Local New Bern News - Market Update

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

HOMES SOLD
(Closed), March 1 through March 31.
(From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)

Under $100K = 16
$100K-$159,999 = 60
$160K-$199,999 = 29
$200K-$239,999 = 19
$240K-$299,999 = 13
$300K-$399,999 = 9
$400K - $499,999 = 5
Over $500,000 = 7
Total = 158

Neighborhood - SALES:

Neighborhood - FOR SALE:

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! ddunn@dunn.com(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

Oriental goes to the Dogs!

More than 140 dogs — itty, bitty ones, big or pretty ones, full-bred or Pamlico County multi-mutt — paraded by the waterfront in Oriental, during Saturday’s sunshine. Some of the nearby residents talked about the parade, and said “Oriental had gone to the dogs!”

And it had, though most were owned, loved and hooked to leashes of 120 official entrants in the second annual Pamlico County Pet Welfare Society’s Dog Parade and Pet Festival at Lou Mac Park. A few local dogs wandered in to watch the action of more than 250 people, participants and spectators.

The parade kicked off a daylong awareness and fund-raising effort by Pamlico PAWS. PAWS is an organization which helps with the cost of care for those who adopt animals and need help with the cost. PAWS members have been working several hours a week for six weeks on the parade and festival and praised local businesses for participating with publicity and other assistance for the event and the group’s mission.

Many people were expected at an afternoon barbecue fund-raiser to help pay for spay and neuter, veterinary care and even feeding Pamlico County animals in need.

St. Paddy's Day in New Bern

As a long-standing favorite spot in New Bern, The Chelsea Restaurant serves a traditional St. Paddy's Day corned beef 'n cabbage, as well as featuring live entertainment!

Residents also enjoyed the traditional parade in the downtown Historic District. Considering that the weather was a little chillier than normal for this time of year, it's still a beautiful, sunny weekend!

Another happening this weekend is the annual New Bern Home & Garden Show, held at the Riverfront Convention Center. This is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. The event includes hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, sample interior and exterior vignettes, as well as product demonstrations.

Where are the "Boomers" Moving?

According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors,
"Half of the Baby-Boomers who live in an urban area, would like to retire in a small town or rural area. Their ideal retirement location characteristics include a lower cost of living, being near family, quality health care, better climate, and being near a body of water."

Who are the Boomers?

• "Boomers" denotes anyone born between 1945 and 1964, and there are approximately 79 million boomers today.


• "Boomers" are the age group most likely to own homes, and 59% say that they will move when they retire.


• "Boomers" have the single largest median household income in the history of the United States. In fact, 77% of the wealth in America belongs to people over 50.


• While "Boomers" represent barely a quarter of the US population, they own 57% of vacation homes, and 58% of rental property.

With the majority saying that they want to be near a "body of water", this means that North Carolina can expect a 4.5 million populatition increase, concentrated on the coastal area in the next two decades -- quite remarkable, considering that it took over two centuries for North Carolina to reach it's current population of approximately 8 million!

The Boomers are fueling the demand for housing in Eastern North Carolina, making it one of the safest real estate investments in the country.

Local New Bern News - Market Update

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions - Email

HOMES SOLD (Closed), February 1 through February 28.
(From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)

Under $100K = 13
$100K-$159,999 = 40
$160K-$199,999 = 36
$200K-$239,999 = 20
$240K-$299,999 = 13
$300K-$399,999 = 10
$400K - $499,999 = 4
Over $500,000 = 4
Total = 140

Neighborhood - SALES:

Neighborhood - FOR SALE:

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! DDunn@NewBernHomes.com (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

2nd Major Airline Carrier Coming to New Bern!

When you've come from a major city, as I did over ten years ago, you're accustomed to direct flights that take you just about anywhere! Although the smaller, quaint cities like New Bern have their charm, it's been an adjustment making travel arrangements.

The Craven County Regional Airport constructed a new and larger terminal building about 3 years ago. US Air has been the only major carrier since Midway left in the late 90's. There are several daily jet shuttles to Charlotte, NC, where passengers can then continue on to their final destinations. Last year, US Air started weekly jet flights directly to Philadelphia on Sundays.

