Area Events: Carolina Beach / Kure Beach Winter Holidays

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Check out the area events for Carolina & Kure Beach for the winter holidays!

Island Colors Offers Spectacular One Day Sale – Located in the Food Lion Shopping Center . This year Island Colors has a great variety of new fall and winter sweaters, French terry sweatshirts and active wear by Fresh Produce,   I Can Too and Lula B. Island Colors has also brought in fall versions of the OK Ab shoes. They even have t-shirts, sandals and hats for men. Why not start that Holiday Shopping at Island Colors and enjoy the one day sale on Friday, November 27th. The store will have special hours this one day from 9 AM – 7 PM. www.islandcolors.com

Looking for that Special Gift for Someone – Why not get them a fabulous getaway at Beau Rivage Golf & Resort. They are offering $59 Villa Rentals and $39 Golf seven days a week. In-room gift baskets and custom golf packages are also available as well as gift certificates. They are also offering All-You-Can-Play golf after 1:00 p.m. for just $29. These specials will run through February of 2010. Finally, they are offering golf memberships with ZERO initiation through 2010, which also makes a great gift. www.beaurivagegolf.com

Courtyard Marriott to Offer Breakfast with Santa – On Saturday, December 5th from 9:00 a.m.until noon, Santa will be at the Marriott in Carolina Beach where your child can have his picture taken for free as you give him your all-important Christmas List. While there, enjoy their famous Breakfast Buffet with Santa in their Seaside Grill. Children 6-12 are $5.95 and Adults are $9.95.www.courtyardcarolinabeach.com

Tangerine’s Offers a Variety of Entertainment to Keep the Winter Blues Away – On Sundays and Mondays come cheer for your favorite team as Tangerine’s offers drink specials, $.40 wings and $5.95 Personal Pita Pizzas. Enjoy your team on one of their 10 big screen televisions and their giant projection screen tv. Every Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m., take part in WII Bowling Night. There are cash prizes as well as well drink and draft specials. Entry fee is $5.00. Also, every Tuesday and Thursday evenings enjoy 40% off all entrees. Lastly, as a Holiday Special, purchase a gift card of $50 or more and receive 10% off. www.tangerinegrille.com

Christmas Trees – Premium Fraser Firs, the Best on the Island (3’ to 10’ trees) not what you will normally find at stores that wilt away in weeks. They will also be offering wreaths (from 12-24”), Cinco stands and fresh cut garland. So come get warm by the fire pit, listen to the music and watch your favorite Christmas movies while you check out their beautiful trees from our own North CarolinaMountains. Best of all, FREE DELIVERY of your tree and end of season recycle pickup. But even better, a portion of the proceeds will benefit OUR Carolina Beach elementary School. So come join the crew at Pleasure Island Rentals at their winter wonderland and pick from the best trees around for your Holiday Season. They look forward to seeing you and please remember…BUY LOCAL.www.pleasureislandrentals.com

The Holiday Season kicks off in full swing on Friday, November 27th when the Island of Lights celebrates the Lighting of the Lake at the Carolina Beach Lake Park at 7:00 p.m. immediately following the Lighting of the Lake will be the 1st Annual Christmas by the Sea Celebration by the Boardwalk Makeover.  The actual lighting is scheduled to occur at 8:00 p.m.  The Boardwalk oceanfront landscaped coves will come alive with merriment.  They are planning all kinds of activities on Fridays and Saturdays through December 19th.

Real Estate and Weather – there were 12 new listings on Pleasure Island, 6 under contract and 5 closed sales.  It looks like we’ll see some sunshine through Thanksgiving weekend and then some more rain throughout the week.  Temperatures look like they will remain in the 60’s.

Market Update from Jim Wallace

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The real estate landscape has changed dramatically in the last 4 years.  Our local housing market continues to be volatile. Home sales continued to improve in October giving us two months increase year-over-year, an encouraging sign.  However, the average price of a home fell from $257,912 in October 2008 to $237,998 in October 2009.

How can you tell if the local market is improving?  It depends on the price range you are considering and the number of months supply in that price range.  Anything over six months supply is considered high, meaning that sellers may have to reduce prices in order to sell.  On October 1st we had an average home supply of 14.91 months according to the M.O.R.E. Report and MLS data.

