New 3BR / 3BA Home in Carolina Beach ONLY $268,800

Wow, this is a great deal. A new 3BR, 3BA beach home that's just a short walk to the beach. I really like that is ahs a fenced back yard and irrigation system. It is on a quiet side street, has wood and tile floors. Click here for more details!

Kure Beach - New Home, Reduced $125,000

Check out this NEW home in Ft Fisher, minutes to the Kure Beach Pier, convenient to Carolina Beach, the Ferry and downtown Wilmington! Click the link above for all property details

8 Simple Way to Control Stress

8 Simple Ways to Control Stress!

Simple modifications in posture, habits, thought, and behavior often go a long way toward reducing feelings of stress and tension. Here are 8 quick and simple things you can do immediately to help keep your stress level under control.

1. Control Your Anger:
Watch for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant, then practice letting go - make a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved. Effective anger management is a tried-and-true stress reducer.

2. Breathe:
Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. If you have a few minutes, try out breathing exercises such as meditation or guided imagery.

3. Slow Down:
Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You'll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you'll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.

4. Complete One Simple To Do:
Jump start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off (e.g. returning a phone call, making a doctor's appointment) and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energizing and can improve your attitude.

5. Get Some Fresh Air:
Get outdoors for a brief break. Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don't be deterred by foul weather or a full schedule. Even five minutes on a balcony or terrace can be rejuvenating.

6. Avoid Hunger and Dehydration:
Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can provoke aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.

7. Do a Quick Posture Check:
Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.

8. Recharge at the Day’s End:
Plan something rewarding for the end of your stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book. Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax. Don't spend this time planning tomorrow's schedule or doing chores you didn't get around to during the day. Remember that you need time to recharge and energize yourself - you'll be much better prepared to face another stressful day.

#1 Website for BUYERS: www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com- CoastwalkRealEstate.com - #1 Website for BUYERS - Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wilmington, NC

Coastwalk Real Estate, a top producing and technology-savvy real estate firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, found at: www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com

The goal of this website is to be the #1 source for BUYERS to search, compare and research properties currently for sale. The new website incorporates advanced features including:

The ability for a BUYER to search for ALL listings in new Hanover County
The ability for a BUYER to schedule an Instant Showing
The ability for a BUYER to initiate an offer
The ability for a BUYER to place an ad for the property they want to purchase
The ability for a BUYER to compare selected properties, side-by-side
The ability for a BUYER to be instantly notified when a new home is available
The ability for a BUYER to “save” properties they are interested in
The ability for a BUYER to see recent price changes of any property
The ability for a BUYER to search by neighborhood, street or MLS number
Professional photography, virtual tours, and aerial pictures

“We have listened to what our clients have shared with us, and www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com is the result” said Justin Donaton. “Our goal was to provide BUYERS with a user-friendly website, while at the same time providing an on-line experience that is second to none.”

In addition to providing BUYERS with this very important information, the site also includes sections for SELLERS, for BUILDERS, as well as other features that are sure to help with the home buying and selling process.

Coastwalk Real Estate is a family-owned real estate firm located at 1335 Bridge Barrier Rd. in Carolina Beach. They can be reached by phone at 910-458-9119, or on-line at their new website: www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com

#1 Website for BUYERS: www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com
- CoastwalkRealEstate.com - #1 Website for BUYERSCoastwalk Real Estate, a top producing and technology-savvy real estate firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, found at: www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com

The goal of this website is to be the #1 source for BUYERS to search, compare and research properties currently for sale. The new website incorporates advanced features including:

The ability for a BUYER to search for ALL listings in new Hanover County
The ability for a BUYER to schedule an Instant Showing
The ability for a BUYER to initiate an offer
The ability for a BUYER to place an ad for the property they want to purchase
The ability for a BUYER to compare selected properties, side-by-side
The ability for a BUYER to be instantly notified when a new home is available
The ability for a BUYER to “save” properties they are interested in
The ability for a BUYER to see recent price changes of any property
The ability for a BUYER to search by neighborhood, street or MLS number
Professional photography, virtual tours, and aerial pictures

“We have listened to what our clients have shared with us, and www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com is the result” said Justin Donaton. “Our goal was to provide BUYERS with a user-friendly website, while at the same time providing an on-line experience that is second to none.”

In addition to providing BUYERS with this very important information, the site also includes sections for SELLERS, for BUILDERS, as well as other features that are sure to help with the home buying and selling process.

