Too Cold for the Beach? See what Coastal Carolina has in store for you!

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.

Enjoying the coast during the winter months is one of the Southeast's best values! There are tons of wallet-friendly adventures for the entire family. Visit these local attractions for under $10!

Fort Macon State Park - FREE

Beaufort Maritime Museum - FREE

Cape Lookout Ferry - Round trip $10

Shackleford Banks Ferry - Round trip $10

Beaufort Double Decker Tour Bus - Adults $8/Children $4

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores - Adults $6-8/Children $7-8

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum - All $5

Beaufort Historic Site Homes Tours - Adults $8/Children $4

Old Burying Grounds - Adults $8/Children $4

Grab your jackets and head on out for an eventful weekend!  The North Carolina Coast can't wait to see you!

1st Time Home Buyers Tax Extended to a LIMITED FEW UNTIL APRIL 30, 2011

UNDER $200,000 IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC CLOSE TO ALL CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES! ARE YOU IN THE KNOW? ARE YOU IN THE MILITARY? Finally, a well deserved bonus for those who protect and serve our country abroad! Do you fit the governments definition of 'qualified service member'? 1. Are you a member of the uniformed services of the U.S. Military? 2. Are you a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S.? 3. Are you an Employee of the Intelligence Community? If you have answered 'Yes' to any of these questions visit www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com to find out additional information. "WHY" you may ask? Congress knows that many service members have been posted overseas and either unaware or unable to take advange of this $8,000 1st Time Home Owners Tax Credit or the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit. If you qualify call Gena or Harold Gilbert, BROKERS/REALTORS(R) Toll-Free at 1-877-240-0259 and ask for either Gena or Harold. Let us help you find your dream 1st or 2nd home on the Crystal Coast of NC in Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Morehead City, Havelock or Newport. GREAT SOUTHERN RECIPE! "LOVE THAT MEATLOAF" 1 cup finely chopped onions (about 1 large) 1\4 cup of Zesty Italian Dressing 2 pds of meatloaf mix meat (or lean ground beef) 3\4 cup ketchup 1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing mix for Chicken 3\4 cup water 2 eggs 1\2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese Preheat over 375. Cook onions in large nonstick pan until golden brown stirring frequently - remove from heat Combine meat, 1\4 cup ketchup, stuffing mix, water, eggs and onions - mix well. Place meat mixture in 13 by 9 baking dish - shape into 10 by 5 oval loaf. Spread the remaining ketchup on top. Bake for 55 min to 1 hour or until cooked thru - Sprinkle with cheese, bake a few minutes more until cheese is melted. Makes 8 servings FRESH VEGGIE TIME AGAIN ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC! How much better can it get that to taste that FIRST home-grown tomatoe sandwich of the year with fresh bread, a little "Dukes" mayo, salt and pepper? YUM!!! Be sure to keep those 'Better Boys', 'Bigger Boys', 'Cherry' and 'Roma' tomatoes watered good with lots of sun and fertilizer. The peppers are all growing also including the "Hot Banana Peppers", the "Cayenne" and the "Jalapeños". They make awesome Chow Chow to use on beans, hotdogs, hamburgers and greens like collards and turnips. If you are not a true Southerner or have not tried greens with home-made Chow Chow you just dont't know what you are missing! The Morehead City Marlins Baseball's first game is May 28th! Fun for all, young and old alike! For details visit www.MHCMarlins.com. There are so many unbelievable sites to vist and enjoy on the warm, clean, sunny beaches and waterways that abound on the NC Crystal Coast. The primary focus here is to offer a wonderful and safe place for all to enjoy everything that nature and her bounties proudly display to family and friends. Did you know that Bogue Island here has one of the few 'Maritime' Forest, the Roosevelt Reserve and one of North Carolina's three Aquariums which is newly renovated and now has 93,000 square feet full of interesting, colorful marine and fresh water life. Did you know it is situated in a lovely new building at Pine Knoll Shores? Did you know that Carteret County has one of the largest 'Open Ground Farms' in the United States? Don't know about 'Open Ground Farms'? Go to http://www.manta.com/c/mm2lb3h/open-grounds-farm-inc . It is fascinating information! Come visit our BEAUTIFUL, FASCINATING Crystal Coast area and beaches of Carteret County, NC SOON! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE INFORMATION CONTACT US at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com Bye For Now Ya'll! Gena

