No lip service today! About a week ago I wrote a post, We give it lip service, but how many of us are really doing it?  about taking some real time off.  I challenged my fellow ActiveRainers to: turn off the phone, shut down the computer and really live in the moment.  Find a trusted colleague (if you don't have one of these, you need to find one!)  to handle things while you take time to LIVE your life, not fit it in around your work.  Today is that day for me.  (What does it say about me that I don't consider blogging to be work?)  I'm taking off and enjoying a day with my granddaughters.  We'll pack a cooler, grab our towels and buckets and spend the day enjoying the beach. And when we're done playing in the sand, we'll head up to the boardwalk and enjoy some ice cream, saltwater taf... 05/15/2011

FREE Star-Gazing Session at Carolina Beach State Park Ever wondered if that star has a name?  Where exactly is the Big Dipper?  How about the bull, Taurus? Saturday, May 7 is National Astronomy Day.  In honor of that, members of the Cape Fear Astronomical Society are sponsoring a free star-gazing session Saturday night at Carolina Beach State Park.                                          Members of the Cape Fear Astronomical Society will set up telescopes in the parking lot of the park's visitors' center, off Dow Road north of Carolina Beach.  From sundown until about 10 p.m. they will let the public look through their telescopes and point out constellations and other objects of interest in the night sky.Prime targets for Saturday night will be the moon and the planet Saturn, whose rin... 05/05/2011

"What makes you so different from all the other agents?" Nothing.  And everything.  Today most real estate agents have more tools in their back pocket than there are homes properly priced -- or, is that homes priced properly?  You get my drift.  Agents today have computers, iPhones, Blackberry's, iPads, Docusign, cameras, etc. to help you with buying or selling a home.  When it comes to tools, we're all pretty much on the same page.  What sets each of us apart, is how we utilize those tools; our experience, knowledge and our ability to analyze all of that data & then negotiate in your best interests.  Can any agent help you find a home?  Yep.  Can any agent help you negotiate the best deal for you?  Nope.  Can any agent help you find a buyer for your home?  Yep.  Can any agent see the d... 04/11/2011

15th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off!  April 16, 2011 Get ready, it's that time again!  The 15th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off!  Featuring samples of the areas best chowders from: 17th Street Deli - WilmingtonHavana's - Carolina BeachO'Charleys - Monkey JunctionSeaside Grill @ Marriott - Carolina BeachSurfhouse - Carolina Beach (2010 Peoples Choice)Tangerines Caribbean Grill - Carolina BeachThe Lazy Pirate - Carolina Beach (2010 Judges Choice)Treehouse Bistro- Carolina Beach Chowder not your thing?  Don't worry, there will be plenty of other food choices!  BBQ, hot doags, pizza funnel cakes, italian ice, sodas, beer and wine will be for sale as well. There will also be a Kidz Zone with face painting, balloon art and a giant inflated slide!  This event is great fun for ... 04/09/2011

The beach is calling your name. Answer it already! After my Open House at 318 Columbia Avenue #1 in Carolina Beach, I spent a little time hangin' out with my Granddaughter in downtown Carolina Beach.  It was a beautiful day and it's nice to see so many people out and enjoying all our area has to offer.  Is this view from 318 Columbia Avenue #1 gorgeous, or what? The line for Britts Donuts was pretty long.  Those are some gooood donuts!    As always, the beach was beautiful.               If you're ready to find that beach house you've been dreaming of, give me a call.  The beaches of Southeastern NC are calling your name.  Isn't it time you answered?        04/03/2011

24 hour Notice is a Killer! I'm working with a very motivated, QUALIFIED Buyer.  He is going to buy a home in Carolina Beach, NC.  But not one of the many homes which have "24-hour notice required" in the showing instructions.  Not because of any time constraints on his end, but because of his thoughts on what 24-hour notice means. "I don't want to waste my time trying to look at a house that needs 24 hours to bring up to showing condition.  If they can't keep it ready to show then they're not taking care of the home anyway.  And in this market there's no excuse for not letting a home be shown.  If they're that difficult about letting it be seen, I can only imagine how difficult they'd be in negotiations.  No thanks." I have explained to him that sometimes the notice is due to an ill fa... 03/28/2011

