TOTALLY RENOVATED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOME LISTED BELOW MARKET PRICE!

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

Totally renovated inside & out in 2006. Large Family Room Addition with Fireplace and Wet Bar. Family Room is Spacious and Comfortable with beautiful view of back yard and pool. 3 Large Bedrooms, 2 Full baths & 2 half baths, 2 car garage, Patios, In-Ground Pool.

Lot Front: 90; Lot Left: 226; Lot Back: 185; Lot Right: 203

Beautifully Landscaped Yard. Large area to store Boat or RV that is adjacent to Pool House. Close to shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, hospital, parks, Crystal Coast Beaches, boat ramps, water access, schools MCAS Cherry Point, NC and Camp LeJeune . WALK IN WITH EQUITY ALREADY ESTABLISHED!

Short Sale which offers the buyer lots of House at TREMENDOUS value. Sales Price subject to bank approval!

For more details click on: http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/mainmenu.cgi or Call Harold or Gena at 252-659-2368.

WHEN IT SNOWS AT THE BEACH

VERY STRANGE!

Further north of Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, NC the east coast sees snow on the Atlantic Ocean beaches but here in North Carolina it is an oddity. These are photos I took of last year's snow. It was "here today and gone tomorrow". That is just the way we like it too. Everything pretty much closes down during the rare occurrence. Kids are out of school, businesses close and a day of rest for some and fun for others is announced.

CARTERET COUNTY REAL ESTATE REPORT:

Per the Carteret County Association of REALTOR MLS:

There are currently 1,503 single family residential and condominium properties on the market in Carteret County.

Prices range from $29,900 to $12,000,000.

Follow this link to see the page:Click to view listing(s)

This link will no longer be available after 3/1/2010.

RECIPE:

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese (softened)1 sm. can crushed pineapple (drained)1/4 c. bell pepper (chopped small)2 tbsp. chopped green onion1 tbsp. seasoned salt (Lawry's)Dash of tabascoDash of Worcestershire2 c. chopped pecans (save 1 to 1/2 c. for the rolling the ball in) Mix all ingredients and form into a ball, then roll in the remaining pecans and wrap in saran wrap and place in refrigerator over night before serving. Then ENJOY!

INDOOR YARD SALE BENEFITS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

IT IS GREAT TO KNOW PEOPLE CARE & SHOW IT!

INDOOR YARD SALE! FEB 6, 8 A.M. - 12 P.M. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, 3321 BRIDGES ST, MHC VENDOR SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR DETAILS CALL 726-6584 *** SPACES LIMITED! HURRY! All Proceeds Benefit The Sunshine Lady Boys & Girls Club

There are so many 'things' we don't need just lying around the house. Why not donate them to an organization like the Boys & Girls Club where you know the proceeds will be used for a good cause. I know, there are many, many organizations who can use your money and time but the Boys & Girls Clubs are volunteering valuable time and efforts to make positive changes in childrens' lives every day. It also cleans out spaces in and around your house and makes your 'space' free and less cluttered and attractive. Carteret and Craven Counties are fortunate to have staff and volunteers who give their time, money, sweat and tears to make the difference in the children who call Carteret County 'Home'. WEATHER: It looks like Carteret County and the Crystal Coast of NC are in for more cold weather. YUK! OMG! The weatherman is even talking about the 'S' WORD! However, every winter day that passes is another day closer to Spring and Summer and all there is to enjoy in the area. If it does snow, get your cameras out and hurry over to the beach. If you are very lucky, you might capture a picture before it melts! RECIPE: It is a shame NOT to share this delicious family recipe.

Grandmother Seymour’s Home-made Chocolate 8 layer cake & frosting FROSTING: Cook On Double Boiler 2 Cups of Sugar 1 Small can of Pet milk ¼ Cup Hershey Cocoa 1 Stick of Butter Pecans (chopped) CAKE: Regular Duncan Himes Butter Cake mix Flour Eggs Water DO NOT add vegetable oil as directed on box!!! Instead - Add: 1 stick melted butter 2 Tablespoons of real vanilla

It may or may not make the 'prettiest' cake (depending on the maker) but it sure make a delicious one!

MEMORIES SO CHERISHED

ATLANTIC BEACH BRIDGE

If you are lucky aging is inevitable! One great thing about growing older is developing memories of our own that nobody can take away from us. The photo to the right is the old bridge that connected us from the main land in Morehead City, NC to the Island we so cherish today, Bogue Island. The lure of the ocean has been a fascination among people for centuries. I pray it will remain the same for centuries to come.