A FEW MONTHS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

4 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME REDUCED TO $238,500 IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

Call 252-659-2368 for Details! A few months, a few days ago over half the country was under that white powdery stuff. Today the grass is green and growing, flowers are blooming, birds are singing and new birth surrounds us. The Morehead City Marlins will play their first game on May 28th. The ball field is nearly ready and the countdown has started! Check out their website at www.mhcmarlins.com for additional information. Many boats are also getting a new fresh face provided by Swann Island Signs & Graphics. It will be fun to watch all the new Boat Graphics and signs on boats out on the water ways and in the ocean. REAL ESTATE NEWS: GREAT NEWS FOR A CHANGE! The housing market has improved on the Crystal Coast of NC and is up 6% in 2010 over 2009! There is still plenty of inventory and it is DEFINITELY still a 'BUYERS' market. There is only a week left to take advantage of the tax credits for first and second time home owners. BETTER HURRY IF YOU WANT THOSE TAX CREDITS! The end is getting near on April 30, 2010!

INTEREST RATES AS OF 4-23-2010 IN CARTERET COUNTY

Dropped back down to under 5%! Check with some of our local lenders for current rates!! Don't wait! (More information upon request) Take advantage of these low rates; they won't last forever! E-Z Mortgages, Jay Conner, Owner 1-877-288-8718 Eastern Mortgage, Larry Davis, Asst VP, 252-646-3737 Sound Bank, Betty Ann Lilley, Loan Officer, 252-727-2145 LOCAL BUSINESS AFFILIATES IN CARTERET COUNTY, NC Homan Company of NC - Office Supplies - 252-247-5766 Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina - 252-222-3007 Burnette Architecture & Planning - 252-726-5387 A+ Medical Business Services, Inc. - 252-726-2799 Groff's Artistic Tile & Flooring - 252-241-7579 Celebrity Services - 34' Hummer Limo - 252-622-0078 Chris' General Maintenance - 252-247-3633 Coastal Homeshield, Inc. - 252-247-5100 H. Curtiss Merrick, M.D. - 18 yrs & up - 252-222-5790 Creative Lighting & Bath - 252-240-2242 Accent Travel & Cruises - 252-670-1958 Eastern Heating and Cooling - 252-728-5999 E-Z Morrgages - 877-288-8718 Carolina Crawlspace Solutions - 252-659-2383 NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert RE - 877-240-0259 Scott & Stringfellow Financial Advisors - 252-222-0022 Ken Hillman, CPA - 252-240-1228 Culligan Water Conditioning - 252-726-6118 Rainmaker Irrigation - 252-393-9008 Rid A Pest - 1-800-PEST CONTROL or 252-240-2266 Stang Painting - 252-808-3652 Swann Island Signs & Graphics - 252-247-7446 Taylored Interiors - Interior Design - 252-725-4691 P.T. Jones Electric - 252-728-6656 ACN - Video Phone - 252-648-0071 Connectng Point Computer Center - 252-240-CPCC (2722) Community Yellow Pages - 252-633-7730 Clawson's & Aqua Restaurants in Beaufort, NC - 252-728-2133 Morehead City Marlins Baseball - Buddy Bengle - www.mhcmarlins.com ONE OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES:(QUICK, EASY & DELICIOUS) DELICIOUS CRABMEAT DIP Four 8oz Packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Place in large bowl – soften in the microwave ADD TO CREAM CHEESE: ¼ cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1/8 cup milk Garlic salt to taste Dash of Worcesterchire Sauce Green tips of spring onion (Optional – horseradish to taste) Mix together until creamy with electric mixer Stir in 3 cans of Fancy Lump Crabmeat (drained) Place in baking dish and cook 30-40 Minutes @ 350 degrees until brown and bubbly *NOTE: Can be frozen before cooking and bake when needed; can also put into individual containers for smaller portions AND HERE IS A GREAT WAY TO START AND END ANY DAY WITH A SMILE!

