Monday, December 13, 2010

BBQ in blue jeans back Jan 21 2011

The New Bern Firemen's Museum is sponsoring their annual fundraising event - BBQ in Blue Jeans, Friday, January 21, 2011, at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. Wear your comfortable blue jeans and enjoy a great barbeque dinner including ribs, chicken, sides, and dessert. Dance to the music of local favorites Cold Biscuit and 3-Day Weekend. Doors open at 6:00pm with dinner at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25.00 ($30.00 at the door) and can be purchased at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, New Bern Firemen's Museum, Mitchell's Hardware, and the New Bern Fire Department. For additional information, please call 636-4087.
Funds raised at this event help support the many activities of the New Bern Firemen's Museum including their plans to restore the Central Fire Station, circa 1928, located on Broad Street. The building will house interactive exhibits as well as the many important relics that have already been collected to further demonstrate the City's legacy of firefighting. Attendees at BBQ and Blue Jeans will be able to make their own history and purchase a 4'x8' brick or 8'x8' paver to leave a legacy in support of this capital project.


Thursday, December 9, 2010

Search ENTIRE New Bern MLS

Click HERE to search ENTIRE NEW BERN MLS

Friday, November 5, 2010

437 Gatewood Dr, HUGE PRICE REDUCTION

Dont miss out!!! Here in New Bern we are seing some fantastic deals, prices are falling down and interest rates are unbelivable. Check this one out

437 Gatewood Dr. in River Bend NOW ONLY $231,000

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

60 day's till Christmas.....


We have 60 more days’ left till Christmas! You still have time to take advantage of this incredible buyers market and get your family in to that new home before Christmas. But you don't have any time to waist right now!






• Get your finances in order before you start looking
• Get your loan preapproval (That will give you better idea about your future payments and how much money you can comfortably spend. But more important right now it will get you in to much better negotiating position.)
• Choose your buyers agent (You needed an experienced agent that you feel comfortable with, an agent that will be looking out for you and your best interest. In the state on North Carolina having a buyers agent is the only way for you to have a true representation)
• Make a check list of things that are very important for you and your family as well as list of thing that would be nice but are not as important. (This will be very helpful later on when you are making decision and are overwhelmed with all of the houses you have seen)


Ready set lets go.........



Form the time you start your reapproving proceeds you can plan to close in 6 weeks. Some banks are able to close as fast as 2 weeks but that would depend on your financial situation as well as banks requested procedures. Make sure to clarify that at that initial appointment with your mortgage broker.


Now it's time to call Sonja and let me help you find that perfect home ... 252-617-0861

This week in New Bern.....

Get ready for variety of spooky events in Historic New Bern North Carolina this week!



♦ ♦ ♦

New Bern Historical Society's annual Ghostwalk (traditionaly the biggest event in Historic Downtoown New Bern) presents spirits from the past at 18 locations around downtown Thursday through Saturday night.

20th Annual


Ghostwalk
The Best of 300 Years


Three nights of entertainment with each ticket!

Advance tickets: $15
Days of event: $20
Active Military & Dependents: $10
Students with current ID: $10
Children 3-12 years: $5
Under 3 years old: free

Thursday, October 28, 6-9pm
Cedar Grove Cemetery
Masonic Theatre and Athens Theatre Shows



Friday & Saturday, Oct 29 & 30, 5-9pm
All Ghost Sites, Cemetery, and Theatres Open

♦ ♦ ♦

Updates on the recent Heritage Day are among the topics for tonight's monthly meeting of the Pamlico County Historical Association in Grantsboro.

The 7 p.m. gathering at the Heritage Center and Museum will also include a business session and updates on planned activities and projects. Call 252-745-2239 for more information.

♦ ♦ ♦

The Twin Rivers Quilters Guild hosts a two-day "Quilts for 300 Years" exhibit beginning Friday at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center.

The show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with a $5 admission.

The judged show, featuring more than 300 quilts, includes items from the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s.

There will also be continuous demonstrations, handmade boutique items for sale, an estate sale booth, a raffle quilt, commercial vendors and handmade quilts for sale.

The guild designed, made and donated a quilt for New Bern's 300th anniversary, depicting the city's history.

♦ ♦ ♦

Tryon Palace Theater gets into the Halloween weekend spirit Saturday afternoon with a 1 p.m. performance of "WHIT presents Dracula."

It entails a 19th century Gothic classic, via the images of a radio in its heyday - considered somewhat magical at the time.

Attendees become the studio audience for a 1940s radio drama at New Bern's radio station of the era, WHIT.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for students and free with regular Palace admission.

♦ ♦ ♦

Two historical highway markers will be dedicated Saturday to honor the African-American legacy in the city of New Bern.

