Wow it is December ......again…..and we realize that 2008 is almost over!
2008 Has been a very challenging year for most of us with a declining Real Estate Market, summer of astronomical gas prices, stock market roller coaster, elections and last how about Clay Aiken being gay!
I just wanted to use this opportunity to extend a big "Thank You" to each and every one of you, for the huge impact you had on my life this year. Especially for all the support and e-mails I received.......without you, I'm sure that 2008 would have been extremely boring.
As always I am outmost grateful to all of you that have trusted me with your real estate business and wanted to let you know how much I do appreciate that! You helped me through this challenging year and thanks to you I am still only a phone call away. This challenging market has only made us better! May 2009 mark the beginning of an outburst of Love, Happiness, Bright Future and bring each and every one of you everything you are hoping for and more.
I am determined to make 2009 my best year ever personally as well as professionally as I am constantly striving to better myself.
Let me wish you all a Very Merry Christmas Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts as well as healthy and prosperous New Year.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252- 617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
P.S. Don’t forget that right now is great time to buy, New Bern NC Market is bottoming out and Inertest Rates are at historic low. IT WILL NOT GET ANY BETTER THEN THIS
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wow it is December......
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Kitchen Fire
This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with acommon kitchen fire ... oil in a frying pan. Read the following Introduction, then watch the show ... It's a real eye-opener!!
At the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10 foot pole, toss water onto the grease fire.
The results got the attention of the students. The water,being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.
Monday, December 8, 2008
RottenNeighbor this could be fun
Tree lined streets. White picket fences. Band practice next door till 3 a.m.? Definitely not what you had in mind when you bought your home!
RottenNeighbor.com is here to help. It's the first real estate search engine of its kind, helping you find troublesome neighbors before you sign the paperwork on your new house, condo or apartment. RottenNeighbor is the largest site anywhere in the world covering the neighbor space, and we're certain you'll agree that the value it offers is unmatched anywhere else!
Use RottenNeighbor to:
Get access to detailed maps of states, counties, cities and neighborhoods, all searchable by zip code
Find important neighborhood information by searching the site's user-provided data
Help others by uploading your own good or rotten neighbors to our database
Whether you're moving down the street or across the country, we want you to be aware of bad neighbors before you relocate. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, and we are here to provide more peace of mind. Real estate agents can also use RottenNeighbor as a tool to market their services and feel more secure about the homes they show to their clients.
What We Believe
Real estate agents are not obligated to disclose problem neighbors, leaving clients in the dark
Information on bad neighbors should be made freely and easily available to everyone
The internet can offer unique, valuable guidance to home buyers and sellers
The more rotten neighbors you contribute, the better the service for everyone.
http://www.rottenneighbor.com/
Just something I came across and it might be if not helpful then fun for sure. Pease let me know what your experience is with this web site and would this be something to use and recommend to the clients.
Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
The Thankful Parrot
A man named Jack received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse and limited vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.
As he was experienced with birds, Jack tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, Jack was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. Jack shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. Jack, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, Jack quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto Jack’s outstretched arms and said,
"I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and even cruder actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my disrespectful and unforgivable behavior."
Jack was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude and vocabulary. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Is it finally time to buy?
Is it finally time to get off the fence and buy? 
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
http://www.sonjababic.com/
Friday, November 7, 2008
OPEN HOUSE
WATERWAYS TO FAIRWAYS
10 Homes Open for you in River Bend
Sat 11/08/2008 from 10 AM to 1 PM
151 Quarterdeck New Bern RIVER BEND $116,900
302 Carriage House Court New Bern RIVER BEND $159,900
904 Plantation Dr. New Bern RIVER BEND $179,900
287 Shoreline River Bend RIVER BEND $200,000
119 Randomwood Lane New Bern RIVER BEND $249,000
110 SAILORS CT. New Bern RIVER BEND $279,900
437 Gatewood Dr. New Bern RIVER BEND $284,876
103 Captains Cove New Bern RIVER BEND $300,000
106 Teakwood Dr. New Bern RIVER BEND $239,000
316 Shoreline Drive New Bern RIVER BEND $334,900
Beware of financial scams!