Coastwalk Real Estate is a family-owned real estate firm located at 1335 Bridge Barrier Rd. in Carolina Beach. They can be reached by phone at 910-458-9119, or on-line at their new website: www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com

Wilmington home values increase over past 5 years

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - While many news reports say home values are declining, a recent government study says otherwise.

Though there are some big loses in parts of the country, most of the markets show a growth in home value over the past five years.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, on average 4% of home values declined in the past year, but values were up nearly 29% over the last 5 years.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency reports that Wilmington is in the top 5 markets that gained the most value over the past five years. The city increased by 62.1%.

The other top markets include: Honolulu, HI; Virginia Beach, VA; Flagstaff, AZ, and Bellingham, WA.

Eight More in 2008!

A Coastwalk client just secured a 5.15% interest rate (30 year fixed) for the home they will be buying in Kure Beach! They secured the loan through Peter Newman at Wachovia, thank you Peter! We encourage all that are considering a home purchase in the next 90 days to lock-in your rate now!!!

At Coastwalk, we've had a record breaking year in terms of total sales, total buyer transactions, and total listing transactions! But we're not done yet, and the team is committed to securing eight additional contracts by 12/31/2008. Eight more in 2008!
We've got three weeks to accomplish our goal, so we better get started quickly....


Wilmington - Best Deals Under $250,000
Wilmington - Great Starter Homes
Wilmington - Homes $5,000,000+

Carolina Beach - Best Condo Deals Under $300,000

Kure Beach - Best Home Deals Under $400,000

Carolina & Kure Beach - Ocean Front Land Starting at $495,000
Carolina & Kure Beach - Best Deals between $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

Carolina & Kure Beach - Buy these condos...they have great rental potential!

Wrightsville Beach - Best Buys in W-Beach

View - Premium Home Sites
View - Recent Price Reductions!!!
View - Properties that are in "move-in" condition!!!
View - Bank-Owned and Handyman Specials

Carolina Canines - If you are considering making a charitable donation this year, I would recommend considering Carolina Canines. Carolina Canines is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and enhanced quality of life through the services of specially trained dogs. What is amazing is that the organization helps those with disabilities by first rescuing dogs, and then involving prison inmates in the dog training process. Please click here to visit their website!

No Fluff - What will your house will sell for in today's market? If you would like to know, I will provide a "no fluff"' price assessment. I will not inflate the value of your home just to get a listing. The homes we list are with "motivated sellers". Please "reply" to this email if you would like to learn more!

Testimonial - "Justin did a great job marketing our house. With so much the buyers had to choose from, Justin made our home stand out and get noticed. He stays on the ball and on time with everything right up to closing time. Justin's knowledge and skill made everything go smoothly." -- Nathaniel and Darlene (please click here to see all our references!)

$100 Deposit - Buy This House!

With a $100 deposit, you can buy this beautiful 3 bedroom / 3 bath NEW beach home. It is really nice inside, and is on a quiet side street. You can easily walk to the beach and Tiki Bar! There is a fenced yard...great for a dog...or for children, and an irrigation system. Please visit http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/ or call 910-352-0998 for more information! Hurry, this will not last!

Ocean Front Homes Are Selling

I am pleased to announce the sale of two ocean front homes. We recently closed on 1033 South Fort Fisher Blvd, as well as 1708 Carolina Beach Ave North. With attractive prices and low interest rates, we are seeing a significant increase in buyer activity. If we can help you with your home buying search, please don't hesitate to call or email Coastwalk Real Estate!

Please view our great selection of homes by clicking here!

Carolina Beach, NC - You've Got To Look At This!

1114 Bonito Lane #1: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=88927

3 bedroom, 3 bath beach home. Perfect as a primary home, weekend retreat, and investment. Great location that will tempt you with its short walk to the beach, the Tiki Bar, and Seagrove. Open floor plan, and covered parking. Quiet side street with no thru traffic makes this an ideal purchase at a very affordable price! First time home buyers may qualify for a $7,500 Tax Credit. Call for details!

Kure Beach, NC -- You've Got To Look At This!

804 Mississippi Ave: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=88538

Kure Beach is home! This perfect beach cottage offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a 500 square foot guest area on the ground floor with its own entrance. Wrap around porch provides over 600 square feet of deck space including a 26 x 7 screened porch. Crown molding, gas fireplace, wood floors, new carpet, tiled bathrooms, new paint inside and out. Jacuzzi tub and tiled shower. Metal roof, professionally landscaped, irrigation system, large garage. Peaceful setting as you watch sunsets over the woodlands. Easy beach access, walk to the beach, convenient to the Kure Beach pier!

