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. 

How to imporove/maintain your credit score

*Get a secured credit card: These cards build credit but are pre-paid. If paid on time, this will help re-establish the credit and credit score.
*Never seek out consumer counseling services, especially while in the process of applying for a home mortgage loan: This tells the credit bureaus that you cannot pay your bills and could negatively affect your credit.
*Demand negative credit that is 7 years old or older be removed from your credit report: The only item that will stay on your credit score for more than 7 years is chapter 7 bankruptcy.
*Have a good mix of credit accounts, credit cards, bank loans and finance companies: Open new accounts at least 6 months before applying for mortgage loans to avoid lowering credit scores.
*Have a lengthy credit history: Establish credit early and pay timely to build excellent credit.
*Your credit score does NOT go down when you check your credit or a bank does a credit scan on you.
*Instead of letting a relative help you buy a home, let them help you wipe out debt: They can help you improve your credit score and save you money in the long run!
*Another way relatives can help: They can provide gifts to help buy down the mortgage rate, either temporarily or permanently. For example, a gift of $5,000 to buy the interest rate down would lower the interest rate by about 1% for the entire length of the mortgage, for each $100,000 of loan amount.
*Relatives can act as co-borrowers for people with less-than-perfect credit scores. This will allow for better loan terms.

Veteran's Day 2012

It is fall and you know what that means! It is time for Veteran's Day and Veteran's Day sales!  I am passing along some deals, discounts, freebies and sales to help you celebrate!  If you hear of any others, please send them my way. 

*Free Veteran's Day Meals: 
(Drink and gratuity not included. Please bring military ID or proof of service)
-Applebee's: Free meal Sunday, Nov 11, 2012. Last year, Applebee's served over 1,000,000 free meals!
-Chili's: Free meal Sunday, Nov 11, 2012 from 11am-5pm.
-Denny's: Free all you can eat pancakes on Monday, Nov 12 from 6am-2pm.
-Golden Corral: Free meal on Monday, Nov 12.
-Krispy Kreme: Free doghnut on Sunday, Nov 11, 2012.
-Hooters: Free meal Sunday, Nov 11, 2012. Get 10 free wings, drink purchase required. 
-Little Caesars Pizza: Free Crazy Bread Monday, Nov 12, 2012.
-Lone Star Steakhouse: Free appetizer Monday, Nov 12, 2012.
-Max and Erma's: Free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo (includes tortilla soup or side caesar salad, seasoned fries and chocolate chip cookies) Sunday, Nov 11, 2012
-Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin Onion Sunday, Nov 11.
-Subway: Free Six Inch Sub, Sunday, Nov 11, 2012
-Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch, Sunday, Nov 11, 2012.
-T.G.I. Friday's: Free lunch, Monday, Nov 12, 2012. Must be in uniform, unless, of course, you are a Marine. :)
-Olive Garden: Free entree, Sunday, Nov 11, 2012

*Home improvement discount UPDATES:
-Home Depot: 10% off any purchase up to $,2,000. 
-Lowe's: 10% off total purchase up to $5,000.

*Free Park Admissions:
-Anheuser-Busch Parks: Active duty service members and up to 3 dependents may receive free admission to any of their parks once a year. These parks include SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place Parks and many more. 
-Colonial Williamsburg: Free weekend-long admission to active duty, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Thursday, Nov 9-Monday, Nov 12. This ticket includes admission to Colinial Williamsburg exhibition sits, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed servicemembers. 
-National Parks: Free admission to over 100 national parks from Nov 10-12. 

*Bed and Breakfast for Vets:
-This is the fourth year of the program. B&Bs for Vets has organized over 230 (and counting) participating B&Bs and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night's stay on Nov 10, 2012, the night before Veteran's Day. For more information visit http://www.betterwaytostay.com/current-promotions/bbs-for-vets/
-There are several B&Bs in North Carolina but spots fill up fast!