If you or someone you know are facing foreclosure please beware of all kind of scams that are out there. In the times like we are experiencing today financial scams are becoming more and more sophisticated and it is getting really hard to distinguish them from legitimate offers any more. Facing something as emotional and dramatic as foreclosure doesn’t help you see through some off the offers out there.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low cost advice. Find a counselor near you at their website:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Howl’oween Pet Parade in New Bern
This years first annual Pet parade is being organized by Colonial Society!Great event, great cause please come out and support it!
Saturday, October 25th11:00AM – 2:00PMLawson Creek Park
(REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 10:30AM)
· Howl’oween pet parade
· Prizes and gift certificates
· Costume contests and games
· Snacks and drinks
· Meet adoptable pets
· Tricks for treats
· And more!!!!
For more information please visit http://www.colonialcapital.org/ or call 633-0146
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Five Tips for a Green Home
Five Tips for a Green Home
Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being “green” with these five tips:
Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.
Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.
Seal Up
Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won’t shrink or crack, creating less waste.
Use Less Water
Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.
Adjust the Thermostat
When adjusting your home’s thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a “greener” place.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Use your IRA to invest in Real Estate
Many people are still unaware that it is now legal to invest funds from you retirement accounts. And that there can be significant tax advantages to doing so. Property transaction has to be handled though custodian, offer is written in the name of IRA account and IRA pays all of the taxes and fees. After you sell property and hopefully you do so for the profit, original investment plus the profit rolls back in to your IRA TAX FREE!Stock market is experiencing not so great performance on many stocks and funds right now as real estate market is adjusting after the 2005 peak and that me great opportunity for you. Please talk to your financial advisor to make sure witch scenario will be the best for your particular situation and for your account before you contact licensed broker to assist you find a property that will assure you best return rate.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A Brief Look at Craven County Schools
Craven County School District consists of 22 schools. 14 elementary 5 middle and 3 high schools that are attend by aprox. 15,000 students today. With 1,900 employees craven County Schools is the second larges employer in the county. Over the past 10 years average reading and math scores have increased for more then 20% and proficiency goals for reading math and writing are 80%. Middle school drop out rate is 0% and high school drop out rate is less then 4%.
School safety is a shared responsibility of the parents, educators, community as well as students and it is ensured with everyone's participation and open dialogue.
Use link below to visit Craven County Board of Education web site and from there you can visit every individual school web site.
www.craven.k12.nc.us Craven County Schools
Your North Carolina Broker
Friday, August 8, 2008
Boating safety, inspections in New Bern NC
Here in New Bern North Carolina with all of the beautiful water ways you have to get in to boating, sooner or late. Safety's a big thing in boating and a good inspection simply makes your chances of having a problem a lot less.Members of a New Bern group hope they can reduce the number of accidents in area waters by providing free boat inspections Aug. 16 and 17.
The Cape Lookout Sail and Power Squadron, a part of the U.S. Power Squadron that formed out of the Boston Yacht Club in 1914 to help stranded vessels off the New England coast, offers courses in public boating, sailing, engine maintenance, navigation, marine electronics, seamanship, safety and other subjects. The organization has about 13 certified inspectors who will check boats at the Lawson Creek Park boat ramp.
The squadron will inspect boats at the Lawson Creek Park boat launch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. Call 637-1941 for more information about the inspections.
"All of these fellows have been longtime boaters," he said. "They know what to look for."
We are looking forward to a good turn out as this will improve all of ours safety.
Wishing you calm sees!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Welcome to your own “Bird Sanctuary”
PRUDENTIAL VALUE RANGE MARKETING – This home is marketed in the price range $244,900- $284,876 Sellers will entertain offers in the price range.
You will not believe the peace and tranquility you will feel once on this property. As soon as you turn off the street on the scenic driveway covered with crushed shells (marl) you will know you are coming home. 1.9 acre surrounded with woods of immaculately landscaped yard, freshly manicured lawn and mature and established landscaping. 1850 sq. ft. home that has three bedrooms two full baths, high ceilings in the living room as well as this home’s main room, sunroom. Great room / sunroom have oversize windows overlooking back yard and beautiful Italian Marble tile floors. Plenty of light and peaceful setting makes this just a perfect room where you will be spending most of your time. Open floor plan, specious bedrooms and plenty of storage space make this a very inviting home. Oversized two car garage has built in oversized cabinets, workshop and ½ baths. House is on private well (no water bill for you this month) and water tap has been paid. This home has been so well maintained over the years and it is currently under contract with Terminix, seller has already had home inspected by professional home inspector and if that isn’t enough there are offering one year home owner warranty for the buyers.