2 Buildings - 6 Apartments - Real Estate opportunity

Great investment opportunity. Six units, second row, ocean views. Many uses today, and in the future. Good cash flow. Call for details, floor plan, and more info. Priced to sel!

Unit 1 = 1256 sq ft Unit 2 = 586 sq ft Unit 3 = 670 sq ft Unit A = 507 sq ft / Irregular building. Not square Unit B = 438 sq ft Unit C = 261 sq ft / Studio

More Pics Here: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=86457

1+ Acre Ocean Front Estate - Real Estate opportunity

More Pictures and Info Here: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=75884

Bulk Purchase for $4,497,000 -- Combine with neighboring lots at 1023 S Fort Fisher and 1027 S Fort Fisher for total of 1+ acre ocean front. Or: 1/4 Ownership Interest in 1033 S Fort Fisher available for $495,000! Call for details.

Stunning Contemporary Ocean Front Home. Nearly 1/3 acre (50x266) and high elevation. 5 spacious bedrooms, 5.5 baths. Dual ocean view master suites. Top floor great room with gourmet kitchen and vaulted ceilings. This home is pre-wired for HDTV, Surround Sound and Multi-Room Stereo System (media closet provided). Elevator, bamboo floors, custom tile work, 8 ft. doors, and large Heat Glow gas fireplace. Two car garage, multi-zone HVAC, an outdoor shower, nearly 1,500 sq ft of deck space and a private lighted walkway to the beach. CAMA Permit and Pool Plans in hand! Ideal location, gorgeous unspoiled beach (note: as of 6/10/07 there is no on-street parking in front of this property)! Extra privacy for the discerning buyer. Call for survey and elevation certificate. Co-ownership at 25% also available. Price is $495,000 for ¼ ownership. Call for details.

Breaking News - Real Estate....

Housing starts up; Building permits up; PENDING Sales up; Credit crunch over; Bottom of real estate market. View The Island's MOST ATTRACTIVE Properties by clicking Here!!!

Best Buyer's Market in 35 Years...

In April of 1973, mortgage rates were about the same as they are today. Since that time, we have only had mortgage rates this low during 2001 and 2002, the height of the seller's markets where there was little inventory. In the last two major buyer's markets, one in the early 1980s and the other in the early 1990s, the rates were much higher. When I started in the business in 1994, interest rates were at 9.5 percent, (and they were at 18 to 21 percent in 1980). In the early 1990s, the rates were hovering in the 11 to 12 percent range. Thus, today's buyer's market, with exceptionally low mortgage rates plus a substantial supply of inventory, is the best time in decades to purchase. View the BEST AVAILABLE Properties by clicking here:
http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listings.asp

2008 Parade of Homes

It 's time for a Wilmington Area Tradition that has been a favorite of Wilmingtonians and those looking to become Wilmingtonians alike. The 22nd Annual Wilmington Parade of Homes will take place April 26 and 27 (last weekend) and May 3 and 4, 2008. The Parade of Homes covers three of our surrounding counties; New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick.

The annual event showcases over 100 new homes constructed by Wilmington Area Builders. There is a broad representation of price ranges available for public viewing over these two weekends.

The price ranges begin in the low $100,000's and end upwards of $3.3 million. This range provides a great sampling of homes for every potential buyer in all three of the Wilmington, North Carolina areas. It will help first time homebuyers, those wanting to move up to a larger home and those who are in the search for a vacation or investment property find a builder or style that is right for them. The showcased homes include urban lofts, condominiums, townhomes and traditional suburban styles. There is something for every taste.

The 2008 Plan Book Magazine features renderings of each of the participating homes, floor plans and a detailed map of the entire group of participants in every price range category. The book is available at any of the homes that are entered and at the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association office located at 3801-5 Wrightsville Avenue. The Star News also provides a special insert in their newspaper.

The home tour is free of charge and open to the public. For further information you can contact me, directly, at 910-352-0998, or visit our website at http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/index.asp

Lucky Day - Beach Home for You...

Here's your lucky day. Priced at $287,777, sold FURNISHED as shown, and just a short walk to the beach. 1117 Mackerel Lane is a new 3BR / 3BA beach get-away. More Pics Here: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=60620

Available to be seen 7 days a week, at all reasonable hours!

