What's Happening At The Beach!

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown Appreciation Day – Sunday, March 7, 2010 will be the 15th Annual Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown Appreciation Day for all New Hanover County residents. Participating area attractions will open their doors to New Hanover County residents free of charge so that they can become “tourists in their own hometown”. Offering free admission is a fun and regarding way to thank the residents for their support. A number of Pleasure Island businesses will be taking part in this event. Those businesses are:
Carolina Beach Lake Park – Free Paddle Boat rides
Federal Point History Center
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area – Free access to the Beach
Jungle Rapids – Either free round of golf, free go-cart ride or free wall climbing
Wheel Run Rentals – Free bicycle and specialty product rentals
Some special conditions apply. To see a complete list of businesses and conditions please visit
www.capefearcoast.com/hometown.

NC Aquarium hosts Scales and Tails Event - Do you like being up close to rarely seen animals? The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will host its annual Scales and Tails event on March 6-7. The event is a two-day celebration of our amphibian and reptile friends. Visitors will have an opportunity to see, touch and learn about our cold-blooded neighbors. Aquarium staff and invited experts will introduce the public to dozens of live amphibians and reptiles, including alligators, snakes, iguanas, lizards, turtles and MORE! There will be exhibitors and Aquarium staff personal collections of rare and interesting animals that aren’t normally on display. The event will be held at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher on March 6-7 from 9 AM- 5 PM. It is free with Aquarium admission. For more information please contact the Aquarium at 910-458-8257.

Island Woman Seeking Donations for Annual Yard Sale – On Saturday, April 17th, the Island Women will be holding their 3rd Annual Yard and Bake Sale. They are currently accepting donations. If you would like to donate an item or items, please contact Marcia at (910) 599- 2524. All proceeds are dedicated to making life better on Pleasure Island.
http://www.islandwomen.org/

Spruce up your Home for Spring with C&J’s Cleaning Service – Right now, C&J’s Cleaning Service is offering savings of $50.00. Book your appointment now and you will save $25.00 on your first and $25.00 off your 4th regularly scheduled cleaning. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (910) 799-1960 or visit http://www.cleaningserviceswilmingtonnc.com/

Sea Turtle Project Seeks Donations – The Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project (PISTP) is hosting a Sea Life Art Auction and Wine Tasting. They would like to invite “Local Artists” to donate a single piece of “Sea Life Art” towards their fundraising endeavor. Proceeds will be split between the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital on Topsail Island and PISTP for local sea turtle activities and education. If you are interested in submitting a piece of art or if you have any questions, please call or e-mail Pat Rittenmeyer at (910) 392-7884 or patrittenmeyer@mindspring.com

On-Line registration is available for this year’s Lo-Tide Run – This year’s 6th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Day Lo-Tide Run is scheduled for March 13th at 9:00 a.m. On-line
registration is now available through the website at http://www.lotiderun.org/. While on-line
registration is preferred, mail-in registration forms will be available for download on the website as well as distributed to local businesses.


February 26, 2010

Nice Little Poem!

I wish you the courage to be warm when the world
Would prefer that you be cool.
I wish you successes sufficient to your needs;
I wish you failure to temper that success.
I wish you joy in all your days; I wish you sadness
So that you may better measure that joy.
I wish you gladness to overbalance grief.
I wish you humor and a twinkle in the eye.
I wish you glory and the strength to bear its burdens.
I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season
Your journey.
I wish you peace in the world in which you live and in the
Smallest corner of the heart where truth is kept.
I wish you faith to help define your living and your life.
More I cannot wish you, except perhaps love, to make
All the rest worthwhile.

By Robert Ward

Thoughts For Today

While doing some reading, I came across this interesting quote and thought of the day and thought I'd share it on my blog. Thanks for visiting and please visit my website at www.joycebarnwell.com for a look at all the properties that are for sale and listed in our Multiple Listing Service, (MLS).

Quote of the Day
"Every man is enthusiastic at times. One man has enthusiasm for thirty minutes, another man has it for thirty days. But it is a man who has it for thirty years who makes a success in life."
~Edward B. Butler

Thought For Today
"When you have a powerful, long-term vision for something, even against all odds and adversity, you will continue to make progress and people will want to get on board. Why? Because everybody wants to be a part of something great."
~Robin Crow
Rock Solid Leadership

Free Movies at the Lake Series

Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Announces Exciting
Line Up for the 2010 Free Movies at the Lake Series

Carolina Beach, NC – Every Sunday night in the summer, the Carolina Beach Lake Park comes alive with activity as families from all areas bring their lawn chairs and blankets and spend an evening together under the stars watching some of the best hit movies around.

