What's happening in Jacksonville, NC? Zing Zumm Science Frenzy! That's What!

What's happening in Jacksonville, NC?  Zing Zumm is happening!  With the growing need of a children's museum in Jacksonville, NC, Zing Zumm was created!

Zing Zumm® Children's Museum of Jacksonville is currently under development.  It will be a museum with and for children toddler age through 8 years old and will provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and families to spend time together and promote lifelong learning.  It is strictly a non-profit organization and is being funded through donations and fundraising efforts.

The Science Frenzy is one of these events to promote the museum and raise funds.  

Located at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center on Saturday, March 15, 2014, children will be able to learn- hands on- about gravity, watch things explode and build things!  "Like" Zing Zumm on Facebook to follow everything that's happening in Jacksonville, NC.

Summerhouse on Everett Bay- The Perfect Community with Coastal Colonial Style Homes For Sale Near Topsail Beach and Wilmington!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay is a perfectly planned gated community featuring coastal colonial new construction homes for sale!  Conveniently located along the Intracoastal Waterway, you'll see Topsail Beach's white sandy coast!  This location allows homeowners to enjoy the quiet, relaxed beach life and the advantage of being minutes from Wilmington, Surf City, Holly Ridge and Jacksonville.

 

 This waterfront community features a day dock, boat ramp, and storage is included.  Summerhouse at Everett Bay boasts 6 lakes, a gorgeous pool, open air pavilion, a 10,000 sq ft. clubhouse with billiards, kitchen and bar area, fitness center, 9 miles of walking/running trails, multiple picnic areas complete with fire pits, playgrounds and two tennis courts!!

 

 

There really is something for everyone in this amazing community.  New Construction homes for sale feature beautiful hardwood floors and oversized trim to set off the exceptionally high ceilings and designer lighting.  The double pane vinyl windows are storm rated and allow tons of natural light in but are energy efficient, keeping the cool air in and the hot summer air out!  Beautiful granite countertops perfectly compliment the architectural cabinetry.  The bedrooms are spacious and built for comfort!  You'll love the closet space and upgraded bathroom features.

It's easy to fall in love with this gorgeous community but with homes like these, you'll love to come home at the end of the day, or maybe make your "vacation home" your permanent home!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay truly is like no other.  The gorgeous coastal colonial style homes invite you to stay and relax and enjoy Topsail Island and the beach life!

Call Amanda Parmer for your personal tour of Summerhouse on Everett Bay or to see homes in the community!  910.545.0450

Check this website more information about the community, or to see homes for sale near Topsail Beach.  Summerhouse on Everett Bay is a private gated community, call for more information!

Don't Shoot the Messenger!!

So part of my job as a professional REALTOR® is prospecting.  One of my methods of prospecting for future clients is telling people about my current inventory.  Not only does it give me the opportunity to speak with other people about real estate, but serves as a great service to my seller when I call other people to talk about their home for sale.  Point blank, it's cold calling.  It's not easy, it's not always very fun, but it does work.  So I do it.  Today, I was calling around my listing at 146 Locust Court, Jacksonville, NC, 

 and one of the gentlemen that I had the pleasure of speaking with asked me to never call his home again because, "Realtors® are nothing but scam artists and take advantage of these young Marines in this town."  He belabored the point to tell me about the new 3.8% real estate tax that everyone has to pay is in the Obamacare bill and how no one in Jacksonville will be able to sell their home and it's only going to add to the 200 foreclosures in our town.  (His words, not mine!!)
Little did he know, I am, in fact, a US Army Veteran and I am in a very committed relationship with a Marine, and actually come from a military family.  So truly, scamming young Marines is not on my list of things to do.  I know not everyone has the same goals, but I think I speak for most of my REALTOR® comrades by saying that it's just not true.
I tried to explain to him that his information isn't accurate.  The fact is, the real estate tax of 3.8% ONLY applies to individuals who make more than $200,000 (adjusted gross income) and $250,000 for couples.  I don't think that's going to harm the average consumer in the Jacksonville, North Carolina real estate market right now.  
And as far as there being 200 foreclosures on the market- the actual statistics, according to Jacksonville Board of Realtors® MLS today, there are 2,424 homes on the market for sale in Onslow County.  Of those homes, 165 are foreclosure homes.  That's less than 7%.  And nationally, speaking, foreclosure sales are at an all time low since 2007, according to Les Christie at CNN Money.
Another part of my job, and probably the most important job, is educating.  I think it's more important for people to know the facts, rather than what they heard in the media or what their neighbor told them about the housing market in Toledo.  I don't go to the salon to ask about a weird noise my car is making, I go to the mechanic.  REALTORS® are here to educate and guide, as well as sell houses.  All REALTORS® aren't the same, and some are better than others.  Call me for a more detailed statistical analysis about the Jacksonville real estate market!  I'd love to help!