They honor two notable structures - Andrew's Chapel and King Solomon Lodge. The chapel was established in 1802 to serve Methodist congregations. The lodge was first erected in 1870 as the first African-American Masonic lodge in the state.

A processional march to the dedication site kicks off Saturday's 9 a.m. unveiling at Andrew's Chapel. The procession begins at Hancock and Broad streets. A 1 p.m. dedication is scheduled at the lodge.

♦ ♦ ♦

The New Bern Mall hosts a Halloween Celebration Saturday night, with entertainment and a costume contest.

Eddie Eagle will be on hand for the 6 p.m. opening, followed by a costume competition for children up to age 12. New Bern Police will serve as the judges.

Gary Shelton, a comic magician, will perform.

Halloween photos will be available with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Sonja Babic

Your North Carolina Broker

New Bern NC Real Estate

New Bern Homes For Sale

Search New Bern NC MLS

A Plus Real Estate Professionals

Monday, October 25, 2010

Visit HURRICANE and have some fun....



Beautiful views of the Harbor from The Hurricane Deck and Restaurant provide just the right atmosphere for unwinding. Sign-up for a sunset cruise on Nirvana, a 43-foot Ocean capable sloop, after dinner in The Hurricane Dining Room. Finish the evening with dessert and drinks on the Deck.



Waterfront Rooms with precious sunsets!


Spacious rooms each with King Beds,tiled baths and sofa's, overlooking Northwest Creek Harbour. Upper rooms have private balconies with views of the Harbour and River Neuse. Cable and wireless access on site. Indoor access to The Hurricane Restaurant and Bar. Direct access to the indoor/ outdoor pools, sauna, whirlpoool and action amenities from mini-golf to Tennis.

Regular Rates are $119 to $149/ Night
Off-season Rates starting at $89/Night

*Senior Discounts*

Call 252-637-2477 for Specials and custom packages rates availabilty.

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

RISMEDIA, October 25, 2010--Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don't realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they're looking for.

Here, Lowe's offers 10 designer tricks to help you make any room look larger:

1. For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals and white are all color possibilities.

2. Use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs and walls. Select different shades and textures of your single color.

3. Lighting is a key element in opening up a space. Recessed spot lighting is visually appealing and is perfect for a small space. A torchiere light is great for bouncing light off of the ceiling and back down on the room.Skylights and solar tubes are natural alternatives for adding light to a room.

4. Limit the number of accessories to avoid the cluttered feeling.

5. The floor and the ceiling are the fifth and sixth walls of every room. A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling—use a light color or white to "open up" the space above.

6. Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors. They not only reflect images, they reflect light and color. Be a little daring! Use mirror tiles to mirror an entire wall. Your room will appear to double in size.

7. Don't place too many pieces of furniture in a small space. A love seat may work better than a full-size sofa depending on the size and shape of the room. Add two medium-sized chairs or two small wood chairs. Place the chairs closer to the wall and then pull them into the area when additional seating is needed.

8. Add paintings or prints to the walls. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings.

9. The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.

10. A glass table, whether it is a dining, coffee or end table, will keep the appearance of an open and free space.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

226 Kestrel Ct. OPEN HOUSE TODAY 2-4!



Better then NEW duplex minutes from Cherry Point. Pristine condition and now offered with $3,000 in closing cost! OPEN HOUSE today 10/ 24/2010 2-4 PM. Located in Falcon Bridge right of the US Hwy 70 E. Call me if you need directions
252-617-0861

Sunday, September 26, 2010

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!!! Was $549,900 NOW $299,000



This is great commercial property on prime New Bern location. 150’ on the US Hwy 2 blocks from Wall Mart and New Bern Mall. Building has 2800sq ft and it has been used for few different business in the past. It can be easily converted in to office or retail (next door to vary busy restaurant) and one block form New Bern High School. For sale is offered 0.8 acre to be deeded at closing and majority of that is paved parking area. Property will be available for possession at the closing or prior to it (with compensation and proper agreement). If your business needs easy access and visibility it will not get any better in New Bern! Call today to make an appointment! 252-617-0861

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Colonial ship sheduled to wrrive to New Bern today

Colonial ship scheduled to arrive today for 300th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend

The 16th century replica ship Elizabeth II is scheduled to arrive at the Grand Marina on the New Bern waterfront Wednesday afternoon for the New Bern Jubilee Weekend. It will remain docked behind The Hilton through the weekend, hosting area school groups Thursday and Friday. There will be no admission to tour the ship during the weekend.

The original Elizabeth was one of seven vessels in Sir Walter Raleigh's military expedition to the New World in 1885.