6BR / 4BA - Ocean Views in Kure Beach, NC - $549,800

Wow. Multi-Family Home. Each unit provides 3BR, 2BA. Nice Ocean Views from up top! Unit B is sold FULLY Furnished, move-in ready! Unit A is tenant occupied for an easy transition! Great investment, simple transaction, all the pieces are in place! A VERY short walk to the BEACH and PIER. Pictures of Unit B here:

http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=66069

Kure Beach: Beautiful Home at ~ 175 / sq ft

4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 2 Spacious Bonus Rooms, plus a Large Living Room. Beautiful Open Floor Plan with Granite Counter Tops in Kitchen. Gas Fireplace adds an Elegant Touch! Tiled Showers. Two Car Garage, Large Attic for Easy Storage, Central Vac, Irrigation System, Palm Trees! But Here is the Best Feature: From Your Large Front Deck you have Unobstructed Views of the Woodlands. Nature Watch, and Beautiful Sunsets! Beach Access right on Alabama Avenue.

Aerial Pictures of Carolina/Kure Beach Homes

You can preview the areas finest homes by visiting our website! To see check out aerial views of the homes we have listed, click the "map it" icon, located above the property summary. Here's an example: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=66069. This is a great tool for any prospective home buyer!

A Great Time To Buy in Carolina / Kure Beach.....

The following is a list of some of the things that are happening (or are in the works) on the island!

Looking at any one might not seem like much, but as you add up the group you really get the feeling that this island is moving forward – for its residents, visitors, investors and businesses.

This list of things in the works points to an island with a bright future as a year-round resort destination that is open for business! With smart development choices, it aims to strike a balance between local citizens’ personal needs, the need to shift the burden of tax pressure away the citizens, needs for infrastructure improvement, inlet dredging, and beach re-nourishment so that everyone can enjoy our beautiful public beaches and waters.

Projects that shift this burden are prominent in this list. An example is the Bike Path initiative that should deliver $9.00 every year for every dollar invested initially. See the following report on a similar, existing bike path project along the North Carolina coast: www.ncdot.org/transit/bicycle/safety/safety_economicimpact.html

Other exciting developments include in discussion include:

v Fairfield Inn by Marriot - Approved by City Council January 2008. 100 room hotel adjacent to the existing Marriot Hotel.

v Hilton Hotel – Russ Maynard Project approved by City Council in 2007. Returning to City Council February 2008 for ~300 person meeting space addition.

v Master Plan Scenario I - Search for master developer for the Boardwalk redevelopment project. Two master developers are already showing interest. This is in the early stages.

v Trolley Bus tours of Wilmington - In beginning stages of planning / providing bus tours for our island that will aim to loop to Southport, Wilmington and possibly Mayfaire.

v Future restaurant projects being discussed, or in the planning stages include: Blackhorn Beach Club, Harbour Masters (to include transient boat slips), and a 200-person water view and roof top restaurant at the old Barnacles site.

v Local TIF - Use future tax value of for the two proposed Hotels to fund an infrastructure Bond that would allow the town to implement infrastructure improvement plans now.

v Boardwalk Makeover project - A remedial project to upgrade our boardwalk area by cleaning up its whole appearance. Go to: http://boardwalkmakeover.org to see full scope of project. Plan is to be completed by May 1st 2008. The makeover is taking place between the two approved Hotel projects.

v Rolling Surf/Kure Beach park - Project creates a town center/park/educational/multiuse center for Kure Beach with primarily Grant funds, property is purchased and part of the funds are in place, plans for demolition are immanent. A $4 million dollar project.

v Fort Fisher Aquarium is in the planning stages of building a pier & educational facility at the Fort Fisher Recreation State Park. A $12 million dollar project.

v Federal Point Marina basin plans to rebuild that aging public marina boat access. Plans have been approved and it is moving through to the construction phase.

v Carolina Beach State Park Marina and public boat access: Money has been allocated to fund the design stage of redesigning this whole boat basin so that the marina and boat access and facilities can be rebuilt. A $250 thousand dollar design contract.


v Snow’s Cut Boat Access is in the preliminary stages of designing and expanding that boat access facility, in a joint effort with the Town and the Army Corps of Engineers.

v Bike Master Plans - Both the Town of Carolina and Kure Beach have applied for NCDOT bike master plan grants to develop a coordinated trail system for our whole island. Grant funding to be chosen & allocated in June 2008. $25 thousand dollar projects each.

