Get in the Christmas Spirit with these fun websites!

Here are a few fun websites to use during the holidays!

Want to watch Santa feed his reindeer?  Go to this website and you can watch the reindeer 24/7, or at 11am, 6pm, and 9pm EST, you can watch Santa feed them!

Or maybe you'd like to send someone a real video message directly from SANTA!!  Go to this website and experience the magic in giving a free personalized message to your loved ones!

And you can even take a picture of Santa in your home!!  All you have to do is go to this website and upload a picture of where you want Santa to be, choose your Santa, then download the results!

Hope your holidays are full of fun and cheer!  Want Santa to visit you in a NEW home this year?  Call me!  I'd love to help you get there and send Santa your forwarding address!!

I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Tips for buying a house

The top 10 things you need to know when buying a home.

Originally published on money.cnn.com

1. Don't buy if you can't stay put.
If you can't commit to remaining in one place for at least a year, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. With the transaction costs of buying and selling a home, you may end up losing money if you sell any sooner - even in a rising market. When prices are falling, it's an even worse proposition.
2. Start by shoring up your credit.
Since you most likely will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. A few months before you start house hunting, get copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover.
3. Aim for a home you can really afford.
The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But you'll do better to use one of many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.
4. If you can't put down the usual 20 percent, you may still qualify for a loan.
There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, offer low-interest mortgages that require a small down payment.
5. Buy in a district with good schools.
In most areas, this advice applies even if you don't have school-age children. Reason: When it comes time to sell, you'll learn that strong school districts are a top priority for many home buyers, thus helping to boost property values.
6. Get professional help.
Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Look for an exclusive buyer agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.
7. Choose carefully between points and rate.
When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points -- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing -- in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time -- say three to five years or more -- it's usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.
8. Before house hunting, get pre-approved.
Getting pre-approved will you save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can't afford and put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.
9. Do your homework before bidding.
Your opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood. So before making it, consider sales of similar homes in the last three months. If homes have recently sold at 5 percent less than the asking price, you should make a bid that's about eight to 10 percent lower than what the seller is asking.
10. Hire a home inspector.
Sure, your lender will require a home appraisal anyway. But that's just the bank's way of determining whether the house is worth the price you've agreed to pay. Separately, you should hire your own home inspector, preferably an engineer with experience in doing home surveys in the area where you are buying. His or her job will be to point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road.

This article was originally published on www.onemoneydesign.com.

The $50 Christmas Budget

The $50 Christmas budget is a true story … AND it’s a love story.
Every husband (and wife) who has ever said, “Just make me a Christmas list, and let me buy what’s on it” needs to read this.
It’s a fact that most people spend hundreds (even thousands) on Christmas gifts.
Most of us want all the thrill of giving and receiving gifts, but the price tag is rarely worth the return on Christmas day.
As a wife, most of us expect our husbands to possess some sort of mental gift-giving telepathy. I want to feel that my husband knows me well and wants to give me gifts. In my mind, his selection of gifts reflects how well he knows me.  We think husbands should know what we want intuitively. But of course, they don’t.

And I don’t want to give my husband a Christmas shopping list, either! But I know what’s on my list. Maybe I could just go out and buy the stuff myself!?
A few years ago I noticed that my husband’s gifts weren’t reflecting how well I wanted him to know me. He gave nice Christmas gifts: a pair of diamond earrings, a leather handbag, gift certificates to spas, and so forth. But these gifts didn’t feel personal. I felt he often selected whatever the sales clerk wanted him to purchase.
I wanted to rein in the Christmas budget AND I wanted my husband to really care about the gifts he was selecting. I wanted to feel he was selecting something especially for me.
My solution: Set a $50 Christmas budget.
You’d think that lowering the Christmas budget from that which could purchase diamond earrings to that which could barely purchase a sweater would mean poor gifts and possibly disappointment.
Not the case!
I purposefully wanted to limit what each of us spent on each other so that we would focus less on the commercial aspect of Christmas and more on learning more about each other and listening to one other.
I relayed my Christmas budget plan in a whirlwind of excitement, “Guess what we’re going to do this Christmas?”
His reply, “No problem; I’ll just go to the dollar store.”
“Wait a minute … let’s set some rules,” I quickly replied.