*Sales:
(Please note I have researched the Jacksonville area only)
-Target has most Christmas decor on sale as well as clothes and plenty of toys. Plus they have Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice on sale! (Don't expect to find any, however. I will be buying it all)
-Hallmark is having an open house. Buy those ornaments before they sell out! 
-Walmart has lots of toys on sale so get that Christmas shopping done early!
-Belk has their men's semi-annual sale going on. Go shop for your husband, son, brother, dad or yourself!
-Kmart has a "Magical Disney Character Wake Up Call" for your child if you spend $30 or more on Disney merchandise.
-Barnes and Noble just put out their new tablet, just in time to make your Christmas wish list!
-Sears is having a huge sale on mattresses as well as kids' Christmas clothes.
-Home Depot has some GORGEOUS Christmas trees for hundreds less than other stores.
-Bath and Body Works has their holiday scents on sale as well as Wallflowers and Soaps.
-Lowe's has major appliances on sale. 
-Ross and Marshalls are always great places to find home decor as well as gifts. 
-Sam's Club has lots of cute gift sets on sale. 
-Best Buy has TVs and GPSs on sale.
-Game Stop has all the latest video games in one place, just in time for holiday shopping.
-JC Penney is offering free family photos all month long! No sitting fees and a free 8x10 is included!
-Radio Shack is offering a $10 off coupon for every $50 spent in store.


Happy shopping! See you out there!

21 Projects to Tackle before Thanksgiving

1. Exterior Paint

Fall offers plenty of days that are warm enough to work with exterior paint, and a touch-up can help prolong the life of your siding and trim. A fresh coat of paint or sealer on any surface that potentially will be covered with snow, such as wood floors or stairs, also is a wise idea. Sooner is better to contact a local painter, as many paints aren't recommended for application on days when the temperature dips below 45-50 degrees F.

2. Finish the Basement

Whether we receive ice and snow or clouds and rain during winter, chances are your outdoor living space will spend a good portion of the season out of commission. If your time indoors leaves you feeling a little crowded, look to your basement for room to roam. Finishing a basement is a great way to extend your living space and also gives a higher return on investment than many other home projects. Whether you're planning on selling your home come springtime or you just need more space to live, consider finishing your basement.

3. Fix Major Home Appliances

From turkey dinners to Christmas cookies, the holiday season is a busy time for most kitchens. Clothes washers and dryers often pull an extra shift or two during the holidays as well. If your appliances aren't working -- or aren't working as well as they should -- call an appliance-repair professional before the holidays arrive. A trained professional can diagnose and repair a problem in a major appliance for far less than the cost of replacement.

4. Fall Lawn Care

To ensure your lawn's health and beauty come spring, complete several important yard work projects in the fall. Raking leaves and aerating will prevent your lawn and garden beds from suffocating, while fertilizing and winterizing grass, trees, and shrubs will allow your greenery to enter its winter slumber comfortably and properly nourished. Professional lawn-care services make quick work of these projects, freeing up your time for family, friends, and football.

5. Plan for Holiday Lights

Holiday lights begin to appear on homes across America every year almost immediately following (and sometimes even before) Thanksgiving. If you plan to decorate your home yourself, develop a plan and start looking for deals on lights and other outdoor holiday paraphernalia early. If you're planning to hire assistance, make sure you contact a professional for quotes as soon as possible. Either way, allow time to make arrangements and install lights as early as you can to maximize the number of days you'll have to enjoy them.

6. Seal Gaps and Add Insulation

Nothing makes a home more uncomfortable during the winter than a nagging, chilly draft. Consider a home energy audit that includes a review of your home's caulking and weather stripping. An energy auditor also will likely look inside your attic. If the insulation is at or below the level of the joists, you might be able to keep your home warmer by adding more insulation. A depth of 10-14 inches is generally considered optimal, and you can supplement with a variety of types of insulation to achieve that depth.

7. Power Washing

Having your home's exterior and windows power washed won't just make your home look sharp, it also will prevent the growth of mold and mildew that feed on grime. If you're not comfortable deciding whether your home's exterior can handle the pressure exerted by the various pressure-washing nozzles available, hire a professional to do the work.

8. Hire Cleaning Help

If you're like most people, the final months of the year are long on to-do items and short on time. Hiring a cleaning professional will allow you to focus on more important tasks and keep your home looking its best for holiday visitors. Whether you schedule a one-time visit or routine cleanings, the stress and effort you'll save are likely well worth the monetary investment.