Thursday's Jubilee public event is the Jubilee Flotilla, with boats large and small scheduled to begin their cruise along the New Bern waterfront at 8 p.m.

Boat owners have been encouraged to decorate with lights and a 300th theme.

Come out and celebrate with us .....

Friday, September 3, 2010

Haiti dance troupe to preform in New Bern





Haiti dance troupe to perform in New Bern




The Resurrection Dance Theater from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, will be making a stop in New Bern from Sept. 13 to 15, including performances for 2,500 school children and a public performance at Garber United Methodist Church. Make sure not to miss this exelent show by 11 dancers and drummers are all from the St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Haiti.

The internationally recognized dance troupe members are all from the St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Haiti. s, former street children and child slaves in Haiti who have performed all over the United States and Canada, including a performance before the Pope on World Youth Day in Canada.

The public performance, which is sponsored by Hearts With Haiti and Garber United Methodist Church, will be in Garber's Morris Hall at 7 p.m. Morris Hall is located at 4202 Country Club Road in Trent Woods.

For ticket information, contact the church office at 252-637-4022. Tickets for the public performance are $5 and credit card payment is accepted by phone. All proceeds from the performance will be donated to the St. Joseph's Home for Boys to help rebuild their home in Haiti.

Specila THANK YOU to Garber United Methodist Church for sponsoring this great event!

If you can't make one of the performances but would like to make a donation to help with the ongoing earthquake relief effort, you may click here to make an on-line donation or mail a check to one of the addresses below:

Hearts with Haiti
11503 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45246
888-802-6452

Hearts with Haiti
27 Horne St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-758-8085


Sonja Babic

Your North Carolina Broker

252-617-0861

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Hurricane emergency supply list

As hurricane Earl is approaching and we all are hoping that we will not get much of the hurricane action here in New Bern it is still very good idea to get prepared. Hurricanes are very powerful storms and they do change their paths here and there. For your convince here is list of supplies you should have ready and handy

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries


Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools
- keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filledPet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

Your North Carolina Broker
www.SonjaBabic.com
252-617-0861

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Have a happy and safe 4th of July Weekend

I would like to wish you a happy & safe 4th Of July Weekend.

Did you know...


- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
- The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occured in 1804.
- On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag.
- The first Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi occured at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805.
-
The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
- Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.

- In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal legal holiday.
- The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it. Later that year, five more signed separately and one added his name in a later year. Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777.
- The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for "Uncle Sam". This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.

- Benjamin Franklin, John Adams & Thomas Jefferson served on the committee that picked the eagle for the national seal (Franklin wanted the turkey.)


This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis ~~~ THANK YOU



Sonja Babic

Your North Carolina Broker

New Bern NC Real Estate
New Bern Homes For Sale

Friday, July 2, 2010

Guinness World Record attempt in New Bern


Sunday's Guinness World Record attempt at the ‘world's largest open sandwich ” barbecue bun.• in New Bern

Feeding New Bern since 1945! Moore’s BBQ is more that a great place to eat it is also New Bern’s landmark. Tommy Moore is celebrating New Bern’s 300’s anniversary in the best way he can “with great BBQ” Moore build special 3,200 pound oven for this event and he is ready to take on current world record. Festivities begging 1 pm Sunday in Union Point Park and I hope to see you there.

This will be great event come out and support our great city of New Bern


Moore has paid for all the expenses in the record attempt, which he says is his way of helping the city celebrate its 300th birthday.

Sonja Babic
www.SonjaBabic.com
252-617-0861

Thursday, May 13, 2010

New Bern is getting ready for 2010 Bike Rally

Last year the rally was moved to New Bern from Myrtle Beach. Allen said about 5,000 people turned out for the rally despite two days of heavy rain.




This year's rally will feature some of the same attractions as last year, as well as some additional features. And with absolutely fabulous forecast for this coming weekend thousands are expected to show.

Ride-In Bike Show Saturday Entry fee: $10

♦ Registration: 10 a.m. to noon

On Saturday evening, the musical entertainment will move downtown to the New Bern Farmer's Market on South Front Street for the First Annual Spring Rally Block Party that will feature two live bands.

The block party is a joint venture between Harley-Davidson of New Bern and the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, Allen said. It will be open to local residents and rally attendees. Admission will be $5.




Come out and have good time!!! Hope to see you there

Sonja Babic

Your North Carolina Broker

New Bern NC Real Estate

A Plus Real Estate Professionals

252-617-0861

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The 1st time home buyers Tax credit OR the expanded version - don’t let this opportunity slip past you please.


The 1st time home buyers Tax credit OR the expanded version - don’t let this opportunity slip past you please.

