Meet Rich Burghgraef | Real Estate Broker and Team Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rich Burghgraef and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rich, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in New Jersey. My dad was in sales and my mom was in real estate so it was somewhat of a natural progression into running a real estate team. Learning to sell in New Jersey, I appreciated that people told you exactly where you stood (sometimes loudly!) This was very helpful for me to develop my relationship selling skills because I needed to learn to ask questions to get to see if there was a problem I could actually solve! I learned very quickly that by asking clients what they want and working to give it to them, people were happy to buy from you. They did not, however, want to be sold to.

What should our readers know about your business?
Rich Burghgraef Realty is a Raleigh-based real estate team dedicated to helping clients navigate the often stressful journey of buying, selling, and investing in real estate. What excites me the most is how we help our clients—every step of the way. We understand that the process can feel overwhelming, so we’ve developed a comprehensive, step-by-step system to make it easier. From establishing your budget to the little details like updating your address on your Amazon account, we’ve got it covered.

Was it easy to create this process? Not at all! Much of it was born from asking ourselves—and others—what they wished had been different in their past real estate experiences. We’ve also learned through real-world scenarios (like getting calls from two clients within 30 minutes, both who had accidentally sent Amazon deliveries to the wrong address!).

As Rich Burghgraef Realty grows, we’ve stayed committed to a “let the expert be the expert” mentality and work with some incredible partners. But we’ve also learned that it’s not just about finding talented people—it’s about finding the right people for each specific role. Unfortunately, many in the industry are driven by motives that don’t always prioritize the client’s best interests.

When people see the Rich Burghgraef Realty brand, we want them to associate it with excellence.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) is a wonderful mix of culture, food, nature, and history, so there’s plenty to explore. Here’s an itinerary for an unforgettable week in the area with my best friend.

### **Day 1: Arrival & Relaxing in Raleigh**
– **Morning:** Arrive in Raleigh, the state’s capital, and check into a cool boutique hotel like The Longleaf Hotel or 21c Museum Hotel. Let’s grab breakfast at the State Farmers Market Restaurant.
– **Lunch:** Head to *The Pit* BBQ or head up to Knightdale to Prime BBQ for some of the best North Carolina-style barbecue. Both are a great introduction to the area’s food scene.
– **Afternoon:** Visit the **North Carolina Museum of Art** and take in the wide range of exhibits—everything from classical to contemporary art. We can change into our running shoes and run through the outdoor portion of the park onto the greenway.
– **Dinner:** For dinner, check out *Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern*, a stunning and historic building offering fine dining.
– **Night:** Grab drinks at *The Green Light*, a cool speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a great vibe.

### **Day 2: Raleigh’s Outdoors & Culture**
– **Morning:** Start your day with an outdoor workout with me at Camp Gladiator, then breakfast at *Big Ed’s City Market*, an iconic spot with hearty Southern breakfasts.
– **Late Morning:** Head to **Pullen Park**, one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. You can enjoy the historic carousel, take a ride on the train, or just stroll through the park.
– **Lunch:** Eat at *Neomonde*, a Mediterranean spot for fresh hummus, falafel, and a variety of Middle Eastern specialties.
– **Afternoon:** Spend the afternoon exploring the **North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences**, one of the most impressive natural science museums in the country.
– **Dinner:** Try *Crawford and Son* for a refined yet unpretentious take on American food. Their menu changes seasonally but is always top-notch.
– **Night:** Finish the night in **Glenwood South**, the nightlife hub of Raleigh, with a few drinks at *Raleigh Beer Garden*.

### **Day 3: Day Trip to Durham**
– **Morning:** Drive over to Durham (about 30 minutes). Start with breakfast at *Monuts*, a fantastic local spot known for its inventive doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches.
– **Late Morning:** Check out **Duke University**’s stunning campus, especially **Duke Chapel** and the **Sarah P. Duke Gardens**—it’s a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the landscape.
– **Lunch:** Go to *Pizzeria Toro* for amazing wood-fired pizza. It’s casual but seriously delicious.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the **Durham Bulls Athletic Park** if it’s baseball season. Even if it’s off-season, the area around the park has great shops and a lively atmosphere. Also, stop by the **Museum of Life and Science** for a fun, interactive experience.
– **Dinner:** Try *The Blue Note Grill* for live music and Southern-style food. The fried catfish and collard greens are a must-try.
– **Night:** Head over to *The Bull City Ciderworks* for drinks, or check out the historic **Durham Distillery** for a tour and tasting of local gin.