There is a window of opportunity right now for sellers and buyers because Congress has extended the tax credit for new home buyers and added a new tax credit for qualified existing home buyers until April 30, 2010.  These tax credits are not likely to be renewed so it may be wise to act now.  Interest rates are currently at historic lows.  The tax credit and low rates combined offer an opportunity that we may not see again for a long time.

For 33 years, Intracoastal Realty has been dedicated to serving you in all your real estate needs.  Today that commitment is stronger than ever.  Our agents have the experience and expertise to help you navigate through the choppy waters of our current market.

Jim Wallace, CEO
Intracoastal Realty Corporation

Paula Ferebee Receives SFR Certification

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Paula Ferebee of Intracoastal Realty recently earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification. The SFR curriculum and standards are governed by the National Association of REALTORS®.  Agents with the SFR certification have an understanding of how to direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals; qualify sellers for short sales; negotiate with lenders; limit risk; and protect buyers.  National Association of REALTORS recently reported that nearly one-third of existing home sales were either short sales or foreclosures.

Paula Ferebee is a Broker/REALTOR® at Intracoastal Realty’s Lumina I office, and can be reached at 910-540-8787 or paula@intracoastalrealty.com

October Million Dollar Club

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Intracoastal Realty announces recipients of the October 2009 Million Dollar Club.  See below for the big winners.

Closed Volume: 11 agents had a closed sales volume of at least $1M in October

  • Vance Young – 9.2
  • Keith Beatty – 3.9
  • Angie Pool – 3.4
  • Mark Bodford – 2.1
  • Debbie Mitchell – 2.0
  • Susan Lacy – 1.4
  • Eva Elmore – 1.2
  • Rodney Keesee – 1.2
  • April McDavid – 1.1
  • Betsy Leonard – 1.0

Listing Volume: 26 agents had new listing volume of at least $1M in October

  • Keith Beatty – 5.0
  • Vance Young – 4.0
  • Joy Donat – 3.9
  • April McDavid – 3.6
  • Wayne Morris – 3.2
  • Chip Berry – 3.2
  • Lynn McGary – 2.8
  • Joyce Barnwell – 2.6
  • Lee Crouch – 2.2
  • Suzanne Nash – 2.2
  • Chris Johnson – 2.1
  • Ham Hicks – 2.0
  • Ron Barnello – 1.8
  • Tee Woodbury – 1.8
  • Betsy Leonard – 1.7
  • Lynne Boney – 1.4
  • Marsha Lovin Ferrell – 1.4
  • Mary Curry – 1.3
  • Sue Coupland – 1.3
  • Renee Yost – 1.2
  • Mark Bodford – 1.2
  • Dave Hilliard – 1.1
  • Jane Dodd – 1.1
  • Pam Donohue – 1.0
  • Debbie Mitchell – 1.0
  • Todd Toconis – 1.0

Under Contract Volume: 7 agents placed at least $1M worth of properties under contract in October

  • Debbie Mitchell – 4.6
  • Vance Young – 2.7
  • Keith Beatty – 2.2
  • Susan Lacy – 2.0
  • Renee Yost – 1.4
  • Bobby Brandon – 1.3
  • Jimmy Hopkins – 1.2

Carolina Beach / Kure Beach Events and Updates

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Check out the area events for Carolina & Kure Beach for the month of November!

Checkered Church to host Open House – The Checkered Church Gift Shop will hold their 13th Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th from noon until 4:00 p.m. Come see their Mermaid themed tree, sample their gourmet foods from Goodness Gullah Gourmet, Maggie & Mary’s and more. Refreshments will be available and every sale will be eligible for their “secret discount” from 5-50% off or receive a free gift. www.checkeredchurch.com

Let Thyme Savor make your Holidays Easier – Let Thyme Savor cook for you and you can take the credit. Thyme Savor is offering three different Holiday Dinners to Go. Each package includes Turkey, Potatoes and Gravy, Vegetables, Cranberry Chutney, Chestnut Stuffing and Dessert. The small package serves 4-8 people. The medium package serves 10-14 people and the large package serves 18-24 people. Prices range from $69.99 to $179.99. Additional side items can be purchased for $4.99 per quart. If you place your order by November 16, 2009 you can receive either 2 additional side items or 1 additional desert pie. To place an order, please call 910-465-9668 or email to thymesavor@hotmail.com. Please visit their website at www.thymesavorcatering.com for more information.