v Bike Plan is being worked on to connect all of our island’s 10 parks and reserves with an off road trail almost completely located on Federal and State Park land. This would be designated as part of the East Coast Greenway. See: http://www.greenway.org for more details for this bike pedestrian path from Maine to Florida. A $2–4 million dollar project.

v The Town Council of Carolina Beach is spear-heading a new initiative: “Open for Business” with the appointment of members to a Business Ad Hoc Committee.

v Myrtle Grove Harbor Plan is in the initial stages of development to provide a gateway for our Intracoastal boaters and our boating residents, giving them access to our island with a mooring field and transient day slips, along with Myrtle Grove boat access points.

v Carolina Beach Entry beautification Grant project is funded and in the planning stage being coordinated by the Island of Lights women’s group. This will greatly enhance our landscape efforts along Lake Park Drive. A $260 thousand dollar project.

v Our Island’s Chamber of Commerce is also spear-heading a new venture along the “Open for Business” theme with a Sustainable Community effort designed to make our island a year around resort and destination!

v One of the powerful elements to all of this is that many of the projects overlap so there is a powerful grass roots underpinning to all these efforts, and synergy thanks to many people on the island being involved in more than one of these projects.

So with these projects in mind for our island, let’s look out one year from now, and conservatively project that at that time 25% of the projects will be completed, 25% started, and 50% not yet started.

Where will this island’s real estate market be!

Then let’s look two years out when 50% is completed, and the remainder of these projects are coming out of the ground!

Where will this island’s real estate market be!

If you are planning at least for a 3 year investment, given the low interest rates and the low prices, plus the value that these projects and their completion should bring, there is the opportunity that any investment made on this island could be very rewarding – both personally and financially.

NOTE: Coastwalk Real Estate makes NO guarantee these “things” being discussed will “happen”, or that they will lead to increased property value.

Ellen's Sweet Potato Soup (yummy and healthy)

There is nothing like hot soup in the winter-- this is one of our favorites-- a classic recipe of my Mom's that is tweaked just a bit to be super heatlhy and still delicious and satisfying...

Ellen's Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients:
· 2 big yams or 2-3 large sweet potatoes- Peel and cut into about 1 inch cubes
· 4-5 carrots - peel and chop into about 1 inch cubes
· 1-2 stalks celery- chop into about 1 inch cubes
· 2 Vidalia or yellow onions - chopped
· ¼ cup chopped parsley
· 2 Tbs butter (or smart balance)
· 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
· 1/2 cup fat-free half and half

Procedure:
· Melt 2 Tbs butter/smart balance in big soup pot.
· Add all veggies and parsley. Cook 10 min over med heat, tossing occasionally
· Add 6 cups low sodium chicken broth.
· Cover pot, bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer ~40 min.

· When veggies are soft, remove veggies with slotted spoon and put into food processor (keep broth in pot)
· Puree
· Stir the puree back into broth in pot
· Stir in the fat-free half and half
· Pepper to taste (Cinnamon to taste if you like the taste of pumpkin pie!)

Make a day ahead and reheat for best flavor. Freezes well. Makes 10-11 cups of soup. A very yummy, soothing, and healthy winter-time favorite of ours!

New Airline in Wilmington

NEW AIRLINE - ALLEGIANT AIR ANNOUNCES NEW NON- STOP SERVICE TO ORLANDO:
Low-cost airline Allegiant Air announces new, nonstop jet service to the fun and sun of Orlando, Fla. from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) beginning April 4, 2008. The low-fare carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the Sunshine State, with introductory fares starting as low as $39.00 each way plus taxes and fees. A checked baggage fee will apply per bag. Allegiant Air introductory fare is limited, not available on all flights and must be purchased by March 8, 2008, for travel completed by August 31, 2008.

http://www.flyilm.com/

Star Sightings in Wilmington

Busy 'Bees' stars win at Grammys

Though she is playing one of the main characters in The Secret Life of Bees, filming in and around Wilmington through February, Alicia Keys has spent a lot of time on the road. She performed at the Super Bowl Feb. 3 in Arizona and last night performed twice at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles.Keys won two Grammys - Female R&B Vocal Performance and R&B Song - for her hit No One.

Keys' Bees co-star, Queen Latifah, was attached to a winner as well. Her song I'm Gonna Live Till I Die won for Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist.Last week, Latifah was spotted at Chick-fil-A on Oleander Drive and at the Gold's Gym off Racine Drive.