Why Use a Buyer's Agent to Buy A Home?

You think you can do it yourself!

The way technology has grown over the years, you would think there are no limitations to what you can find online. This is somewhat true, however,  you can’t always believe what you find online. There are countless real estate websites like Trulia.com, Realtor.com, Zillow.com, YahooHomes.com, AmandaParmerSellsHomes.com, and the list goes on and on!  When it comes to searching for Jacksonville NC homes, any agent can help you, however, a Buyer’s Agent will help you find the right home at the best possible price.

Why Use a Buyer's Agent?

Why? When you are a client of a Buyer’s Agent, you will notice the difference from just being a customer. The key concept that sets one apart from the other is the client relationship that a signed Buyers’ Agency agreement provides.  As a client, we are required to place your needs and goals first and that is why we are here for you, to help you. Allow us to alleviate the stress you may be feeling and help walk you through the transition to homeownership. You can rest assured that your best interest  will come first and that you and your family will have a great adventure along the way.

Buyer's Agent can show ANY home

When using a Buyer’s Agent, you can rest assure that they will be 100% loyal to you and will look out for your best interest as you start your Jacksonville NC home search. Did you know that Buyers Agent can show you any home regardless of which sign is out in front of a house, they are not pushing one of their listings, new homes in their subdivision, or the home with the largest commission. Real Estate is our career and we are experts in helping their buyers find the home that fits their criteria in the location you want, and at a price that fits their budget.

Using a Buyer’s Agent is FREE!

Just consider that as their client , you will receive the highest level of service and this service will cost you nothing. We do not charge you a fee, our services are paid thru the listing agreement that a seller has with the listing real estate firm.

What is the difference between client and customer?

                Now, you may ask what is the difference between being a customer and a client? The main difference is that clients are entitled to a superior level of service than a customer, you may ask in what way? As a client, everything you share with a Buyer’s Agent is keep confidential – your plans, your motivation, your finances, etc. – all the information that a Seller’s Agent would use against you to get the best price for his client – the Seller. That is why a buyer talking to an agent, whose name is on the sign in the front yard is at a disadvantage from the start – the Seller’s Agent is gathering information while talking to you about his Client’s house. Yes, the Seller’s Agent wants to sell the house, but his loyalty is to his client , the Seller, not you, the customer. Make sure you are represented by a Buyer’s Agent, who has had plenty of experience in the market.

Still think you can do it on your own

                It’s perfectly true that you can buy a home without a REALTOR®.  But why would you want to?  Utilize a real estate professional to represent your interests in the transaction.  Especially when you don’t have to pay for their service!  When you go to the grocery store and can’t find the cucumbers, you’re going to ask the grocer where they are in the store.  Usually they’ll not only show you where, but help you choose the best ones.  The same is true for Buyer’s Agents!  Not only can we show you homes, but help you make the best decision/investment to suit your specific needs.

Working with a Buyer's Agent as a Team

Teamwork is the key to success. Keeping your Buyers Agent updated on any change in needs, what your likes and dislikes, all come into play when working as a team to find your home. Fluid communication will help your Buyer’s Agent find you the best home, for the best price in the shortest amount of time.  Call today to talk about your real estate needs!

Amanda Parmer has dedicated extra time and effort in pursuing the National Association of Realtors® designation of Accredited Buyers Representative to better serve her buyer clients.  She’s ready to get to work and help you with all of your real estate needs and she’s never too busy for any of your referrals!

How To NOT Sell A Home? Bad Listing Photos!

Atrocious listing photos are an excellent way to insure no one will look at your home, let alone buy it!  If you've spent any time at all on the internet shopping for homes, I'm sure you've come across some pictures of homes and thought, "What the heck?"

I have!  This blog is in no way meant to be offensive, but merely to shed some light on the world of Bad Listing Photos and encourage sellers to think about how they are presenting their home to the world, via the internet.

You can have this home, creepy doll included!!

Multi-purpose kitchen- do your dishes and your laundry!

Either this ghost means business, or the home has a ventilation problem...

Wait....are we in the kitchen or the garden or...wait...what's going on here?

Always nice to see a dirty toilet.

They're all looking at you.  Don't you want to buy this house?

Yep.  This screams, "Fabulous Home!"  Not really.

Couch potato included!

