Southport NC– Fall is in the Air

My daughter Kate, when she was little, used to say when she was really excited, "Yipeee, Yip! Yip! Yip!" just for emphasis. She coined it but we've all used it ever since when we want to show a little extra enthusiasm. So that's how I'm feeling right now with the change in seasons, marked by cool nights, even cooler mornings, sparkles on the water, and all the other telltale signs of Fall.

There are plenty of happenings coming up so lets get to it. Starting out, if you haven't ventured out to Playhouse 211 yet for a play or a concert, you owe it to yourself to do so. For the few that made it out for Red Molly last night, what a treat that was! These talented ladies just raised the bar for live music in Southport and undoubtedly made some new fans. As Brunswick County's newest performing arts theater, 81 seats create an intimate environment for audiences and performers . Playhouse 211 also is the only theatre in the County to offer beer and wine during performances. Coming up is jazz great Frank Vignola in Concert September 30 - October 2. Fri/Sat shows begin at 7 and Sun at 3.   910.200.7785  

"Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world's top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his "Five Most Admired Guitar List" for the Wall Street Journal. Vignola's jaw-dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him "one of the brightest...stars of the guitar". Tickets: $30 per person

It's not too late fishermen. Coming up this Saturday the 24th is the 4th annual Bay Creek Classic Benefit Flounder Tournament. This is a benefit tournament for Brandon Matthews – "He is a great emblem of “Old Southport” and the tradition of Robert Ruark. Just the same, he represents the new generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. This tournament is a dedication to and reflection of Brandon and the invaluable Cape Fear River." Read Brandon's story here. Captains Meeting & Registration on Friday 9/23 from 5-8pm at the Wildlife Boat Ramp on Fish Factory Road. 910.363.4038

Contact Kerry Matthews for any questions you can email her at ncflounders@yahoo.com.

Meanwhile, back in Southport, is the 2nd annual Southport Wooden Boat Show on the 24th from 10-4. This is an event that showcases the historic heritage of wooden boats and their commercial and recreational value to Southport and the surrounding area. Providing education and enjoyment of the crafts, skills, and knowledge related to wooden boats, their construction, their history and their restoration. Wooden Boats, demonstrations, nautical/maritime exhibits and vendors, children's events, and participation from NC Maritime Museum @ Southport. Old Yacht Basin Area Bay & Moore Streets. Southport . Contact: Jeanne Crabtree at 910.457.5223. Organized by the Southport Wooden Boat Show Committee of Downtown Southport Inc.

The Artisans of St. James are hosting a fun "red carpet" event at the St. James Community Center on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, from 7-9 PM. This "Evening with the Arts" will have Broadway-themed entertainment as well as an art show and competition, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will provide art scholarships for area seniors going on to study art and art materials grants for Brunswick County teachers.

Your $10 ticket for this benefit includes a glass of wine or soft drink and an opportunity to vote for your favorite Broadway-inspired piece of art, done by members of the Artisans. There are no sales permitted that evening … this is a fun “get to know the artists” event! There will also be musical entertainment. The Community Center is located on 211 across from the St. James entrance. Tickets to "with Regards to Broadway" may be charged by phone at 253-0767 ext. 3 or purchased at the following locations Artistry, Baked with Love, Boo & Roo's, Cattail Cottage, Ricky Evans Art Gallery, and Uncorked by the Sea Wine Shop & Gallery. Checks should be made payable to "The Artisans of St. James". For questions, email allielull@ec.rr.com.

Thousands of fishermen will descend on Southport September 29 - October 1, 2011 for the annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament.  Over $100,000 in prizes. Come to Southport Marina and watch the boats bring in their fish to the official weigh-in. There'll be lots of entertainment, food, and beer on tap on Saturday. If you're an early riser it's so worth it to go down to the waterfront at daybreak and watch the hundreds of boats come out of the ICW headed out to sea. The tournament brings an estimated 2 million dollar impact with it to Southport and the Brunswick County area. One of the unique aspects of this tournament is the fact that most of the winning fish are caught within 15 miles of shore, with some caught much closer inshore. This allows a 16’ skiff to compete with the big rigs of a 40’ offshore monster.

