Thankful on the Outer Banks

This month’s update is pretty bland compared to some of the things happening in recent months. There are no insurance rate hikes, no damaging Hurricanes, no bridge news…only good news this month!

While a good portion of our beaches were damaged during Sandy, we still remain extremely fortunate not to have received a direct hit. As is typical on the Outer Banks, most everything is cleaned up and businesses affected are back up and running. We do tend to recover from these things pretty quickly and that has certainly been the case with Sandy as well.

Since we have been through this so many times, it was an interesting change to see the 2 HUGE trucks of supplies that our Outer Banks locals sent to New Jersey to help out Sandy victims in that region. Even though we are a small community, when we come together we accomplish big things. I hope if you were affected by Sandy your situation is on the mend or fully recovered.

On to the news in the marketplace. Sales activity for 2012 is up so far this year 21%. Land sales lead the way with the biggest improvement. Inventory is down 4% so far this year. This is a move in the right direction…more is needed.

The most popular selling price range is still $200K to $299K. However, surprising enough so far 50 homes sold in the $1M or more price range, with an average time on market of 186 days! That’s definitely good news.

Distress activity remains the same. There does seem to be a small decline in foreclosure filings when looking at the data over the last several months. The biggest challenge with distress properties is that the median sales price for them DROPPED 22% this year so far. When these homes become your competition, that means a drop in price for regular sales as well, albeit generally not as big a drop.

One last tidbit…I was informed this morning that our Property Management Department is coming off one of the best seasons in history! If you know of anyone needing a new management company, certainly give me a call!

If I can provide you with any additional specific market data, please be sure to let me know.

Have a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving celebration.

Best Buys on the Outer Banks for the week of November 19th

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Best Buys for the Week of November 12th

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The importance of Support…and I’m not talking about Control Tops or Sports Bras!

So the Outer Banks Marathon weekend is upon us.  I will be running a half marathon in less than 72 hours.  Am I nervous?  Well it depends on the moment.  I’m excited half the time and scared to death the other half of the time.  I just have to keep remember why I’m running this.  I’m running for Charlie.  He can’t run.  Heck, he can barely walk now.  And even though it’s painful for him to move around a lot, when I need him to get up, he does it and doesn’t complain…well, not much anyway.  So who am I to complain about the fact that I have the ability to run 13.1 miles?

Really at this point it’s all a mental game.  I’ve been training for this since April, I just didn’t know it!  Matt made sure of that…he’s sneaky like that you know.  If I can just keep my mind in order until about mile 6, I’ll be golden.  I know physically I can do this.  There’s no question.  It’ll hurt some for sure, but it’s supposed to hurt.  Anything hard to get is worth the pain to get there.  Shoot, so much of what we do hurts anyway.  We don’t let that stop us in other areas of life.  Giving birth, that’s a real doozy but women purposely get pregnant all the time, some even for a second and third time!!!  Drinking too much wine hurts…the next day, and yet I still partake in that exercise more often than I should.  When will I learn?

The point is…things in life that are worth having usually don’t come easily.  They’re not supposed to.  What makes it all worthwhile is that fighting spirit and sense of accomplishment when it’s done.  That’s why I’m going to fight through the pain, fight through the mental challenges, get my medal at the finish line, drink a beer and then go home to show Charlie that I did it all for him!

I know the title of this blog is about support, so I’ll get to it finally.  There is no way one takes on an endeavor like this without a support system.  In my case the support system is the only reason I am able to take this on.  My family at Outer Banks Bootcamps is…well…there’s really only one fitting way to describe them…simply AMAZING.  The Outer Banks is a special place to live.  God made this place special through the beautiful ocean, sky, nature and also the people who occupy this island and call it home.  I’m sure there are great people in many places…I’ve had the good fortune to meet some of the greatest people here on this little barrier island.

The strength, commitment, enthusiasm, community spirit, diversity and compassion that our little (growing every day though) group of bootcampers possesses is….well…once again…simply AMAZING.  I have never in my 37 years been a part of something like this.  There is a true sense of family and community amongst us.  We are fiercely loyal to Matt and Jay and they return the protection to us as well.  That’s what the strongest families do. 

