Ocean Breezes Blog

Things to do in Wilmington NC -- Poplar Grove Plantation Christmas Open House

Looking for something to do this weekend in Wilmington NC?  How about an Old-Fashioned Plantation Christmas Celebration?

Poplar Grove Plantation, in Scott's Hill, will be hosting their Annual Christmas Open House December 4, 2011 from 12p ~ 5p.  Admission is FREE!  

First opened as a museum in 1980, Poplar Grove Plantation is one of the oldest existing peanut plantations in North Carolina.  The current manor home was built in 1849 by Joseph M. Foy and remained a family home until the mid 1970's. 

Come see the manor home decorated as it would have been in the 1850's, tour the grounds which include; blacksmith shop, weaver, basket maker, tenant house, ponies, ducks, goats and more!  Enjoy a visit and Christmas story with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a hay ride ($5 per person) and shop local at the Arts and Crafts Fair!

Poplar Grove Plantation is just minutes north of Wilmington NC, at 10200 US Highway 17N. 

Island of Lights Festival Christmas Flotilla in Carolina Beach NC

Join your friends and neighbors this Saturday, December 3, 2011 for the Island of Lights Festival Christmas Flotilla in Carolina Beach NC. 

The brightly lit boats will cruise from Snow's Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back beginning at 6p.  Best viewing area is probably at the Boat Basin and you'll want to get there early to get a good spot! 

Don't forget to plan time to see all the sights on the Boardwalk and at Carolina Beach Lake Park.  This little beach town may be sleepy in the winter, but it's never dull! 

Best of all?  All this fun is FREE!  So mark the calendar, surprise the kids with an evening of fun in Carolina Beach NC and make memories to last a lifetime!

Cape Fear Kite Festival Wrightsville Beach NC November 5 ~ 6

Don't miss the Cape Fear Kite Festival at Shell Island this weekend, November 5 ~ 6, 2011.  Not only will there be beautiful kites dancing in the sky, there will also be a kids kite-making class, stunt kite lessons, a kite auction and stunt kite demonstrations. 

The fun begins at 10a November 5 at Shell Island Resort.  Shell Island is located at 2700 North Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Beach NC 28480.

Are you ready to buy or sell a home in Wrightsville Beach NC?  Give me a call and lets discuss your goals and how best to achieve them. 

Take a drive and find a little fun in NC!

Something about this time of year always makes me want to take a drive and do a little adventuring.  Maybe it's the cooler weather, maybe it's the free time after a wonderfully busy Summer or maybe it's just that my natural wanderlust kicks in this time of year.  Whatever the reason, just about every weekend I'm off in search of something new to experience.  It may be a festival, a dive diner that serves the BEST pancakes, a "Junque" store with treasures that take me back to my childhood, or a chance to stretch my legs and take in some beautiful NC scenery.  There isn't much I'm not up for!

 About 40 miles west of Wilmington NC, in a little town called Hallsboro NC you can find some Fall fun for the entire family.  You'll need to get off 74W/76W and take a couple of backroads to get there, but it's worth the effort.

MAZE CRAZE presents 11 acres of mazes,  hayride, train ride for the kids, games, kiddie maze and even a snack bar hosted by the delightful Galloway family.  We had the good fortune to meet Alma Galloway and her son, who just happen to be 2 of the nicest people it's been my pleasure to meet in a long while. 

You read that right, 11 ACRES OF MAZES!  11 ACRES!! Take a look at this picture of the map!  It's incredible!

Don't worry, if you get lost you can call for help! 

The kids get a chance to learn how to pump water at the rubber duck races.

A kiddie train ride and family friendly hayride.

Lots to see and do and when you're done stop by the snack bar!  If you're coming after dark be sure to wear bug spray and bring a flashlight!  Should you forget, they've got both at the Concession Stand.

They're open 7 days a week;

M - Th 9a ~ 9p

Friday 9a ~ 10p

Saturday 10a ~ 10p 

Sunday 1p ~ 6p. 

All this fun for just $7 adults, $5 kids, 3 and under FREE! 

No, I'm not going to help you bilk a Seller . . .

The following is a true story.  Trust me, I could not make this stuff up.