WATER FRONT REAL ESTATE ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

Here is a chance to own a magnificent home on deep water with a dock large enough to accommodate an 80' vessel and sit by your pool or lounge in your hot tub on a sunny summer day. Want to head out to Atlantic City, NJ or the Bahamas? No problem! You are less than a half mile to the ICW. This home is great for entertaining too. Located in Spooner's Creek, Morehead City, NC' Premier Water Front Subdivision, it is close to shopping, medical facilities, restaurants and the Crystal Coast Beaches. Asking Price? $1,499,000. Call NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate, Inc. and ask for Gena at 252-659-2367 today for more details and a private showing! TIPS ON CREATIVE LIGHTING! Challenged by low ceiling lighting needs? Low voltage track lighting can be a great solution - whether you are looking for stylish, decorative pendants or for functional light fixtures to highlight artwork or special items in your room. With high quality halogen or LED bulbs, you can create a great, energy-efficient (and cost-effective) look. On the Crystal Coast, stop in at Creative Lighting-Kitchen-Bath in Morehead City or visit our website: www.creativelkb.com THIS WEEK'S RECIPE! DELICIOUS CRAB MEAT DIP Four 8oz Packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Place in large bowl – soften in the microwave ADD TO CREAM CHEESE: ¼ cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1/8 cup milk Garlic salt to taste Dash of Worcestershire Sauce Green tips of spring onion (Optional – horseradish to taste) Mix together until creamy with electric mixer Stir in 3 cans of Fancy Lump Crab meat (drained) Place in baking dish and cook 30-40 Minutes @ 350 degrees until brown and bubbly *NOTE: Can be frozen before cooking and bake when needed; can also put into individual containers for smaller portions AROUND THE CRYSTAL COAST Warm weather has finally arrived! Boaters are getting their boats ready for the Spring and Summer seasons for fishing and going to various Islands like 'Shack', Cape Lookout and Carrot Island. Last week and this week have been sunny, warm and gorgeous. Local restaurants have been able to open seating outside on the water to enjoy the sun and warm weather. Beach lovers are out and roaming the beaches from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle, NC. It is WONDERFUL!!! And it will only get better and better as the days get longer and the sun shines and the waves crash in the next several months to come. BEACH FEVER HAS ARRIVED!!!

LOCAL NEWS FROM THE CRYSTAL COAST INCLUDES 'SNOW'