This year will be no different. The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is on the cutting edge offering a line up which includes three 2010 Academy Award nominated films as well as films that have yet to be released to the public. This year’s line up includes:

May 30 - Avatar
June 6 - Night at the Museum 2
June 13 - Star Trek
June 20 - Tooth Fairy
June 27 - Transformers
July 4 - Twilight – New Moon
July 11 - Blind Side
July 18 - Fame
July 25 - Where the Wild Things Are
August 1 - BeetleJuice
August 8 - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
August 15 - The Pirates of the Caribbean
August 22 - The Princess & The Frog
August 29 - “Classic” Night – Two Hours in the Dark a Frank Capra Documentary followed Capra's classic film Mr. Deeds Goes To Town.
September 5 - Up

The Chamber of Commerce kicks off the season with the highest grossing movie of all time, Avatar. This film, nominated for nine Academy Awards, including best picture is from Oscar winning director James Cameron and features the vocal talents of Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and more.

Also this year, the Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer a “Classic” night. This year, UNCW Assistant Professor of Film Studies, Chip Hackler, will present his documentary on Frank Capra entitled Two Hours in the Dark and will be available to answers your questions. Following the documentary, the Frank Capra classic Mr. Deeds goes to Town will be shown.

Each week, the Chamber of Commerce will also be hosting a food drive benefiting a local charity. This is your chance to help someone in need simply by bringing a non-perishable food item for donation.

Pleasure Island Events

American Legion Fish Fry Today – Since it’s the first Friday of the month that means that the American Legion will be hosting their monthly fish fry. Today from 11-7, $8.00 will get you a plate with Fresh Fried Fish, Hushpuppies, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, Ice Tea & Coffee. Desserts will be sold by the Ladies of the auxiliary starting at 5:00 p.m. The American Legion Hall is located at 1500 Bridge Barrier Road, just south of the Post Office in Carolina Beach.

Cheer on your Team during the Super Bowl at Tangerine Caribbean Grill – On February 7th, Tangerine will be offering Super Bowl Specials as you cheer your on your team in their quest for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. Specials include Chili Bowls, Blackened Ribeye Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, $.40 wings, Personal Pan Pizzas, Nachos, Quesadillas, Burgers, Seafood Tacos and Classic Fish Fry Platters. All of these items are also available to go along with their full menu. Additionally, Tangerine’s will be offering a variety of drink specials. Tangerine Caribbean Grill is located at 300 N. Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach. www.tangerinegrille.com

Lazy Pirate Gears Up for Super Bowl – Celebrate the Super Bowl at The Lazy Pirate as they host the 1st Annual Super Bowl Pig Pickin’ Party. The Lazy Pirate will offer free food and prizes and an appearance will be made by the Miller Girls. The Lazy Pirate also offers the largest flat screen televisions on the Island. They are located at 701 N. Lake Park Boulevard next to the Drifter’s Reef Motel. For more information contact them at (910) 458-5414 ext. 505.

Linda’s Fashion “Super Sale on Super Bowl Sunday” – James Allen, proprietor of Linda’s Fashions, would like to invite everyone to his Super Sale on Super Bowl Sunday. Please join James and the staff at Linda’s Fashions for wine and cheese and be sure to take advantage of 50% off the entire store. This discount includes all sale and bargain room items and the new spring merchandise. This is a one day only sale on Sunday, February 7th from noon until 6:00 p.m. All sales are final and prior sales are excluded. www.lindasfashionscbnc.com

Make this Valentine’s Day Special with a Gift From the Fudgeboat – The Fudgeboat wants to remind everyone that their chocolate dipped strawberries sell out fast for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to pre-order at fudgeboat@bellsouth.net or (910) 617-9793. Instead of a mall kiosk, they will have hours at the beach this year! Store hours for the weekend will be Feb. 11th from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m., Feb. 12th 1:00 – 8:00 p.m., Feb. 13th from noon to 8:00 p.m., and February 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.fudgeboat.com

Special Olympics Gears up for their Annual Polar Plunge – This year’s Special Olympics Polar Plunge will be held on Saturday, February 20th at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk next to the Courtyard Marriott. Come take a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to support the Special Olympics of New Hanover County. Join them for an afternoon of live music, art, food, a silent auction, classic car show and much, much more. In order to plunge, you must raise a minimum of $50.00 (or $30 for students with proper ID). To request a brochure or for more information please email to polarplunge@plungenhc.com or call (910) 341-5876.