Riding across this bridge as a child created excitement for the pleasures waiting once we touched on the other side. The Atlantic ocean with its white, frothy waves rushing on to the beach meant jumping the waves and the challenge of catching the tiny little bait fish that evaded my waiting hands. I remember building my incredible sand castles with my shovel and bucket only to see it disappear without warning as the ocean reclaimed it treasure of sand. Finding a shell, especially in one piece, a shark's tooth or skate's abandoned egg sack (a mermaid's purse as it is commonly called locally) was a rewarding prize to take back home and share with friends and family. Little did I know then it was a fascination that would last an entire lifetime.

The first sounds and visions of the rides as we came over the bridge and got our first peek at 'The Circle' in Atlantic Beach was enough to make a kid go nuts with the sheer joy! Just thinking about the rides that lay ahead once we could finally talk our parents into just throwing the suitcases in the house and take us to enjoy them was over whelming.

And don't even mention the fishing piers! It mattered not what you caught. Pulling whatever it was up on your fishing line for what seemed to be 'miles' was awesome!

Now my children and grandchildren are creating their memories of 'The Beach' but theirs will be full of the view from the newer high rise bridge with the view of the Atlantic Ocean at the very top of the bridge enticing them even more to get to the Ocean. My memories live on and are still developing and will continue I hope for many years to come. Bogue Island consists of Atlantic Beach on the far East end, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and ending up with Emerald Isle on the West end. Once you see it and enjoy the many pleasures of nature and camaraderie from locals and returning visitors the Island offers it is difficult not to return.

REAL ESTATE REPORT:

Per the Carteret County Association of REALTORS MLS:

57 Residential Properties have 'SOLD*' since January 1, 2010 through January 24, 2010 at the time of the writing of this blog.

871 Residential Properties are currently on the market offered FOR SALE (number changes daily)

Prices range from a low of $57,000 to a high of $1,000.000 *SOLD = ACTUAL SALES PRICE

As of Janury 22, 2010 some Mortgage lenders are still quoting FIXED rates as low as 4.75%/ 30 years/0 points with good credit. Take advantage of these and other great programs while they last!

THE 8th ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

COMING SOON! February 5-9, 2010 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center!

The time is growing closer to welcome and enjoy the delightful indulgence of CHOCOLATE! CREAMY, SWEET, WHITE, DARK, SEMI-SWEET, DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE! Taste, devour and experience all kinds of decadent chocolates from around the world ALL in one area -Carteret County, NC! Treat yourself to a 'Chocolate Facial', 'Chocolate Mini-Massage' or 'Hand Massage' while being pampered to the hilt and served sparkling champagne and gourmet chocolates! Make your reservations now and enjoy a fabulous time at the beach before it is too late.

VIEW DETAILS GO TO: http://www.carolinachocolatefestival.com/

REMINDERS!

Feb 5th seems to be a popular date this year. The Fund Raising Event for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Crystal Coast, 'An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate' the night before the Annual Chocolate Festival starts the weekend of the CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL in Morehead City, Carteret County, NC 28557.

February 5th this year is also NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN! Go to the American Heart Association's link at http://www.goredforwomen.org/ for more details!

AND, February 5th is 'MY' birthday! It becomes more special to me each year as I grow older.

RECIPE:

The Secret is Out!

CRACKER BARREL’S HASHBROWN CASSEROLE 2 LBS FROZEN HASHBROWNS ½ CUP MELTED BUTTER 1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP 1 PT. SOUR CREAM 1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION 2 CUPS GRATED CHEDDER CHEESE 1 TSP SALT ¼ TSP PEPPER 2 CUPS CRUSHED CORN FLAKES ¼ CUP MELTED BUTTER DEFROST HASHBROWNS COMBINE NEXT 7 INGREDIENTS AND COMBINE WITH HASHBROWN PUT IN 3 QT CASSEROLE DISH SAUTEE’ CORNFLAKES IN BUTTER AND SPRINKLE ON TOP COVER AND BAKE AT 350 FOR 40 MINUTES

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 MADNESS

The upcoming weekend is said to be what we have all been waiting for for weeks. Bright sun, temps in the 80's, clear skies and the Crystal Coast Beaches at Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Emerald Isle, Cape Lookout and Shackelford Island among many others are just waiting to be enjoyed! It looks like a great weekend to build sand castles in the sand, go shelling, look for the wild horses, see if there are any new colts, feed the seagulls (just do not stand under them when you do) and get plenty of sun and warm breezes.

It is also a great time to look at condos and single family homes on the beaches. Real Estate is a bargain right now and there are lots of buyers taking advantage of this market. I have practiced real estate for over 15 years and now is the best time to buy a house that I have persoally ever witnessed. The interest rates are at a record low, the banks are lending money, tax credits are out there, incentives are out there and there are sellers who are motivated to sell!

