If it's too good to be true, it probably is!

So you've been scouring the internet trying to find the perfect home to rent.  We've all been there!  You need a three bedroom/two bathroom home in a nice neighborhood with good schools and close to base.  And don't forget Fluffy!  The home must be pet friendly and have a fence as well, right?  

Well be careful!  Internet scams are hitting the real estate world too!

Typically scammers will copy pictures from the internet of a home, that may or may not be for rent or sale, and post them on free classified sites like craigslist with a description matching just what you're looking for.  But wait, the only problem is that they have to mail you the keys after you send your deposit.  Sounds legit right?  Not so much.

On the other hand, let's say you're trying to sell your home, or even a timeshare, and you get an unsolicited phone call from a representative promising a quick sale- often 60-90 day turnaround and add urgency to the situation by telling you that they have a buyer in their office all ready.  Sounds legit right?  Not so much.  The FBI posted information about this scam on their website with instructions on who to contact if this happens to you.

Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!  Do yourself a favor and ask some questions.  For more information, or for consumer alerts, check out this website!

I would love to help you with all of your real estate needs!  Call me to take a look at homes for sale in Onslow County!  And I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Take the Bus!! Jacksonville Transit's got you covered!

Stuck on base?  Car broke down?  Your ride running late?  Don't worry!  Just take the bus!  

Did you know that Jacksonville, North Carolina has a public transit system??  It’s true!  One more benefit to Onslow County residents.  You may have seen the bus stops like the one on Henderson Drive!

Conveniently, Jacksonville Transit provides daytime service runs from 6:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday to accommodate most work schedules.  The price of fares are more competitive than paying for a taxi, and most of the time, cheaper than filling up the gas tank!  Below is a Jacksonville Transit schedule.  Be sure to note that Friday and Saturday evening service is available to Camp Lejeune, Camp Johnson, and New River Air Station for $3!

For more information, routes and fares, check out the website or call (910) 938-RIDE.

And as always, I would love you help you or someone you know buy or sell a home!  Check out my website for easy home browsing and valuable information!  I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Hot Summer Nights!

Summer nights would not be complete without a few backyard bonfires. Whether you’re entertaining friends or relaxing with your family, bonfires are a great way to wind down the lazy summer evenings. Make your backyard bonfire experiences better with these tips and treats.

You don’t want to spend more time making the bonfire than you do enjoying it. We aren’t on Cast Away here, so stop rubbing sticks together and grab a starter log.  Use dry firewood to feed the fire—this will last much longer than leaves or newspaper.

There are many different ways to position logs to create a small backyard bonfire. My favorite is the grid. This technique is when you lay the firewood on top of each other in a tic-tac-toe formation as you go up. Usually three or four layers of wood will suffice. Another way to position the firewood is the teepee. This is when you make a little teepee with the firewood. Try to make the firewood as secure as possible so that the flaming logs do not fall over and hurt somebody.

Bonfire Treats

S’mores are the go-to backyard bonfire snack, but year after year of plain s’mores can get a little bland. Some of my favorite ways to jazz up the original S'more is to switch out the classic Hershey bar for a Reese cup or Kit Kat!  Get even crazier with a scoop of Nutella.  Or, while you are roasting your marshmallow, lay the graham cracker with your chocolate on it near the blaze so your chocolate gets nice and soft. Try throwing some fruit in the mix. Strawberries and bananas are great fruit that pair perfectly with chocolate. Instead of a plain graham cracker, get the chocolate covered or cinnamon flavored kind. Or use your family’s favorite cookies.

Although all other bonfire treats live in the shadow of s’mores, they are still worth trying. Take an apple, core it, then fill it with your favorite ingredients like peanut butter, Nutella, raisins, cinnamon or sugar.  After stuffing the apple, wrap it in aluminum foil and let it bake in the hot coals for about 15 minutes. Just be sure to be careful when you are unwrapping the apple so that nobody gets burned.

Grilled banana boats are another popular bonfire treat. Leave the banana in the peel and slice it lengthwise about a half an inch deep, leaving a little space at both ends of the banana. Open the pocket and stuff it with chocolate chips, marshmallows or any other topping you want. Wrap the banana in aluminum foil and place it on the hot coals for five minutes. Once all of the toppings have melted, unwrap and dig in!

Remember to always keep safety in mind when you have a bonfire. Never leave the fire unattended and be sure to explain fire safety to young children.

With these backyard bonfire tips and treats you are well on your way to a roaring fire with delicious snacks.

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