Outer NC Blog

2010-09-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

Negotiating an offer and neither party wants to move. Guess it's time for a walk on the beach for me... as soon as I'm office duty that is.

Emerald Isle Schools - a welcome surprise to newcomers

2009-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

Emerald Isle schools are of great importance to families
moving to the area and all are happy to hear there is good news. In fact just
last year Croatan High School won a Silver Award from the US News & World Report
in December of 2008.

I have clients who are in the military and this is always one
of the first questions they ask: What are the Emerald Isle Schools like? This
has not been a issue for buyers loosing for a second home or for buyers looking
to find a home for sale in Emerald Isle that will be a great investment
property.

Safety is an issue for buyers moving to the area. Safety in
the schools and in general. Crime is low to virtually non-existent in Emerald
Isle. The schools rank high on safety. That is not to say they don't have
problems, like all schools they have issues, but on a relative scale they rank
very high in student care and concerns.

The links below will take you to the specific websites for
the Emerald Isle schools.

Schools:
White Oak
Elementary -
Broad Creek Middle -
Croatan High School

View Emerald Isle Schools in a larger map

Want to check on a report card for Emerald Isle schools?
Follow this link to the North Carolina School Report Card:

http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/

See my other blogs on Emerald Isle:

•

Emerald Isle North Carolina Weather

•

Emerald Isle Things to Do

•

Lands End Emerald Isle

•

Emerald Isle Beach Club

•

Dolphin Ridge Emerald Isle

Connect with
Kathryn Gorham -
Green Key
Properties

8754 Reed Drive - Suite 14 - Emerald Isle, NC 28594

252.646.4656 cell
·
252.354.7007
office

www.greenkeyproperties.com
· kkathryn@greenkeyproperties.com

ActiveRain -
an online real estate network

Women's Council of REALTORS®
a
National Referral Network

Land End Emerald Isle - Oceanfront Subdivision

2009-10-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Lands End Emerald Isle North Carolina is a wonderful ocean side subdivision on this quaint outer island of the Crystal Coast NC - also known as the Southern Outer Banks.

This picturesque subdivision of Lands End Emerald Isle North Carolina is found along Coast Guard Road on the west end of this emerald island. The majority of Emerald Isle's full time residents call the west end home.

Lands End subdivision is considered by some the most exclusive and premier subdivision the island has to offer.

Don't expect to go touring through Lands End. They are serious about their gated community and they have a guard at the gatehouse to check in all registered guests visiting property. Don't worry if you're not on the list. They will gladly telephone your host on your behalf.

Images are of the Lands End Emerald Isle North Carolina, Guard House and entrance.

Although the majority of residents call Lands End their primary home many vacationers temporarily call Lands end home too. Plan on a minimum of a two week stay as weekly rentals are not permitted.

Community amenities in this ocean front subdivision include clubhouse, beach walkway, pool and four tennis courts. Roads are private and the utilities are run underground. The beaches are as inviting for those who want to play and relax in the sun as to those who enjoy angling for the catch. The private Lands End Emerald Isle walkway will carry you through the dunes to the awaiting surf.

See my other blog posts on Emerald Isle:
• Emerald Isle North Carolina Weather
• Emerald Isle Schools
• Emerald Isle Things to Do
• Lands End Emerald Isle Homes Sold Recently
• Lands End Emerald Isle, a perfect Emerald Isle Beach Home

Video of Lands End Emerald Isle North Carolina photographs

Kathryn Gorham | Green Key Properties | Emerald Isle North Carolina
2010 President Women's Council of REALTORS® Crystal Coast Chapter
252.646.4656 cell · 252.354.7007 office
Southern Outer Banks NC | Crystal Coast NC | Coastal Carolina
ActiveRain an Online Referral Network
Women's Council of REALTORS® a National Referral Network

Emerald Isle - Pamper yourself at the beach!

2009-06-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Emerald Isle is a grand destination for enjoying the beach, the ocean, fishing, jet skis, kayaks, tennis, water slides, miniature golf, go carts, dinning and many other fun activities while visiting or vacationing. One thing to remember is there are also great places to pamper yourself. Take an hour or two and visit Ocean Nails in the Emerald Plantation.

View Emerald Plantation Shopping Center in a larger map

Take the time to have your nails done to perfection while sipping a delicious cup of coffee from Beans & Screens Coffee Shop next door.