### **Day 4: Chapel Hill Charm**
– **Morning:** Start the day in **Chapel Hill** with breakfast at *Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen*, a local institution known for its overstuffed breakfast biscuits.
– **Late Morning:** Explore **The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill** campus; just be careful to be wearing the “right color blue!” Walk through **Coker Arboretum** and visit the **Morehead Planetarium**.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy a laid-back lunch at *Crook’s Corner*, known for their shrimp and grits and innovative Southern cuisine.
– **Afternoon:** Check out the **North Carolina Botanical Garden** for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by beautiful gardens. You can also explore Franklin Street for some local shopping.
– **Dinner:** For a fancier night out, head to *The Lantern*, a cozy restaurant offering globally-inspired dishes with a Southern twist.
– **Night:** Enjoy drinks at *The Crunkleton*, one of the best cocktail bars in the area, and soak in the relaxed yet lively vibe of Chapel Hill.

### **Day 5: Explore Nature & the Outdoors**
– **Morning:** Drive to **Jordan Lake** for a morning of hiking, kayaking, or even just a peaceful walk along the water. The area is beautiful and offers a chance to get outdoors and see some wildlife.
– **Lunch:** Pack a picnic lunch or head to nearby *Lynnwood Grill* for delicious pizzas and outdoor seating.
– **Afternoon:** After lunch, visit **William B. Umstead State Park**, which offers miles of trails and serene lakes. Rent bikes or go for a leisurely walk through the woods.
– **Dinner:** For dinner, head to *Farmhouse*, a restaurant offering farm-to-table Southern fare just outside Raleigh. The fried chicken is a local favorite.
– **Night:** Grab drinks at *The Death & Taxes*, a chic cocktail bar in downtown Raleigh that offers an excellent selection of craft cocktails.

### **Day 6: Local Breweries and Distilleries**
– **Morning:** Go for a run on the American Tobacco Trail and then have brunch at Rudy’s Pub ang Grill in Apex. Try the chicken and waffles!
– **Late Morning:** Spend the day hopping between local breweries and distilleries. Start with **Fullsteam Brewery** for a relaxed vibe and excellent craft beers. Then visit **Bond Brothers Beer Company** for a taste of local brews.
– **Lunch:** Grab some food at *Chubby’s Tacos*, a favorite food truck turned brick-and-mortar offering fantastic tacos.
– **Afternoon:** After lunch, check out **Carolina Distillery** in nearby Pittsboro for a tour and tasting of craft whiskey.
– **Dinner:** Head back to Raleigh and dine at *Sitti*, a Lebanese restaurant with a lively atmosphere and delicious mezze platters.
– **Night:** For an after-dinner activity, take in a performance at the **North Carolina Theatre** or catch some live music at **The Pour House Music Hall**.

### **Day 7: Last-Minute Fun**
– **Morning:** Head to **North Hills** for a leisurely breakfast at *The Capital Grille* and do some last-minute shopping or people-watching in this vibrant shopping district.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy a casual lunch at *State of Beer*, a taproom with a great selection of local craft beers, plus sandwiches and snacks.
– **Afternoon:** Depending on your interests, you could explore **Piedmont Nature Trails** or visit **Historic Yates Mill County Park** for a final outdoor excursion.
– **Dinner:** For a memorable farewell dinner, visit *St. Jacques French Cuisine* for upscale French dining in a cozy atmosphere.
– **Night:** End the trip with cocktails at *The Maywood*, an intimate bar known for its stellar craft drinks, and reminisce about the week’s adventures.

The Triangle has so much to offer, from outdoor adventures and craft brews to excellent food and rich history. You’ll experience a great mix of relaxation, exploration, and fun while spending time in this cool corner of North Carolina.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t be where I am without the awesome team I have around me. From the mentors who have helped me grow to the lenders, inspectors, attorneys, transaction coordinators and other partners who provide our clients with exceptional service; they have all played an integral part in making Rich Burghgraef Realty what it is today and what we will continue to grow to in the future

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