Steve Gardner, NC Real Estate Agent

07/10/2026

New client, new playlist! This one is for Gus who asked me to make a playlist for him based on his three current faves: Rita Payés, Silvan, Opa Tsupa, and Raffy. See the comments below for a link to my latest substack post where you can stream the playlist. Also, bonus content...you can learn about our dear ol' Fannie Mae!

04/10/2026

NEW LISTING!
OPEN HOUSE SAT 4/11 FROM 1-3PM

1902 White Plains Rd, Chapel Hill
3 Bedroom/2 Bath
$545,000

Chapel Hill Schools!

Rebuilt and reimagined in 2018, this three bedroom, two bath Chapel Hill home stands apart with thoughtful design and quality materials throughout.

The kitchen anchors the home with recycled glass countertops, KraftMaid cabinetry, and clean modern finishes, flowing into the main living and dining spaces. Fossilized bamboo flooring runs throughout, complemented by updated windows installed in 2018 and 2024.

A heated and cooled sunroom offers flexible use as an office, studio, or sunroom.

Major updates include HVAC and water heater, along with extensive interior improvements to insulation, flooring, cabinetry, and finishes. Exterior painted in 2018 with interior repainted in 2026. Sunroom expansion includes a copper roof. Fiber cement siding and Trex decking add durability and low maintenance.

French drains improve drainage, and foundation work has been completed with engineer approval.

Set on a landscaped .29 acre lot in Colony Woods, both the front and back yards are fenced, enhancing privacy. Outdoor living is a highlight with over 300 square feet of covered porch and deck space, along with mature trees and native plantings that create a private, natural setting.

Conveniently located in Chapel Hill with access to highly regarded schools, this home offers a unique opportunity to own a beautifully updated property with character and flexibility.

More info and photos via link in comments!

02/26/2026

Just in time for Spring. 🌱

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/business/mortgage-rates-30-year.html?smid=nytcore-android-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawQNYThleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeB54yCmsAPjjhhHQiK8VdsKpPgdJoRbPI_9lFPTjdzpX93erKR2m71sIeuCA_aem_bpoGwoHU0cZqpcCxoiMHsQ

The evidence is patchy on whether lower rates have meaningfully spurred more activity, as the Trump administration floats measures it says will make housing more affordable.

02/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1KPx4DpUzW/

We’re starting a new series! Over the next few weeks we’ll be answering some of the most common questions we get from new clients.

Do you have a question about home organizing, our process, or anything else? Drop your questions in the comments below or DM us!

02/09/2026

Bad Bunny sparked some thoughts about culture, identity, and why the “melting pot” idea still means something to me. See comments for link to substack post. 🌎❤️

10/31/2025

HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone! The life of a Realtor is sometimes spooky enough to fit the holiday. Sometimes even more. Here's a bloody handprint I found on the side of a house a few years ago. 👻😲 Here's hoping your scares this evening will be more of cute kiddos in scream masks searching for tootsie rolls. 🍬🍭🍫

09/29/2025

OPEN HOUSE!
Tue 5-7pm

3726 Foxwood Pl
Durham 27705

4,353 sq ft
4 Bedroom
3 Full Baths
2 Half Baths
3 Car Garage
Screened Porch
1.3 acres

$1,197,000

Sophistication meets functionality and serenity. Discover this gorgeous prairie style home beautifully sited on 1.3 acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Croasdaile Farms. Amazing possibilities arise in the flexible floor plan, with formal rooms and family and bonus spaces. Delight in the unexpected details of built-in stained glass windows, interior stained glass sconces, multiple custom bookshelves, and exterior column front lights. Large open kitchen with breakfast nook connects to deck with gas hook-up and huge screened porch. Three-car bay attached garage. Deep eaves. Freshly painted inside and out. Come discover this remarkable property!

Listed by Susan Herst, Urban Durham Realty
Open House hosted by Steve Gardner, Tue 5-7pm

09/11/2025

New Substack post about my new listing followed by today's Song of the Day. Click the link in the comments to check it out.

09/11/2025

NEW LISTING!

406 E Markham Ave. Durham (Duke Park)
MLS Listing in Comments (incl. more photos and info)
2 Bedrooms (+Office +Flex Space!)
2.5 Bath
2,140 sq ft
$699,900

Historic character and modern comfort come together in this Colonial Revival gem, built in the 1940s by noted Durham builder Thomas Wray Wilkinson as his own family home. A 2007 renovation earned a Durham Historic Preservation Award, blending heritage and comfort with exquisite taste.

Inside, you'll find 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2,140 sq ft of thoughtfully updated space, including a finished basement with flex space and laundry room, two fireplaces, and a sunroom that's heated and cooled for year-round enjoyment. A one-car garage and new roof (2021) add convenience and peace of mind.
Details include gleaming hardwood floors, granite countertops, and timeless design elements that make the home both elegant and livable.

The backyard is a private retreat, complete with two koi ponds, a stone patio, and a cascading waterfall—a rare oasis so close to the city. Just steps from downtown Durham, Duke's East Campus, and the lively Duke Park neighborhood, this home blends historic charm with an unbeatable location.

Let me know if you'd like to see it.

09/04/2025

New Substack post is up. It includes a playlist of songs that I pulled together for the office when I was there to work the phones yesterday. Link to the post is below (that includes the playlist.) At the very least check out the Harry Nilsson demo track on it. Blew my mind.