Home has maintenance free composite siding no painting required. Build in food processor in the kitchen! Water softener Irrigation System, private well …
Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Golf Course Lot in an active boating and golfing community
BEST PRICED GOLF COURSE PROPERTY IN FAIRFIELD HARBOUR
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Sunday, July 20, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part VIII
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
North Carolina Symbols Part VII
State Motto, Esse Quam Videri - Esse Quam Videri (To be rather than to seem) The General Assembly of 1893 adopted the words "Esse Quam Videri" as the State's motto and directed that these words with the date "20 May, 1775," be placed with our Coat of Arms upon the Great Seal of the State
The motto is a literal translation of a phrase from a sentence in Cicero's "On Friendship" (De Amicitia, chapter 26). The complete sentence in Latin is:
Virtute enim ipsa non tam multi praediti esse quam videri volunt (Fewer possess virtue, than those who wish us to believe that they possess it).
Until the act of 1893, North Carolina had no motto, being one of the few states--and the only one of the original thirteen--without one.
What a great motto that can and should be applied to all the aspects of our lives, today as much as ever!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part VI
Students at a Wilson County school petitioned the North Carolina General Assembly for the establishment of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as the Official State Vegetable. Their assignment led to the creation of this state symbol. The sweet potato is high in vitamins A and C and low in fat and was grown in North Carolina before the European colonization of North America.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation, harvesting more than 700 million pounds of the vegetable in 2006, and thus providing more than 40% of the 1.6 billion pounds produced in the United States.
Friday, July 18, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part V
According to North Carolina Forests, 2002 (published by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service), softwood species (like pine, hemlock, and spruce) made up 34% of the state's total wood volume, with the loblolly pine being the predominant species.
Your North Carolina Broker
Thursday, July 17, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part IV
Did you know that: The honey bee has been proclaimed the official state insect in 16 states?
Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part III
The fruit consists of four parts: the outer skin or hull; the pulp, or 'meat'; seeds; and juice.
Several small green seeds are found in each grape. The skin is very thick and tart. The pulp is viscous and sweet. The seeds, which are bitter, can be swallowed with the pulp or extracted and spit out. The most desired part of the scuppernong is the sweet juice that lies underneath its skin.
In addition, according to herbal lore, eating this whole grape also has health benefits. The hull adds a significant amount of fiber to the diet; while the seeds when chewed provide a grape-seed extract that can aid in improving memory and other functions. While no scientific validation of this fact is availalble, it still makes for another good excuse to enjoy this truly Southern delicacy.
Your North Carolina Broker
Monday, July 14, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part II
State Flower, Dogwood - The General Assembly of 1941 designated the dogwood as the State Flower. The Dogwood is one of the most prevalent trees in North Carolina and it can be found in all parts of the state from the mountains to the coast. It blossoms in spring and continues in to the summer most often white and sometimes in pink or red.
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) originally evolved as a junior member of the forests of the eastern United States where it thrives under the canopy of larger trees in the shady, moist and nutrient-rich conditions it prefers. Home-owners and landscapers have long favored it for its lovely spring display, its attractive shape and luxuriant leaves and its modest size.