"I'm too lazy to get out of the car to take a picture, but you can bet I'll work hard to sell your house," said no successful Realtor ever.

So, the alternate potty seat is on the trash can, why?  Just put your stuff away!

"I'm such a fabulous Realtor, I'm going to be in the picture too!"

"Fireman pole and party included in the purchase of this home!"  Liability insurance may vary.

Have you heard the saying, "Can't see the forest for the trees?"  This is kinda like that.  Can't see the kitchen for the clutter.

If you want to sell your home, take the time to put your home's "best foot forward!"  There are enough challenges as it is when your home is on the market, don't create more with bad listing photos!  Your Realtor should be providing professional photos to best market your home, otherwise they're not working in your best interests.  If you would like a referral for a professional photographer in the Jacksonville, North Carolina area, please contact me.  

I would love to help you with all of your real estate needs!  I'm never too busy for your referrals!

Why Carolina Plantations Is An Ideal Neighborhood in Jacksonville, North Carolina

Have you heard about Carolina Plantations?  It’s a new construction community off of Ramsey Road in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Conveniently located in the Carolina Forest school district and outside the city limits, you get the best of both worlds!  Great schools and low taxes!  Still only about 5 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville shopping and commerce, but tucked away in a quiet community featuring a dog park, community center, playgrounds, sidewalks and street lighting, and a community sewer.  

The design of the community allows for plenty of privacy with cul-de-sac lots everywhere and many homesites that back up to corn fields and woods. 

Featuring homes from Wynn Construction, A. Sydes Construction, Northstar Capital Group, Nolan Commercial Contractors, H&H Homes of Fayetteville, the look and feel of this community is far from cookie-cutter!  There are very affordable townhomes at around 1,000 heated square feet, as well as single family one and two story homes from 1,400 heated square feet and up.  

Gorgeous features vary between the floorplans, but for example, you can enjoy the expansive Sonoma floorplan by Wynn Construction with over 3,100 heated square feet, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, TONS of storage space, extra large two car garage, upgraded trim package, wooden shelving, coffered ceiling and pillars in the dining room, two story living room with fireplace and beautiful built-in shelving, all for right around **$1200/month!  (**Payments based on an estimated 30 year fixed rate loan at 4% for current market price with no down payment.  Should be verified with qualified mortgage broker.)

With over fifty floorplans from five different builders, the possibilities are truly endless.  Carolina Plantations in Jacksonville, North Carolina has something for everyone.  I would love to personally show you some of the great new homes that areavailable, or help you build yours from the ground up!  Check out our buyer's seminar coming up- there will be LOTS of great information for both home buyers as well as home owners!

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

Help the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School!

UPDATE  - Another AWESOME way to donate stuffed animals is by purchasing them through Kohls.com (select the Kohl’s Cares animals and they will donate the profit so it’s a way to help in more than one way!!).
Also, if you can think of ANY other ways or have a shop where you sell stuffed animals etc, please feel free to leave it in the comments.
So I got to thinking…I have received several emails from several readers who want to support the Sandy Hook Elementary students and families of the victims by sending Stuffed animals/teddy bears and letters to them. Below is a P.O. Box that was set up to do just that!
And…I scoured Amazon looking for what I thought was a good deal on stuffed animals (see below, most are around $5 shipped). I was thinking, we could purchase these animals right on Amazon and have them sent DIRECTLY to the P.O. Box…that way you don’t have to worry about shipping them yourself and you can support them from your living room. Imagine if we all sent a stuffed animal or letter… what an impact!!
Here is the address to send letters (and stuffed animals if you choose):

Messages of Condolence for Newtown
P.O. Box 3700
Newtown, CT 06470

Amazon deals on Stuffed Animals to send directly to them:

You will get FREE shipping with Amazon Prime (sign up for a FREE 30 day trial here) or when you spend $25 or more with super saver shipping! OR, many of these are about the same price with shipping (just took to the right side of the screen to see more buying options).

Webkinz Velvety Elephant $6.29 shipped (Reg.$14.99)

Aurora Plush 12″ Baby Slushy Aurora Babies Polar Bear $8.99 (Reg. $11.99) My favorite!

Aurora World 12″ Teo The White Tiger $10.88 shipped! My second favorite!

Aurora World Esmeralda $5.49 (Reg. $9.99!)

Webkinz Pinto $6.49 (Reg. $14.99!)

Melissa & Doug Baby Roscoe Bear – Vanilla $8.75 + FREE Shipping So Loving and Cute

Webkinz Charcoal Cat $6.29 (Reg. $14.99!)

Webkinz Hippo $5.10 (Reg. $14.99!)

