Share the Road! What better way to enjoy a beautiful day at the beach than with a bike ride.  Biking isn't what it used to be, is it?  Long gone are the Schwinns of my youth!  Shoot, some of the bikes today cost more than my first car did!  Can you imagine?  Okay I can't, but I understand many can. I'm always happy to see folks out enjoying the fresh air on their bikes -- it's fun, healthy and a great way to get around Wrightsville Beach!  Heck, anything that promotes good health and a cleaner environment is tops in my book. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way.  I've seen some pretty aggressive drivers treating bike riders like an opportunity to practice their dodge ball techniques.  QUIT IT!  There's room on the road for all of us!  I know you've seen the signs, SHARE THE RO... 04/10/2011

This is more like vacation than work! I don't know how many times I've heard, "You live at the beach?  Like, year-round?  Really?? REALLY!!" When you are Blessed to live full-time at the beach, most days feel more like a vacation than work.   Today was one of those days in Wrightsville Beach NC!  A full day of showing properties all over our little piece of paradise today.  The sun was shining, it was 82 degrees, nice breeze off the ocean -- all in all a perfect day at the beach.  But don't take my word for it, see for yourself! Lunch at the Oceanic  -- oceanfront dining at it's best!   I only have one question.  Why aren't you here?       04/08/2011

Looking for a great breakfast in Wrightsville Beach?  Look no further than the Causeway Cafe! When my kids were young and we went to the beach for vacations, one of the things they always looked forward to was going out for breakfast.  Going out to eat at any time was a treat usually reserved for special occasions and was most often dinner, not breakfast.  But vacation always meant going out for breakfast at least once and my kids thought it was the coolest thing.  Here in Wrightsville Beach the Causeway Cafe is THE place for breakfast.  Don't be fooled by its unassuming appearance, the food is terrific and the staff is always pleasant.  And don't feel like you have to rush to get breakfast, they serve it all day.  My favorite is the greek omelette w/grits.  Their Belgian waffles are pr... 04/05/2011

Autism Awareness Day in Wrightsville Beach NC Saturday April 2, 2011 So many of us have been touched in some way by Autism; including me.  I remember well the fear, anxiety and worry that accompanied that diagnosis for a friend's child.  It was terrifying and relieving all at once.  I'm pleased to say that Jacob is doing well, thriving actually.  Thanks to advancements in therapies and a better understanding of the challenges he faces, Jacob has the opportunity to live a life of his choosing.  This weekend, Surfers Healing is hosting Autism Awareness Day at Wrightsville Beach Town Park.  It will be a fun-filled day of support, resources, and networking.  An opportunity to hear about about the latest research in the field of autism and meet some of the fantastic people working with autis... 03/30/2011

Real Estate Market Report for Wrightsville Beach NC 28480 February 2011 saw 9 sales in Wrightsville Beach NC 28480. Address                            Beds/Baths       Sales Price 7246 Wrightsville Ave. #109                 1/1                   $  55,000 15 Nathan Ave.  #103                          1/1                   $182,500 2700 N. Lumina Drive  # 617                1/2                   $255,000 2700 N. Lumina Drive  # 603                1/2                   $258,000 2400 N. Lumina Drive  # 1210              3/2                   $875,000 5 Bermuda Drive                                  3/2                 $1,350,000 11 Lagoon Avenue                               5/3.5               $1,700,000 9 Sand Dollar Lane                              6/3                  $2,250,000 26 Is... 03/28/2011

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH LONGBOARD ASSOCIATION SURF SWAP APRIL 16, 2011 10a ~ 2p I do love to watch the surfers catch waves at Wrightsville Beach NC.  They amaze me with their skills and are talented, friendly, wonderful emissaries for our beach. The Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association is hosting a SURF SWAP at Gregory Poole/Starling Marine in Wilmington NC.  This is a great opportunity to clean out your surf gear, find new gear or just enjoy time with your fellow surfers.  To reserve your space you'll need an entry form.   An 8' table is $10 for WBLA members, $20 for friends, non-profits and community organizations and $30 for businesses.  Gregory Poole/Starling Marine is located at the foot of the Wrightsville Beach Bridge -- 2035 Eastwood Road Wilmington NC.  If you're not selling or ... 03/21/2011