Delta Airlines recently announced that they will be providing daily flights from New Bern to their hub in Atlanta, beginning in May 2007. That opens up much more accessibility to New Bernians, who are traveling south!

We're looking forward to having a choice!

Comments? - Please feel free to Email me

Where's New Bern?

That's exactly what most of my friends from Northern Virginia asked me, when we moved here in 1996 -- "Where is New Bern?"

Eastern North Carolina has been a well-kept secret for many years, and we have watched it grow tremendously over the past ten years.

Many of the northern retirees and "semi-retirees" are discovering our beautiful historic city, located at the tip of two rivers: The Trent River (fresh water and trout fishing), and the Neuse River (salt water) and nearly a mile wide at New Bern!

New Bern is located approximately 30 miles west of the Atlantic, and about 110 miles East of Raleigh. New Bern was the first Colonial capital of North Carolina, and has several Civil War landmarks.

"Brad's Drink", which was created by Caleb Bradham in this pharmacy building, was marketed as Pepsi-Cola after 1898!

Today, New Bern is host to nationally syndicated boat races, the home of more than a dozen public and private golf courses, the choice for a retirement home or a second home, for thousands of people from all over the country, and was officially designated All-America City in 1989.

We love it, and we've made it our home!

New Bern's Tricentennial in 2010

We had a speaker from the Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. at our company meeting yesterday, who gave us an exciting update of the planning and happenings to celebrate New Bern's 300th Birthday in 2010!

The following are among those under consideration:

• A "Riverwalk" will be developed along the Neuse and Trent River waterfronts, from Queens Point to Lawson Creek.


• Working with DOT, the foundation is proposing a Maritime Park near Lawson Creek on Jack Island.


• A proposal is being considered to restore the Herbert C. Browner ferry, and offer ferry rides along the New Bern waterfront.


• A proposal to restore the "Blue Angel" plane, which is currently on display across from Grover C. Fields Jr. High School, and relocate the restored plane to the new Maritime Park at Lawson Creek.

New Bern's Seth Thomas Clock Tower is a landmark in the downtown historic district. Funds were approved several years ago, to converted it to electric power to keep it running on current time. An effort is underway to restore the "endangered 1920" parts mechanism, and place it on display as a museum piece.

27 years of revitalization efforts are seeing a promising future in New Bern's downtown waterfront.

NEW Dates for Daylight Savings Time!

You may have heard about the change in Daylight Savings starting this year. DST will start three weeks earlier on March 11, 2007, and end one week later on November 4, 2007.

This could affect machines & computer programs that are set to coordinate time/date using Daylight Savings.

The first step is to ensure that your computer is prepared. For Windows XP users, click the below link to download and install the Daylight Savings patch:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=66F1420C-DF2D-400B-A8A9-EF9061A9A3CA&displaylang=en

Scheduling software, such as Microsoft Outlook, could also be affected.

If you use the calendar feature in Outlook, and have version 2000, 2002, or 2003, you will want to download and install the Time Zone Data Update Tool by using the below link:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=E343A233-B9C8-4652-9DD8-AE0F1AF62568&displaylang=en

You will also want to ensure that any fax machines that you use are changed to the correct time, as well as your digital phone at home, mobile phone, PDA, portable music player, programmable thermostat, digital camera, DVR, etc.

For other scheduling software, Smartphone's, & PDA's, check with the manufacturer to determine if you need to install updates to prepare for the new Daylight Savings rules.

I'm going to enjoy the extra days of daylight - how about you?

Local New Bern News - Market Update

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Email me

HOMES SOLD (Closed), January 1 through January 31.
(From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)

Under $100K = 25
$100K-$159,999 = 46
$160K-$199,999 = 22
$200K-$239,999 = 13
$240K-$299,999 = 09
$300K-$399,999 = 11
$400K - $499,999 = 1
Over $500,000 = 5
Total = 132

Neighborhood - SALES:
Neighborhood - FOR SALE:

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! ddunn@dunn.com (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

Tips for Buying New Construction

A friend recently said, "Dianne, why would I need a Realtor® on a new-construction home, when I can save money going directly through the builder's rep?" This couldn't be further from the truth!