I was contacted by a Prospective Buyer about helping him find a small home near the beach.  It needed to have 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a mother-in-law suite.  He'll be in town for a week later in the Summer and would like to look at homes then. 

I immediately got to work finding him some homes to consider.  He emails me back and says, "I like 123 XYZ Street.  I'd like you to contact the Agent and see about letting me stay there for the week I'm in town, so I can make an informed decision.  If they really want to sell, I'm sure it won't be a problem.  It is a Buyer's market after all.  And, I need to know their answer right away so I can make my plans. "

"I thought you wanted to purchase a home, not rent one!?!  Oh, you don't want to rent?  You just want to stay there for free?  Are you serious?  You can't be serious -- can you?  You are?"

"Hey, it's all over the news about how desperate Sellers are -- if they really want to sell, they'll do it.  I saw a guy on a cable news show (yes, he named the show.  I won't.) who said this is a great way to get a free vacation while you're checking out an area."

Okay, I hardly know where to begin here.  So many things are wrong with this scenario. 

Just two of them:

1.  I would never suggest to a Seller Client that this would be a good idea.  Whether the home is a primary or secondary home, to suggest that a Seller allow someone to stay there for free is ludicrous.  It would cost them money to have utilities on and to have the home cleaned.  If it's a primary home, where would you suggest they go?  How about the liability?  Forget it.  Not worth it.

2.  But even more:  My BS meter is blaring!  What I really think, is that you are hoping for a free week's stay at the beach and somehow you've decided this is a great way to do it.  Sellers are desperate, right?  So if they think there's a chance of selling the home, they'll jump at it, right?  WRONG! 

We are in a Resort area and there are homes for sale which also rent.  If you would like to explore those options, great.  I'll help you locate a rental.  But you're still going to have to pay for it.  I cannot imagine any Seller or their Agent wanting to take on the liability or expense of letting someone stay in their home for free. That's just not smart business.

I was so looking forward to working with you and there are some great homes and opportunities for a serious Buyer.  Here's the problem:  I've pretty much heard it all and right now, I'm about over the "let's see how we can get one over on a person who may already be in harm's way" approach. 

Here's a suggestion:  Check way down deep and pull up your integrity.  If that's not in the cards for you, then find someone else to help you perpetrate your scam; it's not me . . . 

Lets talk FREE in Wilmington NC!

I make no apologies for my love affair with FREE.  FREE and I have been friends for years -- our current economy only makes our bond stronger.  

One of the great things about living in the Wilmington NC area is how easy it is for FREE and I to hang out.  We've got so many wonderful FREE Events in the Wilmington NC area it's almost impossible to keep up with all of them.  Concerts, movies, surfing lessons, fireworks, art exhibits, car shows, storytimes, fairs . . .  the list is so long I've had to devote an entire page on my website to listing just some of them. 

Why do I spend so much time and energy seeking these events out and sharing them with you?  Because I want anyone living in the Wilmington NC area, or just visiting, to experience all the wonderful things available to them for FREE!  I want to help you keep more green in your pocket and more fun in your life.

So go ahead, bookmark the page, The FREE Event Queen and keep up with all there is to do in the Wilmington NC area  -- for FREE!!

I am your REALTOR®, not your punching bag

I recently had a conversation with an old acquaintance who is trying to sell her home in another state.  I was shocked when she told me her Agent had canceled the Listing Agreement via email and wouldn't take her calls.  When I delved a little further I was no longer shocked; I was mentally applauding the other Agent.

"I am under so much stress and that little *#%(^) didn't seem to understand that having the house shown was just too much for me.  I told her, &#(!)*# and @#*%))  and she hung up on me!  Then she sent me an email canceling the listing!  Can you believe it?  What kind of a #*&%^&3 would cancel a listing over a conversation?  It wasn't personal.  She should have understood how stressed I am and dealt with it.  Dealing with me is part of her job."

Buying or selling a home is one of the most stressful life events we deal with.  Even if it's a move for the better, emotions run high and it's not always easy to keep our cool.  I've moved more times than I can count and I abhor the stress that comes from moving.  As a result, I tend to be a little more than understanding when working with buyers and sellers who are having a tough time.