Just for the youngsters is the Captain Charlie's Kid's Fishing Tournament, also on Saturday the 1st from 9 to noon. Bring a rod and bait to the City pier at 8:30 for registration. The first 100 kids receive a free T-shirt, and there are free hot dogs and drinks for everyone. There is a fish-bowl drawing for prizes throughout the tournament; the prize for the biggest fish is a rod and reel, and there are many other prizes donated by merchants. Best of all, this is a catch-and-release tournament — an environmental lesson for kids. Free event sponsored by the Southport Parks and Recreation and the Southport Lions Club. For more info you can call "Cookie" Moore at 910.457.7945.

Southport is also sponsoring a Senior Fishing Tournament for the 55 and over crowd on the next Saturday, October 8th. Again, bring your rod and bait and a valid NC Fishing Permit.

Well folks, you're just going to have to stay tuned. I had intended to get through the end of October but there is just way to much fun stuff coming up in Southport later on October leading up to the Halloween. I'll have to save it for next time. Meanwhile, get out and enjoy the changing season. Walking, paddling, biking, fishing, you name it…it's ALL GOOD right now!

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Southport NC 4th of July 2011 – At a Glance

With the 4th of July in Southport behind us, here is a look back at just a few of the highlights among the many at this year’s festival. Not a drop of rain fell on Southport during the 4 days although it would have been welcome. Highs were in the 90’s but the steady breezes blew and we all know it could have been HOTTER.

Certainly the proudest moment this year’s celebration was the arrival of the 9/11 flag to Southport. The 20’ x 30’ flag, left in shreds after the collapse of the North Tower almost 10 years ago, has been restored and still being patched with smaller retired flags from around the country on its 50 state tour. Even a portion of the flag that laid under Lincoln's head the night he was shot, is now sewn in and part of the National 9/11 flag. A local couple whose son died in the North Tower on 911 is responsible for the great honor in getting the touring flag's only stop in North Carolina… AND over the 4th of July no less!

It was a great week of non-stop fun for those willing to battle the heat and the traffic. For those living or visiting friends downtown, porch-sitting, crowd-watching, corn-holing, and other various modes of "chillin" were a welcomed respite. It is always inspiring to be reminded that patriotism and "love of Country" are alive and well in the heart of America.

"It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope."  Robert Kennedy

Maybe I can save up all these feelings of pride gathered up over the last few days, put them in my pocket, and pull them out on rainy days... Thanks to the thousands that came together and made our little town the BEST place to celebrate the birth of our freedom.

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Southport NC – It's Porch Sittin' Time Again…

Summertime in Southport is officially here. The smell of back yard barbeques, the sound of live music spilling from our Downtown eateries, white sails dotting the Cape Fear River mouth, and front porches once again are the place to take it all in. May started with much appreciated cooler that normal temps followed by summer-like teases. It’s ALL good!

I want to give a little heads up on Southport’s June happenings while I have a chance. There is an awful lot of fun stuff going on this month before the big 4th of July Celebration trumps the Summer schedule.

 
First off on June 2nd, come out and enjoy a community Open House at the Robert Ruark Inn on Lord St. This event is in honor of local owner Jeff Ward, who died suddenly earlier this month. Visitors will be able to see the beautiful renovation work Jeff did inside to the historic Adkins-Ruark House, now a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. Hors d'ouvres and light refreshments will be served. Performing outdoors at 7pm in the side garden porch will be Wilmington-based performer Susan Savia, accompanied by P.D. Midget. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 6pm. Bring your chairs!

A great new tradition added to Southport this year is Shop to the Beat. This Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown event will be held on the first and third Thursday until November 17th. The kick off was on the 19th and believe me, it was festive! Live music on various corners, shopping and dining specials, lots of colorful entertainment everywhere you look. Sponsored by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. 457.6964

On June 4th, is the annual St. Philip's Episcopal Church Lobster and Bake Sale. ORDER DEADLINE: May 31st, 4:30pm. Live or Cooked Lobsters. Pick Up June 4th Cooked Lobsters from 10-4pm and Live Lobsters from 10-1pm. Lobster bibs, picks, and lobster crackers for sale. Also featuring homemade slaw, pies and other baked goods. St. Philip's Episcopal Church Parish Office on Dry Street next to City Hall. Call 457-5643 or go to their website. Cost $17.00 live or cooked. Normally if you miss the deadline, they may still have a few extras for sale the day of.