Jack Mackerel’s offers $10.00 Specials – Sundays through Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. until close, Jack Mackerel’s offers a variety of items for just $10.00. The specials include the 6oz. Grilled Sirloin, Shrimp Scampi, Fried Shrimp Plate, Half Rack of Ribs, Caribbean Grilled Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Honey Dijon Salmon, Fried Flounder Plate, Large Caesar with Blackened Chicken and Teriyaki Tuna. Each entrée comes with sides and for $2.95 you can add a small house salad or Caesar Salad. For more information contact (910) 458-7668. www.jackmacks.com

The 4th Annual Holiday Walk is Almost Here – On November 22nd from noon until 6:00 p.m., head down to Carolina Beach and take part in shopping, open houses and great prizes. There will be great deals, entertainment, discounts and more. Just look for the Santa Balloon outside of participating businesses. For complete info, please visit www.snowscut.com
Microtel Inn & Suites to offer Thanksgiving Dinner – The Microtel Inn & Suites invites you to have dinner with them on November 28th at 5:00 p.m. There is no charge for the meal. They are offering a special if you stay with them. Stay 3 nights and get the 4th free. You can stay 2 nights and pay half for the 3rd night. You can even stay 1 night or just come for dinner. Call 458-1300 for more information. The Microtel is also an official drop off point for Toys for Tots 2009. Bring your receipt up to $25.00 and they will take that amount off of your room rate. www.microtelinn.com

Pleasure Island Rentals to offer Christmas Trees – Premium Frasier Furs, the Best on the Island (3’ to 10’ trees) not what you will normally find at stores that wilt away in weeks. They will also be offering wreaths (from 12-24”), Cinco stands and fresh cut garland. So come get warm by the fire pit, listen to the music and watch your favorite Christmas movies while you check out their beautiful trees from our own North Carolina Mountains. Best of all, FREE DELIVERY of your tree and end of season recycle pickup. But even better, a portion of the proceeds will benefit OUR Carolina Beach Elementary School. So come join the crew at Pleasure Island Rentals at their winter wonderland and pick from the best trees around for your Holiday Season. They look forward to seeing you and please remember…BUY LOCAL. www.pleasureislandrentals.com

Kure Beach Christmas Fantasy Show is Coming – On December 11th and 12th in downtown Kure Beach, come join the fun of singing, dancing and Characters Galore as we celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Fantasy Show. This event is free and open to the public but remember to dress warmly as it always snows at the show!

Staples in Monkey Junction Allows You to Save the Easy Way – For a limited time only earn 50% back in Staples Rewards on all copies. This includes all color and black and white copies on all paper types and sizes. Staples offers both full service and self service. Orders can be submitted in the store or online at www.staples.com/copyandprint

Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays with C&J’s Cleaning Service – Are you busy decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts or busy with Holiday parties? If so, let C&J’s Cleaning Service help you. Mention this ad and receive $25.00 off cleaning services. Please call 622-1072 or 799-1960 for more information.

Real Estate and Weather – there were 11 new listings last week, 5 under contract and 15 closed sales.  We’ve had some wet and chilly weather with tropical storm ‘Ida’ hanging over us, but next week looks fairly dry with moderate temperatures in the upper sixties to lower seventies.

Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

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Dan Willard of Intracoastal Realty recently earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification. The SFR curriculum and standards are governed by the National Association of REALTORS®.  Agents with the SFR certification have an understanding of how to direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals; qualify sellers for short sales; negotiate with lenders; limit risk; and protect buyers.  National Association of REALTORS recently reported that nearly one-third of existing home sales were either short sales or foreclosures.

Dan Willard is a Buyers Only Broker at Intracoastal Realty’s Lumina I office, and can be reached at 910-471-4000 or danwillard@intracoastalrealty.com, or visit Dan’s website atwww.WilmingtonBuyersOnlyBroker.com.

2009-11-ar125486763493312

Return On Investment Real Estate Vs. Stock Markets

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The graph below depicts an eye-opening return on investment for real estate. The graph is based on assumptions that an equal amount of money was invested in each of the three markets shown and in real estate on January 1, 2000. With all of the negative media attention, who would have thought that real estate not only provided the highest ROI, but was the only category of the four producing a positive return?