The $50 Christmas Budget Rules

Each gift must be something the other person would really want. It must reflect their hobbies, interests or personality. No generic gifts!
One more rule: the gift giver had to write the cost of the gift on the tag!
The First Gift Under the Tree
I got right to work. I filled out online surveys for free magazines and gifts cards and received a year’s subscription to The NewYorker and Savour Magazine. My husband loves to read and loves to cook so these were great gifts. I wrapped the first issues of the magazines along with the gift cards and my gift tag read, “free.”
Let the competition begin!
Not to be outdone, my husband felt the heat. The $50 Christmas budget became a game. Who would get the best gifts at the best price?
His first conquest was a rhinestone brooch purchased at an antique/junk shop. He had to talk the owner down from $15 to $7. After all, he only had $50 to spend.
This was truly an act of love (or competition) on my husband’s part because he would NEVER have bargained so fiercely before. Knowing I love to get a great deal and am a sucker for sparkly jewelry, the antique rhinestone brooch scored big points!
On Christmas day, I had 9 gifts under the tree. He had 7. With every gift was the thrill of hearing the story behind it. He proudly told where he went to get it, why he selected to purchase it, and if he had to strike a bargain to stay within budget. He was so excited to give me his gifts, and I loved every one of them
It was the best Christmas ever! For 10 years since, we referred to that Christmas as the “$50 Christmas.”
It was a bit of work. We took the time to reflect on each other and went out of way to do things we wouldn’t have normally done.
This year, after 15 years of marriage, we’re returning to the $50 Christmas budget. What fun it’s going to be!

Black Friday Deals!

It is almost black Friday! Are you ready? Have you planned your early morning shopping? If not, here is a summary of some store in this area and deals they are offering. I have highlighted some of the better deals.

Target: Doors open at 9:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day!
Target Black Friday Catalog
-XBOX 360 Kinect bundle for $199.99 (save $100)
-Nikon L310 Digital Camera for $99.99 (save $100)
-Westinghouse 50" 1080p LCD HD TV for $349
-Free Target gift cards for almost any apple product purchased ($50 if you buy an iPad)
-Wii System bundle $119 (comes with a Wii and "Just Dance Kids 2")
-Tons of DVDs on sale starting at $1 each!
-6 foot pre-lit tree $30 (save $35)
-Faberware 18 piece nonstick cookware set $39.99 (save $40)
-Dyson DC24 Multi-floor vacuum $269 (save $130)
-Free $10 Target gift card when you spend $50 or more in Apparel, Accessories, or Home!

Walmart: Doors open at 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day!
Walmart Black Friday Sales ad
Check the walmart ad for many more sales. Also, walmart is rolling out different sales at 8:00 PM, 10:00 PM, and 5:00 AM
-Vizio 60" LED Smart TV $688 (save $310)
-XBOX 360 Skylanders Bundle $149
-Wii console $89
-Tons of video games, DVDs, and Blu Ray on sale for $2 and up.
-Furby for $45
-Tons of toys on sale!
-5 gallon wet/dry shop vac $23.47
-14' trampoline with enclosure $159
Kmart: Doors open at 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day!
Kmart Black Friday Sales Ad
-All footwear buy one get one free!
-Cannon Powershot A2300 Camera $79.99 plus a free 8GB SD card!
-Save 50% on Craftsman tools!
-Tons of Christmas trees and decorations on sale 50%!

Big Lots: Doors open Friday at 6:00 AM
Big Lots Black Friday sales ad
-iHome Portable Docking Stereo System $48.88 (Save $50)
-All video games are buy two, get two free!
-Dan Rivers Standard Bed Pillow $2!
-Holiday gift sets $8 each (save 20%)

Kohls: Doors open at midnight on Friday
 Kohls Black Friday sales ad
Earn $15 in Kohls cash for every $50 spent
-Barbie VW Beetle and doll set $19.99 (save $40)
-Little Tikes 3-in-1 sports center $19.99 (save $20)
-Vivitar 12.1 MP Digital camcorder $59.99 (save $90)
-Tons of jewelry 50-60% off!
-Comforters on sale as low as $26.99 (down from $79.99)
-Throws in fun colors and patterns for $8.99
-Fiesta 5-piece place setting $24.99 (save $25)
-Lots of cute seasonal dinnerware and decor, up to 60% off
-Jar candles for $3.99 (save $7)
-Select clothes in all departments 60% off


Best Buy: Doors open at midnight on Friday
Best Buy Black Friday sales ad
-Samsung 15.6" laptop 4GB memory, 500GB hard drive $349.95 (save $225)
-$20 off all Roku devices
-Lots of TVs and laptops on sale
-Appliances are on sale, some with a savings over $1,000

Dicks Sporting Goods: Doors open at midnight on Friday
Dick's Sporting Goods Black Friday sales ad
They are releasing their sales ad tomorrow, Wednesday, November 21st.