9. Fireplace Repair

Proper inspection of a fireplace is vital to ensuring its safe operation -- even if it is rarely used. An experienced chimney sweep will check wood fireplaces for flammable buildup (known as creosote) and chimney blockages such as bird nests. A chimney or fireplace professional also should check for these red flags: improperly functioning dampers, damaged brickwork and masonry, and missing or damaged flue caps (the screen covering the top of the chimney).

10. Tune Up the Furnace

The furnace is literally the heart of most American homes during cold winter months. Without it, comfortable life indoors would come to a grinding halt. Occasional maintenance from a trained professional can keep your furnace running effectively and efficiently, and it will prevent potentially catastrophic damage to your home from burst or frozen pipes.

11. Prepare for Snow Removal

Get bids from snow-removal professionals in your area before that first flake falls. Keeping your walks free of ice and snow is a vital part of wintertime safety, but venturing outside with a snow shovel in the dead of winter is an unpleasant task for most. Snow-removal services are usually equipped with professional gear to make quick work of a homeowner's hand-shovel job.

12. Repair or Replace Siding

When deciduous trees and bushes have shed their leaves and yards and landscaping are covered by snow, shoddy spots on your home's exterior are pulled into the limelight. If your home's siding needs repair or replacement, hire a siding pro to complete the work before the harsh days of winter magnify any exterior blemishes. Some new siding even comes with added insulation, which can help bundle up your home for winter.

13. Replace Windows

Do you feel a chill next to certain windows in your home during winter? Have you noticed condensation or frost on these windows? Glass with multiple panes, spacers, or filler gasses (such as argon or krypton) will likely solve these problems. A professional can swap out your problem windows with more-efficient models that will increase your comfort level while decreasing your heating bills.

14. Install a Home Security System

If you're looking for peace of mind this holiday season, consider enlisting the help of a home security company. A home security system will help protect against intruders, and many systems can monitor for signs of fire. Security companies will often install basic systems free of charge, provided you sign a monitoring contract.

15. Roof Repair

The cold of winter can aggravate even the smallest of roof leaks. Any leaks in a home's roof should be fixed in advance of the first snowfall. Your best bet is to hire an experienced, professional crew that can accurately assess leaks and fix problems quickly and safely.

16. Clean Carpets

Fall is the perfect time to clean your carpets -- the humid days of summer have passed, but the below-freezing days of winter have yet to arrive. It's the best time to open windows for ventilation, which should speed the drying process. And let a professional wrangle the bulky cleaning equipment -- with a house full of wet carpet, you can get outdoors and enjoy the few remaining warm days

17. Clean, Repair, and Protect Gutters

Your home's gutters divert thousands of gallons of water each year. To keep the water flowing smoothly away from your house instead of into it, inspect and clean your roof's drainage system. Better still, protect your gutters with mesh guards to keep leaves and other debris from causing blockages in the first place. Hire a pro to complete this project, or be prepared to spend a damp and dirty day climbing up and down the ladder.

18. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats save money without sacrificing comfort by using less energy to heat and cool your home while you're away or asleep. More accurate and convenient to use than manual thermostats, programmable thermostats don't contain toxic mercury found in traditional models. Hiring a pro to install a programmable thermostat is generally inexpensive, but this project is within the abilities of most DIYers. There are even thermostats that can be controlled from your smart phone or tablet away from home!

19. Repair Driveways and Walks

Small cracks and gaps in a driveway or walkway can quickly expand during winter's freezing temperatures. Cracked concrete and disintegrating asphalt also can create treacherous conditions for pedestrians. Hire a pro to ensure these cracks are fixed properly and won't return or get worse.

20. Winterize Faucets and Sprinklers

Most exterior plumbing in areas with temperatures below freezing must be winterized to prevent freezing and bursting. If you want professional help, contact a plumber, who can make quick work of winterizing exterior faucets (known as hose bibs). Winterizing more complex plumbing, such as sprinkler systems or water features, is always best left to a professional.

21. Plan Ahead

If you've been dreaming of a new home or a home improvement project such as an addition or major landscaping, fall is an excellent time to reach out to architects or engineers to draft plans. Starting now will allow time to revise the plans without having to rush the contactor bidding process to start work when the ground thaws. Plus, you'll have one more reason to look forward to spring!