Let’s get serious about real estate

July 30, 2009


Featured #202D in the Bayberry $446,250
3 bedrooms, 2 baths on top floor with panoramic water views
Built in 2007, 9 1/2′ ceilings, tiled entry, kitchen & baths
Andersen tilt-out windows, ceiling fans, stainless appliances
Washer, dryer, elevator and parking underneath

From USA TODAY yesterday, it was reported that housing prices showed their first gain in three years, indicating that the market may be turning around.

From http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2009/07/28/home-sales-rise-finally-great-recession/, author Charles Feldman, writes: “The government… is reporting that sales of new, single-family homes went up some 11 percent in June from the previous month while, at the same time, the actual number of new homes still on the market was at the lowest number since the winter of 1998!”

It seems that the local market in Marshes Light is following this trend as we are seeing an increase in home values, increased activity to our sales center, and there is a smaller inventory of homes available.

From MSNBC, the Associated Press reports on 7/23/2009: The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage this week was 5.2 percent, up from 5.14 percent a week earlier, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Interest rates for 30 year fixed were spiking over 6.3% one year ago.

From the Active Rain website, author Lew Corcoran http://www.lewcorcoran.com/MyBlog has this to say:


If you’re still floating and watching the rates, ask yourself this question: Will it hurt me more to lock in now and watch rates drop another eighth or a quarter point, or will it hurt me more to keep floating and watch rates turn for the worse? If you’re willing to take the risk and continue watching rates, then keep a wary eye on the markets and maintain contact with your mortgage professional, because the markets can change at any moment.
My Interest Rate Lock Advice for Today:

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…
· Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days
· Float if my closing was taking place within 8 and 30 days
· Float if my closing was taking place between 31 and 60 days
· Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now

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Lazy Sunday in July

July 27, 2009
Hanging out by the pool with Bailey

Bailey was getting some exercise diving after water bottles in the pool (between you and me, she could stand to lose a couple of pounds).

This palm tree has seeded – don’t know if you can see it, but very interesting pod – almost looks like it could be used as a bowl/platter (don’t know if it can be preserved or is strong enough. hmmm….).

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What’s happening on Roanoke Island, Outer Banks

July 24, 2009

Enjoy the sailing and visit the Manteo Farmer’s Market at the same time. George Washington Creef Park on the Manteo Waterfront. Open May 16 – August 22 (Saturdays) from 8am – 12pm. Rain or Shine. Where all the cool cows buy their flowers, herbs and pies!

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Surfing the Outer Banks

July 20, 2009

Posting a link to a slideshow featured in the Travel Section of the New York Times. Click on

The photographs in the NY Times article are beautiful and the subject matter is near and dear to me, being surrounded by a family of surfers, skimmers and body-boarders!

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Outer Banks Sights, a few of our favorite things

July 15, 2009

Full day offshore charter fishing trip: $1,600.00

Food, beer, ice: $165.89

View from the bridge of a charter boat returning to Pirates Cove on a beautiful afternoon: PRICELESS!

The Charter boat trip was courtesy of my friend and Marina Mentor, Lee Graham of Pirates Cove.

Here are more priceless pics, courtesy of my friend Ann Davis during her recent family reunion in beautiful Sanderling in Duck, NC.

And the bounty at a recent Saturday morning Farmers Market in Manteo.

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Sounds of Africa at Roanoke Island Festival Park

July 10, 2009

The outdoor pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park is a very special venue.

Surrounded by the Roanoke Sound and in the heart of downtown Manteo, the Park offers something for people of all ages, including children’s theater productions, summer concerts, the Outer Banks History Center, the Elizabeth II and other interesting exhibits and gift store.

Walk or drive over the bridge to the Park, it is very picturesque and the views are incredible!
Tonight at 8 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion is Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa. Here’s a sample of their talent: http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eDrP7uxtOU.

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Dockmaster Joe featured on the Tarheel Traveler

July 7, 2009

Marshes Light dockmaster, Joe Chambliss, was recently featured on Raleigh’s WRAL television on the “Tarheel Traveler” section.

Click here to view the video on WRAL’s website.
Joe welcomed the Chesapeake Cruisers to the marina this past week. They have taken in the sights, including the Lost Colony and last week’s First Friday celebration in downtown. It’s easy to get around, just hop off the boat and stroll the docks and boardwalk and be downtown in just a few minutes. Except for a bit of rain on Sunday, the weather has been incredible!


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It’s a Mayberry kind of holiday!

July 4, 2009
It’s a Mayberry kind of 4th of July in downtown Mante! The sun is shining, the wind is blowing gently from the east and the sky is Carolina Blue!

There are a lot of people in town for the holiday; they’re browsing the Farmers’ Market and listening to the live music at center stage beneath the old Courthouse.

Marshes Light Marina welcomes the Chesapeake Cruisers, and everyone, including their boats, is decked out in red, white and blue finery. They’re cooking out under the tent and strolling the Marshes Light boardwalk over to Manteo to shop and dine and see the sights.

Bridge to Festival Park

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