Or relax a while in the massage chairs while having a pedicure and foot massage.

Chris, the owner, told me that many a client has been known to fall asleep while having their pedicure, listening to relaxing music, and having the chair massage their body. Just so you know the salon policy is: we don't wake them up we just let them relax and rest.

If you want a full body massage they offer that too. Treat yourself to the full works. Here is their price list.

Walk-Ins are Welcome

Appointments are Recommended

(especially for lager parties)

Gift Certificates are Available

Ocean Nails & Spa

Monday through Saturday 9:30am - 7:00pm

252.354.2020

Individuals, groups, families, friends, wedding parties and parties in general are welcomed. Many wedding parties who have beach weddings at the Dolphin Ridge Beach Club enjoy arriving a few days early and beginning their celebration with a girls day at the spa at Ocean Nails. Give them a call

Take a break from family and friends at the beach, tell them you are headed to Food Lion to get some groceries then drop into Ocean Nails & Spa next door for some pampering.

Connect with Kathryn Gorham - Green Key Properties
8754 Reed Drive - Suite 14 - Emerald Isle, NC 28594
252.646.4656 cell
252.354.7007 office
www.greenkeyproperties.com
kathryn@greenkeyproperties.com
ActiveRain - an online real estate network

Lands End, Emerald Isle, NC

2009-06-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard
Road runs along the West End of
Emerald Isle, NC and ends at "The Point." The Point of Emerald Isle is where the
waters of the ocean meet the waters of Bogue Sound and
vice versa every day during the tidal changes. This is the end of the road
literally for Emerald Isle. Along the road on the way to "The Point" you
will find many subdivisions including Lands End. This "west end" of the island is where you will find the majority
of Emerald Isle's full time residents.

Coast Guard Road in Emerald Isle is so named because of the
Coast
Guard Station housed at the end of the road since 1966. Along Coast
Guard Road in Emerald Isle there are several subdivision. Lands End subdivision is
considered by some the most exclusive and premier subdivision.

Don't expect to go touring through Lands End. They are serious about
their gated community and they have a guard at the gatehouse to check in all
registered guests visiting property owners. Don't worry if you're not on the list.
They will gladly telephone your host on your behalf.

Although the majority of residents call Lands End their primary home many
vacationers temporarily call Lands end home too. Plan on a minimum of a two
week stay as weekly rentals are not permitted.

Community amenities in this ocean front subdivision include clubhouse,
beach walkway, pool and four tennis courts. Roads are private and the
utilities are run underground. The beaches are as inviting for those who want to
play and relax in the sun as to those who enjoy angling for the catch. The
private Lands End walkway will carry you through the dunes to the awaiting
surf.

The search screen below is a search of the homes for sale in Lands
End - Emerald Isle NC. You can see all the homes for sale today in
Lands End of Emerald Isle and Carteret County North Carolina. Want to search
other areas? Just change the search fields in the form below. It is interactive. Begin
using it right here right now! No clicking to another site. Search for your
home from where you are. Enjoy your search and should you have any
questions or need help call Kathryn at 252-354-7007.

Connect with Kathryn Gorham -
Green Key
Properties

8754 Reed Drive - Suite 14 - Emerald Isle, NC 28594

252.646.4656 cell

252.354.7007
office

www.greenkeyproperties.com

kathryn@greenkeyproperties.com

ActiveRain -
an online real estate network

Area Attractions:

Aquarium at
Pine Knoll Shores - Exhibit galleries include the Mountains, the
Piedmont, Coastal Plains, Tidal Waters, Oceans. Don't miss the FREE
daily tours and programs.

North Carolina Maritime
Museum - Maritime history and natural history as well as books
and souvenirs. And oh yes, pirates!

Fort
Macon State Park - Civil War fort built in 1826 plus public
access to the ocean

Tryon
Palace and Gardens - A historic trip back in time. Check
their calendar for tours, concerts and other events.

Cape Lookout
National Seashore - Remote beaches, lighthouse and wild horses

Beaufort Historic Site - Historic tours of 18th & 19th century
historic homes.