Webkinz Pom Pom Kitty $8.40 (Reg. $14.99!)

Webkinz Caramel Lion $5.99 (Reg. $14.99!) I LOVE this one!

Aurora World 14″ Lucky Puppy $5.99 (Reg. $14.99!) Super cute! 

Aurora World Shepherd Dog $6.08 (Reg. $9.99)

Webkinz Hedgehog $6.65 (Reg. $14.99!) 

Aurora Plush 12″ Perry Flopsie $9.36 (Reg. $12.99) This one is bright and cheery

Gund Matisse Brown 14″ Bear Plush $13.18 Shipped – More expensive but SUPER cute and nice

Webkinz Pink Pony $6.60 (Reg. $14.99)

Melissa & Doug Luster Dragon $12.22

Melissa & Doug Princess Soft Toys 12″ Plush Sunny Yellow Lab $12.04

Melissa & Doug Princess Soft Toys Thatcher Bear

Melissa & Doug Princess Soft Toys 16″ Plush Lovey Lamb $11.86 Shipped $11.86

Look for more HERE!

Originally posted HERE.

Do you know the danger of Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States. Do not be a victim of this crime! Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

Credit Reports
Check your credit report! If you discover anything suspicious, especially in the form of a credit card you don't have or debt that does not belong to you. 

You are entitled one free credit report every year from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

To get your free credit reports, go here or call (877) 322-8228. (HINT: To monitor your credit year-round, request a report from a different bureau every 4 months)

Security Freeze
A security freeze prevents credit bureaus from releasing any information about you to new creditors without your approval, which can stop identity thieves from obtaining credit in your name. For details, visit this website. All North Carolinians can get security freezes online. 

Social Security Number
Your social security number is a helpful tool for crooks who are trying to take out credit in your name. Protect it! Don't carry your social security card in your wallet. Do not print it on your checks. Do not give it out unless it is absolutely necessary. Always ask why it is needed, who will have access to it, and how it will be kept confidential. 

Shred
Your records often contain confidential information. Shred or erase hard drives from old copiers, printers, and computers that might hold private information. Clear all date from old cell phones to ensue that your private information can't be recovered. Shred outdated tax records, credit card applications, old financial statements, insurance forms, etc.

Finances
Watch billing cycles for missing bills, which can be an indication of ID theft or other financial fraud. Review monthly statements. If you discover incorrect charges, notify the company and dispute the charges. Reduce the private information on your checks and limit the number of credit card you carry. 

Notify your credit card company in advance when you travel, especially out of country. Photocopy credit cards (front and back) and keep the copies in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen. Review your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement for errors. Call (800) 772-1213 to order a statement.

Passwords
Carry PINs and passwords in your head, not in your wallet or purse. Do not share PINs  or passwords with anyone, even close friends or relatives. Don't over-use the same PINs and passwords. Create different ones for different accounts. Passwords should have at least eight characters. Use letters, number and symbols (#%$). (HINT: Avoid consecutive numbers, family names, birthdates, SSN, phone numbers, etc.)

Online
Use public wi-fi hotspots for casual web surfing ONLY. Only access email, financial information, or enter private information on a secure wireless system. Make sure your home wireless router is encrypted and password-protected. Create a long, complex password to deter hackers from breaking in. Confirm that your computer is protected by an active firewall. Keep your operating system, spyware and virus protection up to date. 

Shop with online merchants that you trust. Do not click on pop-up messages or ads offering prices too good to be true. Never enter private data like your SSN or a credit card account number online unless you are on a secured website. Look for https (instead of http) in the web address and a "lock" icon somewhere on the screen. When you place an online order, print out your order confirmation. Keep receipts and copies of communications about your order, along with a description of the product and its price. Read refund and privacy policies.

When selling items online, watch out for (real-looking) fake checks and money orders. Be wary of overpayments and endorsed checks. Never wire "excess" payments back to the buyer or to someone else. Pay for online purchases by credit card. 

Email
Beware of emails that ask you to confirm your personal information or account number, or to transfer money. Avoid clicking on anything in an email, even it appears to come from a trusted source like your bank or a friend.  Forward spam emails to spam@uce.gov. Never send your SSN or financial account information by email unless they are encrypted. (HINT: Emails that say you have won money, can make a lot of money, or please for help are usually scams).

Mail
Stop pre-approved credit card offers by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT or visit this website. Place outgoing mail containing private information into a locked mailbox. Avoid leaving your incoming mail in an unlocked mailbox. Consider getting a locking mailbox. Don't send money to cover taxes or fees on a prize, lottery or sweepstakes winning. It is a scam.