This versatile little tree requires a little thought and care if its introduction to a property is to be a success. It is not ideal for all sites and climate conditions and it is vulnerable to a range of diseases and insect predators. The flowering dogwood is also easily damaged by lawnmowers and doesn't respond well to rough handling.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
North Carolina Symbols Part I
The Northern Cardinal is a mid-sized songbird with a body length of 21-23 cm (8.3 to 9 inches) and a wingspan of 25-31 cm (10-12 in). It weighs about 45 g (1.6 ounces). The male is slightly larger than the female. Male Cardinal is red all over except his throat and area around his bill witch is black. The female is dull in color with some red mostly to the crest, wings and tail. Difference in color is very common with birds as female are the ones sitting on the eggs and they have to blend with the natural setting in order to protect their eggs. The Northern Cardinal is a territorial song bird. The male sings in a loud, clear whistle from the top of a tree or another high location to defend his territory. He will chase off other males entering his territory. The Northern Cardinal learns its songs, and as a result the songs vary regionally. It is able to easily distinguish the sex of another singing Northern Cardinal by its song alone. Mated pairs often travel together. The
cardinals are fine singers, and witch is quite unusually in bird world females cardinals are singing just as fine as males. Both sexes sing a clear, whistled song patterns, which are repeated several times, then varied. Some common phrases are described as purdy, purdy, purdy...whoit, whoit, whoit, whoit and what-cheer, what-cheer... wheet, wheet, wheet, wheet'.There are nesting on small trees and shrubs not higher then 4 feet and they feed mostly by seeds. Northern Cardinals also will consume insects and feed their young almost exclusively on insects.
Click Here to see singing Cardinal on YouTUBE
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Groundbreaking set for history education center at Tryon Palace
A public groundbreaking for the North Carolina History Education Center is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday.
The event will be the culmination of more than a decade of work by Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens staff and local and state advocates of history education
It begins with a 5 p.m. performance by the Jonkonnu Troupe, a 5:25 p.m. parade by the Fife and Drum Corps, and the groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at which Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Rep. William Wainwright are scheduled to speak.
The new History Center will be a 60,000-square-foot "green" project with four major history museum galleries, a performance hall, other educational and conference spaces, and a waterfront exhibit and event area. The center's Great Hall will become the new entry to all of Tryon Palace's historic attractions and it will be great adition to everything that New Bern has to offer.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire!
Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
2110 Center Ave
If there is anything else I can help you with please dont hesitate to let me know!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Friday, June 6, 2008
"Rivershore" Waterfront Land Sale
Grand Opening Details
- Complimentary Hotel Room, $5,000 Discount, and Early Appointment for Priority Reservation Holders.
- Personal One on One Attention
- Delicious Southern Cuisine Will Be Catered
- No Pressure
This will be the first time anyone will have the opportunity to take a tour of RiverShore. This unique property has never been offered to the public and prices will never be this low again. Contacting me today to attend the Grand Opening on June 28th! Anticipation is high, and properties are expected to move quickly at RiverShore.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
http://www.sonjababic.com/
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
NC Coastal Stormwater “New Rules”
North Carolina is a state that has so much to offer and recently is being named best place to retire by several notional broadcasts as well as publications. All of that is ultimately leading to a rapid growth and development. Recant Phase II of coastal storm water regulation was applied to three most rapidly growing counties and now we are facing entirely new set of rules that will be applied to all 20 coastal counties. Unless stopped by legislature act it will become active August 1st 2008. The new rules as recommending many changes that will directly affect property owners trough out North Carolina and make any further development very difficult. Please take a time to read new rules and vice your opinion. Visit www.NCStorwaters.com where you can read copy of the new rules as well as get names and addresses of your state representatives.
We all want to keep our beautiful state and water ways that we are so proud of as clean as
possible, but it is very hard to believe that new developments are only source of pollution.If you are agent in coastal North Carolina make sure to disclose this info to your current clients as this will affect value as well as potential use of lots of parcels that are listed for sale right now. We had company attorney draft a disclaimer form for potential buyers, and get a copy of the new rules for your sellers.
Please take a time to voice your opinion!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire!
Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
2026 Cara Cara Dr. $13,500
Super deal in Fairfield Harbour!
Best value in Fairfield Harbour!!! Property is located in one of the New Bern’s premier neighborhoods. Fairfield Harbour is gated in community that offers numerous amenities, two golf courses, two marinas, indoor and outdoor pools tennis courts….
Surrounded by unrestricted water ways it is ideal location! Great lifestyle
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
530 Spring Garden Rd.
THIS HOME IS MARKETED WITH PRUDENTIAL VALUE RANGE MARKETING (PVRM) AND SELLERS WILL CONSIDER OFFERS BETWEEN $339,000 AND 398,876!!! Your buyers are searching in ranges we have sellers selling in ranges LETS GET THEM TOGETHER! If you have any questions please call me!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
www.SonjaBabic.com
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Catching Glitches in Time Saves Deals
Prelisting inspections — examinations paid for by the seller before a house is put on the market —are becoming an increasingly popular way for practitioners to not only reduce the possibility of last-minute surprises but also give their clients’ homes a marketing edge.
