Is Anything Selling in Southern Shores?

Everyone is always asking me "What is the market doing?" or "Is anything really selling?". So I am going to post each sale in Southern Shores as it happens with a photo, address and sold price. If you want any more information about the specific property, please give me a call or shoot me an email. Enjoy!

Here is what we have for 2009 so far:
10/16/09 63 Ocean Blvd $689,000
10/5/09 92 Duck Woods Rd $620,000
10/2/09 264 Sea Oats Trl $365,000
10/1/09 19 First Ave $385,000
9/28/09 44 Skyline Rd $378,875
9/28/09 163 Happy Indian Ln $300,000
9/25/09 249 Ocean Blvd $680,000
9/25/09 116 Last Hunt Ln $435,000
9/21/09 173 Happy Indian Ln $394,00
9/17/09 204 Ocean Blvd $3,050,000
9/16/09 24 Spindrift Trl $375,000
9/4/09 238 Sea Oats Trl $291,000
8/28/09 141 Beech Tree Trl $349,900
8/28/09 19 Palmetto Ln $295,000
8/25/09 62 Trinitie Trl $325.000
8/24/09 50 Duck Woods Dr $405,000
8/17/09 24 Eleventh Ave $380,000
8/12/09 29 Pintail Ct $470,000
8/11/09 258 N Woodland Dr $264,750
8/7/09 9 Thirteenth Ave $875,00
7/31/09 111 Pudding Pan Ln $535,000
7/24/09 106 Landing Trl $240,000
7/24/09 1 Mallard Cove $294,500
7/16/09 45 Ocean Blvd $845,000
6/30/09 149 Poteskeet Loop $460,000
6/12/09 30 Juniper Trl $174,000
6/12/09 9 Second Ave $565,000
6/12/09 43 Eleventh Ave $500,000
5/29/09 314 Sea Oats Trl $465,000
5/29/09 133 Chicahauk Trl $300,000
5/15/09 118 Tall Pine Ln $575,000
5/4/09 40 Skyline Rd $220,000
5/1/09 49 Ocean Blvd $475,000
4/23/09 228 Ocean Blvd $1,250,000
4/7/09 26 Eighth Ave $445,000
3/30/09 236 Hillcrest Dr $450,000
3/23/09 112 Landing Trl $255,000
3/18/09 18 Mallard Cove Loop $329,000
3/17/09 116 Duck Woods Dr $440,000
3/6/09 147 Holly Trl $600,000
2/27/09 33 Tenth Ave $443,000
2/13/09 68 E Dogwood Trl $341,550
2/13/09 38 Spindrift Trl $550,000
2/12/09 91 Trinitie Trl $525,000
2/6/09 347 Sea Oats Trl $850,000
1/9/09 1 Hickory Trl $3,100,000
1/9/09 52 E Dogwood Trl $290,000

Use A Local Lender For Real Estate Transactions

Transactions involving a lender outside our local area have been a nightmare! Here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina the market is mostly second homes, retirement homes and/or investment properties, especially in Southern Shores, my area of speciality. In most cases, my buyer and seller clients do not live here. Because of the logistics, sometimes a client will want to use “their bank” in their own hometown to purchase property hundreds of miles away. That is when the trouble begins.

Here are the reasons I argue for using a lender familiar with the area of the subject property.

1. Appraisals have become more complicated as they are more closely regulated. An appraiser sent by a lender not familiar with the area will hold up the transaction and/or not be able to appraise so another appraiser is sent. Deals die this way!
2. Lack of local market knowledge is harmful. It has been my experience that local lenders have an intimate knowledge of their own area which positively influences their decisions. Especially in coastal areas, knowledge of local geography, flood zones, etc. is critical.
3. Difficulty gaining access to decision makers can be a deal breaker. We all have relationships with our local bankers. It is such a waste not to be able to call on these folks for assistance. . The lenders I suggest to my clients are the best in every way and enhance the experience for everyone.
4. Our clients don’t get all the services we can provide when the lender is not part of the local team. I find my hands are tied when my clients really need my help.
5. Finally, on-line lenders are just another breed altogether! I don’t even know where to start with this one.

I would love to hear about your own experiences in this area. Perhaps you have some tips for me to use when I must deal with non-local lenders! Thanks!

Why I Resigned From The Defenders Of Wildlife

I have resigned my membership in the Defenders of Wildlife, an organization whose efforts to save wolves from vicious aerial shooting I have supported for over a decade. Those who know me are aware of my love for all animals. But I believe their misguided participation in the beach closings on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore "consent decree" has damaged our culture, our economy and our wildlife. Over the 4th of July weekend, 67% of the beaches along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore had no access. The next weekend the number rose to 70%. After the first full year of the "consent decree" results are down for the oystercatcher and the piping plover. Cape Point, our prized surf fishing destination, inaccessible! For generations this environment has been treated with love and respect by its' inhabitants whose very lives depend upon the welfare of the birds, fish, turtles and land. Removing the stewardship of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore from those who care for it the most is unreasonable and shortsighted. The proof is in the damage done to the wildlife as well as the community's economy in just 12 months. Please join me in supporting bills moving through the US House of Representatives and the Senate that would restore the authority of the National Park Service to preserve the beach access to the seashore. They are H.R. 718 and S. 1557. Spread the word; call your congressman and senators. Please do whatever you can to help that future generations will have the opportunity to marvel in the wonder that is the Outer Banks! Help us Preserve and Protect, Not Prohibit. Go to Outer Banks Preservation Association.