Southport's In Bloom Garden Tour on June 5th to celebrate "National Garden Week."  Downtown Southport, Inc. and the Southport Garden Club are sponsoring the first annual "Southport's in Bloom" Garden Tour. I am really anxious to see what’s hiding in the little hidden back yards of Southport. Contact: Peg McDonald at 279.4616. Admission $10. Sponsored and organized by The Southport Garden Club, Downtown Southport, Inc. Tickets available at the Southport Visitors Center.

June 8 - 11, 2011 - 7:30 PM  Amuzu Theatre of Southport Presents "Let's Rock Again!" 2nd annual rock and roll show. Come sing, dance and enjoy the entertainment. The biggest show of local stars performing classic hits 1950-1964. Cathy Furpless and her Band. $15/person… Tickets available at Art @ 211 The Ricky Evans Gallery , and Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. Here's a video from last year.

June 9, 2011 - 7 - 9:00 pm, Playhouse 211 presents Behind the Blues with Rick Toby and Chicken Head Blues. Monthly concert series featuring regional and national blues groups with an in depth discussion and performance of blues music. Contact: Richard D'Anjolell – 200.7785. Tickets: $12 and $15.
June 10, 2011 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm Concerts on The Coast - "Like Flint" is a Wilmington cover band performing  a variety of classic rock, pop, beach, shag, oldies, country, jazz, funk and blues on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston.  Contact: Maureen 457.7945. FREE event sponsored by the Brunswick County Parks and Rec and the City of Southport Tourism Department. Bring your chairs and blankets!

June 11, 2011 - 8:30am - NC Maritime Museum @ Southport Kayak Tours - Rice Creek Tour. A member of the NC Maritime Museum of Southport will join the kayak tour and give an historical view of what life would have been like on the river from days gone by. The Adventure Kayak Company staff will lead a basic kayak lesson and guided tour. Participants must pre register. Space will be limited. Call 457.0607. Meet: Exxon Station on Highway 17 and Highway 87 in Winnabow. Cost: $45 for kayak, paddle and life jacket and tour. Bring your own equipment, tour only $15. Clink the link above for a beautiful short video of Rice Creek.


June 11, 2011 - 12-4pm - Southport Marina Celebrates National Marina Day – Self-guided tours of the  entire marina will allow participants to enjoy numerous exhibits, including Coast Guard tours on a 47' utility boat and 25' SAFE boat, travel lift and forklift demonstrations in the Dry Storage area, onsite presence of the NC Aquarium, and opportunity to meet with Gregory Poole and Valtect representatives. Face painting, free Bruster's Ice Cream and Trolley Stop hot dogs from 12-2 at the Tiki Bar. Dan Guetschow, guitarist, will entertain from 2-5.

June 12, 2011 - 7-9pm - Playhouse 211 presents Phoebe Legere from New York City. Phoebe Legere is a dynamic performer on piano, accordion, cello, Native American flute, and synthesizer and has a four and a half octave range. AND I might mention a former Playmate of the Year. Wow I have never heard of her, but she is quite famous! After watching a few of her videos, I’m in shock she is actually coming to Southport. It’s not my kind of thing but I might just have to go anyway! The original Lady Gaga… Contact: Richard D'Anjolell at 200-7785. Tickets are $12 and $15.

June 12 - September 25, 2011 – 2-4pm - Summer Sundays in the Park- Concert Series – Every 2nd and 4th Sunday over the Summer and every Sunday in September. Musical Entertainment- schedule of performers TBA for 2011. All Concerts will be at Keziah Park on the corner of Lord and W Moore next to the Visitor's Center.
June 14, 2011 - 7-9pm - St. Philip's Summer Concert Series - The Langley Winds, a woodwind ensemble based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, will perform a free concert for the public. St. Philip's Episcopal Church is on 205 E. Moore Street. Contact Steve Skillman at 457-5653.

