings that reflect the town's rich heritage.

The town's commitment to preserving its history is evident in its efforts to maintain landmarks like the Apex Depot, which was originally built in 1869 and now serves as a museum. Other historical sites, such as the Apex Town Hall and the old Methodist church, also add to the town's historic atmosphere.

Apex continues to flourish as a desirable place to live, work, and visit. The town boasts a strong community spirit, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike. As the town grows, it remains committed to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity, ensuring that the "Peak of Good Living" will continue to be a place where history and progress coexist harmoniously.

From its roots as a railroad stop to its current status as a vibrant suburban community, Apex’s history reflects its ability to adapt and thrive while holding on to the qualities that make it a beloved hometown for many. As it looks toward the future, Apex remains a unique blend of old and new, a place where residents can truly enjoy the best of both worlds.

Understanding North Carolina’s Due Diligence Process

What First-time NC Homebuyers Need to Know
If you are a first time home buyer, or a new buyer that just moved from out of state, then this one's for you! Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but if you’re new to North Carolina’s real estate process, you may have heard the term "due diligence" and wondered what it means. This fee may sound similar to what other states refer to as earnest money, but it is different! Here’s what you need to know:

What Is Due Diligence Money? 

Due diligence money is a non-refundable fee paid directly to the seller once your offer is accepted. It is due within 24 hours and you don’t get it back!  It’s essentially a show of good faith, giving you exclusive rights to proceed with the purchase. The difference between this and earnest money is that once the due diligence fee is paid to the seller, they keep this money even if you decide to back out. Earnest money, however, is held in escrow by the closing attorney.

What Happens If I Discover Defects During the Inspection, Can I Back Out?

Yes! In North Carolina, buyers can terminate a contract at any time for any reason.  You can always request repairs or concessions based on your findings, BUT if you can’t reach an agreement and decide to back out, you won’t get that money back.  If you have earnest money included in your offer and back out before the due diligence period ends, you will get your earnest money deposit refunded (as long as you terminate within that agreed timeline). If you back out after due diligence expires, you lose both the due diligence and earnest money.  

How Much Should I Offer for Due Diligence?
There’s no set rule, but due diligence fees can range from 1-3% and depend on market conditions. In a competitive market, sellers often expect higher due diligence payments, whereas in a slower market, you may have more flexibility. 

Why Does North Carolina Have This Process?
Due diligence protects sellers by ensuring buyers are serious before they pull their home off the market. For buyers, it provides a defined window to investigate the property without competition.

Final Thoughts
The due diligence process can feel scary, especially for first-time buyers, but understanding how it works helps you make confident decisions. If the thought of due diligence is daunting, I recommend new construction or checking out homes that have been on the market a while!

If you’re thinking about buying a home in North Carolina and want guidance on how to structure your offer, I’d love to help!

📩 [email protected] 

 📞 352-585-5259

Follow me on Instagram @MarieLogueRealEstate

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Friday Night On White

Friday Night on White Sponsorships: Today is the last day to become a sponsor for the 2025 Friday Night on White concert series in Wake Forest. If you're interested, please reach out to Anna Bolton at [email protected] for more details.

Free Hands-Only CPR Classes Offered by Wake County EMS

Wake County EMS is offering a free hands-on CPR class this evening, February 4th, from 6 to 8 p.m. The class provides essential life-saving skills, teaching participants how to perform CPR without the need for mouth-to-mouth contact. These classes are held on the first Tuesday of each month, making it a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning this important technique. Whether you're a first-time learner or just looking to refresh your skills, this class is open to all.

To participate, simply attend the class at the designated location, and no prior registration is required. It's an invaluable skill that can make a difference in emergency situations.

IONNA Opens EV Charging Station 

IONNA has repurposed a former gas station in Apex into one of the nation's pioneering "rechargeries" for electric vehicles. This marks the start of an ambitious plan to build thousands of similar stations nationwide.

Black History Month

Apex is hosting a series of events and activities throughout February to honor Black History Month. Residents are encouraged to participate and learn more about the important contributions of Black Americans. xnc.org

Fire Prevention Technology

Linear Detection, a Cary-based startup founded by Wenbo Yu, is developing cutting-edge sensor technology to prevent fires in industrial settings. Their Integrated Fire Tracking Cable utilizes fusion sensors and machine learning algorithms to detect potential fire risks before they ignite.

Black History Month Celebrations

Holly Springs is marking Black History Month throughout February with a range of events, including free movie screenings, an art gallery and Black history showcase, a cooking class, and a Black Expressions poetry event. Residents are invited to participate in these enriching and educational activities. Check Times and Dates

Annual Water Disinfection Switch

Between March 1 and April 10, the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant will temporarily switch from chloramine to free chlorine disinfection. While residents may detect a slight chlorine taste or odor, the water will still be safe to drink.

Groundhog Predicts Early Spring 

Garner's groundhog, Snerd, has forecasted an early spring during the town's annual Groundhog Day event. Residents are looking forward to warmer weather ahead.

