A Brief Look at Craven County Schools

Craven County 2008/2009 school year is starting on 25th of August this year and here is just a brief look at our school system.
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

Sonja Babic

252-617-0861

http://www.sonjababic.com/

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

North Carolina Symbols Part VI

State Vegetable, Sweet Potato - The sweet potato was officially designated the State Vegetable by the General Assembly of 1995.
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.

Your North Carolina Broker

Sonja Babic

252-617-0861

http://www.sonjababic.com/

North Carolina Symbols Part III

State Fruit, Scuppernong Grape - Designated by General Assembly in 2001 Scuppernong Grape became North Carolina State Fruit. The name comes from the Scuppernong River in North Carolina, where it was found and first cultivated during the 17th century. Scuppernong is our nation's first cultivated grape.The name itself traces back to the Algonquian word ascopo meaning "sweet bay tree".
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

Sonja Babic

252-617-0861

http://www.sonjababic.com/

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.

Your North Carolina Broker

Sonja Babic

252-617-0861

http://www.sonjababic.com/

North Carolina Symbols Part I

State Bird, Cardinal - The cardinal was selected as our state bird on March 4th 1943. The Cardinal is year –round resident of North Carolina it is one of the most common birds in our gardens, meadows and woodlands. Sometimes called winter bird because that it’s when it’s only red bird present and most noticeable.
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

Your North Carolina Broker

Sonja Babic

252-617-0861

www.SonjaBabic.com

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

"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!

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!

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!

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!

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 Register 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?

A Tar Heel Treasure Hunt

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!

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!

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/

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?