June 18, 2011 – 9am - NC Maritime Museum and Southport Bicycle Tours - The Adventure Kayak Company bicycle tour guide will take participants through the live oak canopied streets and along the waterfront, explaining its history as you pedal by Fort Johnston, Brunswick Inn, the Old Brunswick Jail, the Crimes of the Heart Home, The Indian Trail Tree, along the Cape Fear River and more. Bikes are single-speed, pace is slow, and all participants must wear helmets. Space is limited. Two day advanced registration is required. Cost is $20 for bike/helmet rental and tour. Bring your own bike, tour only fee $15. 454-0607

June 25, 2011 – 8pm -Annual NC 4th of July Festival Freedom Run - 5K Freedom Run/Walk and a 1 mile Freedom Run/Walk. Shirt pickup and registration will be Friday, June 24th from 6-8pm and Saturday, June 25th from 6:15-7:55am on race day. Southport Waterfront Park Bay Street – Registration:$20 - Check out this great video from last year’s run.

Whew, what a busy time and this is just a drop in the bucket for the next few weeks! Are you still with me? I admit to getting sidetracked as this blog started out to be about my personal favorite Southport pastime … porch sittin'. All my fellow Southport front porch sitters, you know exactly what I’m talkin' about. So I'll leave you with a little slideshow of some of my favorite Southport porches. Happy sitting!

Here is a link for those looking for a sneak peek at the upcoming Southport 4th of July Festival schedule of events. It'll be here before you know it! Opening ceremonies on the 25th!

Click HERE for slideshow.

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Southport NC – Spring Things and How We Celebrate

Who doesn't love Spring? After the colder-than-usual winter we’ve had, the beautiful weather we're enjoying of late, is just that much sweeter. It's hard to miss all these sneak previews before the real show begins. Southport's big ol' live oaks are slow to bud out. It is their "Fall season" so they're in the process of shedding all of last year's leaves. It looks like another week or so before that final raking can be done.

Around our house, the real tell-tale sign of Spring is the massive, porch-swaddling weave of wisteria that demands the full attention of anyone it comes in contact with. I've come to love it in it's pre-purple state almost as much as when it's in full bloom. How does one plant have all the energy to do what you see here? It really is a miracle!

I am behind in my reporting of local events here in Southport NC. April is upon us and with it, the beginning of "tourist season" and the abundance of activities that comes with it. We are ready...and with the smell of jonquils in the air, it's time to sit back and have a look at all the opportunities for fun and frolic in and around Southport.

I'll start with what has become a huge annual event in Southport held over Easter Weekend. Don't miss  the SOUTHPORT SPRING FESTIVAL and Chili Cook-off at Franklin Square Park April 22nd and 23rd. This is a BIG event for Southport and will include over 100 arts and crafters, local food, live entertainment throughout the day, children's rides and games, and azalea and plant sales. Saturday will feature the annual "Chili Cook-off Contest".

Another annual community event is coming up on March 30th, April 1st and April 3rd. It is the Sea Notes Choral Society Spring Concert at Hatch Auditorium at Ft. Caswell. Performing great hits of the 60's and 70's will entertain you with ABBA'S Dancing Queen, Jersey Boys, Billy Joel hits, The Beatles, etc. They are call this concert series "Oh!.....What a Night! and it sounds like it truly will be!  For more info contact Julie White at 253-6442.

The first two weekends in April, Brunswick Little Theatre presents the Tony Award winning "DOUBT: A PARABLE" At Playhouse 211 Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 and the Sunday matinee starts at 3. Don’t miss an opportunity to see this show and support Southport’s newest theatre and live music venue. For more information call 910.200.7785. Tickets: $15 and $17 / adults, $10 / students.

On April 1st from 5-7pm, the Associated Artists of Southport brings us the first of the season First Friday Gallery Walk. There will be a reception with a nautical theme honoring the opening of NC Maritime Museum, featuring paintings and pottery of local artists, hosts and hostesses from Brunswick Town in period dress, displays from the Maritime Museum and live music. Admission is free.