Belk: Doors open at midnight on Friday
Belk Black Friday Catalog
Pick up their circular for several coupons throughout.
-40-50% off coffeemakers
-50-60% off shoes
-50-70% off jewelry and watches
-Buy 1 get 2 free on lots of mens clothing and accessories
-30-60% off gadgets

JC Penney: Doors open at 6:00 AM on Friday
JC Penney Black Friday sales ad
-$25 women's boots (save $25+)
-Save on women's clothing
-Save on kid's clothing and toys
-7-piece bedding set $70 (save up top $60)
-Cooks small kitchen electrics $8 (save up to $22)
-Men's coats on sale as low as $40

Amazon.com: Shop online anytime! These deals are available this week only
Amazon Deals Week items
Check back every day for new deals!
-Up to 50% off on electronics
-Big screen HDTVs for under $1,000

Don't forget to buy a newspaper on Thanksgiving for late-breaking door busters and coupons! Don't feel like fighting the crowd? Shop online! Many deals are available online as well. Happy hunting!
 
 

Homes for Sale in the Jacksonville, NC area!

Check out these amazing homes that just hit the market! They will go quick! Message me today for your personal showing!

                                                                                    261 Bishop Dr

Featuring four bedrooms with lots of closet space, this home has plenty of room for everyone! The master bedroom features vaulted ceilings, a great closet and beautiful bathroom! The eat-in kitchen features upgraded cabinetry, Corian coutertops and lots of dining space. The formal dining room has new floors as well as chair rail. With over 3 acres, there is plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities. The yard has been completely sodded, fenced, and features landscaping, shrubbery and fruit trees! Lots of custom features and upgrades to this home. 

108 Courie Way

Super cute home conveniently located about halfway from New River MCAS and Stone Bay!!  Just a few minutes to shopping, beaches and military bases, and tucked away in a small community!  The home features three bedrooms with ample closet space, two bathrooms and a large open concept floorplan. Lots of cabinet space and updated appliances in the kitchen.  The backyard is completely fenced and has a huge shed!  The garage also features custom cabinets and shelving, perfect for the handyman or the pack rat! The home has been professionally cleaned to include the carpets and is ready for its 

new family!  Priced BELOW tax value, it's ready to go!

 

  219 Spruce Ct
This great four bedroom, two bath is priced to sell and move in ready! It features new carpet, fresh paint, new appliances, new countertops and much more! It is conveniently located close to EVERYTHING! Priced at $128,900, this house won't last long on the market!






442 Kenwood Dr
It doesn't get any better than this! Four bedrooms in an established neighborhood, minutes from New River MCAS, Camp Lejeune, and shopping for UNDER $130,000. Enjoy the benefits home ownership can offer for less than you're paying in rent with this meticulously maintained home. Featuring four bedrooms, lots of closet space,  one and a half bathrooms, new carpet, a large eat-in kitchen with updated appliances, ceramic tile floors in the bathrooms and a backyard oasis!

Tips for Holiday Travel

1. Avoid peak travel days: Do NOT fly on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving day is usually much easier and less stressful. On the return, Friday is much less busy than Saturday or Sunday. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve both fall on Mondays this year. That means, the Friday before will be extremely busy and over-priced. To save money and stress, pick off-peak days to travel.

2. If you have not booked your holiday travel, now is the time! The longer you wait, the higher prices will go. If you are holding out for a last minute deal, now is the best time to buy. The closer we get to the holidays, prices will only go up. The best advice I can give is be flexible with dates and times of travel.

3. Shop around: Cast a wide net to look for the best deal on airline tickets. Jacksonville (OAJ) tends to be more expensive than Wilmington or Raleigh. Try different websites to find the best deal out there. Also keep in mind that smaller airports, like OAJ, see less flights so they also see less delays.

4. Know your airports: Price is not the only factor to consider when shopping for airline tickets. Keep in mind parking, traffic to and from, rental cars and hotels nearby.

5. Plot layovers carefully: Make sure you have plenty of time for connections, taking weather delays and airport traffic into consideration. Try to connect in airports in warmer climates, as they are less likely to experience delay.

6. Leave early: Many airport delays come in the form of security and check in. You don't want to miss your plane because you did not arrive early enough. Strive to leave for the airport early. Plan for traffic and long lines.