On-Line registration is available for this year’s Lo-Tide Run – This year’s 6th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Day Lo-Tide Run is scheduled for March 13th at 9:00 a.m. On-line registration is now available through the website at www.lotiderun.org. While on-line registration is preferred, mail-in registration forms will be available for download on the website as well as distributed to local businesses.

14th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off Applicants and Sponsorships being Accepted – On April 17th, chefs from restaurants on Pleasure Island and surrounding communities gather on Pleasure Island for our famous Chowder Cook Off. This wonderful, daylong event includes live music, fun for the kids and, of course, great food. If your business is interested in competing in this year’s Cook Off, please contact the Chamber offices for an application or visit our website at www.pleasureislandnc.org. The Chamber is also accepting sponsorships for this event. This is a wildly popular event attracting thousands of people and is the perfect opportunity for your business to receive added exposure.

Below is a good article written by our (Intracoastal Realty) VP of Sales. It was written for the Lumina News.

Supply and Demand
by Chris Livengood
Thursday, December 31, 2009

The real estate market like other markets is driven by the economic principle of supply and demand. The data shared weekly in this section of Lumina News provides a simple measure of this economic principle in action with absorption rates. Simply put, the absorption rate is the measure of today’s housing, or demand, versus how many months will it take to absorb the current supply of inventory.The formula uses the past 12 months of unit sales to establish how many houses are selling each month on average, divided into the existing inventory to calculate the months of supply available.

In real estate it is generally thought to be a balanced market when there are 5-6 months of inventory on the market. A key point to keep in mind: fewer months of supply result in a seller’s market and puts pressure on prices to increase. Higher months of supply result in a buyer’s market and puts pressure on prices to fall.

A seller’s market was evident locally, in the period of 2000-2006 as demand was high and supply was low. During this period of time the New Hanover County market was operating as a seller’s market with 1-2 months of supply at its peak which occurred in the first quarter 2006. By late 2006-2007, inventories rose to seven months of supply, or a balanced market; and since 2008 the market has become a buyer’s market with current inventories running around a 16 month supply.

Within New Hanover County the absorption rate varies by location. In the Ogden/Porters Neck, Castle Hayne and Myrtle Grove/Monkey Junction areas housing inventory is turning more quickly based in part on the lower average price points and the positive effect that the first time home buyers tax credits had in 2008. Other areas like Wrightsville Beach, Pleasure Island and parts of downtown Wilmington show a higher inventory based in part on the higher average price points of those locations which at present are turning slower. The positive effect of the tax credits continues into 2010. The first time home buyers will benefit from the $8,000 tax credit on their purchases that most affect the $280,000 and lower purchase price points. Additionally in 2010 existing homeowners can benefit for tax credits up to $6,500 on purchases at price points of $800,000 or less. (Contact your Realtor to understand how these benefits may affect your purchase decisions.)　Buyers are coming back to the market attracted by an abundant selection, value and historically low interest rates. With current levels of inventory, selection has never been better. Values are wonderful. Value is determined by condition, price and location of product. As always, the properties that sell the quickest are those that are the best value to buyers. Interest rates are at historical lows and yes, banks and mortgage companies are lending money. Generally today’s lending market requires that you put some money down and qualifying has been tightened to eliminate the aggressive hybrid sub prime lending of the past few years which included an abundance of 100 percent loans and low documentation requirements. Today’s interest rates are being artificially held low by the current policies of the federal government. It is generally believed that these rates can not last long term and there is much more pressure for rates to increase than stay at these low levels. The effect of interest rates has a bigger effect on a buyer’s purchase decision than purchase price. A quarter of a percent increase in interest rates can eat up quickly a reduction in purchase price.

Based on all these factors, now is an excellent time to buy. I think we have all had an experience personally or had someone close to us experience a situation in which the memory is, "I could have purchased that property in _____ for only $_____." Some will be talking about 2010 in that way 10 years from now. 　Today’s sellers are divided into two groups:Group one is those individuals that want or need to move and will price their homes aggressively to sell while taking advantage of this same buyer’s market to purchase their next home. As long as you are staying in the market, there is very little reason to not be in the home you want or need.