BUT . . . every once in a while a transaction comes along that puts even me over the edge.  Every once in a while a buyer or seller decides that taking their frustration out on me is acceptable.  I'm not talking about getting frustrated or upset over something within my control (hey, if you feel I'm not doing my job you have every right to respectfully say something) -- I'm talking about the times when a buyer or seller is so stressed about moving, so overwhelmed with all there is to do they just take it all out on me.

There isn't much I won't put up with -- being in real estate means empathizing with my buyers and sellers and respecting their feelings.  But I won't be yelled at and I won't tolerate abuse.  Plain and simple -- I will do everything in my power to help you deal with the stress that buying or selling a home brings but . . . 

I am your REALTOR®, not your punching bag.

Help!  I'm trying to sell my Wilmington NC home and this drought is killing my curb appeal!

What a dry, hot Summer we've had here in the Wilmington NC area.  Severe drought conditions and dangerous temperatures are wreaking havoc on residents and yards. 

So what can you do if you're trying to sell your Wilmington NC home and you need to maintain curb appeal?  Probably more than you think!

• Your yard needs to be watered but not as often as you might think.  Water it  2 ~ 3 times a week applying 1/3" of water at a time.  Watering when the sun isn't out is best, so between the hours of 9p ~ 6a is a good idea. 
• Cut back on fertilizer.  Since fertilizer encourages growth and growth requires more water, you'll want to cut back by at least half.
• Be sure to water plant beds as well.  Don't plant anything new right now.  Since their root systems haven't matured, they will require more water and be harder to maintain during a drought.
• Be certain you have at least 3" of mulch in all plant beds and around trees and shrubs.  This will keep the soil cooler and maintain more moisture.
• When you do cut the grass don't cut quite as short as normal.  Keeping it a little longer will help keep it looking healthier.
• Plant pots!  Pots filled with brightly colored ornamentals and flowers can be maintained much more easily and will give a tired looking yard a bright smile to show Buyers!

Keep in mind, you want your yard to appeal to Buyers and one way to do that is to keep it simple.  This is not the time to try and WOW them with a whole new yard.  You just need to keep it looking neat and easy to maintain. 

If you have any questions about selling your Wilmington NC home, give me a call.  I've got plenty of tips to help make selling your Wilmington NC home less stressful and it would be my pleasure to help you.

Storytimes at Northeast Regional Library in Wilmington NC

Baby, it's hot outside!  What better way to beat the heat than Storytime at Northeast Regional Library? 

In addition to regular storytimes, Northeast Regional has added special Summer Storytimes just for families!  What a great way to spend time together, encourage a love of reading and cool off!

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:30a ~ 11:00a enjoy Family Storytime including  stories, fingerplays, and other literacy enhancing activities.  Children of all ages are invited and must have an adult chaperone.

On Monday & Friday from 2:00p ~ 3:30p and Wednesday @1:00p it's PAWS for Reading.  Independent readers can practice their reading skills by reading to one of the certified listening therapy teams.  Call 798-6373 for your appointment or more information.

Thursday is really hopping at Northeast Regional Library!

9:30a ~ 9:45a  Lap sit Storytime.  All children ages 6 ~ 18 months are invited.  Must bring your own adult lap!

10:00a ~ 10:20a  Toddler Storytime.  Children 18 ~ 36 months invited to enjoy songs and stories.  Don't forget to bring your adult!

10:30a ~ 11:00a  Pre-school Storytime.  Ages 3 ~ 5 can enjoy stories and songs.

Check out the Calendar of Events at Northeast Regional Library for even more family friendly events all Summer! 

Feeling the heat to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC?  Give me a call.  I've got a proven track record and will help you achieve your goals. 

Another great time in Wilmington NC!

As many of you know, I am in VA with my Mother is who is very ill.  While I am thankful for this time with her, I am missing some great times in Wilmington NC while I am away.  Last night was the Battleship Blast in Downtown Wilmington NC which included a street fair, live music and fireworks from the Battleship North Carolina.

Fortunately my daughter loves to take pictures and sends them along so I don't feel like I'm missing too much.  They missed the fireworks as my granddaughter wasn't feeling well and they had to head home early -- I suspect too much funnel cake! -- but it still looks like they had a great time.   Wilmington NC really knows how to throw a party!

I hope that you and yours enjoyed your 4th of July!