I shudder at the thought that I almost didn’t stick with it. That would have been a big mistake.  God has a plan.  Things happen for a reason.  Sometimes we don’t see it until later, but when we do how can you help not looking back, smiling, nodding your head and knowing something much greater than you is in control and always has your back!  I now realize that going through all the discomfort, the growth, the connecting, the sweat, the cursing (well maybe he didn’t plan that) I was in the right place all along with the absolute right people.

From the bottom of my heart I can never thank you all enough for the lifting words. The quiet prayers. The delicious food. The endless encouragement. The smiles. The hand squeezes.  The shoulders to cry on.  The delivery of bed pads.  The text messages. The facebook messages.  The beautiful birthday surprise party.  The 20 minute drive to do a 2 minute limb removal.  The bottles of wine followed by truth or dare.  The running partner.  The reassurance I can do it.  Oh, I could go on and on.  In a nutshell, it’s the SUPPORT.   I am so blessed and grateful to be part of your group, your family.

And lastly, the support from our fearless leaders Matt and Jay has been off the charts.  If you don’t have someone like these two in your life, you’re truly missing out. You’re missing out so much that once you have them you can’t imagine life without them.  I’ve had many mentors in my years and have loved them all.  These guys take it to that next level.  I can’t even finish writing this without the tears streaming.  I hope you know how deeply important you are to us.  You are the head of this family and its strength is a direct reflection of you as leaders.  You surround yourself with the best of the best and I’m so blessed to be a part.

So, to sum it all up…Thank You.  Love You.  See You Sunday at the finish!

Best Buys for the Week of November 5th

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Hurricane Sandy – Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

Here are some videos of the damage Hurricane Sandy did to the Outer Banks. Check back often because I’m out and about still taking shots!! Hope all are safe and sound!

Hurricane Sandy Damage on the Outer Banks

Here we go again … seems like we just got over Irene!

Best Buys on the Outer Banks for the week of October 22nd

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Balance – it’s difficult even with both legs!

So we’ve been home from the hospital over a week now and it’s been good to be home.  It’s also been more difficult than I thought to manage everything I want to do.  I’m determined NOT to create excuses, but to create solutions.

The reality is Charlie has cancer.  He’s not feeling well most of the time.  In fact a good day is now described as being able to get him to the bathroom twice a day without vomiting.  It’s an ugly disease.  It’s not welcome in my home or in my adorable Charlie.  In the midst of fighting this disease and eradicating it from our lives, the show must go on.

This is where the attempt at balance comes in.  The bills keep coming and my weight will come back if I’m not careful.  Especially with all the mouth watering foods we’re receiving from all the wonderful friends and family we have.  This was so clear to me last Thursday.  I went for a training session with Matt for the first time in over 2 weeks.  It was hell.  I barely made it through 2 circuits in 30 minutes when a month ago I could have easily done 3.  I felt so defeated.

I realized right then that no matter what is going on in your life, you have to make solutions, not excuses.  I have to keep my physical health up, or I’m no good to Charlie.  I have to keep my business going, or I’ll create another problem I don’t need. So I’m determined to be in SOLUTION mode.

I’ve run every day since that failed training session.  I’m feeling good. I still have some doubts about finishing the half marathon in less than 4 weeks, but I’m just taking it one day at a time.  I’m also taking time each day to prospect and follow up with leads in my business.  I’m determined to stay on top.  I want it, I need it and I’m willing to EARN it.

I’m going to meet my goals for 2012.  Both my physical and business goals.  I have 15 pounds to lose and 4 more houses to sell.  And I will succeed. After all I’m best under pressure.  I’ve learned that much in my nearly 37 years. (Birthday is next week)

Without these solutions I can’t balance my number one priority…taking the BEST care of Charlie.  He’s my inspiration, my love and the most courageous person I know!

Best Buys on the Outer Banks for the week of October 8th!

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