Spring Renewal starts with attitude -- an attitude of gratitude! I don't know about you, but I start thinking of Spring in January.  The green grass (AH-CHOO!), the tulips and daffodils blooming (AH-CHOO!), birds singing (keep away from my car you little buggers!), warm breezes off the ocean (hey! no sand on the car either!) and the Bradford pears blooming (AH-CHOO!).  I even enjoy the Spring rains.  And of course, I love dancing in The 'Rain!  Forget New Year's Resolutions.  My money's on Spring!  Get those closets cleaned out (donate those clothes you don't wear), wipe down those walls and baseboards, power wash the house and deck (no wood here!), get those shorts and t-shirts out and put away the cloak of invisibility warmth we wear all winter long.  No hiding those lily white legs n... 03/15/2011

Wrightsville Beach NC sunset It was a spectacular weekend here in Wrightsville Beach NC!  Sunny, with highs in the mid-70's.  Of course, being in real estate I had to work a bit.  But I did make sure to take a little time to smell the flowers and take a deep breath.  The extra daylight hour we gained helped me have the time!  Now, it's time to relax and gear up for a terrific week!  How do I know it will be a terrific week?  'Cause I plan on making it one!   Hope your weekend was as enjoyable as mine was, and your week is as terrific as I plan on making mine!  Happy Sunday from Wrightsville Beach NC!   03/13/2011

The house isn't the only thing Buyer's are looking at! Spring is in the air and if you're thinking of selling your home, NOW is the time to spruce up your yard and outdoor living spaces. Buyer's are certainly most concerned with the condition of the home.  But a well-kept yard is also very important, especially in an area like Wrightsville Beach NC.  Here, we are Blessed with good weather for most of the year and we love our outdoor spaces!    Just a few tips to make your home more appealing to Buyers -- 1.  Trim all trees and shrubs.  Make them look as neat as you've made the inside of your home. 2.  Mulch around all plantings.  This will make your yard POP! 3.  Clean your decks and patios.  I mean scrub them!  Get the dirt off and make it shine!  If you have a wood deck you probably n... 03/03/2011

Spring has Sprung in Wrightsville Beach NC! Once the daffodils start blooming, you know it's Spring!  And in the real estate world, that means it's prime time to buy or sell or home!    If you're thinking of buying or selling a home in Wrightsville Beach or Wilmington NC, give me a call.   Let's prepare a game plan which will set you on the path to achieving your real estate goals! 02/28/2011

Support your community by buying local! I don't think I'm alone in my love for my community.  Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach NC are vibrant, thriving communities and I am so happy to be a part of that.  I hope we're all Blessed to love the community we're a part of.  And I hope we all do our part to nourish, encourage, strengthen and protect our communities. One of the best ways I can think to help my community is to buy local!  I shop at our Farmer's Market, roadside stands (really, what's better than fresh local produce?), locally owned and operated shops (especially for those one-of-a-kind gifts you can't get anywhere else!) and restaurants.  I know we can't always stay away from the National chains, but when it's reasonable and feasible, I buy local! How does buying local help?  ... 02/27/2011

Welcome signs of Spring It's been a pretty rough winter for many.  We've had it pretty easy here in Southeastern NC, so I'm not complaining.  But to see the first signs of Spring in my front yard?  Well, let's just say I'm a happy camper!  A gorgeous, sunny day here in Wrightsville Beach -- we hit a high of 71! -- was reason enough to pull out the bird houses!  They need a little sprucing up, that's tomorrows project.  Today, I was just happy to get them out and put them back in the trees where they belong. From cottages to estates, if you're looking for a new home in Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach, I'd love to help you!  02/17/2011

 Choosing the Real Estate Agent for YOU! Are you looking for a real estate agent in Wrightsville Beach NC and feeling a little overwhelmed?  I can understand that.  There are many excellent agents to choose from, and finding an agent you connect with is too important to simply pick a name out of a hat. The truth of the matter is:  Not all agents are created equal!  It's important to get to know an agent before you make a choice.  Back when real estate was booming, most consumers didn't spend much time looking or trying to sell -- so, the agent they worked with wasn't as big a deal.  Now, it's taking longer to reach the goal of buying or selling a home.  You're going to spend much more time working with your agent, and you need to be sure you've chosen well. How many homes they've sold o... 02/13/2011

Why hasn't my house sold?  Oh, to have an easy answer and quick fix for you.  There are so many factors to consider; current market conditions, pricing of the property, condition of the property, marketing . . .  Let's start with current market conditions.  This is something you really cannot control.  And neither can Real Estate Agents.  This is controlled by buyer's.  They buy, the market improves.  They wait, it remains stagnant. How do you get buyers to quit waiting and make a purchase?  Price, condition and terms.  Plain and simple.  And these are things you CAN control!  That's good news, isn't it?  Pricing.  You absolutely, positively HAVE to price your property competitively.  I am not suggesting you "give it away".  I am suggesting you decide to sell your home instead of just l... 02/07/2011