• Use a Realtor® Who Has NewHome Sales Experience

New homebuilders have on-site agents who only represent THEM. They typically offer attractive incentive packages of you agree (in writing), to use their lender, their title company, and sometimes even their insurance company.

A Realtor® who represents YOU, will walk you through the transaction, and will make sure that you are protected every step of the way. Your agent will know what the industry standards are, and will make sure that the builder doesn’t try to stretch beyond these. And best of all, a Realtor® with several new home transactions under their belt will have established relationships with your homebuilder. Because of this, the homebuilder will be on their “best behavior.” The homebuilder does not want to run the risk of getting a bad reputation in the real estate community.

• Don’t Sign ANYTHING Until You’ve Worked Out Every Detail of the Sale

Buying a home can be very emotional, and you want to carefully select the right home and location for you and your family. However, many on-site sales agents will try to get you to “write up the contract so that no one else can get your house.” That’s fine, so long as you understand what you are signing, and to be enforceable by law, everything in real estate needs to be in writing. Don’t take “verbal promises.”

• GET A HOME INSPECTION!

Most people who buy new construction homes don’t bother to get their own home inspection, since many builders offer a 12-month warranty. The problem with this mindset is that many problems won’t surface until well after the firs 12 months. Remember, your home was built by humans, and humans make mistakes.

At the very least, get a home inspection so that you can sleep soundly at night, knowing that an independent third party has given your new home their stamp of approval.

• Ask your Realtor® for a List of Reputable Lenders

Production builders are now large corporations, many of them traded publicly. The corporations have realized that there is much more money to be made than simply selling you your new home – they’ll also try to sell you a loan. Be sure to ask your Realtor® for a list of reputable lenders, so that you can compare rates and services, and not be bound by the builder’s lender.

The Annual "High-Tech" Event

My team agent and I just returned from San Antonio, TX to attend the annual Allen F. Hainge CyberStar Summit(TM).

This is my 5th year attending, along with 150 other CyberStars from around the country, and all I can say is that it's the best "Wow!" event for me in the real estate business.

The best of the best, are gathered in one of the ballrooms of the Hyatt on San Antonio's beautiful Riverwalk. Each member has their own laptop open on the round tables for 6. Key-note speakers, CyberStar panels, and 10-minute exchanges of ideas take place, as well as vendor-sponsors who attend to show off their latest real estate marketing materials.

This is a fabulous way for me to start the year off right, with planning and new information that allows me and my team of specialists to offer unparalelled service to all of our customers and clients who are considering the New Bern, North Carolina area as their relocation destination!

You can find us at www.NewBernHomes.com, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Local New Bern News - Market Update

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

HOMES SOLD (Closed), December 1 through December 31. (From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)

Under $100K = 21
$100K-$159,999 = 64
$160K-$199,999 = 18
$200K-$239,999 = 11
$240K-$299,999 = 15
$300K-$399,999 = 12
$400K - $499,999 = 5
Over $500,000 = 7
Total = 153

Neighborhood - SALES
















Neighborhood - FOR SALE

2007 Starting with an Active Market!

While the last quarter of 2006 was fairly slow, we have seen a very active market the last week of December and into 2007.

Even our commercial real estate market has been active, where properties which sat on the market for sale for nearly 2 years, are now receiving multiple offers.

Coastal North Carolina offers many desirable amenities, a moderate climate and prices still lower than most other areas on the eastern seaboard.

Happy Holidays from New Bern!

Although we've had lots of rain here over the Christmas holiday, the sun is now shining in New Bern, and we're looking forward to dryer weather.

December temperatures in the 60's is just fine with me! ;-)

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2007!

Local New Bern News - Market Update

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics.Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! ddunn@dunn.com

HOMES SOLD (Closed), November 1 through November 30. (From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)
Under $100K = 17
$100K-$159,999 = 65
$160K-$199,999 = 20
$200K-$239,999 = 20
$240K-$299,999 = 12
$300K-$399,999 = 7
$400K - $499,999 = 6
Over $500,000 = 6
Total = 153

Neighborhood - SALES:

Neighborhood - FOR SALE:

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! ddunn@dunn.com (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

New Waterfront Projects in New Bern, NC!