The last-minute discovery of a home defect can send you into crisis mode, requiring your seller to hire a contractor to correct the problem or slash the asking price. And if a buyer uncovers problems after the home is sold, they might even respond with a lawsuit.
On the other hand, if you work with buyers, it’s helpful very important for them to find out everything about house and to have a good professional to help them along the way.
Here is a nice and helpful web site that can answer most of your questions about home inspections as well as develop your ability to spot home defects in time can save you time, energy, and money down the line.
The Home Inspection Supersite - http://www.inspectamerica.com/index.html
The site’s “Get Advice” and “Browse Library” sections contain articles that teach users how to identify and fix common home defects, as well as addition information that explains the home inspection process.
The Home Inspection Supersite “Home Inspection Checklist” provides a thorough listing of potential defects, covering both home interiors and exteriors. It allows prospective buyers to grade individual home features from basements to roofs, as good, fair, or poor. As the site points out, this document isn’t a substitute for an inspection by a licensed, trained home inspector. But it can be a handy resource to help buyers keep track of specific home details that can become blurry for them after they’ve seen a few houses. The site also provides a state-by-state home inspector directory, but you can always relay on your Realtor to provide you with a directory of reliable local professionals.
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
http://www.sonjababic.com/
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Open House This Sunday!
Please come and see this fabulous Waterfront Home!
This waterfront home in move in condition is located in an established and desirable New Bern’s neighborhood of River Bend. Excellent Elementary school, golf course and protected waterfront convenient to Trent River make this a fantastic location. Home is updated and in move in condition. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, Carolina room and screened porch. New laminate floors trough out the entire home. Large kitchen and open living area. Sunroom opens up in screened porch that goes out on the covered patio. Very easy and inviting floor plan. Oversized one car garage and a workshop as well as storage shed. House is very well appointed with a smaller and completely landscaped front yard but large and private back yard. Something always blooming in this pretty yard. Bulkhead and dock inspected recently! Home is located on a low traffic Cull-De-Sac just a minute form River Bend Marina. Park your boat in your back yard and just relax!
New Bern North Carolina
Come as you are….
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Waterfront Land Sale In North Carolina
Don’t miss Hogan’s Landing final sale!
Your North Carolina Broker
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
http://www.sonjababic.com/
Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack!
Friday, April 11, 2008
New Bern North Carolina Historic Downtown
New Bern North Carolina Historic Downtown
Remember hospitality? In New Bern North Carolina, hospitality is always part of the atmosphere. Voted the friendliest small town in North Carolina in 1995 ultimately the warmth and genuine charm of the people and town are the real treasures of New Bern.
Second oldest city in North Carolina founded in 1710 by Swiss Baron DeGrafenried with plenty of beautiful historic sites. Downtown historic district, historic Riverside, Genth and of course magnificent Tryon Palace are just some.
The Birthplace of Pepsi is located in historic New Bern, North Carolina. Pepsi-Cola was first invented by Caleb Bradham in his pharmacy in 1898. The store is located in the original location where Bradham first invented Pepsi-Cola. The Birthplace of Pepsi is owned and operated by Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New Bern, Inc. and first opened its doors on the 100th Anniversary of Pepsi-Cola.
CEDAR GROVE CEMETERY - Cedar Grove Cemetery, which is on the National R
egister of Historic Places, established in the eighteenth century by Christ Episcopal Church, is our oldest cemetery and still serves as an active cemetery, with a few lots remaining for sale, providing the final resting place for some prominent figures in New Bern and our nations history. It has the graves of Confederates who died in the Battle of New Bern. Legend will tell you to beware of the "tears" that drip from its arched entrance.