On April 2nd don’t miss Chocolate,Music, & Drinks -An Evening of Decadence at the Community Building 7-10pm.
A fabulous evening of fun with a purpose. Chocolate Buffet, Music & Dancing. Fund raising activities: 50/50 raffle, silent auction, chocolate delights, cigars on the veranda (with Brandy or Port). Fund raising activity supporting WAVES4K.I.D.S. Call 910/477-0322…Tickets: $20.00.

A couple events come up on the 9th of April… the first one, a sure-fire winner for the kids and the other a great outdoors outing for adults. The Southport Easter Egg Hunt in Franklin Square Park has been around as long as we’ve lived here and when the kids were little, it was a VERY big deal! Starting at 10am, children ages 7,8,9 and 10,11,12 gather in Franklin Square Park. Immediately following there is a 6 and under at Fort Johnston on the Garrison Lawn. Sponsored by the Southport Parks & Recreation Department, call 910.457.7965 or 910.279.3331. And as always, it’s FREE!

For the adults, at 1pm, is the Ride the Tide Kayak Float. Meet at the Oak Island Recreation Center and head to Blue Water Point Marina for an easy trip on an outgoing tide. There will be various age group awards, costume contest, and a poker run. Kayak rentals available. First 75 paddlers registered get a t-shirt. Volunteers also needed. The Oak Island Recreation Center is on 3003 E. Oak Island Drive. Contact:  Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department, 910/278-5518. Cost: $15. Sponsor: The Adventure Company.

1. There is much more going on this Spring in Southport than I can report here. Don’t hesitate to call me or email me if you are planning a trip down and want to know what’s on the calendar while you are here. It is a busy time and honestly, there are plenty of happenings for everyone. Cool temps the last few days have put a damper on the emerging spring flowers, but by the time you get here, Southport will be primed and ready for your arrival. Come on down!

Click HERE for a Spring slideshow…

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Southport NC – January Days

Aaah January, please don’t make me a complainer… I’m not fond of them.  And don’t make me a liar. I don’t like them either. I have told folks repeatedly over the years how great the winters are here in Southport. And it’s true, they are… well up until last year anyway. Last year was the first year I remember such a cold December, followed by a colder than normal January and early February, and then BAM, it was over. Normally December is one of the great months with day temps hovering in the 60s and cool but not yet cold nights. And this year, the cold came early again, and it came hard, and now it’s the end of January and it hasn’t let up a bit! Well it did for New Year’s but only for maybe a day…

I’m sure anyone from "up North" reading this has to be rolling their eyes right now 'cause what can we here in coastal North Carolina possibly know about cold? Well you win…we know nothing when it comes to cold, and snow, and winters that go on way too long. It’s hard to believe I worked outside every day for over 25 years, in every kind of weather. It’s been almost 5 years now since I changed paths… I love what I am doing but I realize the truth is that I have gone soft! So I apologize for being a weenie and now having been allowed to vent, vow to get through the remaining days of Winter with a better attitude.

So what am I getting to? Well nothing really. It is January…things are quiet, business is slow, and all I have to show for it are my new monthly newsletter and a few pictures to share I took the other evening in the most beautiful light that followed our little dusting of graupel☺. There are lots of positive year over year stats in Southport’s local housing market so I am optimistic for an active Spring and the warm sunny days that will will be here before you know it. Bring it on!

Click HERE for slideshow…

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Southport NC - Christmas Traditions

Sometimes the perfect scene comes out of nowhere. The tranquil view at left doesn't fall into the spectacular category but to me it speaks simply to the perfect stillness of fading light. I love it when it is calm like this, when you can just stand there, listening to rare quiet, smelling the salt air and the earthy richness of the marsh.