The second group of sellers will be those that stay in a location and wait for the market to return to the peaks of 2005-2006. Increasingly financial resources are calling for a slow but steady recovery. The forecasted recovery for North Carolina ranges in time from 2014-2017. Several national sources expect the recovery to take twice the length of time as the decline. If we bottom out in mid 2010 then the projected recovery fits the range cited above.

Just as so many other financial decisions, too many purchasers miss an opportunity by trying to time the absolute bottom of the market. Real estate is best considered as a long term investment and on the North Carolina coast the future looks bright. Last year, Senator Richard Burr shared with local Wilmington business leaders that as the federal government looked at the long term need of infrastructure by state, that population growth predictions called for a 50-plus percent growth in the population of North Carolina by the early 2020s.

The growth in North Carolina comes from the recognized superior quality of life factors that North Carolina offers such as climate and cost of living.

Another significant factor for North Carolina growth comes from the strength of secondary education in North Carolina’s universities, colleges and community college system. North Carolina is second only to California in the number of graduates each year. The students that come to the state often don’t want to leave, creating an intellectual capital that attracts business and industry.

All said and done, the recent events in the real estate market seem to be short term in nature, while the long term future looks bright.

When Is The Best Time To Sell Your Home?

Below is an article I found on Forbes.com by Francesca Levy regarding when is the best time to put your house on the market. It's a good read!

Putting a home on the market in this grim real-estate climate might seem like lunacy considering how heavily the market favors buyers. Home prices are down 28% from their national peak in the second quarter of 2006, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, which tracks sales in 20 major housing markets. Still, listing a home during certain months can improve a seller's odds. Late spring and summer are usually thought of as the best times to put a home on the market because buyer demand builds steadily through spring. Sales then peak during the warmest months, when it's easiest for families to move without uprooting their children from school. But this year, experts predict that the selling boom, which normally starts in spring, will hit at a different time than it has in the past. Sellers with flexibility should market their homes earlier in the year. According to data from Zillow.com, an online real-estate database, the volume of home sales was highest in June, July or August every year since 2000. This year, however, an $8,000 credit for those buying their first home--that expires on June 30, 2010 and requires buyers to have closed on a home by April 30, 2010--will force buyers to speed up their decisions. Historically low interest rates also suggest that sellers will face a busier market as early as February.

“This year, we're anticipating sales will peak earlier,” says Nicole Hall, editor in chief of Lendingtree.com, an online mortgage comparison service. “The best time to get your house on the market will be February or early March, and maybe even earlier if you want to avoid competition.”The Economy Upsets Seasonal Trends House hunting may have traditionally sped up after March, but nothing about the last few years in real estate has been traditional. In 2008, sales failed to pick up with their usual gusto in late winter because the financial crisis cast a shadow of fear over buyers, and lending seized up.

“Between the fall of 2008 and March of 2009, there was a long dead period in real estate,” says Ken Shuman, spokesman for the real estate Web site Trulia.com. “You don't want to buy a house if you don't have job security, and a lot of people had jobs but didn't feel too secure about them.”2009 didn't follow typical trends, either. Fall, when sales usually plummet, saw more sales activity than usual this year because of the introduction of the government's tax credit, which was initially set to expire on Nov. 30, 2009.Improving the Odds Granted, some sellers have no choice but to sell at a slow time of year. Job relocation and the need to free up assets are facts of life that can deprive families of the luxury of waiting until the peonies bloom to put their homes on the market. But Hall says that there are ways to improve your chances of a sale if you have to list your home late in the year, like playing up holiday decorations and shoveling walkways to maximize curb appeal. She adds that selling at this point in the cycle isn't always the worst fate.“Look at how you can turn it to your advantage. Maybe because you're forced to sell at a different time, there will be less competition,” she says. “Also, be realistic about your price. If you know you're selling at a tough time, it can be a tough call, but you might have to drop that price a little.”Shuman and Hall agree that the season shouldn't be the only factor homeowners consider when getting ready to sell. Paying attention to the vagaries of the local real-estate market, where inventory and prices can fluctuate week to week, will offer more guidance to sellers than simple seasonal trends. “Check out your local inventory,” says Hall.

“Read the housing-market blogs, follow the local market really carefully, and look at the unemployment rate. That will make a big difference.”For smart sellers, Shuman and Hall agree, taking a chance and starting the sale process earlier will reap distinct benefits in 2010. “The beginning of the year is going to be make-it-or-break-it,” says Shuman. “If you're a seller, get your property listed as early in the year as you can.”