Real Estate Market Report for Carolina Beach NC The real estate market is hopping in Carolina Beach NC!  There have been 44 HOMES SOLD in Carolina Beach since 1/1/11 with an average sales price of $266,091 and 221 DOM (days on market).  The lowest SOLD was a 1 bdrm/1 bath single-family for $81,900.  The highest SOLD was a bank-owned 5 bdrm/3.5 bath oceanfront home for $561,750.  There are currently 313 ACTIVE LISTINGS in Carolina Beach with an average listing price of $335,264.  The lowest priced ACTIVE LISTING is a 1 bdrm/1 full 2 1/2 bath condo near the lake for $95,000.  The highest priced ACTIVE LISTING is a 4 bdrm/3.5 bath single family oceanfront home on 3 lots for $2,369,900.  Currently there are 40 PENDING SALES in Carolina Beach with an average asking price of $297,343. If you'... 03/28/2011

Pleasure Island Fresh Market I love fresh produce, my family always kept a garden and fresh veggies were served at every meal.  I don't have the time, or inclination, to have my own garden -- thank goodness I live in an area where those who do are willing to share!  Bonus?  Buying local keeps money and jobs in my community.  This is something I think we can ALL get behind! The Pleasure Island Fresh Market at the Carolina Beach Marina offers produce, baked goods, flowers, jewelry and other items from local growers and artisans.  There really is something for everyone. The Fresh Market at the City Marina is open every Saturday from 8a ~ 1p until May 7th.  After that?  Well, then the Carolina Beach Farmer's Market opens at the Lake and runs till September.  Aren't we lucky?!?!?! I hope you... 03/27/2011

A gorgeous day for lunch at The Treehouse Bistro in Carolina Beach NC Boy, is Spring being kind to us here in Southeastern NC!  CA & I had lunch at the Treehouse Bistro yesterday and it was fabulous!  We sat out on the deck & enjoyed the warm Spring breezes & Lake views -- delightful!  The Treehouse Bistro is located at 308 S. Lake Boulevard, right next to Lake Park in Carolina Beach.  They have a great selection of wines, gourmet coffees, sandwiches, salads and pastries.  And the service was terrific! I don't like to take photos of food, there's an art to that which I have not mastered.  So don't take my word for it, get over to the Treehouse Bistro and find out for yourself how good the food and staff are!  The Treehouse Bistro also features tapas style dining, that's a real treat whe... 03/24/2011

Carolina Beach NC is getting ready for the Season! Hello, Spring!  Carolina Beach NC, part of Pleasure Island, is gearing up for the season.  Windows are being washed, buildings are being painted, deck chairs are being retrieved, scrubbed and aired-out, the Lifeguard Stands are being readied, the Paddleboats are in the water, the Grandstand is being spruced-up.                            Even Britts Donuts will be back starting @4p on Friday March 25!  That alone is worth celebrating!         Signs of the Spring Renewal are evident everywhere you look.    If you're looking for a Cottage by the Sea, to own or rent, give me a call.  I know Carolina Beach NC, and it would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect home on Pleasure Island.           03/23/2011

OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEKEND IN CAROLINA BEACH & WILMINGTON NC 2 FABULOUS HOMES TO SEE THIS WEEKEND!  THE WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE GLORIOUS, SO WHILE YOU'RE OUT AND ABOUT ENJOYING IT, BE SURE TO STOP BY AND CHECK OUT THESE BEAUTIFUL HOMES!   OPEN SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2011  1p ~ 3p 318 COLUMBIA AVENUE #1 CAROLINA BEACH NC 28428 MLS #455481   This 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhome features lake views, granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, custom blinds, 1 car garage and a fenced yard.  Close to beach, shopping and dining.  Offered at $314,900.   OPEN SUNDAY MARCH 20, 2011  2p ~ 4p 7305 CASSIMIR PLACE WILMINGTON NC 28412 MLS #446285 Located in Cassimir Commons, this Charleston style patio home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths is close to Carolina Beach and Masonboro Country Club.... 03/17/2011

Coastal Neighborhoods - Carolina Beach NC - Seagrove   Looking for a lifestyle change? Look here - Cottages at Seagrove in Carolina Beach. It is only 5 short blocks to the beach but it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A very distinguished community you can find many style homes here. This is a coastal cottage just waiting for your personal touch - front porch for entertaining, community pool and clubhouse, street lighting and a casual beachy lifestyle. If you want something a little larger there are custom homes here and lots where you can build your dream home. One home was a national award winning home of the year. With a legal golf cart you can be anywhere at Kure or Carolina Beach in minutes. Let me know if you want more details on this or any other Coastal Ca... 12/01/2010