Raleigh Ranks High in Cybersecurity Jobs

Raleigh has earned recognition as the second-best U.S. metro area for cybersecurity job growth, with the tenth highest wage increase in the industry. Cybersecurity professionals in Raleigh can expect an average salary of $129,000, which is 95% above the city’s average wage.

UNC and Duke Health Announce Children’s Hospital

UNC Health and Duke Health have unveiled plans for "NC Children’s," the first standalone children’s hospital in North Carolina. The hospital will feature 500 pediatric beds, an outpatient care center, a behavioral health center, and research and educational facilities. Construction is set to begin by 2027, with an expected completion in about six years. The $2 billion project has already received an initial $320 million appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly.

Unwined

A Great Place To Relax With Friends!

Amy and Brian Burkhardt, along with their oldest daughter, Jana are the heart and soul behind Unwined on White where wellness and community are blended most enjoyably. Unwined is a unique space, including the town’s only rooftop bar, where you can find your zen in yoga or pilates classes, relish fine wines and craft beer, and connect with like-minded folks.

Amy is an attorney turned small business owner and her husband Brian has had a career in Finance and Supply Chain Management roles. Amy selects the wine they offer while her husband enjoys getting to know the local beer in this area. To keep her wine selection fresh, Amy buys from small, organic family-owned vineyards from all over the world. Visiting the lounge, you will find an excellent selection of moderately priced wines and a variety of local craft beer, ciders & seltzers. Crossing into the studio space, Jana along with several other instructors have a diverse and welcoming array of yoga and pilates classes seven days a week with various membership and class package options.

Unwined is also well known for a plethora of events that can be found on our website: unwinednc.com, either Instagram, Facebook, subscribing to our twice-monthly newsletter. We have a Wine Club and Book Club that meet monthly as well as regular wine tastings on the first Friday of the month and beer tastings on the 3rd Friday. Friday Fun Flows are on the 4th Friday, vary in theme and typically include a beverage and/or snack option allowing the yoga participants a chance to enjoy time together afterward.

We are very excited for our Valentine’s Sip & Shop event featuring many local artisans on February 8th from 1-5 pm, Tango and Tempranillo - a fun dance lesson session that includes a bottle of wine.

Tango and Tempranillo - a fun dance lesson session that includes a bottle of wine - on February 14th at 7 pm,

Sommelier Secrets - an elevated wine-tasting experience paired with charcuterie - on February 15th at either 4 pm or 5:30 pm

Partners (yoga) and Prosecco on February 28th at 6:30 pm.

March 14th you’ll definitely want to grab the limited tickets for a Paella Demonstration and Wine Pairing Dinner on before they sell out!

With almost seven years in the heart of historic downtown Wake Forest, we can’t wait for the opportunity to share Amy’s love of wine, Brian’s passion for craft beer, and Jana’s zest for yoga and wellness.

Let’s unwind together at Unwined!

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A Partial List of Local Events

Explore our complete guide to events happening in Wake County!

If your event is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected] 

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Why B Vitamins Are Important For Brain Health

B vitamins—especially B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and B9 (folic acid)—are crucial for brain health and may help in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease by supporting cognitive function and reducing risk factors associated with neurodegeneration. Here’s how each contributes:

Lowering Homocysteine Levels

• High homocysteine levels in the blood are associated with brain atrophy, cognitive decline, and increased risk of Alzheimer’s.

• B6, B12, and folic acid help break down homocysteine, reducing its neurotoxic effects.

  Supporting Neurotransmitter Production

• Vitamin B6 is essential for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which regulate mood, memory, and cognitive function.

• B12 plays a role in the synthesis of myelin, the protective coating around nerves that helps with communication in the brain.

  Preventing Brain Shrinkage

• Studies suggest that supplementing with B6, B12, and folic acid can slow brain atrophy in regions associated with Alzheimer’s.

• A 2010 study from the University of Oxford found that high doses of B vitamins slowed gray matter loss in people with mild cognitive impairment.

  Reducing Inflammation & Oxidative Stress

• Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to Alzheimer's progression.

• B vitamins contribute to reducing inflammation by regulating methylation, a crucial biochemical process for DNA repair and gene expression.

  Enhancing Energy Production

• B vitamins are critical for mitochondrial function, ensuring brain cells get enough energy.

• B12 deficiency can lead to brain fog, memory loss, and confusion, symptoms often mistaken for early dementia.

  Who May Be at Risk for Deficiency?

• Older adults (less stomach acid = poor B12 absorption)

• Vegetarians/Vegans (B12 is primarily found in animal products)

• People with digestive issues (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s, IBS)

• Heavy drinkers (alcohol depletes B vitamins)

  Best Food Sources of B Vitamins

• B6: Poultry, bananas, potatoes, nuts, whole grains

• B12: Fish, meat, dairy, eggs, fortified foods

• Folic acid (B9): Leafy greens, beans, lentils, citrus fruits

  Supplementation & Brain Health

• If dietary intake is insufficient, B complex supplements may be beneficial.

• Research suggests a combination of B6, B12, and folic acid is more effective than individual supplementation.