7. Pack wisely: It is always a good idea to carry on luggage instead of checking in. Keep in mind restrictions on liquids in luggage carried on. This website answers many questions about what is and is not allowed on airplanes these days:  

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/airport-security-q-and-a

8. Use the web for more than booking: Print boarding passes at home, if possible. Consider doing your holiday shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination, rather than cramming Susie's doll and Jimmy's firetruck into your carry on.


9. Travel when no one wants to: Airports are much less congested when normal human beings would rather be asleep. Choose flights that depart early or late in the day to avoid delay.


10. Give package deals a try:
Over the holidays, it can be more than worth it to bundle your flight, hotel and/or rental car.

11. No matter how you choose to travel, allow plenty of time and bring your patience!

Upcoming Events!

-November 10th: Swansboro by Candlelight 5-9 PM
This annual event luminates the streets of Historic Downtown Swansboro "The Friendly City By The Sea" into a beautiful warm glow as area merchants deck their halls with ribbons and bows. Refreshments & cider will be offered at all the unique shops for customers to savor. A great evening to come out and enjoy dinner at one of the wonderful waterfront restaurants and get yourself into the holiday spirit!
-November 10th: Holiday Craft Fair and Car Show 9 AM-4 PM
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Shriners and the American Legion Auxiliary. Free to attend. The Coastal Carolina Artists & Crafters Guild will host the Holiday Craft Fair & Car Show at the American Legion Bldg (Onslow Fair Grounds). You will find handcrafted items and unusual gifts for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Stop by the Gift wrapping station, and Kids shopping area where they can purchase items for Mom & Dad. Santa will be there - so get your Wish list ready. The Scavenger Hunt will have patrons stopping at every booth and a car show makes this a day of fun. Everything available to make your Holiday shopping list complete.
-November 12th: Military Appreciate Balloon Release 12 PM
Military Appreciation Balloon Release from the parking lot of Omega World Travel, located at 325 White Street, Jacksonville NC. Special presentation from local high school and door prizes. Refreshments on site. Contact Melanie Smith for more details (910) 455-9077. Come join us in showing support for those who serve!
-November 13th: Real Colors/Real Stress 8:30 AM-12 PM
This two-day course helps the participants gain personal insight on how stress impacts the individual personality temperaments and how to reduce stress for your unique lifestyle. Sessions include: Identifying stressors; impacts of change and stress; healthy coping ideas; improving interactions with others. Evidence based curriculum. FREE & Confidential. Open to active duty, family members, retirees, and DoD civilians. Childcare may be available upon request. Register online at www.mccsnr.com
-November 13th and 14th: L.I.N.K.S for Spouses 9 AM-1 PM
Looking for something new and different? Come and learn about the military way of life! This event is a two day workshop. Free and open to any and all spouses of our military branches. For more information, call 449-4676/5343.
-November 17th: Holiday Parade 9:45 AM
Come join us and celebrate together the 57th Annual Holiday Parade “A Coastal Holiday”.  The Holiday Parade will take place Saturday, November 17th. It will begin at 9:45am at Coastal Carolina Community College and continue down Western Boulevard to Brynn Marr Shopping Center. For more information contact Alejandra Hawks (910) 347-3141 ext 235. Hope to see you there!
-November 17th: Family Fun Run 9 AM-10 AM
Come run, walk or roll (bikes or strollers welcome) with us! Themed-attire encouraged, but not required. We will track time and distance run for each participant; a printout of you progress will be provided at the end of the year. Plus you’ll earn a FREE t-shirt on your 4th run as a Frequent Runner Bonus!
-November 23rd: Swansboro Christmas Flotilla 5 PM-9 PM
We bring in the season with lighting up the waterway with bright lite decorated boats. Indiviuals really show the Christmas spirit by registering their boats in the competion... what a beautiful site...you don't want to miss it...
-November 29th: Starting a Small Business 1 PM-4:30 PM
Ever dreamed of starting your own business? Don't let your dreams fade away. Local expert will lead you down the right path. This is a 1 day awareness workshop designed to give an overview of starting a business as well as an introduction to business planning.
Topics include: Factors to consider, Permits and Licenses, Developing a business plan, tax information, financing sources, where to get assistance, advantages/disadvantages of owning a business. Call (910) 449-4914 for more info.
-November 29th: Investment Basics 1 PM-4:30 PM
An interactive workshop designed to help individuals understand the process involved in savings and investment planning. Participants will explore how to develop and maintain realistic savings and investment goals. TSP rules, regulations, and benefits will also be covered. All ID cardholders can register for this free workshop, please call 910-451-9297.