  Wilmington has lots of Holiday Events planned. Come to town to share in the fun...Nov 26: Island of Lights Light Up Celebration at the Lake, Pleasure IslandNov 26: Tree Lighting Ceremony & Flotilla Captain's Launch Party, Wrightsville BeachNov 26-12/22: 6th Annual Enchanted Airlie, Airlie GardensNov 27: 27th Annual NC Holiday Flotilla, Wrightsville BeachDec 4-18: Christmas By The Sea Festival, SouthportDec 4: Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour, Historic Sites Downtown WilmingtonDec 4: Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla, Pleasure IslandDec 5: 8th Annual City of Wilmington Holiday Parade, Downtown WilmingtonDec 5: 23rd Annual Oak Island Tour of Homes, Oak IslandDec 11: Island of Lights Tour of Homes, Pleasure IslandDec 11: Southport Christmas Tour of Homes & Lighted Holiday Boat Flotill... 11/27/2010

Find Short Sales and Foreclosures in Carolina Beach with Desiree Whalen 11/10/10 - Looking for Carolina Beach foreclosure listings? Get local information, search available properties, and sign up for a free, updated list of short sales and foreclosures in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher with local Realtor Desiree Whalen, SFR. (http://www.desireewhalen.com/ncbeachbargains.php) "Now is the time if you've ever dreamed about owning a beach property in Carolina Beach," said Desiree. "Economic conditions have forced a number of short sales and foreclosures in the area on some beautiful properties both on the beach or within the first two rows. With home prices being down currently, and mortgage interest rates at their lowest point ever, there's never been a better time to be a buy... 11/10/2010

Prudential Laney Real Estate Presents This Weeks Twilight Tour of Homes Wilmington, NC Thursday August 27, 2010  5p ~ 7p   Tour these and 11 more lovely homes!   1305 Canal Drive Unit 8 Bayview Manor                3 bedrooms, 3 baths  $329,000              8932 Shipwatch Drive Shipwatch                                                         3 bedrooms, 3 baths $685,000    There will be a drawing for a $10 gas card at each home. And every time you visit one of the homes on our Twilight Tour of Homes you will be entered in a drawing for a 1 year membership to Gold's Gym and our grand prize of a $300 gift certificate to Mayfaire Town Center.   Find Your New Home, on Your Way Home!   08/25/2010

Get Ready for a fun filled next few weeks in Wilmington NC and its Beach communities of Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach.... Here is a list : Area Events July 23-25: Cape Fear Blues Festival, Greenfield Amphitheater & other venues  July 24: 11th Annual CFCC Boat Show, CFCC Campus,  Riverfront  July 24: Kids Fishing Derby, 10-2 at Oak Island Pier July 30-31: 2nd Annual TJM Celebrity Charity Kayak Fishing Tournament, Fort Fisher July 31: An Evening with artist Ivey Hayes, Poplar Grove Plantation August 6: American Legion Fish Fry, 910-458-4253, Carolina Beach August 6-8: Bald Head Island Pirate Weekend, Bald Head Island August 11: Final Family Movie Night at Wrightsville Beach Park August 12: Town of Leland Concerts on the Coast, 6:30- 8 at Leland Municipal Complex Park A... 08/01/2010

  Day 49: - FREE movies at Carolina Beach under the stars on Sunday evenings.... you don't have to pay to go to the movies....head to Carolina Beach and the lake. ...The fun begins around 8:45pm......http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/freemoviesatthelake.asp   Check out the schedule at the web site....buy snacks and beverages there or bring your own...so many great choices....I think you must see them all....my favorite so far ...Avatar....take in a move on ME!!!!! 06/19/2010

06/18/2010

Day 45: Fireworks by the Sea: Head on down to Carolina Beach every Thursday through September 2, 2010....www.pleasureislandnc.org....enjoy the live beach music starting at 6:30pm each Thursday at the Boardwalk Gazebo.   The fireworks start at 9pm.  Check out the web site for the schedule or other special programs, especially in July. These events are sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.    And,  best of all they are FREE!! Where else but at the beach can you have so much fun and enjoyment? 06/15/2010

Carolina Beach Music Festival-Shaggin' on the Beach Carolina shagging that is! If you are going to be around Carolina Beach this weekend June 4-5 then come on out to the Carolina Beach Music Festival. This year will be the 25th annual event that has a great lineup with plenty of fun things to do. I will be there listening to great music and shagging the night away. Yes you heard right....I am a shagger and love beach music. Here is a list of the activities and times for all of the events coming up this weekend. The Carolina beach Music Festival is the place to be so come on out and if you see me say hello! June 4th Friday Night Kick Off-Carolina Beach Music Festival  will be held at The Gazebo located on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Cape Fear Blvd FEATURING Sea Cruz 6:00 pm to 9:00pm Fr... 06/02/2010