New Bern Historic Trolley Tour - Explore North Carolina's second oldest town and former royal capital. Professionally guided tours highlight three centuries of history and architecture in this charming Colonial town that was founded in 1710 ## Offers trolley car tours of historic downtown New Bern with a professional guide to entertain with you details of this former royal capital of North Carolina. Discover three centuries of North Carolina history and architectual beauty in a 90 minute tour. newberntours.com
The New Bern Fire Department - kept abreast of the city's growth. Upon the arrival of the steam fire engine, city streets were paved with oyster shells. Just prior to 1900 the city installed a water system, and paved the streets with brick. By 1914 New Bern had its first motorized fire truck. These developments enabled the firemen to respond quicker to all
Attmore-Oliver House - 510A Pollock Street, New Bern, North Carolina (252) 638-8558. The Attmore-Oliver House (c.1790) is the headquarters for the New Bern Historical Society, exhibits 18th- and 19th- century furniture and New Bern historical objects, including Civil War artifacts, and a unique doll collection. The Attmore-Oliver House can be rented for special occasions and business meetings.fires that occurred in later years.
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Garden - Tryon Palace, built between 1767 and 1770, was the first permanent capitol of the British colony of North Carolina. It became North Carolina's 
first state capitol after independence was declared, then abandoned after Raleigh became capitol in 1794. The main structure was destroyed in a fire, but was restored by an effort spearheaded by New Bern native Mrs. James Edwin Latham. The maintenance and operation of the Palace was transferred to the state, which reopened the site in 1959. The Palace is comprised of the house and grounds, objects concerning Royal Governors William Tryon and Josiah Martin, materials from North Carolina Governors Richard Caswell, Abner Nash, Alexander Martin, and Richard Dobbs Spaight, several restored houses adjacent to the Palace grounds and several research collections. ## Tryon Palace was the 18th-century residence of the governor of the colony and state of North Carolina. The site also includes 14 acres of beautiful period gardens and three historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tryon Palace
But forget about " Sleepy little southern town" stereotype and Sunday morning rockers creaking on the porch. On Sunday morning in New Bern you'll hear the creak and snap of sails, the roar of power boats, shouts from soccer coaches and the clop of horse drawn carriages taking the tourists around. You can call it a "Southern surprise"
New Bern rests on a peninsula where two major rivers converge. Once famous for shipping and trading these rivers now boast unparalleled vistas and unlimited boating and fishing. We are 31 miles from the resort areas on the Atlantic Ocean, 2 hours east of Raleigh, half way between the North and South borders of North Carolina just off U.S. Highways 17 and 70.
Are you ready for New Bern?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Tar Heel Treasure Hunt
Looking for the treasure? Then North Carolina is place to be for you, from Blackbeard’s loot and hidden Confederate gold to the secret history of money lots of our state riches are still unearthed.
Fortunately I will let you know where to look!
Pirates Gold - Pirates have often buried their treasures on the Island of North Carolina coast. As unstable as our coast is lots of these Islands have been washed away so next time you are enjoying beautiful North Carolina Beaches take a closer look at the shells that are being washed out you might be surprised.
Blackbeard’s loot - North Carolina oldest town Bath was the home base of Edward Teach better know as “Blackbeard” It’s been a local joke that every time you work in your yard neighbor will ask you have you found the treasure. It has been believed that he buried sizable treasure close to where Bath Creek empties in to Pamlico River and other then few rumors about brick vault on the beach that was found open and looked like a large wooden chest was dragged down the beach nothing was found yet.
Pots of Rebel Gold – Tales of confederate gold that has been buried along the rail road tracks between Greensboro and Burlington to keep it falling in to hands of union soldiers. Some claim that there is a proof for Capitan J.W. Duchasa and his man boarding the train in Mississippi with dozen of iron cooking pots full of gold from the confederate treasure.
This might be a good start for you and your family. You might not find a treasure in North Carolina but I can promise you a good time and tons of fun exploring our rich history and learning about our legends!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Question and answers about buying distressed properties:
Question and answers about buying distressed properties:
How do you find out about foreclosed properties?
Answer: There are few different ways to accomplish this very demanding ask. First of stay away from all of the misleading web sites that will sooner or later try to charge you. Here are few web sites for you to start
United States Department Of Agriculture http://www.resales.usda.gov/
North Carolina HUD homes for sale http://www.hud.gov/homes/
VA Homes for sale http://www.ocwen.com/reo/residential/res_reofindbystate.cfm?proptype=VA
You should then contact few banks ask for the department that is handling foreclosures and ask them to put you on their mailing list. Some have it some don’t but if they do they will be mailing you updates to your door every month.
