NAR consumer profile report has been for years great indicator of Real Estate market conditions and trends. 2010 report has some great great points for professionals but also for general public. Take a few minutes and check it out.
To highlight some:
Even with several years of price declines, the typical seller who purchased a home eight years ago experienced a median equity gain of $33,000, a 24 percent increase, while sellers who were in their homes for 11 to 15 years saw a median gain of 40 percent
(OMG has it been 7 years?!)
The number of first-time home buyers rose to a record high 50 percent of all home sales from 47 percent in the 2009 study, building on success of the home buyer tax credit which began in 2009. The previous cyclical high for first-time buyers was 44 percent in 1991; records date back to 1981
Eighty-five percent of home buyers who used the Internet to search for a home purchased through a real estate agent, while 70 percent of non-Internet users were more likely to purchase directly from a builder or from an owner they already knew in a private transaction.
Not surprisingly, for-sale-by-owner transactions reached a record low, accounting for 9 percent of sales in the 2010 study, down from 11 percent in 2009. The share of homes sold without professional representation has trended down since reaching a cyclical peak of 18 percent in 1997. "In a market as challenging as today, it's clear most home sellers need professional assistance.
Use this link to view entire repot
http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2010/11/survey
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
NAR consumer profile report
Monday, December 13, 2010
BBQ in blue jeans back Jan 21 2011
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
Saturday, November 6, 2010
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.....
• 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)
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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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....
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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