Schools:

White Oak
Elementary -
Broad Creek Middle -
Croatan High School

Average Area Temperatures:

Condo near Emerald Isle, NC

2009-06-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Grande Villas Luxury Condos Indian Beach

2009-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Grande Villas Receptions an Tour

Thursday evening a couple of the agents in the office and I drove east down the island to Indian Beach to attend a reception and tour at the Grande Villas. They been great about keeping us REALTORS up to date on their progress and promotions, but there is not substitute for in person visits.

http://gvcondos.com/

As their website header boasts - move in now. Indeed they do have owners and visitors making use of the beautiful facilities.

It was a windy evening last Thursday but it is obvious that the Grande Villas has nice high dunes,
expansive beach and beach chairs and umbrellas for its guests.

The ocean side facade of the Grande Villas is quite impressive. All the rooms are ocean front rooms with great views. What a terriffic design.

The fitness room at the grande villas boasts an inviting atmosphere, clean locker rooms, a game room with pool table & video games and a wonderful ocean view.

There are great sitting areas indoors and out for guests. The pool is large and the flowing fountain is sure to be a hit among the children who can't resist getting their hands wet.

The interiors of the units are done first class with granite in the kitchen and guest baths, marble in the master bath counters and showers, stainless steel appliances, wood or white cabinets.
There are 2, 3 and 4 bedroom layouts. Diana Oebbecke, Linda Hughs and I all loved the furnished 2 bedroom on the first floor. We thought the penthouse 4 bedroom was quite nice too.
Furniture packages are available at additional cost.

Each owner has 2 parking spaces, one in the garage and one in the open air lot. They even have a "dog park" a fenced area where you can let Rover run and play.

Intereste in the Grande Villas? Contact me and we'll visit them to find something that fits your needs.

Connect with Kathryn Gorham - Green Key Properties
8754 Reed Drive - Suite 14 - Emerald Isle, NC 28594
252.646.4656 cell
252.354.7007 office
www.greenkeyproperties.com
kathryn@greenkeyproperties.com

Working with First Time Home Buyers

2009-06-05T08:59:00.001-07:00

Catch the Spirit!

Last week I had an inspection with a first-time-home-buyer couple. Their enthusiasm and excitement about everything was infectious. They measured every room, they brought tools and tinkered witht the loose door knobs, they learned how the windows opened & closed, they brought a hose and exterior home cleaner and cleaned a section of the hardiplank. This was a vacant home so it was easy to feel free to experiment and experience.

I was fun to share in their excitement. I've started giving Home Buyer Seminars and look forward to more of these experiences.

Having fun selling to first time buyers.

Sailing the Pamlico

2009-06-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Enjoying Playtime!
We've all been working hard with too little reward to show for our efforts. Sometimes the best formula to create more abundance and flow in our lives is PLAY! I know that intellectually. I know that spiritually. Today I lived that experientially.
We sailed our 14' Hobbie Cat Monohull day sailer on the Pamlico River. The breezes were great, there was no gasoline to buy and Henry & I had a chance to just talk and really listen to each other.
These waters off the coast of North Carolina have hosted many boats. Our founders sailed them and settled their shores. Pirates profited and pillaged along our shores and have left many tales some of them even true. Waters off the coast have connected us to foreign lands, trade goods and more recently recreation.

The litte orange icon showing up on sites... how does that work?

2009-06-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

RSS feed.... hmmmm.... What is it?

I've been wondering about the little orange symbol on sites for RSS feed. I mean it is even on my MLS client portal sites. I know it stands for RSS feed, but what is it and why do I want to try it.

Wikipedia - defines it as Really Simple Syndication.
http://www.whatisrss.com/ What is RSS .com site - says it is Rich Site Summary

My curiosity led me to looking it up while waiting the half hour for Flex MLS to come back online yesteray.

I found this youtube video that tells it in plain english much better than I can and I thought I would share it.

CommonCraft - presents RSS in plain English.

I now have my Google Reader and I am adding sites. Will let you know how it goes.

Next I want to learn how to add an RSS feed to my website - that may take a bit more learning. But I love learning.

http://www.greenkeyproperties.com/

kathryn@greenkeyproperties.com

Are we coming out of this recession?

2009-06-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

Signals of a recession winding down. (edit/delete)

According to a Wall Street Journal article today...

By BRIAN BLACKSTONE WASHINGTON -- U.S. job losses softened markedly last month, sending one of the strongest signals yet that the severe recession may be winding down.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124420479347588831.html

That said we still have 17 months of joblosses on the books matching a record set in 1981- 1982.