2. How do I get access to preview the house, get it inspected, and let my financier's appraiser in the house before the day of the auction?Answer: Talk with the lender (or the attorney) who is foreclosing. Also talk with the current owner whose house is up for foreclosure. If you are not able to get access, I would be very reluctant to go forward. Regardless of how good a deal you may get at the foreclosure sale, you don't know the condition of the house. Many homeowners who are about to lose their house will strip it of everything valuable -- fixtures, appliances, etc.3. How do I go about checking out any tax or mechanic liens on the property? Answer: Many local jurisdictions have Web sites that will provide you with the tax information. But you should immediately retain an attorney to assist you. The lawyer can obtain a title search to make sure that there are no hidden issues that would preclude you from getting good title to the property.4. Finally, is this a reasonable way to go to try to buy a personal residence property? I am looking for a condo. The condo prices have risen so high that I thought I could find something reasonable at foreclosure. Answer: Buying any property at a foreclosure sale is risky. First, at the last minute the delinquent homeowner can file for bankruptcy relief, which would put a stop to the sale. Second, as discussed above, you must know the condition of the property. And third -- and perhaps most important since you are considering buying a condominium -- make sure that you carefully review the financial situation and the legal documents of that condo association. Are there other units that are delinquent or facing foreclosure?It is risky, so be very careful.
5. What is a short sale?In a short sale, the lender agrees to allow the house to be sold for a price below the amount of the mortgage, and the bank will either forgive the balance of the mortgage debt or ask the homeowner to pay some or all of the difference between the sales price and the then-outstanding balance.As I understand it, not all lenders will report the short sale to the credit-reporting companies. If they do not do this, then you may be able to purchase another property -- at a lower price and definitely with a lower mortgage that you can afford.
Buying a foreclosed property is very risky, you should be very careful and try to find out as much as possible about the property. Foreclosed properties are NOT necessary the best deals especially in the market like we are experiencing today. Get your self a buyer agent that will advise you properly and chances are you will find a seller that is just ready to sell.
Good Luck and Happy Shopping!
Your North Carolina Broker!
Sonja Babic
252-617-0861
http://www.sonjababic.com/
http://www.movenewbernnc.com/
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Discover New Bern, North Carolina!
The secret is out! This is the place to live, play, work and retire!
Second oldest city in North Carolina founded in 1710 by Swiss Baron DeGrafenried with plenty of beautiful historic sites. Downtown historic district, magnificent Tryon Palace and many more. But forget about " Sleepy little southern town" stereotype and Sunday morning rockers creaking on the porch. On Sunday morning in New Bern you'll hear the creak and snap of sails, the roar of power boats, shouts from soccer coaches and the clop of horse drawn carriages taking the tourists around. You can call it a "Southern surprise" 
New Bern rests on a peninsula where two major rivers converge. Once famous for shipping and trading these rivers now boast unparalleled vistas and unlimited boating and fishing. We are 31 miles from the resort areas on the Atlantic Ocean, 2 hours east of Raleigh, half way between the North and South borders of North Carolina just off U.S. Highways 17 and 70.
The moderate winter draws retirees from north and south. We have four distinct seasons, with very mild winters . 
There are many golf courses a few minutes drive from downtown New Bern. Greenbriar's Emerald Golf Club is eastern Carolina's star , chosen as one of the best development course by '94-'95 golf Digest .Taberna, Weyerhaeuser's newest golf course community is up and galloping !
Pamlico Sound is the closest that the Gulf stream comes to the east coast of the US. It's a river of fish . Game and commercial fishing are principal contributors to the economy of eastern Carolina, and with all the rivers and navigable creeks around area, boats could be considered a major form of transportation.
There is always hunting season, whether it be ducks, deer, dove, pheasants, rabbit or black bear!
Remember hospitality? In New Bern, hospitality is always part of the atmosphere. Voted the friendliest small town in North Carolina in 1995 ultimately the warmth and genuine charm of the people and town are the real treasures of New Bern.
Are you ready for New Bern?