Two new projects in New Bern, North Carolina on the Neuse River:

1. River Station: Waterfront and waterview homesites, 17 total, located in the beautiful Historic District, with private marina. Prices from $199,900.

2. Harbour View: Waterview Townhomes with elevator options. Located in Fairfield Harbour, featuring a 265 Slip Marina, 2 Golf Courses, Fitness Center, Indoor and Outdoor Pools, Tennis courts and waterside dining. Prices fro $295,000.

For more information, you can contact me from my website: www.NewBernHomes.com or call me Toll Free at 888-781-8800

Keeping Your Credit Clean

Many homebuyers frequently wonder, "If I am shopping for a home loan will my credit be affected each time a credit report inquiry is made?"

It's a logical and intelligent question to ask; the answer is: not significantly, if the credit checks are done in a short period of time.

When a credit check is made by a potential lender it is called a hard inquiry. When a hard inquiry occurs it does have an impact on your credit score. However, when you're shopping for a mortgage or a car loan, credit bureaus typically cluster the hard inquiries together because the credit reporting bureaus understand that the consumer is shopping for the best loan.

"So for example, if you're shopping for a new mortgage and three potential lenders pull your credit score within three weeks, that is looked at as one inquiry for that purpose," says Steven Katz a spokesperson for TransUnion's TrueCredit.com. Keeping your credit clean is critical. Katz offers the following advice to help ensure healthy credit.

"If at all possible, people should have a locking mailbox," says Katz. Katz says mailboxes with locking devices are becoming more popular at hardware stores because identity theft is spreading. Taking precaution to protect your personal information can save you months of agony.

Shred your documents: Katz says if you don't shred your personal documents and criminals access the information, the result can be devastating to your credit.

Keep an eye on your credit card: Katz says while it is difficult, people should not let their credit card out of their sight or else they run the risk of becoming a victim of skimming. Skimming has become prevalent at some restaurants and gas stations where a clerk might have a small device that scans the consumer's credit card. "It's a very small scanner that captures all the information that is on the magnetic strip, and then the card's information can be cloned," explains Katz.

Be sure to keep all credit card receipts, and Check your credit history:
Consumers can check their credit history for free once a year at http://annualcreditreport.com. Katz says that the free reports will not contain an actual credit score, but you can get the scores for a fee.

Another good credit-checking resource is found at http://truecredit.com. The website offers access to tools to manage a consumer's credit health by receiving credit reports, credit scores, credit monitoring, and informational materials.

Edited by Dianne Dunn, from original writing by Phoebe Chongchua

Seller's Home Appeal for Today's Market

After years of hearing from successful sellers that they didn't have to do a thing to sell, they now need to understand how they can stand out from their competition. Here is a handy list to help sellers determine if some features in their home might need some attention.

Test all door and cabinet knobs. Replace mismatched or inexpensive hardware for a quick update. Buyers rarely can get beyond a knob that comes off in their hand as they attempt to use a door.

Take the time to paint walls, trim and ceilings. Keep adjoining rooms in one color palette, which will make your home appear larger. Clean up spills from messy painters. Hire professionals to paint mullions on windows and staircase spindles.

Slipcover mismatched furniture in a room that requires visual unification.
Discover ways to organize day-to-day room needs. Substantial wicker baskets or square stainless steel or brass containers can organize magazines, remote controls and toys. Books provide a good look, but vary them by laying some down and standing some up.

Wallpaper is considered fill-in-the-blank decorating. No two people have the same taste in this instant decorator wannabee. If it's more than three years old, take it down and paint in a neutral color. And wallpaper borders are out.

Simple furniture rearrangement can bring new life to a tired space. Float sofas and coffee tables away from walls for a designer look. Use area rugs to anchor furniture groupings on bare tile and wood floors. Place groupings of candles and clear glass bowls filled with natural potpourri, fresh fruit or glass crystals on side and coffee tables.

Make sure there is balanced lighting in every room for dusk and evening showings. Dimmers help set the right tone.