It’s true that good news rarely makes the evening news or local paper headlines. So you may not have heard: many good things are going on in real estate right now!

• Mortgage rates are still historically low


• It’s a buyers’ market in most areas


• Inventory is up


• You could qualify for an $8,000 1st time home buyers tax credit if you’ve not owned a home in past 3 years or the $6,500 tax credit which was expanded to include everyone! (other restrictions apply too)


Has the thought of buying a home been nagging at you?


You’ve probably heard it all before – why rent if you can buy. Home ownership is the American dream. If you’ve been thinking about a home purchase, this may be a great time to make a move. But hurry – time is running out on that 1st time home buyers tax credit!

Not sure what you can do right now?

First of all talk to a home mortgage consultant about your financial needs and goals. They can help you look into loan options and will work with you to determine your home financing options so that it not be a source of anxiety. Your mortgage payment should help you build long-term financial security.

Be sure to ask about getting preapproved. Once you've found the home for you, being preapproved will help you in negotiating that home purchase quicker.

Then what should you do next?

Find a REALTOR®! Someone that you connect with. Make an appointment and sit down with them and discuss homes in your price range. Pinpoint areas that fit your lifestyle. You may be surprised at the number of choices open to you. In fact, you may find that waiting is no longer in your best interest!

Why wait when you could be taking action?

If you’re considering a move in New Bern area- please consider getting to know me - I’ll help you find your home buying comfort zone!
Sonja Babic
Your North Carolina Broker
252-617-0861

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Cunningham Bridge will open to traffic by Friday afternoon!!


After nearly three years of work to replace it, the new $41 million Alfred P. Cunningham Bridge will open to traffic by Friday afternoon. This very much needed improvement has unfortunately been economic burden on many if not all Historic Downtown business and I am hoping they will get some more support form the community in the next few months. Please remember that our Beautiful Downtown is hart of New Bern and help us keep it alive and thriving.

The opening ceremony for the bridge is still set for Monday at 11 a.m., and will include several dignitaries, among them Gov. Bev Perdue and Mayor Lee Bettis. Please come out and show your support!
Your North Carolina Broker
252-617-0861

Monday, March 15, 2010

104 Teakwood Dr. GREAT DEAL




NOW REDUCED!!! Only $166,900 for great 1840 sq. ft. home in River Bend. Move in condition, great yard, great location!

If you get this home under contract by April 30th you might qualify for $ 8,000 TAX CREDIT. really money in your mail box in weeks! Call for an appoitment 252-617-0861

Monday, February 22, 2010

Get that TAX CREDIT buyers seminar




Great opportunity to learn about tax credit as well as home buying process in a relaxed setting with experienced professionals. If this is something you would benefit from please plan to attend or if you know someone that would benefit from this event please feel free to extend an invitation.

Tax Credits Provide Outstanding Opportunities for Home Buyers
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. It also authorized a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers.
Key Information
Following are key points that prospective home buyers should be aware of when considering a home purchase under the tax credit program.
• A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for first-time home buyers purchasing on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
• A tax credit of up to $6,500 is available for repeat home buyers who have owned a home for five consecutive years out of the prior eight years. The repeat home buyer tax credit applies to houses sold after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
• Income limits of $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly apply to all sales occurring after Nov. 6, 2009.
• The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009 are $75,000 for individual taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• Homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for either the first-time home buyer tax credit or the repeat home buyer tax credit.
• Expanded tax credit benefits apply to members of the military, the foreign service and the intelligence community.
• Home purchases in 2010 may be claimed on an amended 2009 income tax return.
• Persons who are claimed as dependents by a taxpayer or who are under age 18 do not qualify for a tax credit.
• Home purchases from relatives of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse do not qualify for the tax credit. The IRS defines relatives as ancestors (parent, grandparent, etc.), lineal descendants (child, grandchildren, etc.) and spouses.
• Married couples are not eligible to claim the first-time home buyer tax credit if either spouse has previously owned a home. They may, however, qualify for the repeat home buyer tax credit.
• Neither the first-time home buyer tax credit nor the repeat home buyer tax credit have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
• Taxpayers must submit a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement and IRS Form 5405 to claim either the first-time home buyer tax credit or the repeat home buyer tax credit.

Monday, February 15, 2010

104 Teakwood Dr. GREAT DEAL



REDUCED and now only $90 per sq. ft.. Fantastic deal in River Bend. Home is in a great condition and with 1840 sq. ft. has enough room for your family.

Call today to make appoitment! 252-617-0861

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

104 Teakwood Dr. in River Bend GREAT NEW LISTING

Great New Listing!
Family home in a great condition priced to sell at $92 per sq.ft.!!