I keep thinking of the possibility of a new family tradition. Over the holidays, when we have all the girls home, we try and celebrate Christmas Eve in the hidden nook of our back yard we call "Camp Burton" around a big fire. We roast some sweet, salty lockwood folly oysters, eat clam chowder and cornbread muffins, and count our many blessings. This year our oyster roast moves up the road and will include our annual reading of the Red Ranger Came Calling which is not to be missed…


Anyway, A few years ago I got a bee in my bonnet and set out to find out about something I’d heard was a Christmas tradition in Southport back in the days of the Great Depression, when many couldn’t afford a turkey to garnish the Christmas table. I couldn’t find much about it on the internet but lo and behold, a few weeks ago, by some miracle, it showed up on the Star News….with a history AND a recipe! Actually it was published in ‘09 and it is the story of a Christmas Flounder. A stuffed whole flounder, that is. I know a couple people that might indulge me, if the weather is right, to head out on Christmas Day with the intent of bringing home a big fat winter flounder. Wouldn’t that be great!



I want to mention once again a really good cause that I'm sure many are familiar with, Heifer International, with its simple, proactive  approach to world hunger. Individuals have the opportunity to donate various species of farm animals which are delivered to villages in need. Before any Heifer animal is brought to a project partner, the recipients are trained in very specific guidelines and must share their first offspring with a neighboring village and thus, the gift continues and self-reliance can grow. Heifer International also teaches them environmentally-sound agricultural techniques that help rejuvenate the land, water and other natural resources.

My Mom was the first one to introduce me to Heifer at Christmas many years ago. She set up a jar on the mantle for all her young grandchildren, great-nieces and  nephews who were all together. She managed to get them all to give up enough of their Christmas money to donate a flock of chickens and a goat to a village in need. We've been giving as a family at Christmas ever since. Back in ‘07, I set up a Registry on Heifer's web site in Mom's name called Betty's Animal Gifts. I reckon we’ve put together a whole barnyard by now.  Click on the link above to see how easy it is to make a difference in the lives of an entire community.



If your inclined to give a little closer to home, one local organization where you can do the most good is Brunswick Family Assistance Agency. It provides food, clothing, and Christmas baskets for low income families throughout Brunswick County.

There aren’t many of us who aren’t feeling the pinch of the slow economy. Small businesses and the self-employed are the hardest hit and it makes sense to shop locally and keep our hard-earned money right here at home. In Southport, Downtown Southport Inc does a good job promoting and encouraging the small businesses that do so much to make our little town viable and inviting to both residents and visitors here.

So to all of my readers, family, friends, and co-workers, I wish you the very best of the Christmas Season… a time for family… a time of hope… a time for believing in miracles… a time for good food and fellowship with those we love… and most of all, a time to give thanks for our many, many blessings.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
 
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Southport NC – Harborside Condo – A Very Rare Opportunity

Southport home sales … How’s the market? Many are asking. Last week I posted a blog highlighting homes sold in Southport this year. In spite of a slow market, many took advantage of some great deals and became our newest residents.

By nature, I am always looking to highlight the best, most unique, best-priced, best-located properties at the moment. This Harborside of Southport condo overlooking the Southport Marina, the old Yacht Basin, the Intracoastal Waterway, and beyond… has been flagged for my latest "one of a kind" list. It is currently priced over 20K below a recent appraisal at $320,000.

If you are a boater, life doesn’t get much better than this. Or if you’re on Bald Head and need a base on the mainland, again, a perfect setup. It also makes a great weekend rental property. I took the opportunity this weekend to go by and take some pictures, just before sunset, and was blown away by the views in every direction.

If you have questions or would like to see it for yourself, I’d love to hear from you.

Phone: 910.540.0551        Email: southportsoundings@gmail.com

Click HERE to see slideshow

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Disclosure: I am a local buyer’s agent with Southport Realty.  © southportsoundings.com 2010

Southport NC Homes-Advise for Buyers–Ten Ways to Make a Deal Go Smoothly

I count my blessings that I have a job that I love, meeting and working with wonderful folks from all over the country, and all walks of life, and getting the chance to share my affections for Southport and the surrounding coastal communities with you. My goal as a local Buyer’s Agent, is to gather as much information from you about the type of property you are looking for and put together a well thought out plan to help facilitate a stress-free search for the the perfect fit. So here is my "to do" list for potential buyers….