Polish and wax hardwood floors to brighten and blend an old finish.

Clean every surface until it shimmers and shines. Clean can seal a deal. Don't forget the windows.

Purchase the best quality carpet pad which can make any new carpeting "cushy," and home buyers love cushy. Stay away from shag styles; buyers know it won't be around long in style cycles.

Streamline window fashions. Heavy drapes are in the minority. Think "let the light shine in" when placing blinds and shades. Light and bright can overcome other issues with a home.
Freshen-up closets with closet organizers to maximize storage space and paint a neutral, washable color. Thinning closets, cabinets, basements, attics and garages will also help your storage spaces look larger. If you can't part with items, rent a storage locker to hold items for decision making later.

Don't forget the basement; dark, dirty and musty basements are a turn-off to buyers. Add extra lighting, paint the floor and vacuum out all the cobwebs. Organize storage areas and take the time to clean the washing machine and dryer. To spruce up the hot water heater and furnace, wipe down with a strong cleaner. Scrub the laundry tub and sweep left-over leaves out of exterior stairs and window wells. Run a dehumidifier to reduce basement moisture.

Take a good look from the street or road at the front of your home. Look for shrubs that are overgrown or dead and remove and replace them with shrubs or plants that are to scaled to your home. Small inexpensive bushes send the wrong message.

Limit yard ornaments to a favored few. Excess ornaments can make yards look busy and buyers might want them included in a purchase contract.

Paint and refresh yard lights, flagpoles, mailboxes, window boxes, fences and trellis. Don't forget the swing set or play equipment.

Replace broken bricks on terraces, cracked concrete patios and steps.

Restore screens on porches and lanai's. Dirty, rusty and ripped screens limit functionality to homebuyers.

Don't leave pets unattended for property showings, especially if you think they could be aggressive or territorial around strangers.

Have carpets and area rugs cleaned before showing your home to potential buyers. Those allergic to animal dander and hair, even if they can't see your pet will know when their eyes and nose start to alert them to an allergic reaction. Many will not purchase a home that poses strong allergy issues.

A barking dog or overly-friendly cats can kill a showing. Be pro-active and take your pets off site for showings. Hire a dog walker to occupy pets if you can't be home.

Written by Mark NashBullet

Local New Bern News

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! ddunn@dunn.com

HOMES SOLD (Closed), October 1 through October 31. (From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)

Under $100K = 14
$100K-$159,999 = 55
$160K-$199,999 = 24
$200K-$239,999 = 16
$240K-$299,999 = 15
$300K-$399,999 = 13
$400K - $499,999 = 3
Over $500,000 = 4

Total = 144

TABERNA HOMES SOLD (Pending)

Total: 2
Resale Homes Total: 2
$200K-$239,999 = 1
$350K-$399,999 = 1

Builder Spec Homes Total: 0
Resale LOTS Sold (Pending) = 0

TRENT WOODS SOLD (Pending)

Total: 4
$140K-$199,999 = 1
$200K-$299,999 = 1
$300K-$399,999 = 1
$400K-$459,999 = 1

GREENBRIER HOMES SOLD (Pending)

Total: 5
$200K-$299,999 = 1
$300K-$399,999 = 2
$400K-$429,999 = 2

TABERNA HOMES FOR SALE

Total: 30
Resale Homes Total: 20
$200K-$249,999 = 6
$250K-$299,999 = 4
$300K-$349,999 = 2
$350K-$399,999 = 3
$400K-$499,999 = 2
Over $500,000 = 3

Builder Spec Homes Total: 10
$300K-$399,999 = 4
$400K-$499,999 = 6

Resale LOTS For Sale Total: 6

TRENT WOODS HOMES FOR SALE

Total: 48
$140K-$199,999 = 12
$200K-$299,999 = 11
$300K-$399,999 = 7
$400K-$499,999 = 13
Over $500,000 = 5

GREENBRIER HOMES FOR SALE

Total: 13
$200K-$299,999 = 9
$300K-$399,999 = 4


For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in

New Bern, Contact DIANNE!ddunn@dunn.com

(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800