We have a way to go to climb out of this recession an I will take this "slowing" of the job loss as one sign we are reaching the "turning point."

Job Loss by month

January 2009 - 741,000
February 2009 - 681,000
March 2009 - 652,000
April 2009 - 504,000
May 2009 - 345,000

I always like to share when I find news that is good. Count your blessings today if you are one of the ones with a job.

www.greenkeyproperties.com
kathryn@greenkeyproperties.com

Isakson ... should you know this name?

2009-06-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Isakson ... should you know this name? (edit/delete)

Johnny Isakson, didn't ring a bell with me. I am not even sure how to pronounce his name. However when I read about him his amendment did ring a bell. He is the Georgia Senator who is continuing to push for the $15,000 tax creddit for consumers - the same tax credit that was nixed from the stimulus bill earlier this year at the 11th hour.

The one thing in the stimulus bill that many believed would actually stimulate some economic growth and recovery. Home buyers, home sellers and all those in and related to the real estate industry were cheering on this proposed amendment.

There is hope. In the May-June 2009 Issue of REBAC magazine the senator is quoted from a Chattanooga, Tennessee businesss forum arguing that, "Our economic crisis started with housing, and our economy will continue to suffer unless we do something now to immediately fix the housing problem."

If you are remotely interested in the housing recovery of this country pay attention to Isakson's tax credit bill which has passed the Senate and awaits action in the House.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/02/02/daily76.html
Atlanta Business Journal article - February 17th, 2009

http://isakson.senate.gov/press/2009/020409housing.htm
February 4th press release by Johnny Isakson

www.greenkeyproperties.com
kathryn@greenkeyproperties.com

Green Sustainable Counter Tops!

2009-06-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Recycled Glass coming to a kitchen near you. Yep, out of the landfill into the home. It's a new sensation in green and home design.

Companies buy landfill and recycle glass as well as glass from municipalities when they change from glass traffic signals to plastic.

One of my buyers was telling me they are thinking about it for the home they are purchasing so I had to look into it. I love finding out about new "green" products.

After looking into it more I find that many of these products can be used for table tops, walls and even floors too. Gotta like it. Many of the sites have Green certifications such as LEEDS

http://www.vetrazzo.com/sustain.html - Vetrazzo - recycled glass

http://www.enviroglasproducts.com/ - EnviroGlas - recycled glass

http://www.icestone.biz/ - IceStone - recycled glass and concrete

Do you have Green-minded friends, neighbors, family or clients?
Talk to them about this new sustainable product for building and remodeling.

Here is a site that has reviews - http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com/kitchen-blog/2009/03/14/glass-countertops-review-recycled-glass-countertops/

I found the review helpful - similar to info you would get in an FAQ

Your cell number in the hands of telemarketers!

2009-06-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a couple of emails letting me know that cell phone numbers are going public sometime this month June 2009. Which means the first group actively seeking the newly public information with be the telemarketers. If you don't want your cell phone minutes and voice mail box taken up with solicitation calls then...

If you haven't already listed your number with the DO NOT CALL REGISGTRY... "when would now" be a good time to do so?

www.donotcall.gov

Enter up to three phone numbers - and then confirm the registration by clicking the email registration recieipt. Remember to add mom's or spouse or children who aren't tech savy or who wouldn't be bothered taking the time, but would appreciate the service.

Coastal Market Report May 2009

2009-06-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

I am asked frequently about the market from sellers and buyers and even from people in the pizza shop (like last night), the grocery store and at social events. People I've talked to feel like the market is a barometer for how things are going in the economy.

I believe they are correct. No indicator is perfect or 100% accurate and that is good to keep in mind. However having some information and knowledge about how things are going is fun and maybe even helpful.

On my recent trip to Washington DC to the National Association of REALTORS and the Women's Council of REALTORS midyear meetings (May 13 - 17) market activity and conditions was a constant topic of conversation. We all want to know how other markets are doing. So I am setting a goal for myself to do a monthly analysis and share that. Here goes....

May 2009 Market Report for Emerald Isle, NC at the beach plus Carteret County, NC and the area of Cape Carteret, Cedar Point & Swansboro, NC

MAY 2009

DOM = Days on Market