Carolina / Kure Beach - Referral Agent

Referral for a Seller! For your Seller client who is planning to sell a property in the next few months, this service is designed to help establish the current market value. Simply fill out the referral form information. We will use comparable sold listings to help calculate the fair market value of the property and list the property providing the best possible marketing techniques for it to sell in the shortest time at the best price.

Referral for a BUYER! For your Buyer client who is planning to purchase property. Fill out the referral form and they will receive personalized MLS listings by e-mail. Auto-search the local MLS finds the properties that match their criteria and notifies your client immediately with the latest listing MLS information! We will help the buyer with accommodations and you can check out the links here for vacation rentals.

Click Here for More info: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/index.asp

Shrike Sighting (Kure Beach)

This past week we spotted a Shrike (see picture to the right) on Ft Fisher Blvd in Kure Beach. Photo courtesy of Brady Beck.


No larger than a robin, this handsome bird has a curious liking for food items that one usually associates with the Falconiformes, members of the hawk family. Adept at catching insects, small mammals, snakes, lizards, amphibians and small birds, the loggerhead shrike is an enigma amongst the songbirds with its powerful, hooked beak quickly dispatches larger prey by biting the nape of the neck. The shrike then impales the prey on a barbed-wire fence or a convenient thorn. It tears off edible portions and swallows them whole—bone, fur, feathers etc.— and later regurgitates the parts it does not digest like bones.

Thus, because of its small size and lack of large talons for gripping, the shrike has learned to use thorns or barbed wire in its environment to aid in holding and consuming these larger prey items. To hunt prey the shrike often perches for long periods of time, high on trees and telephone wires, where they are commonly observed from the road.

Kure Beach Park - Great Investment

Did you know the Town of Kure Beach recently purchased the Rolling Surf motel. This older motel will be knocked down to make way for the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park -- a nearly $4 million dollar investment. It will be public space, adjacent to the restaurants and fishing pier.

Imagine have a great beach get-away that's just a short walk to the park! I encourage you to check out 205 Sth 5th Ave. This 3BR, 2BA beach get-away is just a short walk to the park and the ocean. And priced at $274,900, you won't fund a more affordbale buy!

I invite you to check out more pictures here:
http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/listing.asp?propid=66069

Please feel free to call me, or your agent if you would like to schedule a showing!

Dog Philosophy

• The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous
• Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -Ann Landers
• There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams
• A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings
• The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.-Andy Rooney
• We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam
• Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.-Franklin P. Jones
• If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise -Unknown
• My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein
• Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler

Energy Efficiency Tips

Three ways to increase your homes’ Energy Efficiency:

Have a Home Energy Audit performed on your home. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_audits

Switch your homes light bulbs to Compact Florescent Light bulbs. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

Choose Energy Star labeled appliances when shopping for appliances. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_appliances


Check out www.energystar.gov for more information to improve your home’s performance.

Energy Efficiency is just one aspect of your homes overall performance. Look for next month’s issue on reducing your home’s moisture and improving overall indoor air quality.


Provided by:
Improved Building Inc.
2007 Energy Star for homes Outstanding Achievement Award winner
P.O. Box 393
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
info@improvedbuilding.com
910-264-6714

VIRTUAL TOUR - New 3BR, 3BA Beach-Loft!

I invite you to visit 1117 Mackerel Lane in Carolina Beach. This attractive 3BR, 3BA beach home is just blocks to the beach. Inside you will appreciate the handsome finishing's including beautiful wood floors, tiled bathrooms and custom lighting fixtures. There is a fenced yard, plenty of storage, and the neighborhood provides a true "community feel" !

Please visit our virtual tour here:

http://tour.circlepix.com/tour.htm?id=596714&refurl=coastwalkrealestate.com

Kure Beach Pier

Here's why we live here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPhy6Y6h6b0

It doesn't get any better than this!

SPECIAL OFFER - Real Estate Special!

Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.87% this week.That was down from 6.07% last week and was the lowest level for 30-year mortgages in more than two years!

Rates on 15-year mortgages, dropped to 5.43%. Rates on five-year adjustable-rate mortgages declined to 5.63%. Rates on one-year ARMs fell to 5.37% from 5.47%.

SPECIAL OFFER: Coastwalk Real Estates preferred lender will "lock" a rate for up to 90 days (note: poor credit will affect your interest rate)! There is NO cost or obligation to you, however, the rate lock must take place by 1/31/2008. Please respond to this email if you are interested!

If you're planning to buy, I highly urge you to take advantage of this timing. Locking a rate does NOT require you to select a specific property.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!