• Get a pre-approval letter from your lender if you will be getting a loan to make your purchase and bring it with you. If you plan to make a cash offer, bring a “proof of funds” statement from your bank. One of these will be required to accompany any offer.

• Don’t be afraid to give your price range. As a buyer’s agent I am looking out for your best interest at every turn. My goal is to help you find the best property for the best price possible. Just because you tell me you are willing to go as high as X amount, doesn’t mean I would try and steer you towards your high end.

• Do your homework before you come. Maybe you have vacationed or visited the area many times, and you have a good sense of where you want to live … Historic Southport, Harbor Oaks, Indigo Plantation, Price’s Creek, The Landing, and more. Then there’s Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes, Arbor Creek, St James Plantation, River Run Plantation, Winding River, Lockwood Folly. These varied communities are just a drop in the bucket and all have their own unique appeal, depending on what you are looking for. Brunswick County is BIG, really big. We haven’t even gotten to the South Brunswick Islands of Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach. So if you’ve never been here and think that Brunswick County may just be the perfect landing spot, then my all means, come for a visit…better yet, several visits. There’s a lot to take in before you can narrow your search to a manageable area.

• Do an online search for properties available on the Brunswick County MLS in the areas you are interested in. This will give you a good sense of current property values and market conditions for your target communities.

• If you get this far and are ready to plan a visit to look at properties, make a list of your criteria…the more specific the better, but at minimum include desired locations, price range, property type, number of bedrooms/baths, square footage requirements, lot size, age of home desired, etc. How important are amenities and which ones, proximity to restaurants and shopping, demographics, and schools. Your questions are important and I will do my best to answer them, provide additional information, and address all concerns you might have.

• Before you come, get organized. I’ll have a folder ready for you, but bring a notebook, your camera, a measuring tape, etc. If you do find a property that might just be “the one,” you’ll want to take extra time and photograph and document the details that are important to you.

• Be ready to make a decision. For some, this is the most difficult part. Sleep on it yes, but if we have done our homework, and you’ve found that perfect match, don’t be afraid … this is just the beginning!

• Bring your checkbook just in case you end up making an offer. All offers require a good faith earnest money deposit at the time the offer is made. There is not a set standard but 1% is a good starting point unless there are multiple offers expected. As your buyer’s agent, I make a copy of the check to submit with the offer and hold it until the contract is negotiated. If an offer is agreed upon, the EM check is delivered to the listing firm to be held in their trust account until closing unless contingencies in the contract are not satisfied and earnest money is released.  On the other hand, if the contract is not agreed upon, then your check will be returned immediately.

• The reality of making "low ball" offers. I know, I know, there are a few cases of buyers making seemingly ridiculous offers that were accepted…but for the most part, they are the exception and not the rule. If this is your mindset, and this is your goal, I am NOT your girl.
Indeed, there are  some sellers who refuse to lower their list price…refuse to accept the fact that their home is not worth what they paid for it or what they think it’s worth. These are the very last of the hold outs and the very last ones who would likely entertain a low ball offer. For the most part though, sellers have seen the reality of the current market and lowered their asking price to current market/appraised values. One thing I’ve learned in this market…if you price it right, it WILL sell. Sales have been steady this year across the board, for well-priced homes. So the majority of homes for sale you will be looking at have already reduced their asking price 25% or more. Many sellers are underwater. Are prices still negotiable? You betcha! But seriously if "low balling" is your mindset, you may be disappointed.

• Lastly, if you are currently in the “exploratory” mode, and are not sure if the Southport area is your   final destination, that’s OK. Disregard the above. Everyone thinking of buying a vacation,retirement, or relocation home needs to visit and explore first. If this is you, I am happy to provide you with a local packet of information and maps of the various communities so you can look on your own, at your leisure, and get a good feel for the area and the communities you may wish to be a part of.

Here are a few pictures from the various communities in and around Southport. No doubt there is something for everyone looking to call Southeast North Carolina home. Please don’t hesitate to call me with your questions. I’m here to help and welcome the opportunity to help facilitate to search for a home in Southport. My phone is 910.540.0551 and email is southportsoundings@gmail.com.

Click HERE for slideshow…

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