JANUARY WEATHER
Like much of the rest of our country Carteret County has been dealing with very unusually cold temps. The normal average temperature for this area in January is in the mid 50's. Dealing with the 20's and wind chill factors in the teens is not something we are accustomed to and most of us don't like it! The attire is maybe a heavy sweater or light jacket for this time of year. Many individuals have been out purchasing hats, wool scarves, heavier gloves and toboggans which are items hopefully will not be used again for a very, very long time.
TIP: It is a great time to go shell hunting while the beaches are so empty with sunbathers.
REAL ESTATE REPORT:
Carteret County Real Estate Update Year End 2009
For the 12 months rolling average ending in December 2009 vs. the previous 12 months, the average price in Carteret County area is down 13.0% according to MLS. The average price declined from $318,895 to $276,679, . At the end of December there were 1,753 active listings listed in the MLS representing a 18.8 month supply of homes based on 2009 sales. The good news is that for the first time since 2005, 3 of the last 4 months sales were ahead of the prior year sales for the same month. This allow us to have 7% fewer sales for 2009 as compared to 2008 which is a great improvement from the 20-25% reductions we have experienced since 2005.
How does North Carolina compare to foreclosure rates? Better than most!
http://ncrealtors1.blogspot.com/2010/01/nc-fares-better-than-most-in-year-end.html
LOCAL OFFER FOR FREE WEBSITE:
Swann Island Signs and Graphics is offering two free websites or overhauls for nonprofit organizations 501 (c) (3) in Carteret, Craven, and Onslow counties. Applications are due March 1 and can be located at
http://www.swannislandgraphics.com/ or 252-247-7446.
RECIPE!
If you live or have lived in the Southern States you are undoubtedly familiar with Grits. Some love Grits and some do not (they're not right). Grits are a wonderful item, made from stone ground corn and oh so warm to the tummy on a cold winter morning or night. One can eat Grits any time of the day. Many restaurants have Grits on the menu all during the day. BTW, if you were born and raised in the South you may have been fortunate enough to be served Grits from a very, very, very young age. For those of you who may not know a favorite way to fix Grits - ENJOY!
GOOD OL' SOUTHERN STYLE GRITS: Boil 1.5 cups of water with salt and a little butter. (Use .5 cups milk and 1 cup of water and they are creamier!) Add 5 TBS of Grits. Reduce to a simmer; allow the Grits to soak up all the water and they are done. That's it.
Want some
RED EYE GRAVY to go with them? Fry salt cured country ham in cast iron pan, (you don't have to have the cast iron pan but there is just something about using your Grandmother's passed down cast iron pan that sure does make the gravy really, really good). Remove the ham when it's done then add coffee to the drippings and and simmer for several minutes. Whalah! RED EYE GRAVY! Great on grits and biscuits too.
YUM YUM!
ALLEN HAINGE CYBERSTAR(TM) SUMMIT IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
I just returned from the most incredible learning and sharing real estate technology gathering I have ever attended!
I was very fortunate and honored to be invited by Allen Hainge to join the Allen Hainge CyberStars(TM) in 1997. This is the only group of ALL 'TECH' savy REALTORs(R) and vendors brought together by the vision of one man I have ever known. I have enjoyed the pleasure of receiving and sharing outstanding information about the use of technology. I stay on the cutting edge in my business such as multiple Internet uses and the ways to utilize my SEO in my profession as a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1994. My first and still primary website at http://www.genagilbertrealestate.com/ has been a work in progress since 1995. As we move into the world of marketing technology I enjoy the knowledge of fellow CyberStars 2.0(TM) while advancing my advertising and marketing tools such as this Blog, Cameras, Drip Programs, Stealth Sites, VA's and much more.
The following video was created by 'That Interview Guy', Michael Krisa:
http://realestateunplugged.com/exciting-news-about-cyberstars/
THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO AND HELPS TO EXPLAIN WHAT CYBERSTARS ARE ALL ABOUT! SHARING AND FAMILY!!!
North Carolina's Southern Coast invites you to sneak away for budget-friendly events this winter. Enjoy all that the Southern Outer Banks has to offer with the winter blues saving, representing more than 40% off peak season rates. Get out of the house and go enjoy some of the beach without getting your feet wet or sinking a hole in your bank account.