Now is a great time to invest in beach property. Enjoy the entire season and the 'shoulder' seasons when all is quiet and peaceful.

For all your real estate needs please keep us in mind. "Your Coastal Sales Team", Harold and Gena Gilbert, "Always Put Your Real Estate Needs 1st"!

SHACKELFORD ISLAND

CAN'T YOU JUST IMAGINE HOW THRILLED THIS CHILD IS TO STAND THIS CLOSE TO A WILD HORSE? WHAT A GREAT EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO SEE THE HORSES THIS CLOSE UP IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT! How exciting to be able to see wild horses on the beach and walk among them during your vacation! As long as you respect the horses and quietly walk around them they remain calm and go about their business. These horses are on Shackelford Island on the East side of Beaufort Inlet in Carteret County, NC. The land is Federal land and is protected by the government. The horses are fed and cared for and during 'round up' some of the horses are sold at auction to make sure there are not too many horses for the land to support. You can see by the crowd these horses draw when they show their presence on the Island how taken in the visitors can be. The horses and colts are fun to watch but there are also many, many other creatures on the island to study. Horseshoe crabs, all kinds of coastal birds, shells, clams, oysters, Hermit crabs, and the list just goes on and on and on!

There are dunes to climb on Shackelford Island and the Atlantic Ocean is on the opposite side of the island from the Sound. Spend one day at 'Shack' and you will come back for more!

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!

Horses & other wildlife on the Beaches in North Carolina

What a feeling of freedom!

Get up close and personal on the islands in Carteret County, NC!

http://www.genagilbertrealestate.com/

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

EASY & DELICIOUS RECIPE

One of my favorite and easiest recipes!

Red Bell Peppers and Cheese

For two people, slice one red bell pepper in half, clean out the inside, put a little bit of shredded parmesan cheese in the bottom of each pepper, place in microwave for about one minute.

Remove, add Mediterranean Feta Cheese, add a pat of butter on top.

Place in conventional oven on broil until cheese is melted and brown on top.

GREAT TASTE AND HEALTHY!

Gena

Ocean View Luxury Home $799,999!

Morehead City, NC 28557

Experienced 'Real Estate Hind Sight'? Wish you had invested and didn't? Everyone is looking for a 'Sleeper' on the real estate market. Here is one you do not want to miss! Save this information and check on the value of this property a year from now! Attention all vacation home, investment, second home, beach houses and homes, buyers. This is not direct ocean front but is on the same street as the direct ocean front million dollar+ homes. Spacious, great for entertainment and large family events. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory at this beautiful, immaculate and huge beach house with over 3,000 heated square feet of living space. Location, location, location!! Situated on Bogue Island, NC between Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle. Physical Address: 122 Dogwood Circle, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512. Private beach access area, boat launching facilities, boat marinas and sound access to Bogue Sound in Carteret County, NC.

ALL THIS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE FOR ONLY $799,999!

If you have not discovered the

Carteret County 'Crystal Coast Beaches' yet

NOW is the time to do it!

Call or email 'Your Coastal Sales Team' today!

gena@genagilbertrealestate.com

Update on the Tall Ships Coming to Beaufort, NC

As of April 5, 2006 there are 14 Tall Ships now scheduled to attend the Festival in Beaufort and Morehead City, NC. The newest ships include Schooner Virginia, a 122 foot schooner that's a replica of pilot schooners that saialed on the Chesapeake Bay more than 80 years ago. Ada Mae: a skipjack built in 1915 in Rose Bay, NC is one of only 20 skipjacks left built in NC. Alliance: magnificent 105 foot tall ship privately owned vessel based in Yorktown, VA. Jeanie B: Built in 1986, based in Greenville, NC and spends her summers sailing with the Camp Sea Gull and Seafarer campers and offers a two week long educational and seamanship program. Margaret: One of the oldest vessels participating in the Pepsi Americas Sail, built in 1904. She is one of the few remaining yachts of the Edwardian Era. Once thought lost at sea, she finallyl arrived in Ocracoke, NC 20 days later with her crew of nine. She calls Port Bristol, RI, her home. Three Belles: 54 foot Angleman-Davies Ketch, built in 1966. She sailed from Hong Kong to the US frequently and travels the East Coast. She currently resides in Beaufort, NC but is typically based in Rockport, Maine. The ships will be here in Beaufort and Morehead City June 30-July 5th! Daily tickets provide visitors the rare opportunity to step aboard these majestic tall ships and are on sale at www.pepsiamericassail.com or by calling 800-514-3849.