SNOW MEN ARE NOT SOMETHING THE CRYSTAL COAST IS USED TO SEEING! Exactly what is an Allen Hainge CyberStar®? Good question! According to the dictionary there is no definition for the word 'CyberStar', however, when the term is used in connection with a trademark group such as the 'CyberStars 2.0' it is commonly associated with REALTORS(R) who work on interactive information sharing via the Internet and other networking and technical venues. As a 'CyberStar(R)member I am a REALTOR(R) who likes to Blog, Network on various sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In among others to stay in touch with my customers and clients and to market real estate in the most beneficial way in today's society. For a detailed description of an Allen Hainge CyberStar® go to: http://www.afhseminars.com/cyber.htm The Crystal Coast Hopsice House Board is hosting a Kick Off Wild Game-Seafood and Italian Wine Pairings event to support its mission to raise public awareness of the need for the construction and funding of an inpatient Hospice house in Carteret County. In order to help meet that dream the event will have food donated by local huntsmen and wine presented by Marco Laico, owner of Vino Vino in Charlotte. The fund raiser will be located at Bisto-by-the-Sea in Morehead City, N. C. at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 22 for a cost of $35 per person which includes an annual membershiop to the "Supporters of the Crystal Coast Hospice House." Please contact Libby @ bistro-by-the-sea.com or (252)247-7777 MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES and REALTOR(R) REFERRALS: Local mortgage rates remain strong and inviting at 4.750%+/- with 0 Points on a 30 years Fixed Mortgage to qualified buyers. Rates are subject to change day to day and sometimes even hour to hour. I have personally experience a Residential Mortgage interest rate exceeding 13.00% back in the late 1970's and I know that rates have exceeded 17% in the past. Unless you have experienced this yourself it is hard to believe rates can go that high but it is a fact. Enjoy the mortgage rates and terms available today if possible! Speak with an experienced REALTOR® to find out if they can refer you to qualified lenders. Don't know one in your area? Contact us at and we may be able to assist you in finding an experienced well qualified REALTOR®. TODAY'S RECIPE Smooth & Silky Mushroom Soup 1 package of mushrooms (8 oz - but I often put 12 oz if I have them) 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1\2 teaspoon dried tarragon (or herbes de provence) 1\4 teaspoon ground nutneg 3 tablespoons butter 1\4 cup flour 2 cans (14 1\2 oz each) beef broth 1 cup sour cream 1\2 half-and-half cream 1\2 cup evaporated milk (if you don't have evaporated milk, just add more 1\2 and 1\2) 1 teaspoon lemon juice Dash hot pepper sauce Salt and pepper In a dutch oven or soup kettle, saute the mushrooms, onion, garlic, tarragon and nutmeg in butter until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour until smooth (at least 1 minute). Gradually add broth, bring to a boil, stirring constantly . Reduce heat to low, slowly add sour cream. Cook and stir until smooth. Stir in cream and milk. Add lemon juice, hot pepper sauce salt & pepper. Heat through but do not boil. Makes 6 servings. NOTE: I always double the recipe because it's still so good warmed up and everyone loves it and sometimes asks for seconds. REAL ESTATE FEATURED HOME OF THE WEEK: 130 EDWARDS DRIVE, MOREHEAD CITY, NC Lovely upscale water front home on DEEP WATER canal leading straight out to the ICW in less than a half mile. Board your vessel from your own private back yard and go North to Atlantic City, NJ or South to the Bahamas! Or, stay home and lounge by the in-ground pool and enjoy the local waterways and many beautiful beaches in Carteret County. Sellers are motivated and ready to sell this magnificent home on the water in Morehead City, NC. Wet slip will accommodate up to an 80' vessel. Call 252-659-2368 TODAY for more details! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS REMEMBER TO EMAIL, CALL OR TEXT GENA & HAROLD GILBERT, YOUR COASTAL SALES TEAM ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC "ALWAYS PLACING YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1ST" FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS! 252-659-2368 or 252-659-2368!

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES OF NC

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!!!

BEACH MARKET IS PICKING UP!

The real estate market in Carteret County is beginning to show signs of improvement. Second home properties on Bogue Island which includes Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, Indian Beach and Emerald Isle, NC all show signs of activity by interested buyers.

As the warm weather improves, those who love the ocean and the sand will continue to be drawn to its beautiful colors and sounds. Bogue Island runs East and West instead of North and South. Therefore it offers gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. It is truly a sight to behold.

One of our most popular Islands is 'Shackelford Island'. Famous for the wild horses, children and adults enjoy watching these magnificent animals. The mares are bearing colts and it is amazing to watch them interact with each other.

Now is the time to come check the properties for sale in Carteret County. It is 'BEACH TIME'! SAVOUR EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

EXECUTIVE CUSTOM-BUILT HOME NEAR NC BEACHES

421 HILLCREST DR, MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

GORGEOUS, CUSTOM-BUILT GOLF COURSE HOME WITH TOO MANY UPGRADES TO MENTION ON THIS SHORT BLOG. PRIVACY, NO NEIGHBORS IN BACK, ON LARGE CUL-DE-SAC LOT IN WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD! LESS THAN MINUTES AWAY FROM EMERALD ISLE, ATLANTIC BEACH AND BEAUFORT, NC

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS!

http://www.yourcoastalsalesteam.com/property.asp?id_property=81367