2009-11-Return on Investment 10-1-09

Tax Credits Now Available for Repeat and First-time Buyers

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New legislation under The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Act of 2009 was recently signed to extend the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and to provide a new tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat buyers.  For both programs, the credits apply to sales taking place by April 30, 2009 (binding sales contract by April 30, 2009 and home closing by June 30, 2009 will qualify).

The first-time home buyer tax credit legislation increased the maximum income limits from the previous program.  For sales occurring after November 6, 2009, the maximum income limit is $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint returns.  This is up from $75,000 and $150,000 for single taxpayers and married taxpayers, respectively.

The definition of a repeat home buyer is a home owner who has owned and resided in a home for at least 5 consecutive years of the eight years leading up to the purchase date.  The tax credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to a maximum of $6,500.  Purchases of homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for this tax credit.

For more information and FAQ’s on these tax credits, please click here.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

Carolina Beach / Kure Beach News and Updates

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American Legion Fish Fry Today – Since it’s the first Friday of the month that means that the American Legion will be hosting their monthly fish fry. Today from 11-7 $8.00 will get you a plate with Fresh Fried Fish, Hushpuppies, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, Ice Tea &
Coffee. Desserts will be sold by the Ladies of the auxiliary starting at 5:00 p.m. The American Legion Hall is located at 1500 Bridge Barrier Road, just south of the Post Office in Carolina Beach.

Katie B. Hines Senior Center to hold Pancake Breakfast – Saturday morning from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00, the Senior Center will be offering their monthly pancake breakfast which includes Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Fruit, Coffee or Tea and Juice. Adults are $6.00 and Children over 8 are $4.00. The Katie B. Hines Senior Center is located at 308 Cape Fear Boulevard in Carolina
Beach.

Let Thyme Savor make your Holidays Easier – Let Thyme Savor cook for you and you can take the credit. Thyme Savor is offering three different Holiday Dinners to Go. Each package includes Turkey, Potatoes and Gravy, Vegetables, Cranberry Chutney, Chestnut Stuffing and Dessert. The small package serves 4-8 people. The medium package serves 10-14 people and the large package serves 18-24 people. Prices range from $69.99 to $179.99. Additional side items can be purchased for $4.99 per quart. If you place your order by November 16, 2009 you can receive either 2 additional side items or 1 additional desert pie. To place an order, please call 910-465-9668 or email to thymesavor@hotmail.com. Please visit their website at www.thymesavorcatering.com for more information.

Kure Beach Christmas Fantasy Show is Coming – On December 11th and 12th in downtown Kure Beach, come join the fun of singing, dancing and Characters Galore as we celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Fantasy Show. This event is free and open to the public but remember to dress warmly as it always snows at the show! Staples in Monkey Junction Allows You to Save the Easy Way – For a limited time only earn 50% back in Staples Rewards on all copies. This includes all color and black and white copies on all paper types and sizes. Staples offers both full service and self service. Orders can be submitted in the store or online at www.staples.com/copyandprint

Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays with C&J’s Cleaning Service – Are you busy decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts or busy with Holiday parties? If so, let C&J’s Cleaning Service help you. Mention this ad and receive $25.00 off cleaning services. Please call 622-1072 or 799-1960 for more information.

This Week’s Specials at Tuscan Grill – This week, Tuscan Grill is offering the Tuscan Vegetable, Pasta and Chicken Bowl for $8; Shrimp, Chicken or Filet Hibachi Bowl for $8; Pasta of the Day for $9.95; Sicilian Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes for $9.95 and so much more. Don’t forget to check on their 10 for Under 10 Bar Food Menu and Daily Drink Specials. Tuscan Grill is open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 – 9:00 and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 – 9:30. Please visit their website atwww.tuscangrill.us for more information.

Checkered Church to host Open House – The Checkered Church Gift Shop will hold their 13th Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday and Sunday, November 13th and 14th from noon until 4:00 p.m. Come see their Mermaid themed tree, sample their gourmet foods from Goodness Gracies, Gullah Gourmet, Maggie & Mary’s and more. Refreshments will be available and every sale will be eligible for their “secret discount” from 5-50% off or receive a free gift.  www.checkeredchurch.com

Real Estate and Weather – There were 17 new listings on Pleasure Island last week, 8 pending contracts, and 8 closed sales.  The weather remains cool, crisp and sunny.  The weekend looks like it may be in the low to mid 70’s and sunny.  A great fall weekend for the beach.