WATERFRONT HOME IN WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH NC **UNDER CONTRACT** 11 Lagoon Drive Wrightsville Beach NC  28480   This home may have found it's new family, but we have others still waiting for . . . YOU!  What are you waiting for?  Isn't it time to realize your dream of owning a beach home in Wrightsville Beach NC?  Give me a call -- I can help you find the perfect for YOU home!          Fantastic views from this stunning 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath waterfront Wrightsville Beach, NC home.  Over 3000 square feet of bright, sunny rooms with incredible views from both floors.  Deep water dock at your backdoor with room for multiple boats.  This Wrightsville Beach, NC home is located on a unique, PROTECTED cove with sandy beach. 02/03/2011

Wrightsville Beach NC 28480 Market Report January 2011 saw 5 sales in Wrightsville Beach NC 28480. 2700 N. Lumina Drive  #913               1/2                   $272,500 10 Marina Street                                1/1                    $540,000 210 Lees Cut                                    3/3                     $615,000 422 Causeway Drive                         2/1                     $660,000    21 Shore Drive                                  4/5                   $1,020,000 There are currently 155 properties on the market in Wrightsville Beach NC.  The average listing price is $1,147,166 with 315 average DOM (days on market).   The lowest priced property currently available in Wrightsville Beach NC is a bank-owned condo listed for $79,000.  The highest priced property curre... 02/02/2011

Trying Tuesday in Wrightsville Beach NC or, as I like to call it, "Quit yer whining and get over yourself!" It isn't often I feel sorry for myself.  And I am fully aware of how bitterly cold and snowy it is for my friends out West and up North.  But after a few days of glorious sunshine and near 70 degree weather here in Wrightsville Beach NC, we awoke today to an overcast sky and a chill in the air.  Faced with a Tuesday full of less than fun chores, I grumbled as I pulled out a sweater.  I thought longingly of warmer temperatures and carefree days.  Then I caught myself.  Days like today are why I so appreciate days that bring me pictures like this.  With a better attitude and renewed hope for the day, I set out to set the world on fire.  I didn't completely succeed, but I lit a few e... 02/01/2011

Do I really have to de-clutter and stage my home when I put it on the market? "Do I really have to de-clutter and stage my home when I put it on the market?  Can't Buyer's use their imagination?  What if it doesn't sell?  Then I'll have done all that work for nothing." Hard to imagine.  But I was recently asked this very thing.  My response? "Do you want to sell your house or not?" You must remove the clutter.  When you don't, it's like hiding your light under a bushel.  Most Buyer's have a hard time imagining their belongings, themselves, living in a home that is chock full of your personal items.  I'm not talking about furniture, though that recliner you've been holding onto for 20+ years may need to be moved.  I'm talking about family photos, tchotckes, dis-organized closets and cabi... 01/27/2011

The Love Boat will be taking a Valentine Cruise around Wrightsville Beach NC Dreaming of a romantic cruise with your honey for Valentine's Day?  Boat in for the winter?  Wouldn't it be nice to tour our island and let someone else do the driving, er, steering?  Just sit back, enjoy a beverage and some of the most scenic views in Southeastern North Carolina?  Your Wrightsville Beach real estate expert has found a solution! The M/V Shamrock, a custom built 27' motorized catamaran, will be offering  a one hour tour of Masonboro Island and the Wrightsville Beach Harbor this Valentine's Day.  It's a unique, and fun way to tour our beautiful island.  The Shamrock will also be available for tours February 11 - 14, 11am ~ 4pm.  If you've been married 45 years or more and are willing to share you... 01/24/2011

Run loose and pay the price in New Hanover County, NC! Just a word of advice from your Wrightsville Beach real estate expert -- keep your dogs leashed or risk huge fines!  We all love taking Brutus out, and even I will admit to occasionally thinking about letting my pup run loose on the beach in the off season.  I don't do it, but I have thought about it on those morning walks when I'm the only human in sight.  Not anymore! New Hanover County NC just approved tougher penalties for dog owners who repeatedly allow their dogs out without a leash.  The first infractions will remain $25 with the second going up to $75.  It's the third and fourth infractions that will really kick you -- the third has jumped from $250 to $500.  And the fourth, well, it's now a criminal misdemeanor.  New Hanove... 01/23/2011