The Tall Ships are Coming, The Tall Ships are Coming!

If you are like me, you don't know much about the terminology about 'Tall Ships'. Here is a list to assist the novices such as me. What a fascinating subject this is and how majestic these ships must be! Carteret County will find out first hand beginning June 30, 2006! Shipboard Terminology Amidships - the middle section of a ship Bow - the front of a ship. Compare prow Bridge - a navigational command centre Bulkheads - internal "walls" in a ship. Many bulkheads have a structural function as well as dividing spaces. They serve to maintain stability, to prevent water from flooding the entire ship in the event of a breach of the hull, and to contain fire. Many bulkheads feature watertight doors which, in the case of certain types of ships, the crew may close remotely. Cabin - an enclosed room on a deck Capstan - pulley-oriented mechanism Decks - the "floor"s and also different levels of a ship Deck Head - The "ceilings" inside a ship. Sometimes panelled over to hide the pipework. Figurehead - symbolic image adorning the bow of a traditional sailing ship Forecastle - an upper forward deck; or sailors' living quarters Galley - the kitchen of the ship Gunwhale - the surrounding "wall" at the top of the hull Hold - The lower part of the interior of a ship's hull, especially when considered as storage space for cargo. Hull - the shell or framework of the basic flotation-oriented part of a ship Keel - the central structural basis of the hull Mast - a pole designed for the suspension of one or more sails Port - the side of the ship which lies to the left when the observer faces forward. (A mnemonic to distinguish port and starboard notes that left and port both have four letters.) Prow - alternative term for [bow] Scupper - a drainage opening Starboard - the side of the ship which lies to the right when the observer faces forward Stern - the rear of the ship -- also known in a directional sense as aft Windlass - hydraulic winch mechanism used to raise and lower the ship's cable, and to heave in on hawsers.

Pepsi America's Tall Ships Coming to Carteret County

World-class sailing vessels will arrive in Morehead City and Beaufort July 30-July 5. This will be an unprecedented event for our area and should translate into $2.6 million in revenues - a break even figure- to the county plus be great in the long-run for the county. There will be an estimated 150,000 people who will attend this event. More information can be gained about The Tall Ships by going to: www.PepsiAmericasSail.com. Tickets for each 3 day event will only be sold online. Don't miss out, order your tickets today and Welcome to Carteret County!

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, NC Preparing to Open!

Could it be true? Excitement is in the air about all the people who plan to attend the opening of the Aquarium in May of 2006. Volunteers are signing up to help with the big event which should be one of the biggest happenings in the area in years. I for one cannot wait to see it! It has been a long time coming and the time is finally drawing near!

Chocolate Spa Treatment?

The Carolina Chocolate Festival is offering something new this year. How does a 'Chocolate Mini-Facial' sound? Nice, creamy, smoth, delicious, warm chocolate all over your face! YUM! This could be a winner! Messy but sweet!

Our 'Toons' Tell Everyone About Us & What We Do

Our life is very rewarding in many, many ways! We work hard, we play hard and we love what we do! Our 'Toons' say it all! Listing and Selling Real Estate at the Crystal Coast of North Carolina...GREAT! Enjoying our location and all the things it has to offer like the ocean, the marine life, the fishing opportunities, lounging on the beach, clamming, friendly neighbors and associates every day while we do it....FANTASTIC! Reaping all the benefits life has to offer......PRICELESS! "Ain't a bad life!" Is it?

Challenger Memorial - Michael J. Smith, Native of Beaufort, NC

In honor of the entire crew of the Challenger a limited edition print will be released on Saturday January 28, 2006 at the 20th Anniversary Memorial Services being held at the Kennedy Space Center. Michael J. Smith was a pilot on the Challenger and native of Beaufort, NC. There is a beautiful monument which resides indefinitely on the Beaufort water front in his honor and the crew of the Challenger for all visitors of the area to be reminded of the sacrafices of these brave individuals. An entire corner of one of the sections of Applebee's Restaurant in Morehead City also pays tribute to this local hero with personal pictures and items which belonged to the family. Our local newspaper, The Carteret News Times ran the following article in Friday's paper: http://www.carteretnewstimes.com/index.htm .

Triple S Pier Auction

An auction was held on Saturday, January 28, 2006 to sell 'everything' associated with the Triple S Pier and Restaurant. It will be sad to see the pier go. It's like the end of an era for those of us who grew up around it. For more details about Triple S Pier go to http://www.triplesresort.com/ . However, new construction is going up all over Bogue Island from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle on this 35 plus mile long island on the gorgeous Crystal Coast of the Atlantic Ocean. More condos perhaps? We'll just have to wait and see.