Client Testimonials: What are they saying about us?

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Here’s a dose of client testimonials from some satisfied customers of ours:

Reddingta:  Deb Quaranta (Hays) was our agent and she went way above and way beyond helping us. Deb is a great asset to your company — the best agent we have had!!

LaPierre: Ashley Garner was excellent to work with. He went above and beyond our expectations!

Blair Mahoney: Billie Jean was GREAT!

James & Barbara Heinl: Rick Young is an outstanding agent with endless knowledge of this area and what a client needs and likes are.

Tom Monaillo: Robi Bennett helped us find our summer home – professional, great to work with, great person. I’d recommend her and use her again.  Thanks Robi!

Gwen Tidwell: Suzanne Nash is exceptional, both as buyer’s agent and seller’s agent.

Daphne was wonderful during a very trying time for her family. Thank you so much for the wonderful service!

Bethany McKittrick: Caroline was amazing! She made my first home buying experience educational and stress-free.

Andrea Bover: Wendy Fincher-Hughes was great and right on top of things. I purchased my home long-distance, so she went out of her way to make things as smooth as possible!

Carla Weichman was excellent and we felt very confident with her, expecially since we were out of state.

David Shepherd: Deb Q. Hayes went above and beyond. I have relocated many times in my careers. This was by far the best experience with a real estate professional.

Ben Allen:  We thought that our price range would not have garnered the level of customer service we received. We were pleasantly surprised.

David Troutman: Our agent, Jenna Ault-Holcombe, has been an excellent resource for my family in past real estate transactions and will be again.

Penny Turner: All recommendations for pricing, house prep, repairs, etc. were on target during the entire time the house was on the market.

Jerry Mitcham:  Cami worked very hard in this market to sell my home.  She is the best.

Toni Dewey: I can’t say enough about Sandra McNeil – she was wonderful!

Elana Sattin: My father has used Intracoastal for years, and I can see why!! Kasey Valente was amazing to work with!

Linda Woods did a great job!

Barnes: We had a wonderful experience with Cathy Riddle and we have already recommended her to other friends.

Williams: Jennifer Ray was great to work with. Very Professional.

Terre Michelle: Betsy Leonard is very professional, experienced, and found us exactly what we were looking for in a home.

Kristine Danley: Sarah Burris was so patient and personable with us as we searched and found the home for our family!

Alicia D. was a great resource and operated very professionally on our behalf.

Birte Mainardi: Pat was great!!!

Liz Karlsmark: Michelle Clark is extraordinary! See my review on Angie’s list

Blake Lewis: Bob McCorkle was amazing!

Marcia Rowan: Dotti Kessen was exceptional.

Randee Bulla: Susan Lacy was the best agent we have ever used. Her expertise in this area and her ability to figure out our taste are solely responsible for us owning our dream home.

Scanlan: Susan Lacy is an excellent agent. We would use her again.

Bradley Barker: Dave (Hilliard) was outstanding in every regard!

Nielson: Thank you for kindness of your entire staff & thank you especially to Steve Johnson for the smiles, patience & stick to it confidence he shared with our entire family.

Carla Lewis was excellent!

Kent Yarborough:  Drew Pittman was very patient and helpful during our home search.

Ron & Larissa: Patty (Lyerly) is Great!

Robert L. Powell: Jeff Terry is a wonderful agent

Jason Nelson: by far the best experience ever with purchasing a property. I felt that John went out of his way to make this deal happen. Would never dream of using any other realtor!

Alicia was great.  Incredible Realtor

Brenda White: Phyllis is a longtime friend, but through the whole thing she was professional & looked out for our needs & desires & interests

Warren Phillips: Alyce MInnis was great to work with. A%20%20!

Becca & Rick Beitel: Eva and Julie are wonderful to work with!

Marjorie Zepernick: Bob McCorkle was professional, efficient, and friendly. The referral came through a client of Dan Willard – very helpful.

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Curtis: Sandra (Hall) is a true professional, knows her market

Ricky Ennis: Joyce Barnwell was our agent and she did a wonderful job! She and her busband Brant helped us with anything we needed

Kristie and Taylor Harper: could not have asked for a better agent! Ashley became a friend to our whole family